Russell Brand, a comedian-turned-cultural commentator, is no stranger to asking hard questions. In a recent video, he delved into the Spirit-filled territory, grappling with two vital questions for believers: “Is it OK to pray in public?” and “What about speaking in tongues?” As a relatively new Christian, his earnest pursuit of truth reflects a heart eager to grow in faith. Let’s explore what Scripture says about these questions and why they matter for all of us.

Is it okay to pray in public? SPEAKING IN TONGUES?!

— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) November 25, 2024

Speaking in Tongues: A Heavenly Gift

Russell shares candidly, “Hey, I’ve been speaking in tongues. I’ve been praying in tongues… I thought, ‘Anyone can do that, it’s just babbling incoherent nonsense.’ But I’ve been doing it.” His initial skepticism mirrors that of many who have encountered this practice for the first time. However, speaking in tongues is not mere “babbling”; it is a spiritual gift described in 1 Corinthians 12 as one of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

Paul writes, “To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge… to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues,” (1 Cor. 12:8-10). This passage shows that tongues are a legitimate spiritual gift meant to edify the believer and, when biblically interpreted, the broader church.

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Yet, Paul also advises balance: “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church,” (1 Cor. 14:4). Speaking in tongues is primarily a private communion with God unless interpretation is provided in a corporate setting. Russell’s sense that “praying in tongues… seems like some private thing” aligns with Paul’s teaching. This intimacy is one reason many believers cherish the practice as a deeply personal way to connect with God.

Praying in Public: The Heart Matters Most

Russell’s second question, “Do you think it’s okay to pray publicly?” is equally important. He acknowledges both the beauty and potential pitfalls of public prayer, referencing Jesus’ caution in Matthew 6:5: “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men.”

Here, Jesus critiques those who pray for the sake of attention, not the act of public prayer itself. The key is the heart’s motive. When prayer becomes a performance, it loses its power. However, corporate prayer and public expressions of faith are vital to the Christian witness. Jesus Himself prayed publicly, such as at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:41-42), demonstrating that public prayer can glorify God and inspire faith.

Evangelism and Edification: Finding the Balance

Russell’s closing remarks reflect his desire to reconcile the personal intimacy of prayer with the public necessity of evangelism: “Praying together and preaching His word and bringing people together is so important… Let me know what you think about praying in public and the intimacy and privacy of our prayer, but also the necessity of evangelism.”

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Scripture affirms the need for both. Acts 2 provides a powerful example of public proclamation when the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues and preached to a crowd, leading to the conversion of thousands. At the same time, Jesus’ frequent retreats for private prayer (Luke 5:16) remind us that intimacy with God fuels our public witness.

Encouraging Russell’s Journey

Russell’s willingness to explore these questions so publicly is commendable. His humility and honesty are refreshing in a culture that often avoids spiritual matters altogether. To Russell, we say: Keep seeking. Scripture assures us, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart,” (Jer. 29:13).

Praying in tongues and public prayer are not opposing practices but complementary facets of a vibrant Christian life. As you navigate these questions, Russell, know that your journey inspires others to deepen their understanding of faith. Thank you for reminding us that asking questions—and seeking answers in Scripture—is a vital part of growing closer to God.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Bishop T.D. Jakes, one of the most prominent voices in modern Christianity, experienced a medical emergency during his sermon last Sunday. Reports suggest he suffered a seizure, leaving many within the faith community pondering the spiritual and physical implications of such an event. As his sermon transitioned from a heartfelt prayer to instructions for giving, Bishop Jakes’ vulnerability seemed to surface, culminating in the abrupt health crisis.

The moment was poignant, especially given his closing words: “I still love to preach. I ain’t tired of preaching. I miss you, I miss you.” This sentiment shines a light on the paradox that many in ministry face—the deep love for their calling weighed against the demands that come with it. For Jakes, who had recently returned from ministering in Zimbabwe for The Jubilee Conference earlier in November, the strain of global ministry likely compounded the exhaustion.

