• United States of America, looks like another silent night

    As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
    That save the trees and kill the children

    And while we're lying in the dark
    There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky

    For the Bridegroom has returned
    And has carried His bride away in the night

    America, what will we miss while we are sleeping?

    Will Jesus come again
    And leave us slumbering where we lay?

    America, will we go down in history

    As a nation with no room for its King?

    Will we be sleeping?

    "While You Were Sleeping"
    Casting Crowns
    United States of America, looks like another silent night As we're sung to sleep by philosophies That save the trees and kill the children And while we're lying in the dark There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky For the Bridegroom has returned And has carried His bride away in the night America, what will we miss while we are sleeping? Will Jesus come again And leave us slumbering where we lay? America, will we go down in history As a nation with no room for its King? Will we be sleeping? "While You Were Sleeping" Casting Crowns
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 15 Visualizações
  • The Story Behind the Hymns.
    THE STORY BEHIND "MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE COMING OF THE LORD"

    Some hymns belong to a church while others become part of the history of a people.

    “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord,” widely known as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” belongs to the second category.

    Its story is tied to one of the darkest chapters in American history: the Civil War, a conflict that split the United States and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Slavery stood at the centre of the crisis, and the question of whether a nation could call itself free while millions remained enslaved had become impossible to avoid.

    In 1861, Julia Ward Howe, a writer, poet and abolitionist, was in Washington, D.C., when she encountered Union troops singing “John Brown’s Body,” a marching song already popular among soldiers. The tune stayed with her. Someone suggested that she write new words for it.

    She did.

    According to Howe’s own account, the words came to her in the early hours of the morning. She woke with the opening line in her mind and began writing, afraid that the verses would escape her if she waited for daylight.

    “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord…”

    What followed was not a conventional hymn of comfort. Howe wrote with the language of the Old Testament prophets — judgment, wrath, righteousness and redemption. The battlefield became the setting for a larger moral argument.

    “He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.”

    The line was stark and so was the time in which it was written.

    The hymn was published in the Atlantic Monthly in February 1862. It quickly found an audience among Union supporters and soldiers, giving words to a cause that many believed demanded more than military victory. The fight, in the hymn’s telling, was bound to a moral reckoning.

    Then came the line that would outlive the war:

    “His truth is marching on.”

    Those five words helped turn a Civil War song into an enduring hymn.

    For soldiers heading into battle, the words could sound like a declaration of faith. For abolitionists, they carried the promise that slavery would not have the final word. For families waiting at home, the hymn gave voice to the uncertainty, grief and conviction that defined the period.

    Its reach did not end when the guns fell silent.

    “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” went on to become one of the most recognisable songs in American religious and public life. It has been heard in churches, at memorials, political gatherings, military ceremonies and historic moments across generations.

    Its power however, lies in more than its stirring melody.

    It was born at a time when America was asking whether freedom could survive its own contradictions. Julia Ward Howe answered with a poem that placed justice at the centre of the national struggle.

    More than a century and a half later, the words remain remarkably direct.

    They remind us that history is not always changed in grand halls or on battlefields. Sometimes it begins in the early hours of the morning, with a writer reaching for a pen before the words disappear.

    Julia Ward Howe picked up that pen and what she wrote became a song that generations would sing long after the war that inspired it had passed into history.

    “His truth is marching on.”

    That is the line that remains.

