News
Children Worship Like Persecuted Saints in Ancient Rome
Faith Facts
- Children at CityLight Church of Christ in Spokane, Washington, experienced Vacation Bible School themed around the early church and apostle Paul’s ministry in ancient Rome
- Yves Bilong, a Harding University senior from Cameroon, won the NCAA Division II national championship in men’s triple jump with a mark of 16.16 meters
- Andy and Carrie Wall were honored for 25 years of faithful ministry service at Conejo Valley Church of Christ in Thousand Oaks, California
In an age when Christian persecution is rising worldwide, a church in Washington state gave children a powerful glimpse into the courage of first-century believers. From June 22-26, CityLight Church of Christ in Spokane transformed its campus into ancient Rome, immersing 25 children ages 4 to 12 in the story of the apostle Paul and the underground church.
The weeklong Vacation Bible School recreated the bustling markets and secret gatherings that defined early Christian life under Roman persecution.
Minister Troy Burns explained the vision behind the immersive experience:
“We are trying to give them a feel for what it might have been like to be one of the very first Christians.”
Throughout the week, dedicated volunteers brought ancient Rome to life. Children participated in Roman-inspired games, including shot put and water bucket relays, while gathering in family groups to discuss Paul’s ministry and his pivotal role in spreading the Gospel.
During family time sessions, participants were encouraged to speak quietly, mirroring the secrecy early Christians maintained amid brutal persecution in the Roman Empire. The experience taught children that following Christ has always required courage and commitment.
Burns shared the congregation’s heart for their community:
“We’re just trying to be that beacon in the neighborhood. The church is hoping to plant some deep seeds.”
Excellence in Athletics and Ministry
In college athletics, Yves Bilong brought glory to God through exceptional performance at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. The senior from Cameroon claimed the NCAA Division II national championship for men’s triple jump with an impressive mark of 16.16 meters.
Andy and Carrie Wall were honored for 25 years of faithful service to the Conejo Valley Church of Christ in Thousand Oaks, California, where Andy serves as pulpit minister. Their quarter-century of dedication exemplifies the enduring commitment to shepherding God’s flock.
Leadership Appointments Across the Nation
Churches and Christian institutions announced several ministry appointments reflecting the ongoing work of building God’s kingdom. Dale Barger was named minister of the Stoney Creek Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, Tennessee. A 2009 graduate of the Tri-Cities School of Preaching & Christian Development, Barger brings years of biblical training to his new role.
Tra Beard was appointed adjunct professor of Christian discipleship and pastoral epistles for Mid-South Christian College in Memphis, Tennessee. Beard currently serves as minister for the Northwest Church of Christ in Southaven, Mississippi.
At Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, Garret Best was named assistant dean of the College of Bible and Ministry and director of the Hazelip School of Theology. Erik Bishop was called as family and outreach minister for the Monrovia Church of Christ in Madison, Alabama, after five years serving as a missionary with his family in Queretaro, Mexico.
Daryl Bowen was appointed elder of the Northeast Church of Christ in Eastpointe, Michigan, while Hannah Diles became female assistant director for Camp Wyldewood in Searcy, Arkansas.
Marty Knight was named director of the Sunset Academy of Leadership Training (SALT), which hosts workshops to foster healthy growth and leadership in Churches of Christ. SALT is a ministry of Sunset International Bible Institute and the Sunset Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas. Knight is a longtime minister, elder and former missionary to Romania.
Randolph McKinney and Dan Sims were appointed elders of the Renaissance Church of Christ in Atlanta. Drew Pirtle became athletic director for Columbia Academy in Tennessee, and Carys Pitman was named operations specialist for DiscipleTrips, based in Lubbock, Texas.
These appointments represent the continuing vitality of Churches of Christ across America, where faithful servants answer God’s call to minister, teach, and lead His people in truth and love.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
News
New Jersey Governor Confirms Hundreds of Noncitizens Cast Ballots
Faith Facts
- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed that 400 noncitizens voted in recent state elections
- The revelation comes as President Donald Trump advances election integrity legislation at the federal level
- The admission highlights ongoing concerns about ballot security and voter verification systems across America
New Jersey’s governor has acknowledged a significant breach in election integrity, revealing that hundreds of individuals who were not United States citizens successfully cast ballots in recent state elections.
Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed that 400 noncitizens voted in New Jersey elections, marking a troubling acknowledgment of failures in the state’s voter verification systems. The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment as President Donald Trump pushes forward with comprehensive election integrity reforms at the federal level.
This admission from a sitting governor validates longstanding concerns among conservatives and election integrity advocates about vulnerabilities in America’s electoral process. For years, those raising questions about noncitizen voting were dismissed or labeled as conspiracy theorists, making this official confirmation particularly significant.
