‘It Was God’: Boy Who Swam 4 Hours to Save His Family Credits God for Miracle Survival

Miracles happen around us everyday.

Recently, God strengthened one teenage boy to help his family in a moment of peril.

In Western Australia, the Appelbee family went out on their kayaks and paddleboards in Quindalup, which is about 125 miles south of Perth, while on vacation. During this time, winds pushed them off the shore away from the Geographe Bay, as The Guardian reported. In a moment of desperation, mother Joanne Appelbee had her 13-year-old son, Austin, kayak toward the shore to get help.

However, things took another turn. Austin’s boat filled with water, and he had to swim 2.5 miles back to land. Austin swam with his lifejacket on for the first two hours, then removed it to swim faster.

Despite the extreme danger of the rough water, Austin told 7 News that he was not doing this alone.

To order Abby Trivett’s new book, The Power of Suddenly, visit Amazon.com.

“I don’t think it was actually me that did that,” Austin said. “It was God the whole time. I kept on praying, and praying, and I said to God, ‘I’ll get baptized’…and I went to church on Sunday.”

Austin finally made his way to land, where he was able to contact authorities for help.

“I hit the bottom of the beach, and I just collapsed, and then after that, I had to sprint 2km to get to the phone,” he said, as The Guardian reported.

“I said, ‘I need helicopters, I need planes, I need boats, my family’s out at sea.’ I was very calm about it. I think it was just a lot of shock.'”


While Austin didn’t know if his family was still alive, police found Austin’s mother, brother and sister still alive as they held onto their paddleboard 9 miles from shore.

In moments like these, we are reminded that God is not distant from the cries of His people—He is present, powerful and faithful to respond. Stories like this should stir our faith and bring glory to the One who still performs miracles today. In a world that often tries to explain away the supernatural, testimonies like Austin’s point back to the reality that God is still writing stories of rescue, redemption and protection.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.



Shocking Footage Shows Jeffrey Epstein Being Asked If He Is the ‘Devil Himself,’ Mocking Jesus

Newly released video files surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case are drawing renewed attention after footage shows him being directly asked whether he believed he was “the devil himself.”

In a video shared by Sky News Australia, the outlet notes that the material is part of a massive release from the Department of Justice, comprising millions of pages of documents, thousands of photos and hundreds of hours of video recordings.

During one exchange, Steve Bannon directly challenges Epstein about the origins of his wealth, asking, “Is your money dirty money?”

Epstein responds, “No, it’s not.”



When pressed further — “Why is it not dirty money?” — Epstein insists, “Because I earned it.”

“You earned it advising the worst people in the world, right?” Bannon asked.

Epstein then attempts to defend himself, stating, “I can tell you that with the money I gave to help try to eradicate polio in Pakistan and India.”

Moments later, the conversation reaches a pivotal point when Epstein is asked to consider how victims or families might feel about receiving money connected to him. Then comes the confrontation.

Bannon asks plainly, “Do you think you’re the devil himself?”

Epstein responds, “No but I do have a good mirror.”

Pressed again, Bannon repeats, “It’s a serious question. Do you think you’re the devil himself?”

Epstein answers, “I don’t know. Why would you say that?”

Another part of the interview showed Epstein mocking Jesus for being a carpenter.


“…And people around who could write, wrote. Socrates could think,” Epstein tells Bannon.

“Jesus of Nazareth,” Steve Bannon points out.

“I thought he was a carpenter,” Epstein replies.

“He was a carpenter,” Bannon says.

“Didn’t he need like little carpenter [tools],” Epstein says, laughing and using hand gestures to mock.

Ultimately, these revelations reveal a spiritual reality that Scripture has warned about for generations: darkness will always oppose the light. Evil does not simply exist in isolation—it resists truth, mocks righteousness and pushes back against anything that reflects God’s holiness. Moments like these serve as a sobering reminder that spiritual battles are not theoretical—they play out in real lives, real systems and real power structures.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.



Red Heifer Prophecy Resurfaces Amid Rising Temple Mount Tensions

As tensions continue to simmer across the Middle East, many believers are revisiting biblical passages about the last days—especially those found in Daniel, Revelation, and 2 Thessalonians—regarding the Antichrist’s coming.

As Mondo Gonzales said in a discussion with Oliver Melnick regarding the Antichrist, “When he comes in to declare himself to be God… Daniel tells us that he doesn’t acknowledge any god except himself.”

