We’re back with some of the past week’s most inspiring and fascinating stories. Check it out:
1) Let’s start with a truly feel-good story: An Air Force Master Sergeant who has been deployed in Korea for six months recently helped plan an elaborate surprise for her children, with the help of their school. As part of the ruse, students filed into the school’s auditorium for what they thought was an assembly on positive behavior. Then, with hundreds of kids seated on the floor, the soldier walked in in uniform, and her two younger sons immediately stood up and ran into her arms. Watch it unfold here.
READ: Pastor Who Claims Georgia Gov’t Fired Him Over His Christian Beliefs Wins Major Victory
2) Moving on, a longtime ESPN producer and media expert has announced that he’ll be leaving the sports company to go into full-time ministry — a decision he made after feeling “God nudging” him to “step out in faith.” Check out his awesome story.
3) Far too many New Orleans families were forced to say good-bye to everything they own this past Tuesday when a series of horrific tornadoes hit them by surprise. There were tragic reports of local residents swept away into the tornado due to the powerful winds. Among them were Amanda Stockflet and her newborn baby, Autumn, — but, miraculously, they survived and were unscathed. Now, the mother is sharing the story of how they beat the odds and survived the terrifying ordeal in one piece.
4) And the stories don’t end there. Faithwire also covered 19-year-old Carter Fridley, a young man who has always dreamed of going to college, but doubted he would ever get the opportunity to do so. Why, you ask? Well, Carter has Down syndrome. Watch his reaction when he opens his acceptance letter. It’s pretty cool.
5) Actor Denzel Washington is a practicing Christian who has no problem openly sharing his faith with his fans. And in a recent interview with “Access Hollywood,” he revealed that a random woman once prophesied that he’d grow up to preach and teach to millions. It’s a pretty wild story, considering that he’s now a household name.
6) Now, this next story might require some tissues, as it’s an emotional one, showcasing the power of human compassion. Meet Mohamed Bzeek, who has made an admirable decision to intentionally foster terminally ill children. Check out his story.
7) And consider that, just over a year ago, a two-year-old boy was left for dead on the side of a Nigerian road by his parents who believed their son was a witch. By the grace of God, a Danish aid worker spotted the emaciated child and stopped to helped. A year later, his life looks totally different.
8) And talk about getting innovative. Realizing that his town doesn’t have any houses of worship, a Russian man made an entire church out of snow and ice, with his kind act — one that took almost two months to complete — inspiring locals in Sosnovka, Russia, and capturing international attention. Check out video of the unique worship center.
“As soon as the first snow fell in Sosnovka, I prayed and got down to work,” he said. “First I created a draft of the chapel. I decided it would have 12 arches, in honor of the twelve apostles. Then I began to press the snow, step by step laying the foundation and the walls of the church.”
9) Then, there’s a miracle of sorts. A missions group that smuggles Bibles into the Middle East is reporting that two pastors who were imprisoned in a secret jail inside an undisclosed country were released after a senior officer at the jail said he saw Jesus in a dream and converted to Christianity. Read the incredible story here.
10) And last but not least, elementary school teachers are often known for their crafting prowess, but one special needs educator took her creativity to the next level to help her students with autism. First-year speech and language pathologist Amy Maplethorpe created a chair to help her autistic students who suffer from sensory issues. Find out more about it.
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Other Must-Read Stories:
– Pastor Who Claims Georgia Gov’t Fired Him Over His Christian Beliefs Wins Major Victory