These were the white words displayed on a black t-shirt that the head coach of the NBA championship Boston Celtics wore during the celebration ceremony following the team’s victory. In speaking on his emotions following his championship win Coach Joe Mazzulla said, “First of all, the most important thing for us, for me, is our faith, and we have the number one fans in the world.” He also noted that being in this position to coach this team was “a blessing. I don’t deserve it but because of grace I’m here.”

These types of actions that are focused on Mazzulla’s Catholic faith are not new if you’ve been following his journey. So much of his words and actions are centered on God. The country, the world and his team have taken notice. In November 2022, after a game in Boston attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales, a reporter asked him if was able to meet “the royal family.” Mazzulla responded, “Jesus, Mary and Joseph? I’m only familiar with one royal family. I don’t know too much about that one. But hopefully, they’re Celtics fans.”

Mazzulla has consistently been a man who is upfront with his faith and the Celtics organization and players know this to be the case as well. He also recently said, “If we win the championship this year, we’re flying to Jerusalem and we’re walking from Jericho to Jerusalem.” He noted that his trip there several years ago had radically transformed his faith.

There are many other faith moments and actions that we could reference for the head coach. What is amazing is that he also seems to have influenced his players. There is no way we can say this for certain, but it is interesting that so many of the Celtics players would be so open about their faith in God directly following their championship victory.

The virtues of faith, hope and love appear to be a part of the way they speak and carry themselves. Several important contributors to the team spoke freely and clearly about their love of God and seemed to immediately praise their teammates and coaches over themselves.

Jayson Tatum, the leader of the team and top scorer, said, “First of all, God is the greatest. Not because we won but to put me in positions to maximize my God-given ability. To surround me with these guys and my family. This is an incredible feeling.”

Tatum wasn’t nearly referencing the phrase, “I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This is something many players say and is a great way to be upfront about one’s faith. However, Tatum was different. He was more specific. God is not good because he won the game but because God enables Jayson to be the man and athlete that he is. God is the source and center, along with his family and team.

Jaylen Brown, another key start for the Celtics said the following in his post-game interview: “For me, my faith is most high and in just believing in my teammates and my coaching staff and just being grateful.”

Again, Brown focused on others instead of himself. He also noted that being thankful for all that he has been given is critical. His relationship with God is the clear number one. Placing that relationship where it needs to be gives him the vision of gratitude, no matter what happens.

Finally, Al Horford, the Celtics veteran, chanted “Gloria a Dios. Gloria a Dios. Glory, glory, glory to the Lord,” to the crowd and reporters following the Celtics championship win. Amid all of the confetti and celebration, he was smiling and gave God the notice. All of this should bring one to see that God is real and he is everything. Horford’s words were the shortest but were given with such power.

The Mazzulla effect was so clear to me watching all of these players be vocal about their faith.

During the postseason last year, the Celtics were knocked out of the playoffs and did not meet their championship expectations. When they were down in their series, Mazzulla was honest about how he spent some of his time. In a press conference, he said that he had visited three girls under the age of 21 years old who had terminal cancer. He wanted to be with them and spend some time with them. He said that being with these girls and seeing them still smile gave him a new perspective on life. He saw that the game was not the most important thing. At the end of our lives, it is faith and love that remains.

It sounds like this head coach has got it right. Keep God first and everything else will fall into place. It also appears that he has transmitted that truth to his players. Now, they follow his faith lead.

We should as well.

Author: Thomas Griffin; Source: National Catholic Register

The post Boston Celtics’ Coach Joe Mazzulla Displays Faith of Champions appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Small People

The story that comes just before this one is about a great man, a highflier, a Very Important Person: Naaman, the commander of Syria’s army (2 Kings 5). And the passage that immediately follows is about an even more important person: Naaman’s boss, the king of Syria himself (2 Kings 6:8–33). Both men have corner offices, fly first class, and live in gated communities. They’re big deals.

But not the people in this story. They’re referred to as “the sons of the prophets,” a group gathered around a prophet such as Elisha, learning from him and serving him. These are the guys who work in a cubicle, fly economy, and live where the houses are small and close together. They’re not famous or important — in fact, we’re not even told their names.

And yet this passage tells their story. In between the internationally significant narratives of a great military leader and a famous political leader is an episode about no-names involved in a purely local affair. This surprising interest in small people seems to have been a recurring feature of Elisha’s ministry (see the stories in 2 Kings 4). It’s also a hallmark of the larger biblical story (notice, for example, the focus on unnamed minor characters throughout the Gospel of Mark).

