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Televangelist Pat Robertson Dies At Age 93

William Wagner
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Televangelist Pat Robertson Dies At Age 93

Pat Robertson, the televangelist who helped turn Christian conservatives into a potent force in U.S. politics, died at age 93 at his Virginia home, the Christian Broadcasting Network said in a statement on Thursday.

Robertson founded the network in 1960 and hosted the flagship program “The 700 Club” for decades, offering prayers and political commentary. In 1980, the show helped galvanize support among Christian conservatives for Republican Ronald Reagan’s successful campaign for president.

Robertson unsuccessfully ran for president himself in 1988. He finished second in the Iowa caucuses largely by appealing to the state’s sizable evangelical population, a strategy that has since been standard practice for Republican presidential contenders in the Midwestern state.

Soon after his White House bid, Robertson founded the Christian Coalition, a grassroots organization that proved a powerful mobilizer for the conservative religious voters who became a core constituency for the Republican Party.

The Christian Broadcasting Network, the organization he founded, did not immediately announce Robertson’s cause of death. “Pat Robertson dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, helping those in need, and educating the next generation,” the company said.

He was one of the most prominent and influential Christian broadcasters and entrepreneurs in the United States — equal parts religious leader and culture warrior.

In addition to the Christian Broadcasting Network, which eventually reached countries around the world, Robertson also founded Regent University, a religious school in Virginia; the American Center for Law and Justice, a Christian legal advocacy group; and Operation Blessing, an international charity.

Robertson had four children, including his son, Gordon, who is president of the network and has hosted “The 700 Club” since the elder Robertson stepped down from the show in 2021.

CREDIT:REUTERS

Pope In Good Condition After Night In Hospital, Post-Op Tests Good

William Wagner
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Pope In Good Condition After Night In Hospital, Post-Op Tests Good

ROME, June 8 (Reuters) – Pope Francis was in good general condition on Thursday morning after his first night in hospital following abdominal surgery, had rested well and the results of the first post-operation tests were good, doctors said.

“The medical team following the post-operation recovery of the pontiff say that Pope Francis spent a tranquil night, with a prolonged rest,” the Vatican said in a statement.

Pope Francis underwent a three-hour operation in a Rome hospital on Wednesday to repair a hernia, which doctors said was successful enough that he should have no limitations on his travels and other activities after he recovers.

Doctor Sergio Alfieri, the chief surgeon who operated on the pope at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, said he had reacted well to general anesthesia and that he expected the pontiff to be in hospital for about 5-7 days.

In a statement to journalists accredited to the Holy See, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said: “The medical staff following the post-operative progress of the Pontiff reports that Pope Francis spent a quiet night, managing to rest for a long time; he is in good overall condition, and is alert and breathing on his own.”

“The routine follow-up examinations are good. He will take the necessary post-operative rest for the whole day.”

“The Pope has been made aware of the messages of closeness and affection that have arrived in the last few hours, and has expressed his gratitude, while at the same time asking for continued prayers.”

Witchdoctors Meet Jesus!

William Wagner
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Witchdoctors Meet Jesus!

I will be sharing more of the wonderful testimonies and reports pouring in from each of the locations where we just completed ELEVEN 5-night Gospel Campaign in Zambia. Can you imagine what a tsunami of glorious stories of God’s power that unleashed? We’re starting with Chingola, where Evangelists Randy Roberts and Lukas Repert (both Bootcamp graduates who were trained by me) were stationed.

Evangelist Randy Roberts shares:

Typically, on Friday night we preach a message on the power of the blood of Jesus and we burn the barrels for the first time. These are 55-gallon drums with several holes bored in the sides that we have people put “juju” in. This includes any kind of witchcraft — idols, talismans, potions, powders, etc. So, on Thursday night, I encouraged people to bring any of this and added that they should invite all the witchdoctors they know of so we can see who is truly God.

Little did I know that as I said this, many of the local pastors and bishops began to feel a bit nervous because of my invitation. You see, the field we were on in Chingola had a history about which I was unaware. The field, Kaunda Square, was known for witchcraft.

  • Friday night: Preaching God’s power as we burn drums filled with witchcraft items, inviting all to witness the potency of Jesus’ blood.
  • There had been ritualistic killings performed there for many years, and where two live trees and an old tree stump stood, people worshipped false gods and hung themselves as a form of self-sacrifice.

Our Gospel Campaign director, Brady Liette, had a major battle with the city over cutting these trees down. They were terrified that the people would be furious and cause chaos. Fortunately, one of the leading local bishops, who was our Gospel Campaign chairman, is good friends with the President of Zambia. He instructed the mayor to allow us to cut them down. When they did, the top witchdoctor, also known as a stone dealer, went crazy with grief and then disappeared… for a while.

