Faith Facts

• Lily and Bella Wharin, twin sisters and footballers, use their sporting platform to promote the Christian charity Tearfund.
• Every goal or player-of-the-match mention by the twins highlights Tearfund on social media, raising awareness among supporters.
• The sisters’ fundraising through handmade cards at church has previously raised around £1,800 for Tearfund’s mission.

Lily and Bella Wharin, 16, recently signed with Frampton Rangers Ladies Football Club in the South West Women’s League Premier Division. As committed church members, they use their football achievements to spotlight Tearfund’s work fighting poverty worldwide.

Player sponsorship now ensures Tearfund is shared on team social media whenever Lily or Bella excel in matches, connecting athletic success to Christian service.

“When we learnt that we could help promote the work of Tearfund as part of our contract, we jumped at the chance as they are a charity close to our hearts that we’ve been supporting for eight years now,” Lily said.

With support from their family and congregation, the twins hand-make cards, selling them at their church to raise funds for people in need globally.

“Tearfund are really amazing at working with local churches and the community, getting to know them and understanding the needs of the people, and we just find that so inspiring. Injustice and poverty around the world bothers us,” said Bella.

Their efforts reflect a heart for justice and a call to Christians to take action, combining faith, family support, and community engagement.

Stuart Lee, who oversees global fundraising and communications at Tearfund, expressed gratitude for the sisters’ commitment to using their gifts to advocate for others.

“Lily and Bella are incredibly talented young athletes, and we are so grateful they’ve chosen to use their sporting success to advocate for those in need,” said Lee.

The Wharin twins offer a strong example of living out faith through service, showing the impact Christian values can have on the world through teamwork and generosity.

Keep supporting Christian youth as they use their talents to further kingdom work and bless those most in need.

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Faith Facts

• Kevin Rideout, a 48-year-old American missionary pilot, was kidnapped from his home in Niamey, Niger.
• The U.S. Embassy has warned Americans of an increased kidnapping threat throughout the country.
• Christian leaders and friends have called for prayer for Rideout’s protection and safe return.

Kevin Rideout, a devoted husband and father working with Serving In Mission, was taken from a secure neighborhood in Niger’s capital, leaving the faith community rallying in prayer for his release. The U.S. government and embassy officials are actively working to ensure his safety and return to his family.

“It is a top priority for the Trump Administration to look after the safety of every American, and we are seeing efforts from across the U.S. government to support the recovery and safe return of this U.S. citizen.”

A spokesperson said.

Rideout’s ministry supports vital work across West Africa—delivering aid, spreading the Gospel, and serving those in dire need, reflecting Christian compassion and America’s commitment to serving others in Christ.

“A missionary pilot with the Christian organization SIM International (Serving in Mission) has been abducted in the West African nation of Niger. It is being reported that he was taken north to areas controlled by an offshoot of ISIS.”

Franklin Graham said.

Gomer Williams urged believers to pray for Rideout’s comfort, safety, and continued opportunity to share the Gospel, even while in captivity.

“When it hits home, it hits a little differently. Kevin Rideout, the missionary that was kidnapped in Niger this week, is a friend of mine.”

Williams wrote.

Representative Mark Harris encouraged Americans to lift up Kevin, his family, and the authorities working for his release, reinforcing the importance of community and faith during crisis.

As Christians, let us unite in faithful petition for Kevin Rideout, trusting God’s sovereignty and protection while standing firm for those who serve courageously in the name of Christ.

Read the full story here

Faith Facts

• YouVersion is celebrating one billion Bible app downloads by launching a Global Bible Month with a 30-Day Bible Challenge.
• The event concludes November 17 in Oklahoma City with worship, testimonies, and messages from international Christian leaders.
• Across the UK, there have been over 17.7 million YouVersion installs and expanding partnerships with ministries like Bible Society and Alpha.

YouVersion’s Global Bible Month invites Christians everywhere to deepen their commitment to daily Scripture reading, uniting the body of Christ in faith and purpose.

The movement encourages believers to engage with God’s Word, whether through digital or printed Bibles, strengthening spiritual resilience in a world searching for truth.

“Something remarkable is happening in the UK as we’re seeing a resurgence in people hungry for God’s Word.”

Church and ministry leaders note growing engagement, particularly among young people, reflecting a renewed hunger for God’s truth and a rediscovery of the power found in Scripture.

“We’re seeing incredible global momentum around Bible engagement, and it’s humbling to be part of what’s happening.”

The Global Bible Month celebration aims to encourage individuals and families to dedicate time each day to the life-changing teachings of the Bible.

The November 17 gathering in Oklahoma City will feature worship led by Phil Wickham, Lauren Daigle, and Brooke Ligertwood, with messages from Craig Groeschel and Christine Caine.

“In a world where everyone’s searching for what’s real and true, we’ve seen one thing consistently transform lives, and that’s daily engagement with Scripture.”

This campaign affirms the vital place of God’s Word as a guide for hearts and homes.

Join believers worldwide in setting aside time for the Bible, and experience the hope and transformation it brings.

Read the full article at Christian Today