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Miracle when tornado hit
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Pastor Attests Witnessing A Miracle After A Tornado Hit The Church During Service

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

A pastor attested to witnessing a miracle after a horrifying tornado hit the church building during their worship service.

Tornado Hits Church Community

Last month, a horrifying tornado hit Finleyville, Washington County. It was Saturday when the Crossroads Ministries also held their worship service in their church building. According to the report, around 100 people attended it. While the service was ongoing, they weren’t aware of the scary moment that was about to unfold.

BLOOD OF JESUS IS TESTED IN ISRAEL, PROVEN ALIVE

In the church’s Facebook live video, the electricity suddenly went out. The worship leader and congregants suddenly realized something wrong was happening.

In an interview with WTAE-TV, the worship leader, Rhonda, recounted what unfolded after the lights went off and the Facebook Live interrupted.

“I just heard a really loud noise coming,” she told the outlet. “I thought it was the sound system going wrong. And then started hearing the shattering of the glass. And then, after that, just the windows breaking and it sounded like a train.”

Also, Lynn Michigan, one of the church members, recalled to Observer-Reporte, “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

A Miracle

The storm ripped off the church roof and caused damage to some parts of the building. But aftermath of the tornado, not even one person suffered from severe physical injuries, according to The Christian Post. It would have been fatal considering there were babies amongst the congregants.

Furthermore, Rev. Ken Barner called it a miracle. He testified to a congregation on Sunday, saying, “Folks, I just want you to know last night, I witnessed what I would say is a miracle..”

“God was with us,” he remarked. “The God who stays stayed with us. He did not leave us alone.”

Continue to pray for communities that were affected by the storm that hit Finleyville, Washington County.

Pastor looks forward to rebuilding after tornado damages church in western Pennsylvania

Refernence | Faithwire

Header Image: Randy Milanovic. (Photographer). (2019). Tornado, Retrieved May 18, 2024 from: https://unsplash.com/photos/road-and-tornado-qQ6GZBa58UI

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Adopted testimony
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Adopted Child Becomes A Pro-Life Advocate Pastor Who Shares Jesus With Others

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

An adopted child who was resentful of his birth mother became a pro-life advocate and preacher sharing Jesus with others.

Adopted into a Christian Family

Steventhen Holland was only seven days old when his biological mom gave him up for adoption. Thankfully, a Christian couple adopted him and made him experience the love of a real family. However, despite having been raised in a loving Christian home, he struggled with his identity.

Adopted testimony

The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Why Did My Birth Mom Give Me Up?, Retrieved May 23, 2024, from: https://youtu.be/p5XcgDiYvbE

As a child, he didn’t lack love or affection from his adoptive parents. However, he began to question his worth at eight years old when his friends in school found him weird. Since then, the feelings of rejection started to grow in his heart.

Feelings of Rejection

Furthermore, at eight, his adoptive mom revealed to him that they adopted him at two years old. That’s when he felt even more broken. Discovering that his biological mom gave him up after giving birth to him made him question his value. It cut deep to his core and he struggled with the sense of rejection for the following years. As a result, he tried to find his identity outside of God.

One night, as Steventhen attended a revival service, he ran to the altar and fell on his knees. He cried out in surrender to Jesus. Then, he majored in youth ministry during college. Later, he got married and his wife bore a child. But only to end up having a miscarriage. It deeply broke Steventhen’s heart. And that wasn’t the only time, because his wife suffered another miscarriage during her third pregnancy.

Steventhen became depressed because of the loss. But even then, he sought God amidst the brokenness. Soon after, he received a word from God telling him that he should look for his birth mother. He was able to connect with his biological uncle. And when he learned the truth, he received the closure he needed all those years.

Watch what happened in the video below.

Why Did My Birth Mom Give Me Up?

Reference | The 700 Club

Header Image: The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Why Did My Birth Mom Give Me Up?, Retrieved May 23, 2024, from: https://youtu.be/p5XcgDiYvbE

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Baptize California
ArticlesFeaturedNewsRevivalVideo

12 Thousand Baptized In California, Pastor Says: ‘It Felt Like A Book of Acts Page’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

A historic event took place in California where 12,000 individuals were baptized in the waters. A pastor attested that “it felt like a book of Acts page.”

