It should be crystal clear to any believer that there are elements throughout the U.S. that despise Christianity, and will fight to keep it out of the American government.

This was never more evident than after Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills was invited by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to lead the House of Representatives in prayer.

This of course did not sit well with certain members of the Democratic Party, who were distraught at the prayer which Hibbs says is based off of the First Prayer of the Continental Congress delivered by the Rev. Jacob Duche in 1774.

What was once welcomed and invited in the halls of Congress has now been dubbed “hateful and divisive.” And no condemnation of a Christian in America would be complete without being slapped with the label “Christian Nationalist,” as Hibbs was.

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In response to these expected yet still outlandish claims and accusations, Hibbs spoke to Fox News Religion Correspondent Lauren Green’s podcast, Lighthouse Faith, at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville, Tennessee, about the faux outcry coming from the members of Congress who cringe in discomfort at the mere mention of God.

“You know Lauren, I found out I hate Muslims, I hate . I’m not sure, I’ve been labeled like you cannot believe,” Hibbs reveals.

“…Here’s the problem: They criticized something that they didn’t even realize was part of the fiber of our American DNA. That it was Benjamin Franklin who called Congress to their first session of prayer when they couldn’t come to an agreement [on] the Constitution itself,” he continues.

Meanwhile, many are waking up to the gaslighting by use of the term “Christian Nationalist” which still does not have a consensus definition behind it. If you’re an American and believe that the country should be guided by the standards and morals on which she was founded, and actually know American history, it’s a good bet you’ll be slandered as a “Christian Nationalist” regardless if you’re a Christian or not.

“They [the Democrat critics] didn’t understand or recognize American history. They didn’t understand the First Amendment. And they didn’t understand that I wasn’t praying to them. I was praying to God,” Hibbs says.

“I was praying to the Lord, and I asked the Lord to have mercy on us as a nation, for our national sins. And boy did I get chastised for implying that our nation has something to repent of,” he adds.

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The list of issues that America has and needs to repent of is too long to list in any one article, but the Scriptures are quite clear what happens to a nation that is stubborn and refuses to repent.

In Romans 2, Paul warns about the coming day of God’s righteous judgment, and in the Old Testament we can see that God will invoke judgment on a nation for turning it’s back to Him as both the nation of Israel and the city of Nineveh faced God’s judgment. Cities like Sodom and Gomorrah experienced this judgment first hand.

Make no mistake about it, America was founded from the very beginning to honor God. The writings of her Founders speak for themselves. But should America remain unrepentant, it should come as no surprise to those who know the Word of God that the Lord would judge the nation in similar fashion as Nineveh.

Will America follow the example set by Nineveh and humble herself before the Lord, or will she test His longsuffering and court His wrath with an unrepentant heart?

Perhaps the country should heed the words that Pastor Jack Hibbs delivered before the House of Representatives when he said, “I ask you today Father to bring to us a great awakening of righteousness and confidence in you. Hear my cry in this hour of great need, that we might be humbly blessed before you in the repentance of our national sins.”

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

The Department of Education has fined Liberty University an unprecedented $14 million over violations of the Clery Act.

While the DOE had originally threatened a $37.5 million fine, Liberty has taken steps toward correcting the infractions and ensuring the school is now Title IX compliant.

Some of the areas of concern include misreporting of on-campus crimes as well as failure to warn of gas leaks, bomb threats and persons “who have been credibly accused of repeated acts of sexual violence.”

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As reported by The Christian Post, “Liberty University President Dondi E. Costin, who was hired last year, told CP the university didn’t fully comply with its record-keeping and reporting obligations as the institution experienced record growth, for which he expressed regret. He said Liberty sprung into action when officials learned of its shortcomings before the Education Department got involved.

“We formed a task force to identify every deficiency and engaged outside experts to help us build the model program we now have,” Costin says. “Having invested more than $10 million to deliver significant increases in staffing, training, infrastructure, technology and programming, I can say with absolute confidence that Liberty University now sets the pace for campus safety and security.”

