“My hope in the One who created all sustains me; is an ever present help in trouble…when I am extremely depressed, he raised me with his right hand, saying, ‘O man of little faith, get up, it is I; do not be afraid.'” – Christopher Columbus
I have always been impressed with Christopher Columbus’ life and legendary mission. When I was a child I was so excited to find out that this great man of faith and adventure was an Italian like me. I believed that all he accomplished was because he was from a race of determined and focused people.
Today, as I look over the history of his life, I see that he was from a race of determined and focused people – the people of God. And God had an incredible mission for him – to find a home for believers who would be persecuted for their faith, a place where they could worship God freely.
Though some history books have omitted information about Columbus’ deep religious faith, others have noted that he includes God in practically all of his writings. After reading what he wrote, you get a strong sense that he wrote from his own personal dependence and trust in the Creator of the universe.
“My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34).
Like Columbus, I want my life’s mission to stand for Christ. I want to be a reflection in word and deed of the One who assigned my mission.
Is everything you do reflecting your faith in and walk with God?
Even if you are not yet fully aware of the scope of your mission, are you walking daily as an adventurer in faith? You may be destined for the history books! You never know all God has prepared for you to accomplish.
Excerpt permission granted by Albury Publishing
Carman Domenic Licciardello is an enigma in Christian music, often described as part evangelist, part Vegas Showman. His concerts were more like a rock and roll Billy Graham Crusade than a Christian music event. After all the singing, dancing, clapping, and preaching, crowds of people would stream down to the counseling area to accept Christ-many times as many as 5,000 in an evening.
Admission was usually free; a simple offering was taken, similar to 30,000 churches on Sunday mornings. And he filled the largest stadiums the world over. Carman held the record for the largest Christian concert ever in Dallas, Texas. But it even goes beyond that. Take the Mega Stadium acts that played the famed landmark such as Pink Floyd, U 2, Madonna, The Jackson Five, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, and even Metallic. As the newspapers noted, you'll see that the one-act that drew the highest attendance in Texas Stadium was Carman, with 71,132.
Carman (1956-2021) was a popular contemporary Christian singer and songwriter.
Born Carman Licciardello, he began recording under his first name and released his debut album in 1980. Carman began charting contemporary Christian hits in 1984 with "Sunday's on the Way," reaching No. 1 with "The Champion" (1986) and "Radically Saved" (1988). His other hit songs include "Lord of All," "Jesus Is the Light," and "Satan, Bite the Dust!" Carman reportedly holds the world record for the largest audience at a Christian concert. His popularity was at its height in the 1980s and early '90s, but he continued releasing albums for years, including his most recent release, 2014's "No Plan B." In 2018, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.