An animation studio from Portland, Oregon, is making a significant impact for the Gospel by presenting the Bible in a fresh and captivating way.

Two longtime friends, Tim Mackie and Jon Collins, pondered ways to encourage more people to read and comprehend the Bible during their college days. This led to their brainchild, BibleProject, an experiment that began with just two online videos in 2014, shared among their circle of friends.

In less than a decade, BibleProject has grown exponentially, creating over 180 videos, 350 podcast episodes and garnering over 620 million views across 200 countries. With a global subscriber base of over 5 million, the project even offers seminary-level classes, reaching people from all walks of life.

The project’s Chief Global Focus and Strategic Relationships Officer, Michael McDonald, reflects on the unforeseen success, stating that their humble endeavor stemmed from a desire to help themselves and their friends engage with the Bible.

As the audience embraced the videos and expressed their desire for more, individuals contributed funds, big and small, allowing the project to expand its reach.

Collins, equipped with his creative talents, and Mackie, armed with his expertise in Hebrew Bible and Jewish studies, combined forces to give birth to BibleProject. Their collaborative efforts involve detailed workflows, including illustrations, animations, writing, storyboarding and meticulous attention to ensure every line and wording resonates with the intended message.

BibleProject strives to assist those who may only view the Bible as a collection of inspirational quotes to understand how God’ Word points to Jesus as the living, breathing Word. It fearlessly tackles the challenging and perplexing passages that many Christians tend to avoid, seeking to provide clarity and understanding.

The impact of BibleProject extends beyond age and cultural boundaries. Testimonies pour in from a range of individuals, from children as young as 10, to octogenarians. They express newfound engagement with the Scriptures, with some older readers marveling at how their perspective on the Bible has been transformed at this stage of their lives.

BibleProject’s influence extends internationally, transcending language barriers. Videos are available in 56 languages, making an impact even in the Muslim world. McDonald shares stories of individuals in Tunisia, who, despite being Muslim, stumble upon the Arabic videos, leading them to appreciate the Scriptures and gain fresh insights about Jesus.

What began as a simple experiment aimed at helping a small circle of friends has blossomed into a worldwide movement, enlightening and deepening millions of people’s understanding of the Bible.

Collins believes that God is at work, emphasizing the importance of the Bible in people’s lives. BibleProject’s unique contribution lies in presenting the Bible through the lens of biblical wisdom and recognizing how it all points to Jesus.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Vietnam’s ethnic Christians are bracing for potential repercussions as investigations into recent anti-governmental violence unfold.

In the early hours of June 11, armed groups, dressed in camouflage, targeted Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur communes in Kuin District, Dak Lak Province, resulting in the tragic deaths of four policemen, two government officials and three bystanders.

The focus of recent violent episodes has turned toward the ethnic minority tribes, collectively known as Montagnards or “mountain people,” as possible perpetrators of the violence. These tribes constitute 80% of Vietnam’s 2 million evangelical population, raising concerns regarding any potential involvement of Montagnard Christians in this incident.

The Ministry of Public Security has identified those arrested as “young people who harbored delusion and extreme attitudes and had been incited by ringleaders via the internet.”

Official media refrained from magnifying the Christian connection, despite the government’s historical labeling of certain ethnic minority churches expressing political grievances as “groups posing as religions.” These Christian groups face hurdles in obtaining recognition as legitimate religious entities.

A Facebook video, potentially government propaganda, implicates Montagnard Christian youth in the attacks. The video, employing aerial footage, showcases well-known church buildings affiliated with the Evangelical Church of Vietnam South (ECVN-S) and the Christian Mission Church (CMC), both legally recognized by the government. The footage portrays police raids on church offices, creating an impression of illicit activities associated with the churches, rather than the raids themselves.

While condemnation of the anti-governmental violence is warranted, it is crucial to acknowledge the deep-seated grievances faced by marginalized Montagnard Christians, particularly concerning land disputes where they consistently find themselves at a disadvantage. Recent tensions have arisen between the government and Montagnard coffee plantation owners due to the confiscation of agricultural land for infrastructure development.

Ethnic minorities in the region have long endured severe limitations on freedom of speech, assembly and religion. Although overt persecution of Christians has somewhat diminished in recent times, it still persists.

In response to the June 11 attack, the government has swiftly deployed overwhelming military and security forces, as it has done in previous similar incidents. While there have been reports of violence spreading and parts of the Central Highlands being under lockdown, these claims have not been independently confirmed.

