‘I Felt Peace’: Strangers Form Circle Around Homeless Woman Fatally Hit by a Car

A small bit of peace rose out of the ashes of a tragic situation in Columbus, Georgia, on Tuesday, after a homeless woman was struck by a car and killed.

As Mary Alice Gleghorn, 65, lay bloodied and lifeless on the ground, a group of residents who rushed to try and help gathered around her in prayer — a moment that Sarah Lawrence, 29, described as “just a little beauty that came out of a very sad situation.”

The prayer circle took form after one of the women who approached told the group assembled around Gleghorn’s body that she didn’t know what they believed, but that she wanted to join together in appealing to God, the Ledger-Enquirer reported.

“Can we all just say a prayer?” the woman asked, and, according to Lawrence, no one wasted any time in answering affirmatively.

“We came together in a circle and prayed,” Lawrence explained. “I felt peace about the circle, with the woman next to me, the people around me.”

The accident unfolded early on Tuesday morning, with a report from The Muscogee County Coroner’s Office stating that Gleghorn died from blunt force trauma to her head, WRBL-TV reported.

So far, family members have not yet been located, with the coroner’s office attempting to find loved ones via media; they are hoping that releasing the woman’s name — which they initially refrained from doing — will help accomplish that goal.

The driver has also not been charged, with police saying that Gleghorn wasn’t in a designated crosswalk.

‘Bible Answer Man’ Hank Hanegraaff Candidly Opens Up About Why He Left Protestantism

Popular Christian author and radio host Hank Hanegraaff (aka “Bible Answer Man”) made headlines in April when he announced that he and his wife were joining the Greek Orthodox Church. On Palm Sunday, the 67-year-old former Protestant officially entered St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. While the decision stunned many of his longtime followers and led to nearly half of the Christian radio stations that carried his show to drop him, Hanegraaff has fully embraced the criticism and questions—opening up about his own faith journey.

In a new interview Charlotte public radio station WFAE, Hanegraaff admitted he wasn’t totally prepared for what was to come in the aftermath of his announcement.

“April 10th I came into the office and there were news agencies from all around the world that wanted to talk to me,” he said. “A picture had gone out over the internet. There were postings that said Hank Hanegraaff had walked away from the Christian faith – the fallout was dramatic.”

It didn’t take long for him to lose radio stations, with some citing the “antithetical” positions of the Orthodox faith, but Hanegraaff, who is undergoing treatment for a blood cancer known as Mantle Cell Lymphoma, refuses to worry about the backlash.

“That’s not of concern to me,” he said of the lost partners. “I’ve seen over the years that God closes one door and he opens other doors. For example, we’re now on the Orthodox Christian Network. For me this is not a popularity contest or the size of the platform; it is simply doing what God leads me to do. Let the chips fall where they may.”

With that in mind, Hanegraaff candidly shared what prompted his move away from Protestantism. Born in the Netherlands and raised in the reformed Protestant tradition, he “walked away” from his faith in his teens and twenties, before finding a home in the evangelical Protestant community. In the interview, Hanegraaff described how the growing entrepreneurial tactics of pastors, which he refers to as the “pastor-preneur” style of leadership, has made him increasingly uncomfortable.

“Where the pastor is like an entrepreneur, branding, formulaically getting people into seats-that became troubling to me and I decided I was going to explore,” he said.

Having attended Eastern Orthodox services while traveling around the globe, Hanegraaff realized there was a Greek Orthodox church not far from him and decided to pay a visit. He thought his trips would be an “experiment for a few weeks,” but it ultimately “has turned into being chrismated.”

Hanegraaff understands that some people may find his decision difficult to understand—with many even questioning whether or not he has “left the Christian faith”—but he explained in Holy Week post for the Christian Reattach Institute that while his church has changed, his theology “by and large” has not.

“While there are many secondary issues genuine believers will continue to debate this side of eternity,” he wrote, “I have and will always champion what C.S. Lewis called mere Christianity: ‘In essentials unity, non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity.’”

