Faith Facts

• Atitude Baptist Church will hold “Maravira Rio 2025-26” at Maracanã stadium on December 31 for about 50,000 attendees.
• The event will highlight a blend of worship, gospel music, and prayer, with Pastor Josué Valandro Jr. leading.
• Lagoinha Baptist Church previously hosted a similar large-scale faith celebration in São Paulo’s Allianz Parque stadium.

The Maracanã stadium, famous for sporting events, will be transformed into a gathering place for faith and family this New Year’s Eve. Christians are invited to unite in worship, music, and prayer as an uplifting alternative to secular festivities.

The celebration will feature performances by beloved gospel artists, encouraging believers to start the year anchored in their faith. Organizers emphasize the importance of gathering as a church family and marking the new year with gratitude and hope grounded in Christ.

“A New Year’s Eve celebration centered on family, fellowship among members and the celebration of the Christian faith.”

Inspired by previous evangelical successes, such events strengthen the Christian community and brighten Brazil’s national life with God-honoring joy. Let us lift our hearts in prayer as believers gather to welcome a new year committed to faith, family, and freedom.

Read more at Christian Daily

Faith Facts

• Bishops in the Church in Wales unveiled a ‘road map’ to make same-sex blessings permanent after a consultation process.
• Proposals for permanent same-sex blessings will go before the Governing Body in April 2026, with further steps towards same-sex marriage in 2027.
• Orthodox Anglican leaders criticized the move, emphasizing that faithfulness to Scripture should guide church decisions.

Bishops released a plan outlining future steps for same-sex blessings, stating the church must soon make major decisions on these matters. This follows both a four-year trial and consultations with clergy and church members.

Responses to the consultation were described as mostly supportive, yet church leaders acknowledged strong concerns among those committed to Biblical faithfulness.

The bishops committed to proposals that protect clergy conscience and submitted that the church body will ultimately decide the path forward.

Bishop Andy Lines and Bishop Stuart Bell described the bishops’ message as “distressing,” warning it brings confusion and polarizes the Biblical debate.

They argued, “Such polarisation of the debate suggests that we are either for Jesus or we are for the Bible. That is a caricature of the truth.”

According to these leaders, affirming both Jesus and Biblical truth is vital, as Jesus spoke for the marriage union between man and woman.

They criticized the use of the phrase “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty, and in all things charity,” insisting the authority of Scripture on marriage is essential for Christian faithfulness.

Bishops Lines and Bell rejected claims that same-sex blessings are not a “church-dividing issue,” reminding that a large majority of the Anglican Communion stands opposed to these changes.

Christians are called to uphold both Christ’s love and His word, especially in a time of profound cultural and spiritual testing. Stand for Biblical truth and prayerfully lift up the church as it seeks direction.

Read the full article at Christian Today

Faith Facts

• Kuh Ledesma provided spiritual encouragement and practical aid to typhoon-affected communities in Cebu.
• Her ministry included sharing the Gospel, distributing relief goods, and partnering with local pastors and leaders.
• Ledesma emphasized the importance of faith in overcoming life’s storms and shared Bible verses to bring hope.

Veteran Filipino singer and Christian advocate Kuh Ledesma visited the hardest-hit areas of Cebu, reaching out to those suffering from recent typhoons with both tangible support and messages anchored in faith.

During her visits, she highlighted the comforting truths of Scripture, inviting the community to lean on God’s promises during trying times.

“It’s my ministry. I really go to different places to share the Word of God, (and) more importantly, (the message of) salvation — kaligtasan,” Ledesma shared.

Through music and ministry, Ledesma continues to uplift the vulnerable, reflecting her belief in sharing Christ’s love in word and deed.

She reminded residents that holding onto faith and standing together as a community can help rebuild lives and restore hope after hardships.

Read the full story at Christian Daily