Author: Geoff

Geoff Waugh is the founding editor of the Renewal Journal and an author of books on renewal and revival and Christian living.
Eric Liddell, Olympics

Honouring God at the Olympics

by Geoff 29 July 2024 2 Comments

Honouring God at the Olympics

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Honouring God at the Olympics
Renewal Journal – a chronicle of renewal and revival: www.renewaljournal.com

Links to some people honouring God at the Olympics

Eric Liddell, Paris 1924, 400m Gold

The Paris summer 2024 marks the 100-year anniversary of the 1924 Paris Olympics, and Eric Liddell’s triumphant victory there in the 400 meters.
That story begins in his rivalry with fellow British sprinter Harold Abrahams, the two entering the Olympics as favorites in both the 100 meters and 200 meters. However, Liddell dropped out of a heat for the 100 meters because it was run on Sunday (a race Abrahams later won). Liddell’s decision to skip those races for his religious convictions was immortalized in the movie Chariots of Fire.
Liddell stood firmly on his faith and still emerged a champion. Liddell’s character famously says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. When I run, I feel his pleasure.” Many a young Christian has been inspired by the fact that, for Liddell, even athletics was a place of worship.
Perhaps an even greater reason to remember Liddell is his decision to lay aside his athletic career for a higher calling. After returning from Olympic triumph in Paris to overwhelming popular adulation, he shocked everyone by announcing his intention to return to China as a missionary.
In an age when sports was becoming ever more popular in Britain, many argued he could reach more people at home than abroad. Indeed, the Sunday after he returned from Paris to preach in a Scottish church, the pews were filled with people. Liddell preached on Psalm 119:18: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (KJV).
It was plausible that staying in Britain and continuing his athletic career might fit hand-in-glove with Liddell’s desire to preach the gospel. When asked why he’d give up such an opportunity, he’d simply reply, “Because I believe God made me for China.” The next summer, he traveled the Trans-Siberian railway overland from Europe through Russia and down to China. He would serve there for 20 years as a missionary.
Liddell was able to minister for many months until finally he was rounded up with more than 2,000 others during WWII and taken to an internment camp in Weixian (the modern city of Weifang). Even there, his ministry flourished. Despite appalling conditions and death all around him, he poured himself into ministry with the people of the camp — leading Bible studies, counseling others, doing physical labor to meet practical needs. Thus he continued until February 21, 1945, when he died.
(From ” : ’ ” by Mark Collins)
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2024 PARIS

200,000 Olympic New Testaments

The French Bible Society, in partnership with the representatives of the sports chaplaincies of several Christian denominations, shared the ultimate message of hope through the distribution of a New Testament called ‘More Precious than Gold’ distributed among athletes during the Paris Games.
The title of this special edition, ‘More Precious than Gold’, is inspired by 1 Peter: “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV)
This unique edition featured sixteen testimonies from Olympic and Paralympic athletes who draw inspiration from their Biblical faith. Among those contributing to this project includes Nicola Olyslagers, an Australian high jumper.
The goal was to distribute 200,000 copies (140,000 in French and 60,000 in English), spreading inspiration and unity. This New Testament is just one planned activity; others include The Holy Games and Protestant Chaplaincy. ✨
Please pray that those who receive these New Testaments will be Spiritually impacted.
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Teams evangelizing at Olympics

Awakening Europe teams among many evangelizing in Paris.

Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/425035307166215

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Christians worshipping in Paris

Christians became vocal in Paris in 2024.


JESUS LOVES YOU  –  JESUS T’AIME

Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1262077481868451

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Novak  Djoković, Tennis, Serbia

Novak Djoković showed his Cross. Gold Medal, winner of the ‘Golden Slam’.

See article: Novak Djokovic, a Christian of deep faith

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Rugby 7s footballers


Australian Rugby 7s won the quarter-finals for the first time. Player 11 honoured God.


Fiji Rugby 7s won Gold at the first two Olympics where it was included, Rio in 2016 and Tokyo 2020. They won Silver in Paris to France’s Gold in 2024.
The Fiji team always honours God in their games.

Fijian Olympians sang and worshipped God daily at the Olympic Village in Paris, drawing many out of their room to listen.
YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1932067583899471

 

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Elijah Winnington, Swimming, Australia

Silver in Paris 2024; Gold in World Aquatics Championships 2022.
Well done to Elijah Winnington! His family was on the TV saying that he honours God in all he does! He’s a graduate of King’s Christian College.
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Gabriel Medina, Surfing, Brazil

Bronze medal in 2024 Olympics, 3x world-champion surfer @gabrielmedina appears to defy gravity, walking upon clouds, emerging from a barrel wave off the coast of Tahiti.
To caption this amazing, unedited shot on instagram for his 12m followers, the Brazilian Christian surfer chose a simple, single Bible verse:
“Tudo posso naquele que me fortalece” Filipenses 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
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Leo Neugebauer, Athletics, Germany

Decathlon silver medalist in Paris 2024, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw, Heptathlon Short Track, High Jump, 60 Metres, Long Jump, 100 Metres.

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Yemisi Ogunleye, Shot Put, Germany

Shot Put champion Yemisi Ogunleye sings gospel song that helped her win gold – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA2045BHgjM

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Owens Delerme, Athletics, Peurto Rico


Decathlon, Pole Vault, Javelin Throw, Shot Put, 110 Metres Hurdles, Discus Throw, 400 Metres Hurdles, 200 Metres,

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Micah Christenson, Volleyball, USA


Bronze medalist in Paris 2024.

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Shelby McEwen, Athletics, USA


Equal first in High Jump, and silver medal from jump offs.

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Nicola Olyslagers, Athletics, Australia

Australia’s reigning Olympic silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers qualified alongside teammate Eleanor Patterson for the women’s high jump final. 💚💛
Her inspiration? Watching the film Chariots of Fire about the 1924 Paris Olympics of course.
“People told me it is about the same city 100 years ago, so I had to watch it. That made me very focused for these Games, because I recognise that there is a legacy that’s being made, it’s a lot bigger than just the performance here,” Olyslagers said.
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Arisa Trew, Skateboading, Australia

Riverside Christian College student wins skateboarding gold.
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Ashleigh Bond, Israeli Christian

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Rayssa Leal, Skateboarding, Brazil

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Adam Peaty, Swimming, Great Britain

Christian Faith Fuels His Swimming Success
Beyond his athletic achievements, one of the things that sets Adam Peaty apart is his Christian faith. He has spoken openly about how his belief in God anchors him amidst the pressures of elite competition. In a recent interview, Adam said, ‘God and church help me find peace beyond the pool.’
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Carlos Yulo, Gymnastics, Philippines

🇵🇭Carlos Yulo, gymnast, is the first Filipino to win two Olympic gold medals.
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Aleah Finnegan, Gymnastics, Philippines

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Joshua Cheptegei, Athletics, Uganda

Joshua Cheptegei is made Africa proud by winning the 10,000 metres race at Paris Olympics 2024. He is a Ugandan long-distance runner, the current world record holder for the 5000 metres and the 10,000 metres, and holds the world best time over the 15 kilometres distance.
He has now won more Olympic medals than any other Ugandan athlete in history 🇺🇬
🥇 5,000 metres, Tokyo 2020
🥈 10,000 metres, Tokyo 2020
🥇 10,000 metres, Paris 2024
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Georgia-Leigh Vele, Swimming, PNG

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Anthony Ginisuka, Badminton, Indonesia

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Saidel Horta, Boxing, Cuba

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Geronay Whitebooi, Judo, South Africa

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Julien Alfred, Athletics, Saint Lucia

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Allyson Felix, Athletics, USA

Allyson Felix knows the importance of using her platform to inspire others. She is one of the most successful track and field athletes ever, with 20 World Championship medals and 11 Olympic medals (including seven golds) over five Olympic Games.
But her story isn’t just about breaking records; it’s also about overcoming personal challenges and advocating for the rights of female athletes. Allyson openly credits her Christian faith with helping her through some incredibly tough times.
Allyson’s faith has always been a central part of her life. Growing up in a religious family, she learned to trust Jesus from a very young age. She credits this foundation for helping her stay grounded and focused throughout her career.
More on the Vision Christian Media app or at 🔗 https://vision.org.au/…/from-olympic-gold-to-advocacy…/
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Daniel Roberts, Athletics, USA

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Katie Ledecky, Swimming, USA

Katie Ledecky extended her record as the most-decorated U.S. female Olympian—and the second-most decorated U.S. Olympian of all time, behind Michael Phelps—after she won gold in the 800-meter freestyle final, marking her 14th Olympic medal.
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Hunter Armstrong, Swimming, USA

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Caleb Dressel, Swimming, USA

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Athletics, USA

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone made history winning the gold again with a new record in the women’s 400 meter hurdles. The day after winning that gold in Tokyo she posted this moving testimony on Instagram:
“What an honor it is to be able to represent not only my country, but also the kingdom of God. What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don’t have in life. I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of . . . obedience to God . . . And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him.”