Other notable universities who have been found guilty of violating the Clery Act include Penn State University, Michigan State University, Virginia Tech, UC Berkeley, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Montana.

Until Liberty’s record-setting fine, the largest amount issued to a school was Michigan State’s $4.5 million fine in 2019.

While Costin admits to Liberty’s shortcomings, he alludes to the possibility that Liberty received a heftier fine and was under harsher scrutiny than other universities.

“Some might call that quibbling, but I would simply point out that it’s possible to pony up to one’s mistakes and be simultaneously subject to government overreach throughout the process,” Costin says.

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“Based on what we know of how the department adjudicated multiple dozens of past actions, we can show the math to demonstrate the extent to which our experience was radically different than the norm. Maybe Liberty is the outlier, but I would not be surprised if this kind of treatment escalates,” he adds.

This sentiment comes on the heels of the nations largest Christian university, Grand Canyon University, being the subject of similar DOE investigations. The DOE investigation concluding that GCU had lied regarding the price of the school’s doctoral programs to over 7,500 students resulting in higher than advertised program costs.

As Forbes reported, “President of GCU, Brian Mueller, who is also the CEO of GCE, suggested that the university was being unfairly targeted by the Department of Education. He particularly bemoaned the Department’s unwillingness to recognize its change from a for-profit university to a non-profit for federal financial aid purposes—a decision made during the Trump administration while Betsy DeVos was Secretary of Education. Mueller suggested that the refusal was due to some kind of animus.”

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent episode of the “Day of Destiny” podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network, Dr. Michelle Corral shared profound teachings on the powerful prophetic principles of the anointing which will elevate the lives of believers.

Delving into Psalm 89, the podcast illuminates the transformative effects of the anointing, drawing parallels from biblical passages and emphasizing its significance in believers’ lives.

Desire for the Anointing

Dr. Corral began by quoting Psalm 89:20 from the Bible: “I have found My servant David. With My holy oil, I have anointed him.” This set the stage for a deep exploration of the desire for the anointing on one’s life.

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Here are seven ways God’s anointing affected David’s life:

1. Chosen as King: David was anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel while he was still a shepherd boy. This divine selection marked him as the chosen successor to Saul, the reigning king at that time (1 Sam. 16:1-13).
2. Empowered for Leadership: The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from the day of his anointing, empowering him for the responsibilities that awaited him. This divine empowerment equipped him with courage, wisdom, and leadership qualities necessary to fulfill his role as king (1 Sam. 16:13).
3. Victory over Goliath: David’s anointing became evident when he fearlessly faced and defeated the giant Goliath with a single stone and a sling. His faith in God’s power and his anointed status demonstrated that he relied on divine strength rather than human capabilities (1 Sam. 17).
4. Military Successes: As king, David experienced numerous military victories, expanding the borders of Israel. His anointing contributed to his success on the battlefield, and he was often described as a valiant and skillful warrior (2 Sam. 8:1-14).
5. Poetic and Musical Gift: David was not only a warrior and king but also a skilled musician and poet. His anointing is seen in his ability to compose and play psalms that expressed deep spiritual and emotional insights. Many of these psalms are included in the Book of Psalms.
6. Establishment of the Davidic Covenant: God made a covenant with David, promising an everlasting dynasty. This covenant ensured that David’s line would continue, ultimately leading to the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who became known as the “Son of David” (2 Sam. 7:12-16).
7. Challenges and Repentance: David’s life was not without struggles, including his infamous affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. However, his repentant heart and acknowledgment of his sins demonstrated the enduring presence of God’s grace and mercy in his life.

Empowering Effects

The empowering effects of the anointing were unfolded through verses 21 and 22: “With whom my hands shall be established and my arms shall also strengthen him. The anointing will not exact upon him.” Dr. Corral explains the significance, stating, “When you are under the anointing, this word ‘exact’ means rob. The enemy cannot exact from you. He cannot rob you. He cannot take your prayer life when you’re under the anointing.”