The timing of Governor Sherrill’s disclosure coincides with President Trump’s legislative efforts to strengthen election security nationwide. His administration has made election integrity a top priority, recognizing that the foundation of American democracy depends on ensuring that only eligible citizens participate in choosing our leaders.
The revelation raises critical questions about how many other states may be experiencing similar problems with noncitizens voting. If 400 noncitizens managed to vote in New Jersey alone, the potential scope of this issue across all 50 states could be substantial.
Conservative lawmakers have consistently advocated for common-sense measures such as voter ID requirements, citizenship verification, and regular maintenance of voter rolls. These proposals, often met with resistance from the left, are designed precisely to prevent the kind of irregularities now acknowledged in New Jersey.
The preservation of election integrity represents more than a political issue—it embodies a fundamental principle of American self-governance. Our constitutional republic rests on the consent of the governed, which requires that elections accurately reflect the will of eligible American citizens.
As this story develops, it underscores the wisdom of President Trump’s focus on election security and the necessity of implementing robust safeguards to protect the sanctity of every American’s vote. The confession from New Jersey’s governor may prove to be a watershed moment in the national conversation about election integrity.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
News
Popular NYC Pastor Abruptly Leaves America After Fraud Investigation
Faith Facts
- Founding pastors Josh and Georgie Kelsey have permanently resigned from Fount Church NYC and returned to Australia
- The couple’s departure follows an independent investigation that cleared them of fraud allegations
- The church leadership transition raises questions about the future of the once-thriving Manhattan congregation
The founding pastors of Fount Church in New York City have announced their permanent departure from the congregation they established, marking the end of an era for the Manhattan-based ministry. Josh and Georgie Kelsey have stepped down from their leadership positions and returned to their native Australia, months after facing serious allegations.
An independent investigation recently cleared the couple of fraud allegations that had cast a shadow over their ministry. Despite this vindication, the Kelseys have chosen to leave their posts and relocate permanently back to Australia rather than continue leading the church they founded.
The timing of their departure has raised eyebrows among church members and observers of the Christian community in New York City. While the investigation found no wrongdoing, the couple’s decision to leave the country suggests the controversy may have taken a significant toll on their ministry and personal lives.
Fount Church had grown to become a notable presence in New York City’s Christian community under the Kelseys’ leadership. The church attracted young professionals and families seeking a contemporary worship experience grounded in biblical teaching.
The resignation leaves the congregation facing an uncertain future as it searches for new pastoral leadership. Church members will need to navigate this transition while maintaining the mission and vision that originally drew them to the fellowship.
This situation serves as a reminder of the challenges facing church leaders in an age of heightened scrutiny and accountability. Even when cleared of wrongdoing, the damage to reputation and ministry effectiveness can be substantial, sometimes requiring a fresh start in a new location.
The Kelseys’ departure also highlights the unique pressures faced by pastors in high-profile urban ministries, where expectations are high and criticism can be swift. For many ministry leaders, the decision to step back represents an act of wisdom rather than defeat.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
News
Christian Students Face Rising Persecution in India’s Education System
Faith Facts
- Students across India are facing increasing religious discrimination and persecution in educational institutions
- Young believers are organizing peaceful movements to defend religious freedom and human dignity
- The unrest reveals growing concerns about religious liberty in the world’s largest democracy
While Western nations continue to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with India, a troubling reality is unfolding within the country’s educational institutions. Students across India are speaking out against religious discrimination and persecution, raising serious concerns about the state of religious freedom in the nation.
Young people, including Christian students, have been subjected to dehumanizing treatment and discrimination based on their faith. What began as isolated incidents has grown into a larger movement as students band together to defend their God-given dignity and constitutional rights.
The situation reflects a broader pattern of religious intolerance that has been documented by international religious freedom advocates. Christian communities in particular have reported increasing pressure and hostility in various sectors of Indian society, including education.
For American Christians, this development serves as a reminder of the precious nature of religious liberty. The freedom to worship God without fear of persecution is a foundational principle that our nation was built upon, and it remains under threat in many parts of the world today.
These students are courageously standing up for principles that align with biblical values — the inherent worth and dignity of every person created in God’s image. Their peaceful resistance echoes the kind of moral courage that has characterized faithful believers throughout history who have refused to compromise their convictions.
The response from Indian authorities and educational institutions will be telling. Will they uphold the rights of all students regardless of religious background, or will discrimination continue unchecked?
As Americans who cherish freedom, we must remain vigilant about religious persecution wherever it occurs. The plight of these students should concern anyone who values liberty of conscience and the free exercise of faith.
This situation also raises important questions about America’s relationships with nations where religious freedom is threatened. While strategic partnerships serve important national interests, we must never remain silent when our brothers and sisters in Christ face persecution.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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