This week had many good news stories, including a baby that survived a helicopter crash, a new baby born making a well-known Christian artist a grandma, and heart patient babies getting teddy bears.

Winkler youth ministry delivers hope in Puerto Rico

When earthquakes rocked Puerto Rico in January of 2020, Harold Espinosa says he felt a calling to go there and help.

Five minutes after he decided to go, the money came in from a generous supporter to allow the trip to happen, and Espinosa took a small team of people in early 2020 to the Caribbean Island to help rebuild and support people who had lost so much.

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Why a U.S pastor continues to choose Winnipeg for place to live and serve

The lead pastor of Bethesda Church has faced big personal challenges this past year, yet he's still looking forward to 2022. 

Pastor Mark Wilcoxson started his ministry years ago in Iowa. Now, he's the lead pastor at Bethesda Church on Grant Avenue in Winnipeg. 

"We've been together since August of 2007. My family and I came up from a church in Iowa. We're from the states. It was a small so-to-speak country church outside of Knoxville. My wife is from North Carolina and she is a gifted vocalist and worship leader herself. We're here for the long haul."

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Queen's Platinum Jubilee includes St Paul’s Cathedral service

Her Majesty The Queen is celebrating 70 years of service, making her the longest-reigning monarch in United Kingdom history.

Buckingham Palace says the United Kingdom will be celebrating a four-day bank holiday in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne. February 6 marks the Platinum Jubilee.

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Indian government to allow foreign donations to Mother Teresa's charity again

One of the most well-known charities in the world will once again be able to accept foreign donations after the Indian government quickly reversed an earlier decision.

Over 5,700 charities lost their FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration in India at the end of December 2021. Organizations in the country had been required to submit renewal applications in the fall and thousands were shocked to find out their renewals were not approved. That included the Missionaries of Charity, the Catholic charity started by Mother Teresa.

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Couple opens hearts and home to children with special and complex medical needs

Shantel Dudley wears many hats. She is a motivational speaker, founder of the Real Life Women’s Conference, a wife and a mom of 17 children, some through birth, some through marriage and some through adoption.

After experiencing abuse in her life, Shantel felt called to help the broken and hurting. 

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10-year-old collecting teddy bears for heart patients

A young heart surgery patient is showing other kids the importance of a 'bear hug.'

When Siena Smith was 10-months-old, she was diagnosed with a heart condition called Ventricular Septal Disorder. This meant she had a hole in her heart the size of a nickel. On her first birthday, Siena had heart surgery at the B.C. Children's Hospital to close up the hole. She received a teddy bear afterward. 

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Winnipeg cop caught (in act of kindness)

A mom and her son were pleasantly surprised this weekend by a police officer who showed them kindness. 

"I was shopping at the Superstore on St. Anne's and at the check-out I noticed the woman in front of me, her son was in the cart at the end of the belt," says Cydney Bergen, a young Winnipeg mother. "There was a police officer there and this charming man was with the little boy as he sat in the cart and helped him pack the groceries."

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Former Winnipeg Bomber praising God after signing to home state NFL team

A defensive back is praising God for having his back as he takes the next step in his career.

DeAundre Alford, a 24-year-old defensive back from Georgia, was signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2020, playing in 2021 with the team as they went on to win the Grey Cup. Now, he is being signed an NFL team in his home state: the Atlanta Falcons.

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Amy Grant starts the year off with new title, 'grandma'

Amy Grant's daughter gave birth to her own daughter.

Parents Millie and Ben Long welcomed a healthy baby girl, Penelope Willow Long on January 4. This is Grant's first biological grandchild. 

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Grieving father helps other dads cope with loss

Kelly Farley and his wife were living their best lives. They were both successful engineers climbing the corporate ladder, getting ahead in life.

"We put off having children for a while to get our careers going," said Farley. "When we decided to have children, we ended up having to go through fertility treatments."

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Jack Frost challenge cool excuse to get active

A non-profit is encouraging people to be active either alone or as a group to move a collective 130 kilometres outside in one week.

Manitoba is known for its blistering cold, with February being no exception. A challenge from the Green Action Centre during the second week of February wants to see people explore the outdoors no matter the weather. They are encouraging people to knock out the kilometres by doing activities like walking, biking, and skating during the Jack Frost Challenge.