As of June 20, Radio Free Asia reported over 70 arrests in connection with the violence. Regardless of their involvement, these individuals will undoubtedly face severe consequences.

In December 2022, the United States State Department placed Vietnam on the Special Watch List of religious freedom violators. Since then, the country has embarked on an extensive campaign to address this classification, as a significant reason for the sanction was Vietnam’s strict religious freedom restrictions on independent Montagnard churches seeking more autonomy.

The pastoral challenges resulting from the Montagnard situation and the June 11 attack are immense. Christian leaders are seeking prayers for guidance in biblically shepherding their flocks, as they navigate life under an oppressive government that perpetuates injustice (Prov. 16:12). Furthermore, they desire Christians to demonstrate compassion toward victims’ families and actively promote peace within society (Matt. 5:9). They seek prayer for Vietnam’s rulers to recognize that pursuing justice and fairness toward marginalized minorities will alleviate discontent and contribute to the well-being of all citizens.

Although Vietnam has made improvements in recent years in terms of Christian persecution, ethnic minority Evangelicals, such as the Montagnards, remain vulnerable.

Let us unite in prayer for their protection, invoking God’s strength and favor upon them (Ps. 91:11-12).

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Native American men and women mentored by U.S. missionaries, John and Gay Davis, are stepping into ministry roles, driven by their passion for sharing the gospel.

One remarkable story involves Samuel*, a Lakota Native American who attended Gay’s gospel course. Recognizing the receptiveness of his people, Samuel eagerly absorbed the teachings and committed to reteaching the lessons to his Bible study group. His words to Gay, “My people need what you have but they will not listen to you. But they will listen to me,” encapsulate the powerful impact of Native American leaders within their communities.

Davis affirms, “We are in a spiritually vibrant location. The church is alive, and revival is happening.”

However, Native American Christ-followers remain a minority, with only a handful pursuing ministry.

Since 2013, the Davises have dedicated themselves to Lumbee River Christian College in North Carolina. The college plays a vital role in providing education to local Native Americans, offering programs in Christian education, pastoral ministry and missions ministry.

The Davises contribute to this mission by teaching various ministerial training courses and conducting seminars at neighboring churches. Beyond academics, they invest in students’ lives, with John serving as the vice president of Student Life and Gay overseeing the school’s cafeteria while directing the Assessment department.

John explains the unique journey of Native American students, saying, “They come to God around age 30 after the Lord delivers them. Then, around age 40, they feel God’s calling and join the college. Our hope is to raise up Native American men and women who will continue this work when we retire.”

Sakoneseriiosta Brent Maracle, chief of Native American Fellowship, Assemblies of God, emphasizes the need for discipleship once Native Americans realize that embracing Jesus doesn’t require forsaking their cultural identity. He states, “Each person needs to navigate the Word of God to find what is pleasing and holy to Jesus and what activities are no longer necessary because He gives us all we need for life and godliness.”

The Davises diligently teach their students the importance of comprehending Scripture and extracting truth rather than solely relying on sermons.

In a poignant incident, during a revival service, Danny*, a student rescued from a life of violence and addiction, became distressed after hearing that reading anything other than the original King James Bible meant he couldn’t be a Christian. Seeking guidance, he approached Gay the following morning, anxious about his salvation.

Gay transformed her English class into a lesson on Bible translation, providing Danny with multiple translations from the school’s resources. She asked him, “Do you think we would give you these Bibles if they would prevent you from being a Christian?” Danny, relieved, shook his head and acknowledged that those translations wouldn’t hinder his faith. Now actively involved in ministry, Danny speaks at various churches, utilizing different Bible versions to reach his audiences.

Despite challenges, the Holy Spirit’s work is evident in the Davis’ ministry. John affirms the presence of healings, prophecies, salvations and miracles. Yet, with the majority of Native Americans having limited exposure to Christianity, the task remains unfinished. John asserts, “They need all the training they can get. That is why we are here, doing our best to meet that need.”

*The names in this story were changed to protect the person’s privacy.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a world full of uncertainties and challenges, believers seek ways to strengthen their faith, connect with God on a deeper level and engage in effective prayer.

One practice that holds profound significance within Christian communities is praying in tongues.

Rooted in biblical teachings and embraced by many believers, this spiritual gift offers a range of benefits that enhance prayer lives and contribute to spiritual growth.