What’s more, the Bible doesn’t just show an interest in small people for whom things are going well — people who might be a net gain, even in their own small way. Rather, it demonstrates genuine care for small people with problems. That’s certainly the case for the sons of the prophets in 2 Kings 6. In fact, they have two problems.

Small Problems

The first problem is a housing issue. “Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, ‘See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us’” (2 Kings 6:1). I get this. Several years ago, with our kids getting older, our house felt cramped, so we moved to a larger one. I wouldn’t deem our housing needs worthy of inclusion in Holy Scripture. Maybe the sons of the prophets felt similarly. But here’s their story — in the Bible. Apparently, the small problems of small people matter to God.

In this case, the sons of the prophets come to Elisha not just with a problem, but with a proposed solution. “‘Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.’ And he answered, ‘Go’” (2 Kings 6:2). Sometimes God meets our needs through miraculous means (he’ll do that in this very story). Other times he helps us through our own activity. Elisha doesn’t make a new house appear out of thin air. Instead, the sons of the prophets mount a logging expedition and build a house.

God often works this way. According to Jesus, God feeds the birds of the air — but as one of my seminary professors used to say, you don’t see birds lying on their backs, waiting for God to drop worms into their beaks. He feeds them through their own worm-finding efforts. Yes, God can provide manna from heaven and bread by raven (1 Kings 17:3–6), but his normal means of provision is our own hard work (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

The second problem involves a lost axe head. “But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, ‘Alas, my master! It was borrowed’” (2 Kings 6:5). Of course, this is a tiny issue in the grand sweep of things. But when a problem happens to us, we don’t feel that way about it. When it’s our injured leg, our dented car, our negative job review, our extended sickness, the comparatively small problem can feel big. The unnamed man in verse 5 “cried out” — a term connoting real distress. He cries out, “Alas!” He can’t afford to replace that borrowed axe head.

Yes, it’s a relatively small problem — but not to him. Will God even notice? Look what happens next.

Small Miracle

“Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. And he said, ‘Take it up.’ So he reached out his hand and took it” (2 Kings 6:6–7). The description of Elisha as “the man of God” reminds us that Elisha, though a prophet, is a man. He needs to ask where the axe head fell (apparently, the miracle doesn’t include actually locating it!). But the term “man of God” also reminds us that Elisha represents God, speaks for God, does miracles by the power of God. God himself, in the person of his prophet, is involved in this small miracle.

Elisha throws a stick into the water; the axe head floats. We’re not told why a stick is used, but this is undoubtedly a miracle. Iron doesn’t float. As miracles go, it’s a small one. No one is raised from the dead. The fate of a nation doesn’t hang in the balance. There are few witnesses. Even the ending of the story is undramatic. “And he said, ‘Take it up.’ So he reached out his hand and took it.” That’s it. End of story.

So, here’s a summary of this little story: Some small people have a couple of small problems, and God meets their needs — in one case through their own planning and effort, and in the other through a small miracle. Maybe the story doesn’t seem all that important, yet I’m glad it’s in the Bible. It demonstrates that God cares about us and our everyday problems. He acts on our behalf. If we’re attentive, we’ll see that in our own lives.

No Prayer Too Small

I’ve seen God act this way in my own life. I’m a pastor, and a few years ago, I agreed to lead a graveside service for the deceased brother of a friend who lives in town. My friend isn’t a follower of Jesus, so this seemed like a great opportunity to serve him and deepen our friendship. The service was scheduled for 1:00, but somehow, I got it into my head that it began at 1:30. That day, I drove to the cemetery and arrived at about 1:20, thinking I was early. But as I walked toward the grave, I saw many cars and a crowd of people. I looked at my notes, discovered I was in fact twenty minutes late, and felt sick to my stomach.

Surprisingly, though, as I neared the grave, I saw pallbearers pulling a coffin out of a hearse and carrying it toward the grave. My friend greeted me and told me what had happened. An out-of-town funeral home had driven the coffin to the wrong cemetery in our town. A grave had been dug at that cemetery for a different funeral the same day, and they had lowered the coffin into that grave. It took time to discover the error, get the coffin out of the grave and back into the hearse, and drive it to the right place. In fact, it took them twenty minutes. Which meant I arrived right on time. I believe that was the work of God. He knew every little detail, cared for me, and prevented an unintentional offense against my friend. God did a small miracle for a small person (me).