Protective Nature of the Anointing

Moving into the protective nature of the anointing, 2 Samuel 1:21 was referenced: “The anointing is a shield.” Dr. Corral highlights the need for spiritual protection, especially during challenging times, stating, “If you need protection over your life, your family, your children, your vision, your dream or your business, stay under the anointing.”

Preservation Properties

The podcast continued to explore the preservation properties of the anointing, drawing from Exodus 30:23-25. Dr. Corral emphasized that there must be a willingness to pay a price, not just monetarily but a commitment to the Lord.

“A price that says, ‘Lord Jesus, I’m willing to pay any price that your power is in my life that your power is with my children,'” explains Dr. Corral. “That Your power is with me.”

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Five Properties of Power in the Anointing

The podcast’s central theme revolved around the five properties of power in the anointing:

• Power Properties
• Preservation Properties
• Priestly Properties
• Prophetic Properties
• Princely Properties

“The anointing will preserve you, preservation properties. The anointing will bring you into sacrificial service, priestly properties. The anointing will make you prophetic. You will hear God’s voice, prophetic properties. The anointing will give you power to walk with the Lord, and give you power to resist sin, give you power to stand, power properties. And princely properties, is power to overcome the wicked one,” teaches Dr. Corral

Esther’s Exemplary Anointing

The session culminates in a profound reflection on Esther’s example. Dr. Corral drew a parallel between Esther donning royal apparel and believers embracing the anointing, symbolizing spiritual royalty. The significance of immersing oneself in the anointing for divine favor is key, emphasizing Esther’s 12 months of preparation preceding her encounter with the king.

“Esther was immersed in the anointing before she went before the king. God wants to immerse you before you step out in his divine design of destiny with the anointing,” Dr. Corral declares.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In the wake of mounting allegations of sexual and spiritual abuse by IHOPKC founder Mike Bickle, eight prominent Christian leaders have released a joint statement declaring he should no longer be involved in ministry.

These eight voices—Michael Brown, Jack Deere, Dan Juster, Patricia King, Joseph Mattera, Sam Storms, Michael Sullivant and Terri Sullivant—write that Bickle is “unfit” for ministry, and IHOPKC has “lost credibility in the eyes of many.”

From the time that the charges were first brought against Mike, while addressing this scandal on different levels within our own circles of ministry and in various public settings, we have been waiting for proper investigations to take place and all charges to be known before making final, definitive statements. Some of us have also been working behind the scenes over these months to help ensure that a proper investigation takes place. But since this process has dragged on for so long, we can wait no longer and feel a sacred responsibility to make this unequivocal, joint statement.

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The leaders reviewed six specific areas of consideration in preparation for the statement:

• Reviewing the testimony of Jane Doe
• Reviewing the testimony of Tammy Woods
• Reviewing the investigation conducted by Rosalee McNamara of the Lathrop Law Firm
• The public admittance of some of the allegations by Mike Bickle
• Attempts by members of the statement to meet with Bickle privately, which he did not agree to. As well as his lack of denial against the “growing number of charges coming against him”
• Various meetings between the members of the statement with leaders from “both the Advocacy Group and IHOPKC leadership”

Within the body of the statement, the leadership team issued five points from their review of the investigation and allegations at hand:

First, we are deeply grieved for those who have presented testimony that they were manipulated and sexually abused by Mike Bickle. We can think of few sins more damaging and destructive than that of manipulative, clergy sexual abuse, all the more in the case of a minor. We are also deeply grieved for those whose personal faith has been shattered and whose worlds have been turned upside down because of the alleged agonizing events.

Second, after considering the reports we have reviewed, we must state categorically that he is, sadly, unfit to lead a ministry. Even with full repentance and personal restoration in the Lord, he is disqualified from public ministry. (Restoration to full fellowship is of course possible.) Mike himself, in his statement of Dec. 12, 2023, acknowledged that his stepping down from ministry “may be long and it may even be permanent,” and that was before the most serious charges against him had even been raised.