Fast forward to Friday night of the Gospel Campaign. That same stone dealer, whose name is Datsun, heard the invitation, came to the Gospel Campaign with some of his juju, and put it in the barrels! Unfortunately, he didn’t put it all in and had not yet received Jesus, so he was demonically tormented all night when he went home. On Saturday, he brought the rest. We helped him take it off his body and burn it. Then were able to preach the Gospel to him, and he got saved.

We rejoiced over what Jesus had done in his life and asked him to go up on stage and share his testimony. Then my friend evangelist Lukas Repert laid hands on him and he was slain in the spirit. Hallelujah!

Shortly after that someone came from the side of the stage to tell me that there were five more witch doctors who had heard Datsun give his testimony. They wanted to talk to me and give their lives to Jesus as well! So I went and preached the Gospel to them, led them in the salvation prayer, and then handed them over to the same bishops who were a little concerned with my initial invitation. Needless to say, they had a whole new, positive attitude toward the situation!

Shortly after that someone came from the side of the stage to tell me that there were five more witch doctors who had heard Datsun give his testimony. They wanted to talk to me and give their lives to Jesus as well! So I went and preached the Gospel to them, led them in the salvation prayer, and then handed them over to the same bishops who were a little concerned with my initial invitation. Needless to say, they had a whole new, positive attitude toward the situation!

Evangelist Daniel Kolenda
(here with the worldwide CfaN Team)

Born Again

William Wagner
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Born Again

Charles Colson chronicled conversion in 1976 bestseller

In the summer of 1973, under intense scrutiny and facing possible arrest for his role in the Watergate scandal, Charles Colson began to question where he stood with God. His friend Tom Phillips had been telling him about Jesus and praying for his salvation, and one night in August, while on a working vacation in Maine, Colson knew he could put it off no longer.

I knew the time had come for me: I could not sidestep the central question [C.S.] Lewis (or God) had placed squarely before me. Was I to accept without reservations Jesus Christ as Lord of my life? It was like a gate before me. There was no way to walk around it. I would step through, or I would remain outside. A “maybe” or “I need more time” was kidding myself.

And as something pressed that question home, less and less was I troubled by the curious phrase “accept Jesus Christ.” It had sounded at first both pious and mystical, language of the zealot, maybe black magic stuff. But “to accept” means no more than “to believe.” Did I believe what Jesus said? If I did, if I took it on faith or reason or both, then I accepted. Not mystical or weird at all, and with no in-between ground left. Either I would believe or I would not—and believe it all or none of it.

The search that began that week on the coast of Maine … simply returned me to where I had been when I asked God to “take me” in that moment of surrender on the little country road in front of the Phillipses’ home. What I studied so intently all week opened a little wider the new world into which I had already taken my first halting, shaky steps. One week of study on the Maine coast would hardly qualify, even in the jet age, as much of an odyssey, but I felt as if I’d been on a journey of thousands of miles. 

And so early that Friday morning, while I sat alone staring at the sea I love, words I had not been certain I could understand or say fell naturally from my lips: “Lord Jesus, I believe You. I accept You. Please come into my life. I commit it to You.” 

With these few words that morning, while the briny sea churned, came a sureness of mind that matched the depth of feeling in my heart. There came something more: strength and serenity, a wonderful new assurance about life, a fresh perception of myself and the world around me. In the process, I felt old fears, tensions, and animosities draining away. I was coming alive to things I’d never seen before; as if God was filling the barren void I’d known for so many months, filling it to its brim with a whole new kind of awareness. ©1976 Charles W. Colson

Excerpted from “Born Again,” by Charles W. Colson, Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Used by permission. Bakerpublishinggroup.com.

Salvation And Miracles On The Beach

William Wagner
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Salvation And Miracles On The Beach

It was 3 nights of pure word, salvation and miracles. The venue in itself was a miracle. Who has heard of a Salvation Crusade on a beach? But the Healing Jesus Campaign led by Evangelist Dag Heward-Mills, one of the world’s leading Evangelist braced the strong pacific winds of Mahajanga and held the three day campaign.

Enjoy these scenes from Mahajanga, Madagascar.

The Lord of course blessed the crusade with many astonishing miracles.

Nathaniel Bassey Readies ‘IBA’ ft. Dunsin Oyekan & Dasola Akinbule For June 9 Release

William Wagner
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Nathaniel Bassey Readies ‘IBA’ ft. Dunsin Oyekan & Dasola Akinbule For June 9 Release

Renowned worship leader, Nathaniel Bassey has confirmed June 9, 2023, as the release date for his upcoming new single “IBA” featuring fervent worship music minister Dunsin Oyekan and music prodigy Dasola Akinbule.

