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
Megachurch Pastor Running for Senate Makes Surprising Claim About Evangelical Voters
Faith Facts
- Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist pastor and author, is running as a Democrat for U.S. Senate in Kansas
- Hamilton claims to be receiving support from conservative Evangelical voters despite his party affiliation
- The pastor has been vocal about his opposition to traditional conservative positions on key cultural and political issues
A prominent megachurch pastor is making waves in Kansas politics with bold claims about his appeal to conservative Christian voters. Adam Hamilton, longtime leader of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, says he’s successfully courting Evangelical support in his Democratic bid for U.S. Senate.
Hamilton has led one of the nation’s largest United Methodist congregations for decades. Now he’s seeking to translate that influence into political power, positioning himself as a bridge between progressive politics and faith-based voters.
The pastor’s campaign strategy raises important questions for Christian conservatives. Can a candidate running on a Democratic platform truly represent traditional Evangelical values? Hamilton’s record suggests a significant gap between his stated outreach and the principles most conservative Christians hold dear.
Throughout his ministry, Hamilton has taken positions that place him at odds with orthodox Christian teaching on marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of life. His claims of conservative Evangelical support warrant careful scrutiny from voters who prioritize biblical fidelity and constitutional principles.
Kansas remains a reliably conservative state where traditional values resonate strongly with the electorate. The state’s Evangelical community has historically supported candidates who champion religious freedom, protect the unborn, and uphold traditional marriage.
Hamilton’s candidacy represents a test of whether celebrity status and pastoral credentials can overcome substantive policy differences. For Christian voters, the question isn’t about personality or charisma—it’s about which candidate will defend their values in Washington.
The Democratic Party’s platform continues to diverge from traditional Christian positions on fundamental issues. Any candidate running under that banner faces an uphill battle convincing conservative Evangelicals their values will be represented and protected.
As the campaign unfolds, Kansas voters will need to look beyond rhetoric and examine the actual policy positions candidates support. Faith without works is dead, Scripture tells us—and political promises without alignment on core values ring equally hollow.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
News
Freed American Missionary Pilot Returns Home to White House Welcome
Faith Facts
- American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout has been freed after being detained abroad and is returning home to the United States.
- President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Rideout and his wife, Krista, at the White House following his return.
- The meeting highlights the administration’s commitment to securing the release of Americans detained overseas and supporting faith-based humanitarian workers.
Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot who serves on the mission field, has been released from detention and is headed home to reunite with his family. Once he arrives on U.S. soil, he and his wife, Krista, are expected to visit the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump.
The anticipated White House meeting underscores the Trump administration’s dedication to bringing Americans home from foreign detention. President Trump has made the safe return of detained Americans a priority throughout his time in office, working through diplomatic channels to secure their freedom.
Missionary pilots like Kevin Rideout play a vital role in Christian humanitarian work around the world. These aviation missionaries provide essential transportation services to remote areas, delivering medical supplies, food, and personnel to communities that would otherwise be inaccessible. Their work embodies the Christian call to serve others and spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
The Rideout family’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and answered prayer. Throughout Kevin’s detention, the Christian community rallied in prayer support, trusting God for his safe return. His release represents not only a diplomatic victory but also a testament to the power of persistent prayer and God’s faithfulness.
Details surrounding the circumstances of Rideout’s detention and the diplomatic efforts that led to his release have not been fully disclosed. However, the successful outcome demonstrates the importance of maintaining strong relationships with foreign governments and advocating firmly for American citizens abroad.
The White House meeting will provide an opportunity for President Trump to personally welcome Rideout home and hear firsthand about his experiences. Such meetings also serve to highlight the often-overlooked work of Christian missionaries who sacrifice comfort and security to serve others in Jesus’ name.
For the Rideout family, this reunion marks the end of a difficult chapter and the beginning of healing and restoration. The missionary community continues to celebrate Kevin’s safe return while remaining mindful of other Americans and Christian workers who remain detained in foreign countries.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
News
Hackers Target British Christian Charities in Major Data Breach
Faith Facts
- A cyber-security attack has compromised data belonging to multiple Christian organizations across the United Kingdom
- Unauthorized hackers gained access to sensitive information held by faith-based charities
- Christian ministries and charitable groups are facing the fallout from this coordinated digital assault on their networks
Christian charities throughout the United Kingdom are reeling from a significant cyber-security breach that has exposed their organizational data to unauthorized access. The attack represents a troubling escalation in threats against faith-based institutions.
Multiple Christian organizations have confirmed that hackers successfully penetrated their digital security systems, gaining access to sensitive information. The breach affects numerous ministries and charitable groups that serve communities across Britain through their faith-driven missions.
The cyber attack raises serious concerns about the vulnerability of religious organizations to digital threats. Many Christian charities operate with limited technology budgets, making them potentially attractive targets for malicious actors seeking to exploit security weaknesses.
Faith-based organizations often handle sensitive donor information, volunteer records, and details about vulnerable populations they serve. The unauthorized access puts this confidential data at risk and could potentially compromise the privacy of countless individuals who support or benefit from these ministries.
Security experts warn that religious charities must prioritize cyber-security measures to protect their missions and the people they serve. The attack serves as a wake-up call for Christian organizations worldwide to assess their digital defenses and implement stronger protective measures.
The incident highlights the growing need for faith communities to invest in robust cyber-security infrastructure. As ministries increasingly rely on digital platforms for fundraising, communication, and service delivery, they face mounting risks from sophisticated cyber criminals.
Christian leaders are urging affected organizations to immediately assess the extent of the breach and notify anyone whose information may have been compromised. Transparency and swift action remain essential to maintaining trust with donors, volunteers, and those served by these ministries.
The attack on British Christian charities underscores a broader pattern of threats facing religious institutions in an increasingly digital age. Protecting the faithful and their charitable work requires vigilance, investment, and cooperation among faith-based organizations.
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