2021 in review: May

The month of May in 2021 had headlines talking about honoured Winnipeggers, Chuck Norris, Luke Smallbone, and conflicts leading people to God and prayer.

Conflicts in Israel, Palestine, leading people to pray

Spiritual leaders in the Middle East are unanimously calling for peace as bombs whiz above them and a full-scale war is on the horizon.

No stranger to the conflict, the Middle East is experiencing what some experts are saying could escalate into war. Israeli and Palestinian Hamas forces are clashing, with death tolls in the hundreds in less than one week of violent conflicts. Christians are being caught in the Arab-Jewish crossfire.

Pastor of U.S. megachurch resigns one year after stepping away from the pulpit

A pastor who has been preaching at a Texas church for more than 20 years has resigned "in the interest of Christ."

Todd Wagner, senior pastor and co-founder of Watermark Community Church (WCC) in Dallas officially resigned from his position on Apr. 17 and shared the news in a video posted to the church's website last month, according to the Christian Post.

Winnipegger creates map of playgrounds and other family-fun activities

A Winnipeg mom who enjoys being outside with her kids is helping other families easily find great spots to play and go on adventures.

Carol Cassell is a stay-at-home mom that has taken it upon herself to help out Winnipeg families looking for fun things to do, especially during the pandemic.

RZIM CEO and daughter of Ravi Zacharias breaks silence with apology

Sarah Davis has broken months of silence with a video apologizing to victims of her father's abuse, as well as to staff and supporters of the ministry. She also called out to other abusers to come forward and confess their sins.

Davis is the eldest daughter of Ravi Zacharias and was named the CEO of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in 2019. She has been publicly silent since the ministry published a report confirming that accusations of sexual assault and rape brought against the apologist were true.

Luke Smallbone from For King & Country goes in for vocal cord surgery

One of the lead singers of the Christian band For King & Country is going in for vocal chord surgery and asking for prayers.

"As you might remember, last year I requested prayer for a vocal cord issue. After going on voice rest and a good bit of therapy, most of the issues seemed to clear up. But sadly just a few weeks ago, while working on new music, the concerns and issues all came back," says Luke Smallbone on the band's Facebook page.

'My mother has prayed for me all my life': Chuck Norris honours mom on her 100th birthday

Chuck Norris says that his mother has been an "example of perseverance and faith her whole life."

The Hollywood star made the comments in an article for WND on Monday, the day before his mother's 100th birthday. Wilma Norris Knight grew up in rural Oklahoma, the youngest of 11 children and faced many trials through life, Norris says. But through it all she clung to her faith.

Steve Bell among Order of Manitoba recipients

One of Canadian Christian music's favourite artists is being honoured by his home province with its highest honour.

Manitoba's Lt.-Gov. Janice C. Filmon says that Steve Bell will be the recipient of the Order of Manitoba. She made the announcement early Wednesday morning.