Displaying items by tag: North America

In a stunning U-turn of diplomacy, Syrian president Ahmed al Sharaa - once known as Abu Mohammed al Jolani, former leader of the al-Qaeda affiliate Nusra Front - has arrived in Washington for historic talks with Donald Trump. He rose to power following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and now leads Syria’s fragile transitional government. Once a fugitive with a $10 million US bounty, he is being welcomed as a potential partner in rebuilding his war-torn nation and countering extremist threats. Washington’s gamble is clear: support Sharaa to stabilise Syria, curb Iranian and Russian influence, and prevent renewed civil war. Yet challenges loom large: sectarian clashes persist, and doubts remain about his transformation from militant to unifier. The visit, the first trip by a Syrian head of state to the USA since the country gained independence in 1948, could redefine alliances and reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics for a generation.

Dr Francis Collins, the geneticist who led the Human Genome Project and later oversaw the US pandemic response, has reflected on faith, science, and truth in a deeply divided era. As head of the National Institutes of Health, he saw the rapid creation of Covid-19 vaccines as a miracle of both science and prayer, crediting years of mRNA research and divine guidance for the breakthrough which saved millions of lives. Yet, to his sorrow, many Christians rejected the vaccines and vilified him personally. Conspiracy theorists targeted him with hostility and threats, while some church leaders accused him of politicising faith. Grounded daily in scripture and prayer, Collins continues to champion truth and humility, warning that a society which dismisses evidence in favour of tribal loyalty risks moral decay. His new book, The Road to Wisdom, calls believers to rebuild trust through love, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to truth guided by Christ’s teachings.

The longest US government shutdown in history has ended after 43 tense days, restoring pay for federal workers and reopening critical services. Yet its conclusion has left both political parties bruised. Senate Democrats triggered the shutdown by refusing to support a temporary funding bill without guarantees to extend health-care subsidies for low-income Americans. When several Democrats defected to jump ship and vote with the Republicans, they received little more than a promise of a future vote, leaving the party’s progressive wing furious and mainstream figures calling the deal a capitulation. Donald Trump, despite moments of apparent wavering, emerged claiming victory, having conceded virtually nothing of substance. With another funding deadline looming in January and millions facing soaring insurance costs, the end of the shutdown brings only temporary relief.

In her first interview since the tragic assassination of her husband, Christian commentator Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk said that her faith in Christ has overcome all fear. When asked if she felt safe, she replied, 'What are they going to threaten me with - going to heaven sooner to be with my husband?' She explained that her confidence is not recklessness but a trust in God’s sovereignty: 'It’s a fearlessness rooted in the understanding that I will have my day and my time whenever that is - when the Lord knows I’ve completed my mission.' She added that neither she nor her husband ever lived in fear, saying, 'If we did, we would never get anything done’. Her response has moved many believers worldwide, standing as a bold witness to courage in grief and unwavering hope in eternal life. Her peace in suffering testifies to the power of faith over fear.

At the World Evangelical Alliance general assembly in Seoul, Asbury University president Kevin Brown reflected on the 2023 Asbury revival, praying it would one day be remembered as a mere 'tremor' before a global Christian awakening. What began as a small chapel meeting became a 16-day outpouring that drew 50,000 people from 287 universities worldwide. Brown believes that since then, spiritual renewal has continued to spread — seen in mass baptisms, worship gatherings like Baptise America and Gather 25, and growing Bible engagement across generations. He cited evidence of rising church attendance in both the USA and Europe, with England and Wales reporting a 50% increase since 2018. At the Lausanne Congress, Brown witnessed thousands from over 200 nations worshipping in unity, sensing a worldwide stirring among youth. He urged believers to pursue true revival, marked not by emotion but by unity - the oneness Jesus prayed for in John 17 - a heart-level allegiance to God reflecting the love between Father and Son.