The new single which was originally slated for Jun 16, was brought forward by a week. “The wait doesn’t have to be too long for a great thing,” the ‘Imela’ crooner wrote on social media, revealing the new date.

Fueling further anticipation for the release, Nathaniel Bassey has teased fans with a snippet of the song, giving them a taste of what he describes as “Another material for deep worship”. 

Nathaniel seems to be on a new music spree this season as this exciting release announcement comes barely three (3) months after the release of the 16-track live project, Hallelujah Live“.

The new album from the prolific singer-songwriter boasts star-studded guest appearances from renowned worship leaders and ministers such as William McDowell, Sinach, Victoria Orenze, Ntokozo Mbamba, Mercy Chinwo, and More.

Gmusicplus

“Heaven Has Come” – Ty Bello Unveils Captivating And Revival Intense New Album

William Wagner
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“Heaven Has Come” – Ty Bello Unveils Captivating And Revival Intense New Album

Nigerian gospel singer and accomplished lifestyle photographer TY Bello has released a sound of revival through her latest body of work titled “Heaven Has Come” which is currently available on all streaming platforms.

The highly anticipated “Heaven Has Come” project comprises twenty tracks featuring a lineup of renowned artists, including Sunmisola Agbebi, Tope Alabi, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Pastor Chingtok Ishaku, Folabi Nuel, Tomi Favoured, Sinmidele, 121 Sellah, Angelo, Gaise Baba, Great Man Takit, and Mavin’s record singer, Johnny Drille.

Ty Bello from her previous body of works is known to have a different sound that pierces into the soul and spirit and creates a connection between the Father and spirit of man. Heaven Has Come is a mixture of spirit-filled atmosphere sound for intense intimacy and Afro-sound that hinges on the same atmosphere revival move.

Ty Bello’s previous album “We Are Fire” released last year 2022 has also seen great partnerships with top gospel artiste and with the renowned sound of 121Selah which created a harmonic background.

TY Bello started her music career as a member of the gospel group, Kush, which consisted of herself, Lara George, and Emem Ema. The group released their debut album in 2000, titled “The Experience”. They also released two more albums before disbanding in 2004.

After the disbandment of Kush, TY Bello began her solo career as a singer-songwriter. She released her debut album, “Greenland” in 2006, which was a commercial success in Nigeria. She has since released several other albums including “The Future” (2011), “The Morning Songbook” (2013), and “African Gospel” (2019).

By Admin

Cody Carnes “God Is Good!” Tour Adds New Dates

William Wagner
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Cody Carnes “God Is Good!” Tour Adds New Dates

GRAMMY®-nominated Cody Carnes reunites with special guest Benjamin William Hastings for the second leg of his “God Is Good!” Tour in July for seven additional dates.

This tour serves as a faith-filled intersection of worship and fellowship where attendees can come together and lift high the name of Jesus. Featuring some of Carnes’ hits like “Run To The Father” and “Nothing Else,” his recent No. 1 single “Ain’t Nobody” and the Carnes/ Hastings hit “Take You At Your Word”, these nights are going to be really special.”

“These nights are full of worship and full of the presence of God,” shares Cody Carnes. “We had too much fun on the first run, so we had to add more dates! So excited to be bringing this night to seven more beautiful cities! My friend Benjamin William Hastings will be leading his incredible songs as well. It’s going to be amazing.”

Last year, Carnes released his first-ever live project, God Is Good. Already in his career, Carnes has been nominated three times for a GRAMMY Award and currently has 15 songs on the CCLI Top 2000 chart as a songwriter.

The “God is Good!” Tour is presented by Transparent Productions.

July 14 – Cleveland, OH

July 15 – Newark (Wayne), NJ

July 16 – North Attleboro, MA

July 18 – Washington D.C.

July 19 – Indianapolis, IN

July 22 – Myrtle Beach, SC

July 23 – Chesapeake, VA

GMA News

Franklin Graham Challenges Religious Broadcasters: ‘The Storm Is Coming’

William Wagner
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Franklin Graham Challenges Religious Broadcasters: ‘The Storm Is Coming’

When it comes to using television and radio to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Billy Graham and Franklin Graham have worked to maximize their impact over the decades.

But now Franklin Graham has a somewhat dire warning to those who use these mediums to spread Good News.

“The storm is coming where we’re going to be off the radio and television and the internet,” Graham said.

During his 29-minute keynote speech in Orlando, Florida, the evangelist gave examples of the challenges facing Christian media. He also offered advice to those concerned about religious persecution in areas like data centers, banking, and insurance.

