I, Destiny, was born with seizures and have had them all of my life. Growing up, I remember how kids would make fun of me, calling me stupid, retarded, and dorky. I had very few white friends, although I knew several black kids who hung out with me. That’s how I learned that skin color doesn’t mean anything. It’s the person inside that counts. We all bleed red and God created us all.
       People abused me in so many ways that I felt suicidal at times. I was without hope or purpose; I wanted to love someone and have them love me back. I took a lot of overdoses that brought me to death’s door. But God restored me every time 

because it wasn’t His time for me to go. He still had a purpose for me; God has a purpose for all of us but we must seek Him to find out what it is.
       I quit high school after eleventh grade. I was on so much medication that I felt I was sleeping my life away. I couldn’t even pass a GED. In 2007, I stopped all of my meds except for my seizure medicine. Then I retook my GED and passed with such high scores that I didn’t even have to pay the fee. God knows I am not stupid or retarded like some folks had thought. Later on, I went to college. Some family members said I was wasting my time. I turned that negative criticism into a positive and proved them wrong. I prayed to God for knowledge, wisdom, will power, and motivation to pass my classes. With faith I believed nothing was impossible with God, for the Bible says, “Ask and it will be given to you . . .” (Matthew 7:7; NIV). I graduated at the top of my class because “through God all things are possible.” 

God came through for me and later granted me the ability to obtain my Certified Professional Medical Coder’s License. The exam was almost six hours long which I took more than once but passed on my fourth try. Hallelujah!
       Finally, I asked God to bless me with a mate who would love, honor, and cherish me. I asked Him to direct my steps that I might accomplish His will. Now let me tell you about Michael.
       Michael was born with Cerebral Palsy. He didn’t start crawling until he was two years old. When he was four, he received his first set of leg braces which helped him walk. After a couple of years he was able to walk on his own without them.
       Growing up, Michael was hurt by many of the school kids who made fun of him because of the way he walked. They even thought his condition was contagious. Michael felt rejected and alone but at least he had one friend who was a comfort to him.
       When Michael was ten years old, he was hit by a car one day while riding his bicycle . It was a head on collision that threw him twenty feet into the air. He was in a coma for six weeks but God was with him through it all. It wasn’t Michael’s time to go; God still had a purpose for him.
       Michael was in a full leg cast for over a year and had several surgeries which the Shriner’s helped pay for. But in spite of all his medical care, doctors said he would be wheel-chair-bound for the rest of his life. Michael did not accept that, however, and he pushed himself to walk; he was determined. Through God’s help, even this became possible. Michael is still walking today--with a few difficulties perhaps--but walking just the same. God is awesome!
       I (destiny) met Michael shortly after high school. He was dating my classmate Dawn but I don’t think their relationship was very serious. I was dating Dawn’s brother, Ancel, and as the four of us went out 

together, Michael became much more interested in me than in Dawn.
       In 1995, Ancel asked me to marry him. Wouldn’t you know it, a short time later Michael also asked me to marry him. But my wedding to Ancel was the next day, so I said no to Michel and I married Ancel August 23, 1995. It was hard for Michael to watch me marry someone else. It was heart breaking.
       To my dismay, I was unknowingly being taken advantage of. You see, I had inherited about 

ten-thousand dollars from my father’s estate when he died. Ancel was very interested in helping me spend that and that’s exactly what happened. When the money was gone, so was Ancel. He’d be gone a week at a time, and cheated on me too. Eventually, I left him and got out of that marriage.

  Michael, too, had been through several abusive relationships. He found that people would latch on to him because of his disability check. He was always trusting, but would then discover their true intent. These situations caused him to be depressed and even suicidal at times. Rejected and alone, he felt he had no reason to live if he didn’t have anyone to love or to love him back.
  So Michael became a bit reckless. For example, he took up smoking and kept that habit for thirty years! His mother had a hard time getting him to go to the doctor. When he learned he had developed COPD she pleaded with him to quit his habit but he didn’t care. He also became quite reclusive for days on end and just slept his time away.
  How can a person find hope when there seems to be none? Did you know that “God will make a way, where there seems to be no way; He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me.” And just like the words to this song, God did in fact make a way for Michael. Tune in next week for the 

conclusion of this wonderful story (Part II), and see what God can do!

References:
Interview and biographical summary written by Destiny Tuminello
Condensed and edited by Kathy Veer

       Remember Mickey Rooney? There’s no doubt that you’ve seen him in one film or another. He 

appeared in over three hundred films during his nine-decade acting career. In fact, he was one of the last surviving stars of the silent film era. You might say he lived life to the fullest, and yet he lived through his share of turmoil, too. For one thing, he was married eight times! That’s enough to drive 

anyone mad. But near the end of his life he gained some important wisdom. Would you like to guess what that was? Read on . . .
       Mickey Rooney grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and made his first film debut at the age of six. He continued with vaudeville and various plays. At age fifteen he starred in a film adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was said that that particular performance was simply magical. He starred in several other hit movies and shows such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962), Sugar Babies (1979), The Black Stallion (1980), and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, (1997-1999).
       In addition to his large repertoire of films, stage plays, and Broadway shows, Rooney was also well known as a comedian, producer, and radio personality. People believed in him; they said he could do anything. And the proof was certainly in the pudding.
       One thing that didn’t come easily for Mickey was sound judgment and wisdom. It was bad enough that he went through so many wives in his lifetime, even starting families with some of them. But his failures seeped into his finances as well, as he gambled away most of his wealth.
       It’s a shame that wisdom is only found in our “golden years”. We fall down so much in life and find ourselves struggling to figure out how to get back up and go on. And through that process, wisdom comes . . . hopefully. So what about Mickey? What saved him in the end?
       It was in the mid 1970s that Mickey describes a spiritual encounter he had. He was sitting in a coffee shop when he was greeted by a busboy with “blond curls, a white-rose complexion, and shining teeth,” he explained in a 2011 interview. He said the busboy approached him and whispered in his ear, “Mr. Rooney, Jesus Christ loves you very much.” Then the mysterious busboy vanished. Mickey tried to find him but was told that no one with that description worked there. Mickey came to believe he was visited by an angel.
       Because of that experience, Rooney found the Truth of Jesus Christ. His son was already a born-again, minister of the Gospel who most likely facilitated Rooney’s spiritual growth. Since then he boldly proclaimed his faith in the Savior. He wisely stated that “everybody runs out of time” and therefore had the following advice to give in his last interview by “Albin” for Treasure Train. The interview was done in 1993 before his passing.
       “I’ve given my life to God . . . and I try and do the right thing, but inevitably, and unfortunately, I do the wrong thing. I suffer from being human . . . If you go with God and with Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and leave the troubles and everything to God, everything will work out for you . . . You should take your children to church and teach them about Jesus Christ and about God, who makes the 

sunshine and the moon glow and gives us so many blessings.”