Thousands Set to Attend the Largest UK Evangelism Event Since Billy Graham

The UK's largest evangelism event since Billy Graham's crusade decades ago hit the heart of Britain today and thousands responded to the Gospel message, putting their faith in Jesus Christ.

"Literally, thousands of people have just come forward to give their lives to Jesus," said Peter Wooding, London Bureau Chief of the Global News Alliance.

The event should encourage Christians across the United Kingdom to pick up the banner of evangelism and begin sharing the Gospel, one national prayer leader said.

"I believe that God has already released a grace over the United Kingdom and it's going to be very easy to get saved in Britain and this is just a foretaste," Jonathan Oloyede told Wooding.

Evangelist J. John has traveled the world telling others about Christ, and today he brought the Gospel to the U.K. for a one-day event called JustOne. 

Attendees were encouraged to bring "just one" person to the event, in hopes of doubling the impact. 

This simple invitation strategy has proven to be successful and event organizers expected 20,000 to 40,000 people to pack out Emirates Stadium.

High profile performers such as Matt Redman, Hillsong London, and Noel Robinson led worship and a number of speakers including Canon Andrew White, Julia Immonen, Lord Michael Hastings, and Linvoy Primus also ministered to the crowd.

 

J. John told Premier in an interview last month that the world needs to see the church engaging in mass evangelism.

 

"There is biblical authority and historical precedent for mass evangelism. I find it significant that outside the increasingly secular West, mass evangelism has continued, particularly in the majority world, with some spectacular rallies in places like Africa," J.John said.

 

"Mass evangelism reminds the world that the Church is not dead. It's easy to ignore a few little fellowships hidden away in anonymous buildings in a dozen suburbs. It's much less easy if there are tens of thousands of people in your city's main stadium. JustOne at the Emirates Stadium is the first of many anticipated stadium events."

 

He also hopes tens of thousands of people will make a decision to give their lives to Christ at the event.

 

"I would be delighted if 4,000 or more people responded on the day, but let us see what the Holy Spirit does," he said. 

WAR DRUMS: Trump assures Chinese leader that North Korea nuclear threat will end

President Trump, at the start of his meeting Saturday in Germany with Chinese President Xi Jinping, called the Asian nation a “great trading partner” and said the increasing North Korea nuclear threat will eventually be resolved “one way or the other.”

The much-anticipated meeting was one of several Trump and top administration officials had Saturday with world leaders at the close of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. But it was considered perhaps the most critical.

China is North Korea’s largest trading partner, which gives the country considerable influence over Pyongyang and its growing threat, which includes developing a nuclear warhead and launching long-range missiles to transport them.

NORTH KOREA FIRES BALLISTIC MISSILE

Trump told Xi that putting an end to North Korea’s nuclear missile testing “may take longer than I'd like, it may take longer that you'd like. But there will be success in the end one way or the other."

“Something has to be done,” the president also said.

Xi also spoke briefly, but his comments in Chinese were not immediately translated and available.

Saturday's meeting also focused on trade between the two nations.

Trump said “many things have happened” that have created trade imbalances between the United States and China but “we’re going to turn that around.”

The president was flanked in the meeting room by about a dozen top administration officials including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and adviser Jared Kushner.

The meeting followed a long-range missile test launch by North Korea on Tuesday, which a Pentagon spokesman said was a type not previously seen by U.S. analysts.

Following the missile launch, Trump expressed frustration with China over its expanding trade with North Korea. Trump had expressed optimism after his first meeting with China's president that the two would work together to curb North Korea's nuclear pursuits.

The president tweeted Wednesday, "Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!"

China has long resisted intensifying economic pressure on neighboring North Korea, in part out of fear of the instability that could mount on its doorstep, including the possibility of millions of North Koreans fleeing into China. China has also been concerned that a reunited, democratic Korea -- dominated by South Korea -- would put a U.S. ally, and possibly U.S. forces, on its border.