    Not simply as music but as a declaration.
    The Story Behind the Hymns. THE STORY BEHIND "MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE COMING OF THE LORD" Some hymns belong to a church while others become part of the history of a people. “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord,” widely known as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” belongs to the second category. Its story is tied to one of the darkest chapters in American history: the Civil War, a conflict that split the United States and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Slavery stood at the centre of the crisis, and the question of whether a nation could call itself free while millions remained enslaved had become impossible to avoid. In 1861, Julia Ward Howe, a writer, poet and abolitionist, was in Washington, D.C., when she encountered Union troops singing “John Brown’s Body,” a marching song already popular among soldiers. The tune stayed with her. Someone suggested that she write new words for it. She did. According to Howe’s own account, the words came to her in the early hours of the morning. She woke with the opening line in her mind and began writing, afraid that the verses would escape her if she waited for daylight. “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord…” What followed was not a conventional hymn of comfort. Howe wrote with the language of the Old Testament prophets — judgment, wrath, righteousness and redemption. The battlefield became the setting for a larger moral argument. “He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.” The line was stark and so was the time in which it was written. The hymn was published in the Atlantic Monthly in February 1862. It quickly found an audience among Union supporters and soldiers, giving words to a cause that many believed demanded more than military victory. The fight, in the hymn’s telling, was bound to a moral reckoning. Then came the line that would outlive the war: “His truth is marching on.” Those five words helped turn a Civil War song into an enduring hymn. For soldiers heading into battle, the words could sound like a declaration of faith. For abolitionists, they carried the promise that slavery would not have the final word. For families waiting at home, the hymn gave voice to the uncertainty, grief and conviction that defined the period. Its reach did not end when the guns fell silent. “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” went on to become one of the most recognisable songs in American religious and public life. It has been heard in churches, at memorials, political gatherings, military ceremonies and historic moments across generations. Its power however, lies in more than its stirring melody. It was born at a time when America was asking whether freedom could survive its own contradictions. Julia Ward Howe answered with a poem that placed justice at the centre of the national struggle. More than a century and a half later, the words remain remarkably direct. They remind us that history is not always changed in grand halls or on battlefields. Sometimes it begins in the early hours of the morning, with a writer reaching for a pen before the words disappear. Julia Ward Howe picked up that pen and what she wrote became a song that generations would sing long after the war that inspired it had passed into history. “His truth is marching on.” That is the line that remains. Not simply as music but as a declaration.
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 19 Visualizações
  • America we have to get and some how reach the people of our nation again and i know alot of people are spreading the gospel, however we are competing against the Superbowl, fantasy football, a a government divided in alot of wats fundamental ways where God is first even though we want peace with the Muslim i do believe it can't really happen we sone of these Muslims elected officials now in our government we have to take a stand just some of our brothers and sisters here on this social site that are being
    persecuted because they believe in God
    and what Jesus did at the cross
    America we have to get and some how reach the people of our nation again and i know alot of people are spreading the gospel, however we are competing against the Superbowl, fantasy football, a a government divided in alot of wats fundamental ways where God is first even though we want peace with the Muslim i do believe it can't really happen we sone of these Muslims elected officials now in our government we have to take a stand just some of our brothers and sisters here on this social site that are being persecuted because they believe in God and what Jesus did at the cross
    Like
    1
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 24 Visualizações
  • *ABUJA AND THE NEW ERA: AN ESCHATOLOGICAL VIEW OF THE GLOBAL ANGLICAN HEADQUARTERS*
    _By Postulant C. O. Oyadosu_

    *INTRODUCTION: NOT JUST GEOGRAPHY, BUT PROPHECY*

    To the glory of God, the announcement on *29 August 2026 in Recife, Brazil*, that the headquarters of the *Global Anglican Communion* will be established in *Abuja, Nigeria*, is more than an administrative decision. It is a prophetic marker.

    While some individuals in their opinion rightly calls for wisdom, humility, and global representation, we must also read this moment through the lens of *Scripture, history, and eschatology*. God is not surprised by geography. He ordains seasons.

    What we are witnessing is not Africa “taking over” Anglicanism. It is the *return of Christianity to its ancient African roots* and the beginning of an *End-Time Revival that will be led from the Global South*.

    *1. CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA PREDATES EUROPEAN MISSIONS*

    The argument that Anglicanism must remain tied to Canterbury because “that is where it began” overlooks a deeper biblical and historical truth: *Africa was Christian before Europe was*.

    1. *Ethiopia*: The Ethiopian eunuch in *Acts 8:26-39* took the Gospel to Africa in the 1st century. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church traces its roots to the 4th century, with the _Garima Gospels_ and a canon of 81 books preserved for 1600 years.
    2. *North Africa*: Alexandria, Carthage, and Hippo produced giants like Athanasius, Origen, Tertullian, and Augustine. The Nicene Creed was hammered out in North Africa.
    3. *Christianity is not a Western export*. It is an Eastern and African faith that later flourished in Europe.

    Therefore, to locate the Global Anglican headquarters in *Abuja* is not innovation. It is *restoration*. It is God bringing the Communion back to a continent where the faith was planted by the Apostles themselves.