Baptize California

A recent report from The 700 Club highlighted a momentous baptismal event that unfolded in California last week. As per the report, an estimated 12,000 people underwent baptism at beaches and church locations across the state. It marked as “the largest baptism in U.S. history.”

Baptize California

The 700 Club. (Screenshots). (2024). Baptisms, Retrieved June 4, 2024, from: https://youtu.be/iYHjZmmr9pU

The Baptize California movement orchestrated this massive gathering. Over 6,000 individuals immersed into the waters of Huntington Beach. Also, another 6,000 individuals were baptized in various churches across the state.

Testimonies

Pastor Mark Francey, the founder of the movement, shared compelling testimonies from the event with the Christian news outlet. He recounted how even individuals with ties to Satanism embraced Christianity and were baptized in the Name of Jesus. Additionally, he mentioned a heartwarming story of a man proposing to his girlfriend immediately after emerging from the baptismal waters. He also highlighted a family of 17 members who dedicated their lives to Christ.

“It felt like a book of Acts page,” the pastor described.

WHAT IS GOD’S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY?

Additionally, Pastor Mark emphasized that the event did not prioritize any particular denomination. It was focused on the collective body of Christ, uniting believers across various denominations to fulfill God’s mission. Volunteers from diverse churches worked in harmony with fellow believers, answering Jesus’ call to make disciples.

All Christians agree and affirm to what Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Witness the powerful moments in the videos shared by Christian outlet below.

Thousands Baptized In California

Reference | The 700 Club

Header Images: The 700 Club. (Screenshots). (2024). Baptisms, Retrieved June 4, 2024, from: https://youtu.be/iYHjZmmr9pU

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Waiting
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Pastor Vlad Savchuk: ‘Your Waiting Is Not A Waste’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

In a fast-paced world where people live, waiting for something for too long may feel like a punishment. However, for HungryGen Pastor Vlad Savchuk, it is a good thing to wait and trust in God’s timing.

The Waiting In The Promise

Throughout biblical history, God used mighty men and women to fulfill His purposes. But none of them were exempt from the challenging process before the promise was fulfilled. Abraham stands as a prime example. In Genesis 12, God promised to make him a great nation if he obeyed. Abraham faithfully followed God’s lead without hesitation, leaving his own country. However, during the process, he faltered in his trust in God at some point, enduring a long period of waiting.

Waiting

Levi Meir Clancy. (Photographer). (2021). Neon Art, Retrieved April 23, 2024 from: https://unsplash.com/photos/happy-new-year-neon-light-signage-jdIT3puximI

Many people today, anticipate in the same way. They expect that when God gives a promise, it will happen soon. Yet, to their disappointment, it often takes longer than expected, leading to shaken faith.

God Sustains

In Pastor Vlad Savchuk’s message, he offered encouragement to those in a season of waiting. Drawing from his testimony, he emphasized that when God gives a promise, He also sustains the person throughout the process.

Waiting

“See, God is not just the one who gives me the promise,” he said. “God is also the one that sustains me in the process. And God is the one that brings about the promise to pass, by giving me a provision.”

He continued, “And I trust God’s character. I trust God’s promise and I trust God’s timing.”

Do The Last Thing God Told You

Therefore, Vlad advised individuals to be patient in the process and allow God to develop them during the waiting period. Instead of complaining and being impatient, he urged them to focus on obeying God’s recent instructions.

“While you’re waiting, worship, don’t whine,” he stressed. “While you’re waiting, don’t trade your calling. Don’t give up the attitude of gratitude for impulse, impatient ‘I need something to make happen’ when God is not leading you. Do the last thing He told you to do.”

Reference | YouTube – Vlad Savchuk

Header Image: Vlad Savchuk. (Screenshot). (2024). Vlad Savchuk, Retrieved April 23, 2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f0WHpjLei4E?feature=share

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God restores hearts
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Pastor Marty Ocaya: ‘Let God Restore Your Heart So You Can Love With A Whole & Full Heart’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Pastor Marty Ocaya of Elevate Church Philippines encouraged Christians to “let God restore your heart so you can love with a whole and full heart.”