Tillerson on Tuesday vowed “stronger measures” to hold North Korea accountable.

“Global action is required to stop a global threat,” he said.

Tillerson also said any country helping North Korea militarily or economically, taking in its guest workers or falling short on Security Council resolutions “is aiding and abetting a dangerous regime.”

However, his statement did not specifically mention China.

Fox News' John Roberts and The Associated Press contributed to this report

Praise GOD : Fourth of July Tragedy Ends in a Miraculous Salvation

In 2016, Paul and his family were celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks at his mother Rita’s home in Kerens, Texas.   Before they finished, Paul went to his truck to grab a flashlight.  He couldn’t see where he was stepping.

“When he came back, he said, ‘Mom, a big snake bit me.’  And of course, I went into panic mode; we all did.  We sat him down in a chair and I said, ‘Where does it hurt?’ He said ‘Everywhere, Mom,’ said Rita, Paul’s mother.

A rattlesnake had bitten Paul on his left ankle.

“He started shaking.  He started making sounds like he was going to vomit.  He couldn't get up out of the chair,” said Ginger, Paul’s wife.

“And with that he was gone. He just slumped over and he was not there anymore,” said Rita.

With the property so far out in the country, they drove to the nearest highway to meet the ambulance. By then, Paul had gone into cardiac arrest.  “I was praying, I was begging. I just was saying, Please God, Please God, Please God.   I've never begged so hard.”

Paul was taken to Navarro Regional hospital in Corsicana, Texas where Doctor Gregory Meador and his team were waiting.  “When he hit the door they were doing CPR. We put him in the trauma room. I had to put a breathing tube in him. His skin was all different colors. He was having no perfusion because his heart wasn’t beating properly.”

After being treated with a vial of anti-venom, he was still in in critical condition and needed to be transported to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, an hour away.   

“The likelihood of him surviving is very small because most patients die in the field. They never make it to medical care because its such a rapid onset of anaphylactic shock and they die,” said Dr. Meador.

“I called on God because I know nothing is impossible for him.  I don't know how to explain the peace that surpasses understanding.  When I should have experienced dire feelings inside, I still had hope that he would make it through,” said Ginger.

When Paul arrived, doctors discovered he had liver damage, his kidneys stopped working, his colon shut down, and part of his small intestine had to be removed. They told the family not to expect him to live much longer.  

“My life stopped because you don't live longer than your child,” said Rita.

“As a wife, losing my husband of 22 years whom I love with all my heart; and as a mother – he's very active in our daughters' lives and he always has been. They love him.  Telling them that he's not going to be around anymore was a big fear,” said Ginger.

Paul was put into a medically induced coma, still in critical condition. By now a prayer chain had been started that spread through their friends, church members and across the country through social media.  “In everything I’ve turned to God in prayer.  In the Bible it says ‘Pray without ceasing,’ in good times and in bad," said Ginger.

The prayer vigil continued as the family watched for any sign of progress.  Then after 22 days- -Paul opened his eyes.  “I realized he saw me and he asked me what happened, what's going on, and I said, ‘Do you really want to know, Paul? I knew that he knew me and I knew he was awake. Oh, thank God! That's how I felt. Thank God, thank God,” said Rita.

“I had that big ugly smile, when you smile so big you look goofy.  For a while the smile was on my face.  I was just relieved and I was very, very happy,” said Paul’s wife.

After three months of rehab, Paul went home.  “I think Paul’s survival is a miracle. My understanding from some of my colleagues is that there’s only been less than 50 documented cases of people surviving a snake bite directly to the vein so I would say that’s definitely a miracle from God,” said Dr. Meador.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn't. There were people basically from around the world on prayer chains and I can honestly say I would not be here if prayer didn't work.  It worked,” said Paul.

Eventually, Paul’s kidneys healed and he underwent a number of surgeries to repair nerve damage caused by the venom. In less than a year, he was back at work as a manager for the US Postal Service.  