    As *Colossians 3:16* declares for this last Sunday of August: _“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”_ That Word first dwelt richly in African soil.

    *2. AN ESCHATOLOGICAL READING: THE SHIFT TO THE GLOBAL SOUTH*

    Jesus said in *Matthew 24:14*: _“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”_

    Church historians like Philip Jenkins in _The Next Christendom_ have documented what the Spirit is doing: *The numerical and spiritual centre of Christianity has moved to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.*

    The decision to place the headquarters in *Abuja* fits this eschatological pattern:
    1. *Numerical strength*: Over 60% of active Anglicans today are in Africa. Nigeria alone has more Anglicans than all of UK, US, Canada and Australia combined.
    2. *Doctrinal clarity*: In a season where Western provinces are revising biblical teaching on marriage, life, and authority of Scripture, God is raising up a bastion of biblical orthodoxy in the South.
    3. *Missionary sending*: For 500 years the West sent missionaries to Africa. In this season, Africa is sending missionaries back to Europe, America, and Asia.

    This is not nationalism. This is *fulfillment*. The last shall be first, and the first last. *Mark 10:31*

    *3. WHY ABUJA? WHY NOW? PROPHECY AND REVIVAL*

    Many prophetic voices across Africa for the last 30 years have spoken of an *“End-Time Revival that will start from Nigeria and spread to the nations.”* Nigeria’s Anglican Church has been at the forefront of:
    - Church planting movements
    - Prayer and fasting culture
    - Defense of Scripture under persecution
    - Youth and evangelistic fervour

    The *G26 gathering in Abuja, March 2026*, was not accidental. It was a divine alignment. Abuja, the centrally located capital of the most populous black nation, becomes a *new Upper Room* from where the Spirit will be poured out.

    Just as Jerusalem was the geographic center for the 1st century Church in *Acts 1:8*, *Abuja can be a 21st century center* for a global outpouring — not because Nigeria is superior, but because God chooses weak and unlikely places to shame the wise. *1 Corinthians 1:27*

    *4. ANSWERING THE CONCERNS: INFRASTRUCTURE, GLOBALITY, AND OWNERSHIP*

    Some highly respected Anglican Church fathers in God raised legitimate practical concerns. But eschatology teaches us that *God provides infrastructure for what He ordains*.

    1. *On Infrastructure*: Joseph was sent to Egypt, Daniel to Babylon, and Paul to Rome. God never waits for perfect roads before He moves. As the headquarters grows, God will raise partners, technology, and diaspora Anglicans to build it. The early Church had no “international banking” either.
    2. *On Global Representation*: Yes, leadership must reflect Africa + Asia + Europe + Americas + Pacific. But global representation does not require a Western postcode. With virtual platforms and international flights to Abuja increasing daily, *global access is a matter of will, not geography.*
    3. *On “Looking African”*: The Gospel has always looked like the people who carry it. When it was in Rome it looked Roman. In Canterbury it looked English. In Antioch it looked Middle Eastern. *Let it now look African, and let the world come and see the glory of God in it.* The goal is not to erase culture, but to submit every culture to Christ.

    The headquarters in Abuja will not “own” the Communion. *Christ owns it.* But the location will be a sign that God is doing a new thing. *Isaiah 43:19*

    *5. ABUJA MUST BE MORE THAN AN OFFICE — IT MUST BE AN ALTAR*

    I agree fully with Venerable Dr Jesulola here. If Abuja is to host the headquarters, it must become:
    1. *A Global Anglican Prayer Centre* - 24/7 worship like David’s tabernacle
    2. *An International Theological Institute* - Raising the next generation of orthodox scholars
    3. *A Missionary Training and Sending Base* - For Europe, Asia, and the Americas
    4. *An Archives and Research Library* - To recover African, Ethiopian, and Global South contributions to Anglican theology

    This will silence critics and prove that this is not about pride, but about *mission*.

    *CONCLUSION: THE HEADQUARTERS MAY BE IN ABUJA, BUT THE VISION IS FOR THE WORLD AND FOR THE END*

    Beloved, we are not in a time for timidity. We are in a time for faith.