Third, while we know that many fine believers and leaders have served at IHOPKC and are part of the related, global prayer movement, we recognize that the evidence points to some dangerous cult-like tendencies that emerged over the years that need to be addressed and adjusted. There has also been a lack of a formal structure of accountability for those serving in various capacities at IHOPKC, overseen by local elders, resulting in a failure to deal properly with serious sexual sins, and not just pertaining to Mike.

Fourth, we recognize and grieve over the lack of accountability structures in the larger, independent, charismatic church world, where there are no real courts of appeal, few, if any, boards of city-wide or trans-local elders to consult, and no formal structures in which serious allegations can be heard and adjudicated. We have been aware of this need for many years, and it is our hope that now, at last, a united, biblically based, Spirit-led effort can be made to address this gaping hole in our midst.

Fifth, we recognize that many younger believers now feel disillusioned with our generation of leaders, feeling let down by us or, worse still, perceiving us to be part of the “old guard” that is determined to protect our interests or, even worse, enabling serious clergy misconduct. This, too, breaks our hearts, as we have spent decades investing in the younger generations–right until this day, considering it a sacred privilege–and we carry a fatherly (or motherly) burden for your well-being. God Himself knows!

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As the investigations into abuse continues, and as new revelations come to light, the leadership team implored their fellow believers to keep all involved in prayer, and that God’s will and justice be done in this tragic situation.

Please keep praying for those who have been sinned against, along with all those who have been hurt, and pray also for IHOP, for Mike and his wife and family, and for the church globally that has been impacted. God desires to bring repentance, cleansing, healing and restoration to all.

Know that we are praying for you and we are here to serve you, believing that somehow, God will bring good out of evil and light out of darkness, for the purification and healing of His people and for His honor and glory.

To read the full statement, click here.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Things are getting bizarre on the stages of churches across America, as pastors from all backgrounds are coming up with new ways to get their congregations to pay attention in church.

No ideas are too far-fetched as some of the stunts in church include powerlifting; getting a shave and a trim; and shockingly, punting the Bible like a football.

Here are three stunts performed for church audiences in recent days:

Bench-pressing For Jesus

Megachurch pastor Perry Noble of Second Chance Church in Anderson, South Carolina, used weight lifting as an illustration during his sermon on the need for community and not isolating oneself from others.

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He used his attempt to lift 400-lbs to highlight his need for others to help him achieve this goal.

“This represents the weight that all of us carry in life,” said Noble alluding to the weight set. “Every single day that we wake up, we carry weight, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, psychological weight. Everybody in this room is carrying a certain amount of weight.”

When pondering the possibility of lifting these weights in life by oneself Noble came to one conclusion, “Ain’t no freaking way.”

A Shave and a Haircut

Similar to Noble’s demonstration, fellow megachurch pastor Michael Todd of Transformation Church in Oklahoma set up a barber’s chair on stage and got a trim from his long-time barber according to The Christian Post.

The point Todd was trying to impart upon his congregation was that if you want the fruit of God’s blessing, your going to have to be willing to be cut and reduced in the process.

“I just came to tell somebody that the church has … done a bad job in this last season of emphasizing how comfortable serving God would be,” Todd says to the congregation.

“I need to say this to you, like ‘just come to God and all your fears and all your tears, and He bottles them, and He’s going to coddle them.’ And we make you feel like when you come to God, then somehow it gets easy. … I just want to let you know that our desire for comfort has made us despise His cut.”

Punting the Bible Like a Football

This act of disrespect towards God’s Word admittedly goes far beyond the previous two non-traditional sermons. There is nothing outright heretical about the demonstrations, even though many will argue over the appropriateness of them in church.

But to kick the Word of God in an effort to “make church fun” crosses many lines a pastor should never even consider doing, it makes a strong case that such a person should not be a pastor at all.

