SAVEA, KOLISI EMBRACE ‘SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP’ AFTER RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL

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All Blacks captain Ardie Savea marked the start of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry by going to church with the Springboks’ captain, Siya Kolisi last Sunday. Its all about finding your true identity and that can only be found in Christ. “I am the way and the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

New Zealand’s All Blacks are in South Africa to face the Springboks in a series of next-level test matches. The inaugural games are scheduled to occur every four years, alternating between NZ and SA, and are being marketed as “a tour like no other.” Both the current All Blacks and Springboks captains are close friends, and firmly committed Christians. So much so that Savea shared the message and a picture on Instagram, stating,

“Nothing better than being in the presence of the Lord with my brother in Christ. A powerful word today on staying faithful in unexpected places. Acts 28:1-11.”

Savea: Finding Identity in Christ

For Savea, his family and faith in Christ are central to keeping life grounded.

In a July 2024 podcast, Savea said going back to the Bible was essential to that process. Specifically, when he’s hit with a flood of people’s opinions.“Once I found my identity in Christ, and who I actually was, [I] didn’t really care about what other people thought of me. I knew who I was through the Lord,” he noted.

“Every time I get to a point where I start believing people, listening to their opinions that are not good for me, I just get back to the Word and pray.”

“Then I get out of it and talk to people that are like-minded.” He also credited his wife for her support and sacrifices.

One year before this, the All Black dedicated a 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final win to the glory of God. As reported by Premier Christian News, Savea told reporters, “All glory to the man above.”

He did the same on social media, stating,

‘”ALL GLORY TO YOU! THANK YOU, JESUS,” wrote Savea, with All Blacks teammate Neo Laulala replying: “JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!!!”

This week, Savea stepped up even more. He dropped two live devotional walk-throughs on his YouTube channel from a hotel in Johannesburg.

Kolisi: From the Ghetto to Grace

While Siya Kolisi doesn’t have the same prolific presence online, the Springbok captain is prolific when it comes to sharing his story. https://youtu.be/WH5Wqp2TmBk?si=G4O9fOpuXAuFsuC9

In a 2019 piece for SportGoMag, Kolisi wrote candidly about his past, saying, “I was raised by my grandmother because my mother and father were too young to look after me.”

Explaining that he lived with seven others and slept on the floor, Kolisi added, “Living in the ghetto, we struggled to get by.”

“We couldn’t afford to pay for my school and all the fees that went along with it, but I went to school every day because it was where I received my one meal for the day.”

Kolisi goes on to state that Rugby “seemed to keep me away from a lot of the bad things going on around me.”

“I lost a lot of friends because while I was focusing on being the best I could be in my sport, they were falling prey to the struggles and temptations of life in the hood.”

He went pro-ball in 2012, rose through the ranks and now captains one of the world’s top Rugby teams.

“God has been preparing me for such a time as this,” he stated.

“While I grew up going to church with my grandmother, and went off and on in the past few years, it wasn’t until [2019] that I truly gave my life to Christ.”

“I realised,” Kolisi recalled, that “I wasn’t living according to what I was calling myself: a follower of Christ. I was getting by, but I hadn’t decided to fully commit myself to Jesus Christ and start living according to His way.”

“I don’t have to understand everything in life, and there are so many things I don’t, but I know God is in control of it all.”

“My job is to do the best I can and leave the rest in His hands.”

Kolisi then concluded,

“If God can come through for countless people throughout history who had their backs against the world, He can do the same for me.”

Although rivals on the field, both Kolisi and Savea have repeatedly said they’re brothers in Christ off it.

These new test matches between South Africa and New Zealand help to further seal that deal

HOW A HOSTILE HOLLYWOOD INSPIRED MARK WAHLBERG TO A MORE PUBLIC DECLARATION OF FAITH

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Mark Wahlberg defying Christian haters in Hollywood is more than table talk for polite company. The former Funky Bunch rapper, actor is unashamed and unafraid, especially when it comes to being light in an increasingly dark space. Although he’s been speaking about faith in Christ since the 2000s, studio opposition to his 2022 film, Father Stu, was a clear breakout moment.

