Testimonies
ReKnew Isn’t Just About Theology
Most of you are probably aware that the mission of ReKnew (formerly Christus Victor) is to help people to rethink some of their old theology and to advance the Kingdom of God through spreading a beautiful picture of God. But you might be surprised that we also involved ourselves quite extensively in the life of an immigrant family from Nigeria. Greg and Shelley recently attended a graduation that spurred the retelling of this story. It’s our way of saying thank you for partnering with us in what God asked us to do for the Olatoye’s. _______________ Several weeks ago Shelley and…
The Real Enemy
We received a letter from one of our supporters that we thought was worth sharing, but we’ve left out the name of the author and other details for reasons that will become obvious as you read on. We hope this will both challenge and bless you. I have been a Woodland Hills Podrishioner for several years and a follower of ReKnew since it was launched. I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated the focus on the cross and on Jesus being the absolute center. Over the past year or so, I have become more and more convinced as…
A Testimony and a Kingdom Sighting
We received a letter here at ReKnew that really touched us and we wanted to share it with you. It’s easy to feel isolated when the body of Christ is spread out far and wide. We hope this letter from Nova Scotia and this video will be encouragement to you. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I have been pastoring for thirty six years in the traditional, sometimes fundamental church. Nearly twenty years ago the Lord awakened me to Jesus and to change. I have been in a slow process of re-orientation. I left the traditional church two years ago and am…
Kingdom Sightings: Young Turkish Ambassadors of the Kingdom
Rama V via Compfight We received this letter at ReKnew and wanted to share it with all of you. Whether it’s at a job or in your home or participating in sports, we are all called to reflect the love of God and serve as ambassadors to the Kingdom of God. These kinds of testimonies are the thing that keeps us going! Dear Friends at Renew, My name is Steven and I’m from Apple Valley but my family and I have been living and serving in Istanbul, Turkey for the past 20+ years. We’ve been listening to Greg’s sermons for…
From the Heart: Where “Forgiveness” Crosses a Line
Here’s a letter we received recently. It’s a great testimony about bringing the Kingdom vision to a place where it is totally foreign. Dear Greg, I suspect that this email echoes some of the sentiments expressed by many others who contact you on a steady basis. By way of a brief introduction, my name is Malcolm, a 37 year old missionary kid. I was born in Thailand to a British father and Dutch mother who married in Laos. I don’t know where I come from, but I know where I am going! My Swedish wife was born to missionary parents in Burundi.…
Soldier of Conscience
David D. Flowers posted this testimony of the life and death of Joshua Casteel (1979-2012). Joshua was an interrogator at Abu Ghraib when he was confronted by the contradiction between his role as a soldier and his identity as a Christian. This confrontation came from the unlikeliest of sources; it came from the lips of a Muslim jihadist who would kill him if given the opportunity. Joshua’s voice was a penetrating note of grace before he died of lung cancer last year. Thanks for sharing this story with us David!
From the Heart: Called to Minister to Outcast Kids
Here’s a lovely testimony we received from Germany. Hey Greg, Thank you for your message. For making clear what God has been working on my heart about for the last few years. I am called to minister to youth, and was broken hearted when I realized that the exact kids who need Christ so desperately in their lives are the ones who would never, ever, fit into “church.” These youth would be the ones who would be judged, condemned, gossiped about, and passively turned out and away. For not being “holy” enough. Thank you for revealing the Christ who met…
Adopting Christian Pacifism
Stuart Williams via Compfight We wanted to share a reflection by Kurt Willems on how he eventually embraced pacifism despite resisting this part of his anabaptist roots for much of his youth. Hope you enjoy his story. From the blog: The summer following my first year of seminary a tour bus powered by used cooking grease showed up in Fresno. Two guys, Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw jumped out and gave a presentation about their book Jesus for President. The passion with which they spoke and the articulate biblical arguments they presented finally convinced me to let go of my fears…
Precious Henry
Hi folks, This week a young mother named Jessica shared a letter with me that she had written to her precious four-year-old son after he died of a brain tumor several weeks ago. Last October, a news station in their area did a story on Henry that will introduce you to this remarkable young boy. Jessica’s letter is so moving and full of insight that I asked her if we could post it, and she happily agreed. I also asked Jessica to write some of her story as an introduction to her letter. Below, you’ll find both. Henry’s Story, by…
Enough Faith?
Periodically, we post testimonies from our readers. If you have a testimony to share you can email us at editor@reknew2015.wpengine.com. (We won’t share your contact information or your last name.) We love to hear what God is up to in your lives! Dear Greg, I know you can’t possibly read and respond to all your mail, but I just wanted to say thank you. Over the past 5*ish* years of being familiar with you, I have benefited massively from listening to your sermons and reading your blog and a few books. Your teachings on the uniqueness of Christ’s Kingdom, and…
From the Heart: Paradigm Shift
I have in the past few months been introduced to your teaching, books and theology. Since I have been listening to your teachings online and reading/listening to some of your books “Myth of a Christian Nation” and “Myth of a Christian Religion” along with listening/reading books by Shane Claiborne, I have had a massive paradigm shift in my faith walk. I thank you so much for helping to open my eyes! Yes, my paradigm has shifted so drastically, it is hard to understand all of the implications in my life based on Greg’s teachings of scripture and theology. Now, I find it…
From the Heart: Reaching Out
Here’s a letter we received from a new reader. He shares a little of his journey from faith to atheism to his recent tentative steps back to faith again. If any of you know of some good resources in the Phoenix area that you think may benefit John, please contact me (Terri) at editor@reknew2015.wpengine.com. I have been a confirmed atheist for some years now, but at one time was a practicing Christian, and a Calvinist. I have long considered my atheism to be a regrettable retreat to a rationalist position, but recently I have come to doubt that my “faith”…
Share Your Testimony
It's such an encouragement for us to hear from you and to know that we're making a kingdom impact! If you'd like to send us a testimony for consideration here, please use this form. (We will never publish your last name or contact info).