Faith
Grace Community Church Mourns Jubilant Sykes
Faith Facts
- Jubilant Sykes, a Grammy-nominated gospel and opera singer, passed away at 71.
- His son was arrested by police after Sykes was found stabbed in his California home.
- The investigation is ongoing and forensic evidence is being processed.
Grace Community Church in Sun Valley is grieving the loss of Jubilant Sykes, a vital part of their music ministry and a faithful brother in Christ.
The church praised Sykes for his joy, humility, and devotion, remembering his music as a gift for God’s glory and the encouragement of believers.
Police responded to a 911 call and found Sykes with fatal injuries, leading to the arrest of his 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes.
The church honored Sykes for his generosity, love for Scripture, and his faithful service since 1978.
His legacy as a Christian artist and beloved member of the congregation endures in the hearts he uplifted with his voice of faith.
The congregation prays for Sykes’ family and stands on the comforting promise that
“to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Let us remember Jubilant Sykes’ testimony of hope and trust in God, even in moments of sorrow, and continue to celebrate lives lived for Christ’s glory.
Faith
Christian Editor Joins COICOM Leadership Board
Faith Facts
- Javier Bolaños, a seasoned Christian journalist and Latin America editor for Christian Daily International, has been appointed to the COICOM International Board of Directors.
- COICOM is a network dedicated to training and uniting Christian communicators across Hispanic America, advancing the message of the Gospel.
- Bolaños’ decades of experience and godly leadership have been recognized by both Christian peers and COICOM’s executive president.
Bolaños brings over twenty years of faithful service to Christian media.
He has led major newsrooms and reported on significant events globally, always upholding biblical truth.
As director of Diario Cristiano and contributor to international Christian journalism, he has diligently expanded the reach of Christ-centered news across language barriers.
“We are delighted about the recognition and the trust in Javier that it reflects.”
Gordon Showell-Rogers, international director of Christian Daily International, said.
COICOM’s appointment of Bolaños highlights a shared commitment to excellence in Christian communication and supporting the transformative power of the Gospel in Latin America.
“I am extremely pleased and honored to have Javier Bolaños join our COICOM Board of Directors.”
Arnold Enns, executive president of COICOM, said.
Bolaños’ new leadership role signifies a further step in advancing faith-based media.
It will strengthen Christian witness and unity throughout Hispanic America.
“It is an honor and a privilege for me to join the Board of Directors of COICOM, an organization that I have admired and loved dearly for many years, since I was a journalism student at university.”
Bolaños reflected.
Christian communicators are urged to pray for continued growth and influence rooted in biblical principles within COICOM and Bolaños’ ministry.
Faith
Erika Kirk Stands Firm Against Conspiracy Claims
Faith Facts
- Erika Kirk referenced Nehemiah from Scripture to address rumors about her late husband’s death.
- She emphasized her commitment to honoring Charlie Kirk’s legacy despite slander and speculation.
- Christian apologist Frank Turek defended the biblical standard of requiring strong evidence before making accusations.
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, turned to biblical inspiration as she responded to misinformation surrounding her husband’s assassination. She cited Nehemiah’s unwavering spirit in facing lies and discouragement as her model for pressing on amidst public scrutiny.
On Fox News, Erika quoted Nehemiah, explaining how he repeatedly refused distraction and remained dedicated to his work. She expressed that her own silence signifies focus, not complacency, and firmly rejected accusations against Turning Point USA or their staff.
Erika asked for privacy regarding the location of her husband’s resting place, expressing the importance of protecting sacred family moments from those seeking to harm or disturb them.
Though she did not mention anyone by name, Erika’s words have been understood as a response to voices in the conservative sphere who have promoted unsubstantiated theories about Charlie’s death. Her faith and resolve echo the wisdom found in Scripture.
“It reminds me so much of Chapter 6 in the book of Nehemiah… Every single time, he had the same message, four times in a row: ‘I cannot come down. I am busy building.’ That is how I feel. I do not have time to address the noise.”
Christian thinker Frank Turek, a mentor to Charlie Kirk, also pushed back against harmful speculation, highlighting the biblical principle of requiring two witnesses before convicting anyone. He warned against the dangers of slander and gossip, which have led to threats against those connected to the case.
“The Bible is very clear: you need two witnesses to convict somebody. You don’t gossip. You don’t slander people. Unfortunately, I think too much of that is going on.”
Authorities have apprehended Tyler Robinson and charged him with aggravated murder in connection to Charlie Kirk’s death, based on available evidence. Public figures urge believers to uphold biblical justice and reject rumor in favor of truth.
As followers of Christ, let us focus on building legacies rooted in faith and righteousness, honoring God’s command to speak truth and protect the dignity of every family.
Faith
Virginia Church Supports Detained Iranian Sisters
Faith Facts
- Two Iranian sisters, Mahan and Mozhan Motahari, active in a Virginia church, were detained by border officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The sisters were baptized at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean, Virginia, and have been in the U.S. since 2022.
- The church community is praying for their release, emphasizing unity as the body of Christ.
Faith communities often come together to support those facing hardship, strengthening ties of compassion and fellowship. The recent detention of Mahan and Mozhan Motahari has led St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Virginia to show steadfast support for its members, reflecting Christ’s love in action.
Baptized after fleeing hardship in Iran, the Motahari sisters found spiritual refuge within the church, building a Christian community far from home. Their legal counsel asserts their asylum applications were submitted lawfully, underscoring the complexity of immigration challenges facing believers today.
“These are people that are valued members of our community,” said Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith, emphasizing the deep sense of loss and longing experienced by the congregation. “The church is the body of Christ and ours is incomplete without them present.”
While officials cite the importance of national security, advocates remind us of our scriptural call to welcome the stranger and extend grace. Christians are urged to respond with prayer and faithful advocacy for those seeking refuge, holding fast to biblical principles of justice and mercy.
Let us not grow weary in doing good, but continue to support and uplift our brothers and sisters in need. Stand with faith, family, and freedom in these trying times.
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