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Andy Williams passes

Former Drummer of Casting Crowns passes away from his injuries

Andy Williams, the former drummer of Casting Crowns passed away on Friday, July 9th, from injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident on June 27th. Andy was 49 years old.

The accident left Andy on a ventilator after he suffered "trauma to both his body and his brain." Andy, last week, went through surgery to have his leg amputated above his knee. He was hit by another vehicle while he was going to church on his motorcycle.

Andy's church, Grace Chapel, in Fairview, Tennessee had posted a very heart felt tribute from Andy's wife, Kelly, that was shared by Mark Hall, Casting Crowns' lead singer.

The tribute said, "He fought a great fight, but the injuries that he suffered took a toll on his physical body. You prayed along with us that Andy would be healed. You prayed along with us that Andy would wake up. You prayed along with us that God would perform a miracle. While we morn that Andy isn't here with us and that we didn't get to witness the miracle we longed for here on earth, all of our prayers were answered. He is healed, he is awake and we believer that he is more alive today than he has ever been. We hold fast to Paul's words that we look not to the things that are seen, but to those things that are unseen, for they are eternal. We celebrate that Andy is in the arms of his Savior and we are grateful for the memories and laughter that Andy brought to all who knew him. We can't

thank you enough for your prayers, support, and unending love. You have walked with us through this very difficult journey and we felt you there the entire way." Mark Hall also shared a three minute performance video on Instagram of Andy during one of their concerts. Andy is survived by his wife Kelly and his three children. Grace Chapel has started a Go Fund Me page, in efforts to raise $250,000 for medical costs. So far they have raised more than $64,700 dollars.

Jesus animated movie is reaching large audiences in 38 languages

Anew animated film of the life of Jesus told through Mary Magdalene's eyes has been receiving a large following. It's called

"Chosen Witness."

The animated movie was released in April by the Jesus Film Project, highlighting the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The movie, "Chosen Witness" was produced by Campus Crusade for Christ, as they made and released the film in time for Easter in 38 different languages. It has also received 250,000 hits after being uploaded on YouTube; it will also be available in another 250 languages.

The viewers of this movie have been watching from around the world.

Barry Cook who is the director of Disney's "Mulan" and Dom Carola is special effects director of Disney's "Aladdin," helped to design the set.

Chicago Gun Violence

Fighting for people of Chicago, Pastors fighting gun violence with the Gospel

During the last twenty years, Chicago has witnessed a never ending flood of violence.

The U.S. Department of Defence said that between 2001-2020, more people were killed in Chicago than in Afghanistan and Iraq war combined.

Christian leaders in Chicago are coming together praying to change that record, using the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dimas Salaberrios, who was a former drug dealer from New York City, knows all the realities of gun violence. He went on a 40 day fast in the hopes of ending the violence; at that time he felt the drive to make a film called "Chicago: America's Hidden War."

Pastor Dimas filmed in the city for two years; he said that he sees a spiritual battle going on there in the streets. "I would say in Chicago there is definitely a demonic presence that I sense when I'm praying and interacting with people on the street."

Pastor Corey Brook, who has a ministry in Chicago that is called Project Hood, does agree with Pastor Dimas. "There's a real spiritual battle going on in the city of Chicago for the lives of people. There seems to be a spirit of murder throughout the city."

Pastor Corey then went on to tell us how evil is working its way into the lives of all the young people here. "Some of it is gang related. You have a bunch of splinter groups who are part of organizations. And these splinter groups go from block to block, neighborhood to neighborhood, and it makes things very difficult."

Unfortunately, it's the children that are among many of the victims. "We're halfway through the year and over a hundred children have been shot already. We have a child in our film, Quincy, who sleeps under his bed because he feels like he can get shot. He realizes from the bullet holes on the walls of his house from many drive bys in the neighborhood that are the level of his bed, if he slept in his bed, he would be shot," said Pastor Dimas.

The trouble is, the paralysis of fear is everywhere. Pastor

Corey said, "We have a lot of parents who are leery about just allowing their children to go out and play."

This has also been very difficult on the economy with all the violence going on in the city. "We had a

McDonalds, of all things, close because of the violence. I've done so many funerals, unfortunately, you know, too many to even count."

