Steven Curtis Chapman to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry

Steven Curtis Chapman is still in awe after being invited to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Chapman, who has 50 No.1 hits, made his Opry debut 42 years ago when he was just 19 years old. At that time, he was a performer at Opryland Theme Park singing the songs of Opry greats including George Jones, Ricky Skaggs and more. 

Now the most-awarded artist in Christian music history, Chapman was surprised when Ricky Skaggs invited Chapman to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry following a performance Sunday night. 

Verse of the day: July 30

Matthew 5:14,16

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

AND

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Funny truth

1 Kings 18

Maybe I'm weird, but there are times the Bible makes me laugh. I mean really laugh. The older I get and the more comfortable I feel in the Book, the more I find times when a smiling response is not only appropriate, it's expected.

Like that time when the main event at Mount Carmel brought out 450 idolatrous prophets on one side and Elijah, all alone, on the other. You remember the story (1 Kings 18). Baal versus Jehovah. Big altar, prayer for fire. The One who "answers by fire"...that's the One to follow.

Date Night on Daniel Winner Pastor Randy Radke (Emmanuel Baptist Church)

Congratulations to Randy Radke from Emmanuel Baptist Church Valleyview, our latest Date Night on Daniel winner.

He won a $100 gift card to Mr. Mike's Steakhouse Casual and a Cineplex gift card courtesy of Daniel Cram of Sutton Realty.

Maechelle nominated Randy, "Pastor Randy has been a good shepherd in our church. We appreciate his service not only to our family but in the community. I want to show that we recognize his effort in helping us get to grow in the love and knowledge the Lord through his preachings."

STARS celebrates the City of Grande Prairie for reaching $1.5 million contribution milestone

STARS and the City of Grande Prairie are together celebrating a significant milestone in their 18-year partnership — announcing that the municipality has now contributed $1.5 million to STARS’ operations since 2006.

To mark the occasion, STARS unveiled the City of Grande Prairie’s logo on one of its H145 helicopters at the Grande Prairie Regional Airshow this past weekend — symbolizing the city’s ongoing partnership during every mission where a STARS air medical crew is called in.

Changes to traffic flow at 116 Avenue and 102 Street intersection starting tonight

The City of Grande Prairie is notifying motorists and commuters of a traffic flow change at the intersection of 116 Avenue and 102 Street, beginning tonight, Monday, July 29.

The project is essential for the installation of underground utilities connecting pipes to the new concrete storm vault and installing a new overflow pipe leading to a nearby ditch.

Work on this portion of the project is expected to last approximately two weeks, depending on weather conditions.

 Traffic Adjustments and Detours:

Fundraiser set up to help Autumn Nelon after her family dies in tragic plane crash

A fundraiser has been set up to support Autumn Nelon Streetman after her mother, stepfather and sister died in a plane crash Friday afternoon. 

The Nelon family was on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the incident happened.

The crash also claimed the lives of Nathan Kistler, their assistant, Melodi Hodges, pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. 

Author Max Lucado stepping in as interim pastor after Robert Morris' son steps down

After much change in leadership within the past few months, Gateway Church has a new pastor stepping up on Sunday mornings once again. 

After the founder and former pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, Robert Morris, confessed to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl back in the 80s, he quit his job on June 18, 2024. Filling in the gap, Morris' son, James, took the pastoral position shortly after.