       In spite of Mickey Rooney’s monumental success, he struggled all of his life. And In the end he found the love of God and all his failures were washed away. Watching this short interview, you can see it in his eyes; you can see the joy. And now he is in a place where fame and fortune do not matter 

anymore. He is at peace; he is at rest. He’s found his way to the promise-land. You can too, if you would only be willing to receive the wonderful gift of eternal life that Jesus Christ has to offer you.

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Rooney#Personal_life
http://www.christianvideotv.com/mickey-rooney-shares-his-faith-in-god/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU8gJkY1A2w

       History is dotted with a few outstanding men of God. A.W. Tozer is one of them. He has over 60 books to his name that were authored or have been compiled with his sermon notes. And while ministers and authors alike would be proud to boast of such accomplishments, Tozer practiced the setting aside of any grand achievements that he might guard his heart and keep his focus on God.
       Tozer was from a tiny farming community in Pennsylvania and later moved to the state of Ohio. He became a born-again Christian when he was seventeen years old. He was on his way home from work at a tire company when he overheard a street preacher say, "If you don't know how to be saved ... just call on God, saying, 'Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.'" Upon returning home, he climbed into the attic and heeded the preacher's advice.
       The young man grew up in poverty. Yet without formal training or education, the self-taught Tozer accepted an invitation to pastor a church in West Virginia where he began his 44-year ministry. He 

pastored in Chicago for 30 of those years and then moved to Toronto, Canada to serve out the last 

few years of his life.
       Additionally, in May 1950, Tozer was elected the editor of Alliance Weekly magazine (now Alliance Life), a position he filled until his death in 1963. Alliance Life is the official publication of the Christian 

and Missionary Alliance; a protestant denomination.
       What most concerned Tozer was the “condition of the modern church”. Tozer said, "Among the gospel churches Christ is in fact little more than a beloved symbol ... The Lordship of Jesus is not quite forgotten, but it has been mostly relegated to the hymnal where all responsibility toward it may be discharged in a glow of pleasant religious emotion."
       One of his most influential and now classic books Tozer ever wrote was The Pursuit Of God. In his 

introduction he writes the following: “There is today no lack of Bible teachers to set forth correctly the principles of the doctrines of Christ but too many of these [teachers] seem satisfied to teach the fundamentals of the faith year after year strangely unaware that there is in their ministry no manifest Presence, [emphasis added] . . . They minister constantly to believers who feel within their breasts a longing which their teaching simply does not satisfy.
       “I wonder if there was ever a time when true spiritual worship was at a lower ebb. To great sections of the church the art of worship has been lost entirely, and in its place has come that strange and 

foreign thing called the “program” . . . which now passes for worship among us.”
       Tozer later explains that we have been created for God’s pleasure, but we have all fled from His presence due to sin. Such is the cause for our unceasing restlessness, but God wants us to push on 

into His presence and live out our entire lives there. Unfortunately, “[This] type of Christianity” he states, “. . . knows this Presence only in theory . . . According to its teachings we are in the Presence of God 

positionally, and nothing is said about the need to experience that Presence actually [emphasis added].”
       Yes, God is real and the Bible says we can know Him, but our “self-life” holds us back. We pretend that we are following Christ when we ask Him to bless our plans, but we should be yielding to God’s plans and following His lead rather than God following ours. Surrender is our calling, by way of the cross. When we have faced our “flesh” and given it over to be crucified, only then can God do a work in us. “Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world,” (James 4:8b; NLT).

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON

       Tozer’s biographer, James L. Snyder, in the book, In Pursuit of God: The Life Of A.W. Tozer, commented: "He[Tozer] had the ability to make his listeners face themselves in the light of what God was saying to them." Oh, we need more men like A.W. Tozer today! Our churches would be so much more attended and its members so much closer to the Lord. Do you want to know Him in a deep and 

personal way? You can. Remember James 4:8a, “Come close to God, and God will come close 

to you . . .” (NLT).

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._W._Tozer

Previous Blog...                       The Names of God                  12/28/2025

Hallelujah!
       How can we keep from responding with worship and adoration, especially as we look ahead to the new year! Let’s determine to increase our praise and prayers in 2026.
       “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him,” (John 4:23).

References:
https://www.gotquestions.org/names-of-God.html
https://thefaithquest.com/why-does-god-have-many-names/

Previous Blog...                   Is The Bible Really True?                  12/7/2025

       Critics say the Bible is full of errors, that it was not divinely inspired, and that it can not be taken literally. Well, on that last point: yes and no. For example, Jesus is the “door” but we know He is not made of “wood”. Besides such extremes, the Bible can be taken at face value.
       Many believe the Bible is a good book filled with moral truths, but that’s as far as it goes. Born-again Christians believe the Bible is the actual Word of God, written by Him through fallible men, yet true, accurate, and believable in its entirety.
       First, let’s talk about the accuracy of the Bible. Since the Scriptures were written by ordinary men, some believe the text came from the minds of men and is therefore errant. Consider the following:
       1. Why are there are two different Genesis accounts of creation? In Genesis 1, the animals are 

created, followed by the creation of man. In Genesis 2, it appears Adam is created first and then the 