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'Absolute miracle': Infant, 3 others survive chopper crash on church lawn

Everyone onboard a medical helicopter has survived following a crash landing that rocked a Pennsylvania neighbourhood Tuesday afternoon.

There were four people on the helicopter, including an infant, and all four survived after it crashed into the ground right beside Drexel Hill United Methodist Church in Upper Darby, Penn. 

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From hockey to heroin and the road to recovery

Like many Canadian boys, Brady Leavold had a dream of becoming a pro hockey player.

Instead, a combination of childhood trauma and an inability to cope, led Brady Leavold down a path of destruction.  

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Viral sensation spreading joy and happiness by Bhangra dancing in Yukon

A man who is spreading happiness across Canada through his cool cultural dancing videos is overjoyed by the response of his cross-county neighbours.

The fast-paced cultural dance that originated on farmers' fields called Bhangra sticks out against Gurdeep Pandher's snowy Yukon background, but that is exactly the point. He dances to spread happiness, but also to inspire cross-cultural relationships, including by dancing with people such as an Indigenous chief and Celtic dancers.

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Death was certain, but God had different plans

Religious freedom has come a long way in Egypt since the Arab Spring and subsequent persecution.

President el-Sisi took over in 2014 and recently lifted a four-and-half year state of emergency order, citing stability. He put the state of emergency in place after several terrorist bombings at churches.

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Pop-up ski libraries offer public quick access to winter activities

Winterpeg, along with Winnipeg Trails, is offering pop-up ski libraries again this winter, giving people a reason to get outside.

"Ski libraries are an idea that came up last year as we went into a winter with pandemic restrictions," says Anders Swanson, the Executive Director of Winnipeg Trails Association. "We put a call out and hundreds of people donated skis, and this year it's back."

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Joy blooming on river trail with frozen flower display

Bright green stems with colourful petals are frozen in time as they poke out of a new display on a popular river trail.

People taking a stroll or commuting on the Assiniboine River Trail will notice a colourful display growing out of the ice. On the trail near Canora Street blooms a tall sculpture: flowers encased in ice.

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Is anxiety a sin? Finding freedom from mental illness

Anxiety is the most common mental illness diagnosis, and those who suffer from it often feel overwhelmed, out of control, ashamed, lonely, and spiritually defeated.

Dr. Amanda Porter, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with triple-board certifications in internal medicine, psychiatry/mental health, and addiction, openly shares that she, too, struggles with anxiety.

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Remembering Eugene: Will Ryan, beloved voice actor from Adventures in Odyssey

Co-workers are sharing their thoughts after the passing of a voicing legend, Will Ryan. 

Will Ryan was 72-years-old when he passed away from a short illness on November 19, 2021. 

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Steve Bell gives tribute to Vince Fontaine after sudden passing

Steve Bell is remembering his brother-in-law Vince Fontaine as someone full of faith, passion, and genuine care for others.

"There was no warning at all. He was healthy, vibrant, and active," says Steve Bell, in shock after hearing his brother-in-law passed away on Tuesday.

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What if Jesus were a coach?

 Life Coach Michael Taylor has thrown a lifeline to individuals looking to kickstart their spiritual journeys and self-discovery.

“There are many people who are hesitant to pursue their spiritual journeys because of strict religious doctrines surrounding Christianity that don’t coincide with their personal views,” Taylor said.

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Doctor living out 'practical Christianity' at children's hospital in Zimbabwe

Finding professional doctors and nurses in Zimbabwe has become increasingly harder over the past few years, but one doctor is feeling it's God's call for his life. 

Tongai Chitsamatanga is a 41-year-old doctor that could be making a lot more money for his skills almost anywhere else. However, he has felt God pulling him back to Zimbabwe to help children in need. 

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Casting Crowns release new album Friday

A Christian band is releasing a new album to help people facing a season of darkness.

Casting Crowns' newest album, The Healer, is being shared Friday. They say this album is for people going through difficult times.

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Maya Angelou on new U.S. coin

A woman who was known for her writing skills and her strong Christian faith will be the first Black woman on an American coin.

Maya Angelou, known for works such as I Know Why The Caged Birds Sing, A Song Flung Up to Heaven, and All God's Children Need Travelling Shoes, will be the first Black woman on an American coin. 

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