Studios didn’t want the film based on the rough redemption of Father Stuart Long. He told The Christian Post that this was because “Hollywood doesn’t make films like this.”

After six years of trying, Business Insider added, a fed-up Wahlberg decided to make the “faith-based” film himself. Borrowing inspiration from blacklisted A-lister Mel Gibson, Wahlberg funded the film with millions of his own money and didn’t look back. That decision gave him complete control of the creative process by cutting out complications with those who want in after “cutting the cheques.”

Even some within the church thought the film project was a little sketchy, he recalled. “I was met with resistance not only from studios to make this movie, but also from the Church, which I was really surprised about. “Then I realised, they opened to Page 1, and Bill’s using the F word, and in Page 2, he used it again. “Then next thing you know, [their response is]: ‘this is vulgar, and this is unacceptable’ without really understanding what the message was. “I think,” though, “if you’d left the ‘Passion of the Christ‘ 20 minutes before the movie was over, you get the wrong message too.”

Wahlberg pressed on, made the film without the church, stating, “It was important for us to just say, ‘Okay, let’s go make the movie on our own and then bring it to them and see what their response is.’”

Referring to Father Stu as a beginning, he said, “What I really need to be working on and focusing on is being an example; going out there and doing the work. It’s one thing to say. It’s another thing to do it.” In the end, the church backed the message, Wahlberg explained, not the language.

As was expressed in a warm and appreciative press release published by Father Stuart’s diocese, “Viewers should be warned that the film contains objectionable language, violence, and adult content.

“However, it’s our hope that the redemptive story of Fr. Stu’s conversion will invite viewers to faith and strengthen believers.”

The church also applauded Mark Wahlberg’s passion to make the film, and described the decision as encouraging. Taking specific note of the effort, they said, “We appreciate the thoughtful and diligent work of the production team.”

“Father Stuart Long’s dramatic conversion to Christ before becoming a priest led many people to Christ and the Catholic Faith.”

The film honours that legacy. Father Stu, “raw and unfiltered, combative and grace-filled, witnesses to the truth that no one is ever beyond the reach of redemption.”

While the 2022 film was a catalyst for the superstar’s determination to bring a Christ-centred voice to his vocation, Wahlberg never completely broke what’s left of Hollywood that hasn’t gone woke. Doing so would have been counterproductive. So, he found some middle ground.

Wahlberg moved his family out to Nevada. This included plans to make more quality faith-based content that is light-years away from softly spoken sermons, dusty felt-boards and Sunday school songs. True to his word, Wahlberg hasn’t wavered.

Here are five recent examples where the actor defied the Cultural Marxists behind Hollywood’s anti-Christian hypocrisy:

  1. He called millions to pray in an ad for Hallow App during the 2024 Super Bowl.
  1. That same year, the actor made headlines crediting all his “personal and professional success to his faith.”
  1. In April 2026, Wahlberg openly shared about his daughter’s baptism with US Weekly, and Christian parenting. Such as the decision to lead his kids by example, not coercion.
  1. The actor shared his testimony with The View and Fox News in March, adding that one of the first things he does every day is pray.
  1. Wahlberg popularised the term “Stay Prayed Up”, and has been encouraging audiences on social media to do this for years.

AYAAN HIRSI ALI SHARES HER FAITH STORY WITH RICHARD DAWKINS

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Richard Dawkins challenges Christianity, but Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s response about God, faith, love, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is authentic and will impact many. Its real and I believe it will convince many to follow her path to hope and meaning in life. I hope Richard Dawkins can humble himself as Ayaan Hirsi did and pray to God, but sadly, I think pride won’t allow it.

I hope you enjoy this exchange as much as I did. It is worth sharing with others that are searching for the truth.

GREAT TESTIMONY FROM 5 TIME GOLD MEDAL SWIMMER STEPHANIE RICE

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Courtenay Hickey interviews her sister, Stephanie Rice (different fathers) 5 time gold medal swimmer. She was her first guest on her new Good To Know Podcast to share her testimony.

“God is doing such powerful things through you, and I cannot wait to see what He does in the future. We are praying and believing that this will set people free and they will come into a right relationship with God – He loves us so much.”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16-17

Feeling rundown and at the end of the proverbial rope, Rice went to church. “I went to church with my sister who was a Christian and decided to open my heart to Jesus.”