Now , when Paul and his family gather for the Fourth of July, they have extra cause for celebration.

“Now look at him.  Yeah, don't you think that's a miracle?  I do.  Yes,” said Rita.

“I’m very thankful. In my heart I know the only reason Paul is here today is because of prayer,” said Ginger.

“God gave me the strength to live and to make it through. I know prayer works.  I don't believe, I know,” said Paul.

Full Video : 4th July Tragedy ends in a Miraculous Salvation

The Divine Message Of The August Eclipse

On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will cross the entire contiguous United States, beginning in Oregon and ending in South Carolina.  Incredibly, the eclipse will actually begin as soon as the sun rises on the West Coast (the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west, but eclipses travel in the opposite direction - see here).  In other words, people will witness a black sun rising over the United States.  It has also been noted that another total solar eclipse will cross the United States at an opposite angle seven years later in 2024.

The amount of prophetic meaning behind these eclipses is simply overwhelming and I dare not attempt to interpret it all.  I'll simply share with you a few of the discoveries I and others have made and you can interpret it for yourself:


1. The August eclipse occurs exactly 33 days before the Revelation 12 Sign, beginning in the 33rd state(Oregon), and ending in South Carolina at the 33rd parallel.  I've personally verified each of these details (see here, here, and here).  Can you really chalk up the significance of this to pure coincidence or confirmation bias?  It's been noted that an eclipse like this hasn't happened in 99 years.  That would be 3 x 33 years.  What might God be communicating?  One of our readers noticed Ezekiel 33:

The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’ "

2. The eclipse is also exactly 40 days from Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement).  "40" represents a period of testing in the Bible as can been seen in the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and the 40 days Jesus was tested in the wilderness.  This 40 day period leading up to Yom Kippur is more than random.  In fact, this period of time beginning on August 21st is called the Season of Teshuvah, which in the Jewish faith is a time to get right with God before judgment falls on the Day of Atonement.  In other words, repent before time is up.

3. While eclipses are not that uncommon, total solar eclipses only occur about every year and a half and often occur over the ocean rather than land.  Don't let anyone fool you into thinking this eclipse is nothing out of the ordinary.  Day will be turned to night all across the middle United States.  It's been 99 years since a total solar eclipse crossed the entire United States and having another total solar eclipse cross the entire United States again, forming an 'X', just a few years later is perhaps unprecedented.

4. It's been noted that the United States is the wealthiest, most powerful, and most influential Gentile nation.  It is also the world's ethnic melting pot and hosts a proto-world government in the form of the United Nations.  Lunar eclipses (blood moons) are omens for Israel whereas solar eclipses are omens for the Gentiles.  The 7 year Tribulation is also known as the Day of the LORD when God enters into judgment with the Gentile nations.  The fact that two total solar eclipses, spaced seven years apart, cross the entirety of the contiguous United States, and form an 'x' over the chief Gentile nation on earth should give you pause.

5. The Tribulation (also called Daniel's 70th Week or The Time of Jacob's Trouble) is understood to be a worldwide version of the Exodus from Egypt.  The plagues and Exodus were a sort of microcosm of the future Day of the LORD.  The ruthless Pharaoh was a type of the antichrist, the plagues were a type of the coming worldwide trumpet and vial judgments, the Exodus was a type of both the rapture and the future Israelite remnant that will escape into the wilderness, and so forth.  Even some of the minute details were types and shadows.  Moses was a type of the future "male child" (Christ and the Church) that was and will be delivered from harm's way.  He escaped the tribulation that his people endured when he was placed in a basket and ended up as a prince in palaces of splendor.  Yet his people continued to endure tribulation and suffering until he later returned to deliver them from Egypt.  Even some of the specific plagues in Egypt will be replicated on a worldwide scale during the Tribulation.  As a matter of fact, there is a direct parallel in the book of Revelation to seven of the ten plagues in Egypt (see here).  You could say the Tribulation is almost a "do-over" of the Exodus because the Israelites were not faithful to the end in the first instance, but at the end of the Tribulation will be faithful, saved, and delivered.