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Allyson Felix, Athletics, USA

Allyson Felix knows the importance of using her platform to inspire others. She is one of the most successful track and field athletes ever, with 20 World Championship medals and 11 Olympic medals (including seven golds) over five Olympic Games.
But her story isn’t just about breaking records; it’s also about overcoming personal challenges and advocating for the rights of female athletes. Allyson openly credits her Christian faith with helping her through some incredibly tough times.
Allyson’s faith has always been a central part of her life. Growing up in a religious family, she learned to trust Jesus from a very young age. She credits this foundation for helping her stay grounded and focused throughout her career.
More on the Vision Christian Media app or at 🔗 https://vision.org.au/…/from-olympic-gold-to-advocacy…/
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Kennedy Blades, Wrestling, USA


YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/GospelGoal/videos/1016304853408254 

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Simone Biles, Gymnast, USA

Simone Biles Christian faith and success have earned her the title of the greatest gymnast of all time. She is not only known for her incredible skills and achievements but also for her strong Christian faith. Simone’s gymnastics career and life are closely connected to her beliefs, which have greatly helped her succeed and stay strong.

She said, ‘I have a lot of faith in God. It really helps me through the tough times.’ Simone has shared her faith publicly, saying that her belief in God gives her the courage to face the pressures of being a top athlete. ‘I pray every night before I go to bed and I feel like God is with me when I compete.’

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Coco Guaff, Tennis, USA

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Scottie Scheffler, Golf, USA

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USA Christian Olympians – in link

Link:
Add more links in the Comments section below.

RENEWAL JOURNAL

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Bicycle Evangelism in Kenya & Free Resources

by Geoff 2 April 2024 No Comments

Bicycle Evangelism in Kenya & Free Resources

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Bicycle Evangelism in Kenya & Free Resources
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Pastor Francis Okiwa reaches rural areas in Kenya with the Gospel and resources.

Here’s his story.

A MUSLIM  FAMILY GAVE THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST AFTER THEIR FATHER  WAS HEALED BY JESUS AFTER PRAYER

We were taught and trained that once you are born a Muslim, you are always a Muslim.  I used to follow my father to the mosque five times a day. I never seriously questioned the rituals of my family’s faith until a friend at school showed me a Bible.

I never wanted to read the Bible because if I’m caught, it will be another story. It’s the highest degree of crime to convert from Islam to Christianity. My friend told me that God is love. It’s not about what you do, but it’s about having faith in him through Jesus Christ.

That’s when my friend invited me to a Christian healing service.

I was very curious to go. Those who came with their crutches started abandoning their crutches, and they were screaming and shouting, “I am healed! I am healed!” That shook my idea about Jesus Christ—that he’s just one of the prophets. The healing power of Jesus Christ is real!  And that day I accepted him as my Lord and my personal Saviour.

From that day I stopped going to the mosque with my family and began sneaking off to church.  One day my father confronted me.

When I looked at his face, the rage, the anger, he was a monster saying, “Come here, boy. Tell me where are you going.”  I said, ‘church.’

“What? You’re going to church?” He pulled out a sword, and he ran after me. He started yelling, cursing me, “I deny you as a son, you are a traitor, you have denied our faith, and you are not my son anymore.”

I used to hide in my friend’s home.  After three weeks of hiding, I heard that my father had become paralysed and was dying of an illness that doctors couldn’t diagnose.

When I heard that, I told my friend, “Let’s go and pray for my father.”

My friend said, “No, you cannot do it. This is very dangerous. They are looking for you—they want to kill you!” He said, “You don’t understand.” I said, “You don’t understand! When Jesus heals my father, they will know that Jesus is real.”

I went to see my father.

He was looking at me, I remember. He couldn’t talk. He couldn’t do anything, but he could hear.  And I said, “Dad, I’m here to pray for you.”

I said, “Lord Jesus, I know you are a healer. Heal my father right now, so that the Muslims here and the whole world will know that you are a healer.”

Before my prayer ended, I saw my father moving his body.  He got up from his bed and he sat. He started talking, “Your Jesus prayer has healed me. Your Jesus is real. I can talk, I can move my body. All the pain is gone.”

He said, “Come back home, you are my son and there’s no more persecution,” in front of everybody.

Many family members saw what happened and also gave their lives to Christ.

That healing miracle led to the conversion of my mother from Islam to Christianity. My younger sister gave her life to Christ. My younger brother gave his life to Christ. Even my half-sisters and brothers who were very devout and they were all mad at me, insulting me, looking for me to kill me, they all gave their lives to Christ as a result and they started going to church with me.

I left my town of Kitale, Kenya, and came to settle In Eldoret to attend Bible Seminary. I now travel around Kenya speaking and praying for others.

Since I gave my life to Christ, my life has never been the same, I’ve been changed into a new person and his love has brought me joy, peace, and happiness. We don’t have to do anything to earn his love.  We just have to embrace him into our lives.

            by Pastor Francis Okida, New Vision Gospel Ministry


Francis with the books The Life of Jesus and Living in the Spirit

Here are more comments from Francis:

I’m a full-time pastor and a very serious soul-winner evangelist, mainly in far rural areas, and for many years I have been walking a long distance on foot, like 50 km, to go and preach the gospel in far rural areas to distribute gospel tracts, scripture booklets, and books. By the time I reach there, it’s too late in the evening, and I normally get tired on the way, so I cannot preach on that same day, so do it the next day.

With donations we helped him buy two bicycles for his work.


Pastor Francis & Co-pastor evangelize by bike.

He wrote:

We print and distribute your wonderful books locally by using what we call ‘Perfect Book Printing’ here In Eldoret Town, Kenya. By doing that we reach poor Pastors, Church Leaders, Evangelists and many other Preachers in far rural areas with no access to the Internet.

We have several printing machines here In Eldoret, Kenya, so we shall distribute to over 700 rural Pastors in Kenya. I will be distributing these books free of charge as the Lord provides.

If you would like to help Francis you can email me at geoffwaugh2@gmail.com.

Renewal Journal Resources

All the Renewal Journal resources – www.renewaljournal.com – are freely available, and may be shared, reproduced and distributed freely. Some examples:

Kenya

Francis saw them online and now prints some of those books and distributes them in Kenya, as with Flashpoints of Revival and God’s Surprises (both on the main page with links).

Pakistan & India 

Nabeel Sharoon saw The Life of Jesus online and translated it into Urdu and Hindi and other main languages of that sub-continent. They’re available free online and some mission groups print some of them. See his work on The Life of Jesus

 

Korea

Dr David Kim translated Flashpoints of Revival into Korean.

 

 

Czechoslovakia

Paulinky Press published The Queen’ Faith in Czech.

