Faith Facts

• Just one month after 170 believers were baptized in Devon, another 550 gathered in Bridlington for a single-day mass baptism.
• Evangelist Merlin Kraft expressed his desire that new converts would quickly connect with sound, Bible-believing local churches.
• Some congregations, however, have placed unnecessary barriers before these new believers seeking to grow in their faith.

Great Britain is witnessing a remarkable surge of public professions of faith as hundreds more men and women step into the waters of baptism. Only weeks after a Devon gathering saw 170 baptized, the seaside town of Bridlington welcomed 550 believers in one day, offering a vivid picture of spiritual hunger in a once-Christian nation.

Merlin Kraft, the evangelist who helped organize the event, shared his heart for the newly baptized. He longs for each one to find a faithful congregation where the Word of God is preached and the fellowship of believers is strong.

“Merlin Kraft would like nothing more for them to find good local churches, he says.”

Yet Kraft also noted a troubling reality: some churches have erected obstacles that make it harder than necessary for new converts to join their fellowship. Whether through lengthy membership classes or extra-biblical requirements, these barriers risk quenching the very fire God is kindling.

Traditional Christian values remind us that the local church remains the God-ordained place for discipleship, worship, and the sacraments. When congregations welcome new believers with open Bibles and open arms, revival moves from the seashore into the pews.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• Author Henry Hastings spent more than two decades in ministry before moving from cessationism to continuationism.
• His book “UnRedacted” addresses what he describes as overlooked portions of Scripture regarding spiritual gifts.
• The discussion centers on how evangelicals interpret biblical teaching about the continuation of spiritual gifts today.

Christian author Henry Hastings is drawing attention to what he believes are neglected passages of Scripture in the ongoing debate over spiritual gifts. His new book, “UnRedacted,” traces his personal journey from cessationism to continuationism after more than twenty years of ministry.

The shift Hastings describes reflects a broader conversation within evangelical circles about how the church should understand the operation of spiritual gifts in the present age. His account is rooted in a desire to examine Scripture carefully and honestly.

“I moved from cessationism to continuationism after more than two decades in ministry,” Hastings writes in the book.

Throughout “UnRedacted,” Hastings encourages readers to return to the text of Scripture with fresh eyes and to consider passages that have sometimes received less attention in these discussions. He presents his change of view as the result of sustained study rather than cultural pressure.

The author frames his conclusions around fidelity to the Bible and a commitment to understanding the fullness of what God has revealed about spiritual gifts. His work invites fellow believers to weigh the biblical evidence for themselves.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• World Evangelical Alliance leaders addressed national alliance heads at the Latin Evangelical Alliance’s 13th General Assembly in San José, Costa Rica.
• The gathering, held October 12-16, focused on partnership in God’s kingdom rather than financial requests.
• Leaders emphasized that asking for support is an invitation to join in advancing the Gospel across the region.

World Evangelical Alliance officials spoke directly to Latin American alliance leaders gathered for their 13th General Assembly in Costa Rica’s capital.

The message was clear: requests for financial support should be seen as opportunities for partnership, not acts of begging.

“Asking for money is not begging but an invitation to partner in God’s kingdom,” WEA leaders told the assembly.

The gathering runs through October 16 and brings together evangelical leaders from across Latin America to strengthen cooperation and shared mission work.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.