    The decision to place the Global Anglican Communion headquarters in Abuja is:
    1. *Historical*: Returning to Africa’s ancient Christian roots in Ethiopia and North Africa
    2. *Missional*: Placing leadership where the growth and sacrifice is greatest
    3. *Eschatological*: A sign that God is shifting the centre of global Christianity for the final harvest

    We must reject both Western paternalism and African triumphalism. Instead we must embrace *divine orchestration*.

    *Canterbury will always be our mother.*
    *Abuja can now be our mission outpost for the nations.*

    As we close August and enter September, let us pray:
    _“Lord, let the Word of Christ dwell richly in Abuja. Let this be the start of the End-Time Revival through the Anglican Communion. Let Nigeria serve with humility, and let the whole world see Jesus.”_

    The headquarters may be in Abuja.
    But the fire will reach the whole earth.

    *Amen. Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.*

    _“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else... Saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” – Isaiah 46:9-10_

    Shalom!
    *ABUJA AND THE NEW ERA: AN ESCHATOLOGICAL VIEW OF THE GLOBAL ANGLICAN HEADQUARTERS* _By Postulant C. O. Oyadosu_ *INTRODUCTION: NOT JUST GEOGRAPHY, BUT PROPHECY* To the glory of God, the announcement on *29 August 2026 in Recife, Brazil*, that the headquarters of the *Global Anglican Communion* will be established in *Abuja, Nigeria*, is more than an administrative decision. It is a prophetic marker. While some individuals in their opinion rightly calls for wisdom, humility, and global representation, we must also read this moment through the lens of *Scripture, history, and eschatology*. God is not surprised by geography. He ordains seasons. What we are witnessing is not Africa “taking over” Anglicanism. It is the *return of Christianity to its ancient African roots* and the beginning of an *End-Time Revival that will be led from the Global South*. *1. CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA PREDATES EUROPEAN MISSIONS* The argument that Anglicanism must remain tied to Canterbury because “that is where it began” overlooks a deeper biblical and historical truth: *Africa was Christian before Europe was*. 1. *Ethiopia*: The Ethiopian eunuch in *Acts 8:26-39* took the Gospel to Africa in the 1st century. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church traces its roots to the 4th century, with the _Garima Gospels_ and a canon of 81 books preserved for 1600 years. 2. *North Africa*: Alexandria, Carthage, and Hippo produced giants like Athanasius, Origen, Tertullian, and Augustine. The Nicene Creed was hammered out in North Africa. 3. *Christianity is not a Western export*. It is an Eastern and African faith that later flourished in Europe. Therefore, to locate the Global Anglican headquarters in *Abuja* is not innovation. It is *restoration*. It is God bringing the Communion back to a continent where the faith was planted by the Apostles themselves. As *Colossians 3:16* declares for this last Sunday of August: _“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”_ That Word first dwelt richly in African soil. *2. AN ESCHATOLOGICAL READING: THE SHIFT TO THE GLOBAL SOUTH* Jesus said in *Matthew 24:14*: _“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”_ Church historians like Philip Jenkins in _The Next Christendom_ have documented what the Spirit is doing: *The numerical and spiritual centre of Christianity has moved to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.* The decision to place the headquarters in *Abuja* fits this eschatological pattern: 1. *Numerical strength*: Over 60% of active Anglicans today are in Africa. Nigeria alone has more Anglicans than all of UK, US, Canada and Australia combined. 2. *Doctrinal clarity*: In a season where Western provinces are revising biblical teaching on marriage, life, and authority of Scripture, God is raising up a bastion of biblical orthodoxy in the South. 3. *Missionary sending*: For 500 years the West sent missionaries to Africa. In this season, Africa is sending missionaries back to Europe, America, and Asia. This is not nationalism. This is *fulfillment*. The last shall be first, and the first last. *Mark 10:31* *3. WHY ABUJA? WHY NOW? PROPHECY AND REVIVAL* Many prophetic voices across Africa for the last 30 years have spoken of an *“End-Time Revival that will start from Nigeria and spread to the nations.”