  

 

Global Awakening

Dr Randy Clark heads Global Awakening from America, often leading teams to minister in many countries. He printed Revival Fires, an updated version of Flashpoints of Revival.

   

 

General

 Every day people explore Renewal Journal papers and books on Academia, and they are referenced in various academic papers and reports.


The Renewal Journal began as 20 printed journals mailed to subscribers. Many universities and Christian colleges subscribed for their libraries. Now those journals, books, and hundreds of blogs are available online. Around 400-500 view the blogs daily. You have permission to freely reproduce any of these resources and books. Some are available in Christian bookstores and on Amazon.

You are welcome to share or reproduce any Renewal Journal resource and book.

Now it is cheapest to print it yourself and distribute or sell it yourself.

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

Blogs Index 1: Revivals (briefer than Revivals Index)
Blogs Index 2: Mission (international stories)
Blogs Index 3: Miracles (supernatural events)
Blogs Index 4: Devotional (including Testimonies)
Blogs index 5: Church (Christianity in action)
Blogs Index 6: Chapters (Blogs from Books)
Blogs Index 7: Images (Photos & Videos)

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Bicycle Evangelism in Kenya & Free Resources
The Life of Jesus – in 6 languages
The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story

Renewal Journal – a chronicle of renewal and revival:
www.renewaljournal.com

Bible guidance, Bible Stories, Bible Study, crucifixion, Geoff Waugh, Jesus, Jesus Christ, life of Jesus , , , ,

The Life of Jesus – in 6 languages

by Geoff 18 March 2024 4 Comments

The Life of Jesus – in 6 languages

History’s Great Love Story

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The Life of Jesus – in 6 languages


The Life of Jesus – WestBow Press – PDF
WestBow Press version – The Life of Jesus
Amazon – paperback, hardcover, Kindle

The Amazing Life of Jesus: 
because it’s truth changes lives forever


Available in 2 versions:
The Life of Jesus – blog 
The Amazing Life of Jesus – blog

Other Translations

The Life of Jesus in Hindi, Indian Punjabi,
Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi

You can freely reproduce, translate, and print these PDF books

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Renewal Journal – a chronicle of renewal and revival: www.renewaljournal.com
Geoff Waugh – founding editor of the Renewal Journal

Also available as a Renewal Journal  –  free PDF ebook:


Renewal Journal version – The Life of Jesus
The Life of Jesus – Renewal Journal free PDF

Also an expanded version with extra Bible passages included
The Story of Jesus:


The Story of Jesus – Blog
The Story of Jesus – PDF ebook
This PDF is an expanded version of The Life of Jesus with extra Bible passages included.
The same Contents and Chapters with more detail added.
Page 4 of the PDF lists the additional passages

An expanded version of The Life of Jesus
with extra biographical Bible passages added

The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story – PDF

Permissions: You can reproduce these books and any Renewal Journal resource freely, including in print.

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The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story

Renewal Journal – a chronicle of renewal and revival: www.renewaljournal.com
Geoff Waugh – founding editor of the Renewal Journal
Free PDF books on the Main Page
Permissions: You can reproduce any Renewal Journal resource freely, including in print.

 

Review Endorsements
More endorsements on this link

* Our team recently came across your book entitled The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story, and we were captivated from start to finish. Your writing style is not only engaging but also remarkably insightful, and the story-line/topic you’ve crafted is nothing short of compelling. Its unique qualities and the emotions it evokes have the power to resonate with readers on a profound level. ~ James Mendez (Skylark)

* This is a very informative, amazing, and powerful book. Thanks to the author for investing hours of research, expressed with his masterful command of language. ~ Alex Johnson (5-stars)
* Be enriched. A most helpful telling of the life of Jesus using the biblical text and adding some background and charts. Anyone using this book will be enriched. ~ Rev Dr John Olley (Amazon 5-stars)
* This is a wonderful book and can be read over and over. Thank you. ~ Kerry Rawson
* This is a great read. Simple and easy language that even my children can read as a guide, and have a better understanding of the Life Journey of Christ, as they read it in the Gospels. Thank You. ~ Florence
* Good clear language for a seeker to read and understand the life of Jesus. ~ Duncan Gibb
* Geoff Waugh has written a very helpful devotional book about the Saviour of the world who is also the loving presence in believers. Having known Geoff for over sixty years I can testify that every word written proceeds from his own heart of love for Jesus and for all God’s children. Geoff has avoided trying to manufacture some theory or new twist to make the book more colourful. He has used Scripture as his main source and has been faithful to both the divinity and humanity of Jesus as expressed in the Gospels. His use of chronology for headings and the many sub-headings makes the book simpler to absorb, even for an enquirer or new believer. It reminds me a little of Leon Morris’s beautiful book The Lord from Heaven. I warmly commend this book. ~ Rev Dr Tony Cupit, Former Director of the Baptist World Alliance.
* I keep this book with my Bible. It is especially helpful when reading through the Gospels. ~ Cathy Hartwig
* This book is for those who question Jesus’ reality as the Son of God, and for those who search for the details of His amazing life on this earth. ~ Judith Abrey
* The book is beautifully written and I have learned and understood a lot. I am recommending this book. ~ Kattie Mayson (Amazon 5-stars)

* I had the pleasure of reading your book last night. It is truly exceptional, providing fresh insights. The Life of Jesus effectively directs readers to the profound and uplifting news about who Jesus is and the significance of his actions. Thanks you so much for this blog site about Jesus Life. ~ Christiana Michael.
* I experience enrichment through this profound portrayal of Jesus’s life. A compelling read with straightforward and accessible language. This remarkable book is a true gem, deserving to be revisited time and again. ~ Henry
* I read your book last night. This is a great book. Thanks for writing this for all of us. ~ Nabeel Sharoon from Pakistan.

Review Endorsements
More endorsements on this link

 


Translator: Nabeel Sharoon
Nabeel Sharoon in Pakistan translated The Life of Jesus into 5 languages: Hindi, Indian Punjabi, Urdu, Sindhi, & Pakistani Punjabi.
Contact him if you’d like Nabeel to translate your work.
Free PDF translations are on this page, including links to the English versions and PDFs.

Information about translator Nabeel Sharoon – you can pass on to others.
Contact Nabeel if you can help him. His home is severely damaged in recent floods.

beel.sharoon@gmail.com

Multilingual Translator Nabeel Sharoon
36 – S – 579 Saint Peter’s Street Bait-ul-hum Road
Bahar Colony (1), Kot Lakhpat, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan 54000
+923218811917
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Skills – Highly skilled multilingual Manual Translator: with expertise in various languages including English, Urdu, Hindi, Sindhi, Shahmukhi Punjabi, and Gurmukhi Punjabi.
Strong Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication abilities in English and various regional languages.
Attention to Detail: Keen eye for detail to ensure accurate translations and maintain the integrity of the original content.
Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of diverse cultures and their impact on language nuances.
Time Management: Efficiently manage time to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple translation projects simultaneously.
Adaptability: Quick learner who can adapt to different subject matters and styles of writing.
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Experience: Books, Renewal Journal
The Life of Jesus by Geoff Waugh / Multilingual Translator
Author’s Email: geoffwaugh2@gmail.com

To Forgive is Divine – A Novel.
The Story Of The Bible by Melissa Leedom
https://www.forgive490.com/
Author’s Email: forgive490@yahoo.com

Susan Davis:
Marriage Supper Of The Lamb / Multilingual Translator
Bride Of Christ / Multilingual Translator
Rapture Or Tribulations / Multilingual Translator
Left Behind After The Rapture / Multilingual Translator
In Love With The Whirlwind / Multilingual Translator
Prepare The Way /Multilingual Translator
https://endtimesprophecycatalog.com/?fbclid=IwAR2eaw6TU53g
fIcY-2wKdh4znJbHwaLGyaB9O606pcgOaWPfxbC12rG9HHM
Author’s Email: kidsmktg@sbcglobal.net
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Education Virtual University of Pakistan / BS (Mass Communication)
Aug 2012 – July 2016, Lahore
Forman Christian College / Intermediate in Commerce
April 2010 – April 2012, Lahore
Franciscan Boys High School/ Matriculation in Science
March 2008 – March 2010, Lahore
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Language Proficiency – English: Bilingual proficiency
– Urdu: Native or bilingual proficiency
– Hindi: Native or bilingual proficiency
– Sindhi: Native or bilingual proficiency
– Shahmukhi Punjabi: Native or bilingual proficiency
– Gurmukhi Punjabi: Native or bilingual proficiency

The Life of Jesus provides a brief overview of history’s great love story. It gives a summary of the birth and boyhood of Jesus and describes his ministry through three Passover Festivals.
The book includes a detailed chart of a chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry and examines why such a popular, loving, and compassionate young leader would encounter intense hostility and opposition causing his crucifixion.
The mystery and wonder deepen because his resurrection transformed his followers and millions of lives. We date our diaries and calendars from the time of his birth.

