The price of groceries continues to rise putting millions on edge about the availability of food across the U.S.

Many are bracing for even harder times to hit the country and are preparing, much like Joseph did as a ruler in Egypt before the famine struck.

The culture today stands in stark contrast to the past, with such dramatic changes over the past decade that some ponder how much deeper the decline in morality and financial recklessness can go before divine judgment engulfs the nation like a flood.

Meeting together online, prophetic voices Cindy Jacobs and her husband Mike, Chuck Pierce and Chris Reed discussed the interpretation of a dream Reed had months ago about the coming change to America.

Out of the many headlines that Reed saw in this prophetic dream, several aligned with a message Pierce has been sharing for years.

“I was handed another headline which said, ‘Food shortage crisis as wheat and bread imports are at a stalemate,'” Reed shared.

“Another headline was handed to me which said, ‘Riots and civil unrest as citizens demand entitlement checks.’

“And another headline was handed to me, and it said, ‘Simplicity restored as Americans grow their own food again,'” Reed recalled.

This dream foreshadows a trying time for America as a food shortage takes hold of the populace. Pierce shared that Reed is not alone in the belief that hard times are coming for the country, and it is imperative for people to begin planning.

“One of the things the Lord showed me in 2008 were apostolic centers that had to teach the community to do the things you just listed,” Pierce shared.

“We have been striving for this for over 11 years now, the community comes here for the teaching of farming. All the farmers meet well as [developing] a teaching that shows how to take from a garden to a community barn and then to an agroforest then back into a house,” continued Pierce.

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What Reed was prophesying for the sake of those who are willing to listen lines up with Paul’s writing in 1 Corinthians 14:3 concerning prophecy: “But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification and exhortation and comfort.”

If the coming times are going to be as difficult as many believe they are going to be, heeding the words spoken by these prophetic voices would bring a large degree of comfort in the coming days. Pierce also spoke truth to the certainty and accuracy of Reed’s dream, lending his prophetic affirmation to what Reed saw concerning the headlines.

“I want to encourage people out there to know what Chris is saying very, very accurate,” Pierce proclaimed. “If we do not start thinking out of the box, we are in tremendous trouble. … We are in a Passover season. Therefore, every Passover, a crisis is going to arise in this 10-year period and we as God’s people must be ready to pass over and war in it.”

As fear tries to take hold of the heart of many, Romans 8:28 serves as a verse of refuge and comfort for any trying times that are ahead for the country:

“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

In the meantime, believers must continue to be salt of the earth who imitate the life of Jesus to all they encounter while using wisdom to prepare for the trying time a country in the throes of apostasy may soon find itself.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

With the current Mega Millions jackpot reaching $ billion, the topic of what one would do with such a large windfall is in many peoples’ thoughts.

The subject of whether Christians should play the lottery is one that has sparked much debate and contemplation within the Christian community over the years.

The Bible provides wisdom and insights that can guide believers in making an informed decision on this matter.

Here are four biblical principles to help guide people on the matter:

Stewardship and Contentment:

One essential biblical principle is that of stewardship, recognizing that all things belong to God, and we are called to manage His resources responsibly. The Bible urges believers to be content with what they have and to avoid covetousness. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, the apostle Paul writes:

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil. While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Participating in the lottery can be driven by a desire to become rich quickly, which may lead to discontentment with one’s current circumstances and foster an unhealthy love for money.

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Trusting in God’s Provision:

The Bible encourages Christians to place their trust in God’s provision rather than relying on chance or luck. Proverbs 3:5-6 says:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

Instead of seeking to improve their situation through gambling, believers are called to trust that God will provide for their needs and guide them in their financial decisions.

Avoiding Temptation and Addiction:

The Bible warns against indulging in activities that can lead to temptation or addiction. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul emphasizes:

“‘All things are lawful to me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be brought under the power of anything.”

Playing the lottery can lead to addictive behaviors and harmful consequences. As Christians, we are encouraged to pursue activities that build up and edify rather than enslave us.