This aligns with interpretations of Daniel 11 and 2 Thessalonians 2, which describe a ruler who ultimately elevates himself above all worship.



Before this is set to take place, Melnick points out that the Antichrist is: “…going to have to earn the trust of the people who have been left behind. And that’s where he’s going to probably do what appears to be miracles.” This mirrors warnings in Revelation 13 about deceptive signs and wonders that lead many astray.

Central to this discussion is the temple.

According to Gonzales, the Antichrist’s motivation for helping rebuild it is deeply sinister. “He wants the temple built because that’s where he’s going to go blaspheme… If you’re going to blaspheme God, the best place to do it is in the heart of Israel, in the heart of Jerusalem, in the heart of the Temple Mount.”

This reflects the biblical warning about the “abomination of desolation,” when the Antichrist is believed by many to defile the Temple itself.

The two then turned to the red heifer ceremony, which is required by biblical law for purification in connection with Temple worship. Some believe geopolitical conditions may determine when such a ceremony could occur. “There’s no doubt that the geopolitics that would allow the red heifer ceremony to happen, we know exactly where on the Mount of Olives, there’s two pieces of property there,” Gonzales says. “There is no doubt that the under that rubric of the Antichrist where he causes the Mosaic covenant to prevail for Israel, Daniel 9:27, there’s no doubt that the most ideal time…would be at that time.”

While Christians hold differing interpretations of end-times timelines, many agree on one central truth: deception will come wrapped in promises of peace and unity.

The question is not simply whether these events could happen, but how close the world may be to witnessing them unfold.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.



Roger Goodell Defends NFL’s Upcoming ‘Bad Bunny’ Halftime Show Amid ICE Controversy

The commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, is once again defending the upcoming Super Bowl’s Halftime performance by Bad Bunny.

According to Fox News, Goodell said, “Listen, Bad Bunny is…one of the great artists in the world, and that’s one of the reasons we chose him.”

Goodell further stated that he believes Bad Bunny is the right fit for the job “to unite people” right now. Speaking of Bad Bunny’s criticism of ICE during the Grammy Awards, Goodell stated:

…he understood the platform he was on and this platform is used to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents and to be able to use this moment to do that and I think artists in the past have done that. I think Bad Bunny understands that, and I think he’ll have a great performance.

This unity, however, may not be for all people. As Bad Bunny previously stated, he plans to use this time to give thanks to “queer icons.”

To order Amanda Grace’s new book, Brace For Impact, visit Amazon.com.

When cultural movements celebrate identities, lifestyles or ideologies that conflict with biblical teaching, Christians are not called to bend under pressure or remain silent to avoid backlash. Instead, we are called to stand with humility, compassion and courage—anchored in God’s Word, not public opinion.

As the world grows louder in defining its own version of truth, the Church must grow stronger in faithfully living out biblical principles, refusing to compromise what God has clearly spoken.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.



Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband Charged With Murder of Current Wife

The ex-husband of former First Lady Jill Biden has been arrested and charged with murdering his current wife, Linda Stevenson.

According to NBC News, William Stevenson, 77, is currently facing first-degree murder charges in the state of Delaware.

While additional details have not been given regarding Linda Stevenson’s death, the report from New Castle County noted that police responded to a “domestic dispute Dec. 28 at a residence in the Wilmington area,” as NBC stated.



Linda Stevenson was discovered unresponsive in the couple’s living room. While officers attempted to provide lifesaving measures, she still passed away. William Stevenson’s indictment was based on the conclusion of a “weekslong investigation.”

William Stevenson is being held at the Howard Young Correctional Institution following his failure to post a $500,000 bail.

As CBS News reported, Stevenson and Jill Biden met in 1969 before getting married the next year. The two divorced in 1975. Biden has not yet commented on the situation.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.



Amanda Grace: Epstein Files, Celebrity Fallout, Political Turmoil and a Prophetic Unraveling

As headlines continue to surface surrounding documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, prophetic voice Amanda Grace sees it as part of a broader spiritual season of exposure involving influential figures in entertainment, politics and leadership.

According to Grace, this all points back to God exposing hidden corruption and coming accountability. “As they secretly make dark deals to keep their seats, the scandal that coils over shall intensify in order to bring forth a standard of accountability… against corrupt agents who are tethered to the kingdom of darkness and groups who funnel terror.”