Popular Books – by Geoff Waugh

Revival Books – gift ideas

Renewal Books – gift ideas

General Books – gift ideas

Devotional Books – gift ideas

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

Blogs Index 1: Revivals (briefer than Revivals Index)
Blogs Index 2: Mission (international stories)
Blogs Index 3: Miracles (supernatural events)
Blogs Index 4: Devotional (including Testimonies)
Blogs index 5: Church (Christianity in action)
Blogs Index 6: Chapters (Blogs from Books)
Blogs Index 7: Images (Photos & Videos)

Share any Blog to inform and bless others

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The Life of Jesus – in 6 languages
The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story
The Life of Jesus – in English and Urdu
Renewal Journal – a chronicle of renewal and revival:
www.renewaljournal.com

aborigines, Australia

Australia Day – the Good News amid bad news

by Geoff 24 January 2024 No Comments

Australia Day – the Good News amid bad news

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Australia Day – the Good News amid bad news


Renewal Journal – a chronicle of renewal and revival: www.renewaljournal.com

 

They sailed into Sydney Cove on 26 January, 1788, bringing the Good News about Jesus Christ to Australia.

Amid the bad news of broken agreements and local wars, the Gospel of God’s everlasting Kingdom for all people took root in Australia. One of it’s strongest revivals occured among Aboriginal people.
See Australian Aboriginal Revival

Australia Day and Psalm 116:12-13

Article by Rev John Wyndham

At 11.00am Sunday 3 February, 1788, a young Church of England clergyman stood under “a great tree” beside Sydney Cove [probably near what is now the junction of Bridge & Pitt Streets]. His name was Richard Johnson.

He was sponsored by the Eclectic Society led by John Newton and John Venn (eventual founder of the Church Missionay Society) amongst others.  In 1786, Richard Johnson was appointed chaplain by Royal Charter of what was to become the settlement of New South Wales a year before the First
Fleet sailed for Botany Bay.

Seated before Richard Johnson as he led the service of Morning Prayer on that Sunday were
Governor Arthur Phillip and other leaders of the new settlement. Standing behind in ranks were the
convicts, the soldiers of the NSW Marine Corps, and the sailors, all spruced up, according to the
records. So began the first Christian service on Australian soil.

Richard Johnson took as his text, Psalm 116:12-13
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.  [KJV]

It was particularly appropriate for the occasion as the verse reflects the experience of someone who has undergone severe and repeated sufferings but has survived to give thanks to God for his safe deliverance. From verses 1-9, it is obvious David had been through a time of great stress and danger that drove him to despair. But, as he cried out to the Lord, God delivered him.

1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

So, eight days after the eleven ships of what we now call the First Fleet anchored in Sydney Cove
with everyone full of questions about the future, without a church or a pulpit, Richard Johnson
offered thanksgiving to God for their safe delivery from the tempestuous seas.

The largest ship, HMS Sirius, at 464 tonnes was less than half the size of the old Manly ferry South Steyne.  The eight-and-a-half-month voyage had been a tough one with wild seas and strong winds. The ships had sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Rio de Janeiro, then south east across the same ocean to Cape Town. From Cape Town the route had been across the southern Indian Ocean with the wild Roaring Forties to south of Van Dieman’s Land [modern Tasmania], up the east coast of the mainland to Botany Bay and then on to Port Jackson. Richard Johnson’s wife Mary became so sick it was feared she would die. Her unborn child did. Yet, 96% of the nearly 1500 passengers and crews survived.

Johnson would very likely have drawn his congregation’s attention to the way in which the
experience of those who had arrived in the First Fleet was parallel to the experience of the psalmist. His passion for souls would have urged them to respond to God’s benefits in the way David did as he answered the question of verse 12 with verse 13 –
I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.

Marine officer and future author Watkin Tench wrote that the behaviour of both the troops and
convicts was “equally regular and attentive”. He further wrote that “at the conclusion of the service,
the entire congregation knelt and dedicated the new colony to God in prayer.”
:
So, what does this all mean for us?  Despite the distress many are feeling, despite the mess that the world is in and the instability around us, despite the fact that some of us are struggling with health and family issues, we are so blessed by the Lord. Surely, our response should be that of the Psalmist – “I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.“

To take the cup of salvation is an act of worship and so in further worship, like David, we are to call
upon the name of the LORD. We should utter praise, thanksgivings and prayers, and drink of the
cup which the Lord has filled with his saving grace. On His table of infinite love stands a cup full of blessing. It is ours to take in our hand by faith, to make it our own, to partake of it, and then with joyful hearts to praise and magnify the gracious One who has filled it for our sakes that we may drink and be refreshed.

We can do this figuratively at the Lord’s Table as we partake of Holy Communion. We can do it
spiritually every time we grasp the golden chalice of the covenant, realising the fulness of blessing
which it contains, and by faith receiving its divine contents into our inmost soul.

As verses 16-19 of the Psalm say,
O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD – in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.

Beloved, let us take a long and deep draught from the cup which Jesus filled, and then with devout
hearts let us worship God afresh.
Let us call upon the name of the Lord
And, let us rededicate our nation in prayer.

__________________________________

Notes

The Australian flag from Federation in 1901 includes four crosses: three in the Union Jack plus stars of the Southern Cross. The Union Jack has:
The red St George’s Cross of England
The white diagonal St Andrew’s Cross of Scotland
The red diagonal St Patrick’s Cross of Ireland

See also


Australian Aboriginal Revival

 


Eternity – Arthur Stace

 


From Hatred to Love: 10 guns to kill Billy Graham in Melbourne
How God transformed a brutal Australian gang leader

 


The Life of Jesus – Blog
The Life of Jesus – free PDF eBook

 

Added to BLOGS INDEX 4: DEVOTIONAL

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

BLOGS INDEX 1: REVIVALS (BRIEFER THAN REVIVALS INDEX)

BLOGS INDEX 2: MISSION (INTERNATIONAL STORIES)

BLOGS INDEX 3: MIRACLES (SUPERNATURAL EVENTS)

BLOGS INDEX 4: DEVOTIONAL (INCLUDING TESTIMONIES)

BLOGS INDEX 5: CHURCH (CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION)

BLOGS INDEX 6: CHAPTERS (BLOGS FROM BOOKS)

BLOGS INDEX 7: IMAGES (PHOTOS AND ALBUMS)

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Eternity – Arthur Stace

by Geoff 31 December 2023 No Comments

Arthur Stace & Eternity

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Sydney, Australia, celebrated the beginning of 2000 by displaying on the Harbour Bridge the word Eternity in the iconic copperplate handwriting of Arthur Stace.

By John Skinner – Press Service International

 

It was just after midnight on January 1, 2000, when the word ‘Eternity’ appeared in copperplate writing on the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The New Millennium was ushered in with the biggest fireworks display ever over the harbour city.