animals are formed and brought to him. When examining the original Hebrew text, the NIV translation more correctly renders “formed” as “had formed”. Grammatically speaking, this is a “pluperfect” or “past-perfect” verb, meaning the action was completed prior to some past point of time. The animals had already been made and were not brought to Adam immediately after their creation.
       2. Jesus said, “. . . [some] will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.": This promise made to His disciples was recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But the disciples all died before Christ would establish His kingdom. So what did He mean? In looking at the context, the very next event in each passage was the “transfiguration” of Christ. The Greek word for "kingdom" is "royal splendor." The disciples did see Christ as He really is—in His royal splendor as the King of heaven—which occurred in the transfiguration.
       3. Did Paul’s travel mates hear a voice, or not? Acts 9:7 says they did, but Acts 22:9 said they didn’t. The Greek word for voice is “phone”, which means “a sound, tone, or speech.” The word “phone” is quite flexible. The English Standard Version clears up the confusion: “Those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me,” (Acts 22:9). And, “They heard the sound but did not see anyone,” (Acts 9:7). Hearing the “sound” but not understanding the voice explains what actually happened.
       Atheists and doubters raise so many, supposed biblical contradictions but careful examination of the original languages and contexts refute virtually all of them. The errors that remain are insignificant to the message. As for the idea that copyists naturally made errors during 3,000 years of copying manuscripts by memory or by hand, the Masoretes (Jewish scribes) helped preserve the texts of the Old Testament. We have some original Old and New Testament documents like the Septuagint, the Samaritan Pentateuch, and the Dead Sea Scrolls for comparison from which we have documented 

discrepancies, and most errors show the dropping of a letter here or there and none of the mistakes change the meaning of any passage. Most miraculous, indeed.
       So what about divine inspiration? The Bible itself claims it is divinely inspired in a whole or “plenary” way. This means, every word is inspired, completely. Also, the inspiration is entire and without restriction. Consider the following Scriptures:
       “Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:” (II Timothy 3:16; ASV).
       “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished,” 

(Matthew 5:18; NIV).
       “All thy commandments are faithful . . . For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven . . . The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever,” (Psalm 119:86, 89, 160; ASV).
       “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,” (Matthew 24:25; ASV).

      Here are a few more arguments for the integrity and believability of the Bible. The Bible is endorsed by Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Jesus quoted passages from all of the law books, the prophets and the writings of the Old Testament. Other New Testament writers also quoted from the OT. Only five books are not included. Furthermore, the stories and characters are presented in an honest way. We read about the failures of Moses and David and Peter. And yet God used these and others in amazing ways. We find the historical and geographical content to be accurate. As well, about one quarter of the Bible is prophetic in nature. Except for the predictions about the end times which have yet to come to pass, all of the prophecies have come true.
       The Bible has the power to change lives. There are literally millions of stories out there attesting to the fact that God’s truths have transformed lives. This author is one of them. During my darkest hour, a neighbor gave me a book that contained the plan of salvation (from the Bible). Two weeks after I read it I surrendered my life to Christ. A good place to find Christian testimonies in general is www.TruthSaves.org. You can also visit www.KathyVeer.com/blog for stories about celebrities and 

others who have given their lives to Jesus.
       So if the Bible is true and reliable, and Christ, the Son of the living God stood on the words written in the Bible, then shouldn’t we believe and obey it? The answer is, yes. We read earlier that all Scripture is given for our instruction, (II Timothy 3:16). God gave us His words of wisdom to live by. Of course we should trust and follow them.
       “Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. 3 And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity],” (Psalm 1:1-3; AMP).
       What are you searching for in life? Are you looking for happiness? Peace? Purpose? Are you afraid of death? What about truth; does truth matter to you? The Bible is true, through and through. It can help you with every aspect of your life. That’s because the loving God of the universe, the creator of all life has reached down to you and me, not only with His words, but with His precious Son, making a way for us to spend eternity with Him. Don’t let doubt hold you back. Accept Him today and get to know the 

living God, personally, through His Word.

References:
1. https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/two-creation-accounts/
2. https://www.gotquestions.org/not-taste-death.html
3. https://www.gotquestions.org/Acts-9-7-22-9.html
4. https://www.gotquestions.org/who-Masoretes.html
5. Pache, Rene. (1969). The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture. The Moody Bible Institute Of Chicago, pp. 71ff.
6. https://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/much-bible-prophecy/

Previous Blog...         Support Our Troops this Christmas      11/16/2025

       This is a story about a lady named Laura and a man called “Charlie”. It was the week before Christmas and Laura had prayed about how she could help make a nice Christmas for our troops overseas. She visited www.anysoldier.com and found a list of what was needed.
       Laura spent the next two months gathering donations from schools and the community. Her wish was coming true; she gathered so much she worried about the cost of mailing but Laura was determined to mail it all.
       She arrived at the post office. There, an elderly, silver-haired gentleman held the door for her. He asked her where the packages were going, and if she had family in the military. As he learned of her mission he asked why she was doing this. Laura explained how she had asked God to help her bless the soldiers and how He had directed her. Then Charlie asked what he could do. Laura said a couple of dollars to go toward the shipping would be nice. He said he would help.
       While packages were being weighed they talked a bit about life, soldiers, family, work, and religion. Then Laura went next door to get a coffee. When she returned he was still there. Charlie began to share that he was a veteran and had also proudly served our country years ago. He knew how 

important a package from home could be.
       The clerk completed his tally. Laura was shocked. The packages would cost $170 to ship! She didn’t have that kind of money. Without hesitating Charlie paid for the entire mailing! Laura was stunned and tried to refuse his help. But a lady standing nearby said, “Don’t refuse his offer. It would ruin a blessing for him.” Charlie agreed. So Laura accepted the blessing with a grateful heart and all the people in the store had tears in their eyes. It was a wonderful thing, that a complete stranger would fulfill her wish to help our troops, so far away from home at Christmas time.
       Then Laura had another surprise. Charlie handed her $500 for future mailing expenses. Laura was speechless. This man’s love, compassion, and willingness to give was saintly. Others in the room were also a witness to this tender, giving side of the human spirit. Laura thanked Charlie again as he disappeared into the night saying, “Merry Christmas to you all.”
       Laura put her extra funds to good use. The next day she went shopping and brought another batch of packages to mail. The fee was almost $500. Charlie had given enough to cover the entire amount and more.
       This has been a story about Christmas Charlie. But it takes someone like Laura to find a "Charlie sized blessing". God is looking for Laura’s and Charlie’s in this world. It takes a sensitive person to hear God’s call and be willing to answer it. There are no shortage of needs, though. And our deployed men and women in uniform who protect us have sacrificed being with their families and loved ones during Christmas and through the year.

