News Of The Day – August 9th
Survivor Of Oxford Michigan School Shooting Wows Judges With Lauren Daigle Song
18 year old Ava Swiss’ stirring rendition of Lauren Daigle’s “Remember” earned her a standing ovation on America’s Got Talent. But it was her personal story that truly touched the Judges and audience. Swiss revealed she was a survivor of the Oxford, Michigan school shooting in November 2021. “I’m just so blessed, and I’m so happy I have another opportunity to just share my story and to hopefully touch others and heal others with my voice,” the young singer said. Swiss earned a unanimous “Yes” vote from all four Judges to move forward in the next round. Read more of her story here.
British Boy Dies when Life Support Is Pulled After Long Legal Battle Between Family And Doctors
Archie Battersbee, the 12-year-old British boy whose family waged an unsuccessful legal fight to stop his doctors from disconnecting him from a ventilator, died. He had been in a coma since he was found unconscious by his mother in April. Archie was being kept alive by a combination of medical interventions, including ventilation and drug treatments. The family fought against turning off his life support but were ultimately defeated. His family, who were supported by the Christian Legal Centre, said they were “so proud” of Archie and that he had “fought against all the odds”. Read more about the sweet little boy and his family here.
Wisconsin Pastor Arrested In Solicitation Of Minors Sting
The lead pastor of an evangelical church in northwest Wisconsin has been arrested in a solicitation of minors sting operation conducted by state and local authorities. Jason James Taylor, 47, lead pastor of Calvary Chapel Solid Rock in New Richmond, Wisconsin, was among six people arrested following a sting operation led by the Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force. An agent chatted with Taylor via messaging and sent a “decoy” picture of a girl appearing to be under 18. Taylor agreed to pay $80 for a sex act. Read more the sting and arrest here.
Auburn Basketball Team Baptized In Jordan River During Israel Tour
Players from one of college basketball’s most prominent teams took part in a baptism ceremony in the Jordan River last week during an off day as part of the team’s summer international tour. The Auburn men’s basketball team visited multiple historical sites in Israel in recent days, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which tradition says was the site of Christ’s empty tomb. Auburn coach Bruce Pearl, who is Jewish, has called the tour a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. On Friday, the players were baptized in the Jordan River. The team’s official social media account posted pictures of the baptisms. Read more about their life changing trip here.