An estimated two million people gathered around and on Sydney Harbour and two billion people watched on television.

They were outstanding!

Sydney’s fireworks display is one of the first to be seen worldwide.

What did this ‘Eternity’ mean?

Those in the gathering who knew the story of Arthur Stace and Eternity, although surprised, knew the meaning of the ‘sermon in a word.’

To grasp the true meaning of the word we need to understand the story behind it and to do so, we need to travel back in time to Sydney over 120 years ago.

Arthur Stace was born in Balmain in 1884. His father was an alcoholic, his mother ran a brothel, two brothers died early and his two sisters later also ran brothels.

Domestic violence in the home was so bad the children often slept on hessian bags under the house to escape the drunken wrath of their father.

Arthur stole to eat and at the age of 12, was made a Ward of the State. He had no education.

In gaol by 15

At 14 he went to work in the Balmain coal mine and at 15, served his first jail sentence. He was already a heavy drinker.

In his early 20s, he moved to Surry Hills and occupied himself running ‘sly grog’ for pubs and acting as a ‘cockatoo’ (lookout) for illegal gambling houses and brothels. He was arrested several times and sentenced to gaol.

The Great War

World War I intervened in Arthur’s life; he enlisted in the AIF and went to France as a stretcher bearer. He witnessed all the horrors of war in the trenches, the heavy artillery bombardments, thousands of dead and wounded along with the mud and freezing conditions.

He was wounded and the injuries impaired the sight in one eye. He returned to Australia in 1919 where he was discharged, still suffering what was then known as ‘shell shock’ and the effects of mustard gas poisoning.

Arthur found it easy to renew old acquaintances and soon slipped into a life of alcohol, gambling and crime. He became homeless and methylated spirits became a cheap escape.

By 1930 the world was in the grip of the Great Depression, there was no work, no income and Arthur wandered the streets stealing food or begging for handouts.

A cuppa and a rock cake

One port of call was St Barnabas Anglican Church in Broadway which conducted a ‘Meeting for Needy Men’ where afterwards, a cup of tea and a rock cake was given to all who attended.

Arthur wandered into the meeting on August 6, 1930 where he found 300 men seated. He saw some well-dressed men standing near the door and asked the man next to him – one of Sydney’s best-known criminals – who they were.

“I’d reckon they’d be Christians,’ was the reply.

Arthur said, “Well look at them and look at us. I’m havin’ a go at what they’ve got.”

The Rock of Ages

After the meeting Arthur walked across the road into Sydney University Park and under a big Morton Bay fig tree, fell to his knees with tears streaming down his face and cried out, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.”

He was a genuine conversion to Christ. Arthur later testified:

“I went in to get a cup of tea and a rock cake but I met the Rock of Ages.”

Eternity, where will you spend eternity?

In November 1932 Arthur was listening to evangelist John Ridley MC in the Burton Street Baptist Tabernacle in Darlinghurst when he heard the words from Isaiah 57:15, “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity.”

Stressing the word, Ridley cried out, “Eternity, eternity. I wish I could sound or shout that word to everyone in the streets of Sydney. Eternity! You have to meet it. Where will you spend eternity?”

In his testimony, Arthur Stace recalled the meeting.

“Eternity was ringing through my brain and suddenly I began to cry and felt a powerful call from the Lord to write ‘Eternity.’ I had a piece of chalk in my pocket and outside the church I bent down right there and wrote it ….. The funny thing is, before I wrote it I could barely write my own name. I had no schooling and couldn’t have spelled ‘Eternity’ for a hundred quid ($200) but it came out smoothly in a beautiful copperplate script. I couldn’t understand it and I still can’t”

Over the next 33 years, the word Eternity was repeated more than 500,000 times all over the city, in country towns and in Melbourne.

“The sermon in a word.”

 

Do you know the AMAZING Story Behind Sydney’s ‘Eternity’ Graffiti?

For over twenty five years, from 1930 to 1956, the people of Sydney woke up each day to a one-word sermon—”Eternity”—handwritten in yellow crayon on footpaths, train station platforms, and perimeter walls lining the city’s many walkways and streets.

The “Eternity” graffiti illuminated on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of new year’s eve celebration in 2000. Photo credit: National Geographic.

Each day a fresh batch of graffiti rendered in beautiful copperplate lettering style would appear at places where there weren’t any the previous night. Somehow, for twenty-five years, a mysterious figure had managed to sneak into the city every night and leave his presence on the city’s walls and sidewalks.

It attracted the ire of Sydney City Council at first, but as the weeks became months, and the months became years, the “Eternity”graffiti became an iconic symbol of the city. Pedestrians stepped around and over the words, and street sweepers and cleaners left the elegant writings untouched.

The mysterious figure behind the phenomenon, who was to become the most famous graffiti artist in Australia’s history, managed to keep his identity a secret until one morning in June 1956, when he was caught in the act. That morning, Reverend Lisle M. Thompson, who preached at the Burton Street Baptist Church, saw a church cleaner sneak out a piece of chalk from his pocket and write the word on the footpath.

Rev. Thompson approached the cleaner and asked, “Are you Mr. Eternity?”, to which the cleaner replied, “Guilty, your honour.”

Soon after that encounter, the Sunday Telegraph published an interview with the artist and the mystery that had baffled Sydney for over 25 years was finally revealed. The cleaner’s name was Arthur Malcolm Stace.

Born in 1885 in Redfern, Stace’s childhood and much of his adulthood was marked by abject poverty. His parents were alcoholics, and his sisters ran a brothel. To survive, he resorted to stealing bread and milk and searching for scraps of food in bins. At the age of 12, Stace became a ward of the state and for worked briefly in a coal mine.

As a teenager, he became an alcoholic and was subsequently sent to jail at 15 for drunkenness. His twenties were spent running liquor between pubs and brothels, and working as a lookout for gambling dens. During the First World War, Stace found work as a laborer with the Australian Imperial Force, but his recurring bouts of bronchitis and pleurisy led him to be discharged.

It was the Great Depression years, and a ragged alcoholic like Stace had no chance of finding a job. One day in 1930, together with three hundred other homeless people, he attended an evangelical church to get tea and a muffin. Although his intention was finding food for his body, he ended up finding food for his soul, too. He received Christ in his heart and everything changed for him.

Two years later, Stace finally found his calling when he went to listen to a Baptist preacher named John Ridley give a sermon based on a fragment from the Gospel of Isaiah 57:15 titled “Echoes of Eternity”, Ridley declared: “Eternity, Eternity, I wish that I could sound or shout that word to everyone in the streets of Sydney. You’ve got to meet it, where will you spend Eternity?”. The words so captivated Stace that at that very moment, Stace pulled a piece of chalk he had in his pocket, bent down and wrote the word “ETERNITY” on the church floor.

Even though he was illiterate and could hardly write his name Arthur, legibly, the word ‘Eternity’ came out smoothly, in a beautiful copperplate script. “I couldn’t understand it, and I still can’t,” he later told in an interview.

For the next 35 years of his life, until he died in 1967, the reformed alcoholic woke up at the crack of dawn to scrawl “Eternity” in yellow chalk all over the city. Stace narrowly escaped arrest for defacing public property on some two dozens occasions, but each time he was caught, he had a well-rehearsed defense for the police: “I had permission from a higher source”. Stace estimates he wrote his single-word message an estimated half a million times over three-and-a-half decades.

Stace’s word wound its way into Sydney’s heart. Many contemporary artists incorporated the word into their artworks, and ‘Eternity’ became a common motif in the Sydney street art scene. At the turn of the century New Year’s Eve celebration, it was proudly emblazoned across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Later, that same year, it was part of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Only two original Eternity inscriptions survive today. One is on a piece of cardboard Stace gave to a fellow parishioner, and is now at Eternity Gallery of the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. The other, and the only remaining inscription in situ, is inside the bell of the Sydney General Post Office clock tower.