* Nigeria’s Anglican Church has been at the forefront of: - Church planting movements - Prayer and fasting culture - Defense of Scripture under persecution - Youth and evangelistic fervour The *G26 gathering in Abuja, March 2026*, was not accidental. It was a divine alignment. Abuja, the centrally located capital of the most populous black nation, becomes a *new Upper Room* from where the Spirit will be poured out. Just as Jerusalem was the geographic center for the 1st century Church in *Acts 1:8*, *Abuja can be a 21st century center* for a global outpouring — not because Nigeria is superior, but because God chooses weak and unlikely places to shame the wise. *1 Corinthians 1:27* *4. ANSWERING THE CONCERNS: INFRASTRUCTURE, GLOBALITY, AND OWNERSHIP* Some highly respected Anglican Church fathers in God raised legitimate practical concerns. But eschatology teaches us that *God provides infrastructure for what He ordains*. 1. *On Infrastructure*: Joseph was sent to Egypt, Daniel to Babylon, and Paul to Rome. God never waits for perfect roads before He moves. As the headquarters grows, God will raise partners, technology, and diaspora Anglicans to build it. The early Church had no “international banking” either. 2. *On Global Representation*: Yes, leadership must reflect Africa + Asia + Europe + Americas + Pacific. But global representation does not require a Western postcode. With virtual platforms and international flights to Abuja increasing daily, *global access is a matter of will, not geography.* 3. *On “Looking African”*: The Gospel has always looked like the people who carry it. When it was in Rome it looked Roman. In Canterbury it looked English. In Antioch it looked Middle Eastern. *Let it now look African, and let the world come and see the glory of God in it.* The goal is not to erase culture, but to submit every culture to Christ. The headquarters in Abuja will not “own” the Communion. *Christ owns it.* But the location will be a sign that God is doing a new thing. *Isaiah 43:19* *5. ABUJA MUST BE MORE THAN AN OFFICE — IT MUST BE AN ALTAR* I agree fully with Venerable Dr Jesulola here. If Abuja is to host the headquarters, it must become: 1. *A Global Anglican Prayer Centre* - 24/7 worship like David’s tabernacle 2. *An International Theological Institute* - Raising the next generation of orthodox scholars 3. *A Missionary Training and Sending Base* - For Europe, Asia, and the Americas 4. *An Archives and Research Library* - To recover African, Ethiopian, and Global South contributions to Anglican theology This will silence critics and prove that this is not about pride, but about *mission*. *CONCLUSION: THE HEADQUARTERS MAY BE IN ABUJA, BUT THE VISION IS FOR THE WORLD AND FOR THE END* Beloved, we are not in a time for timidity. We are in a time for faith. The decision to place the Global Anglican Communion headquarters in Abuja is: 1. *Historical*: Returning to Africa’s ancient Christian roots in Ethiopia and North Africa 2. *Missional*: Placing leadership where the growth and sacrifice is greatest 3. *Eschatological*: A sign that God is shifting the centre of global Christianity for the final harvest We must reject both Western paternalism and African triumphalism. Instead we must embrace *divine orchestration*. *Canterbury will always be our mother.* *Abuja can now be our mission outpost for the nations.* As we close August and enter September, let us pray: _“Lord, let the Word of Christ dwell richly in Abuja. Let this be the start of the End-Time Revival through the Anglican Communion. Let Nigeria serve with humility, and let the whole world see Jesus.”_ The headquarters may be in Abuja. But the fire will reach the whole earth. *Amen. Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.* _“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else... Saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” – Isaiah 46:9-10_ Shalom!
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 17 Visualizações
  • Summer's officially winding down and, much of the country starts the transition between long, lazy days of summer and juggling the chaos of deadlines, frantic schedules, and extracurricular activities.