With this in mind, consider that the 'x' that will be formed over the United States rests right over a region in southern Illinois called "Little Egypt".  Even more - the exact point where the two paths cross is in the town of Makanda, which used to be called the "Star of Egypt".

6. The eclipse occurs in conjunction with Regulus, the "King Star".  Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo and Leo is one of the two constellations involved in the Revelation 12 Sign.  The fact that this eclipse occurs in Leo, which will be part of the Great Sign the month after, is astonishing.  It's like God's trying to fix our attention on the King and on the following month's Great Sign.

Also, a reader noticed that the eclipse crosses exactly 12 states and I verified the count to make sure.  An eclipse across 12 states just one month before the Revelation 12 Sign that features a woman with a crown of 12 stars.

7. The first major city that will witness the eclipse is Oregon's state capital, Salem.  Salem is of course the shortened version of "Jerusalem", which is the most prophetically significant city in the entire Bible.  Jerusalem was originally called "Salem" in the days of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18) who was a foreshadowing of Christ or possibly even a Christophany.  If that isn't interesting enough, the closest road to the exact point where the two eclipses cross is Salem Road in Makanda, Illinois.  What are the chances of that?

8. After crossing Salem, Oregon, the path of totality then crosses Madras, which means "Mother of God" (reminiscent of the Revelation 12 Woman).  Then it crosses the city of John Day, which of course reminds us of the Apostle John who recorded the Book of Revelation and described to us the Day of the LORD. 

After that it crosses Weiser, Idaho, which is German for "wise man".  The wise men from the east were those who were watching the signs in the heavens when Jesus Christ was born.  They followed His star and found the exact place where He was born.  Likewise we see another sign in the heavens pointing to the nearness of Jesus' return.

The path then points us to John again as it passes over Grandjean, which is French for "Big" or "Tall" John.  It then crosses Stanley, which means "stone clearing" (see Psalm 118:22, 1 Peter 2:4-7) and Mackay, which means "Son of fire" (see 1 John 4:15, Revelation 1:14, 19:12, Daniel 10:6).

Then it goes through Rexburg ("City of the King") and Victor (Matthew 12:20, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, 1 John 5:4) and then again points us to the Apostle John as it goes through Jackson ("Son of John").  The amazing message continues as it goes right through Casper, Wyoming.  "Casper" is a Chaldean name and is the traditional name assigned to the wise men/magi (see here).

The eclipse then moves through Alliance, Nebraska.  An alliance is a union of multiple parties.  The Church is soon to be brought into an eternal alliance with Christ when the Body is joined to the Head.  Likewise, down on earth a satanic alliance will soon be forming in the form of ten horns (Revelation 17:12) and a "covenant with many" (Daniel 9:27).

Next up is Ravenna, which means "raven" and points us to the days of Noah.  Noah sent forth a raven from the Ark before he sent a dove (Genesis 8:7).  Also, Ravenna, Italy was where Julius Caesar gathered his forces before crossing the Rubicon.  The term "crossing the Rubicon" is an idiom for saying "the die has been cast" or "past the point of no return".  In other words, there's no turning back.

8 Signs You Are Under Spiritual Attack

There was a time when someone suffering from a heart attack had little chance of survival because he or she didn't know what was happening and ignored the symptoms until it was too late.

Medical advancements began identifying common warning signs such as discomfort and pressure in the center of the chest, pain on one or both arms, and shortness of breath. Spreading awareness of the warning signs has greatly increased the survival rate for heart attack victims.

In a similar manner, many Christians seem to be blindsided by spiritual attacks. When it comes to a spiritual attack, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs for survival:

1. Loss of spiritual desire. The goal of any spiritual attack is to turn you away from what God wants to do in your life. That is why the first warning sign of attack is a loss of spiritual desire. We don't live by feelings alone, but there is a difference between doing something merely out of obligation and doing something because you delight in it. When you delight in the Lord, nothing else compares. Someone passionate for God finds pleasure in the things of God.