Isaiah Saldivar discusses seven spiritual benefits to praying in tongues:

Spirit-Led Prayer for Uncertain Times

Praying in tongues allows believers to engage in spirit-led prayer, even when they struggle to find the right words. According to Romans 8:26, the Holy Spirit intercedes on their behalf, aligning their prayers with God’s perfect will. This supernatural language becomes a conduit for expressing the deepest needs and desires, enabling believers to seek guidance and strength during times of uncertainty.

Edification and Strengthening of Faith

First Corinthians 14:4 highlights that speaking in tongues edifies the individual believer. Similar to how physical exercise strengthens the body, praying in tongues serves as spiritual exercise. It builds up the inner self, fortifies faith and deepens the believer’s spiritual connection, creating a firm foundation for navigating life’s challenges.

Deepening Intimacy with God

Praying in tongues fosters a profound and intimate relationship with God. As believers communicate with Him through this supernatural language, they experience a closeness that surpasses human understanding. Jude 1:20 encourages believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith and engage in prayer through the Holy Spirit, which includes the powerful practice of praying in tongues.

Empowering Spiritual Warfare

Drawing inspiration from Ephesians 6:18, praying in tongues becomes a potent weapon in the spiritual battles believers face. By engaging in strategic prayer under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can intercede for others, counteract the schemes of the enemy and contribute to the spiritual well-being of both themselves and those around them.

“We are to pray in the spirit on all occasions,” says Saldivar. “So when we pray in tongues we engage in strategic warfare and we can intercede, the Holy Spirit can come against those schemes of the enemy’s in our life and other people’s lives.”

Receiving Divine Wisdom and Revelation

Praying in tongues opens the door to receiving divine wisdom and revelation. First Corinthians 2:10-11 teaches that the Holy Spirit searches the deep things of God, imparting insights and understanding that surpass human comprehension. Through this supernatural language, believers gain access to hidden truths and experience personal growth in their spiritual journeys.

Promoting Unity and Edifying Others

Praying in tongues promotes unity and edification within the body of Christ. First Corinthians 14:26 emphasizes the importance of believers coming together, each bringing their unique spiritual gifts, including tongues and interpretation, for the purpose of building up the church and fostering spiritual growth among its members. This practice creates a sense of shared purpose and community within the faith.

Obedience to the Word of God

The Bible encourages believers not to despise or forbid speaking in tongues. By embracing and allowing this spiritual gift, believers demonstrate their obedience to the Word of God. This obedience deepens their connection with God, aligns them with His plans and opens doors to greater spiritual blessings and experiences.

“We don’t forbid speaking in tongues,” explains Saldivar, “as we are speaking in tongues and praying in tongues we’re being obedient to the Word of God.”

By understanding and practicing the gift of praying in tongues within the context of biblical teachings, believers can tap into its transformative power. As they embrace the supernatural language of the Spirit, believers are equipped to navigate life’s challenges and experience the abundant blessings God has in store for them.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

YouVersion, the popular mobile Bible app, has unveiled a new offline app called Bible App Lite, enabling millions of people to access the Word of God without an internet connection.

This app, specifically designed for users in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, offers key features like audio Bibles, daily verses and prayers while keeping phone storage space minimal.

With over 4 million downloads since its launch, Bible App Lite has made a significant impact, ranking among the top 10 apps in the Google Play store across 17 African countries and securing the number one spot in Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to Christianity Today.

The creation of this offline app was made possible through a partnership between YouVersion and Biblica, a global Bible ministry. Mark Finzel, Biblica’s vice president of digital innovation, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “For much of the developing world, internet speeds and costs vary significantly. Always-on data is not a reality in these regions.”

Africa, in particular, faces challenges in internet accessibility, according to the Alliance for Affordable Internet. However, YouVersion’s Bible App Lite breaks down barriers, allowing Christians on the continent to have direct access to the Bible in their own language, without relying on an internet connection.

The reach of Bible App Lite extends beyond Africa. It has also been launched in countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, aiming to expand its impact globally.

Bobby Gruenewald, founder of YouVersion, expressed his vision for the app, stating, “Our desire is to reach every person, in every part of the world, with God’s Word in their heart language. This new app enables us to reach tens of millions of new people that were difficult to reach with the media-rich Bible App.”

As the Bible says in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” With the offline capabilities of Bible App Lite, this light can now shine even in areas where internet access is limited, bringing hope, guidance and spiritual nourishment to countless individuals around the world.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Google recently removed a “Pride and Drag Show” from its list of company-promoted LGBTQ events in response to a petition signed by hundreds of Christian employees and other supporters.

The petition condemned the event as an assault on religious beliefs and sensitivities, according to reports.

