Author: Erick Neuman
Israel is one of the tiniest countries in the world, only slightly larger than the state of New Jersey. Yet the nation’s small size belies its rich diversity and history — a beautiful tapestry of different people and ethnicities like nowhere else on the planet. Take Jerusalem. It’s one of the world’s most ancient cities and plays a central role in the three major monotheistic religions. The Old City is divided into four distinct quarters, each with their own unique flavor and history. The Armenian quarter is home to about a thousand Armenian Christians who have a proud history as…
Dear Dave, I’ve been struggling financially for the past few months, so I’ve been playing the lottery once a week. To me, the chance to win millions is worth a few dollars a month, even if things are tight. Paula Dear Paula, You’ve told me you’re having money troubles, and at the same time you’re throwing money out the window every week? Honestly, the small amount you’re talking about doesn’t make a difference. Even if it’s just two or three bucks a week, that action represents a lot of financially irresponsible behavior in your life. I’m going to be very…
What does a Grammy and Emmy Award winning singer do when he can’t tour, perform, or collaborate with other musicians due to COVID-19? Why record a Gospel album all by himself of course! With the coronavirus pandemic forcing him off his tour in early 2020, Harry Connick, Jr. retreated to his home studio and went on a personal journey of sorts, spending 10 to 12 hours a day working on a new album. Along the way, he arranged all the songs, played every instrument, sang every part, and even set up and broke down his own recording equipment. The end result…
The FBI is investigating claims that a group of evangelical Christians was attacked for their faith during a prayer rally in Seattle over the weekend. The move comes after the mayor blamed the Christians for the violence at the event, calling it a “far-right rally.” The prayer rally in Seattle’s Cal Park on Saturday quickly turned violent when members from the LGBTQ community and Antifa showed up to protest. One of them actually pulled a knife and threatened a 17-year-old on our side,” Ross Johnston, a co-leader of the Mayday USA prayer event, told CBN News, describing the extreme behavior…
Smith says, “The only time I ever saw him really get upset was when my songs didn’t go No. 1. He just couldn’t figure that out. I’m going, ‘Dad, all my songs can’t go No. 1.’ And he’d go, ‘Why not, son? You’re the best.'” Michael W. Smith’s musical achievements span five decades. From pop to contemporary Christian music, he’s garnered worldwide recognition. And perhaps his biggest fan was his late father, Paul Smith. “He’s the oldest guy dancing in the aisle and singing every word to all my songs. He knew every word to every song.” His new book,…
Monday, November 25th promised to be a fun evening for pastors Glen and Deborah Berteau. It was Deborah’s birthday and her prayer group had planned a party for her at church. She recalls, “I was happy my husband was with me. Lots of times he stays home because he’s very tired after preaching three times on the weekend. But that night he came with me because of my birthday party.” Deborah had no idea it could be the last birthday they’d ever spend together. They had arrived early and were waiting in the pastor’s lounge on the opposite side of…
“How could we have prepared for this?” Operation Blessing’s Disaster Relief team hears these words all too often after a disaster destroys a family home. Nobody knows when disaster will strike, so it’s important to be prepared with a disaster emergency kit. Does your family know what do to in case of disaster? How prepared are you? These fun questions are designed to spark a family conversation about your specific preparation plan. Here are some suggested talking points. When will you stay? When is it time to leave? Decide as a family when you will evacuate during a storm. Make sure…
Dear Dave, In light of recent events, do you have suggestions for things people should think about and prepare for if they get laid off from their jobs? – Sam Dear Sam, It’s no secret that things are shutting down all across the world. If your workplace has closed its doors and isn’t offering pay, then it’s time to regroup and get some things in order. The thought of being without a paycheck can be overwhelming, but a little thought and planning can help you get though times like these. Start living on a budget, if you aren’t doing so already.…
It has been sort of a strange ending for Mike Donehey and Tenth Avenue North. Set to disband after 20 years with a highly touted farewell tour in 2020, the celebrated quartet never got their chance. Cut short due to the global pandemic, Donehey and company were left sitting at home. For Donehey, he was wondering what his next move would be in Christian music. After much thought and prayer, he has decided to pursue a diversified path that includes music, writing, and even hosting a podcast (Chasing the Beauty). Donehey begins this new chapter with the release of not one, but two…
A North Carolina valedictorian boldly took the stage during his high school graduation and told attendees all about his faith after his school district had attempted to censor his remarks about God and Jesus Christ. Liberty Counsel, a non-profit legal, group released a redacted letter they sent to a high school student who was seeking legal advice after he submitted his speech to the school district. According to his attorneys, the valedictorian speech addressed the adversity he has faced in his life due to several medical conditions and how Jesus helped him to overcome those challenges. In part of his…