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In the aftermath of the incident, Bishop Jakes’ daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, provided an update on his condition through social media. They assured the faith community that Bishop Jakes is in stable condition and recovering well from the incident.

“We felt those prayers,” Roberts says. “Obviously today could have been a tragic day, but it wasn’t, by the mercy of God, by the grace of God. Bishop is doing well. He is recovering well…he is strong.”

The Spiritual and Physical Toll of Ministry

The Bible calls for leaders to shepherd their flocks with diligence (1 Peter 5:2-3). However, even the most anointed leaders are human, vulnerable to the stress, exhaustion and physical toll that come with full-time ministry. In the spiritual realm, some might interpret health challenges as a form of spiritual warfare—an attack meant to derail their mission. Others see it as a wake-up call, a nudge from God to rest and recalibrate.

Bishop Jakes’ recent travels highlight the often-overlooked intensity of ministry. Preaching to thousands, interceding for others and navigating the hardships of being a name known around the world all demand extraordinary energy. This, combined with the spiritual burden of leading a congregation, can deplete even the strongest leaders.

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Stress, Exhaustion and the Role of Sabbath

Scripture reminds us of the importance of rest. Jesus Himself modeled retreating to solitude for renewal (Mark 1:35). For leaders like Bishop Jakes, the call to rest is not just about physical recovery but also spiritual alignment. Stress and overwork weaken the body, creating vulnerabilities that manifest in health crises.

This moment serves as a reminder for all believers to intercede for their spiritual leaders. The demands of ministry are immense, and the pressures can erode health without proper balance.

A Call for Reflection and Prayer

As The Potter’s House community continues to process this incident, let it also serve as a moment for self-reflection. How often do we expect our leaders to pour out without giving them the grace to refill their own cups?

Let us pray for Bishop Jakes’ full recovery, asking God to strengthen and heal him in the coming days. May this be a moment when spiritual leaders everywhere recognize the importance of rest and renewal, and may the body of Christ commit to supporting them with prayer, grace and understanding.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Prayers are being raised up worldwide for Bishop T.D. Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, Texas.

During the service on Sunday morning, Nov. 24, Jakes suffered what The Potter’s House labeled “a slight health incident” in a statement released later that day:

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During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community.

Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers.

Calls for healing and restoration of Jakes went out as soon as the news hit from voices such as Mondo De La Vega, host of “The Mondo Show” and co-host of “The Jim Bakker Show”:

Praying for our friend Bishop Jakes’ family and The Potters House. He suffered a sudden medical emergency during his service today. Bishop thank you for the friendship you have extended over the years to our family. We are praying for you sir.

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Let us join the more than 30,000 members of The Potter’s House in lifting up Jakes in prayer for healing and complete restoration from this medical episode.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Chaos in the world today has filled some people with trepidation about future days, but do not fear, Jesus has already claimed victory.

He also told us to be prepared for His return, and the Bible informs us what the days leading up to this monumental event will look like.

In a recent podcast episode, Ricky Scaparo, founder of End Time Headlines, laid out six things that must take place before we will see the end of the age:

1. The gospel of the kingdom has to be preached into all the world as a witness to all nations. “This has to happen,” Scaparo implores. “We, the church, have been given the stewardship the responsibility to take this gospel and preach it around the world.”

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2. The cup of iniquity will become full. “You can find a first reference of this all the way back in in the book of Genesis in chapter 15,” Scaparo reveals. “Picture a cup, okay, and every time the nations commit these acts of defiance against God they’re committing these abominations, it just it keeps filling up this cup.

“…this is what’s going to introduce the Antichrist,” he adds, referencing Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2.

3. The Rapture is going to happen at the end of the “Church Age.” “Now, why is it going to happen at the end of the church age?” Scaparo asks. “The wrath of God has become full, and God is about to to turn
that cup over, and he’s about to pour out His indignation and wrath.

“He pours it out during a seven-year period on Earth called the ‘Tribulation period’ and your Bible just so happens to say in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 9, ‘for God did not appoint us the church to wrath but to obtain salvation to our Lord Jesus Christ,'” he continues.

