Faith
Faith Flourishes in St. Vincent’s Churches
Faith Facts
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines is home to 14 congregations of the Churches of Christ, spanning the main island and the Grenadines.
- Attendance and youth participation have declined as denominational competition grows and young people depart.
- God often uses those who feel small, as demonstrated through stories of faithful Christians on islands worldwide and the biblical account of Gideon.
Before sharing spiritual lessons in St. Vincent, brother Maxwell Ince offered a heartfelt prayer, seeking attentiveness among listeners.
The southern tip of St. Vincent, with its volcanic beaches, provided a stunning backdrop for a gathering of believers seeking encouragement and renewal.
Though not a preacher or traditional reporter, my focus was to share spiritual insights gained from years of covering stories that impact the Kingdom.
St. Vincent’s congregations have faced hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and a decline in membership, yet their commitment to the Gospel endures.
Katra Walker’s work in women’s prison ministry highlights practical ways believers put faith into action, following in the steps of those who have served before her.
Meeting believers on Bequia and learning about missions in the Caribbean echoed the long tradition of outreach that began in the 1960s.
Many Christians here feel small or insignificant, but as I reminded them through the story of Gideon in Judges 7, God delights to use the faithful few for mighty purposes.
I offered evangelism ideas from experiences in Africa, such as serving underserved populations as a pathway to sharing Christ’s love.
Let us be reminded that in God’s economy, even those who seem least are valuable and can be used powerfully for His purposes.
Stand firm in faith and continue lifting one another up, knowing the Lord sees and blesses every act done for His glory.
Faith
Faith, Legacy, and Unity Shine in St. Lucia
Faith Facts
- Believers in St. Lucia honored the memory of Botham Jean at the Gros Islet Church of Christ.
- The Botham Jean Foundation continues to support youth and seniors based on Christian charity.
- Churches of Christ in Dallas and St. Lucia have built bridges and strengthened community ties.
On a Sunday morning in St. Lucia, Christians gathered at the Gros Islet Church of Christ, united in worship and fellowship. Members welcomed each other warmly and prepared for the Lord’s Supper with reverence, led by Pastor Dilian J. Bellot, who preached about God’s unchanging truth.
Young Desean Louis-Fernand lifted his voice in song, inspired by his late cousin Botham Jean, whose leadership and faith left a lasting mark on both St. Lucia and Dallas. Desean’s memory of Botham’s kindness and encouragement highlights the impact of strong Christian role models.
The Botham Jean Foundation, established in his honor, continues his legacy by providing resources to youth in need and caring for the elderly. The foundation’s Red Tie Gala was held in St. Lucia for the first time, welcoming guests from Dallas and beyond to celebrate Christian service and unity.
Emory Tease, a church elder from Dallas, described the deep sense of loss after Botham’s passing, but also praised how faith brought together believers of different backgrounds to work together as one body in Christ.
Through tragedy, these congregations found renewed fellowship, celebrating their shared values and commitment to Christian love. Let us keep praying for unity, honoring faith, family, and freedom in every community.
Faith
Utah Teen’s Tragic Death Sparks Faith Reflection
Faith Facts
- Chanelle Alvarez, just 15, was fatally shot in her home, allegedly by her 16-year-old boyfriend, in Ogden, Utah.
- Her pastor described her as a joyful, compassionate young woman who brought life to those around her.
- The suspect faces multiple charges, including murder, while the tragedy highlights the ongoing need for strong, faith-based families and community bonds.
The heartbreaking loss of Chanelle Alvarez reminds us to pray fervently for our youth and to stand guard against the darkness threatening our families.
Her family’s courage in calling attention to domestic violence urges us, as Christians, to protect the vulnerable with wisdom and love rooted in Biblical truth.
Pastor Jeff Stephenson said,
“She was an absolutely spectacular young woman. So much life.”
As we mourn this loss, let us work to foster homes filled with God’s love, safety, and upright values—standing against violence and raising a generation anchored in faith.
Faith
Turkish Ban on U.S. Christian Sparks Legal Fight
Faith Facts
- Kenneth Arthur Wiest, a Christian serving in Türkiye for over 30 years, was banned from the country in 2019.
- Legal group Alliance Defending Freedom International is challenging the ban in the European Court of Human Rights.
- Over 200 foreign Christian workers have been expelled from Türkiye since 2020, impacting church communities and religious freedom.
The Turkish government is under scrutiny for removing a faithful Christian who served local churches for decades.
Alliance Defending Freedom International highlights that authorities are using national security claims to remove foreign believers and disrupt Christian ministry.
“Türkiye’s labeling of peaceful Christian residents as ‘security threats’ is a clear misuse of law and an attack on freedom of religion or belief,” said Elizabeth Rieder at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Expulsion and entry bans have been used to silence Christian workers, leaving churches without spiritual leaders and splitting families.
The Turkish constitution guarantees religious liberty, yet Christians find themselves targeted and denied rights promised by law.
Protestant churches suffer restrictions and the closure of long-standing places of worship, eroding their freedom to gather and grow in faith.
The Wiest v. Türkiye case could establish a vital precedent for protecting religious freedom throughout Europe.
“Authorities banned Mr. Wiest, a U.S. citizen who had resided legally in Türkiye for over 30 years, from returning without evidence of wrongdoing,” stated the ADFI.
Elizabeth Rieder warned that believers cannot live out their faith freely if they face expulsion for their convictions.
“The OSCE and its participating states have pledged to promote tolerance and non-discrimination. We must uphold these commitments not only in word, but in action.”
Christians are called to pray for their brothers and sisters in Türkiye and stand firmly for religious liberty worldwide.
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