VISIT AND GIVE
http://anysoldier.com/WhereToSend/

       Would you like to be a Laura? Do you know any Charlie’s that would be willing to help. Maybe you’d like to take that role. Either way, please take a minute to go to visit www.anysoldier.com and be a blessing to our military heroes. It would be a wonderful thing to do. Even though the date is late, these 

service members would still appreciate your gift . . . 

References:
http://anysailor.com/AnySoldierLetters.html
http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm

Current Blog...                    For Such a Time as This                 9/28/2025

       What can we know about Erika Kirk? She was born in Ohio in 1988 and grew up in Arizona after her parents were divorced. She was always a “community minded” type of person. Raised in a Catholic family, her mother took her to soup kitchens, helping people and when she was just 18 years old she established a 501(c)(3) organization called Everyday Heroes Like You. She said it was a way to "promote and highlight the everyday heroes in our communities who have a philanthropic desire to truly make a difference in the lives of others".
       Erika met several educational goals as well. She studied political science at Arizona State University. Later she attended Liberty University, where she obtained a Juris Master degree in Theology and a doctorate in Christian leadership. Currently, she is studying for a doctorate in biblical studies.
       To say that Erika Kirk has been on God’s radar would be an understatement. While He has a plan for each of us, such plans vary according to the types of vessels He creates.
       Some are now saying that Erika is a “modern day Esther” whom God has raised up for such a time as this. It’s interesting to note that the prophet, Kim Clement, mentioned this in a prophecy he gave on April 13th, 2012 (although some sites record the date given as 2011). That same year (2012)--five months later--Erika Kirk was crowned Miss Arizona, (Sept 18, 2012), her 23rd birthday. Coincidence? Not hardly. The Lord let it be known that after she was called out by name, Erika moved into a position to be crowned. Furthermore, Turning Point USA was founded 53 days after Clement’s prophecy on June 5th, 2012.
       Here is part of Clement’s Prophecy:
       “God says, ‘Listen to Me. As the beginning of the restoration, as it begins, there shall be a woman that shall rise up. A woman that shall be strong in faith, virtuous, beautiful in eyes . . . her eyes shall be round and big. I have crowned her,’ says the Lord, ‘as I have crowned Esther. The people shall receive her, for she shall have the oil of gladness, for the pain and the mourning that is taking place. She shall pour out the oil on this nation . . . Healing shall begin and then it shall flow rapidly . . . [She will be] a woman anointed by God . . .’”
       According to Bing’s Copilot Search, the name “Erika” is the feminine form of “Eric” that means “honorable king” and carries qualities like “strength, leadership, and independence.” The name “Kirk” means “church". Can you see God’s hand in all of this?
       Erika’s joy has been witnessed by all of us as the “oil of gladness flowing through her” that Clement described. Nay sayers have accused her of being fake. How could she gather such strength, especially to forgive her assailant during this tumultuous time?
       The truth is, those who have not the Spirit of God living within them cannot possibly understand. Non-believers in Jesus Christ can only focus on the immeasurable loss and the bitterness. They cannot rise above the pain because they lack God’s strength.
       Such strength only comes into a life when that person becomes “born again.” It is a spiritual strength. It is not made up of will power, or determination to “do the right thing”. It cannot thrive in an atmosphere of mere intellectual knowledge. In other words, it takes more than just knowing about God. Rather, we must know Him, intimately and personally. We must be able to say we have accepted God and received Him into our heart; that we’ve given our lives over to Him and that we trust Him in all things, even in the midst of devastation.

       Through precious tears Erika very eloquently said, “That man . . . I forgive him.” These are simple words, but in view of her great suffering, they’re not easy to say. Even so, with Christ in her heart, she was able to forgive just as Christ forgave those who crucified Him. He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” (Luke 23:34; KJV).
       Yes, I believe Erika Kirk has been raised up for such a time as this. Let us continue to pray for her and her family and for Turning Point USA. And let us pray for the end-time revival and great harvest on God’s heart for His people. Let us, also rise up and be used of the Master, for such a time as this.

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erika_Kirk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3r7acidxno

Previous Blog...                              Surendered!                            9/14/2025

       Hulk Hogan was known as a big guy. According to Wikipedia, the Hulk was 6'7", weighing about 300 pounds; (most of that muscle). He was known as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide, the most popular wrestler of the 1980s, had won 12 world championship titles, was at one time the highest paid WWE athlete, and was one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
  Hogan grew up playing Little League baseball but started watching wrestling when he was 16. He also had a love for music and developed his skills, playing fretless bass for about ten years. His band, Ruckus, was quite popular in the state of Florida. His interest in wrestling, however, edged out his other endeavors. Around the age of 24, he entered the field of professional wrestling.
       The Hulk’s career spanned 33 years. He started out in the WWF (World Wrestling Federation). That organization later became the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). Later he signed with WCW (World Championship Wrestling). In between all of that, Hogan sidelined as an actor, developing quite an impressive repertoire. He played major roles in 15 films including Rocky III, Spy Hard, and Muppets From Space. He also appeared in at least 20 television shows like The “A” Team, Baywatch, and Walker, Texas Ranger.
       In spite of all the success, awards, and accolades, Hogan had problems. Rachel Chang at Biography.com writes, “The admission of drug abuse ended his career - and started a new path for him, a rocky roller coaster that included an autobiography, Hollywood Hulk Hogan, a reality show, Hogan Knows Best and a return to wrestling. But it also included family drama with his son imprisoned for a reckless driving accident and his wife filing for divorce . . .”
       The website, Belief.net, posted an article by Dross back in 2014. They quoted a TMZ video where Hogan said, “[I’ve] leaned on my religion. I was saved when I was 14. I accepted Christ as my savior. He died on the cross and paid for my sins….”
       So, Hogan knew the truth. He was saved at 14 years of age but why did it take him 56 years to finally dedicate his life to the Lord. We could criticize him but we haven’t walked in his shoes. We can’t possibly understand all the challenges he faced. For one thing, he had to wade through decades in the 

entertainment industry. On top of that he had a bunch of health and personal issues that discouraged him.
       The truth is, some people never find their way to a surrendered life. We are all different and we all grow at a different pace. We all struggle with things like understanding God’s will and calling for our lives, warding off temptations, trying to justify behaviors that are not pleasing to the Lord, wrestling 

over matters that require faith on our part, and keeping up our determination to rise up and 

follow God, come what may.
       Hogan walked a long, hard road, but finally, at the age of 70, Hulk Hogan took the step to be 

baptized, according to Sara Whitman of PageSix.com. She quotes him stating, “Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life . . . I accepted Christ as my savior at 14yrs old, and the training, prayers and vitamins kept me in the game . . . but now that I am one with God, the main event theme of surrender, service, and love makes me the Real Main Event that can slam any giant of any 

size through the power of my Lord and Savior and so it is, even now brother, AMEN!”