Honesty and Good Stewardship of Resources:

Gambling, including playing the lottery, can sometimes be seen as a get-rich-quick scheme, but it can also foster dishonesty or a lack of proper stewardship of resources. Proverbs 28:20 states:

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not be innocent.”

Believers are called to be faithful and diligent with their resources, using them wisely and honestly for the glory of God.

The decision of whether Christians should play the lottery ultimately lies with each individual, seeking guidance from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. While the Bible does not explicitly mention lotteries, it does provide principles that can guide our choices regarding financial stewardship, contentment, trust in God, avoiding temptation and good moral conduct.

As Christians, we are called to be mindful of our motives and actions, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in all aspects of our lives, including financial matters.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

When Christians are not active participants in society and culture, Satan begins taking territory for himself.

There is no clearer example of this than the United States of America.

A nation that was founded on godly principles and morality, a nation that fought to correct the sins of her past and ensure freedom for all citizens was guaranteed, has fallen under demonic influence.

From the White House to Hollywood and everywhere in between, manifestations of demonic activity are on the rise.

It has become blatant, a purposeful disrespect of God and His design and sovereignty over all things.

Pop music stars, who garner billions of social media views and downloads for their music, have adopted demonic imagery as an industry standard. An entire generation is growing up watching this imagery and having it take root in their hearts as normal and inconsequential.

Taylor Swift, once a country-pop star, now paints herself as a golden goddess and dons demonic masks while praising the goddess, Karma.

Demi Lovato uses imagery of the cross Jesus died upon as a sexual prop.

Lil Nas X portrays himself having sexual intercourse with the devil amid a hellish landscape surrounded by pentagrams.

Sam Smith pushes radical gender ideology into his music while dressing like the devil at the Grammy’s for the performance of his song, “Unholy.”

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Demonism, the occult, witchcraft, these things are all now mainstream in America. No longer relegated to the shadows and hidden corners of society, they have taken the spotlight and are front and center for all to see.

Perhaps the most glaring example of this was when the President of the United States, again, lit up the White House in a faux-rainbow, declaring that America was a nation of “Pride.”

To say America is on the course of anything but destruction is folly and ignorant.

There is a remnant of believers speaking truth about the state of culture, and continuing to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. However, more Christians need to take the step of faith and actively participate in ministering to their communities to save America from the brink of collapse.

Backing away and secluding oneself from society is not an option for Christians. We are called to go out into the world, not hide from it.

As the representatives of Jesus Christ on this earth until His return, it is the duty and responsibility of Christians to engage culture, in love, as He did and save souls from the grip of the devil.

The apostle Paul commanded his spiritual son Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1-2 saying:

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort, with all patience and teaching.”

With this passage a task is given in the same Spirit as the Great Commission handed out by Jesus Christ to His disciples.

Christianity is proactive, not reactive. Playing catchup is not the will of God, but instead be the shapers of culture and shake it to its very core.

This is what Jesus did, and His followers are to live out His example.

The enemy, the true enemy, has made themselves known by what they are doing. It is now up to Christians in America to heed the Word of God and “preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort, with all patience and teaching.”

If we do not, then it is the same as surrendering on the battlefield without ever firing a shot.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent Twitter thread, Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro shed light on powerful global entities’ efforts to deplatform and demonetize conservative voices.

The World Economic Forum (WEF), the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and NewsGuard were revealed to be working together to combat what they deem as “misinformation” and control media deemed “safe” for advertising.

The WFA, representing 90% of global marketing communications, launched the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) in 2019, which was later adopted by the World Economic Forum. Shapiro criticized GARM’s “brand safety floor & suitability framework,” which he argued censored viewpoints deemed objectionable by the alliance.

Here’s how the World Economic Forum is quietly working to demonetize and deplatform right-of-center voices, including @realDailyWire, using authoritarian tactics and hall monitor “fact-checkers” like @NewsGuardRating.

— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) July 31, 2023

Shapiro expressed concerns that the framework allowed for the suppression of cultural commentary that challenged the alliance’s approved narratives, such as questioning the concept of transgender identity. He warned that GARM’s actions could lead to blacklisting, demonetization and deplatforming of media outlets and independent voices expressing unpopular truths. Shapiro challenged the authoritarian nature of the censorship efforts, asserting that they degrade freedom of speech, the family structure and social fabric, serving the interests of those in power.

