Faith
Faith Unites Kerr County After Devastating Floods
In the wake of the devastating floods that recently ravaged Kerr County, Texas, a powerful testament to faith and community resilience has emerged. As the waters recede, leaving behind a trail of destruction, it is the unwavering spirit of faith-based organizations and volunteers that is bringing hope and healing to this tight-knit community.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, known for its dedication to addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of those in crisis, has been at the forefront of this compassionate outreach. Josh Holland, the international director, emphasized the importance of simply being present for those who are suffering.
“As our crisis-trained chaplains know, there are no words to say that will make things better in moments like this. There are no magic phrases. All we can do as Christians is to come alongside people, to be a listening ear, to be a shoulder to lean on, to cry with them,” Holland shared. His words echo the biblical principle of mourning with those who mourn, a guiding light for the community’s recovery efforts.
In small towns like Kerrville, the impact of such tragedies is deeply personal. “Everybody knows somebody who’s been affected,” Holland noted, capturing the somber atmosphere that has enveloped the town. Yet, amid the sorrow, there is a steadfast reliance on faith to guide the way forward.
Max Greiner Jr., an artist inspired by his faith, has seen the transformative power of the Coming King Sculpture Prayer Gardens, a sanctuary of peace and reflection. The gardens, marked by a majestic cross, have become a beacon of hope for those seeking solace.
“This is a strong faith community, and I don’t know how people make it if they don’t have that faith,” Greiner remarked. His words remind us of the profound role faith plays in helping individuals cope with life’s darkest moments.
The gardens stand as a symbol of life and renewal, offering a respite from the devastation below. “We want the families, the wounded, to come up here when they need a break from all of the bad. There’s death down on the river, but there’s life up on this mountain,” Greiner explained, highlighting the spiritual refuge the gardens provide.
Marcus Breaux, National Director at Soldiers of Christ Ministries, calls on all of us to contribute in any way we can.
“Do not be discouraged. There are ways for people to get involved, whether it’s donations, whether it is giving a pack of paper towels or toilet paper, whatever, there’s a way that you can get involved,” he urged. Breaux’s message is a reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.
Matt Husted of the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team underscores the importance of reassurance and prayer during these trying times. Providing comfort and reminding people that “God is looking over them” is crucial in restoring hope and faith.
As faith-based organizations rally together, they encourage us all to lift up prayers for the injured, the bereaved, and those who have lost their homes. Their efforts exemplify the core values of faith, family, and freedom that define the American spirit. In times of crisis, it is this spirit that lights the path to recovery, reminding us of the enduring strength found in faith and community.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- The BEST Center in Cambodia celebrated 15 years of using the Bible to teach English, with many students becoming followers of Christ.
- Leaders in Colombia reported nearly 900 baptisms and ran a youth camp to encourage discipleship and leadership among young believers.
- A new Bible institute in Malawi opened after years of prayer, aiming to train ministers for service and outreach.
From Cambodia to New Zealand, God’s Word is being shared as ministries and churches equip believers and serve their communities. Each story shows the strength and unity found in faith, as families are transformed and leaders step forward to guide others in righteousness.
Efforts such as evangelism campaigns in Romania and youth leadership training in Colombia highlight how the global Church nurtures spiritual growth and discipleship, motivating believers to stay true to biblical values.
“I love the spirit of cooperation among these Transylvanian churches,” Marty Knight said, speaking of teamwork among Romanian congregations.
These international testimonies remind us that the gospel is alive, reaching hearts and changing lives as people respond in faith and service. Let us give thanks for the faithful believers spreading hope around the world.
Stay prayerful and bold in supporting Christians as they proclaim truth, defend families, and promote liberty through biblical foundations.
Faith Facts
- Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen is facing renewed legal action for expressing biblical beliefs on marriage and sexuality in a 2019 tweet.
- Despite being acquitted twice, the state prosecutor is appealing again, taking the case to Finland’s Supreme Court.
- This case highlights concerns over religious freedom and the right to express faith-based views in public discourse.
Päivi Räsänen, a Christian parliamentarian and former minister in Finland, is facing her third trial for referencing biblical teaching in a tweet questioning her church’s sponsorship of an LGBT pride event. The Finnish prosecutor has appealed her two previous acquittals, and Finland’s Supreme Court will consider her case later this year.
The tweet included a Bible verse from Romans 1, which describes same-sex relationships as sinful according to Scripture. Räsänen’s public statements and a church pamphlet from 2004, co-published with Bishop Juhana Pohjola, are central to the charges of “agitation against a minority group.”
Räsänen’s defense maintains that quoting the Bible and sharing Christian doctrine should never be criminalized.
“It isn’t a crime to tweet a Bible verse, or to engage in public discourse from a Christian perspective.”
Throughout this legal journey, both Räsänen and Pohjola have been acquitted twice, yet the prosecution continues its pursuit despite strong support for biblical freedom from many Christians worldwide.
Paul Coleman, a leader in Räsänen’s defense team, emphasized the broader fight for liberty:
“In a free and democratic society, all should be allowed to share their beliefs without fear of punishment.”
This case is a crucial moment for the protection of religious liberty and free speech, standing as a reminder of the importance of defending biblical truth and Christian conviction in the public square. Stay vigilant and pray for those standing for faith and freedom in the face of adversity.
Faith Facts
- Iran’s regime arrested 53 Christians, accusing them of espionage and anti-security activities after confiscating Bibles and Christian materials.
- State television aired forced confessions and linked Evangelical Christians to foreign intelligence, further targeting the faithful community.
- Most Iranian Christians, primarily converts, face persecution and lack legal places to worship or gather safely.
Recent mass arrests in Iran show the price believers pay for standing firm in their faith under regimes hostile to Christianity. The government continues treating Christian worship, prayer, and gatherings as criminal, targeting religions that threaten oppressive ideologies.
State media broadcasts forced confessions and confiscated Bibles, seeking to shame and silence Christians in a campaign equating faith with disloyalty.
“The clear suggestion being made here is that all Evangelical Christians are associates of Mossad,” said Mansour Borji, director of Article18.
Human rights lawyers and international observers say these Christians likely face unfair trials, denied legal counsel, and suffer persecution for ordinary acts of worship.
In Iran, Armenian and Assyrian Christians may worship but cannot include converts or use Persian, isolating new believers and pushing gatherings underground or abroad.
Many arrested Christians had attended worship events in neighboring countries, as options at home are unsafe or unavailable.
“All those arrested on charges of security, political, ideological or ‘espionage’ offences are denied a fair trial, subjected to severe torture and do not even have access to an independent lawyer,” stated Hossein Ahmadiniaz, a human rights attorney.
Despite pressure and injustice, Iran’s Christians remain steadfast, highlighting the power of faith to withstand tyranny. Their sacrifice is a call for believers everywhere to support religious liberty and defend the right to worship.
Pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith, and urge leaders to champion religious freedom as a God-given right.
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