Steph Martin

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FREEBIE: “Trump’s Evangelical Support Baffles Christian Author” Discussion Starter

In the News Washington, D.C.—Best-selling author Philip Yancey is shocked that followers of Jesus are supporting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, a man he says “stands against everything that Christianity believes.” Yancey, 67, says, “I am staggered that so many conservative or evangelical Christians would see a man who is a bully, who made his money by casinos, who has had several wives and several affairs…that they would somehow paint him as a hero, as someone that we could stand behind.”…

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FREEBIE: “Americans Protest, Pray After More Shootings” Discussion Starter

Americans Protest, Pray After More Shootings In the News Charlotte, N.C.—Racial tensions escalated this week after black men in two more U.S. cities were shot and killed by police officers. Reactions varied dramatically, however: Violent riots in Charlotte, North Carolina, led to a national emergency and curfew, while peaceful prayer vigils occurred in Tulsa, Oklahoma.…

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FREEBIE: “Chinese Parents Camp Out on Campus” Discussion Starter

In the News Shanghai, China—Hundreds of “love tents” pop up every fall on Chinese university campuses, and the residents are parents, not students. Parents—and often extended family members—who travel long distances with their college freshmen often have difficulty finding accommodations. So universities have devised the compassionate solution of free campsites, allowing parents to make sure their kids get settled in.…

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FREEBIE: “Kids of September 11 Parents Determined to Honor” Discussion Starter

In the News New York—On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, young people who lost a parent that day are displaying optimism and resilience. More than 3,000 children under the age of 18 lost a parent on September 11, 2001, and more than 100 children of victims were born after the tragedy.…

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FREEBIE: “Quarterback Takes Heat for Taking Seat” Discussion Starter

In the News Santa Clara, Calif.—To protest racial inequality and oppression, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is refusing to stand for the pre-game national anthem. Kaepernick, who’s biracial, says he’ll continue doing that until he feels “like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent.”…

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Discussion Starter: Satan Clubs Launched as After-School Alternative

In the News Salem, Mass.— Citing a need to “counterbalance” extracurricular options at public schools, a group called the Satanic Temple is launching a nationwide After School Satan Club. It’s a response to the Good News Club, an evangelical Christian group that has more than 4,500 U.S.…

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Discussion Starter: Rapper Urges Christians to Address Racial Injustice

In the News Atlanta—As America tackles the tough problems of racial inequality and violence, rapper Lecrae wants fellow Christians to take action. The Grammy winner, an African American who survived a rough childhood and became a Christian in college, has gained a large following among evangelicals.…

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Discussion Starter: Stranger’s Kindness Changes Teen’s Life

In the News Memphis, Tenn.—An encounter in a grocery-store parking lot has had life-changing results for 16-year-old Chauncy Jones Black. The hungry teen had taken a bus to a wealthier part of town, seeking some donuts in exchange for helping customers with their bags.…

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Discussion Starter: Young People Express Anger Over Brexit

In the News – Brexit London—As shockwaves ring out from the United Kingdom’s historic vote to exit the European Union, young Brits are venting their frustrations. Most young people were on the “Remain” side, but an earlier proposal to lower the voting age had failed.…

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