Author: Shayla Papik

By Shayla Papik – The YouVersion Bible app has reached over 1 billion downloads, becoming one of the most widely used faith-based apps globally. Many believers begin each new year with a resolution to read the Bible, and increasingly they are turning to digital tools to stay consistent. What started as a simple idea in 2008 has grown into a global platform designed to make scripture accessible anytime, anywhere. For some families, the impact is deeply personal. Lauren Jones remembers the early struggles with her son Kent, who was diagnosed with autism and had limited speech. “When we were at…

By Shayla Papik – The blood had barely dried on the palm fronds when the survivors began to count the dead, the latest of ongoing attacks by Muslims on Christians in Nigeria. “These attacks are usually targeted and well-coordinated,” said Ezinwanne Onwuka, a reporter for Truth Nigeria. “These terrorists are bent on wiping out these Christian communities.” While many assume the violence in Nigeria is a random byproduct of “common insecurity” or local farmer-herder disputes, investigators and local reporters warn of a far more systematic pattern that suggests genocide. There are three Islamist groups that massacre Christians: Fulani herdsman, Boko…

By Shayla Papik – The latest child exploitation is on Venmo. “There were girls in her class at school, an all girls school, that had sugar daddies,” said Elizabeth Phillips, founder of No More Victims. “‘How are they finding the girls?’ I asked. And it was Venmo. I’m like, Venmo?” Many parents assume the biggest online dangers for teens come from obvious places like social media or chat rooms. Now investigators warn that some payment apps and video games can become ways for predators to identify and exploit teens. Venmo, usually used to pay friends back or cover small expenses,…

By Shayla Papik — “Stranger Things” star Caleb McLaughlin says he recently drew near to God. To help, he dumped his Instagram account. “It’s a different level to me (now),” Caleb says. “Sometimes you live your life, and you kind of get into the world a little bit, and then you kind of stop praying. Sometimes you’re like, ‘Alright, I’m praying before I go to sleep. All right, great.’ But then you have those moments like, ‘Wait, I need to pray and talk to God and ground (myself). “I’ve always felt the connection with God in my spirit from, I…