Christian singer and songwriter Forrest Frank has announced he will no longer attend awards shows, including the Dove Awards and Grammys, saying he already holds 'the greatest award of all time' — salvation in Christ. In a video on TikTok, Frank explained his conviction that he should not receive trophies for something created 'from Jesus and for Jesus.' He said he wrestled with this decision last year and has now chosen 'a stance of nonparticipation’, preferring to model humility rather than seek recognition. Frank clarified that he is not refusing to shine as a light in dark places but to avoid stages that glorify human achievement. Though nominated in several top categories, he declared that his real prize is having his 'name written in the Book of Life’. His statement challenges Christian artists to reconsider the tension between cultural acclaim and eternal reward, reminding believers that earthly fame will fade, but the name of Jesus endures for ever.

The US government shutdown has entered its second week as the Senate again failed to pass competing bills to restore funding, deepening the political stalemate. Democrats and Republicans remain divided over whether to pair any funding bill with healthcare measures, particularly an extension of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits set to expire at the end of the year. The lapse in funding has forced federal offices, national parks, and agencies to close, with mounting pressure from unpaid workers and disruptions at airports and air traffic control centres (see) House speaker Mike Johnson insists the GOP’s short-term funding bill is sufficient, while a top Democrat has accused Republicans of refusing to negotiate. Donald Trump continues to urge Democrats to accept the Republican plan, though some within the GOP have hinted at compromise. Without agreement, hundreds of thousands of military and civilian personnel will soon miss paychecks, further straining families and testing public patience with political gridlock.

At the age of nine, John O’Leary suffered burns over his entire body in a gasoline explosion, losing all his fingers and facing little chance of survival. His remarkable journey of recovery, faith, and purpose is now portrayed in Sony’s upcoming film ‘Soul on Fire’. Directed by Sean McNamara, the film depicts how O’Leary transformed tragedy into triumph, discovering hope in Christ and encouragement through others. Legendary baseball announcer Jack Buck became a key supporter, visiting John in hospital and later welcoming him to the Cardinals. John’s family, especially his mother and sister, modelled sacrificial love, urging him to cling to God and fight for life. Today, O’Leary speaks globally, teaching gratitude as essential, even in prison cells or painful trials. He insists God redeems all suffering for good, turning victims into victors. Based on his bestselling book ‘On Fire’, the film shows how faith, love, and gratitude can ignite resilience, inspiring countless lives worldwide.

Joe and Nancy’s journey to Christ began amid the hippie counterculture of Southern California. They first met in 1969 at a friend’s home during a police drug raid, and their instant connection led them into a shared search for meaning. Drawn into the psychedelic scene, they explored Eastern mysticism, following gurus like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Meher Baba. Yet, when Meher Baba died without fulfilling his promise of a world-changing word, their spiritual hunger deepened. Living in Hawaii, they discovered Christian literature and later, through Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Nancy encountered the Gospel powerfully. Desperate for truth, she accepted Christ and was soon baptised. Joe initially resisted but was later moved to repentance and baptised the same day. Married in 1970, they have remained in church fellowship ever since. Now celebrating 55 years together, their enduring testimony shows how God redeems searching hearts with lasting love and truth.

The memorial service for Charlie Kirk at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium blended elements of political rally and charismatic evangelical worship, yet its defining feature was the bold proclamation of the Gospel. Speaker after speaker - from Ben Carson and Marco Rubio to JD Vance and even Donald Trump Jr - clearly articulated salvation through Christ. The most powerful moment came when Erika Kirk forgave her husband’s assassin, declaring that the forgiveness she has received through Jesus must also be extended to the one who made her children fatherless. Her testimony of grace was a profound witness before millions watching worldwide. Even Donald Trump appeared touched, seemingly showing an awareness of the cost of true faith and forgiveness. The service became a reminder that the Gospel is for all - even those we may struggle to accept. The legacy of Charlie Kirk now points beyond politics to the transforming power of Christ, challenging Christians everywhere to live and proclaim forgiveness and grace.