IN THE NEWS

Christian Karate Opens International Headquarters in Illinois

Christian Karate—the faith-rooted martial arts outreach founded by Steve and Jen Wilson over 30 years ago—has officially opened its international headquarters in Alton, Illinois, repurposing a former YMCA facility into a comprehensive training and administrative center The Telegraph.

Situated on six acres, the facility includes multiple Shotokan training spaces, a fitness center, locker rooms, and more.
The Wilsons began this journey as part of a church outreach program in Washington. It has since evolved into a global movement: the Christian Karate Association Foundation now spans 40 instructors across seven countries The Telegraph.
This new headquarters expands their reach and includes a vocational training program for future instructors, emphasizing a family-centered, faith-based approach.
Importantly, the ministry is committed to accessibility and inclusion—partnering with churches and sponsors so no student is turned away due to inability to pay The Telegraph.

Why it matters: This story embodies the transformative power of ministry through martial arts—highlighting service, community, and faith. It’s a powerful example of how Christian values can be expressed in unexpected but deeply impactful ways, building discipline, unity, and opportunity across generations.

Grammy-Nominated Christian Star Injured—but Faith Remains Strong

Grammy-nominated Christian pop artist Forrest Frank, a Houston native known for his acclaimed albums Child of God and Child of God II, suffered significant injuries in a skateboarding accident—fracturing his L3 and L4 vertebrae—while skating with his young son. Despite the severity of the injury, Frank continues to inspire by sharing recording sessions and moments of gratitude from his hospital bed via social media, where he connects with over 5.9 million followers. Though sidelined, his resilient spirit and faith-filled updates resonate deeply with fans and the Christian music community.Chron