4. There is a set number of Gentiles who will be saved. “This is another end time trigger for the ‘End of the Age,'” Scaparo says. “Now this will likely coincide with Matthew 24:14 where when this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world. There’s a set number of Gentiles that comes into the kingdom.

“Why?” he adds. “So that all Israel be saved,” (Rom. 11:25-26).

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5. All of the prophecies that have been spoken of regarding Israel must be fulfilled. “Israel must be reborn as a nation, May 14, 1947, Israel. The capital Jerusalem must be restored, Six Day War, was fulfilled. Israel must blossom again. It was fulfilled through what prophet Isaiah said. The Jews would begin to come back to their land just talked about, that they would return back into their homeland,” Scaparo says.

“All of these prophecies concerning Israel, nearly everyone has been fulfilled.”

6. The end of days, latter day outpouring of the Holy Ghost. “We’re presently in this. Just because we don’t see this happen in America doesn’t mean it’s [not] happening,” Scaparo says. “I believe that God is pouring out [His] Spirit where there is willing hearts where there is recipients that are wanting it. That are hungry for God. That [are] hungering and thirsting after righteousness.”

As followers of Christ, we are called to discern the signs of the times with spiritual vigilance, understanding the urgency of the days we live in. While the world grows darker and confusion abounds, we must stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, not as passive observers but as active participants in His mission. Jesus commissioned us to go and make disciples, sharing the hope of the gospel with boldness and love. Let us not shrink back in fear but rise up in faith, bringing light to the darkness and pointing others to the eternal hope found in Christ alone.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In a world marked by escalating conflict, natural disasters and social unrest, Joseph Morris of Joseph Morris Ministries calls attention to the prophetic significance of current events.

In his latest update, Joseph Morris delivers a compelling analysis of global happenings, tying them to biblical prophecies and urging believers to recognize the signs of Christ’s return.

Morris presents a sweeping overview of geopolitical tensions, celestial phenomena and scriptural fulfillments, emphasizing their interconnectedness. “The signs aren’t there to scare us; they’re there to show us we’re getting closer to our destination,” he says. Below is a breakdown of the major topics he addresses:

1. Israel’s Precision Strikes

Morris discusses Israel’s recent targeted operation against Iran’s nuclear capabilities. By striking a key facility used for manufacturing warhead components, Israel sends a clear message. He remarks, “This is how cool Israel is—they hit one little location that produces the plastics that encase the…warhead.”

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2. Hamas and Hezbollah Activity

Ongoing tensions in Gaza come into focus as Morris highlights the firing of 160 rockets into Israel and the movement of terrorist group headquarters to Turkey. He notes the boldness of these actions: “Israel woke up to 160 more rockets being fired…Hamas’s headquarters and Hezbollah’s headquarters went from where they were, to Turkey.”

3. Russian Troop Deployments

Russia’s strategic positioning near Israel’s border raises alarms, particularly in the context of Ezekiel 38. Morris warns, “You’ve got Russian troops positioned on the border of Israel in Southwest Syria…The boldness of Russia to do that—now why is that a big deal? After the Rapture, Russia comes down on Israel.”

4. Pope Francis’ Provocative Remarks

Morris criticizes Pope Francis for suggesting Israel’s actions in Gaza could constitute genocide. He contrasts this stance with Hamas’s documented atrocities, stating, “Notice he didn’t say a thing about [what Hamas did].”

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5. Biblical Evidence in Archaeology

Artifacts like a recently unearthed First Temple-era seal affirm Israel’s historical claim to the land. “It’s comical hearing people say there’s no Israeli tie to the land…bit of evidence after bit of evidence every single week,” he observes.

6. Natural and Celestial Events

Morris draws connections between natural disasters, such as a bomb cyclone on the U.S. West Coast, and biblical prophecy. He also highlights celestial phenomena like asteroids and past blood moons, remarking, “The heavens were saying, ‘I died for you; I’m coming again.’”