“If I’m honest,” Rice reflected, “I had no idea if this was the ‘answer’ or if [it] would help, I just knew for sure that what I was doing wasn’t working and I was willing to try anything to feel hopeful again.” Sharing further, Rice said, “I’ve finally found that inner peace, stability, hope, encouragement, purpose and contentment that I was always looking for, just in all the wrong places.”

“I pray that more people would be open to Jesus.”

This is, she added, “because I just know He would heal your heart in ways you don’t even know are possible, and it would free you to dream and hope again, believing that anything is possible; because with Him, it really is.”

Now married to a Pastor and living in Dubai, Rice was earning a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Queensland when she declared a commitment to Christ.

Describing the MBA as a step of faith, Rice said in a LinkedIn post marking her graduation, “I learnt so much about myself on this two-year journey, and each course helped me discover and clarify where my natural, God-given skills, abilities and leadership lie.” “The most profound part of the journey,” she concluded, “has been how deeply healing it was.”

“Don’t let doubt be the loudest voice in your head,” Rice asserted. “Step out in faith and watch how kind the Lord is, meeting us exactly where we are and giving us everything we need.”

MESSI SAYS ‘GOD HAS TRULY SPOILED ME’ AFTER ARGENTINA’S WORLD CUP VICTORY

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The 38-year-old scored a hat-trick as the defending champions began their tournament campaign, with Messi netting in the 17th minute, again just after the hour mark, and completing his treble with around 15 minutes remaining.

It was another landmark night for the Argentina captain, who continues to rewrite records at the highest level, including becoming the first player of his age to score a World Cup hat-trick.

Lionel Messi thanked God after leading Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to DSPORTS Argentina after the match, he said: “I can’t ask for anything more than everything I’ve already received. As I’ve said many times, God has truly spoiled me. Everything that comes now is about enjoying it. I’m not focused on being first, second, third…,” the Argentina captain said.

Messi added that being considered among the greatest players in football history was “an incredible compliment”, saying he felt grateful for everything he has achieved in the game.

The Argentine star has previously spoken about his religious faith and the role he believes it has played in his career. In a 2024 interview, he said he believed his ability was “a gift” from God, adding: “It’s very clear to me that I was born like this because God chose me.”

He added at the time that he had tried to make the most of his talent, saying: “It is a gift God gave me. I try to take advantage of it, I do everything possible to squeeze the most out of it.”

LUCKY TE KOHA’S POWERFUL TESTIMONY

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With New Zealand gangs at war with each other and the police, it’s an environment that historically has been filled with trauma,
addiction, violence, and suicide. As an ex-gang member turned pastor, Lucky Te Koha leads us into the world of Black Power and the Mongrel Mob as he attempts to bring healing into these infamous gangs. Only God can produce a change for good that we now see in Lucky’s life.

Make sure you share this powerful testimony. It will change lives. From Black Power to a Disciple of Jesus – a powerful transformation.

YOU WILL ENJOY HEARING MARY ELLEN BROOKS

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Mary Ellen Brooks walked onto the stage of America’s Talent Arena looking nervous, quiet, and completely ordinary.
But the moment she began singing…
The entire atmosphere changed.
Her original worship ballad, “He Still Knows My Name,” became one of the most emotional moments ever seen on the show.
The audience fell silent. The judges were left speechless. And by the final chorus, tears were everywhere across the arena.
This wasn’t about fame. This wasn’t about perfection.

It was about a woman who believed God never forgot her. And maybe… He hasn’t forgotten you either.

THE ORIGIN OF LIFE ON EARTH

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In this interview, Dr. James Tour and Dr. Stephen Meyer discuss science and faith, while getting into the details on the discovery of complex, sequence specific information required for life’s function and origin, and the required fine-tuned laboratory that we call our universe that must exist in order for assembly to occur. Both men are brilliant and good communicators.

I found Dr Stephen Myer’s testimony of how and why he came to faith very convincing and interesting and worth the time invested in watching the video. I also believe I can use it in my efforts to disciple others. I hope you are inspired by it too.