This beautiful memorial to Sydney’s ‘Mr Eternity’ Arthur Stace is located in the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in Matraville in Sydney.

LINKS TO OTHER INSPIRING STORIES

Best Revival Stories – “Living Faith”
“Before they call I will answer” – Dr Helen Roseveare
The Spirit told us what to do – 2 teenage girls start 30- churches in China,
also in Great Revival Stories 
Speaking God’s Word – Communist leader healed and thousands saved,
also in Great Revival Stories

The Life of Jesus – Blog
The Life of Jesus – free PDF eBook

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

BLOGS INDEX 1: REVIVALS (BRIEFER THAN REVIVALS INDEX)

BLOGS INDEX 2: MISSION (INTERNATIONAL STORIES)

BLOGS INDEX 3: MIRACLES (SUPERNATURAL EVENTS)

BLOGS INDEX 4: DEVOTIONAL (INCLUDING TESTIMONIES)

BLOGS INDEX 5: CHURCH (CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION)

BLOGS INDEX 6: CHAPTERS (BLOGS FROM BOOKS)

BLOGS INDEX 7: IMAGES (PHOTOS AND ALBUMS)

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Vietnam: Jailed five times, but unshaken

by Geoff 20 December 2023 No Comments
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2023: A year of revival on college campuses

by Geoff 16 December 2023 4 Comments

2023: A year of revival on college campuses

Joel News International,
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2023: A year of revival on college campuses

By Talia Wise —

Texas baptism (CBN)

This year we witnessed a powerful move of the Holy Spirit across college campuses, beaches, prisons, and churches – so much so that 2023 could be dubbed a “Year of Revival.” It could even point to the beginning of what many have called a spiritual awakening in America.

Faith leaders have testified that “revival is happening” in pockets across the U.S. spanning different age groups, denominations, and backgrounds.

‘The Asbury Awakening’

Many would say that the biggest “firestarter” of them all was a simple worship service at Asbury University in Kentucky where 100 people fell to their knees and bowed at the altar in Hughes Auditorium, just to worship God.

“On Wednesday, February 8, a very small but very faithful group of Asbury students listened to the nudging of the Holy Spirit and stayed in Chapel a little longer, and then a little longer, and then way longer,” shared a student speaker. “And we had no idea that the world was about to know God better.”

That small act eventually inspired thousands to flock to the college campus where they sought God’s presence for more than two weeks, leading to repentance, healing, and salvation.

“Peers, professors, local church leaders, and seminary students surround me—all of them praying, worshipping, and praising God together. Voices are ringing out. People are bowing at the altar, arms stretched wide,” wrote Alexandra Presta, the editor of the student-run website The Asbury Collegian. “A pair of friends cling to each other in a hug, one with tears in her eyes. A diverse group of individuals crowd the piano and flawlessly switch from song to song. Some even sit like me, with laptops open. No one wants to leave.”

What took place garnered national attention and began to spring up across other campuses.

“THE FIRE IS SPREADING. Reports say students from more than 21 colleges have now arrived at Asbury University in Kentucky for revival services. Just imagine what will happen if this spreads nationwide,” wrote missionary Lee Grady in February.

Lee University: ‘Awakening the Deep Wells of Revival’

Lee University, a private Christian college in Cleveland, Tennessee is 250 miles away from Asbury University, but students from this small school felt compelled to take part in what was taking place and it began a movement of revival on their campus.

Lee University Campus Pastor Rob Fultz noted on X, “What’s happening at Asbury is not and will not remain confined. It will, and already is awakening the deep wells of revival on campuses across the nation. They have been churning, pressing against the seals that have kept them hidden, and they are about to burst with new life.”

Fultz reported the revival had reached the Lee campus, writing: “A mighty move of God started this morning at Lee and it has been building throughout the day. We are approaching the 10th hour, nothing but voices in prayer, worship, and repentance.”

He also included a video taken of the worship in the campus’s Stone Chapel. Students were coming to the chapel, crying out to God, praying, and repenting.

The revival continued to spread to schools in Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.

“I think there’s a move of God that’s happening; there’s a revival that’s happening, and I wanted to be in the Presence of God,” Regent University student Shameka White told CBN News. “I wanted to just be among believers. And we need it in the climate of the world today.”

Cedarville University

Cedarville University President Thomas White shared five short video clips of the revival at his school – just 10 days after the start of the Asbury revival.

“Tonight a large number of students gathered again to pray, read Scripture, testimonies, and to worship Jesus for about two hours! We had 2 more students saved tonight. Tomorrow night we are sending our students out to other Universities to share the Gospel,” he wrote. “Keep praying for wisdom and a genuine movement of the Lord! The last video is from students who stayed around to keep worshipping. They were still there when I left about 11 pm!”

In an email to the Cedarville faculty and staff, White wrote, “We are so thankful for how God is working on our campus in recent days.”

Texas A&M Corpus Christi

Some of the evidence that God was moving on college campuses did not involve massive worship services in an auditorium, but rather, outdoor prayer gatherings and spontaneous baptisms wherever there was water.

In February, Michael Fehlauer, the lead pastor of the New Life Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, posted videos to social media that showed baptisms being performed in a public fountain at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

Auburn University

An impromptu baptism at Auburn University in Alabama started with one student wanting to be baptized but grew to roughly 200 people who decided to give their lives to Christ.

In September, Hundreds of students made a public declaration of their new life in Christ by dipping in a lake near Red Barn as spectators watched in awe.

“I’ve seen Auburn basketball beat Kentucky. I’ve seen Auburn football beat Alabama, but I have never seen something like I did Tuesday night,” Auburn University senior Michael Floyd told WFSA12 News.

More than 5,000 people showed up to Unite Auburn’s “Night of Worship”. The campus ministry’s outreach was created to bring the Alabama school’s Christian community together for a night of worship. It featured guest speakers New York Times Best-Selling Author Jennie Allen and Pastor Jonathan Pokluda, and worship was led by Passion Music.

“It was such a move of God,” Allen told CBN News. “There is something very special happening right now. I believe in their hearts I think they are, they are hungry for God and, and they want God in a very real way, this is not manufactured.”

A Move of God at HBCUs

One organization reported in March that God was also moving powerfully among the country’s historically black colleges and universities, also known as HBCUs.

The Black Voices Movement, a ministry of Circuit Riders, is on a mission to reach the next generation with the good news of Jesus Christ by empowering young black men and women across America to be evangelists and preachers of the gospel.

It is an important work because statistics show only 1% of American missionaries are black.

Yasmin Pierce, the director of the Black Voices Movement, told CBN News they had tours to 20-30 HBCU campuses this year and have seen many salvations.

“We are all about the gospel. We’re evangelists. We love Jesus. We’re so grateful for the cross,” Pierce explained.

‘Radically Transformed’ College Students

Healings on college campuses were also reported this year. One report from Texas A&M in College Station revealed that an A&M student who couldn’t previously walk unaided, walked 20 steps after Aggies students prayed over him. One young man shared what he saw in a video posted to Facebook.

Tarik Whitmore, the young adult pastor at New Life Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, told CBN News he is seeing a movement among college students who are getting saved and then boldly proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ with the student body.

The result is campuses are being transformed for Jesus – and it is happening quickly.

“We are seeing these people repent from compromise and make a decision to make a public declaration of, ‘No, I want to give my whole life to Jesus starting today.’ And then we see them radically transformed before our eyes where their lifestyle is radically different [and they have] boldness to preach the Gospel to their friends like never before,” said Whitmore.

Kentucky

This spiritual awakening was not just limited to college campuses but spread throughout towns in America.

As CBN News reported, in a small community in southeastern Kentucky, hundreds of people were changed by a move of God’s Spirit.

Pastor Scott Phipps told CBN News that for 77 nights God moved “in a mighty way” as people were delivered, healed, and set free from addiction.