7. Sweden’s War Preparations

Sweden’s government distributes pamphlets on surviving war, reflecting heightened tensions with Russia. “Sweden sees the setup for war happening,” Morris says, drawing parallels to historical precedents like Hitler’s troop movements.

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8. Prophetic Fulfillments in Israel

From the revival of the Hebrew language to the red heifer preparations to Israel’s agricultural prosperity, Morris identifies numerous prophetic milestones occurring simultaneously. “It’d be one thing if these things happened over time, but we’re the generation that has all of those,” he says.

Through these observations, Morris paints a vivid picture of a world rapidly aligning with biblical prophecy. These signs are not random; they are God’s way of showing humanity how close we are to Christ’s return. “From the heavenly things that are happening now, and from things happening in the ‘re just about to see the King,” Morris proclaims, calling on believers to lift their heads and run the final stretch of their race with urgency and hope.

As tensions rise and signs multiply, Morris’s prophetic updates challenge both believers and skeptics to consider the spiritual dimensions of current events.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In an era often described as post-religious, Dr. Steve Turley’s recent commentary on SpaceX’s Starship Flight 6 offers a compelling counter-narrative.

Beneath the sleek façade of technology and innovation, Turley argues, lies a “profoundly mystical vision” driving Elon Musk’s interplanetary aspirations—a vision deeply rooted in historical and spiritual traditions.

Turley begins by placing Musk’s SpaceX endeavors within the context of mythic times. Drawing from Oswald Spengler’s observations on civilizations under threat, he notes how such eras often elevate heroic figures to carry their hopes and ideals.

“We are living in the midst of what German scholar Oswald Spengler called mythic times,” Turley says, asserting that Musk and his contemporaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, have assumed the roles of modern-day “heroic avengers” fighting to preserve civilization.

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Central to Turley’s argument is the legacy of Wernher von Braun, the German rocket scientist who became a pivotal figure in America’s space program. Von Braun, Turley explains, saw space exploration not merely as a scientific endeavor but as a moral mission.

“We knew that we had created a new means of warfare,” von Braun is quoted as saying, “and the question is to what victorious nation we were willing to entrust this brainchild of ours.” For von Braun, surrendering such power to a nation guided by biblical principles was essential to ensuring global peace.

But Turley delves deeper, tracing this spiritual thread to Nikolai Fyodorov, a 19th-century Russian Orthodox visionary. Fyodorov’s “cosmic theology” reimagined science and technology as extensions of Christ’s Resurrection, tools for renewing creation on a cosmic scale. Turley vividly describes Fyodorov’s belief that space exploration could “literally propel that redemptive vision into the vast expanse of the cosmos, transforming humanity into a multiplanetary species and awakening the praise of God’s glory over the whole of creation.”

This spiritual lineage, Turley argues, profoundly influenced von Braun and other early pioneers of rocket technology, such as Konstantin Tsiolkovsky. Tsiolkovsky, another admirer of Fyodorov, famously declared, “Earth is the cradle of the mind, but one cannot live in the cradle forever.” Musk’s recent reposting of this quote underscores how such visionary theology continues to resonate, even in the ostensibly secular world of modern space exploration.

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The narrative takes an almost prophetic turn when Turley highlights von Braun’s 1953 novel, “The Mars Project.” In it, von Braun envisioned a Mars colony led by a representative democracy under a presidential figure named “Elon.” For Turley, this coincidence is not merely serendipitous but emblematic of a grand design.

“Von Braun,” he says, “was deeply influenced by Fyodorov’s cosmic theology,” suggesting that Musk’s rise fulfills a vision decades in the making.

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Turley ties these spiritual dimensions to the broader MAGA movement, which he sees as another embodiment of a mythic age. “We are truly experiencing an utterly epical and mythical moment,” he declares, linking the aspirations of figures like Musk and Trump to a divine unfolding. For Turley, the launch of Starship Flight 6 is more than a technological milestone; it is a symbolic act that “rockets” humanity closer to its spiritual destiny.