2. Physical fatigue. The second warning sign is physical fatigue. I know that doesn't sound very spiritual, but keep in mind that we are created beings—spirit, soul, and body. If my body is weak, it allows things to get into my mind (soul), and that allows things to negatively affect my spirit. Many times we face our greatest attacks just before a great promotion or just after a great victory. Keep in mind when you're going through it—an attack could very well be an indication that you are about to be promoted or just had a great victory.

3. "Lack attack." The third sign that you are under attack is a "lack attack." There are times when it seems that all of your resources dry up at the same time. The enemy attacks in this to get you to take your eyes off of God and put your eyes on money. If he can get you worrying rather than worshipping, you will start making decisions based on opportunity rather than anointing. Always remember there are two times in your life when you are especially vulnerable to temptation: when you have nothing and when you have everything. Stay close to God in both the good times and the bad times.

4. Weak prayer life. The fourth sign that you are under spiritual attack is a weakening prayer life. "Could you not watch with Me one hour?" Jesus asked His disciples. Then He told them, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matt. 26:40-41).

5. Feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Are you feeling overwhelmed by circumstances? That could be a sign that you are under attack. The word circumstance comes from two words: circum (encircle) and stance (stand). In other words, you are standing encircled by what's going on. It doesn't take long for feelings of being overwhelmed to lead to hopelessness. The Bible says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prov. 13:12). It also tells us, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). If the enemy can get you to lose hope, he can get you to stop living by faith.

6. Old habits and lifestyles resurface. The sixth sign that you are under spiritual attack is that old iniquities begin to resurface in your life. What is an iniquity? Some consider iniquities to be those old habits that your soul wants to fall back on when things aren't going your way—things that indulge the flesh. If this begins to happen, do not ignore the warning conviction of the Holy Spirit.

7. Pulling away from Godly relationships. When old iniquities start tempting you, the next sign of spiritual attack is sure to follow: pulling away from godly relationships. Look around. Have you pulled out of relationships with people at church or with people in your small group? Are more and more of your friends carnally minded rather than spiritually minded? If so, you are stumbling around the battleground and the enemy has a target on your head.

8. Five "Do Nots" to Break the Enemy's Attack. Once you've taken a stand against the enemy's attack, here are five "do nots" you must remember.

• Do not forget who made you. God created you with storms in mind. He has equipped you and you are going to make it through in Him.
• Do not forsake the time and place of prayer. Two things that are vital to a successful prayer life: a time of prayer and a place of prayer.
• Do not forsake the place of power. Your church is a place of power.
• Do not forsake the power of partnership. It is good to be around people who have lived longer, done more than you have and can give wise counsel.
• Do not disconnect from pastoral protection. I have often seen people under attack whom I wanted to pull close and help, but they refused. Don't wait until the enemy is tearing you to pieces to seek the aid of those in a pastoral role in your life.

If you are under attack, you can arm yourself against the enemy's schemes, equip yourself to fight and win!

Adapted from "The Spirit of Python—Exposing Satan's Plan to Squeeze the Life Out of You" by Jentezen Franklin, copyright 2013, published by Charisma House. This book will help you recognize and defeat the strategies of the enemy and help you bring God's deliverance and restoration into every area of your life. To order your copy click here.

Prayer Power for the Week of 6/16/2014

This week thank the Lord that He has exposed the strategies of the enemy to attack you, and that He has provided the means to recognize and defeat them. Thank Him for His deliverance and restoration in every area of your life. Continue to totally surrender to the Lord and bow to His perfect will for your life. Ask God for divine connections with those of like mind so that you can unite, agree and defeat the enemy together. Pray for those persecuted for their faith in Christ, and continue to ask for revival and more laborers for His ripe fields. Remember Israel and pray for it to fulfill God's purpose on earth. Lift up our leaders, our military and their families. Remember those suffering loss due to the natural disasters of wild fires, tornadoes, floods, and other inclement weather patterns.   Heb. 11:1; 2 Chron. 7:14; 1 Tim. 2:1-4

Secret to 80 Years of Marriage: ‘Put God First’

A Michigan couple is celebrating a huge milestone: 80 years of marriage.

