Faith Facts

• Texas State Rep. James Talarico, now running for U.S. Senate as a Democrat, delivered a 2022 sermon containing multiple controversial theological claims that have resurfaced and drawn criticism from Christian conservatives.
• The sermon includes statements reinterpreting core Biblical doctrines in ways that conflict with traditional Christian teaching and scriptural authority.
• The video has gone viral as voters examine the candidate’s theological positions and their alignment with Christian values ahead of the Senate race.

A 2022 sermon delivered by Texas State Representative James Talarico has resurfaced, sparking significant concern among Christian conservatives as the Democratic politician campaigns for a U.S. Senate seat. The video reveals several theological statements that diverge sharply from orthodox Christian doctrine and Biblical teaching.

Talarico, who has positioned himself as a person of faith on the campaign trail, made a series of claims during the sermon that challenge traditional Christian understanding of Scripture and the nature of Christ. The statements have raised questions about his theological grounding and how his beliefs might influence his policy positions.

The resurfaced sermon comes at a critical time as Texas voters evaluate candidates for the Senate race. For many Christian conservatives, a candidate’s theological integrity and adherence to Biblical truth are essential considerations in determining their fitness for office and their ability to represent traditional American values.

The video has circulated widely on social media, with many believers expressing alarm at the theological positions expressed. Christian leaders and voters are calling for greater scrutiny of candidates who claim faith credentials while advancing interpretations that contradict established Christian doctrine.

This development highlights the ongoing tension in American politics between those who hold to traditional Biblical Christianity and those who advocate for progressive reinterpretations of Scripture. For Christian conservatives, the authenticity of a candidate’s faith and their commitment to Biblical truth remain paramount concerns.

As the Senate race progresses, Talarico’s theological statements are likely to remain a focal point for voters who prioritize Christian values and scriptural fidelity in their elected representatives. The controversy underscores the importance of examining not just policy positions, but the foundational beliefs that shape a candidate’s worldview.

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Faith Facts

• Despite Haiti’s government collapse and gang violence, Christians reported 149 new believers and three new Churches of Christ in just three months
• Nearly 1,000 Christian women gathered in Nicaragua for a national fellowship event organized entirely through grassroots fundraising over one year
• In Kenya, 41 people were baptized in a single day after studying through World Bible School correspondence ministry

Across the globe, Christian communities are experiencing remarkable growth even in the face of persecution, poverty, and political instability. From the gang-torn streets of Haiti to the casino capital of Macau, believers are finding creative ways to share the Gospel and strengthen their faith.

In Haiti, where the government has collapsed and gang violence has torn the nation apart, the church continues its steady march forward. The International School of Theology, meeting near Port-au-Prince, reported extraordinary results during the first quarter of 2026.

One hundred forty-nine new believers were baptized, and three new Churches of Christ were established. Many congregations now meet in small groups as a safety precaution, church members said. The perseverance of these faithful Christians demonstrates that the Gospel cannot be stopped by earthly chaos.

In Kenya, the power of patient evangelism bore visible fruit. Daniel Gaines, director of Tanzanian Missions, shared a powerful photograph showing 41 people waiting in line to be baptized in a pond in the village of Bunjosi in western Kenya. The World Bible School correspondence ministry played a crucial role in these conversions, proving that simple, faithful teaching methods remain effective in reaching souls.

The small island nation of Bermuda presents a different challenge entirely. Missionary Larry Waymire explained the unique obstacle facing evangelists there.

“Because Bermuda is a wealthy island, many feel they do not need God,” Waymire said. “Students at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Bermuda are reaching out to show the importance of trusting God’s Word rather than the word of man, man-made religions or the riches of this world.”

The school recently completed its first year with 16 students. Despite the demanding schedule—classes for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and four hours on Saturdays—the commitment remains strong.

“Most of the students work full-time jobs and have families,” Waymire said, “yet they and their families make the sacrifice to attend class.”

The school’s director, Keithlyn Fleming, serves as an elder of the Brighton Hill Church of Christ in Devonshire. Fleming works two jobs in addition to his church and school duties, exemplifying the kind of dedication that builds lasting ministries.

“Pray for our students as they continue preparing to bring lost souls to Christ,” Waymire said. “It may be your prayer that opens the next door to a searching heart.”

In Macau, a special administrative region of China known as the gambling capital of the world, Filipino immigrants have established a thriving Church of Christ. The casino industry there is several times larger than Las Vegas, yet in the midst of this spiritual desert, believers gather regularly for worship services and singing practices. The congregation recently welcomed ministry interns from Heritage Bible School in Baguio City, Philippines.

Perhaps one of the most inspiring stories comes from Nicaragua, where nearly 1,000 Christian women gathered for the Church of Christ National Women’s Fellowship. The theme, “Women of Impact: Shining to Edify,” was based on Matthew 5:14-16. Josefina Sánchez of the León Church of Christ in Managua served as keynote speaker.

The National Ladies’ Committee organized the event, with Gaby Medrano, a committee member from Masatepe, sharing details of the year-long effort.

The committee worked tirelessly for a year to raise funds, Medrano said, so that participants wouldn’t be asked for “a single córdoba (Nicaragua’s currency) in payment.”

“The Word of God was present from morning until late afternoon,” she added, “and God’s presence was palpable. I believe the event was a resounding success, evidenced by the fact that sisters traveled from every department (state) of the country to attend.”

An international women’s conference is scheduled for October in Nicaragua.

Even in war-torn Ukraine, the church continues to grow. More than 40 women attended “God’s Garden,” an event hosted by a Church of Christ in Kyiv twice each year. In addition to studying Scripture and participating in a talent show, attendees spent time “sharing life, supporting one another and just enjoying the day,” organizer Natalia Maliuga said.

Maliuga serves as administrative director for the Ukrainian Bible Institute. She reflected on the growth since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

“I am truly grateful to God for every sister, for every woman, who comes to our community in search of truth and meaning,” Maliuga said. “It’s especially valuable to realize that many of us met after 2022. Back then, in the spring, our hall was almost empty. And today we see the Lord blessing and growing our community.”

In Zambia, Bible college students are using their vacation breaks for ministry. Vincent Simwanza, a student at the Southern Africa Bible College in Benoni, South Africa, returned home during a recent break to care for his ailing mother. He also spoke at three churches—the Riverside Church of Christ in Livingstone and the Luanshya Central and Kamfinsa Churches of Christ in Zambia’s Copperbelt province.

The Kamfinsa congregation has a particularly encouraging story.

“The church had closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, with members dispersing and the building eventually being taken over by a denomination,” Simwanza said. “However, in 2024, by God’s grace, the building was reclaimed by the church. There are now two evangelists actively serving and ministering to the congregation.”

These reports from around the world demonstrate that faithful Christians are advancing the Kingdom regardless of circumstances. Whether facing wealth that breeds complacency, violence that threatens safety, or war that scatters congregations, believers continue to gather, teach, and baptize new converts.

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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.

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