NewsGuard, an organization assisting advertisers in meeting GARM standards, came under scrutiny for rating American media based on supposedly apolitical criteria and flagging “misinformation” unfit for advertising support. Shapiro criticized NewsGuard’s performative virtue signaling, highlighting their potential role in restricting free speech.

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The partnership between GARM and WFA has raised concerns among lawmakers, with House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan subpoenaing officials from both entities over possible violations of U.S. antitrust law through collusion among their members.

Shapiro stressed that the ultimate goal of these initiatives is to control information and limit public exposure to certain perspectives. He emphasized the need to be aware of these developments and understand the players involved to safeguard free speech, which is increasingly under threat by attempts to monopolize news and commentary.

When censorship on a scale this large is rolled out, the Bible historically has been of the first items censored.

Communist regimes such as China and North Korea have restricted the Bible in various ways, including making it completely illegal or controlling the means of which to produce it. Nazi Germany went so far as to attempt to co-opt the Word of God to fit its ideology and deceive people about what the true Bible said.

With global NGO’s making moves at censoring speech that does not align with their end goals of control and manipulation, rest assured the Bible is high on their list of items to censor.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent statement, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, sought to clarify his position on the use of the phrase “Our Father” in Christian prayer.

The archbishop emphasized that Christians should continue using the term but also expressed the need for sensitivity toward individuals who have suffered abuse at the hands of fathers or male clergy.

The controversy stemmed from Cottrell’s initial comments during his presidential address to the General Synod, the legislative body of the Church of England. He suggested that referring to God as “Our Father” might pose challenges for those who have experienced abuse or neglect from their fathers.

While his views found support among liberal and feminist clergy members, conservative Christians criticized him for deviating from Scriptural tradition and appeasing modern cultural sensitivities.

In an article penned for The Telegraph, Cottrell clarified his stance, stating, “A few weeks ago, I found myself a little misunderstood when I pointed out that some people who have never known a father present in their life, or worse, been abused or neglected by their father, may find this word challenging. But what I wasn’t saying is that we should stop using the word—simply that we need to be sensitive as we lead people in prayer.”

The archbishop reinforced the importance of praying to God as “Our Father” while acknowledging the potential impact of such language on abuse survivors or those with difficult relationships with their earthly fathers. He also stressed the church’s role in facilitating healing among victims of abuse, helping them discover the loving nature of God the Father through Christ.

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The discussion surrounding the use of “Our Father” in prayer gained momentum when the Church of England announced a project on “gendered language” with respect to God. This initiative sparked debates about replacing gender-specific pronouns with gender-neutral or female alternatives, drawing sharp criticism.

Here are just a few Bible verses on God the Father and male gender pronouns from the Modern English Version (MEV):

• Matthew 6:9-10: “Therefore pray in this manner: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
• John 1:12: “Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name.”
• Romans 8:15: “For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”
• Ephesians 3:14-15: “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.”

In response to the archbishop’s stance, opinion pieces by Edward Dowler in Church Times and Daniel French in The Spectator presented similar viewpoints. Dowler defended the unique standing of “Father” in Christian prayer, while French criticized the notion of replacing the term with alternatives as theologically dubious and culturally driven.

Some individuals, including Canon Dr. Chris Sugden and Dr. Ian Paul, expressed contrasting opinions. Sugden questioned the implications of questioning the term “Father” as given by Jesus, urging a rediscovery of fatherhood through Christ. Paul supported the archbishop’s views, emphasizing the need for awareness of pastoral issues while continuing to use the language of “father.”

The ongoing trend of aligning Scripture with worldly perspectives contradicts the essence of believers’ calling. Romans 12:2 urges Christians to resist conformity to the world and instead be transformed through the renewal of their minds, allowing them to discern God’s will and perfect ways.