       His ceremony took place at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida in December of 2023. On that day it was he and his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, who were immersed in a pool of water symbolizing a 

turning away from the old life of sin to a new life in Christ. And rising up out of the water represented their publicly identifying with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and joining the ranks of many 

others who believe in Jesus Christ.
       Hulk Hogan Passed away July 24, 2025. He was 71 years old. We celebrate his life and we rejoice in his decision to go deeper with God. All of us who have accepted Christ are also on the same path. Some are far ahead of us and some are behind us trying to catch up. But we each are precious in His sight. Let’s all keep moving forward in the Lord; let daily taste and see that God is oh, so good!

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulk_Hogan
https://www.biography.com/athletes/hulk-hogan-facts
https://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/idolchatter/2009/04/wrestlerreality-tv-star-hulk-h.html

       You may not have heard of Rene “Level” Martinez but he is very well known in Miami-Dade County. As a notorious gangster and drug runner he ran wild in the streets and considered gang members his family. He was a powerhouse; a force to be 

reckoned with. Would he ever find hope for his life and 

his future?
       In a self-produced documentary called The Warrior Level, Martinez tells how he frequented jail even as a juvenile and how he was almost killed on many occasions. For instance, at age fourteen, he and his buddies stole a car and went to a party. On the way home they got into a high speed chase with cops. During the 

pursuit they crashed into a car doing 100 miles per hour. The driver was killed and Martinez was given 

a five percent chance of survival.
       After waking from a three week coma and being in a body cast and then a wheel chair, Rene did learn to walk again, but he did not learn the “life-lesson” God had put before him. He went right back into street life and gang life, stealing cars, pulling home invasions, and dealing in weapons and drugs.
       So where were his parents? Well Rene’s abusive dad was absent early on so Rene’s mother left him. Meanwhile, she was busy working and partying and practicing witchcraft as a religion. At five years of age, Rene remembers being chased around his apartment and stuck in the bathtub with the freshly cut off head of a goat; its blood was poured all over him. He said, “That’s the day I started seeing demons . . . [and] they haunted me my whole life . . . I don’t recall any happy childhood memories, straight up.”
       Rene’s mom was a wreck. When she could no longer provide for her child, they became homeless and lived in the back of a video store; Rene had to steal to eat. At one point, she attempted to take her own life, but Rene found her in time and called 911. In the documentary she states, “I wrote a letter to Jesus Christ saying that I had failed as a human being and I had failed as a mom . . . Jesus Christ touched me and made me whole again.”
       Rene’s mother was not aware of his gang involvement at first, but there in South Florida’s teenage war zone, Rene was gang initiated. She later said the terrible anger he carried was what created the monster he became, and ultimately a gang leader. He kept company with all sorts. Many of them ended up either serving decades in prison or just plain dead. Reflecting back, Rene said, “A lot of evil happened, a lot of people got shot, and a lot of people died . . . the devil was having a field day. None of my home boys are left from back in the day . . . probably like one or two . . . And that’s the life of a 

gangster, man. Straight up. Ain’t no future in it.”
       At about marker 1:11:45 in the film, Martinez begins to describe his redemption. He said, “I remember I was in the studio. I was doing gangster music . . . I was writing lyrics . . . I was writing all kinds of wickedness; there was a demon speaking to me. That night I had an encounter with Jesus Christ, man. He spoke to me, man, and He told me, ‘I spared you for such a time as this. Either you come to me now or I’m going to take my hedge of protection off of you and Satan’s gonna do what he gotta do with you.’
       “And right then and there I knew . . . countless times I got shot at. So much happened in my life. And when I heard His voice that day, I knew, man, it was time to surrender. I gave it all up right then and there. I got on my knees and started crying out to God, man. And it’s like God started to work on me . . .” Soon, Rene was water baptized and at the same time received the gift of the Holy Ghost so that he 

became “on fire” for the Lord.

       Ricky Skaggs is a Kentucky-born country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, mandocaster and banjo. He is known world-wide and has been in the music business since he was seven years old; his career has spanned five decades.
       Ricky has known Jesus most of his life. In an article by Laura Erlanson at www.GodReports.com, it was reported that Ricky was saved when he was 13 and baptized at the age of 21. Like all of us, he had to learn how to grow in the Christian faith. A friend, at one point, offered him some valuable advice. He suggested he find a simpler version of the Bible to read, so Ricky switched from the King James version to the NIV. It made all the difference. God’s promises came alive and soon Ricky decided to rededicate his life to the Lord.
       Ricky Skaggs is very much a Christian-missions-minded person, and he uses his platform to lead people to Jesus, everywhere he goes. It is said that if you attend a Skaggs concert, you are going to hear the Gospel. That’s just the way it is and that attitude greatly shines through his mission statement posted on his website. Here it is, below. When you read it you will know that Ricky Skaggs is the “real deal”. He loves Jesus through and through and he wants you to walk in this very same hope, too!
       “A few years ago I was a country music artist on a secular record label. I had been sensing that the Lord was saying to me, "I want you to be where hurting people are, to be where people need to hear of My love." And I wanted to conduct business from a Christian perspective.
       It was at this point we decided to start our own family record company. We dedicated everything we did to the Lord—we wanted to give Him all the honor and glory.
       I cut my band from 15 musicians to 8. I got rid of a tractor-trailer and a bus. We didn't need a huge stage full of amps and drums and pianos and electric equipment to put on a show.
       In our family-run business we can go off the beaten path. We can go to the high schools. We can go to hospitals or to churches. We go anywhere that God wants to send us. Sometimes He uses us to sow seeds at a country fair or even at a casino. Some Christians may be embarrassed to be seen in a casino, but many people there need to hear the Word of God.
       Our bluegrass sound draws unbelievers, but when they get to our show, they hear the Gospel—whether it's the words in the song of the words I say between songs, somehow they will be confronted with the Gospel.