    For me, I will jump into my 24th year in the classroom.

    24 years of slow, sluggish days of recovery from the previous school year to the mach-3 craziness of a typical school day: a frazillion questions—some of which actually have something to do with the subject—as well as a litany of excuses, accommodation requests, apathy, and a cacophony of laughter directed at me because of something stupid I inadvertently or did.
    Of course, it also comes meaningful and insightful classroom discussions, fond memories, and watching a light bulb come as a connection is made between the head and the heart.

    I pray for many more school years to come.

    Typically on the first day of school, the most frequent prompt that comes up is: what I did last summer.

    This prompt produces a variety of responses, ranging from vacations, camping trips, swimming, tubing, fishing, and the county fair.

    I’ve been thinking about this question a lot lately as well as what would be my answer.

    All things considered, I had an eventful summer.
    I embarked on another road trip, a budding impromptu tradition that takes me along American’s backroads exploring places I have never seen before. These annual road trips have become therapeutic for me.

    The weekend after I returned, I went to my 40th High School Reunion, reliving old memories and seeing classmates I honestly thought I would have never seen again.

    Next, my wife and I spent our 28th Anniversary exploring the old territorial capitol of Montana, Virginia City.

    However, despite all of that activity, if I had to honestly define my summer, I would describe it as a time to heal.

    This last spring, I lost my mother the same week my wife lost her job. It was a world turned upside-down.

    In addition to the typical annual stress of teaching during a second semester, I had to be an emotional strength and encourager for my wife as we grieved the loss of my mother. We had to juggle a household that, for a time, dealt with a 60% income drop, a loss of insurance, and an uncertain future.

    Now, I will emphatically state that God came through for us during that ordeal. He absolutely did.

    However, those months also took a great toll on my being. I didn’t feel like myself at home or at work. My filters were down. My emotions were raw, shriveled and depleted. I was subdued and weak. I just wanted to crawl under a rock.

    But the summer brought a time of restoration of heavy solitude. It brought with wonderful experiences alone, with my wife, and with God.

    The teacher in Ecclesiastes writes of seasons in life:

    “A time to be born and a time to die,
    A time to plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal,
    A time to tear down and a time to build, A time to weep and a time to laugh,
    A time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to search and a time to give up,
    A time to keep and a time to throw away, A time to tear and a time to mend,
    A time to be silent and a time to speak, A time to love and a time to hate,
    A time for war and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:2–8)

    Life is filled with seasons. As much as we try, they are unavoidable. Frankly, it is easy to cling to God when life is wonderful; however, true spiritual growth comes when life isn't peachy.

    We always enjoy mountain top experience; however, it is also important to remember that nothing grows on a mountain top. The rich, fertile soil lies in the valley.

    It often seems superficial that use suffering to test us or to teach us a lesson. More often, he quietly sits with us in difficult seasons for us to cling to.

    So what is the answer to that question asked in nearly every classroom in America? I healed.

    My summer was a time for restoration, a time for healing.

    In a matter of days, the school year kicks off and a new season begins.