Regrettably, many are adapting the Bible to fit the world’s standards, deviating from its intended purpose. As this practice persists, the apostate church’s growth aligns with prophesied events in 1 Timothy 4:1. However, this situation provides a significant focus for Spirit-empowered prayer. Christians can fervently implore God to remove the veil from people’s eyes, enabling them to perceive the truth of God’s Word as it is, not as the world desires it to be.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

There is an active battle taking place in the spiritual realm that is meant to distort and rewrite the Word of God.

Many are being deceived about what the Bible truly says as false teachers and prophets corrupt and twist biblical teachings to fit their personal agendas or ideologies.

Pastor Tony Suarez discussed with Charisma Media the need for Christians to understand the true and inerrant messages held in the pages of the Bible. This way, they are equipped to defend the Word of God from false teachers who seek to lead others astray.

“There has been a lot of calling out and controversy regarding what someone dreams, sees, decrees or even prophesies,” he explains. “When it reaches the level of false doctrine, when it reaches the level of apostasy, we cannot be silent.

“We can disagree on minor issues,” Suarez adds. “But when it comes to blatant false doctrine and apostasy, we cannot be silent. …We always [must] speak truth, light, [and] always eradicate darkness. We [must] shine the light.”

People of all backgrounds, not just Christians, are recognizing the evil that is permeating societies across the world. Satan has made a move in the spiritual realm, one that has been decades in the planning.

Biblical principles have been shouted down as intolerant and outdated. These accusations have led to a surge of apostate churches, or churches who have left biblical doctrine, who preach not what the Bible says but worldly ideologies.

“Wherever you are in the fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, bishops, evangelists and teachers—there is a responsibility … to sound the clarion call and say, ‘This is wrong,'” says Suarez.

“Why? Why should we expose it?” he adds. “We are not exposing it for headlines. This is not for sensationalism. It’s not just to protect today. I’m protecting tomorrow. …If I don’t take a stand now, then what church am I turning over? What Bible am I turning over? What biblical truths am I turning over? So my stand is in defense and protection of the future of the church.”

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The future of the church is certainly under heavy spiritual attack these days.

Satan is trying to deceive and confuse people on all fronts of God’s design: from the structure of the family to God’s design on gender and sexuality to trustworthy and impartial government to a popular culture that has embraced witchcraft and the occult and even to the rewriting and revising of the Bible itself.

“When this holy book [the Bible] … says something is black and white, then it is black and white,” says Suarez.

“If you say it is purple, that is heresy,” he says. “Apostasy to me is a complete turning away of the doctrines that were given to us by the apostles and the prophets. It is preaching another Jesus, preaching another way to salvation. It is giving an open door to another religion or another teacher or another prophet. When something reaches the level of the cross … you have entered apostasy, and you are in danger of losing your soul.”

This explanation of the severity of apostasy is a prime example of why biblical literacy is vital for Christians.

By equipping ourselves with the knowledge of the Word of God, we have the wisdom to combat the lies and deceit of the enemy. Satan is a master at deception and lying, but not so much that he can overcome the truth of the Bible.

When Christians arm themselves with the knowledge of the Bible and are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, they can not only guard against Satan’s tactics but also take ground away from the enemy.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

A compelling theatrical production based on the inspiring story of Corrie ten Boom and her family during World War II is set to captivate audiences on the big screen.

“The Hiding Place,” a play adapted from ten Boom’s memoir by A.S. Peterson and directed by Matt Logan, was filmed live at the Soli Deo Center in Nashville, Tennessee, during a successful four-week run in 2022. The play’s upcoming limited theatrical release promises to share its powerful message of hospitality, forgiveness and unwavering faith with audiences across the country.

“The Hiding Place” narrates the moving journey of Corrie ten Boom (portrayed by Nan Gurley) and her family as they quietly resist the horrors of the Third Reich in 1940s Haarlem, Holland, driven by their love for God and their fellow human beings. Peterson, in an interview with The Christian Post, emphasizes that “The Hiding Place” offers more than just a historical account of World War II.