       In the beginning, the enemy was in my ear: "What kind of Christian are you to let people go? What happens if this doesn't work out? You won't be able to make a real living doing this."
       But God kept saying, "Trust Me".
       I found that feelings don't have anything to do with faith. Jesus probably didn't feel like going to the cross, but He knew that it was the right thing to do. For Him, obedience outweighed sacrifice. His obedience is an example for me to live by.”
     --Ricky Skaggs

References:
https://www.rickyskaggs.com/p/mission
http://godreports.com/2018/11/friend-of-country-music-star-ricky-skaggs-prophesied-inclusion-in-hall-of-fame/

       A popular Bible website called BibleGateway.com has over 150 Bible versions in 50 languages. But 

according to Adam Phillips at TheWitness.org, “The most commonly-cited number [of Bible versions] is more than 7,000 . . . However, this number is 

somewhat misleading, as it includes not only different translations of the Bible but also different editions of the same translation. For example, there are more than 1,000 different versions of the King James Bible alone . . . While there are many different versions of the Bible available today, the actual number of unique translations is much lower.”
       So, the question is: Why are there so many translations?
       To begin with, the Bible was written over a time span of 1500 years, on three different continents, by more than 40 authors. It was written in three languages: the Old testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek.
       In the first century, Christianity spread through the Apostles and through St. Peter in the area of the Roman Empire. Later on, in order for the English speaking world to read the Bible, it was often 

translated by teams of scholars, (and sometimes by individuals).
       Fast forward several centuries, the first hand-written English-language Bible manuscripts were 

produced in the 1380’s AD by John Wycliffe, an Oxford professor, scholar, and theologian. According to EnglishBibleHistory.com, “One of Wycliffe’s followers, John Hus, actively promoted Wycliffe’s ideas: that people should be permitted to read the Bible in their own language, and they should oppose the tyranny of the Roman church that threatened anyone possessing a non-Latin Bible with execution. 

Hus was burned at the stake in 1415, with Wycliffe’s manuscript Bibles used as kindling for the fire.”
       Then Martin Luther came along, and in 1517, he carried his 95 Theses of Contention to the church at Wittenberg and nailed them to the door. It contained a list of issues of heretical theology and crimes against the Roman Catholic Church. Meanwhile, the Latin version of the Bible had already been printed on the newly invented printing press of the 1450s.
       The history site went on to explain, “. . . the Tyndale New Testament became the first printed edition of the scripture in the English language . . . They were burned as soon as the Bishop could confiscate them, but copies trickled through . . . The church declared it contained thousands of errors as they torched hundreds of New Testaments confiscated by the clergy, while in fact, they burned them 

because they could find no errors at all. One risked death by burning if caught in mere possession of Tyndale’s forbidden books.
       “Having God’s Word available to the public in the language of the common man, English, would have meant disaster to the church. No longer would they control access to the scriptures. If people were able to read the Bible in their own tongue, the church’s income and power would crumble.”
       When the prideful and sinful ambitions of men enter a situation, no good can come from it. But God knows all about it. And so do His true followers. There were many who sacrificed their lives in order to advance and help make available the Word of the living God.
       As mentioned, there are many versions of the Bible today. Some were translated in order to bring the style of language up to date. For example, the New International Version is easier to read than the 1611 King James Version with all the “thees and thous”.

                                                                         AVAILABLE AT AMAZON

       The writers at GotQuestions.com explain basic methods used: “Some Bible versions translate as 

literally (word-for-word) as possible, commonly known as formal equivalence. Some Bible versions 

translate less literally, in more of a thought-for-thought method, commonly known as dynamic 

equivalence. All of the different English Bible versions are at different points of the formal equivalence vs. dynamic equivalence spectrum.”
       Learning a biblical story would be easier with a thought-for-thought version, like the New Living Translation. But if one were seeking deeper study of a passage, the New American Standard Bible might be better.
       This latter website goes on to say: “The advantage of formal equivalence is that it minimizes the translator inserting his/her own interpretations into the passages. The disadvantage of formal 

equivalence is that it often produces a translation so woodenly literal that it is not easily readable/

understandable.
       “The advantage of dynamic equivalence is that it usually produces a more readable/understandable Bible version. The disadvantage of dynamic equivalence is that it sometimes results in “this is what I think it means” instead of “this is what it says.”
       “Neither method is right or wrong. The best Bible version is likely produced through a balance of the two methodologies.”
       Which Bible version do you read?

References:
https://thewitness.org/how-many-bibles-are-there/
https://greatsite.com/english-bible-history/
https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-versions.html

       According to Wikipedia, Peter Derek Vaughan Prince (1915 – 2003) was a Bible teacher whose daily radio program, Derek Prince Legacy Radio, continues to be broadcast around the world in several languages. He was born in India to British parents and was a scholar of Greek and Latin. At university, he described himself as an atheist but while serving with the British army in World War II, he began studying the Bible and 

became a Christian.
      Prince has written 30 books and has an active website now maintained by his organization. In honor of Father’s Day, we feature excerpts from one of his books, below, entitled Husbands and Fathers, written three years before he died:

       “Marriage is a covenant . . . between a man and woman, made before God. For both men and women, therefore, unfaithfulness to the marriage commitment is breaking a covenant. That is why adultery is much more serious a sin than fornication. Fornication-immorality between two unmarried persons-is sin, but it does not break a covenant. Adultery, however, is immorality that does break a covenant. That is what makes it so much more serious a sin.
       “In Ephesians 5:22-31, Paul says that the marriage relationship between a man and his wife is a type, or picture, of the relationship between Christ and His Church . . . Only when they are willing to make this covenant commitment can they begin to discover the true nature of marriage. Couples not willing to fulfill this condition can experience the legal and physical aspects of marriage, but its true nature remains closed to them . . .
       “We need to remember, too, that marriage is not merely a social contract on the human level. Originally and primarily marriage is a biblical concept.
       “Adam did not think up marriage. He did not even know he needed a wife. Marriage originated in the mind of God. All the rules for it, as well as its end purpose, were established by Him. God's purpose for marriage is unity between the partners. But the Bible makes it clear that there is only one basis for true unity between human beings . . . It is covenant . . .
       “At the beginning of human history God committed to Adam, ([the] first husband), a specific responsibility: to tend and keep the Garden of Eden, (see Genesis 2:15) . . . [the] basic meaning is "to guard" or "protect."
       “Adam failed . . . not in what he did but in what he did not do . . .