By weaving together theology, history and contemporary events, Turley offers a vision of space exploration that is as much about the heavens above as the heavens beyond. Whether one agrees with his interpretation or not, his insights challenge us to see technology not merely as a tool but as a vessel for humanity’s deepest spiritual yearnings.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Another chapter is winding down in the tragic story of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley’s murder.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, her murderer, illegal immigrant Jose Ibarra, 26, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Ibarra “was convicted on three counts of felony murder and counts of malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape and ‘peeping Tom'” according to NBC News.

BREAKING: Illegal immigrant Jose Ibarra sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for m*rdering 22-year-old Laken Riley.

Judge H. Patrick Haggard found Ibarra guilty of all 10 counts he was facing.

Ibarra was seen looking down as the sentence was read.

While…

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 20, 2024

Riley’s stepfather, John Phillips, shared a heartbreaking letter written by Riley to her future husband shortly before her murder. The journal entry, written on Dec. 17, 2023, according to Phillips, showcases her strong Christian faith, as well as her dedication to living a life that glorifies the Lord.

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Here are the words Phillips read before the courtroom prior to Ibarra’s conviction:

To my future husband, as silly as I feel writing this, my old small group leader once recommended it, so here I am.

To my future husband, I want you to know that I’m thinking about you.

I’m working every day to become the best wife I can be by working through my current relationships to best prepare me for ours and our kids one day.

I am focusing on God and what He defines as a faithful Christian wife so that I can best embody those characteristics.

I pray that you know that is with my full faith and trust in God, that I know this relationship has been handcrafted by Him.

I pray that we continue to glorify the Lord, prioritize Him in every aspect of our lives, and raise our family, our future family, to be God-fearing Christians as well. I pray God is the center of our relationship as it is a gift from Him.

I thanked Him for you before I even knew you and can’t wait to love you in the best way I know how for the rest of our lives.

I pray you know and feel the importance of my love and hopes for our relationship. No matter what challenges we face, I pray that our trust in God and love for one another overrules the obstacle.

May our relationship last forever, your future wife, Laken.

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While Laken’s killer will never see another day of freedom, her family still grieves over losing her at such a young age. Pray that they, and all families who have endured such painful loss, find comfort and healing in the embrace of the Lord God Almighty.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

As Russia and Ukraine mark their 1,000th day of war and Western leaders give the greenlight to use long-range missiles they provided, spearheaded by President Joe Biden, the world is on the brink of nuclear war.

No, this isn’t fear-mongering to rile up the masses, this is the threat NATO faces as Russian President Vladimir Putin has said if these missiles are used against Russia, he will consider it an act of war upon Russia by NATO forces who supplied the armaments.

“This is now the time where we really start praying,” says prophetic voice Joseph Z of Z Ministries. “I’ve been praying about this defeat that they experienced, and who is they? I’m talking about the Dems and these wicked lizard , that have, honestly, acted like they are going out peacefully and kind.

“But suddenly, permission is given to this getting permission to send these spears, javelins, arrows, missiles, into the former Soviet Union. And these are USA provided,” Z continues.

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But what could be the point of this? Why on earth would the current administration knowingly instigate and antagonize a nuclear-capable Russia who has said they are willing to cross that red line?

“So what they are trying to do is hand WW3 to 45/47, and there’s even calls now for Biden to step there’s calls to say ‘put her [Kamala Harris] in,'” Z reveals.

In times of war, we need a wartime leader. Israel had King David. The United States had General George Washington. If the past three years are any indicator, the Biden-Harris administration is lacking a wartime leader, and the American people just voted to bring one into the White House

Z points to the repeated warnings from Putin about the potential consequences of the West’s actions, and has built a reputation as a man who carries out the threats that he makes.

“[Putin] has said you have, basically, until the holidays, until Christmas. ‘If you don’t stop, I’m going to push the button,'” Z says, believing that Putin is trying to wait as long as possible, because he knows who will assume the mantle of President of the United States next. Donald Trump has also made a name for himself as a man who is willing to use action over words.