Pastor Dimas' documentary, which is now eligible for an Academy Award, showcases the church and how it is fighting the darkness of this world through prayer and evangelism.

As of now, the word is spreading through the streets about the film with the help from Hollywood Christian stars such as Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington with Mark Burnett, Roma Downey and many other celebrities.

Canadian Church Fires

A Canadian Civil Liberties Group Leader calls for all Churches to be Burned down

In an alarming tweet, the leader of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association has cried out for more Christian churches to be set on fire in response to the discovery of many unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools for Indigenous children, as they were run by churches years ago.

Harsha Walia, the association's executive director, had responded to the news reports of more Catholic churches being burned down, as reported by the Western Standard. She tweeted, "Burn it all down."

The Western Standard also said that any attack on a religious building is classified as a hate crime in Canada.

On an ironic note, the BCCLA's website says, "We were established in 1962 by a group of academics and activists at the University of British Columbia in response to draconian police responses to religious minorities in the province."

There has been a lot of immediate backlash in response to Walia's tweet.

Here are some of the tweets: "This lady needs to be removed from BC Civil Liberties. She is an embarrassment to BC and she has no business (sic) in that role. She is inciting violence and hate. It's our people that are going to pay the price for her hate speeches. Violence has no place in our society."

Another tweet was wondering if the British Columbia's RCMP would be looking into her tweet saying, "I wonder if the @ BCRCMP might like a word with Miss Walia."

Yet another tweet said, "Unbelievable, can she be charged for inciting violence?" Several newspapers and media channels have been reporting of churches across Canada being set on fire or vandalized, some of them on indigenous land.

Rebel News has reported that First Nations Leaders have been imploring people to stop the vandalizing and burning of their churches.

But there are some who are not as upset as others are concerning the hate crimes that are happening against our churches.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the burning and vandalism of the Catholic churches.

Page 14 Our 3rd Anniversary! July 2021

Monty Williams Forgiveness

Monty Williams Poenix Suns' head coach, his Christian Faith and Forgiveness

Phoenix Suns' head coach Monty Williams' team has a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals; he may tell you that his faith in Jesus Christ happens to be the best victory of all.

Monty Williams, who is 49 years old, had suffered through a family tragedy five years ago. Monty's wife, Ingrid, was killed when someone who was driving under the influence of methamphetamine, had crossed over into Ingrid's lane and hit her with their three children in the car.

Monty is as outspoken now as he was then; he is outspoken about his faith in Jesus and sees all his work with his players as an act of service for God.

Following the game where the Phoenix Suns had defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Finals, reporters asked Monty Williams how he goes about balancing the roles of mentor and coach. "The essence of my coaching is to serve. As a believer in Christ,

that's what I'm here for. And I tell my players all the time, if I get on you, I'm not calling you out; I'm calling you up. You have potential, and I have to work my tail off to help you reach that potential."

Players are "embracing" that game plan, Monty said, "It has served us well."

In June Monty Williams, Suns' Head Coach was named Coach of the Year by the National Basketball Coaches Association, and Monty also finished second in voting for NBA Coach of the Year. Monty Williams is known for his coaching

in the NBA, but he is also remembered for his forgiveness that he showed at his wife's funeral in 2016 that gathered the attention of many people and it didn't take long for the video of the funeral and his loving eulogy to his wife, Ingrid, to go viral.

Monty said, "Everybody is praying for me and my family, which is right. But let us not forget that there were two people in this situation. And that family needs prayer as well. And we have no ill will towards that family."

Monty also wants to make sure that his kids understand forgiveness and other people to understand it also.

Monty said, "In my house, we have a sign that says, As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. We cannot serve the Lord if we don't have a heart of forgiveness."

A few years ago

Monty said how he was continuing to trust in God as he was mourning. "God is good; He loves me. You go through a time like that and you tend to lose sight of that because you are hurting, but God is good."

Monty is not remarried and he said that he has "that hope of seeing Ingrid again, which is one of the coolest things about our faith."

Monty also said, "To be able to share that with my kids and God using that through us to do whatever He's going to do in the Kingdom, that's an awesome thing that I can't lose sight of."