    And with the new year, when the next season arrives, my grip on God—with prayer and knowledge he is with me—remains tighter than ever.
    Summer's officially winding down and, much of the country starts the transition between long, lazy days of summer and juggling the chaos of deadlines, frantic schedules, and extracurricular activities. For me, I will jump into my 24th year in the classroom. 24 years of slow, sluggish days of recovery from the previous school year to the mach-3 craziness of a typical school day: a frazillion questions—some of which actually have something to do with the subject—as well as a litany of excuses, accommodation requests, apathy, and a cacophony of laughter directed at me because of something stupid I inadvertently or did. Of course, it also comes meaningful and insightful classroom discussions, fond memories, and watching a light bulb come as a connection is made between the head and the heart. I pray for many more school years to come. Typically on the first day of school, the most frequent prompt that comes up is: what I did last summer. This prompt produces a variety of responses, ranging from vacations, camping trips, swimming, tubing, fishing, and the county fair. I’ve been thinking about this question a lot lately as well as what would be my answer. All things considered, I had an eventful summer. I embarked on another road trip, a budding impromptu tradition that takes me along American’s backroads exploring places I have never seen before. These annual road trips have become therapeutic for me. The weekend after I returned, I went to my 40th High School Reunion, reliving old memories and seeing classmates I honestly thought I would have never seen again. Next, my wife and I spent our 28th Anniversary exploring the old territorial capitol of Montana, Virginia City. However, despite all of that activity, if I had to honestly define my summer, I would describe it as a time to heal. This last spring, I lost my mother the same week my wife lost her job. It was a world turned upside-down. In addition to the typical annual stress of teaching during a second semester, I had to be an emotional strength and encourager for my wife as we grieved the loss of my mother. We had to juggle a household that, for a time, dealt with a 60% income drop, a loss of insurance, and an uncertain future. Now, I will emphatically state that God came through for us during that ordeal. He absolutely did. However, those months also took a great toll on my being. I didn’t feel like myself at home or at work. My filters were down. My emotions were raw, shriveled and depleted. I was subdued and weak. I just wanted to crawl under a rock. But the summer brought a time of restoration of heavy solitude. It brought with wonderful experiences alone, with my wife, and with God. The teacher in Ecclesiastes writes of seasons in life: “A time to be born and a time to die, A time to plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal, A time to tear down and a time to build, A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to search and a time to give up, A time to keep and a time to throw away, A time to tear and a time to mend, A time to be silent and a time to speak, A time to love and a time to hate, A time for war and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:2–8) Life is filled with seasons. As much as we try, they are unavoidable. Frankly, it is easy to cling to God when life is wonderful; however, true spiritual growth comes when life isn't peachy. We always enjoy mountain top experience; however, it is also important to remember that nothing grows on a mountain top. The rich, fertile soil lies in the valley. It often seems superficial that use suffering to test us or to teach us a lesson. More often, he quietly sits with us in difficult seasons for us to cling to. So what is the answer to that question asked in nearly every classroom in America? I healed. My summer was a time for restoration, a time for healing. In a matter of days, the school year kicks off and a new season begins. And with the new year, when the next season arrives, my grip on God—with prayer and knowledge he is with me—remains tighter than ever.
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 18 Visualizações
  • https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgwdn1g58yo
    Trump signs order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America
    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgwdn1g58yo Trump signs order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America
    WWW.BBC.COM
    Trump signs order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America
    Trump's order comes after the trade talks between the US and Canada collapsed late last week.
    Like
    Rejoicing with you
    4
    2 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 331 Visualizações
  • Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, USA
    I Love America
    Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, USA ❤️💛💚 I Love America 💓 💓 💓
    Like
    Love This
    3
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 166 Visualizações
  • It is a common plover (a type of bird ) about the size of a robin. It is easily recognized by its wailing noise and two black breast bands. They are usually found in the United States and Central America. They are called Killdeer because of the wailing noise they make that actually sounds like "kill-deer". The most interesting thing about this bird however is that,it is a master of distraction. When it lays eggs or has chicks and you go near the nest, it jumps away from the nest and pretends to have a broken wing 🪽. When you think it is vulnerable and decide to go after it, it will move a little further on. It will continue to do that until you are far away from the nest. The Killdeer will then suddenly have a healthy wing 🪽 and will fly away. Interestingly, that is how the enemy behaves. Anytime you go close to what God has for you,he finds a way to distract you. Suddenly, everything looks like it is going against you. Friends and family turn against you and finances are not forthcoming. The proverbial "all hell breaking loose". Successful people however know that this is rather an indication of being close to the breakthrough. It shows something good is about to happen for you. So when distraction comes, it is time to dig in your heels,stand firm and push 🫸 on. When Tobiah and Sanballat tried to distract Nehemiah he said "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down "(Nehemiah 6:3). Don't allow anyone or anything to distract you from your purpose. Have a lovely day .
    It is a common plover (a type of bird 🕊️) about the size of a robin. It is easily recognized by its wailing noise and two black breast bands. They are usually found in the United States and Central America. They are called Killdeer because of the wailing noise they make that actually sounds like "kill-deer". The most interesting 🤔 thing about this bird 🕊️ however is that,it is a master of distraction. When it lays eggs🥚 or has chicks 🐣 and you go near the nest, it jumps away from the nest and pretends to have a broken wing 🪽. When you think 🤔 it is vulnerable and decide to go after it, it will move a little further on. It will continue to do that until you are far away from the nest. The Killdeer will then suddenly have a healthy wing 🪽 and will fly 🕊️ 💸 away. Interestingly, that is how the enemy behaves. Anytime you go close to what God 👑 🙏 has for you,he finds a way to distract you. Suddenly, everything looks like it is going against you. Friends and family turn against you and finances are not 🚫 forthcoming. The proverbial "all hell breaking loose". Successful people however know that this is rather an indication of being close to the breakthrough. It shows something good 👍 is about to happen for you. So when distraction comes, it is time ⏰ to dig in your heels,stand firm and push 🫸 on. When Tobiah and Sanballat tried to distract Nehemiah he said "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down "👇(Nehemiah 6:3). Don't allow anyone or anything to distract you from your purpose. Have a lovely day 💝 ❤️ 💜.
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 19 Visualizações
  • I'm truly blessed to have gotten the opportunity to visit America and to see the White House. Thank you God. I love America and Americans
    I'm truly blessed to have gotten the opportunity to visit America and to see the White House. Thank you God. I love America and Americans🥰 ❤️ ❤️
    Like
    Praying
    5
    2 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 154 Visualizações
  • GSIM FAMILY, THE MOMENT IS HERE!