Psalm 147:3–4 says that God “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.” God does big things (like creating and naming the stars) and little things (like binding up the wounds of sad people). So, here’s an invitation: Ask God for his help. Give him your burden. Surrender your problem. He wants you to ask. He sees and cares, no matter how humble and hidden the issue. God took on flesh and came to earth as a tiny, fragile, helpless baby born to a manual laborer. By doing so, he was saying, loud and clear, “I care about small people. I was one myself.” Let’s bring our problems, big and small, to him.

Source: Desiring God

The post No Problem Is Too Small for Prayer appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Were there really dinosaurs?

Scientists have identified nearly a thousand different genera (types) of dinosaurs, although some are represented by so few bones that some people consider their identification as questionable. There is no doubt that dinosaurs once lived on Earth and in certain places seem to have been numerous. Paleontologists have found evidence of their existence in sediments from all continents, including Antarctica and have found evidence that includes bones, eggs, nests, and footprints. Dinosaur bones, footprints and other trace fossils have been identified by the thousands, and are especially prevalent in the US, Argentina, Spain, France, Russia, China, Mongolia and North Africa.

Skeletons on display in museums are rarely the original findings, but are replicas. The original bones are too valuable and delicate to be exposed to the public and are usually stored in special chambers that can only be accessed by professional scientists. Furthermore, the skeletons of museums are usually an assembled combination of replica bones from various specimens, which sometimes come from distant places. Despite this, these replicas can be considered reasonably reliable and in fact, some are complete specimens, such as the Tyrannosaurus rex “Sue” (photo 1) in the Chicago Field Museum. The animations on television, however, are much more speculative, especially as regards skin color, physiology, and behavior.

Were all dinosaurs large?

The study of dinosaur bones, eggs and footprints provides valuable information about their size, physiology, social behavior, and habitat. While dinosaurs are known to be the largest land animals to have inhabited the planet, the average Diplodocus being 115 ft long (35 m) from head to tail (photo 2), not all dinosaurs were giants. Some species were small, similar in size to a sheep or dog. For example, Struthiomimus (photo 3) was the size of an ostrich, and Compsognathus (photo 4) was no bigger than a rooster. Often the species exhibited in museums are the largest and are usually represented in threatening postures intended to impress visitors. This has distorted the image of dinosaurs in the minds of many people.

Where did dinosaurs live?

Dinosaurs appear to have been well adapted to their habitats, which spanned the globe, from rivers to forests to deserts. How do we know? The dinosaurs were buried in sediments (sand, mud), which later became sedimentary rocks. Some characteristics of these sedimentary rocks are used to identify specific environments such as beaches, rivers, swamps, lakes and arid deserts. Other fossils associated with these deposits (fossil plants, shells, microfossils, etc…) also provide valuable information on the environmental conditions. Thus, by studying the sediments in which the dinosaurs were buried, paleontologists can learn about the environments (paleoenvironments) in which they lived.

What did dinosaurs eat?

We know what dinosaurs ate by studying their teeth. Most dinosaurs were herbivores while some were carnivorous and fed on small animals, fish and other dinosaurs. Size did not always determine what an animal ate. For instance, the largest known dinosaur is Argentinosaurus (photo 5), a sauropod that probably weighed 100 tons.

Argentinosaurus was herbivorous, like other large sauropods. On the other hand, Spinosaurus (photo 6) and Tyrannosaurus rex, had an approximate weight of 7-8 tons each and were the largest carnivores to roam the planet.

Two other sources of information about what dinosaurs ate are fossil stomach contents and coprolites (fossilized excrement). The bones and teeth of fossilized animals have been found in the stomach of some dinosaurs, which shows that these animals were part of their diet. Inside coprolites from what are thought to be Titanosaur sauropods scientists have found conifer leaves, palm leaves and, surprisingly, grass. The presence of grass is puzzling because it is assumed that these plants did not evolve until after the extinction of the dinosaurs.

What was the origin of the dinosaurs?

According to the theory of evolution, dinosaurs originated from ancestral animals, called archosaurs (photo 7), through a gradual process of accumulation of mutations and natural selection. Their remains in the geologic column appear in the layers of rock that paleontologists call the Mesozoic (Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous), which according to conventional geologic time scale, corresponds to 250 to 65 million years ago.