The event, initially scheduled at the LGBTQ bar Beaux in San Francisco, stirred controversy among Christian employees who deemed it disrespectful to their faith.

The petition specifically criticized the performance of a drag queen known as “Peaches Christ,” describing it as “provocative and inflammatory,” as reported by CNBC.

Citing the artist’s work as a direct affront to Christian beliefs, the petition gained traction and prompted Google to remove the event from its list of annually sponsored activities on the company’s website.

Chris Pappas, a Google spokesperson, clarified that the event was removed due to a failure to follow the standard events process during its initial posting. Pappas confirmed that drag shows have been featured in Google’s Pride celebrations for many years, including the most recent ones. However, the spokesperson did not indicate whether the petition influenced the decision to remove the public event from the promotion list.

In response to inquiries, Google did not immediately provide a comment to Fox News Digital.

Pappas mentioned that although the official team event would be shifted, the performance itself would proceed at the planned venue, open to the public and allowing employees to attend.

Google has a history of sponsoring various Pride events in San Francisco every June, which encompass drag shows and the annual Pride parade. Notably, the company faced another petition just four years ago from LGBTQ employees who demanded Google’s withdrawal from the San Francisco Pride parade, arguing that the company had not done enough to protect its LGBTQ workforce.

Balancing the promotion of Pride materials with employee and customer sentiments has been a challenge for several companies across the United States. Instances where companies failed to strike this balance, such as Bud Light’s promotion of transgenderism and Target’s controversial satanic displays, have faced criticism and boycotts.

As Christians navigate their workplaces, it is important to remember biblical teachings that guide their actions and responses. In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul advises believers, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

A four-day revival event held last fall at the Old Zion Baptist Church has turned into a remarkable journey of faith that shows no signs of slowing down.

What began as a modest gathering with just 125 attendees has now transformed into a thriving spiritual movement, taking place under a massive blue tent.

The revival, which commenced on Oct. 16, 2022, quickly gained momentum. On the inaugural night, 34 individuals accepted Christ into their hearts. By the fourth night, the church’s gymnasium was bursting at the seams as an enthusiastic congregation gathered to seek spiritual nourishment.

To accommodate the swelling number of attendees, evangelist David R. Harrison, from the Voice of Hope Ministries, took a significant step. He set up a tent capable of seating 2,500 people in Hammond, Louisiana, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to partake in the uplifting services.

Months have passed since then, and the captivating atmosphere continues to draw believers and seekers alike. Pastor Harrison shared with CBN News that worship services persist under the blue tent, a testament to the remarkable impact of this divine gathering.

Reflecting on the awe-inspiring journey, Pastor Harrison expressed his gratitude, stating, “The awakening in Louisiana has truly been life-changing. When God sent me there on Oct. 17, I never would have dreamed we would still be there! It has been the most supernatural event I’ve ever seen.” He emphasized the multitude of lives transformed through salvation, restoration, deliverance and healing.

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

The sheer magnitude of this spiritual revival is undeniable. People from 17 states and two countries have traveled to witness the incredible work of the Holy Spirit in Louisiana. The power of collective prayer and worship serves as a guiding light for attendees, igniting their faith and fostering a sense of unity.

As the revival shows no signs of waning, its impact continues to ripple through the hearts and souls of thousands. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to experience the boundless grace and love of God.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

The debate surrounding the interpretation of the six days of creation can be contentious, especially when confronted with scientific theories supporting an old Earth scenario.

Author of the best-selling book 23 Minutes In Hell, Bill Wiese lays out six biblical reasons that the Earth was created in six literal days, and is not quite as old as secular scientists believe it to be.

The Scriptural Clarity

Wiese highlights the unambiguous language used in the Bible regarding the creation account. In Genesis 1:5, it explicitly states, “And the evening and the morning were the first day,” reinforcing the notion of a literal 24-hour period. This description is reiterated seven times throughout the creation narrative, emphasizing the consistency of the language used.

God’s Comparison to Man’s Work Week

In Exodus 20:11, God establishes a parallel between His own work during the six days of creation and the way humans are to work and rest. This comparison between the pattern of God’s creative work and the work week of humanity further solidifies the notion of literal days. By working for six days and resting on the seventh, we follow and honor God’s perfect work of creation.

The Linguistic Evidence

Dr. John D. Morris provides evidence to support the literal interpretation of the days. When the plural form of “yam” (day) is used in the Old Testament, it consistently refers to a literal solar day. This usage is evident in Exodus 20:11 and over 700 other instances in the Old Testament.