“One of the things that I think is so remarkable about the ten Booms is they were committed to fighting the war with hospitality,” he says. “They were committed to kindness, to loving their neighbors at the risk of their own safety. They were willing to love people that believed other than they did, which is a really remarkable thing. The world needs more of that.

“As Christians, we’re called to love our neighbors,” Peterson continues. “The Bible doesn’t say, ‘Love your neighbors if.’ It just says, ‘Love your neighbors.’ The ten Booms are such a great example of how that works out and can actually change the world. If you followed the family trees of the refugees that they saved, there is a whole, exponentially growing section of the world that wouldn’t exist without them. And that’s thanks, exclusively, to their attempts to love their neighbor, without concern for their own safety.”

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Instead, it is a timeless story that challenges viewers to reflect on their beliefs, choices and capacity for love and forgiveness. Peterson also points out the ten Booms’ dedication to combatting war through hospitality and kindness, serving as a powerful example for today’s world.

Originally commissioned to honor the memory of Jeannette Clift George, who starred as ten Boom in the 1975 biographical film “The Hiding Place,” the play later evolved and found its way to Nashville, becoming an even more impactful representation of the story.

Nan Gurley, a devout Christian, shares how bringing Corrie ten Boom to life deeply affected her. She meticulously studied ten Boom’s life and writings, immersing herself in video footage of the late author to authentically portray her Dutch accent. “The Hiding Place” aims to truthfully depict the ten Booms’ story, highlighting Corrie’s struggle to forgive and show mercy in the face of evil.

“She’s an icon of the faith,” Gurley says. “It caused me to think, ‘What would I do if I had to die on a hill, if my life was at stake? If I had that choice, be true to what I believe the Lord is calling me to do or compromise, what would I do?’ Which is very sobering.”

“The Hiding Place” encourages audiences to find courage and faith in their own lives, embracing determination when faced with difficult choices. The play challenges viewers to stay true to their beliefs, making decisions that align with their values and embracing unwavering commitment to their convictions.

Director Matt Logan stresses that “The Hiding Place” is a work of art, not propaganda, leaving ample room for personal interpretation. Rather than dictating thoughts and emotions, the play presents a genuine story that resonates uniquely with each individual.

“Propaganda is telling you what to think,” he says. “Even if it’s great, it’s telling you what to draw from something, whereas art is leaving space for your interpretation, and bringing truth to the surface and allowing it to hit you and any realm of your life that it resonates.”

Peterson’s hope is that audiences will view the ten Booms as witnesses whose testimonies hold valuable lessons. Their ability to love, forgive and find gratitude in the darkest times should inspire trust in the experiences of those who have endured hardship, positively influencing others’ lives.

“The Hiding Place” is set to grace select North American theaters on Aug. 3 and Aug. 5, with a one-day theatrical run in international territories on Aug. 16. The timeless and powerful message of Corrie ten Boom’s extraordinary journey is sure to leave a lasting impact on all who witness her story.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

The digital world and that of Christianity have long had a broad disconnect.

In recent years, however, there have been great strides in all forms of media to integrate the gospel into all forms of technology.

The video game industry may well be the most devoid of Christianity out of all major media outlets. Video games to this day are still viewed by many as a waste of time that garners no lasting benefit to the player.

While there are certainly arguments to be made on the vices of video games, of which there are many, simply dismissing the massive industry is folly on a grand scale.

According to Statista, in 2022 the video game market was estimated at $347 billion worldwide. That is billion, with a “b.”

Compound this outrageously high amount of money generated by video games with multiple outlets reporting upwards of billion people across the world actively play video games in some form. Be it on a personal computer, a console or mobile gaming on a smartphone or tablet, this is a massive market that sees little influence from Christians.

Did the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) not instruct believers to go into “all the world”?

The digital world is very real to many people. While it is not tangible (you cannot physically take hold of it), it is a place where billions take up residence for long periods of time.

One company, Bible X, is trying to bridge the gap between Christianity and video games and offer players an in-depth, story-rich experience set in biblical times.

“We really want to dive into creating a video game for the younger generation to be able to experience Jesus and to be able to get familiar with the stories and the events from the Bible,” Arve Solli tells CBN’s Faithwire about his new game, Gate Zero.