“If you’re not going to preach the Gospel, you don’t have anything to worry about. If you’re not going to talk about sin, you’re not going to have anything to worry about; but if you’re going to proclaim the Gospel, they’re going to try to shut you up.”

Franklin Graham serves as CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)

Franklin Graham shared examples of the power of media in his early ministry and how his father used it so effectively. But in between standing ovations, stories, and laughs, he charged the crowd to be prepared, to start thinking now about a world where standing on God’s Word could be punishable by law.

“Jesus told us the world hated [Him] first and they’re going to hate you,” he said. “If you stand for Christ, the world is going to hate you.”

Debbie, who works with an evangelical Christian media outreach in Fort Lauderdale, was moved by Franklin Graham’s message.

“I appreciate he tackled the cultural mandate. If we’re not speaking to the culture, we won’t retain the rights, we won’t retain our freedom of religion to preach the Gospel.

“That’s what Franklin is doing. He’s got the platform. And he doesn’t pull back. It needs to be said and people need to hear that.”

Debbie’s co-worker William gave an amen to that.

“He’s just so open and honest about where we are,” William said. “The storm is coming. It was all about the Gospel.”

Besides the “coming storm,” the main point driven home was to “preach the Gospel” as long as humanly possible—without reservation.

“Preach the Gospel,” Graham said. “Use your radio, television, blogs, internet, to communicate the Gospel.

“There’s Holy Spirit-filled power in the Gospel. When you try to tell a person they are a sinner, it’s offensive. When you tell someone that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and there is no way to heaven or God except through Him, you offend people.”

By Trevor Freeze

Labour To Become A Blessing

William Wagner
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Labour To Become A Blessing

Instead of labouring to be rich, you must labour to become a blessing to others.  Instead of striving for wealth, strive to become a blessing. Why work with all your heart to get money, when you can work with all your heart to help others. It is time for you to decide to become a blessing to many people.  It is far greater to become a blessing than just to be a blessed person!

Your ultimate vision for life must be to labour to be a blessing. Beyond a certain amount of income there is no benefit to the receiver.  Beyond a certain number of houses you can no longer safely control what you have.

I would like to be like Abraham who became a blessing to the whole world. God said to Abraham, “All nations will be blessed through you”(Genesis 12:3).  This is how God called Abraham. He called Abraham to bless him so that he would be a blessing to the nations of the world. You never find Abraham labouring to be rich.  You find him labouring to obey God. You find him labouring to please his Creator. “Yet you find him becoming a blessing to the whole of mankind.  Those who labour to be rich never achieve the heights that Abraham achieved.

“Paul warned all Christians and declared that rich people should be rich in good works. They should be seen as givers. They should be seen to be doing good things and distributing their wealth.  He said that this would create a good foundation for them in eternity.

Notice Hannah’s vision. All she wanted was to have a child that she could give away. She did not want a child that she could keep.  She did not want a child that she could play with and enjoy like any other mother. Because she was labouring to be a blessing, God opened her womb and gave her that child and much more.

It is rare to see people have a life’s goal of building God’s house.  Most people’s life’s goals have to do with establishing their own houses and increasing their personal wealth.  In this chapter, you will see people whose goals were to be a blessing to others. It was not about themselves.  It was all about God and His kingdom.

Be a blessing to others! This is the highest call! The call to be a blessing! God is calling you today to be a blessing to many people.  Some people are blessed but they never become a blessing to others.  You must rise up to the challenge and become a blessing to others.

1. Labour to be a blessing to the whole world like Abraham was a blessing to the whole world.  Abraham “never tried to be a rich man. 

He never laboured to be rich.  Today, he stands out as the man who became a blessing to the whole world.  How did he become a blessing to the whole world?  By labouring to obey God no matter what.

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and THOU SHALT BE A BLESSING: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:1-3

2. Labour to be a blessing to many people according to the instructions of Paul. 

Paul’s instructions are clear.  Have good works! Do good things!  Don’t be high-minded! Help other people! Labour to be a blessing!

CHARGE THEM THAT ARE RICH in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; THAT THEY BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay “hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:17-21

3. Labour to be a blessing to the ministry like Hannah: Give me a child so I can give him away to become a prophet.”  She labored to be pregnant just so that she could give away the child.  What an amazing testimony of laboring to be a blessing.  How many people work so hard just so they can give everything away?

And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, THEN I WILL GIVE HIM UNTO THE LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.  1 Samuel 1:11

4. Labour to be a blessing to others in the kingdom of God.  Seeking the kingdom of God first is seeking to be a blessing.  Instead of seeking your personal wealth, you seek the wealth of God’s kingdom.  As you seek the interests of God’s kingdom, you will end up having all things.

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of god, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:32-33

Dag Heward-MIlls

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