To order Amanda Grace’s new book, Brace For Impact, visit Amazon.com.

Calling February a “ferocious” month, Grace then shifts toward the entertainment industry, referencing reports about Jay-Z. She states, “This is the brink… of a purge that is about to bring the largest collapse Satan’s music machine and empire has ever seen… The dross is coming to the top… It’s about to boil over… their names and brands and pinnacles are about to be smeared with scandal… It shall be swift.”

Turning toward government and leadership, Grace focuses on New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and his mother’s ties to Epstein. “Zohran Mandani… his mother is exposed as not only being in the Epstein files, but of actually allegedly partying with these people,” says Grace.

She also referenced the dismantling of New York’s broader political structures, stating, “New York City shall see its largest shaking… the mayor and the government of New York shall be caught in a tarpit of their own making.”

Grace repeatedly explains how these spiritual exposures are tied to divine justice: “I am marking the corrupt… This is the time of the righteous judge… The veil shall be lifted… Confusion will lose its grip.”

She also presents the exposure as part of a larger spiritual confrontation, stating, “The super predator shall become shaken prey… they shall attempt to push each other out of the way to run from the sword of justice and the scales of truth.”

History shows that corruption, when left hidden, grows stronger — but when brought into the light, it loses its power. Justice is not just about courts and investigations. It is about truth confronting darkness, pride meeting consequence and nations being forced to decide what they will tolerate and what they will stand against. How will we respond to this great shaking?

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.



Pastor Says 1,000+ Near-Death Experiences Confirm Reality of Heaven, Hell

There is no question about it. Heaven and hell are absolutely real.

In a recent interview with Fox News’ Kayleigh McEnany, Pastor John Burke spoke about the thousand-plus people he’s talked to about their near-death experiences.

Highlighting many powerful testimonies from Burke’s “Imagine Heaven Podcast,” including Randy Kay’s heavenly experience, Burke shared that studying near-death experiences took him from being an agnostic to giving his life to God.

To order Randy Kay’s new book, Heaven Encounters, visit Amazon.com.

“When I ran into these near-death experiences, I was an agnostic. My dad was dying of cancer. I read the first study, and I thought… ‘Maybe this God, Jesus stuff could be true’ because of how many of them when they clinically died said that they were more alive than they’ve ever been, in a place more real than this has ever felt, and in the presence of this God of light and love who is personal and knew them intimately like a best friend,” Burke said.

One of the testimonies Burke shared was of an imam who died and saw a man with holes in his wrists in the middle of a hellish experience.

“…he said into that place steps a man clothed in a robe of light who holds out his hands, and he sees holes in His wrists…and he says, ‘I died for mankind. You’re among those I died for. Never deny it again. Tell everyone.'”


Scripture has always been clear that there is life beyond this one, and that our choices here echo forever. Stories of people encountering overwhelming light, overwhelming love, or overwhelming darkness should not be dismissed lightly.

Instead, they should drive us back to the Word of God, which has consistently declared that heaven is a prepared place for those who receive Christ, and hell is a real separation from God for those who reject Him.

In a world increasingly dismissive of the Truth, believers are called to stand firm, speak boldly and live lives that reflect the hope of eternity.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.



Turning Point USA Unveils Line-Up For Alternative Halftime Show

Turning Point USA has announced the performance lineup for their All-American Halftime Show that will be taking place during Super Bowl Sunday.

In a post on X, Turning Point USA shared their performance lineup, which is slated to feature Kid Rock, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert and Gabby Barrett. The show will be available for viewers on Daily Wire+, TBN, Charge!, Real America’s Voice and The National News Desk.


Turning Point’s All-American Halftime Show came about as a response to the Super Bowl’s pick of having Bad Bunny as their headlining act for the Halftime Show. Bad Bunny has openly embraced the demonic realm in his past performances and recently announced that he wants to use his performance as an opportunity to share “queer icons” with the world. It is believed he will likely wear a dress for the occasion. Rather than having families watch this blasphemous act, this was Turning Point’s way of clapping back at the culture.

To order Amanda Grace’s new book, Brace For Impact, visit Amazon.com.

In a statement to Fox News, Kid Rock compared his upcoming performance with the All-American Halftime Show to the biblical figure of David.

