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Christian Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney Mclaughlin Marries Andre Levrone Jr.

by Christa
written by Christa

U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney Mclaughlin has married NFL player Andre Levrone Jr. The Christian couple exchanged their vows last Friday at Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, Virginia.

Sydney Mclaughlin and Andre Levrone Jr

The Olympian hurdler has been vocal about her faith in Christ. Now, together with her husband, they use their platforms and influence to share the love of God.

In one of the pictures Andre posted on his Instagram, he revealed his wedding shoe with a verse engraved. He chose 1 John 4:19 to symbolize his love for the 22-year-old athlete. “We love because He first loved us.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sydney Levrone (@sydneymclaughlin16)

Christ’s Love for the Church

The former University of Virginia receiver also captioned their wedding photos with a prayer of what their marriage should look like. He said, “May the success of our marriage not be gauged by fame, fortune, or flash. But by submission to one another, a supernatural unity, and the pursuit of reconciliation for others.”

It can be remembered that Andre also promised Sydney that they would love as “Christ loved the Church” on the day of their engagement. The complete statement said, “May we never love one another cautiously, but instead always be eager to love one another extravagantly, in the manner that Christ loved the Church.”

Indeed, Andre is bold in his faith in Jesus. And he is not ashamed of letting everybody know that he is a follower of Christ. As a result, Sydney loves him even more for that.

She shared, “Andre, you are the most God-fearing, passionate, honest, loving, hard-working, protective, and genuine man I’ve ever met. I see Jesus in you. And as a result, it makes you so easy to love.”

There is nothing sweeter than a couple with Jesus at the center of their marriage. May the newlyweds’ romance last on and represent the fiery love of Christ for His Church.

Reference: Christian Post

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Athlete Makes U.S. Olympic Diving History, She Competes In Jesus’ Name

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

An Olympic diving athlete makes U.S. Olympic diving history. She competes in Jesus’ Name and credits God for the victory.

Journey In Diving Sport

Krysta Palmer initially competed in gymnastics and trampoline during her teenage years. She even reached elite levels in the sports. However, injuries forced her to stop from the sport at 20-years-old. That’s when a friend introduced her to diving. Nine years later, she’s made history.

The diving athlete recently competed for the Tokyo Olympics in the women’s 3-meter springboard event. According to Sports Spectrum, Krysta won a bronze medal, becoming the first U.S. female to finish on the podium in an individual diving event since the 2000 Sydney Games. Moreover, she is also the first American woman to win a medal in this category since 1988 (Kelly McCormick won bronze).

“Wow. You know, we have really strong springboard divers in the USA right now. And if it wasn’t me, it could’ve been one of them. So carrying that level to the international stage has been exciting … it’s exciting to just make a little more history,” she said after knowing she made history.

God Had Other Plans

After learning she had won a medal, Krysta wanted to hug her coach, Jian Li You, the head diving coach at the University of Nevada. She has been her only coach ever since she started diving.

“I thought I was done with my athletic career [after stopping trampoline due to injuries], but God had other plans for me,” the Olympic athlete told the Record-Courier in Nevada last June.

“I met a friend who knew Jian Li, and she said to come up here to meet the coach. She’s incredible and has so much knowledge, a Chinese national team coach. She’s been in Nevada for more than 25 years. I just picked up diving for fun and I didn’t really see a realistic goal of the Olympics, but we just kept setting bigger and bigger dreams and goals. We just kept achieving those goals and I was like, ‘Wow, we just have to keep making bigger goals.’”

Diving Athlete

Instagram | krystapalmer

Throughout Krysta’s journey in her rise in the sport of diving, her secret is her faith in God. She has always leaned on her faith and often credited God with her achievements. In her Instagram bio, she wrote, “In Jesus’ name I play.”

Reference: Sports Spectrum

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Hulk Hogan Says Jesus Is the “Only Thing That’s Real”

by Christa
written by Christa

WWE legend, Hulk Hogan, has been vocal about his faith and belief in God. In a recent interview, he declared that Jesus is the only thing that’s real in the world.

Hulk Hogan

Terry Eugene Bollea is famously known by his ring name, Hulk Hogan. According to IGN, the retired wrestler is the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most popular wrestler in the 1980s. But today, he is using his fame to share his faith in Jesus.

Hogan claimed he received Christ when he was still 14. However, he did not follow the path of being a Christian seriously. But by the grace of God, he re-encountered the love of Christ and since then, he has been proclaiming Jesus.

Jesus is the only One who matters

Hulk Hogan talks about Jesus

He said in an interview that Jesus is the only real thing in the passing world. “Well, you know, when things were tough, I realized that this too shall pass. This was just a temporary situation.”

He added, “You know, I realized that as long as I made the right choice and followed my faith more than what people are saying in the tabloids and newspapers, none of that stuff was real. The only thing that is really real is the stuff that’s gonna last forever – your faith and your belief in God.”