    OUR FATHER IS COMING HOME!

    When a Father comes home, the children gather.
    When a General of Faith returns, the Kingdom celebrates!

    Gospel Spirit International Missions [GSIM], in collaboration with Hallelujah Gospel City Assembly [HAGCA], is delighted to announce a special HOME COMING RECEPTION SERVICE in honour of our Father, Mentor, Shepherd and Grand Patron of Faith, Rev. Uyobong Richard.

    After serving with Christ Faith Church Claudia Cable, North America Branch, in the United States of America, our Father is returning home!

    This is more than a homecoming—it is a moment of HONOUR, GRATITUDE, CELEBRATION AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD!

    For many of us, his spiritual investment has helped shape our lives, establish spiritual foundations and launch us into our various assignments in Christian ministry.

    Now, it is our turn to say:

    THANK YOU, FATHER!
    WELCOME HOME!

    Wednesday, August 26, 2026
    5:00 PM PROMPT
    Hallelujah Gospel City Assembly [HAGCA]
    #37 Faith Road, Off Nkemba Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    EVERYONE CONNECTED TO GSIM & HAGCA IS INVITED!

    Friends.
    Families.
    Partners.
    Members.
    Ministers.
    Sons and daughters.
    Lovers of the Gospel.

    LET US TURN UP IN OUR NUMBERS!

    Let's give our Father a homecoming worthy of the Father—a celebration he will never forget!

    A FATHER IS COMING HOME.
    A LEGACY IS BEING HONOURED.
    A FAMILY IS GATHERING.
    THE KINGDOM IS CELEBRATING!

    WELCOME HOME, FATHER!

    SEE YOU THERE!

    #GSIM
    #GSIMFamily #WelcomeHomeFather #HomeComingReception
    #HAGCA
    #Uyo
    #AkwaIbom
    #GeneralOfFaith #HonouringOurFather #KingdomFamily
    🔥🎊 GSIM FAMILY, THE MOMENT IS HERE! 🎊🔥 🇺🇸✈️🇳🇬 OUR FATHER IS COMING HOME! 👑🔥 When a Father comes home, the children gather. When a General of Faith returns, the Kingdom celebrates! 👑🔥 Gospel Spirit International Missions [GSIM], in collaboration with Hallelujah Gospel City Assembly [HAGCA], is delighted to announce a special HOME COMING RECEPTION SERVICE in honour of our Father, Mentor, Shepherd and Grand Patron of Faith, Rev. Uyobong Richard. After serving with Christ Faith Church [CFC], North America Branch, in the United States of America, our Father is returning home! 🇺🇸✈️🇳🇬 This is more than a homecoming—it is a moment of HONOUR, GRATITUDE, CELEBRATION AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD! ❤️‍🔥 For many of us, his spiritual investment has helped shape our lives, establish spiritual foundations and launch us into our various assignments in Christian ministry. Now, it is our turn to say: 👑 THANK YOU, FATHER! 🔥 WELCOME HOME! 📅 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 ⏰ 5:00 PM PROMPT 📍 Hallelujah Gospel City Assembly [HAGCA] #37 Faith Road, Off Nkemba Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. 📣 EVERYONE CONNECTED TO GSIM & HAGCA IS INVITED! Friends. Families. Partners. Members. Ministers. Sons and daughters. Lovers of the Gospel. 🔥 LET US TURN UP IN OUR NUMBERS! 🔥 Let's give our Father a homecoming worthy of the Father—a celebration he will never forget! 🎊❤️‍🔥 A FATHER IS COMING HOME. A LEGACY IS BEING HONOURED. A FAMILY IS GATHERING. THE KINGDOM IS CELEBRATING! 👑🔥 🇺🇸✈️🇳🇬 WELCOME HOME, FATHER! ❤️‍🔥 🔥 SEE YOU THERE! 🔥 #GSIM #GSIMFamily #WelcomeHomeFather #HomeComingReception #HAGCA #Uyo #AkwaIbom #GeneralOfFaith #HonouringOurFather #KingdomFamily
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 21 Visualizações
Páginas impulsionada