INSPIRATIONAL TESTIMONY OF DYING FATHER

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Former Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., recently reflected on the pain of knowing he must soon leave his 14-year-old son without a father because of his terminal cancer diagnosis, but explained why he maintains hope and gratitude to God amid suffering that doesn’t have an easy answer.

During a roughly hour-long interview with Focus on the Family President and CEO Jim Daly that aired last Friday, Sasse responded to the problem of suffering by reframing the question, noting what he finds mysterious is why God would desire a relationship with sinners by redeeming their suffering and taking it upon Himself.

“I obviously don’t understand it,” Sasse said of suffering. “But Jesus took on incarnate flesh, and came and didn’t just fulfill the whole law for us. He also suffered all the punishment that Adam and we, in Adam, deserve.”

Sasse, who was given months to live after being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer last December, went on to observe that suffering often plays an important role in the Christian’s journey of sanctification and that God often uses it to purify the believer’s heart of inordinate affections.

“And though it’s terrible, there is something very special in being able to be united with Christ’s suffering en route to this vale of tears’ final enemy, this last enemy [of death], because it helps us cleave away from all the idolatries we’ve built as we fell in love with the creation, instead of the Creator,” Sasse said.

Daly, who shared that he was orphaned by the age of 11, went on to reflect on how losing his parents at a young age left him with hurt that has never fully healed. He questioned how Sasse is dealing with the pain of knowing that his daughters, Corrie and Alex, who are in their 20s, and especially his 14-year-old son, Breck, will soon have to experience that.

Wiping tears away, Sasse quoted the late Reformed theologian R.C. Sproul’s observation that “there is no maverick molecule” in God’s universe.

“God is not uncertain about anything that has happened, is happening or will happen, and He will weave together that mosaic for our own good,” Sasse said. “God loves His Church and those Christians that He has written into eternity. He will use this for good.”

Despite his faith in God’s sovereignty, Sasse noted that his “deepest aches” concern leaving his family behind, though he believes they will all be reunited eternally someday. “The part that’s most baffling is, why will Breck not have a dad at 15 or 17 or 19? And yet, God knows exactly what He’s doing, and He has a plan for Breck’s life, that covenant child. But it hurts.”

Regarding what he would say to those who are struggling with believing in God’s goodness amid their own pain and suffering, Sasse offered his perspective “from two angles.” “I don’t want to be aggressive with the intellectualist rationalist side, but God tells us in Scripture everything we need to know for faith and life, but He doesn’t tell us everything we want to know or everything that we ultimately will know. And He is God, and to whom else would we go?” “So, I trust Him because He is who He is, and He has been faithful. And so, I won’t get every answer this side of eternity.” “Death is an enemy. Death is wicked. But it’s the final enemy. It’s our last battle. And after that, there will be no more tears. And so, we will have these answers, and we will know that God used it for His good,” he added.

Sasse has spent his final months doing multiple interviews about the hope he has in the face of his own suffering and death because of Jesus Christ, telling Hoover Institution President Peter Robinson in February that he is endeavoring to “redeem the time.”

During another interview with his longtime friends, Michael Horton and Dan Bryant, Sasse acknowledged his subjection to the Curse as a son of the first Adam, but grew emotional describing the kindness of Christ in laying aside His glory to become the second Adam and restore fellowship with sinners by conquering death.

JEWISH COUPLE MIRACULOUSLY SAVED BY JESUS

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This a great video showing us how God captured the hearts of a Jewish couple and is now using them mightily to reach other Jews in Israel.

Jeff Morgan grew up in America (Jeff’s father was a Cohen but he changed their name to Morgan as anti semitism was already a problem in the USA). Yael was born and raised in a devout Jewish family in Israel. Jeff has an amazing story from being heavily involved in new age spirituality from a young age. He was eventually drawn back to Israel to explore his spiritual roots where he met Yael. They married and started a family but Jeff was not settled and he took his family back and forth from the USA trying to find meaning in life. He finally got so depressed he considered suicide. Jeff and Yael were is such a dark place, they were on the verge of divorce when Jesus suddenly and unexpectedly broke into their lives and redeemed them, their family, and their lives.

Jeff and Yael now minister with Highway 53, where they explore Scripture, prophecy, and the road that leads to the Messiah.