Sadly, this is what happened when a video of Crossroads Church, located in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, and the teaching pastor Allie Patterson performs a kickoff to lead pastor Brian Tome using the Bible as a football in their 2020 Super Bowl service.

Ohio Megachurch pastrix Allie Patterson punts the bible off stage and into the crowd during a Superbowl-themed church service. See the story at

— Protestia (@Protestia) February 12, 2024

There is no message that can be given which justifies this treatment of the holy Bible, which holds inside of it’s pages the life-saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and what He did for all of us on the old, wooden cross.

Below, you can see an older video of the reaction of Chinese Christians receiving their Bibles under the CCP’s communist regime, and the shear joy and reverence shown to such a holy book.

This is how Chinese Bible school students reacted when they received Bibles.

The power of God’s Word – and its importance for persecuted believers – is why we’re launching a Bibles campaign. Join us here:

— International Christian Concern (@persecutionnews) March 19, 2019

Perhaps the door to events like this was opened by less-infuriating demonstrations such as haircuts and bench-presses in church, but what others do in no way justifies this treatment of a book that millions have died for over the course of Christianity’s history.

As churches seemingly push the line further and further into what they are willing to do to create that “shock value” to grow their attendance, things will only get worse. By choosing entertainment over holiness, many churches now lack the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to start the transformative process in their congregations’ lives that is a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

As Christians enter the tumultuous era of the end times, prayer emerges as an indispensable lifeline, offering comfort, guidance and spiritual fortification amidst the prevailing chaos.

In a world rife with uncertainty and upheaval, prayer serves as a direct line of communication and empowerment with God Almighty.

Evangelist Perry Stone aptly emphasizes how mastering the art of prayer becomes paramount, for it is through earnest communion with God that one finds strength to navigate the trials and tribulations as discussed in Scripture.

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Prayer not only fosters intimacy with the our Father in heaven but also discernment, enabling believers to align our hearts with God’s will and stand firm in faith amid the rising tide of adversity.

Here are five urgent instructions believers must follow in their prayer lives:

1. Pray for Worthiness

Stone emphasizes the importance of prayer, referencing Luke 21:36, which states, “Therefore watch always and pray that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.” Stone urges followers to learn the art of prayer, emphasizing its pivotal role in navigating the challenges of the last days.

“Learning how to pray properly is the first primary instruction Jesus would give you if he were here in person. I want to teach you how to pray,” Stone reveals.

2. Watch and Be Alert

Stone highlights the need for vigilance, quoting Mark 13:3, “Watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is.” He encourages believers to stay alert, emphasizing the complementary nature of watching and praying to be prepared for Christ’s return.

“If we pray and we’re not watching, we won’t see the enemy coming. If we watch but we’re not praying, we don’t have the weapons that we need,” Stone teaches.

3. Avoid Carelessness

Pointing to Matthew 24:48, Stone warns against becoming careless or complacent in Christian living. “If my servant says my Lord delays His coming, he will eat, be drunk, and smite the men servants…” Stone says believers should remain steadfast and not be swayed by the notion of a delayed return.

“It’s very important not to ever say, ‘I don’t believe the Lord’s going to come for a long time,’ because you will become careless,” Stone warns.

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4. Remember Lot’s Wife: Luke 17:32

Stone explores the cautionary tale of Lot’s wife and the lessons that come with it, quoting Luke 17:32, “Remember Lot’s wife.” He warns of the dangers of disobedience and looking back while encouraging believers to maintain a forward-focused, unwavering commitment.

“Don’t look back, and don’t turn back. Set your face like a flint and always look forward,” Stone instructs.

5. Persevere in Faith: Luke 18:8

The final instruction centers on perseverance in faith, reading from Luke 18:8, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Stone warns against fainting or giving up in the face of delays, hindrances and challenges.

“At the time of the end, there will be so much delay. You become weary, and once you become weary, you will begin to faint,” Stone emphasizes.

