By Adrian VanVactor,
FaithSearch Evangelist

I stood there, at just twenty years of age, staring out into a crowd of 850 people, the majority being members of a local church. Of unchurched visitors present, 56 made a commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior that evening. The event affirmed my vocation, my calling into a life of evangelism. Just months before I had won the international competition and received an award for “The Most Promising Magician of the Future.” Therein lies the problem: “magician.” Can God use a magician? 

“Can I give her a hug, please?”

BRANDT JEAN, younger brother of murder victim Botham Jean, asked the judge in the trial of former Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger, who had been convicted of murdering his brother, Botham Jean, if he could give her a hug. 

During his victim impact statement, Jean forgave Guyger and said, “I want the best for you, because that’s exactly what Botham would want for you, and the best would be to give your life to Christ.” The judge allowed the hug.

“For if you forgive others the wrongs they have done, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…” (Matthew 6:14, NEB) 

Source:  World Magazine, Vol. 34, No. 20; 10.26.19; Quotables p. 10 

The entire staff of FaithSearch International wish you a blessed Christmas season. We are offering this special, expanded edition of Paraclete, filled with Christmas Bible truth and devotional thought, as a reminder and encouragment to keep the Christ child as the focus of your celebration. Use these resources for your own spiritual growth and share them with your family and friends at holiday gatherings.