“Once you’re a Christian, you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior. You’re not gonna perish but you’re gonna have everlasting life. That belief is pretty much the only thing that is real to me.”

The 67-years-old proved his point during the pandemic wherein he continually encouraged his fans and followers to reevaluate their lives and turn back to God.

He said, “Maybe we need to take this time of isolation from the distractions of the world and have a personal revival where we focus on the ONLY thing in the world that really matters – Jesus.”

ALSO READ:
Pro Athletes Boldly Testify About Jesus LIVE On TV
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Bears QB Nick Foles Teams Up With Local Church To Aid Students Amid Virtual Learning In Chicago

by Christa
written by Christa

Chicago Bears Quarterback Nick Foles has his heart in helping low-income students who are having a hard time coping with virtual classes. And so, he’s partnered with a Chicago church to provide and distribute laptops for learners.

Nick Foles

Foles has been vocal with his faith and walk in Christ. He enjoys reflecting the heart and nature of His Savior. With that in mind, he launched The Foles Believe Foundation with his wife to serve low-income communities. The pandemic has worsened the underprivileged compelled the couple to make the decision. They collaborated with six other churches or “The Chicago Partnership for Church Planting” for a stronger network.

In partnership with the Progressive Baptist Church, they have distributed more than 3,500 hot meals to vulnerable populations since September. Today, they have delivered hundreds of laptops to students in need.

Pastor Charlie Dates of the Progressive Baptist Church announced the donation last Thursday. “Today, our church received hundreds of these, Acer Google Chromebooks, that are being given to students in Chicago who are doing school remotely, some of them even on a cellphone.”

He continued, “Our friend, Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles, has helped us once again meet a real need so that we can introduce people to the personal work of Jesus Christ. And when we give these to students who are in need, here will be our message, ‘Only Jesus’. Thank you Nick.”

Serve in Jesus’ name

The Foles Believe Foundation aims to “impact and serve those in need,” as stated in their official website. “Youth initiatives, family crisis counseling, homelessness, military, mental and overall health are areas close to the hearts of Nick and Tori Foles. Serving these areas will be done in Jesus’ name.”

Furthermore, they referenced what seemed to be their life verse from Luke 3:11. “He replied to them, ‘The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same.”

Reference: Christian News Journal

ALSO READ: NFL QB Nick Foles Preaches The Gospel During Press Conference
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NFL Star, DeForest Buckner, Commits And Surrenders Whole Life To Jesus

by Christa
written by Christa

National Football League superstar, DeForest Buckner, boldly shared his commitment to following Christ with his Instagram followers.

DeForest Buckner

The Indianapolis defensive lineman posted a picture with his wife, Ashlyn, and their child, Dominic. The couple held up a baptism certificate, confirming their baptism at Eagle Church. He wrote, “Today I surrendered my whole self to Jesus and chose to trust Him with my life whole heartedly. My walk with Christ is only beginning and I am grateful for the support surrounding my journey of Faith.”

Along with the picture is a video of Buckner submerging in water as the pastor prayed for him.

Buckner included a verse from the Bible in his post. “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

The Christian athlete first talked about his faith with Sports Spectrum before Super Bowl LIV. He revealed that his wife was the one who helped him connect more with Jesus. “One person that really helped me connect with my faith even more was my wife (Ashlyn),” he said. “She really helped me connect with my faith a lot more.”

Putting God first

Buckner credits God for his success and achievements. “You’ve got to put God first, man,” he said. “Without Him, without His plan for me, I wouldn’t be here where I am today. I truly believe that. … Every day I give thanks because all my talent, all the things I’ve done in my life, all the glory goes to Him.”

According to Christian Post, Buckner recently signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a defensive lineman. The four-year contract made him one of the highest-paid defensive lineman. In his latest game with his new team, he recorded five tackles and four quarterback hits, helping the Colts to win over Cincinnati.

ALSO READ: Dallas Quarterback, Dak Prescott, Is Excited For God’s Comeback Story After Injury

 

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David Alaba Credits God For The Victory At UEFA Champions League: “My Strength Is In Jesus”

by Christa
written by Christa

David Alaba, the defender of Bayern Munich, celebrated the team’s victory in a Champions League title by showing off his t-shirt printed, “My Strength is in Jesus.”

The German football team won against the French Paris Saint-Germain team in the final championship game held at Lisbon on August 23.

David Alaba

The winning team players shouted and cheered in front of the television viewers as the stadium did not have any audience because of the COVID-19 restrictions. David took off his team uniform and showed off a white t-shirt with bold letters, “Meine Kraft Liegt in Jesus” or “My strength is in Jesus.” And on his back wrote, “Black Lives Still Matter” in support of racial equality.

He was seen later consoling a fellow Christian athlete from the opposing team. PSG star striker Neymar shed tears after failing to lead the French team into victory.

The 27-year-old took to Twitter to share his joy. He posted a photo of him wearing the shirt, pointing two fingers above with the trophy beside him. He wrote, “Everything is possible by the power of the Holy Ghost! Champions of Europe! Now we’re finished.”