“This game might be the only Bible some people read, so that’s basically what we want to do,” Solli continues. “We want to take players back—back to origin, back to zero and make them able to dive into this huge world of the biblical stories and events.”

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According to Gate Zero’s Steam page:

Gate Zero is a story-rich adventure game that takes you back in time to ancient Israel to uncover an age-old secret. Explore a fascinating historical world as you engage with events from the 1st century. Gather resources to help the locals, use stealth to avoid danger, and unlock riddles left behind by your late grandmother. Play solo or add friends on mobile for a unique co-op experience.

The game starts out in the year 2072 in the dystopian world of Terrapolis. You and your cousin Hector receive a cryptic mission from your eccentric late grandmother. She offers the chance to win her whole inheritance if you unlock the secrets of her mysterious ‘pearl.’ You and Hector decide to solve this mystery by going back to the source in his time machine, Gate Zero.

See the glory of Herod’s temple and experience the magic of places like the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane and the charismatic Lower City. Discover the history and culture of 1st century Israel as you freely roam the streets and pick up missions and items along the way.

This venture into exploring the pages of the Bible may well help bridge the gap between the digital world and the physical one.

For many players, it may be the first and only time they get the chance to hear of Jesus and who He really is.

The game is still in its developmental phases, but it offers hope for many who would never step foot in a church but would be likely to download a new exploration game to see what all the talk is about. {eoa}

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Harold Ristau, a Canadian pastor, decorated veteran and chaplain, has made a courageous move to protect his family’s religious freedom.

Faced with persecution from the Canadian government due to his participation in a peaceful protest against COVID vaccine mandates, Ristau decided to relocate his family to Kenya, where he now finds solace in teaching theology to local pastors.

The Freedom Convoy, a group of Canadian truckers opposing vaccine mandates, embarked on a journey from British Columbia to Ottawa last February. Ristau, along with nearly 10,000 others, joined this convoy to rally against the government’s edict, which would require truckers entering Canada to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The journey to Ottawa was rife with challenges and threats from fellow Canadians, who disapproved of their peaceful assembly. Despite facing criticism and penalties from the government, Ristau stood firm in his faith and beliefs, drawing inspiration from biblical passages about persecution.

Second Timothy 3:12 resonates with Ristau’s experience: “Yes, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” In the face of adversity, Ristau remained steadfast in prayer, remembering the words of Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

During the rally in Ottawa, smartphone footage captured Ristau and other veterans working to dismantle a blockade around a war memorial. In moments of tension and uncertainty, they sought strength from Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Amidst the assembly, Ristau led the crowd in prayer, reciting the Lord’s Prayer as a plea for divine protection and guidance. Drawing from 1 Peter 3:14, which says, “But even if you suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. ‘Do not be afraid of their terror, do not be troubled,'” Ristau’s prayer exemplified his unwavering faith.

In a heartfelt moment of unity, Ristau and the attendees sang the national anthem, reflecting a desire for a nation where freedom and faith coexist. This harmonious act of patriotism and devotion echoes Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

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However, the aftermath of the protest proved challenging. Ristau faced threats of losing his security clearance, as well as the confiscation of retirement funds and his children’s college savings. This unjust treatment resonated with biblical teachings on persecution such as John 15:20a, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”

In June 2021, the Canadian government declared a public order emergency under the Emergencies Act, freezing bank accounts of protestors and donors. Such acts of suppression mirror 2 Thessalonians 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one,” as Ristau and others sought justice and accountability.

In response to the challenges faced by Canadian pastors like Ristau, fellow Christians rallied behind them. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms stood alongside Ristau and others, fighting for their rights, drawing inspiration from Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Today, Ristau and his family find a new sense of peace in Kenya, where they can freely practice their faith and share their beliefs without fear of persecution. While Canada remains dear to them, Ristau’s wife, Elise, emphasizes the tranquility they experience in Kenya, where traditional values and a sense of community reign.