“I have a great concern about this,” Z shares. “…I gotta tell you, if they push too fast too soon, they could let one off the leash. And the outcome of this, is devastating.”

Playing right into Z’s worst fears, Ukraine has reportedly continued to launch long-range missiles, this time using British-made ‘Storm Shadow’ missiles, into Russia.

According to the UK’s media outlet, “The Mirror”:

British-made Storm Shadow missiles have allegedly been fired into Russia for the first time today, just hours after British officials joined their U.S. counterparts and suggested they may lift an existing missile ban.

Unconfirmed reports on Russian Telegram channels cited by the Kyiv Post have alleged that 12 of the missiles flew over the border from the Kursk region today. The claims come less than a day after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed that Ukraine must have “what it needs” to counter the threat posed by Russia.

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“The concern I have is what I’ve seen,” Z says, “this is why we’ve got to pray.… now we’re in a place where suddenly they’re going to try to trigger something that could turn into a domino effect.”

The potential destruction from such a trigger event is staggering, according to Z. Revealing information from analysts with whom he has communicated, an estimated death toll from a nuclear-driven World War 3 event would reach upward of 7 billion lives lost.

“This is on our front step. This is serious,” Z warns. “That they could let these tactical nukes go, or bigger ones, or any of it. I believe this is something the church, just like we had to pray about the hurricanes, just like we had to pray about the election, just like we had to pray about everything, now we’ve got to pray about this. Because this is very serious.”

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Hatun Tash, a former Muslim turned Christian evangelist, has faced violent persecution for her bold proclamation of the Gospel. From being chased by angry mobs to enduring stabbings, unlawful arrests and the constant threat of death, Tash’s story is a chilling reminder that even in a nation like England, standing for Jesus can come with a high price.

Tash embraced Christianity after moving to England. Her conversion began with a critical examination of Islam and the life of its prophet, Muhammad. “As I read [Muhammad’s] biography, it was very disturbing to me. So, the man you grew up to love and honor suddenly turns out to be like, yeah, not good, not good. And I decided, I can’t be Muslim,” Tash explains, as reported by CBN News.

Her search for truth ultimately led her to the Gospel, where she discovered a God unlike any she had known. “As you dig into it, you get to meet with a God who is not silent or far or distant from you, but you meet with a God who loves you, who pours out Himself on you. And not only that, He just puts Himself on the cross and then says, ‘I love you from everlasting to everlasting, Come to Me,'” she says.

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Driven by this newfound hope, Tash often took her message to Speaker’s Corner in London’s Hyde Park, a well-known hub for vigorous debates on faith and philosophy. There, she openly challenges Islam, declaring Muhammad a false prophet and exalting Jesus as the Son of God. Her words often spark intense reactions. In one instance, a man slashed her face with a knife, leaving her physically scarred but spiritually resolute.

While police have compensated her for wrongful arrests, such as a humiliating strip-search and jailing two years ago, they have yet to apprehend those who have attempted to kill her. Andrea Williams of Christian Concern, which has defended Tash, criticized the lack of justice. “The truth is that those who have attempted to kill her have been caught on camera. The police know who they are, but they have not been arrested. She is feared by and targeted by Muslim groups because she is fearless for the Gospel. She loves Jesus so much that nothing will halt her.”

Tash’s determination remains unshaken. She continues to stand outside mosques, debating with Muslims, even as danger lurks. “I would simply stand in front of the mosques, and I’d say, ‘Muhammad is a false prophet. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Tell me, what are your objections?’ Hundreds of Muslims just stop and then they want to talk to you. Sometimes you get harmed, sometimes it gets dangerous. Sometimes you end up in hospitals, sometimes you end up in people’s homes for a cup of tea,” she reveals.

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Her mission is simple: to share the Gospel regardless of the cost. “I don’t care whether people reject me or not. They need to hear the Gospel,” Tash stated.

Tash knows her life is in constant jeopardy but finds solace in her faith in Jesus Christ. “Things are dangerous. Should I choose to stay silent? Like when people are spending 5,000 pounds to buy a gun, to shoot you and shoot your loved ones? The Gospel is so glorious, I cannot be silent. And the Lord is the giver of life. So, when it’s my time, He will take me home. But until He gives me breath, we continue to preach.”

