Faith
Rev. Paul Rasmussen to Step Down, Cites Faith in Transition
Faith Facts
- Rev. Paul Rasmussen will leave his role as senior pastor at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, effective February 1, 2026.
- Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Rasmussen announced his transition to emeritus status last year, with Rev. Matt Tuggle to succeed him.
- Rasmussen has served the church for over 25 years, leading efforts to expand ministry and championing resilience rooted in faith.
Rev. Paul Rasmussen inspired his congregation by emphasizing perseverance and faith in times of challenging change, drawing parallels from life’s hardships to biblical principles. He recounted a story of two boys rebuilding a sandcastle as a lesson in choosing faith and action over despair.
“You can either cut and start crying and run, or you can simply reach down and pick the shovel up and get to work with whatever remains. But that really is your choice,” Rasmussen shared.
Reflecting on decades in ministry, Rasmussen noted that everything in life is temporary except God, reminding believers to anchor their hope in the Lord’s unchanging nature. He viewed his transition not as an ending, but as a faithful new beginning in God’s plan.
“Life is full of endings. But the beauty of life is that every ending is also at the same time a new beginning,” he said. “They come together. They’re on the same platform. … Every ending is a new beginning. It just depends on how you look at it.”
Let us keep Rev. Rasmussen and Highland Park UMC in our prayers, trusting God’s hand to lead their next chapter and reaffirming our commitment to strong faith, resilient families, and the freedom to serve our communities.
Faith Facts
- A billboard advertising the film “Melania” was reportedly vandalized in Culver City, California on January 30, 2026.
- “Melania: Twenty Days to History” debuted in theaters and explores Melania Trump’s family ties and challenges in the public eye.
- The documentary, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, earned over $7 million its opening weekend.
“Melania,” a new film about the former first lady, invites viewers to consider the importance of family values and strength under pressure. Melania Trump shines a light on how faith and resilience can guide those thrust into positions of influence.
The production not only highlights her role as both the subject and an executive producer, but also underscores a commitment to truth and character in turbulent times.
Let us continue to celebrate faith, family, and integrity in all areas of public life. Stay informed on stories that reflect our shared values.
Faith Facts
- Multiple South Florida churches unite in worship and prayer, supporting Venezuelan refugees and their families.
- Church leaders and members demonstrate steadfast faith through daily prayers for their homeland and practical acts of service.
- Bilingual ministries foster spiritual growth, fellowship, and community among English and Spanish-speaking believers.
South Florida congregations come together in powerful ways, guided by faith in Christ and love for others. These dedicated church members lift up prayers and render aid to those facing trials in Venezuela.
Pastors and deacons share biblical teaching and encouragement, trusting God to restore families and communities. Their efforts unite cultures and languages, reflecting Christ’s love and the hope found in the Gospel.
“You’re doing the Lord’s work.”
These acts of compassion and partnership illustrate how faith, family, and perseverance shape lives and rebuild hope, even far from their homeland.
Believers are called to serve, pray, and bear each other’s burdens, just as these church families continue to do across South Florida.
Let’s remember our brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide and stay active in both faith and good works.
Faith Facts
- Russian authorities continue to raid worship services in occupied eastern Ukraine, targeting unregistered churches.
- Leaders of Council of Churches Baptist congregations have faced threats, police questioning, and fines for refusing to register under Russian law.
- International bodies warn that these actions suppress independent religious life and enforce loyalty to authorities.
Faithful Christians across occupied parts of Ukraine face continued pressure as Russian police and military raid prayer gatherings, demanding compliance with Russian rules. Churches standing firm in their convictions are being threatened with repeated disruptions, fines, and even forced registration under foreign laws.
Actions against believing communities include police raids, harsh interrogations, enforced removals, and reports of mistreatment of pastors who refuse to compromise on Biblical principles. The United Nations and Christian leaders worldwide have called for believers’ rights to be protected and for an end to the abuse of clergy and congregations.
“No individual should be criminally charged or detained simply for practising their religion, including in the forms of collective worship and proselytising, in accordance with international human rights law.”
Persecution like this reminds us of the biblical call to stand firm for our faith, trusting that God will honor those who remain true to Him despite trial and hardship. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters enduring such challenges and affirm our commitment to religious liberty, truth, and the freedom to worship without fear.
Stay informed, remain prayerful, and continue to advocate for those whose faith and freedom are under attack.
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