EDITOR’S NOTE: “Signs and Wonders” is a column that shares thoughts on news items that either do not rise to the level of a news story for MinistryWatch or are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.” My goal is to be punchy, opinionated, and not to worry much about being slightly off brand. If that is not for you, no hard feelings. But if it is…read on.
Pro-War Religious Broadcasters. It is not clear to me why the National Religious Broadcasters felt a need to issue a statement in support of Trump’s War, but it did. I will not reprint it here. You can find it online if you are so inclined. But it appears that the NRB might have outkicked its coverage, as they say in football. The Associated Press reported that even among the president’s hardcore media supporters there is division. It will be interesting to see if MAGA media faithful remain…well…faithful. As of Wednesday, the American death toll was up to six people. The total death toll has topped 800.
Sharia in Nigeria. The situation in Nigeria is not getting as much attention in the U.S. as it deserves. Islamic radicals are trying to impose Sharia law to a large swath of the country, and local residents are resisting. What is happening in Nigeria could erupt into a larger conflict. Nigeria has more than 230 million people, with Christians making up 40% of the population. If what is happening in Nigeria explodes into a full-blown religious war, the consequences could be devastating. More than a dozen Christian ministries, including Cru, Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International, World Vision, and SIM International have a presence in the country.
Christian Romance Novels. I was interested in and mildly frustrated by an article in Christianity Today about Christian romance writer Jeannette Oke. The 91-year-old author has sold more than 30 million copies of her soapy, sentimental books. Several of them have been turned into Hallmark movies. I was interested because the story was well-written and fact filled. I was frustrated because the story failed to note that the romance genre has killed serious fiction in this country. Some reports say romance novels account for 30% of adult fiction sales. Maybe I’m just getting old and crotchety, but, in my view, “Christian Romance Novel” is an oxymoron. The sentimentality of a “romance novel” is in active war against the realism of true Christian fiction. Can you imagine a Christian publisher today bringing out Flannery O’Connor or Wendell Berry or Walker Percy?
John Piper Controversy. The beloved Minneapolis preacher and ministry leader stirred social media last week by tweeting a Bible verse. That Bible verse is Leviticus 19:34. “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” He then added this comment: “Christians know the miserable bondage we were all in.” The post has (so far) gotten 1.9 million views and about 2,000 comments. The tweet is controversial because our current immigration policy is polarizing. Some of Piper’s critics have included Calvary Chapel Chino Hills Pastor Jack Hibbs and James Lasher of Charisma Magazine. One of my more perceptive readers, Salvatore Luiso, emailed me that it was “sadly ironic” that Piper is being criticized for taking a Bible verse out of context by people in the charismatic movement who engage in “absurd interpretations of Bible verses taken out of context.” He has a point.
More Charismania. Paula White-Cain is at it again. At a conference in Florida covered by Christian Leader, she urged attendees of her 2026 Unleashed Conference last week to give a “sacrificial seed…out of obedience to God, and she tied their giving to spiritual breakthroughs.” The 2026 Unleashed Conference took place in late February, and featured speakers who should have known better than to appear with White-Cain, including former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and Anglican priest Calvin Robinson. Here is a taste of White’s message: “How many of you want to be a blessing?” she asked. “Because I’m telling you, there’s an anointing of release right now. I want $100,000 to come in. I want $100,000. There are 10 people that could give $10,000. There’s a hundred people that could give $1,000. Get a check, make it payable to Paula White Ministries,” said White-Cain. “If you say, ‘I don’t have it,’ give $100. Bring up a sacrificial seed.” Christ, have mercy.
A Fallen Hero. John Chapman died in combat on this date in 2002. He was the first Airman awarded the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. If you don’t know about him, check out this article. I highly recommend taking some time with it. It is the powerful story of a true American hero.
Readers in Los Angeles. I have some travel coming up, and I would love to see you. I will be in Los Angeles in April and hosting a reader lunch. Let me know if you would like to join us. My email is wsmith@ministrywatch.com.
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