“Things are normal here; people have traditional values,” Elise says of Kenya. “I had dreamed of this perfect life for myself in Canada … [but] there was a kind of turning point where I said, ‘We can go. Nothing is holding us here.’ It was a ‘shake the dust off our boots’ moment.

“In Kenya, I know it’s poor, and there’s corruption, but we’re not getting arrested for praying silently outside abortion clinics,” she adds. “For a Christian in Canada, it’s pretty bleak.”

As Ristau teaches theology to Kenyan pastors, he finds strength in passages such as Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me.” Despite the challenges they’ve faced and the uncertainties ahead, the Ristau family remains steadfast in their faith, knowing that God’s Word offers comfort and guidance in times of persecution.

In the words of Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a well-proven help in trouble.” As the fight for religious freedom continues, Ristau and others like him draw inspiration from the Bible, relying on their faith to overcome adversity and protect the rights of fellow Canadians.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Evangelist Nick Vujicic has passionately delivered a compelling plea to what he perceives as a “delusional” American church, urging an immediate call to repentance.

In his interview with the Christian Post, Vujicic emphasizes the critical need for the church to fearlessly address pressing societal issues, including abortion, porn addiction and sex trafficking. With a sense of urgency, he implores the church to take a bold stand against these challenges before the window of opportunity closes.

“I think most churches are delusional,” Vujicic reveals. “I don’t pray for revival; I pray for repentance. I don’t think America deserves a single more blessing from God; not one. We need to repent. And not only do we need to turn away from things, but we also need to equip and encourage the Church to go toward this: How do you stay out of your pornographic addiction? How do you now engage … the one family in the church [that] ends up fostering and adopting?

“It ain’t rocket science to preach to 8 billion people,” he continues. “We can have an army of churches coming together and teaching people how to evangelize and do street evangelism, just like we did years ago. When was the last time you heard a pastor say to his church: ‘This is what you say to someone about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is how you share your testimony in three minutes. This is the reaction that you give to someone who’s Islamic who tells you that we’re serving the same God.’ We don’t even talk about that anymore.”

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Having traveled to an impressive 78 nations and delivering powerful sermons to mammoth crowds, Vujicic voices deep apprehension regarding the condition of numerous American churches. He highlights a troubling observation, revealing that a substantial portion of these churches is grappling with immense debts, even as pressing societal challenges loom over the country.

“We have 100,000 churches in America that represent $498 billion worth of debt for buildings that are half empty,” Vujicic says. “We have half a million kids waiting for a foster mom and dad or an adoptive mom and dad. Where are we?”

In an impassioned call to action, Vujicic emphasizes the vital role of churches as the embodiment of Jesus’ compassion and care. He urges them to actively engage with community issues, becoming the “hands and feet” of Christ on the ground level. Vujicic advocates for Christians to take an active stance in civic matters, encouraging participation in city councils, school boards, and other local political committees to advocate for positive change and make a meaningful impact.

“Christians [need to go to] school boards,” he said. “Instead of just complaining about what’s happening in your school districts, go and get your church to be a part of that. I really believe with media, politics and business, it’s Christians being the light in the dark place.

“I hope that this wakes us up as a people of God, to come together in unity like never before, pray for our country, pray for a man of God to lead our country and put our country back under God,” he continues.

Vujicic’s unwavering devotion to the gospel shines through his tireless endeavors to foster positive transformation within society. Through his ministry’s initiative, “Champions for the Brokenhearted,” he equips church attendees with the tools and knowledge to offer compassionate support to those grappling with trauma and anguish in a close-knit setting. This program becomes a catalyst for healing and empowering individuals to find solace and resilience in the loving embrace of Christ.

“We’re training the average person going to church who has a heart for veterans, foster kids, women with PTSD from abortions that they’ve never told anybody about, to actually have a small group that’s thematically based on a situation they’ve gone through to heal the brokenhearted,” he said.

“I think the American church hasn’t stopped to heal the saved people. When you’re healed, now you’re complete [and strength comes] out of the overflow to then go help someone else in need. I think it’s important. I think we need to go back to the basics.”

To view the full interview with Evangelist Nick Vujicic, click here!

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.