“People are really pouring their hearts out to the Lord and the altars are full,” Phipps said in January. “There’s no room at the altars and people are just pouring in.”

Nearly 300 people showed up to North Main Community Church in Barbourville, Kentucky to have an encounter with God.

“Addicts have been delivered every night. And one thing about the people coming is that most of them do not have any background in any Christianity whatsoever,” Phipps added. “The Lord says those who have been forgiven much, loveth much, and many of these people were at death’s door.”

He shared that the light of Jesus Christ is shining brightly in a dark season.

Phipps explained, “As far as the world is concerned it looks like it’s not going to get better, but at the same time the Bible says we would shine as light in the midst of a dark world in a crooked and perverse generation and nation. It is a great time for [revival].”

Louisiana

In Hammond, Louisiana, a four-day church worship service turned into an eight-month-long revival at an old Baptist church.

Old Zion Baptist Church held its first service on Oct.16, 2022 by June 2023 thousands had decided to put their faith in Jesus. People from 17 states and two countries traveled to the church to see what God was doing.

“The Awakening in Louisiana has truly been life-changing. When God sent me there on October 17, I never would have dreamed we would still be there! It has been the most supernatural event I’ve ever seen,” Evangelist David R. Harrison of Voice of Hope Ministries told CBN News in June.

“Thousands of decisions have been made for Christ! Salvations, restorations deliverance, and healings,” Harrison reported.

“Has there been many battles along the way? Yes! But, it truly has been worth it all just to see the thousands of lives who have been changed! I’m so thankful and humbled that God would allow me and my family to experience such an amazing move of the Holy Spirit. To God be the glory, great things HE hath done,” he added.

Massive Beach Baptisms

One beach in California, once the site of spiritual outpouring among young people during the Jesus Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, became a historic location where thousands gathered to be baptized.

Inspired by the movie “Jesus Revolution”, thousands of people came from all across America and the world to take part in the “Jesus Revolution Baptism” in July at the now-famous Pirates Cove in Newport Beach, California.

Harvest Christian Fellowship Sr. Pastor Greg Laurie held the massive baptism event where 32,500 people gathered and 6,794 made decisions to dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ.

Laurie, whose salvation story is featured in the “Jesus Revolution” film and who was also baptized at this location 50 years ago, couldn’t believe the size of the crowd.

“We have around 4,000 people signed up to be baptized today, can you believe that!” Pastor Laurie exclaimed. But then the number grew even larger.

Just a week earlier, more than 4,000 people were baptized on that same beach on Pentecost Sunday to celebrate not only the gift of eternal life but to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Jesus Movement.

Oceans Church organized Baptize SoCal – an event advertised as “the biggest water baptism in history.”

More than 280 churches and 8,000 attendees watched as 4,166 people flocked to the shore of Pirates Cove to declare their new life in Christ.

“What an amazing and historic day,” said musician and pastor at West Coast Life Church, Ray Gene Wilson. “Thousands baptized at Pirates Cove, God is moving in California!”

“A moment I’ll never forget,” one attendee commented on Instagram.

God Behind Bars

God Behind Bars, a national prison ministry, has baptized 599 prison inmates and seen 126,000 salvations this year.

The organization strategically works to reach the more than 2.3 million people in the prison system and bring the hope found in the Gospel.

The ministry’s goal to win souls for the Kingdom of God is exploding into an outreach that is providing hope to thousands in a dark place.

“In prison, it’s very easy to be a bitter, cold person,” one inmate recently shared. “But because of my relationship with Jesus Christ and because of who I’ve become while being in prison, I’ve learned (to be) a joyful person. Having a life sentence plus 30 (years), and people not understanding where this joy is coming from or not understanding how you can maintain a smile while going through adverse moments…and I know that it only came from God.”

Over the years, worship leaders like Brandon Lake, Naomi Raine, and Kirk Franklin as well as speakers like Sadie Robertson and Russell Wilson have prayed and sung alongside inmates. It could be described as a glimpse into a small facet of what we will likely see in Heaven – people from all walks of life worshipping Jesus Christ.

The ministry once shared that what is happening in the prisons is a “new thing” and it is evident in the joy that is felt and the lives that are changed.

“God is bringing revival to prisons! Jesus is doing a NEW THING,” they wrote.

Spontaneous Baptisms at Churches

Many churches across the country have experienced record-breaking water baptisms – some spontaneous.

More than 2,000 baptisms took place across Life.Church’s 40-plus campuses in August.

The Oklahoma megachurch celebrated as people took that step of faith at a large facility pool used by the church, while others got baptized at satellite campuses. Some even got baptized in their bathtubs,  previously recorded video showed.

“We’re not praying for revival. We’re in the middle of one. I thank God for what he’s doing,” Life.Church founder and pastor Craig Groeschel said. “God is doing a big thing.”

In Houston, Texas, 755 publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ at Champion Forest.

Nearly 300 people were baptized one Sunday morning at The Biltmore Church in Arden, North Carolina. And in one service at Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, TN, 136 people were spontaneously baptized.

But the numbers represent far more than mere statistics, it is a representation of lives transformed and citizenship established in Heaven.

“This is something to celebrate, people being raised from death to life,” remarked one Long Hollow leader. “And how good is it that we don’t have to earn the victory? We don’t have to earn salvation. We get to rest in the victory Christ already won on our behalf.”

Gen Z

As revival and mass baptisms have hit every generation this year, in many ways Gen Z has been leading the way. This year served as a spotlight on the increasing hunger among young people for God.

A recent Pew Research study claims that Gen Z is losing their religion, but in reality, there is a spiritual awakening that is happening among that generation.

Thousands are hearing the gospel message, making professions of faith in Jesus Christ, and answering the call to ministry.

 

 

“This I believe is for Generation Z, for this generation coming up now,” shared Dr. Corne Bekker, dean and professor of the Regent University School of Divinity. “This is their moment where God is getting a hold of their hearts.”

“Their eyes are opening, and they are surrendering their lives to Christ,” he continued.

The move of God is not just happening in the U.S.  Bekker references revivals overseas and believes that what’s taking place on a global scale is the beginning of the next Great Awakening.

“From my perspective, I believe it is here,” Bekker said. “The time is now; the kingdom of God is here. What should be our response? Repent and believe in the Good News.”

Bekker believes this could be the last great move of God to usher in the second coming of Jesus Christ. — CBN

Christian mission, mission, YWAM , ,

Loren Cunningham, founder of YWAM

by Geoff 10 October 2023 No Comments

Loren Cunningham, founder of YWAM

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Loren Cunningham, founder of YWAM

Loren Cunningham, the impactful global evangelist who founded Youth With A Mission (YWAM), passed away at age 88 in Kona, Hawaii on October 6, 2023.

“Loren was the first person in history to travel to every sovereign nation on earth, all dependent countries, and more than 100 territories and islands for the sake of Christ and the Great Commission (Mark 16:15). Now he has added one more ‘stamp’ to his well-worn passport: HEAVEN!” the official announcement on the YWAM website states.

Cunningham has been described as a “de-regulator of missions” because he enlisted young people to serve short-term, globally, raising their own support. This resulted in millions of young people deployed around the world to proclaim the Good News. The ministry he launched in 1960 now has tens of thousands of full-time staff in 200+ countries serving at over 2,000 YWAM locations.
Cunningham answered the call to missions at a revival meeting in 1948 at the age of 13. God spoke to him through Mark 16:15: ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.’

He received a remarkable vision from the Lord in the Bahamas in 1956. He was staying in a missionary’s home, kneeling beside the bed, praying in preparation to speak that night. He recorded the experience as follows:

“Suddenly, I was looking at a map of the world, only the map was alive and moving! I could see all the continents, and waves were crashing onto their shores. Each wave went onto a continent, then receded, then came up further until it covered the continent completely.  The waves became young people – kids my age and even younger – covering all the continents of the globe. They were talking to people on street corners and outside bars. They were going from house to house and preaching the Gospel. They came from everywhere and went everywhere, caring for people. Then, just as suddenly as it had come, the scene was gone.”