In the chaotic landscape of the end times, prayer emerges as a steadfast anchor, grounding believers in the unshakable hope of Christ’s imminent return.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

There is an incredible celestial event taking place on April 8, 2024—The Great America Eclipse.

Millions are anticipating this rare celestial event and the amazing natural phenomena that will take place as the a total eclipse ensues.

Meanwhile, faith leaders such as Bishop Alan DiDio of Encounter Today and Pastor Troy Brewer sat down at the National Religious Broadcasters convention this past February to discuss the spiritual implications behind it.

The two discussed the last time this event took place and how the Lord was showing us that it meant seven years of peace.

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“Seven years ago there was an eclipse in 2017 that stopped at seven Salems,” explains Brewer. “What did that indicate? Well, it represents seven years of peace. It also represents that God Almighty is speaking to the church, the seven churches, so you have has to do with peace. So, it has to do with the seven churches and it started in Salem, Oregon.”

Delving into the symbolism behind the eclipse passing through Shelby Park in Eagles Pass and tension between Texas and the federal government, Brewer points to the past civil war and the history associated with Shelby Park and one possible future for America states rights and federal authority are at odds with one another.

This time around, there are another seven cities the eclipse will pass through but they do not represent peace the way Salem does.

“This year it goes through seven American cities that’s actually called Nineveh, beginning with Nineveh, Texas,” reveals Brewer.

For anyone with even the slightest spiritual discernment, the odds of a coincidence are simply too astronomical.

DiDio, barely able to hold his excitement at this revelation, asks the crowd listening, “Are you guys getting this? I mean, you can’ can’t make this stuff up,” he exclaims. “What does that mean then? What does that indicate to us?”

“It’s the sign of Jonah the prophet,” says Brewer. “It’s the sign of ‘you better repent.’ It’s a sign of ‘the clock is ticking, you got 40 days.'”

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These days, America and the city of Nineveh, prior to repentance, share quite a few common traits.

Nineveh, a city steeped in wickedness, faced imminent judgment. However, God, in His mercy, sought to give the people an opportunity to turn away from their sinful ways and embrace righteousness. Through the prophet Jonah’s eventual obedience and the message of impending judgment, God aimed to stir the hearts of the Ninevites, leading them to genuine repentance and ultimately sparing the city from His divine wrath.

But will the United States heed the same warning as Nineveh did and repent of our collective sin?

“I think that there’s a chance for us [to] repent, and I think that God loves this nation. But also think that God is not playing,” says Brewer.

“…The sky is not falling, but the Kingdom is coming.”

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Two mass prison breaks have sent the Caribbean nation of Haiti reeling even further into the cycle of violence plaguing the nation.

The powerful gangs challenging the government for control of the country now reportedly control up to 80% of the nation’s capital, according to UN estimates.

“We have chosen to take our destiny in our own hands. The battle we are waging will not only topple Ariel’s government. It is a battle that will change the whole system,” says gang leader and former police officer Jimmy “Barbeque” Chérizier.

CNN was interviewing gang members in the days leading up to the prison break, with some as young as 14 years old, detailing the tragic and merciless situations they had to deal with on a constant basis.

“I see people dying in front of me every day,” one 14-year-old gang recruit from the city’s Martissant neighborhood told CNN, visibly distraught, in an interview last month. “The thing I hate the most is when (other gang members) kill someone and they make me burn the body,” he said.

On Sunday night, a state of emergency was declared as the notorious gangs staged two mass prison breaks—one in the capital of Port-au-Prince, and the other in Croix des Bouquets.

It is estimated that around 4,000 inmates escaped, with at 12 people being killed amid the chaos.

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USA Today reported that, “On Monday, heavily armed gangs then tried to seize control of Haiti’s main international airport. Reports from the scene said airport employees and others fled the scene amid whizzing bullets.

“It was not immediately clear Tuesday who controlled Haiti’s international airport.”

With a multitude of reasons why Haiti has been destabilized to this point—corrupt and ineffective leadership, poverty, food insecurities and much more—there is a spiritual battle being waged in the country as well.

