James is not your ordinary individual. Standing at over six feet tall, he possesses a commanding presence that is hard to overlook. Residing in Minneapolis, he has faced battles with addiction, a struggle all too familiar to many. During a particularly challenging day in the summer of 2023, James found himself feeling lost and desperate. He turned to God, asking for a sign of His existence, of His reality. It was a sweltering day, and James wandered through city streets, searching for something – anything – to alleviate the emptiness he felt inside.
On that fateful day, he encountered a group of young evangelists who were out sharing the message of Jesus. They approached him and posed the question, “Do you believe in God?” Uncertain but hopeful, James considered this as potentially the sign he was yearning for. As the group discussed the Gospel, James found himself inundated with questions swirling in his mind. Who was Jesus? How could he place his faith in Christ? And the most pressing question for him was: How could he know he was saved? He longed for answers to these profound inquiries.
As someone who has dedicated over two decades to outreach ministry with Pulse Evangelism, I often use social media to connect with others and share stories of transformation. When I received a Facebook message from a gentleman named James, it felt significant. “Hey, this is James. I had a few questions for you about Jesus,” he wrote, and it sparked my interest immediately. Intrigued, I learned that he had met with our young evangelists that day. He shared how he felt there was a hole in his life, one he had attempted to fill through various means, including addiction.
When James visited my office, his towering stature meant I had to tilt my head back to engage with him fully. We discussed the meaning of God’s grace and how Jesus paid the price for our sins. Much to both of our surprises, during our conversation, James decided to surrender his life to Jesus right there. It was an extraordinary moment—one in which he recognized that God’s grace was not exclusive to a select few, but rather for him, too. “A relationship with Jesus Christ has filled me more than anything I’ve ever tried, bought, or stole,” he later shared. Now active in a local church, James is nurturing his faith and embracing his transformation.
Although this story demonstrates an incredible experience of grace, I must admit that not every story concludes in such a triumphant manner. Grace takes on different forms and often appears in the most unanticipated ways. Currently, we are witnessing revival across the globe. Individuals like James, who have faced addiction, younger generations spreading the Gospel in places like Minneapolis, and people from all walks of life are becoming catalysts for change.
You might find yourself skeptical about whether revival is genuinely occurring. I can understand this perspective, especially given the current climate which often feels dark and divided. Throughout my life, I have sought to invest in individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I completely recognize the discouragement that may accompany this pursuit. Nonetheless, I firmly assert that revival is indeed happening, and you don’t have to rely solely on my testimony.
As we approach Christmas, I invite you to observe the wonderful works God is accomplishing. This season prompts reflection on the anthem your life champions. Like James, consider: What are you truly living for? What ignites your passion and drives you forward? An anthem, after all, is indicative of a movement, a rallying cry inviting the world to engage in meaningful dialogue about purpose and existence.
In a world noticeably altered by faith, we are called to amplify our voices, especially during the Christmas season. This is an opportunity to share the hope that comes from Jesus Christ. I’m thrilled to announce that on December 18, we will host the Anthem Christmas broadcast, featuring powerful renditions of “Amazing Grace” by artists like Rend Collective and Katy Nichole, along with testimonies from young evangelists and an interview featuring former NFL quarterback Carson Wentz.
Most crucially, I will be presenting a clear Gospel message aimed at leading people to Christ and instilling hope. I urge you to participate actively: watch the broadcast, share it within your community, and encourage others to join in this journey of faith.
Having been privileged to learn from prominent figures such as Billy Graham and Luis Palau, I appreciate the significant impact our collective efforts to share the hope of Jesus can have on the world around us. Through the Anthem Christmas broadcast, our prayer is for countless individuals to say “yes” to Jesus. It’s an endeavor grounded in the belief that Jesus, born in humble circumstances and embodying love, forgiveness, and salvation, stands ready to welcome anyone who calls on His name.
This Christmas, I invite you to join the revival and confirm your own anthem. For additional information and to become part of this movement, visit [Anthem.org](http://anthem.org). Together, we can