Christian faith

David was raised by his Nigerian father and his Filipino mother in Austria. He has always been open in expressing his faith to the public. During the Euro 2016 championship, he shared on Twitter a verse found in Philippians 2:4. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”

He has played for Bayern Munich since 2010, winning nine Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2013 and 2020. Moreover, the Football Club voted David as the Austrian Footballer of the Year six consecutive times, from 2011 to 2016.

Meanwhile, David’s sister, a recording artist in Austria, shared her congratulatory message on social media. “Winning looks good on you Brotherlove!! Im so proud! Love you,” said Rose May.

Reference: Manila Bulletin

 

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Christian Athlete Katie Spotz To Run 130 Miles Nonstop For Tanzanian Communities

by Christel Berns
written by Christel Berns

A Christian athlete will run 130 miles to raise funds for Lifewater International and bring clean water to Tanzanian communities.

Katie Spotz’s latest challenge is the Run4Water on September 5 where she will run to benefit clean water initiatives. Her quest is to run nonstop across the state of Maine with her revitalized faith in God.

Faith Of The Christian Athlete

As donations and efforts grow, the Christian endurance athlete’s faith has also grown.

“I’ve done different challenges like swimming and rowing, and now it’s a chance to run for water,” she told The Christian Post.

She further added, “When God sees people having clean water, it brings a smile to His face. Providing clean water is an extension of how I believe God wants us to live.”

Photo | The Christian Post

Also, Katie revealed that pursuing endurance challenges became her reason to “to fight anxiety and to feel accomplished.” And the athlete enjoyed the journey. Now, she believes that what she’s doing is obedience to God.

“I believe that we’re all created in God’s image and we all have value, we’re all loved,” she said. “Faith has been a big part of how I see clean water,” she said while stressing that it’s an act of obedience to God.

Finding Christ Amidst Fame

It was 2010 when Katie rose to fame for finishing her row across the Atlantic. However, she said the media attention “duped” her.

“When you don’t know God, something else becomes it,” she recounted. The co-author of Just Keep Rowing admitted as well how she bought the lies of achievement.

“I had this extreme thirst for more and this discontentment. I did not get that promise achievement could bring,” she said.

Then one day, a friend told her about Jesus, which led her to attend church. And since then, she has been growing in her faith. For Katie, “it is clear that personal achievement will never earn a love similar to God’s.”

“When you’re no longer attached to ‘love is earned,’ it frees you to receive this never-ending love,” she explained. “Before I was running on fear. Now I’m running on joy. There’s no words that can justify how good and amazing God is … we constantly witness God’s goodness and love and if that’s not an adventure, I don’t know what is.”

The Christian athlete will be the first person to run across the state of Maine. Starting from the Canadian border to Belfast. She ran New Hampshire and Vermont as well with the same initiative.

Today, she “stands as the only woman to complete the two feats.”

Reference: The Christian Post

ALSO READ: Christian Athlete ‘Patrick Mahomes’ Becomes First $500 Million Player In Sports History
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Giants Pitcher Says “I Can’t Kneel Before Anything Besides God” During BLM Moment

by Christa
written by Christa

At the opening ceremony of the game between San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, organizers took a moment to honor the Black Lives Matter movement. But the Giants Pitcher, Sam Coonrod, stood strong in his faith by refusing to kneel.

Giants Pitcher

“I meant no ill will by it,” Coonrod declared. “I don’t think I’m better than anybody. I’m just a Christian; I believe I can’t kneel before anything but God, Jesus Christ.”

He continued, “I chose not to kneel. I feel if I did kneel I’d be a hypocrite. I don’t want to be a hypocrite.”

Sam Coonrod

Giants manager, Gabe Kepler, was seen kneeling during the event. Despite his choice, he still respected Coonrod’s stand. He said, “We were going to let people express themselves. We were going to give them the choice on whether they were going to stand, kneel, or do something else.”

Apparently, the 27-year-old Christian athlete was the only one who did not kneel from both teams. Moreover, he explained that he disagrees with some of the views of the Black Lives Matter Organization.

Popular Christian Athletes Focus On God During Coronavirus Lockdown

“I just can’t get on board with a couple things I’ve read about Black Lives Matter, how they lean towards Marxism,” he told TMZ Sports. “And … they said some negative things about the nuclear family. I just can’t get on board with that.”

Coonrod hopes that people will learn to respect others’ choices even though it does not align with their own. “People get mad whenever someone disagrees.  I’m not mad at someone who decided to kneel. I just don’t think it’s too much to ask that I just get the same respect.”

In support to Coonrod’s stand

Many Christian leaders supported Coonrod’s gesture. Evangelist Franklin Graham posted on Twitter referencing the event. “I appreciate that Sam Coonrod’s commitment is to the Lord Jesus Christ above all else. He has enough guts to state the truth about the Black Lives Matters organization & to stand for his convictions—even if it means standing alone. God bless him!,” he shared.

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