Tash’s story exemplifies the promise Jesus made to His followers: persecution is inevitable for those who live and speak the truth of the Gospel. She stands as a modern witness to Jesus’ words in John 16:33: “In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.”

While Tash’s bravery inspires Christians to declare their faith boldly, it also serves as a sobering reminder of the persecution that often accompanies it. In a world hostile to truth, she clings to our Savior who endured the ultimate persecution so that others might find eternal life.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Pastor Vlad Savchuk of HungryGen Ministries has shared a stirring and practical message for aspiring preachers, offering guidance rooted in his own journey and the teachings of the apostle Paul.

In his video, Savchuk highlights the foundational aspects of a preacher’s calling, emphasizing humility, grace and a Christ-centered focus. Drawing from Scripture and his own personal experiences, he outlines essential steps for those feeling the call to proclaim the gospel, while providing encouragement for navigating challenges such as self-doubt and the pressures of ministry.

Here are Pastor Savchuk’s seven essential tips for aspiring preachers:

1. God wants to reveal Jesus to you so that He can reveal Jesus in you. “Paul says in Galatians that ‘God revealed,’ meaning he experienced the gospel through the revelation of Jesus. He didn’t learn Jesus, he actually encountered Jesus and it’s important that your ministry, your call of preaching, starts with the revelation of Jesus Christ,” Savchuk shares.

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2. God has separated you for this call from you mother’s womb. “I think every preacher, every man, woman of God carries this sense or carries this idea even they have this conviction that God had this thing for me to preach. God had this thing for me to be devoted to this call way before even I heard the call to salvation. This doesn’t mean that you were saved from your mother’s womb. It’s just [that] God already had a plan for your life,” Savchuk explains.

3. The calling to preach is through grace, not works. “It’s difficult for some people to feel that when you went to six years of college and you have a degree, and you’re like ‘yeah, I’m called to preach because I have a master’s degree’ or ‘I have a bachelor’s degree,’ that’s amazing that you have a degree, but that is not why you’re called to preach. You’re called to preach through God’s grace and if you ever forget that, you will become proud and entitled and you won’t make a difference in the world,” Savchuk says.

4. Preachers must preach JESUS. “If you’re a preacher, Jesus is your subject. If you don’t preach Jesus, you’re preaching something else, you’re missing your calling, you’re not fulfilling your assignment,” Savchuk reveals.

5. God wouldn’t use you to preach to the whole world, but He is sending you to reach part of that world. “In chapter 2 of Galatians, he [Paul] talks about that Peter has this grace with the Jews, and I have this grace with the Gentiles. You will have a limit to your preaching calling and within that limit, God’s going to give you enormous grace and favor that will come easily,” Savchuk says.

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6. God calls you to prayer as He is calling you to preach. “I want to encourage every person who is called to preach to begin to balance your preaching with your Arabia [Paul’s} experience. This is your withdrawing to spend time with God not just in the mornings but taking these times. A day, two, three, where you spend a quality extended period with God your Bible and just fellowshipping with Jesus,” Savchuk implores.

7. Don’t be so desperate to join circles of influence that you forsake the calling of being faithful to God. “Do you want to be a motivational speaker or the preacher of the Gospel?” Savchuk asks. “If you want to be a preacher of the Gospel, don’t use the world’s techniques, branding and trying to build your name and build your brand. It’s not about your name, it’s about Jesus”

In his heartfelt message, Pastor Savchuk reminds aspiring preachers that the ultimate goal of ministry is to glorify Jesus Christ, not oneself. By prioritizing time with God, embracing humility and leaning on His grace, preachers can find the strength and clarity needed to fulfill their calling. Whether preaching to a small group or a large congregation, the focus remains on revealing Christ to others. Savchuk’s words challenge and inspire, urging preachers to remain anchored in their faith as they walk in their God-given purpose.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.