If Darwinism were true, we should find organisms of less complexity and diversity in the early Triassic rocks, and forms of higher complexity and diversity in the Cretaceous layers. This would fit the evolutionary model of increasing complexity and diversity over time.

However, the reality found in the rock record is completely different. Although dinosaurs have been studied for almost two hundred years, their origins remain uncertain. Dinosaur fossils appear suddenly, without connection to any known ancestor and disappear just as abruptly in the fossil record. If the process of macroevolution were true, we would expect to find a gradual arrival, but in fact the opposite is observed. Dinosaurs seem to appear fully formed, well adapted to their environment and highly diversified. Thus, the theory of evolution does not seem to adequately explain the origin of these animals.

Creationists do not accept the evolutionary interpretation. Instead, most creation scientists suggest that dinosaurs were part of God’s original creation, which later, as in the case of other animals, suffered genetic variations leading to carnivorous ways.

Why did dinosaurs go extinct?

Though there is still debate among scientists, the conventional belief is that dinosaurs died out as the result of a meteor impact and the resulting environmental disasters that it caused. Great volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are thought to have accompanied the impact, which would have been quite catastrophic. The volcanic eruptions would have blown huge amounts of gases and dust into the air. This, along with dust from the impact itself, would have blocked enough sunlight to cause a shift in global temperatures, which would have been difficult for cold-blooded animals to survive, leading to their ultimate decline.

Most Christians, however, believe that dinosaurs were destroyed during the flood. Others believe that this particular group of animals had been altered so drastically by sin that they were not allowed on the ark and so their kind was totally lost.

Related videos:

Where there dinosaurs on earth???

Source: Grisda.org, Author: Raul Esperante, PhD

The post The Existence and Extinction of the Dinosaurs appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

1. Embrace Cardio and Strength Training

Before you overload on crunches, understand that true belly fat loss comes from a combination of cardio and muscle strengthening. Aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming burn calories and help reduce overall body fat. Strength training, on the other hand, builds muscle mass which not only supports your skeleton but also increases your daily calorie burn. “Aerobic activity boosts your metabolism during and just after exercise and can indirectly affect weight, such as improving sleep and reducing stress,” explains Creel.

2. Cut Down on Sugars and High-Calorie Drinks

Sugar sneaks into many foods, both naturally and as an additive, and has no nutritional benefits while packing in calories. Reducing your sugar intake, especially from high-calorie drinks like sodas and fruit juices, can significantly help in reducing belly fat. “When you drink calories, particularly from sugary beverages, you don’t feel as satiated as you would from eating whole fruits,” says Creel. Opt for whole foods that are rich in nutrients and keep an eye out for hidden sugars.

3. Moderate Alcohol Consumption

The term “beer belly” isn’t a myth—alcohol can lead to weight gain around the midsection. Drinking in moderation is key as alcohol contains empty calories that contribute to fat accumulation. “Alcohol can also decrease your inhibitions, making it harder to make healthy food choices,” Creel notes. Cutting back on alcohol could be a significant step toward losing abdominal fat.

4. Increase Fiber and Protein Intake

Dietary fibers and proteins are your allies in the fight against fat. Fibers enhance feelings of fullness and slow down food absorption, which helps in reducing overall intake. Proteins, on the other hand, boost metabolism, decrease appetite, and are essential for building lean muscle mass. “Eating foods rich in soluble fiber can help you feel full longer by forming a gel-like substance in your gut,” Creel suggests.

5. Choose Your Carbohydrates Wisely

Not all carbs are created equal. While simple carbs like sugar can spike your blood glucose levels, complex carbs from whole grains, vegetables, and legumes provide sustained energy and don’t lead to rapid blood sugar spikes. “Choosing the right carbohydrates is crucial for managing belly fat and maintaining overall health,” says Creel.

6. Plan Meals and Limit Late-Night Snacking

Preparing meals ahead of time can ensure you eat nutritious food regularly without the temptation of unhealthy snacks. Creel advises, “Meal planning helps relieve the stress of having to decide what to eat each day and contributes to a balanced diet.” Also, avoiding eating late at night can help control weight gain, as our bodies tend to store more fat at night.