As Charisma magazine has previously reported, there are many dark practices being performed throughout the island nation.

One of the ministries on the ground in Haiti reported witches terrorizing the small Christian communities in an attempt to dissuade them from attending evangelistic events:

“In the months prior to the crusade, apparently witches were going around into the very village I preached the gospel just two weeks ago. As a part of their voodoo rituals, they were offering blood sacrifices, which led to them eating children. They taunted the few believers who were there, saying that the locals needed to follow the power of the witches.”

Other Christian outreaches, such as Danita Estrella Watts and Hope for Haiti Children’s Center/Danita’s Children, have been working with the people of Haiti for years offering practical and spiritual aid to the country’s most vulnerable.

“It’s so easy as founder and CEO of the organization to be focused on processes, procedures, administration, staffing, growth,” Danita confesses. “But the Lord has convicted me that all that means nothing if we’re not reaching their souls.”

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In the midst of a civil war ravaging a nation, children dying of starvation and sickness and a void in leadership for a people who greatly need it, God is able and willing to bring peace and comfort to the people of Haiti.

There must be prayers and intercession on the behalf of those suffering, as well as others who are willing to administer practical aid to the those suffering. Haiti may be past the point of going back to the way things were, but God is able to bring them into a season of something new, with righteous leadership that will serve the needs of the people.

King David, the apostle Paul and James the the brother of Jesus, all endured physical and spiritual suffering in their lives, and they left us with important and powerful Bible verses that will help guide those enduring similar circumstances in life:

“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him, and delivers them,” (Ps. 34:6-7)

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, for we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God,” (Rom. 8:26-27).

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms,” (James 5:13).

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Florida is currently in the process of passing HB 931/SB 7044, which will give school districts and charter schools the ability to bring in volunteer school chaplains “to provide support, services, and programs to students as assigned by the district school board or charter school governing board.”

Considering the multitude of issues public schools face across the country, bringing in chaplains to address the spiritual needs of students appears like an incredible idea at first glance.

But lurking in the shadows are the laws of unintended consequences.

Most Christians would agree, having a biblically based chaplain would provide an immense service to the students of a school. They have served faithfully in the military for decades and often are an indispensable comfort for those about to engage in warfare, both physical and spiritual.

This is America, however, and freedom of religion is a cherished right acknowledged by our government as a gift from our Creator. So it is illegal to allow a Christian chaplain into a school who passes the requirements.

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As reported by the Daytona Beach News-Journal, “It requires parental consent before a student meets with a chaplain and says they [chaplain] must undergo background checks first. It also mandates that districts publish a list of the chaplains on its website and for school principals to inform parents about them.

“Other than that, most of the rollout of the legislation is left to local school officials.”

Upon approval, a chaplain will be able to hail from any background, including The Satanic Temple who is now recognized as a tax-exempt religious organization.

And they are waiting to see if this bill passes in Florida.

“Any opportunity that exists for ministers or chaplains in the public sector must not discriminate based on religious affiliation,” wrote The Satanic Temple’s director of ministry Penemue Grigori in a statement published by the Tallahassee Democrat.

“Our ministers look forward to participating in opportunities to do good in the community, including the opportunities created by this bill, right alongside the clergy of other religions.”

Should this bill become law, are parents ready to see a Satanic Temple chaplain at their school?

Some politicians, such as Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, are aware of the concerns held by many about who will be approved to be a volunteer chaplain.

“I think that as soon as we get in the middle of defining what is religion and what is not, and whether or not someone can be available and be on a list, we start to run up to constitutional problems,” Grall said in a statement to a reporter.

“So I think that us making sure that it’s open and available to anybody who wants to put themselves through the background screening, and let parents know they’re available for that service, is the best way to go.”

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Another proponent for the bill, Rep. Kim Daniels, D-Jacksonville, let the legislative body know, quite profoundly, that this isn’t about trying to convert people, but offer them the spiritual guidance needed in today’s ever-darkening world.