“We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath,” he said. “Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible…or is it?”

The All-American Halftime Show will premiere around 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.



Jonathan Cahn Warns the Jezebel Spirit Is Rising Again in Urgent Message

In a compelling prophetic message called “The Jezebel Prophecy, 2026, & Your Calling,” Jonathan Cahn draws a striking parallel between ancient Israel’s spiritual decline and America’s current trajectory.

Cahn begins by recounting the biblical narrative of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who led Israel into idolatry and moral decay. He highlights Jezebel’s orchestration of Naboth’s unjust execution to seize his vineyard, symbolizing the corruption of power and the persecution of the righteous. “This actual story… is really what seals the downfall of Ahab and Jezebel,” Cahn notes, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary events.

Cahn then drew parallels to modern times, asserting that America mirrors Israel’s apostasy, embracing ideologies akin to the worship of Baal, Ashtoreth and Molech—manifested in sexual immorality, gender confusion and the devaluation of life. He warns, “We’ve been living in a nation that also, like Israel, knew God… but has been falling away.”



Cahn then took a deep dive into looking at the life of the late Charlie Kirk, whom he likens to Naboth—a righteous man standing against prevailing cultural tides. Cahn suggests that Kirk’s assassination was not merely a political act but a spiritual counterattack from forces aligned with Jezebel’s spirit. He points to eerie coincidences, such as the proximity of Kirk’s death in Orem, Utah, adjacent to a town named Vineyard, drawing a symbolic connection to Naboth’s vineyard. “Charlie Kirk was executed right outside the place called Vineyard,” Cahn observes.

Cahn also highlights the involvement of an organization named Jezebel in a witchcraft plot against Kirk, reinforcing the spiritual warfare theme. “The woman of Jezebel… sought to place a curse through witches on Charlie Kirk,” he states, drawing a direct line between ancient and modern manifestations of Jezebel’s influence.

In response to these spiritual battles, Cahn calls believers to adopt the spirit of Elijah—marked by boldness, unwavering faith and a commitment to truth. “Elijah did not live in the fear of the culture,” he declares. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, scriptural grounding and spiritual discernment in navigating these tumultuous times.

“If you’ll rise to that calling as an Elijah for this hour… You will see what Elijah saw… to change the course of a nation, even history.” He encourages believers to live lives that proclaim, “The Lord is God,” believing that such commitment can usher in revival and transformation.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.



John Eckhardt’s February 2026 Prophecy: The ‘Springboard Month’

In a stirring prophetic message, apostle John Eckhardt declared February 2026 as a month of divine acceleration, spiritual recalibration and unprecedented breakthrough.

Drawing from Job 22:28, Eckhardt emphasized the power of decreeing God’s Word to shape the course of the month and the year ahead.

“When you pray and decree, it sets your course for the month and for the year,” he stated, urging believers to actively engage in prophetic declarations.

To order John Eckhardt’s new book, The Power of Your Words, visit Amazon.com.

Eckhardt highlighted the unique nature of February, noting its rare calendar configuration with exactly four of each weekday. He interpreted this as a sign of divine uniqueness, stating, “February will be an unusual month… I pray for something different, something unusual to happen.”

Central to his message was the concept of February as a “springboard” into one’s destiny. “The Lord said, ‘Launching board, springboard.’ I’m going to cause you to launch from my springboard,” he proclaimed, encouraging believers to view past setbacks as setups for divine comebacks.

Eckhardt also spoke of a spiritual “recalibration,” likening it to adjusting a malfunctioning firing pin. “I’m adjusting and even fixing your firing pins… you’re going to fire and shoot prayers and launch prophetic utterances that will hit the target,” he declared, emphasizing a renewed focus and effectiveness in spiritual endeavors.

He urged believers to embrace the unusual and to be open to new prophetic expressions. “This will be a month of the unusual… I’m going to put unusual words in your mouth,” he said, encouraging the faithful to document divine revelations and to remain sensitive to God’s voice.

Eckhardt then prophesied about the emergence of new prophetic voices and ministries. “I’m going to raise up new ministries… when you hear it, it’s going to jump in your spirit,” he stated, signaling a season of spiritual awakening and activation.

As we enter into a new month and a new prophetic season, this is the time to press into prayer for all that God has in store for the body of Christ in 2026.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.