News
Faith Thrives in Surprising Ways From Alabama Tent Revivals to Modern Worship Tech
Faith Facts
- Twelve Alabama Churches of Christ united to host a traditional tent revival on historic grounds where noted Restoration Movement preacher T.B. Larimore once founded Mars Hill Academy in 1871
- The Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis celebrated its 50th graduating class, continuing a legacy of preparing students grounded in faith and service to God and community
- A new worship app created by a Texas church member now serves thousands with free access to hundreds of worship songs, devotional materials, and ministry resources
Christians across America are finding innovative ways to honor timeless traditions while embracing modern tools for ministry. From old-fashioned tent revivals to cutting-edge technology, believers are demonstrating their commitment to spreading the Gospel and strengthening faith communities.
ALABAMA
FLORENCE — In a powerful return to traditional evangelism, hundreds of faithful souls gathered at Mars Hill Bible School for an old-fashioned tent revival that brought the community together in worship. Twelve local Churches of Christ organized the five-evening event on the historic Larimore Lawn, the former site of noted Restoration Movement preacher T.B. Larimore’s home and the Mars Hill Academy he founded in 1871.
Larimore later renamed the institution Mars Hill College and led it until 1887. The current K-12 school opened in 1947, continuing the Christian educational legacy.
Attendees packed in and around a large white tent — with standing-room only Wednesday night — demonstrating the hunger for Biblical preaching and fellowship. Guest preachers including area ministers and Bible School teachers Matt Heupel, Brad Adcock, Frank Mills, Harrison Chastain, and Dewayne Tapscott delivered messages on the authority of Christ, Christ and his church, the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son and the Great Commission.
The revival also exemplified Christian generosity, with nightly contributions supporting several ministries: Isaiah’s Call, North Alabama Christian Children’s Home, the University of North Alabama Christian Student Center, Heritage Christian University and World Evangelism Missions.
MISSOURI
ST. LOUIS — The Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis celebrated its 50th graduating class, aptly named the “Golden Graduation,” marking five decades of faith-centered education. The small K-12 school was founded in 1976 and is associated with Churches of Christ.
The academy hosted celebratory events honoring founders, donors and leaders who helped shape the school’s mission of “preparing students to live a life of value and meaning to God, society, and self.” At commencement, nine graduating seniors stood alongside alumni from the academy’s first graduating class and founding board member Bob McGuire.
“The Class of 2026 joins a legacy of alumni who have gone on to serve in ministry, medicine, education and the military, with most of CA graduates pursuing higher education, military service and the trades,” the school stated.
The academy also celebrated the retirement of longtime administrator and former student Carla J. Payne, who served as head of school for 35 years. Payne was an inaugural student, attending from 1976 to 1980, embodying the school’s lasting impact on successive generations.
TEXAS
FRITCH — Ministry League, a free app offering lyrics to hundreds of worship and devotional songs for more than a decade, has launched a major update. Developed by Tyler Brassfield, a member of the Fritch Church of Christ in Texas, the app has been rebranded as The Ministry Network.
Beyond Ministry League’s songbook and podcasts and teaching materials by members of Churches of Christ, the refreshed app introduces Anchor Studio — a collection of devotional and study books with podcasts by the book authors. This innovative tool demonstrates how technology can serve traditional Christian values and enhance spiritual growth.
The app also serves as a resource for participants of Exposure Youth Camp — an annual youth event in Huntsville, Alabama, where attendees can register and access the schedule, news, keynotes and more.
“The app’s intent is to help provide materials, opportunities (and) knowledge for those in ministry both professionally and vocationally to spread the Word,” Brassfield said.
The new app rolled out alongside the Ministry Summit at the Piedmont Road Church of Christ in Marietta, Georgia.
NEWSMAKERS
AWARDED — JOANNA ESTES, the Girl Scout Silver Award for her project, “Brighten Up the Blahs.” Joanna made flowers and butterflies from pipe cleaners to add color to hospital rooms where she stayed during her treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma. She and her parents worship with the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City.
ALLEN WAI JANG, Master status from the American Tai Chi & Qigong Association. Jang is a member of the Sierra Madre Church of Christ in California.
MELVIN L. OTEY, the Student Organization Faculty Advisor of the Year award from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama.
HONORED — MALIK BEAUFORD and DESTINY CALDERON as Mr. and Miss Falcon Athletics by Florida College in Temple Terrace, Florida.
JASON and ERICA NOBLE for 20 years of service to the Friendly Avenue Church of Christ in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Jason is preaching minister.
NAMED — JEREMY ASHLIN, JENNA GOVE and KATIE WAMPLER to the theatre department at Harding University.