“I have been around so many people [in the legislature], I am the opponents of this bill’s worst nightmare. I cast out devils,” Daniels said on the House floor.

“I pray in tongues. I’m a holy roller. But let me tell you this: Nobody on this floor can ever say that I tried to convert you. Jesus is too good to push down anybody’s throat.”

While the bill still needs to pass through the state senate, this process raises another question: is it a school’s responsibility to offer youth spiritual guidance?

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” That is a statement aimed at the parents, not schools.

Should parents delegate such authority to a public education system when the Word of God tells them to do it?

That is a question each individual parent must answer, and while there are positive gains to be had by this bill bringing in honest, caring chaplains who want to help young people who are struggling, there are predators and false teachers laying in wait to influence the same students.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

“This is what’s going to happen to me. I’m probably going to be investigated by the IRS. For the record, I owe no taxes, I paid all my taxes and I’ve never been late on my taxes. … I want to get out ahead of the power of what these people have. The next thing is to be swatted. I was told by a congressman, ‘Watch out. Don’t be surprised if you are swatted.'”

These were the words of Pastor Jack Hibbs following his passionate prayer before members of Congress that set off several Democratic representatives.

The prayer must have convicted them something fierce, because several Democratic congressional members then wrote a strongly worded letter condemning the prayer and alleged that “Hibbs is a radical Christian nationalist who helped fuel the January 6th insurrection and has a long record of spewing hateful vitriol towards non-Christians, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ community.”

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Fast forward several days later, and the atheist advocacy group Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has fired off a letter complaining Hibbs used his pulpit to endorse Republican candidate and former Dodgers player Steve Garvey for the U.S. Senate.

“I want to publicly right now, today, encourage all of you to vote for Steve Garvey. You’ve gotta vote for Steve Garvey,” Hibbs said to a round of applause.

Realizing his error, with a wry grin, Hibbs moved out from behind the podium and admitted his error before continuing to exercise his First Amendment rights.

Hey, for all of you in California, I’m asking you guys to cast your vote for @SteveyGarvey6. Steve Garvey, the legendary Los Angeles Dodger, has decided that he loves California too much to leave it. So in his retirement, he has decided to step up with us to fight for California….

— Jack Hibbs (@RealJackHibbs) February 26, 2024

“I just remembered it’s against the law for me to say that in the pulpit. As a public citizen, Steve Garvey is not only one of the greatest baseball players of all time. But we want Steve Garvey to represent us in the Senate. So, Steve Garvey is your only guy on the ballot,” he continued.

“So there, that was legal. I just had to move from here to there.”

In no time at all, the FFRF’s Staff Attorney Christopher Line fired off a letter to IRS bemoaning Hibbs’ actions and accusing him of “illegal political campaigning.”

Yet Hibbs is far from the only pastor to do this, as The Christian Post reported:

In 2022, as Republican Herschel Walker and Democrat Raphael Warnock were facing off for a U.S. Senate seat in Georgia, Pastor Jamal Bryant of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the Atlanta area slammed Walker and encouraged his congregation to vote for Warnock from the pulpit.

For whatever reason, the FFRF took more issue with Hibbs’ message than Bryant’s. In fact, in the FFRF’s press release at the end of 2022 urging the IRS to investigate certain churches for electioneering, there is no mention of the state of Georgia at all, much less Bryant and his church.

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Regardless of the outcome in this situation, and the many more that are sure to follow in this 2024 election year, don’t expect Pastor Hibbs to kowtow to the threats and the critics he’s garnered while preaching the Word of God.

“God’s Word prepares us for what’s coming. And our nation has been going the wrong way for a long time, and we have forgotten God. And our nation must pay, will pay, God makes that clear in His Bible. But we need to understand something: You who trust Christ will never be separated from the love of God. It’s not possible. It’s impossible,” Hibbs preached.

“…We’re not about to establish our empire. It’s not about us establishing our thing. It’s not about us living for us. It’s all about Him and for Him.”

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.