Brokenness

In this world, people encounter various forms of brokenness, which can lead to either positive or negative outcomes. It depends on the individual’s response. Some struggle to cope with pain, leading them down a destructive path, while others choose to find silver linings amidst adversity and embark on a journey towards healing and wholeness.

God restores hearts

Elevate Main [@elevate_main]. Pastor Marty Ocaya. Instagram, 6 Mar. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4K5yQnpyEx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In a message delivered by Pastor Marty Ocaya, he emphasized the positive outcomes that can emerge from brokenness. He highlighted how God’s redemptive power can bring transformation and strength to one’s shattered heart.

God Offers Healing To The Heart

No one is immune to pain; it is an inevitable part of life. Recognizing this reality, Pastor Marty underscored how individuals often feel hopeless in the face of brokenness.

“All of us, we’ve experienced brokenness in our lives, failures in our lives,” he explained. “We felt like we’re dirty, we felt like we were judged, we felt like we can’t come back up again. We felt like ‘what happened in the past is too painful and tough. I don’t know if I can come back up again.’”

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: EMBRACING WHOLENESS

Then, he recounted his own story of brokenness, highlighting how God restored his life from that painful and dark season.

“But you know what happened to me? I really felt God loving me fervently by stretching His hand out to me,” he said. “And saying, ‘Come, I wanna restore you.’”

Having encountered such profound love from God, the pastor learned how to love fervently. He attested to the transformative power of God’s restoration, describing it as incredibly powerful.

So, Pastor Marty urged the believers, “Let God restore your heart so you can love with a whole and full heart. It’s not hard, impossible to love fervently, if your heart is not whole. It’s difficult to be enthusiastic in loving others if you’re not filled with God’s love. But once you’ve experienced His restoration, you’re gonna be able to love fervently.”

 

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A post shared by Elevate Main (@elevate_main)

Reference | Instagram – Elevate Main

Header Image: Elevate Main [@elevate_main]. Pastor Marty Ocaya. Instagram, 6 Mar. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4K5yQnpyEx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Dating Advice
ArticlesFeaturedNews

Pastor Vlad Savchuk Shares Possible Signs The Person You’re Dating Is ‘Not The One’

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Pastor Vladimir Savchuk shared possible signs that could indicate that the person someone is dating may not be the right person to marry.

Dating

At some point in life, people do fall in love. It’s one of the most exciting moments in a person’s life. And although that’s the case, it also comes with pain sometimes. Hence, when selecting a life partner, discernment is crucial.

Vlad SavchukVlad Savchuk [@vladhungrygen]. Pastor. Instagram, 2 Apr. 2024,

Instagram will load in the frontend.

Pastor Vlad shared insightful wisdom by identifying potential indications that the person being dated may not be suitable for marriage. The foremost sign, considered a non-negotiable trait by some, is when “a relationship with God is not a priority for that person.”

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: PRIORITIZING GOD OVER WEALTH

Failure to love God, who is the source of love, could suggest that the individual is not the right match. Neglecting one’s relationship with God may lead to unfavorable outcomes in earthly relationships.

Pastor Vlad listed 13 red flags in dating in his post:

1. A relationship with God is not a priority for that person.
2. Their actions don’t usually match their words.
3. Their closest friends are not committed to the Lord.
4. They have a “wandering eye.”
5. They haven’t healed from a past/recent relationship.
6. They show controlling or manipulative behavior.
7. They struggle with addictions.
8. They have no respect for purity.
9. You wouldn’t want your kids to be like them.
10. You don’t have peace about it.
11. Your mentors/family are unsure about them.
12. Being with them has distracted you from Christ, your church, and or family.
13. You’re already praying for God to change them.

May people find this advice from Pastor Vlad helpful, especially singles who are currently seeking a lifetime partner. May God be glorified and honored in this aspect of their lives.

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints.” -Proverbs 2:6-8

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Vlad Savchuk (@vladhungrygen)

Reference | Instagram – Vlad Savchuk

Header Image: Sean Stratton. (Photographer). (2018). Girl and boy, Retrieved April 13, 2024 from: https://unsplash.com/photos/silhouette-photography-of-couple-wQkZdceduxs

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Abused as a child
ArticlesFeaturedNewsVideo

Trafficked, Abused & Broken All Her Life—Until She Met A Pastor Who Led Her To Jesus

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

A woman was abused, trafficked, and broken all her life until she encountered a pastor who introduced her to Jesus, transforming her life forever.

