More than 51,000 Accept Jesus at Fellowship of Christian Athlete Events in 2023

From breitbart.com

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The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA.org) had a banner year in 2023, with more than 51,000 athletes accepting Jesus into their lives at the group’s events.

In its year-end press release, the group said that 51,730 faith decisions at its events from Sept. of last year to Aug. of this year.

“The best gift we can give and receive at Christmas is the gift of Christ, who came to Earth to save us and offer us all the free gift of salvation,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson in a statement told the Christian Post.

“As we reflect on the birth of our Savior, we are reminded of what Jesus has done with FCA and are so thankful for the 51,730 student-athletes who came to know Him this year through the ministry,” he added.

In an email, FCA also told the paper that “FCA uses a Faith Response Tool, a texting system that allows FCA staff, coaches and athletes to share these significant, life-changing decisions.”

“This system provides FCA with the opportunity to not only get an idea of their impact around the globe but also allows for an initial contact between the organization and each young follower of Christ,” the email said.

While the group celebrated more than 51,000 athletes accepting Jesus into their lives this year, it is a decline from the 52,358 recorded in fiscal year 2022.

The group’s last large event was in October when FCA had its “Fields of Faith” event at Lakeside High School Stadium in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which drew more than 3,000 participants.

“Truly, there was an unmistakable move of the Holy Spirit. Hundreds of students prayed seeking the Lord, God was present, and lives were changed,” Micah May, multi-area director for FCA South Central Arkansas, told the Christian Post.

“At the end of the event, after the students had spoken and a call to action was presented to the group, there was a sweet spirit of worship that broke out as the band Crutchfield led in their final songs.”

PRAISE GOD – A NEWS STORY TO MAKE US SMILE!

HOW CAN I BE SAVED?

MARANATHA!

Israel’s Christian Population Soars as Persecution Builds Elsewhere in Middle East

From breitbart.com

Israel’s Christian population is continuing to soar ever higher as persecution builds elsewhere in the Middle East, year-end figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reveal.

According to the CBS, around 187,900 Christians live in Israel, composing 1.9 percent of the population. This represents 1.3 percent growth from the year before with followers enjoying complete religious freedom in Israel that is denied elsewhere in neighbouring countries.

The Christian population has been on the rise for at least the last two years. In 2021, the population grew by 1.4 percent to 182,000, and in 2022, there was about two percent growth to 185,000, according to the CBS.

Three-quarters (75.3 percent) are Arab Christians who make up 6.9 percent of the total Arab population, the Jerusalem Post reports.

This contrasts with most countries in the Middle East, where Christian populations are declining, and there is “horrifying growth” of persecution designed to drive out followers of Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

This is according to the organization Open Doors, which puts out an annual “World Watch List” of where Christians suffer very high or extreme levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.

Among the top 50 countries in which Christians were persecuted in 2023 were Yemen, Libya, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and other Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority countries.

Israel was not on the list, instead offering safe haven for persecuted Christian minorities from outside its borders.



Iran’s regime in particular has waged a campaign to persecute evangelical Christians and Catholics.

Overall the Jewish state has a population of approximately 9.795 million people, the CBS report said. Some 7.181 million (73 percent) identify as Jewish, 2.065 million (21 percent) as Arab and 549,000 (five percent) as neither.

The country’s population will reach 10 million by late 2024 and 16 million by 2048, the CBS said. By 2065, Israel’s population is expected to have doubled. source

Well, this sounds like it’s right from the hand of God! Christians seeking protection in the land of Israel. In my mind I can see the gospel being shared across God’s Holy Land!

PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!