7. Prioritize Sleep

A good night’s sleep is vital for overall health and effective weight management. Lack of sleep can disrupt appetite hormones and lead to overeating. “Aiming for at least seven hours of sleep per night is crucial, as sleep deprivation can significantly affect your body’s hunger hormones and stress levels,” explains Creel.

8. Reduce Stress

Stress not only affects your mood and productivity but also your waistline. High cortisol levels, a product of stress, have been linked to increased abdominal fat. “Incorporating stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help maintain a healthy weight,” suggests Creel.

Conclusion

Losing abdominal fat is a slow and steady process that requires consistent effort across various aspects of your lifestyle. While there’s no magic bullet for targeting belly fat specifically, adopting these healthy habits can lead to significant improvements in both your physique and your health.

Related video:

Source: wecb.fm, Author: Sarah Jensen

The post Abdominal Fat: An Expert Shares 8 Ways To Lose It Slowly But Surely appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Christian worship leader and activist Sean Feucht is taking action in response to anti-Israel protests at well-known campuses such as Columbia University and New York University. In defense of the Jewish people, Feucht plans to host the United For Israel March on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. ET near Columbia’s New York City campus. “Every Christian and person of faith across America should be absolutely horrified at what we’re seeing take place right now on these university campuses that have become hotbeds for antisemitism and hatred of the Jews — an annihilation of an entire nation,” he told CBN news.

Feucht added, “This is essentially a response to that and it’s rallying the church, it’s rallying Jewish leaders, it’s rallying organizations that want to say … ‘This is America. These are our universities and campuses in our cities. We’re not going to stand for this.’” He likened the event to the rallies he held across the U.S. in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Faithwire. Feucht recalled going to places of anarchy and chaos at that time and bringing forth “worship, and prayer, and unity, and baptisms of revival.”

Ultimately, being present amid anger and division “changed the entire environment,” Feucht said. He hopes that the United For Israel March would likewise change the atmosphere. “More than anything, I feel like this gives hope to America,” he said. “There are people that are going to rise up with courage and boldness, that are going to say, ‘Enough. We’re going to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters; we’re going to respond to the command in Genesis 12 that says, ‘I’ll bless those who bless you. I’ll curse those that curse you.’”

Feucth said the event will feature prayer, worship, and the “church rising up to stand up against evil, and darkness, and hate.” He also compared some of the current anti-Israel sentiment to the 1930s, when the ideologies that were taking root resulted in the Holocaust. “We understand that this is the work of the enemy,” he said. “We’re coming to bring the light; we’re coming to say we’re not going to be pushed around and we’re going to join with our Jewish brothers and sisters.”

Feucht also said that the current chaos that was caused by Hamas’ Oct. 7th attack against Israel and the war that followed is a sober reminder for Christians that “we are in the last days.” 

“These are the end times … we’re living in the midst of it,” he said.

Source: Christian Headlines, Author: Milton Quintanilla

The post Worship Leader Sean Feucht to Host ‘United for Israel March’ in NYC appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya returned home to Lagos on Wednesday to a hero’s welcome.

Onayoka, who set a world record for the longest chess marathon last week in New York City, arrived in  Murtala Muhammed airport in Lagos on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old raised $150,000 for children’s education across Africa through the record attempt. 

“I feel really proud of this moment, because I get to share it with so many people,” he said.

A new record

He had set out to play the royal game for 58 hours but continued until he reached 60 hours at about 12:40 a.m. Saturday, surpassing the current chess marathon record of 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds, achieved in 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.

The Guinness World Records has yet to confirm the record, which can sometimes take weeks.

Onakoya played against Shawn Martinez, an American chess champion, in line with Guinness World Record guidelines that any attempt to break the record must be made by two players who would play continuously for the entire duration.

A charitable goal

The Nigerian champion’s parents and several of his supporters greeted him enthusiastically at the airport, where he was escorted by armed guards.

One of Onakoya’s protégés was there to greet him, too.

Ayomide Ojo Emmanuel said he was homeless before Onakoya met him. 

“He found me under the bridge in Osodi, where I was homeless,” the 20-year-old said. “I didn’t have anything, I didn’t have a life, I wasn’t ambitious. So, he gave me life.”

Onakoya founded his charity Chess in Slums Africa in 2018, aiming to help educate 1 million children in slum communities across the continent. 

He said his main goal in breaking the record was to raise awareness for the organization’s mission.

