BEING A WITNESS FOR JESUS

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Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers (née McDermott), known for her outspoken Christian faith, has shared the podium in Switzerland despite adverse conditions.

Defying the pouring rain, Aussie athlete Nicola Olyslangers took a single jump to clear 1.91 metres in the high jump competition at the Diamond League in Lausanne, Switzerland. 

The conditions were less than optimal, causing world high jump champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh (Ukraine) to bow out after two failed attempts. But the soaked track didn’t stop Olyslangers from taking the risk—and it paid off, as she cleared the bar on her first and only attempt.

“On a night where rain battered the stadium and Olympic champions faltered, dual Olympic medallist Nicola Olyslagers rose above the conditions to share the top spot in the Women’s High Jump at the Lausanne Diamond League, a highlight in a string of gritty Australian performances in Switzerland.” — Sascha Ryner, Australian Athletics

The New South Wales-based Olympian, who in 2021 became the first woman to clear 2 metres and last year won silver in the Paris Olympics, shared the podium with Poland’s Maria Zodzic and Germany’s Christina Honsel.

Characteristically, Olyslangers left no question as to who deserved the praise, telling reporters that God is the reason she doesn’t flag under adverse conditions.

“… the joy that’s inside of me can’t get drowned out because it’s from a source that doesn’t get diluted with circumstances, because I have God’s joy inside of me…” — Nicola Olyslangers

Olyslangers posted photos of the pouring rain on Instagram with the caption, “The floodgates opened over Lausanne 💙 When it’s worship, it’s a treasured moment no matter the weather.”

BRAD USES NEURALINK TO WITNESS FOR JESUS

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Neuralink’s third patient, Brad Smith (ALS), is interviewed on YouTube by Farzad. Brad is a Christian, and Neuralink has given him a fantastic opportunity to witness for his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. When I heard his witness, it brought tears to my eyes. It blew me away. Be patient, as it is a reasonable amount of time into the interview before his witness, which stuns Farzad.

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. No cure is available for it.

This is what Brad had to say when asked what change Neuralink has made to his life.

“First of all, you need to know that I am a child of God who loves me. I have parents and siblings who are amazing and who love me. Tiffany (Brad’s wife) is the best person I know, and we are married for eternity. My kids love me and give me hugs. Neuralink has given me the ability to communicate with them, and as this interview reveals, now I can communicate with everybody“

This is just three of the comments received on this interview:

“I humbly recognise and truly appreciate how you have shared your faith—what an encouragement Brad is to my soul!”

“Crying like a baby. Thank you Brad…Hanz… Farzad.. Tiffany… this is historic moment. 50 years from now this podcast will be replayed on 60 minutes. Thinking about regaining your voice. How important to the kids to hear their daddy. Let us all pray for a future of peace for all. We can do it.”

Brad, your faith is inspiring! Your testimony of Jesus Christ strengthens my own. May God continue to bless you and your family!

QUEEN ELIZABETH’S TESTIMONY

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A memorable week with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

In one of her Christmas addresses, the Queen said,

“For me, the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to live my life.”

Something made this lady different. Different from other leaders. Different from her family. Different among men and women. The heart of that difference was the fact that she, even as the Queen, believed, served, and bowed to the living God.

Our greatest problem in the West is that our leaders believe in nothing greater than themselves. Indeed, most of us believe in nothing greater than ourselves. This is the plague on our culture.

The Queen was different.

King Charles at the vigil in St Giles Cathedral Edinborough

At the Queen’s memorial service at St Giles Anglican Church Edinborough, the following two Scriptures were read for all the world to hear. They were a great testimony provided by her even in death.

“Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11

The first Scripture proves that there is only one religion that is true and the second that being born again by the Holy Spirit is essential for eternal life.

The first Scripture John 14:6 was featured again at the short service when the Queen’s casket was brought from Edinborough to Buckingham Palace. This service has been televised across the world so the message that Jesus conveyed “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” has reached many people.

Also, in light of Queen Elizabeth’s recent passing, Australian Indigenous leader James Dargin has paid tribute to her, saying he has great respect for the Queen and urging Indigenous Australians to honour her as a mother and a grandmother. In this video, he also shares his powerful testimony and the hope of forgiveness in Australia.