Drag queen ‘Last Supper’ during Olympics opening ceremony sparks outrage from Christians

A dance troupe performing at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics drew the ire of Christians around the world after they appeared to mock Jesus and the Last Supper.

The ceremony, held on Friday along the Seine River in the French capital, featured the traditional parade of nations. It was the first time in Olympic history the ceremony was held outside a stadium.

WATCH: Oak Ridge Boys release tribute video honouring late Joe Bonsall

To honour their bandmate who recently passed away, the Oak Ridge Boys are releasing a new music video. 

Joe Bonsall, the tenor vocalist of the country and gospel vocal quartet the Oak Ridge Boys, passed away a few weeks ago on July 9, 2024. He led the vocals for the group for 51 years and passed away at the age of 76 from ALS. 

Verse of the day: July 27

Hebrews 12:1

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

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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.

Adjustments

James 1

Ever made a mental list of things that irritate you? Here are a few I've got on mine: traffic jams, long lines, misplaced keys, stuck zippers, interruptions, late planes, squeaking doors, incompetence, and flat tires.

One of these days it should dawn on us that we'll never be completely free of irritations as long as we are on this planet. Never. Upon coming to this profound conclusion, we would then be wise to consider an alternative to losing our cool. The secret is adjusting.

New numbers confirm one-third of Jasper townsite destroyed in this week's wildfire

One-third of all structures in the townsite of Jasper are gone, burned to the ground in this week’s wildfire, officials confirmed Friday.

Premier Danielle Smith said there are 1,113 structures in the picturesque Rocky Mountain resort community.

She said Wednesday night’s wildfire destroyed 358 of them and damaged seven more.

The structures were homes and businesses. Much of the damage was contained to the west side of town.

Smith said critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and water treatment services, remain intact.

'This is what we train for': How Samaritan's Purse is helping those evacuating after Jasper wildfires

With the devastating fires in western Canada, one Christian organization is setting up an evacuation centre to help affected families. 

Samaritan's Purse is in Kamloops, B.C. after the request of B.C. Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, the Christian disaster relief organization has sent a team of specialists to British Columbia, where they are setting up and operating a 100-bed evacuation facility.

Jasper wildfire relief: Donation tips and where to give

As many Albertans are reacting to the devastation of the Jasper wildfire, with many asking how they can donate, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging caution.

"The Better Business Bureau (BBB) expresses deep concern for the businesses, consumers, and residents affected by the wildfires in Jasper and environs in Alberta. Our hearts are with all those impacted, and we are committed to providing support and resources during this difficult time," The BBB stated in a news release.

Anne Wilson performs with 'God's least likely messenger'

Christian singer and songwriter Anne Wilson received some backlash following a recent performance.

While performing at the Faster Horses Festival, Wilson was asked to perform a duet alongside Jelly Roll.

Wilson was excited to follow through with this last-minute ask, posting her reaction video on social media.

"When Jelly Roll asks you last minute to sing with him and you say YES!!!!!" said Anne Wilson in a post on Instagram.

In the video, you can see Anne excited and running around preparing for this special performance. 

Salvation Army provides critical support amid Jasper wildfire

In response to the Jasper wildfires, The Salvation Army Alberta & Northern Territories Emergency Disaster Services from Grande Prairie is actively serving meals and drinks to RCMP members in Hinton, AB, as they work to ensure public safety.

Additionally, the EDS continues to provide meals to 600 wildfire evacuees from the Little Red River Cree Nation in High Level, AB. For ongoing updates on the EDS's response to the Alberta wildfires, visit their website.

 

Recent rain, cooler weather limiting spread of wildfires in Jasper National Park

Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.

The park posted a statement on X late Thursday night saying cooler temperatures and up to 15 millimetres of rain since midnight had led to minimal fire activity.

The park says due to the rainfall, fire behaviour is likely to calm over the next 72 hours.

While more rain is expected Friday, temperatures are supposed to return to the mid 20s by Saturday, which the park says will lead to an increase in fire activity.