BETTY BRUSH and GARRY STEINBACH to the board of directors of Program for Humanitarian Aid, a Texas-based nonprofit that serves vulnerable Ukrainians and is supported by Churches of Christ.
GRANT BURNS, head men’s basketball coach for Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. The FHU Lions are defending NAIA National Champions.
KENNETH HAWLEY, dean of the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Honors College and KREGG FEHR, Dean of the J.E. and Eileen Hancock College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Lubbock Christian University in Texas.
ANDY MITCHELL, evangelist for the Wellsburg Church of Christ in West Virginia.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Scripture teaches that parents are responsible before God for training their children in righteousness (Proverbs 22:6).
- Christian families are called to safeguard their homes and protect innocent lives from violence.
- The Church has long upheld the sanctity of life and the need for moral accountability in every community.
A newly released police body camera video shows a 6-year-old first grader who shot his teacher in the chest at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, in 2023.
The footage captures the child swearing at officers and admitting he stole the gun from his mother.
The incident shocked the nation and renewed calls for parental responsibility and secure firearm storage in Christian homes.
Local authorities released the video this week, allowing the public to hear the young shooter’s own words shortly after the shooting.
Christian parents across America are once again reminded that raising children in the fear of the Lord includes both spiritual instruction and practical safety measures.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Chinese pastor Wang Yi remains imprisoned for his faith after authorities convicted him on charges widely viewed as retaliation for leading an independent house church.
- Reports indicate Pastor Wang is battling late-stage liver cancer while serving a nine-year sentence handed down in 2019.
- Chinese officials have renewed pressure on Early Rain Covenant Church by detaining additional members in recent weeks.
Reports emerging from China indicate that Pastor Wang Yi, founder of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, is suffering from advanced liver cancer while serving his prison term.
Church members and outside observers say the 46-year-old pastor has received only limited medical attention behind bars, prompting urgent calls for his release on humanitarian grounds.
“Pastor Wang’s health has deteriorated significantly, and we are deeply concerned that he may not receive the care he desperately needs,” a church statement obtained by supporters read.
Early Rain Covenant Church has faced repeated crackdowns since authorities raided its facilities in 2018, arresting Pastor Wang and dozens of other believers.
Despite the persecution, remaining members have continued to gather in small groups and maintain their commitment to biblical teaching and worship.
“We will not stop preaching the gospel, even under pressure,” one detained believer reportedly told family members before being taken into custody.
Human-rights advocates argue that the renewed detentions signal Beijing’s ongoing determination to eliminate unregistered Christian gatherings that refuse to submit to state oversight of religious activities.
Believers inside and outside China are praying for Pastor Wang’s healing and for protection over the congregation he shepherded.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Over three million homes across battleground states have received visits from pro-life volunteers seeking to inform voters about abortion policy.
- Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is mobilizing grassroots supporters to protect unborn life at both state and federal levels.
- Faith-driven activism is shaping the midterm conversation on protecting the sanctity of human life.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has announced that its volunteers have completed more than three million home visits in key battleground states. The effort comes as voters prepare to cast ballots that could determine the direction of abortion policy nationwide.
These visits are part of a broader push to engage citizens directly on the sanctity of life. Organizers say the conversations are centered on protecting the unborn and restoring a culture that values every human life from conception.
“We are reaching voters where they live because the lives of unborn children depend on it,”
Local volunteers have reported strong interest from families who are grateful for the information and encouragement. Many households have expressed concern over recent court rulings and legislative efforts that continue to threaten the unborn.
The organization believes that personal, face-to-face outreach remains one of the most effective ways to build lasting support for pro-life policies. As the midterms approach, these efforts are intensifying in states where abortion-related measures may appear on ballots.
“Every visit plants a seed of truth that can grow into a vote for life,”
With millions of homes already contacted, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America plans to expand its reach in the final weeks before Election Day. The group is urging Christians and others who value traditional family principles to stay engaged and vote their convictions.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
-
Self-Reliance2 years agoTrump’s Bold Move Uncovers Massive Social Security Fraud
-
Faith1 year agoNew Clues Emerge in Noah’s Ark Mystery
-
News2 years agoGovernor Walz’s Rhetoric Sparks National Controversy
-
News2 years agoMel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Title Announced
-
Family2 years agoTexas Lawmaker Targets Furries in Schools
-
Freedom2 years agoMaine Lawmaker Challenges Sports Fairness Controversy
-
Family1 year agoCanada’s Controversial Policy Sparks Ethical Debate
-
Faith11 months ago
Congress Hears Pleas for Nigerian Christians