James, a towering figure navigating the streets of Minneapolis, grappled with the pervasive grip of addiction. In the summer of 2023, amidst his struggles, he sought a sign, a confirmation of a higher power. Wandering the city blocks, seeking solace in fleeting distractions, he unexpectedly encountered a group of young evangelists. Their simple question, “Do you believe in God?”, resonated within him, sparking a glimmer of hope that this might be the sign he had been seeking. While the evangelists shared their message of Jesus, James remained riddled with questions about faith, salvation, and the nature of Jesus himself. His encounter left him yearning for deeper understanding and a path towards the answers he desperately sought.
Simultaneously, across the digital landscape, Pulse Evangelism founder, driven by a two-decade long mission to spread the message of Jesus, noticed an unusual Facebook message. It was from James, expressing his curiosity about Jesus and seeking answers to his newfound spiritual questions. Recognizing the divine orchestration of this connection, the founder learned about James’s encounter with the young evangelists and the void he had been trying to fill with various addictions. He shared the message of grace, the sacrifice of Jesus, and extended an invitation to a personal meeting. In his office, face to face with James’s imposing stature, the founder further elaborated on the concept of grace and Jesus’s atonement for sins. What followed was a transformative moment for both men: James, moved by the message, made a heartfelt decision to embrace Jesus, surprised by his own willingness to surrender.
James’s story became a testament to the power of grace, a transformative force that extended to even the most lost and broken. His newfound faith provided a sense of fulfillment that surpassed any fleeting pleasure he had previously sought. He connected with a local church, nurturing his faith and embarking on a journey of spiritual growth. While James’s story is a powerful example of transformation, it is acknowledged that not every encounter yields such immediate and dramatic results. The path of grace unfolds in diverse and unpredictable ways.
The narrative then shifts to the broader context of revival, a spiritual awakening spreading across the globe. Individuals like James, battling addiction, the passionate younger generation sharing their faith, and people from diverse backgrounds are driving this resurgence. The author acknowledges the potential skepticism surrounding the concept of revival, addressing the preconceived notions of who should be leading such movements. Despite acknowledging the disheartening aspects of the world, the author affirms the reality of the ongoing revival, urging readers to witness it firsthand.
As Christmas approaches, the author presents a challenge – to reflect on the personal anthem that guides one’s life, echoing James’s journey of self-discovery. This anthem represents the core values, motivations, and driving forces behind individual lives, forming the foundation of a global dialogue. The author defines an anthem as the song or sound of a movement, prompting reflection on whether one’s current anthem aligns with their deepest desires. For those whose lives have been transformed by Jesus, this is a call to boldly proclaim their faith, sharing the message of hope during the Christmas season.
Finally, a tangible opportunity to participate in this movement is presented: the Anthem Christmas broadcast, airing on December 18th. This broadcast will feature inspiring musical performances, testimonies from young evangelists, an interview with former NFL quarterback Carson Wentz, and a gospel message with an invitation to respond. The author, drawing on his experience working with influential figures like Billy Graham and Luis Palau, emphasizes the transformative power of investing in others and sharing the hope of Jesus. The broadcast aims to reach hundreds of thousands, leading them to embrace Jesus. The underlying message is a call to join the revival, to become part of the anthem, and to embrace the transformative power of faith in Jesus. The author concludes by encouraging readers to visit Anthem.org to learn more and become part of this movement. A final note clarifies that the name “James” is a pseudonym used to protect the individual’s privacy.