Donald and Vivian Hart, both 99 years old, married in 1937. They met in church and have been in love ever since.

Their chance meeting happened after a Sunday morning service when Vivian and her friends, all of whom were out-of-towners, needed help to find their way home. 

Donald stepped in and walked them where they needed to go. 

"We were just going to [walk] a little ways and then quit, but we ended up going all the way," he said.

Eight decades laters, family and friends gathered at their assisted living home to celebrate with the couple, who shared their secret of a successful marriage.

"Make sure the relationship is honest. Try to do what is right in God's eyes," Don says. "It's good to laugh together. Have fun with each other, but don't make jokes at the expense of the other."

Vivian says, "Always be sure to put God first in your life. Be always willing to help and stay alert to your spouse. We have prayer every day together in the morning and the night. We don't keep our mind on our troubles."

Teens Threatened With Arrest for Praying—in America!

It's hard to believe American teenagers could be arrested for delivering a prayer, but that's the kind of nation we live in—a nation that was fundamentally transformed by the previous presidential administration.

In 2011, the class president at Hampton High School in Tennessee wanted to deliver a pray at graduation. The principal issued an edict that any child who attempted to pray would be stopped, escorted from the building by police and arrested.

That incident was one of dozens included in a stunning new Family Research Council report documenting a significant upsurge in government hostility to religion.

Since 2014 there has been a 76 percent increase in religious freedom violations, according to "Hostility to Religion: The Growing Threat to Religious Liberty in America."

"The recent spike in government-driven religious hostility is sad, but not surprising, especially considering the Obama administration's antagonism toward biblical Christianity," Family Research Council president Tony Perkins said.

Perkins said the 66-page report underscores the legitimacy of the actions taken by President Trump to end polices in federal agencies that "fan the flames of this religious intolerance."

"This report is designed to quantify the threat to our First [Amendment] freedom and to challenge Americans to use their God-given freedoms to protect these freedoms we enjoy as Americans," Perkins said.

Even though there is an increase in hostility, there is some good news.

Perkins noted "the growing courage of Christians, especially young Christians, to defend both their faith and their freedoms."

That's one of the reasons I wrote The Deplorables' Guide to Making America Great Again. I wanted to provide Americans with a handbook on how they can restore traditional values to their communities.

Among the cases listed in the report:

• An 11-year-old student in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was penalized for mentioning Jesus in a Christmas poetry assignment.
• Principal Frank Lay and Athletic Director Robert Freedom were charged with criminal contempt because they prayed over a meal. The pair was later found not guilty of violating an injunction banning the promotion of religious events at school.
• A Christian acapella group at James Madison University was told they could not perform "Mary Did You Know" because it was religious. They were directed to sing only secular songs.
• An Ohio library banned a Christian group from meeting to discuss natural marriage unless the group also included supports of same-sex marriage.
• Allstate Insurance Company fired a staffer for allegedly using a company laptop to write a column against homosexuality. The company alleged said the column violated its diversity standards.
• San Diego firefighters were threatened with disciplinary action if they refused to participate in a gay pride parade. The firefighters were subjected to verbal abuse and sexual gestures during the parade.
• A woman who rented out rooms in her home was sued after she refused to rent to a same-sex couple.
•  An Oklahoma bank was forced to remove religious Christmas decorations under orders from the Federal Reserve.

 Travis Weber, FRC's director of the Center for Religious Liberty, said he hopes the report will be a wake-up call for people of faith.

"In a society like ours, we must be the guardians of our own freedom," he said. "Anyone who desires freedom in the future must take note of what these trends tell us about our freedom right now—relative to where we have come from—in order to protect freedom from going forward."