– Excerpt from Is That Really You, God? by Loren Cunningham with Janice Rogers, YWAM Publishing

Global initiatives launched under Cunningham’s leadership include YWAM Olympic Outreaches, the University of the Nations, YWAM Ships (28 vessels currently serve the most isolated islands and coastlands), and myriads of other ministries birthed by leaders he inspired, according to YWAM.

Cunningham believed that every Christian is a missionary and that there needs to be a ‘deregulation’ of missions. In other words, the global Church needs to change the way we view and conduct missions. Missions can be done anywhere one is, even in the marketplace. When Christians do that then we will be able to finish the Great Commission.

Cunningham is survived by his wife, Darlene, two children and three grandchildren.

Source: YWAM

Joel News International,  #1319, October 9, 2023

See also Mercy Ships and YWAM Ships

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Loren Cunningham, founder of YWAM
Africa, Brazil, revival, revivals , , ,

Revival continues worldwide – Africa and Brazil

by Geoff 5 October 2023 No Comments

Revival continues worldwide – Africa and Brazil

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Revival continues worldwide – Africa and Brazil

Guinea Bissau: Revival unfolding in majority Muslim country

A move of God of ‘biblical proportions’ is taking place in Guinea Bissau, reports missionary David Hoffman.

Guinea Bissau is a northwest African country with a population of two million people. Somewhere near 70% of the population is Muslim and 11.7% of the country identifies as Christian. Right now, Islam is making a strong push for religious and cultural dominance, but at the same time, God is moving powerfully.
Recently World Harvest, a ministry led by evangelist Jacob Ebersole, held several outreaches across Guinea Bissau. The Muslim president of the country intervened personally to help get the stage into the country. He also attended the first night of the Gospel crusade.

Guinea Bissau falls within the 10/40 Window which is a geographical area of countries that are the most unreached with the Gospel. With the current ‘Islamic evangelisation’ push into Guinea Bissau, Christians are beginning to rise up in boldness to proclaim the Gospel like never before while they still have the opportunity and freedom to do so.

One example of this occurred after a prayer meeting on the crusade field when thousands of teenagers spontaneously began to take to the streets in the capital city of Bissau. They proclaimed the Gospel and sang worship songs from one end of the city to the other.
The first night of the crusade was a massive success. “Thousands came far and wide to hear the Gospel. Some even traveled in canoes and boats on rough waters from islands off the coast to be a part of this. I’ve never seen anything like it before,” Ebersole said. “We’ve had the privilege of being on the front row witnessing a move of God that seemed impossible at every turn. Night after night, tens of thousands cried out to Jesus in repentance and faith. There were over 18,477 documented decisions for Christ.”

Ebersole said he’s not interested to lead people into emotional decisions, and took steps to make sure the numbers reported are accurate and not over-inflated. As the Gospel campaign across the nation continued, hundreds of young people spontaneously traveled to the next town to help with the next crusade.
One influential businessman said that no one would come to a Gospel crusade because the city is almost 100% Muslim, plus it was during Ramadan. After the crusade, he was shocked seeing that many Muslims cried out to Jesus. What he thought would be the ‘Lions Den’ turned into a great victory.

Sources: Jacob Ebersole, David Hoffman

Brazil: Young people are hungry for a deeper faith

According to a recent Barna report, nearly 75 percent of Brazilian teenagers say they want to learn more about Christ.

At just 14 years old, Lavínia Fernandes competes with the other young people in her church, located in Recife, Pernambuco, northeast Brazil, to see who can bring the most friends from school to the Saturday services. There are now more than 10 people from her class at school who started attending church through her. “My friends comment that I became kinder and happier after I became a Christian and that they can see God in my life,” said the teenager.

Like Fernandes, millions of other Christian teenagers throughout Brazil and other Latin American countries are experiencing something special in their journeys of faith. Recent research by the Barna Group reveals that Latin America is home to a “connected, digitally enabled generation” that is committed to their faith, engaged with the Bible, and hungry to learn more about Jesus.
The number of evangelical churches in Brazil has jumped from 17,033 in 1990 to 109,560 in 2019, an increase of 543 percent, according to the latest data available. In 2019 alone, an average of 17 new evangelical churches opened per day in Brazil, according to researcher Victor Augusto Araújo Silva, at the University of Zurich, Switzerland.

Long a country dominated by Catholicism, the arrival of Baptists, Lutherans, and Calvinists to Brazil at the end of the 19th century helped usher in the arrival of the evangelical movement. In the 20th century, missionaries from the US brought the Pentecostal movement, predominantly to the north and southeast parts of the country. By the 2030s, evangelicals may outnumber Catholics, projects demographer José Eustáquio Diniz Alves.

For Nathan Zortéa, a youth pastor at the CCvideira church in Fortaleza, Ceará, a congregation in the northeastern part of the country, Brazilian teenagers reap the fruits of evangelical churches whose reach crossed socioeconomic and racial lines. “The social inequality that exists in Brazil ends up showing our teenagers that the gospel is good news of justice and righteousness, of a God who is for you and not against you. Our churches have played a fundamental role in presenting these teenagers with a gospel that invites them to live something new,” said the leader of the A13, a youth ministry that currently has an average weekly attendance of more than a thousand teenagers.
Teens in Latin America are highly motivated by a sense of social justice. The more the teenagers are engaged with the Bible, the more they feel motivated to seek justice. For pastor Lucas Nagib, from Lagoinha Baptist Church in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, one factor that has led young Brazilians to stand out in relation to those from other countries is these teenagers’ high commitment to expose their faith with their peers and friends through social media.

Sources: Lavínia Fernandes, Nathan Zortéa, José Eustáquio Diniz Alves, Lucas Nagib, Barna Group

Joel News International # 1318,  October 5, 2023  view on the web

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Christian mission, church growth, Iran , , ,

I plant secret house churches

by Geoff 2 October 2023 No Comments

Iran: ‘I plant secret house churches because I was saved into one’

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I plant secret house churches

Nathan shares how he found Christ as a teenager in Iran and how God led him to launch a mission to equip persecuted believers. “I plant secret house churches, because I was saved into one,” he says.

This is his story:
I grew up in a Muslim family in Tehran, Iran. My mother, a devoted Muslim, taught me to follow Islamic practices diligently. However, fear of losing my parents haunted me due to uncertainties about salvation. One day, a Christian relative visited us and shared the gospel. Even though I’d been taught that the Bible was corrupted, her words resonated deeply with me. My mother surprisingly listened and questioned rather than getting defensive. Her claims of Jesus freeing us from fear struck a chord in my soul.

Later, I found myself on my knees, asking Jesus to save me. To my amazement, my mother was undergoing her own spiritual transformation. We, along with my father and brother, embraced Christ. A secret house church provided us refuge. Despite potential danger, the Holy Spirit emboldened us to share the gospel with Muslims.

‘We now lead an Instagram fellowship for secret house churches’

Over the years, I delved deeper into my faith, attending Christian conferences abroad and returning to teach in Iran. A dream of leaving Iran in 2013 came true as I became a refugee in the United States, fulfilling God’s promise. My ministry extended to social media, where I equip Persian believers through online education and mentorship. My wife and I lead an Instagram fellowship for secret house churches in places like Iran and Afghanistan, allowing us to reach Muslims globally.

The transformation was powerful – my once fearful heart was liberated by Jesus. My father’s passing brought sadness but also peace, as he embraced Christianity and found solace in his last days. I am now a church planting pastor and leadership coach in North Carolina, thankful for the journey that led me to Christ and my mission to empower persecuted believers.

Joel News International # 1315, September 15, 2023

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I plant secret house churches

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