“The New Testament suggests six main responsibilities:
       1. Love Your Wife, 2. Receive Input [from your] wife to speak her mind freely 3. Make Decisions, 4. Initiate Action, 5. Nourish and Cherish, 6. Give Praise [to her].
       [Furthermore], “God created the universe as a Father. He left His Father imprint on every aspect of creation. The intimate, personal relationship between the Father and His Son existed before creation ever began.
       “Jesus was sent by the Father to accomplish two purposes . . . The negative purpose was to pay the penalty for our sins, that we might be forgiven and reconciled to God. The positive purpose was to reveal God as our Father and to make us members of His family.

“The Benefits of Knowing the Father:
     1. Identity. (Both Scripture and psychology agree that a person cannot fully answer the question "Who am I?" without knowing who his or her father is.)
     2. Self-Worth. (1 John 3:1: ‘See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are,’ NASB.) Once we really comprehend that we are the children of God, that God loves us intimately and personally, that He is interested in us, that He is never too busy for us and that He desires a direct and personal relationship with us, then we discover our self-worth.
     3. Awareness of a Home in Heaven. Ever since I was saved, I believed that if I continued faithful to the Lord, I would go to heaven when I died.
     4. Total Security. What do we view as the origin of the universe? A big bang? . . . You will be a different person the moment you grasp the fact that behind all life is the Fatherhood of God.
     5. Motivation for Service. In Philippians 2:3, Paul warns us as servants of the Lord: ‘Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit. . . .’ (NKJV). The fact is, the more we aim at personal success, the less secure we become. We are threatened continually by the possibility that someone else may build [something] bigger . . . As for me, I have found my perfect pattern in Jesus, who said, ‘. . . The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him,’ (John 8:29; NKJV). I am motivated less and less by personal ambition. I have discovered a sweeter, purer motive: simply to please my Father.

       “Where Are the Spiritual Fathers? What [is] the reason for success? Offering some kind of spiritual fatherhood . . . ‘It doesn't make sense to put a live chick under a dead hen!’
       “Christianity or Churchianity? Churchianity produces church members; Christianity produces disciples.
       [Jesus said], “‘Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple,’ (Luke 14:25-27; NASB). This passage makes a pointed contrast between two kinds of people: the great multitudes, and the single individual . . . who "[comes] after Me."
       “Churchianity is satisfied with great multitudes. Christianity focuses primarily on each individual who comes after Jesus. It is concerned to produce not fellow travelers but committed followers.”
       [What better example of being a husband and a father could there be?]

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Prince
Prince, Derek, (2000). Husbands and Fathers: Rediscover the Creator's Purpose for Men (Chosen Books).

       In the beginning, God first created light, (Genesis 1:3). It was a major part of His grand design and it’s a window on the universe. The light of the sun also warms the earth and the people upon it, it makes things grow, and it enhances the artistry of everything around us.
       Light not only illuminates all we see with our eyes, but God’s light of truth illuminates our minds and our hearts because He, Himself is light. “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all,” (1 John 1:5, ESV).
       Man in his natural state is dead in his sins but when a person becomes a born-again Christian, his spiritual eyes are opened. “And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins,” (Ephesians 2:1). It is then that a radical transformation occurs. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (II Corinthians 5:17; TLB).
       A Christian grows in his faith by meditating on God’s word. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” (Psalm 119:105; KJV). With God’s word lighting the way, we can be sure-footed about our steps through life. And if we stumble, we always have the Lord at our side to help us back up. Even in the tough times, He is always there to lead and to guide us by the light of His truths.
       We all grow at a different pace but at some point, we become ready to share the light we have been walking in. The Bible calls us children of light: “For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night,” (I Thessalonians 5:5; NLT). We must radiate that light just like a lamp on a stand. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,” (Matthew 5:14-16; NKJV).
       The secret to applying this Scripture to your life is found in a key part of this passage: “. . . that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,” (Vs 16b).
       God’s light will shine through you and me as we care for one another, as we exercise forgiveness, and as we encourage each other, loving our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus said, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these,” (Mark 12:30, 31; NKJV).
       In this life, though we only see and understand in part, there is a new world coming where darkness will be ruled out once and for all. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known,” (I Corinthians 13:12; KJV).

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       As Christians we have so much to look forward to. Isaiah prophesied, “No longer will you have the sun for light by day, Nor will the moon give you light for brightness; But you will have the Lord as an everlasting light, And your God as your glory,” (Isaiah 60:19; NASB).
       Many years ago, Isaiah saw into the far distant future to a time when John the revelator was 

describing the new Jerusalem. Its walls were made of precious stones, its gates were housed with pearls, and its streets were made of gold that shone like glass. “But I saw no temple in it [the city], for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light,” (Revelation 21:22, 23; NKJV).
       The Bible is filled with many word-pictures of God as light. The majesty of His splendor will be 

awesome to behold. But for now, as we live out our days here on earth, it’s good to know that we can experience a little bit of His power and glory as He pours Himself out upon us. And because we accept Him as our Savior, He then comes to live inside of us. Do you know Him? Visit: https://kathyveer.com/become-a-christian.
 