Source: AfricaNews.com

The post Guinness World Record: Chess champion returns home to Lagos appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

In a world where fame often overshadows personal struggles and triumphs, actress Danica McKellar’s journey toward faith shines as a beacon of hope and renewal. Two years after accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior, she reflects on her newfound spiritual path with gratitude and humility.

Danica’s story is one of evolution—a journey from doubt to belief, from uncertainty to conviction. As she navigated the highs and lows of life in the spotlight, she found herself grappling with existential questions that lingered in the depths of her soul.

Amidst the noise of Hollywood and the pressures of celebrity, Danica felt a longing for something more profound, something that transcended the fleeting pleasures of fame. It was in this search for meaning that she encountered the transformative power of faith.

Two years ago, Danica made the life-altering decision to accept Jesus into her heart, embracing him as her Savior and finding solace in the promise of redemption. Since then, her journey with God has been one of continual growth and discovery.

In her moments of reflection, Danica acknowledges the profound impact that her newfound faith has had on her life. She speaks of feeling blessed—blessed by the love of God, blessed by the grace of forgiveness, blessed by the peace that surpasses all understanding.

For Danica, faith is not just a belief; it’s a lifeline—a source of strength and guidance that sustains her through life’s trials and tribulations. In the midst of uncertainty and chaos, she finds solace in the unwavering presence of God, knowing that she is never alone.

As she looks back on her journey, Danica’s heart is filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the countless blessings that have been bestowed upon her, gratitude for the love and support of her family and friends, and gratitude for the newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment that faith has brought into her life.

In a world often characterized by division and strife, Danica’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith. It is a testament to the fact that, no matter where we are in our journey, God’s love is always there, ready to embrace us with open arms and lead us toward a brighter tomorrow.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWS Send your news, stories or articles to info@chrife.com.gh or via WhatsApp +233550144803

The post Danica McKellar Finds Faith: A Journey of Discovery and Blessings appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Former Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry recently shared a deeply personal message with his followers, revealing that he had suffered a heart attack. In a heartfelt post on social media, Strawberry expressed gratitude for what he described as “amazing grace” and asked for prayers from his fans and supporters.

The four-time World Series champion, known for his illustrious career with teams like the New York Mets and the New York Yankees, has had his fair share of personal struggles, including battles with substance abuse and legal issues. However, in recent years, he has become an advocate for faith and recovery, openly sharing his journey of redemption and spiritual growth.

In his message, Strawberry acknowledged the seriousness of his condition but remained steadfast in his faith, emphasizing the importance of prayer and trust in God during difficult times. He expressed his belief that God’s grace would see him through this health challenge and thanked everyone for their support and well-wishes.

Strawberry’s willingness to share his vulnerabilities and lean on his faith in the face of adversity has resonated with many, earning him admiration and respect beyond the realm of baseball. As he embarks on this latest chapter of his journey, fans around the world are rallying behind him with prayers and messages of encouragement, hoping for his speedy recovery and continued strength.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWS Send your news, stories or articles to info@chrife.com.gh or via WhatsApp +233550144803

The post Darryl Strawberry expresses gratitude to God for his ‘amazing grace’ and requests prayers following his heart attack. appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

“This is an unbelievable blessing. I’ve lived a blessed life, but this is just a start for some big things.”

Kansas State’s, Jerome Tang, is the reigning college basketball coach of the year, after taking the Wildcats to the Elite 8 in his first year as head coach. His journey is unique, marked by faith in God, a love for basketball, and the bible.

TANG: “At one point in time, I could quote up to close to sixteen books of the Bible.”

DAWSON: “In their entirety?”

TANG: “Yeah.”

In 1989, while on a bible quiz scholarship at North Central Bible College, Jerome became the bible quiz coach and in multiple years took his team to nationals. “That was the foundation of my coaching and God knew what He was doing because it also really established me as a man of God,” recalled Tang.

Still, his desire was to coach basketball, an opportunity he would receive in 1993 as the head coach of Heritage Christian High School in Cleveland, Texas. While he led the team to four state titles in ten years, financially, times were tough. “Making ends meet,” said his wife, Careylyen, “I don’t know how I stretched money for us for the week.”

In 2003, the couple was expecting their second child and learned their insurance had lapsed. His wife, Rey, called Jerome to tell him the news. “I just remember sitting in the car, just crying and I called and told him,” Rey recalled, “and he said, ‘Don’t worry about it. God will provide.’”
 
