Winter hung on for so long in West Michigan that it seemed presumptuous even to think about summer. But the weather has moderated and now it feels right to look ahead at the area’s summer concert scene.
Terry’s Picks: May 2018
West Michigan Christian News writer Terry DeBoer surveys the landscape for the area's faith-based arts/entertainment/enrichment events over the coming month. Here are three highlights for May:
Hudsonville Couple Launches One Saved International to Provide Aftercare to Children Rescued From Sex Trafficking
There are between 60,000 to 100,000 children in the Philippines involved in prostitution rings, according to the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF). Worldwide, more than two million children are exploited in the sex trade.
Helping those children find hope and healing through the gospel are Jeremy and Sarah Hess who founded One Saved International, a nonprofit that provides aftercare and restoration to children rescued from sex trafficking.
Longtime Team Returns to Christian Radio
Tommy Dylan says he and on-air partner Brook Taylor have received all kinds of warm wishes over the last three months hosting the new "Tommy & Brook" morning show on Christian radio JQ-99 (WJQK-FM 99.3).
"There's been a lot of new listeners that have come over," said Dylan of fans who have followed them to their new radio home.
The veteran team spent more than nine years doing mornings at cross-town "Star 105.7", a mainstream adult contemporary outlet. Now they're in front of both old and new listeners. He said the broadcasting tandem has received positive feedback during remote broadcasts and from both listeners and advertisers. "And as we anticipated, the JQ listeners have been very welcoming," said Dylan.
The Testimony of Zach Williams
Arguably the most-awarded artist in Christian music over the past year with one of the most successful debut albums in recent memory, Williams and his break-out song "Chain Breaker" have a story to tell about his life's journey. He comes to Zeeland April 22 for a concert.
"I grew up around music," recalled Williams, 37, during a recent phone interview. "My dad played (guitar) and led worship in church and I was there every Sunday and Wednesday."
"I knew all about Jesus and Scripture stories and had a head knowledge of him. I went forward at church camp and called myself a Christian but there was never a heart change."
Jesus and the Children Sculpture Welcomes Community, Affirms Children’s Dignity
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14).
Monsignor R. Louis Stasker said his two-prong goals for the recently dedicated bronze statue, Jesus and the Children, at the Basilica of Saint Adalbert plaza is to affirm God's love for the world's most vulnerable — children.
The 1,500-pound sculpture is also way of saying to the community at large all are welcome.
Monsignor R. Louis Stasker said his two-prong goals for the recently dedicated bronze statue, Jesus and the Children, at the Basilica of Saint Adalbert plaza is to affirm God's love for the world's most vulnerable — children.
The 1,500-pound sculpture is also way of saying to the community at large all are welcome.
Paul, Apostle for Christ is a Remarkable Movie
Paul, Apostle for Christ features a striking performance by James Faulkner as Paul. Reverend, serious and focusing on the love of Christ, Faulkner nails the role. The use of scripture is well utilized throughout the film. Instead of reading the words of Paul, we hear him utter them. A few members of the underground church want to attack the blood-thirsty Romans. Paul tells Luke, played by Jim Caviezel (who played Jesus in Passion of the Christ), "We cannot overcome evil with evil. Only good overcomes evil." He also gives the almost identical quote which is taken from Romans 5:20, "Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds". Paul continues to emphasize the love of God, especially when dealing with those who seek vengeance.
God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness makes a great point: God is Still Not Dead!
This third film in the God's Not Dead series takes a different approach this time around. The first two in the series focused on fighting for one's religious beliefs and freedoms. This one is more about forgiveness and loving people, even when they don't agree with your view of God. God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness deals with a story about the struggles between today's liberal society and the church. Pastor David Hill (David A.R. White) has been at St. James church since he was a kid and his dad pastored the church. Now, he is the pastor. He is challenged by Hadleigh University and his friend, Thomas Ellsworth (Ted McGinley), who represents the college. Ellsworth and the college want to enforce an eminent domain policy and seize the land the church is built on in order to add on to their college buildings. Pastor Dave isn't ready to leave, and he refuses to back down—at first. Normally a mild mannered man, Pastor Dave winds up in jail.
Candace Cameron Bure events nearly sold out at Baker Book House
"Response to the announcement of Candace's visit was huge," said Sue Smith, manager of Baker Book House. "It was so big that we scheduled several additional events."
Bure was originally scheduled for a Q&A/book-signing on Thursday, April 26. The 250 tickets sold out within four hours, according to Smith, with more than a thousand people indicating on bookstore social media their interest in attending.