Abused As A Child

Gigi Cocanio’s childhood was marked by trauma. She had adoptive parents she trusted to protect her but became the perpetrators of mental, physical, and sexual abuse. They robbed Gigi of her innocence, leaving her feeling utterly helpless.

Abused as a child

The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Her Protectors Were Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, Retrieved April 8, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/w7hQ11_KsJk

Despite outward appearances of care, Gigi’s adoptive parents masked the horrors within their home. Even as they attended church services on Sundays, Gigi’s teenage years brought further anguish when her adopted brother also sexually abused her. This led her to attempt self-harm.

Turning To Drugs

Upon graduating from high school, Gigi fled her home, finding temporary refuge on the streets and at friends’ homes. Struggling with the weight of her past, she turned to drug addiction as a coping mechanism. She took cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, eventually turning to stripping for income.

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT

Unaware of her club owner’s dark intentions, Gigi unknowingly entered into a relationship with a trafficker, who eventually discarded her. Subsequently landing in jail for various charges, Gigi found herself enrolled in a faith-based rehabilitation program where she encountered the Bible. For the first time, she heard about God’s love for her, which sparked interest in her. However, upon completing the program, she regressed into her former destructive behaviors.

Meeting The Love of Christ

After leaving the rehab, Gigi fell into the clutches of another trafficker. Begging on the streets one day, she crossed paths with a pastor who not only offered her financial assistance but also extended an invitation to church.

Welcomed with open arms by the church community, Gigi experienced the love of God through their warmth and acceptance. Gradually, she began to discern God’s voice speaking to her, leading her on a path of healing and transformation.

Her Protectors Were Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Reference | The 700 Club

Header Image: The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Her Protectors Were Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, Retrieved April 8, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/w7hQ11_KsJk

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Pastor Stabbed Miracle
ArticlesFeaturedNewsVideo

Pastor Forgives Stepson Who Stabbed Him 21 Times

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

Pastor Russ Smethers was stabbed 21 times and miraculously survived the ordeal. Despite almost losing his life, he forgave his stepson who attacked him.

Pastor Stabbed By Stepson

Russ Smethers is a pastor of a church in Las Vegas, Nevada. He lived with his wife, Reena, and his stepson. It was an ordinary day on March 8, 2021, for the family when Russ’s stepson suddenly came home holding a butcher knife. The stepson was struggling with some money issues and was using meth. At that moment, he charged towards Russ and stabbed him several times without hesitation.

The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Russ Smethers Testimony, Retrieved April 5, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/rHBYSjSKgXY

The attack wounded Pastor Russ’s chest, head, and neck. There was blood all over him, and he couldn’t clearly see his attacker anymore. He barely managed to escape alive from the incident. Thankfully, his stepson dropped the knife when his dog came in. He ran out and asked for help from neighbors.

God’s Protection

Soon, authorities arrived and captured the attacker. Paramedics also arrived and discovered that Russ was stabbed 21 times. Amidst the chaos, the pastor then remembered what God had told him that morning.

Pastor Stabbed Miracle

The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Russ Smethers Testimony, Retrieved April 5, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/rHBYSjSKgXY

“God audibly told me that.. ‘you’re going through some stuff right now. But you’re not going to die tonight,’” he recalled.

At the hospital, nurse Mark boldly prayed for Russ’s life. He shared how the Lord led him to pray for the victim during that time. The pastor was in critical condition and fighting for his life. He underwent three surgeries in two days. Later on, his surgeon was surprised by the miracle that occurred.

Russ’s damaged lung had miraculously reattached itself. Furthermore, his fractured spine healed by itself. The surgeon admitted they didn’t do anything and witnessed a miracle.

Today, Pastor Russ has fully recovered and is testifying to the power of God that protected his life from the vicious attack.

God Told Him, "You're Not Going to Die Tonight."