DAWSON: “Were you ever worried about your life situation or did you just have a faith that you knew everything was going to be okay?”
 
TANG: “I have this like crazy faith. I always believed that I was God’s favored. And I tell people they should feel the same way because Scripture says that we’re the apple of His eye. Your faith just grows as God shows Himself faithful to us.”
 
Just a few days later, Jerome was offered an assistant coaching role at Baylor University under Christian head coach, Scott Drew. With it came a significant raise and insurance, affirming Jerome’s faith. Jerome recalled, “He said, ‘The job is yours.’ That was incredible.”

Baylor was a basketball program, not necessarily known for their winning tradition. However, Jerome was convinced that they would not only succeed, but that they would eventually win it all.

“I didn’t know how long it was going to take,” said Tang. “But I knew we were going to win because we just had great people around us, hard workers, and we followed the direction of coach being led by the Lord and the Holy Spirit.”

Under Coach Drew and Coach Tang, Baylor lost nearly 70% of their games in their first four years. Slowly they began turning things around and in 2021, after 19 years together, Baylor won the national championship.

DAWSON: “How special was it when the final buzzer sounds and you’re the national champions?”

TANG: “Oh my goodness. You know, God is so good and His timing is perfect. It’s never perfect for us in our minds, but it’s perfect for us and our journey. And had we won it before that, I think that would have been the pinnacle for me. When we won it, it was nice, but I had already come to a point in my life where my walk with God and who I am in Him was fulfilling and satisfying.”

The next season, Jerome was offered his first head coaching position at Kansas State. In the media’s mind, Jerome had an uphill climb.

DAWSON: “You were doubted. Kansas State was picked dead last in the preseason Big 12 standings. Did that deter you at all?”

TANG: “No. I saw our team when we put the collection of guys together, I saw them. I was like, ‘If this is the last team in the Big 12 then all ten teams are going to the NCAA tournament.’ I felt we had an NCAA tournament team.”

Not only did the Wildcats make the NCAA tournament, that first season, Tang took them to the Elite 8, and just three points shy of the final four. He was unanimously voted, by the Associated Press, the national coach of the year.

“I realize that it’s another platform that God’s given me in order to bring honor and glory to Him,” says Tang. “But also to really be able to talk about the great men that I live life with.”

DAWSON: “What is the rest of this journey look like for Jerome Tang? What would it take for it to be a success for you?”

TANG: “We’re going to win the national championship.”

DAWSON: “Do you believe that?”

TANG: “Yeah. Yeah. That’s going to happen. We’re going to win a national championship. And more importantly, I believe Jesus is really clear when He says, ‘By this all men will know that you’re My disciple. If you have love towards another.’ Not if you love those who look like you and those who vote like you, those who dress like you, but just love people. And I believe that the ministry that God has really stirred in my heart that He wants us, me as a follower of Jesus, to show what it’s like to love everybody.”

Source: cbn

The post Kansas State Coach’s Winning Strategies appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Our prosperity with GOD depends on the depth of our connection. To attain perfect results, follow GOD’S perfect way, knowing Him and obeying His commands (Joshua 1:8). Just as an inventor understands the purpose of their creation, GOD has our true purpose and directions. Drawing closer to GOD, we reflect His identity by His Spirit. Through grace, we access GOD’S life (Zoe) by the Spirit, who enables us to fulfill GOD’S will. Dying to ourselves allows GOD’S full measure in us.

A GOD-filled person has prosperous access to everything, relying on GOD’S word and power (Ephesians 6:10). Depend on GOD’S strength in prayer and let His word inspire prosperity (Joshua 1:8). Like GOD, who has all things, a person with GOD’S life experiences both good and bad, but staying focused ensures only the good stays and prospers (Isaiah 26:3). Obedience to GOD’S guidance is crucial; be still and know He is GOD (Isaiah 46:10).

Having GOD at heart results in His readiness to provide abundantly (Romans 8:28). Operating diligently in His stead brings prosperity and success (Joshua 1:8). In Christ Jesus, a unique prosperity surpassing worldly achievements is attained (Philippians 4:19). Dwell in GOD’S Word, and the experiential knowledge and walk with HIM lead to His prosperity.

Source: Christian Fellows, Author: Bright Agbelengor

The post WANT TO PROSPER? appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.