The Consistency of Scripture

Whether it is “six days” or “the third day,” outside of Genesis 1, it always refers to a literal day. This linguistic consistency further reinforces the interpretation of the creation days as 24-hour periods.

Explicit Biblical Statements

The universe’s creation in six days, followed by God’s rest on the seventh day, are stated in the first chapter of Genesis and in the fourth of God’s Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8-11. The plainness of these statements leaves no room for alternative interpretations.

Literal Interpretation as a Priority

Departing from a literal interpretation requires compelling reasons based on the context of the passage. Therefore, unless there is a clear justification for figurative interpretation, it is essential to uphold the literal understanding of Scripture.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a troubling development, it has been alleged that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is testing a new app that demands citizens pre-register before attending religious services, further restricting religious freedom.

The Voice of the Martyrs, a persecution watchdog, revealed the CCP has rolled out an app in Henan province, requiring individuals to seek approval through the app in order to attend any kind of religious gathering. Todd Nettleton, Chief of Media Relations for The Voice of the Martyrs, explained that citizens must provide personal information, including their identity, address and ID details, to the Chinese government through the app.

The approval process is limited to churches registered with the CCP, leaving house churches and unsanctioned gatherings with no opportunity to obtain permission.

Authorities can now easily check for compliance by asking attendees to present their phones and open the app during church services. The app, known as “Smart Religion,” has been developed by the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Commission of Henan Province and applies not only to Christian churches but also to mosques, Buddhist temples and other religious spaces, as reported by CBN News in March.

This app-based regulation raises serious concerns about privacy and personal freedom. With the ability to track individuals and capture their information, the CCP gains further control over citizens’ lives.

Nettleton warns that the app could potentially expand throughout China, as seen during the COVID pandemic when a similar app-based control was implemented for public transit and certain buildings.

Sam Brownback, co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Summit, emphasized that the app enables authorities to track and shut down religious gatherings, further limiting church attendance. The implications are particularly worrisome for unregistered churches, as the government may pressure them to come “under communist control” by promising reduced persecution.

Nettleton also highlighted that the app restricts attendance for individuals under 18, placing additional burdens on adults who must pre-register and subject themselves to potential pressure and persecution. He emphasized the extensive resources available to the CCP, including manpower, surveillance cameras and location tracking, which allow for minute-level control over individuals’ lives.

Persecution watchdogs are closely monitoring the expansion of the app requirements to other provinces. The CCP’s attempts to rewrite a more communism-driven version of the Bible, reported last year, add to concerns about religious freedoms. The proposed new translation, integrating Confucian and Buddhist principles, aligns with the Communist Party’s agenda.

Christians and advocates for freedom of religion remain vigilant in protecting the fundamental right to practice faith without government interference.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Chicago Pastor Marcus Rogers from Firehouse Church has issued a poignant warning to Christians, drawing attention to the intense spiritual warfare prevailing in today’s world.

The recent incident involving the OceanGate Titan submarine’s exploration of the Titanic has sparked concerns regarding the prophesied end times and the imperative of turning toward God. As believers, our Christian worldview significantly influences our perception of the world, underscoring the necessity of prayer for a lost and troubled society.

Rogers points to a step-son of one of the deceased from the OceanGate tragedy attending a rock concert as a symptom of society placing priority in one’s self and personal desires over what is moral and good.

While some individuals may debate the appropriateness of attending a concert amid such a crisis, what truly troubles us is the widespread circulation of disrespectful jokes on social media platforms.

This disconcerting trend of trivializing serious situations serves as a vivid manifestation of the perilous era we find ourselves in, as outlined in 2 Timothy 3. People’s self-centeredness, relentless pursuit of self-promotion and lack of empathy have become glaringly apparent.

For those who recall the earlier decades, there exists a palpable awareness of a time when America seemed different, a time that held promise. Regrettably for the younger generation, this present distorted reality has become the new normal, potentially obscuring the gravity of societal decline.

As one drives past churches today, the shocking levels of disrespect and moral decadence are evident, presenting a striking contrast to the past. Regardless of those who choose to deny it, the unmistakable decline in moral values cannot be ignored. It is now more critical than ever to seek God, align ourselves with His truth and boldly manifest our faith.

In light of the OceanGate incident and the heartless reactions prevalent on social media, let us fervently pray for the affected families and find the inner strength to stand unwavering in our beliefs. May we fearlessly proclaim God’s truth in the Bible to a world seemingly enamored with sin and rebellion.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.