Reference | The 700 Club

Header Image: The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Russ Smethers Testimony, Retrieved April 5, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/rHBYSjSKgXY

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Francis Chan Reminds Christians About The Importance Of God’s Living Word
ArticlesFeaturedNews

Francis Chan Reminds Christians About The Importance Of God’s Living Word

by Kriza Jo Tanduyan
written by Kriza Jo Tanduyan

Francis Chan powerfully reminded Christians about the importance of God’s living Word.

Francis Chan

Christian author and teacher Francis Chan talked about distinguishing what was common from what was holy. He mentioned that people often considered their opinions and feelings as the holiest things on earth, neglecting what the Bible had to say about their situations. Regrettably, their agreement with the Bible only lasted as long as it aligned with their views.

He encouraged the congregation to surrender all their thoughts to God and allow His Word to speak the truth into their hearts. Following this, he read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (ESV), emphasizing how Paul prioritized truth over cleverness in his approach to preaching.

As a pastor, he spent much of his life thinking that the impact of God’s message depended on how effectively he delivered it. He once believed that better communication would lead to convincing others to repent or change, but he later realized he was mistaken.

Francis Chan Reminds Christians About The Importance Of God’s Living Word

Crazy Love. (Screenshot). (2024). Beyond Human Effort. Retrieved April 1, 2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHtsf7raypE&t=125s

God’s Living Word

Furthermore, he explained, “What the scripture is saying is, ‘No, some people are just blinded to it.’ He says that the God of this world has blinded them, and so it’s not about human effort. It’s just about openly declaring the truth.” He elaborated by sharing that Jesus would often say at the end of His sermons, ‘He who has ears, let Him hear.’

Moreover, he admitted that he once believed that if he could only articulate things correctly, then people would grasp God’s Word. However, Jesus didn’t approach it that way; He placed the burden on the listeners rather than on Himself. Francis emphasized that people in the church had gotten it backward.

“We put all the pressure on the person up front as though his cleverness will either lead you to repentance or not. And Jesus says, ‘He who has ears let him hear,’” he remarked.

Watch the full sermon here.

Reference | Crazy Love

Header Image: Crazy Love. (Screenshot). (2024). Beyond Human Effort. Retrieved April 1, 2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHtsf7raypE&t=125s

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Video

Demon-Possessed Gang Leader Becomes Pastor After Hearing Jesus Speak To Him

by Rhoda Gayle
written by Rhoda Gayle

A former infamous gang leader got saved and becomes a pastor after hearing Jesus speak to him.

Rene Martinez

Rene Martinez was born into a demon-worshiping family in Leisure City, Florida. He was raised by a single mom who used to sacrifice live animals over him. It was a part of her religion and as a result, Rene started to see demons and get possessed by them at an early age.

“It’s just demonic,” Rene said. “I started seeing demons when I was a kid. They haunted me my whole life.”

Gang Leader

In his early teenage years, Rene got involved in drugs and fell into a life of crime. A few years later, he founded the Latin Syndicate, Miami’s most dangerous and powerful gang in the 1990s. At the age of 14, he had already been imprisoned for attempted murder. Rene also had many near-death experiences that he miraculously survived.

“I remember the time the gun jammed in my face,” he said. “I remember the time the bullet grazed my head. The other time the bullet whistled by my ear. The times I was running through the backyard and they were shooting at me. All the times I got shot at. All the times I was half-dead, but I was still alive.”

MMA fighter

After the birth of his first child, Rene knew that he had to change his life. He turned to professional bare-knuckle fighting then soon landed a career as a professional MMA fighter. Rene also attempted to record and compose gangster music in his garage.

The encounter

One day, while he was recording music in his garage, he clearly heard Jesus say, “I spared you for such a time as this.”

“I saw my whole life flash before my eyes – when a gun was jammed in my face when a bullet whistled by my ear – I almost died five or six times – and all my friends that died. God set me free for a reason. I repented right there,” he recalled.

Rene “Level” Martinez is now a pastor preaching to gang members, prostitutes, drug dealers and on the streets. He believes that if he was able to get free from life on the streets, that God could also free others through his testimony.

“God really pulled me out of the pit,” the former gang leader said. “If God did this for me, He can do this for anybody.”

Watch his testimony here: Rene “Level” Martinez – “The Warrior Level” Documentary

Read also: Rival Gang Members Baptized Together Inside Maximum Security Prison 

 

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