Top Fiction Authors to Meet Readers at first Fiction Readers Summit
Fifteen top Christian authors gather on May 11-12 for the inaugural Fiction Readers Summit at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Baker Book House in Grand Rapids. Authors including Mesu Andrews, Dani Pettrey, Colleen Coble and others will participate in panel discussions and meet readers.
The event will feature Christian authors whose work covers a wide swath of genres including historical, contemporary, romance and mystery. Local authors participating in the event are Susie Finkbeiner, Sharon Garlough Brown, Tracy Groot, and Lynn Austin.
The event will feature Christian authors whose work covers a wide swath of genres including historical, contemporary, romance and mystery. Local authors participating in the event are Susie Finkbeiner, Sharon Garlough Brown, Tracy Groot, and Lynn Austin.
C.S. Lewis Portrayal Coming to Grand Rapids
The creative force behind the one-man production is actor Max McLean who wrote the play and assumes the title role. The script is gleaned from Lewis' books and essays throughout his academic and writing career in his native Great Britain. His best-known work is the popular "Chronicles of Narnia" series, but he has a rich catalog of theological volumes such as "Mere Christianity" and "Miracles." He died in 1963.
Celebration…Good News, Continuing Themes for Irish Band
"We were actually playing a show that day, and we even taught some Irish dancing," said lead singer Chris Llewellyn during a late March phone interview. "We had to bring the party for St. Paddy...it's up to the Irish."
Celebration has always been high on the Rend Collective priority list. And a joyous thread winds throughout the faith-based group's latest album, "Good News."
More Articles...
- Terry’s Picks: April 2018
- Billy Graham Was The Same in Public and Private, Says Cornerstone President. But Who’s Next in Line?
- Debut Novelist Pens Tale of Love and Mystery
- Imagining the Power of A Song
- Third Day One More Time
- Hire for Hope Founder Grateful Safe Haven Ministries Helped Her Replace Distress for Courage
- Battered and Bruised
- ‘Plantation Jesus’ Spells Out How to Forgive, Walk Toward Unity
- New Music Review – Cameron Blake
- Cold-war Espionage Offers Significant Takeaways for Christians Today
- Terry’s Picks: March 2018
- TobyMac Digs Into Hits Deep
- Concerts a Key For Faithful Fan
- Love Me or Love Me Not
- Summer-time Awakening Institute Stimulates Teens’ Worship Gifts
- New Music Review: “The Second City – Part 1”
- Baker Book House Sells Eerdmans Inventory at Discount Prices
- Economist: Children Need Two-Parents, Not ‘Irrational’ Sexual Revolution
- Terry’s Picks: February 2018
- Concert Scene Shaping Up For New Year
- Local Author Releases New Book for Writers
- New Music Review: Debra Perry & Majestic Praise
- Pastor-Author Affirms Generosity is God’s Intended Super Power for Humankind
- Critter Barn a Gem that Teaches Public ‘Miracles’ of the Farm
- Terry’s Picks: January 2018
- Winter Jam Veterans Return for 2018
- The (Real) Christmas Story
- Bout With Brain Cancer Kindles New Mission: ‘I Shall Not Die But Declare the Works of the Lord’
- New Music Review: "Give It Up"
- Hudsonville Christian School Marks 100th Year With Bright Future
- Grant and Smith Together Again for Holiday Season
- Local Author Addresses Social Issues Through Animals in Her New Books
- Model and Local Author Create New Book that Addresses Core Issues Women Face
- Lakeshore Author Pens, Illustrates Christmas Picture Book
- Terry’s Picks: December 2017
- A Time to Say Thanks
- “It’s Beginning to Sound A Lot Like…….”
- Safe Haven Ministries Expands Role in Battling Domestic Abuse
- College Choir Spreading Music of the Gospel
- “The Garden” A Focus For Singer Kari Jobe
- Terry's Picks: November 2017
- Smashburger Manager Credits Mel Trotter, God’s Peace for Straight and Narrow Life
- Avoid the Mulligan Mentality
- Doves a New Spotlight for West Michigan Artist
- Panel Reviews Lessons Learned From Segregated Christian School
- Here Comes the Bill
- Children’s Story Gaining Support to Take Flight
- The Story Behind Her Art Tells Tale of Paying it Forward
- New Music Review: "Close"
- Restoring News Media’s Credibility Must Happen Soon; Here’s How to Fix it, Urges Journalist
- Terry’s Picks: October 2017
- Grand Rapids Church “Outstanding Venue” Finalist at Art Prize
- New President Eyes a First for Kuyper College
- Local Artist’s Song Takes On Serious Issue
- Art Prize Tree Provides Biblical Connection