References:
https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-light/
https://www.thepottershouse.org/daylight-saving-time-and-how-light-illuminates-the-bible/

       Actor, producer, and director, Denzel Washington has been making mainstream headlines lately. He has taken a major step of faith: he was recently baptized (at 69 years old) and received his Minister’s license through the Church of God in Christ, New York.
       Jesse T. Jackson at ChurchLeaders.com reports that before the baptism, Bishop William Armstead asked Washington if he believes in Jesus Christ and if he will obey his commandments. Washington responded in the affirmative to both questions.
       Denzel said, “In one week I turn 70 . . . It took a while but I'm here . . . If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit,” reports Tamantha Ryan at PageSix News (MSN).
       Washington has made about 50 movies in his 40 plus year career. He has received three Golden Globe Awards, one Tony, two Academy Awards and so much more. In 2020, The New York Times ranked him as the greatest actor of the 21st century.
       Born and raised in New York, he was the son of an ordained Pentecostal Preacher; his mother--a true woman of faith--owned a beauty shop. She was the greatest influence in Denzel’s life, and they remain close to this day.
       Even though Denzel grew up in a Christian home, there were problems. The devil attacks everyone on this planet, especially believers. Denzel was definitely influenced by the wrong kinds of people in life. To add to his trials and tribulations, his parents divorced. He explained to Maya Khamala at GoalCast.com, “"My parents were like night and day . . . She's urban, raised in Harlem. My father was just this spirit-filled man until the day he died, a country boy raised on a farm in Virginia . . . They say opposites attract but my parents grew apart. I was 14 when they divorced."
       It was a challenging time, and it further undermined Denzel’s ability to follow God and succeed in His ways. So, it was then that his mother wisely placed him in a private prep school: Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor, New York. Denzel believed that decision changed his life. It ultimately prevented him from going to prison like many of his friends had done.
       In an interview by Dotson Rader at Parade.com, Denzel--at the age of 20--said, “I’ve felt the hand of God on my life, no doubt about it. I remember sitting in my mother’s beauty parlor in Mount Vernon, N.Y., on March 27, 1975, and in the mirror I kept seeing this woman looking at me . . . I was doing so bad in school, and this woman said, ‘Somebody give me a piece of stationery! I’m having a prophecy!’ I still have that piece of paper. ‘You’re going to speak to millions of people,’ she said to me. ‘You’re going to do great things!’ And I thought, ‘Yeah, right. When’s that going to start? On Monday? I’m flunking out of school.’ . . . Later on, I asked my mother, ‘Who was that woman?’ She said, ‘It’s Ruth Green, one of the elder sisters in the church, who’s been known to have the gift of prophecy.’ . . . That fall I started acting.”
       People who know Denzel Washington know that he is a devout Christian and doesn’t apologize for it. But he admitted, “. . . I accepted it, I definitely experienced it, but I wasn’t ready to live it . . .”

       Denzel certainly has struggled with that “walk of faith” that Christians experience. He confessed giving his life to Christ on three separate occasions. When Denzel was close to 60 years old, his mother encouraged him by telling him he would do good by a lot of people, but he had to do good the right way. Denzel said, “I don’t drink anymore. I don’t do any of those things . . . I’m all about the message to the degree that I know it, and I’m unashamed and unafraid to share it.”
       Washington has continued to grow in his walk with God. Like all of us, he has stumbled and fallen, but he has also gotten back up and has kept on fighting the good fight.
       The Bible says, “Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses,” (1 Timothy 6:12; AMP).
       When I meet Jesus on that glorious, awesome day, I want Him to say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Isn’t that what you want, too? Then put God first.

References:
https://churchleaders.com/news/502924-movie-icon-denzel-washington-gets-baptized-and-receives-his-minister-license.html
https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/celebrities/denzel-washington-gets-baptized-and-becomes-a-minister-after-saying-religion-is-not-fashionable-in-hollywood/ar-AA1wkvoA
https://www.goalcast.com/2020/09/10/denzel-washington-father-broken-relationship-mother-lessons/
https://web.archive.org/web/20060411214059/http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/1999/edition_12-12-1999/Denzel_Washington
https://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/idolchatter/2020/07/denzel-washington-on-coming-to-christ-i-was-filled-with-the-holy-ghost-and-it-scared-me.html [Jun 30, 2020]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denzel_Washington

      There’s been a lot of “buzz” lately about an independent film, 

released July 4th of this year called Sound of Freedom. It is based on a true story and was created and produced to expose the evils of sex-trafficking, going on in this country and around the world
  The film depicts the incredible true story of former federal government agent, Tim Ballard, turned vigilante who quits his job and 

embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue hundreds of children from sex traffickers.
       In a CBN interview, Tim Ballard explains, “Nobody was talking about human-trafficking and I was telling people these stories of things I was coming across and no one believed me. And it was like, ‘These are real kids.’
       “And really it was my wife on this . . . she grabbed me by the 

collar and said, ‘I will not let you jeopardize my salvation.’ [the 

actress during this scene said, ‘You quit your job and you go and rescue those kids.’] . . . I really put it into perspective: why are we here on this earth?
       “And then we jumped in and the operation--as the movie depicts--was extremely successful . . . it was actually bigger than Sound of Freedom was able to show.
       The star, Jim Caviezel, (the actor who played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ), explains, “It is the fastest growing international crime network that the world has ever seen. It has already passed the 

illegal arms trade and soon it’s going to pass the drug trade.”
       The horrors of what is happening to these children and adults alike can hardly be grasped. The website, Human Trafficking Research states that individuals are exploited “. . . through threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, and/or deception . . . and include the practices of forced labor, debt bondage, domestic servitude, forced marriage, sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, and the recruitment and use of child soldiers . . .”
       There are also reports about people being used for organ harvesting, adrenochrome collection through torturous fear tactics, and medical experimentation. But of course there is push back among the elites who say such ideas are no ore than conspiracy theories. Even so, many are talking about these issues and more of these operations are coming to light each day in spite of the “woke”.
       And just to show how “woke” our society has become, Wikipedia reports that, “Sound of Freedom was completed in 2018 and a distribution deal was made with 20th Century Fox. However, that studio was purchased by the Walt Disney Company, which shelved the film. The filmmakers reportedly spent years trying to get the distribution rights back from Disney and take it to theaters.
       “[Producer] Verástegui approached Angel Studios with the release rights. Angel presented the film to an online group of 100,000 investors in its past projects called the Angel Guild, which gave it a "yes" vote within days. On March 30, 2023, Variety reported that Angel Studios had acquired the worldwide distribution rights . . . On May 12, it received a release date of July 4, 2023.”