Steve Rees
San Francisco
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Steve Rees
From a Prayer Walk App to a 3,300-Mile Bicycle Pilgrimage: Jonathan Tremaine Thomas' Freedom Mission
A fifth-generation "preacher's kid" and grandnephew of the late civil rights activist and musical legend Nina Simone, Jonathan Tremaine Thomas is the pioneer of multiple strategic prayer initiatives. He's shepherding two new ministries involving prayer, one on his bicycle and the other using a computer app. Called Freedom Ride and Holy Here, respectively, the prayer thrusts are coupled with holy activism and social righteousness in many places where spiritual warriors walk or ride.
From Historic US Revival Site to Jerusalem, Christians Rally for Communion 250: ‘Mighty Move of God’
Christians around the world gathered in 156 locations to take communion at college campuses, state capitols, public parks, and open fields where they worshipped, prayed, and evangelized for up to 50 hours. Fifty people gave their lives to Jesus Christ in Florida following prayer and worship on the opening night of Come To The Table, a global remembrance of the Lord’s last supper, at an Orlando venue, according to a ministry leader.
Steve Rees, Author at Charisma Magazine Online
On Fire Youth Group Tearing Down the Enemy’s Walls Nationwide Many, including those in the church, have become blind to what Gen Zers can do for the Lord…
From Historic US Revival Site to Jerusalem, Christians Rally for Communion 250: 'Mighty Move of God'
Christians around the world gathered in 156 locations to take communion at college campuses, state capitols, public parks, and open fields where they worshipped, prayed, and evangelized for up to 50 hours. Fifty people gave their lives to Jesus Christ in Florida following prayer and worship on the opening night of Come To The Table, a global remembrance of the Lord's last supper, at an Orlando venue, according to a ministry leader.
Surf photo god Jeff Divine annihilates moral boundaries in new must-have coffee table book
"It was horrifying, but what mattered was the quality of what ended up on the light table." “We were in a rarified world doing what we loved. We did anything we wanted, went anywhere we wanted, and were paid for it.” Doors opened wide if you were Jeff Divine, the prolific lensman, former photo editor of Surfer Magazine and The Surfer’s Journal, who spent fifty years capturing images of a world he helped create.
'He Was My Childhood Hero': Bo Nix and Tim Tebow Talk About Jesus and How Their Journeys Are Linked
Two iconic Denver Broncos quarterbacks are connecting over their faith in Christ, their love of football, and becoming fathers for the first time. The Broncos organization brought Bo Nix and Tim Tebow together to talk about faith, football, and fatherhood before Nix and Tebow swap their football jerseys on Sep. 20th in a match-up with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Denver – the second game of the NFL season.
Love Muslims, Resist Islam: Pastors Share Gospel in Dearborn as Protesters Fight 'Islamification'
ANALYSIS Many Americans are expressing concerns about the rise of Islam in the country, and that has led to some heated moments recently in Dearborn, Michigan. Different approaches have been on display as protesters gathered for a "Christian Crusader March"; a pastor confronted the city council for Islamic law; while on another front, Christian ministers are reaching Muslims with the gospel and discipling those who turn to Christ.
“Corporate mules” Vans dumps Fugazi collab shoe after pushback from iconic punk band
Soon after the online eruption, Van Doren posted, "Sorry for any confusion this past week. Fugazi the Band and Fugazi the clothing Brand are not connected. I have deep respect for Ian MacKaye, his impact on music and his connection to skateboarding. We spoke this morning and are looking at ways to support longtime skateboarders and giving back to the communities we both care deeply about." "I couldn't figure out why he was acting vindictively against us.
Dutch Sheets, Lou Engle Rally Believers for Breakthrough in Iran: 'Pivotal Moment in History'
Sensing the need to spiritually fight for freedom in Iran, leaders of prayer movements in America and around the globe are urging Christians to intercede on August 14th for the Islamic-nation stronghold, as well as for harvest in the Middle East and the world. A prayer gathering in Ohio this Friday follows 21 days of intercession and fasting against the spiritual principality the Bible calls the prince of Persia – or modern-day Iran – that began on July 24th.
Republican Candidate in CO Governor Race Rejects Exorcist Moniker
Victor Marx, the Republican candidate for governor of Colorado, is coming under fire for being a Christian ministry leader whose campaign includes a spiritual component of prayer. While Marx admits to praying against spiritual forces of evil as the Bible teaches, a Denver-based broadcast journalist has dubbed Marx an exorcist – a title usually reserved for certain Catholic priests who focus primarily on battling demons.
'The Breaker': Fitness Icon Micah LaCerte Points Abuse Survivors to Jesus for True Freedom
World-champion athlete, fitness icon, television host, and author Micah LaCerte is aiming to minister to one-in-four Christians who share his childhood fate – sexual abuse by an adult in a position of trust and, in some cases, church leaders. Now, LaCerte's debut book unveils how the Lord used the horrific abuse he endured to shape him into a godly man and husband who helps men and women find victorious freedom from the pain of their past.
She Saw Jesus in a Vision, Left Her Lesbian Life, and Now Leads Others to Freedom in Christ
"The rainbow is in Genesis. What I love about that is that it's the Lord's." The woman who leads a growing number of former LGBTQ people who are now following Jesus instead, MJ Nixon, remembers hearing the gospel at a church as she sat next to her female partner of six years. Drawn by the worship with guitars, drums and a clear message of salvation, MJ knew seeds were planted within her that day, though they remained dormant during the ongoing season with the woman she met in college.
Brandon Lake Wins 2 Top Honors at K-LOVE Awards: 'The World Needs Your Story'
Award-winning Christian songwriter and worship leader Brandon Lake captured two new top honors from fans over the weekend after he was voted best all-around and best male artist of 2026 at the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee. As the biggest winner at the K-LOVE Fan Awards in Nashville, Lake captured the attention of fans and the biggest names in Christian culture with his inspirational remarks, as well.
She Saw Jesus in a Vision, Left Her Lesbian Life, and Now Leads Others to Freedom in Christ
"The rainbow is in Genesis. What I love about that is that it's the Lord's." The woman who leads a growing number of former LGBTQ people who are now following Jesus instead, MJ Nixon, remembers hearing the gospel at a church as she sat next to her female partner of six years. Drawn by the worship with guitars, drums and a clear message of salvation, MJ knew seeds were planted within her that day, though they remained dormant during the ongoing season with the woman she met in college.
Golden Agers Gather in Dana Point as Surfing Adds Another God to Its Pantheon
The Quasimodo, for those unfamiliar, stands alone in its beauty. The surfer cross-steps forward, graceful, gentle. As he reaches the nose, the surfer extends an arm, wistfully bows to the wave, knees and back collapsing forward, and stares directly at his ball sack. A reminder to look down at our balls to make sure we have any. The great Pacific Coast Highway cuts through the town of Dana Point. Drive through and you can see its guts.
'Come, Holy Spirit': New Film Highlights God's Power to Unify Believers From Pentecost to Azusa
As Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Pentecost Sunday, when believers were first baptized in the Holy Spirit, a new film and companion prayer guide explore how this history-shaping, powerful event fulfills Jesus' prayer for unity. "That They May Be One" will be in theaters nationwide five days before this year's celebration of Pentecost on May 24.
Missionary Calls for Prayer After Meeting with 25 Iranian Underground Church Leaders
ANALYSIS Despite reports that Iran is near collapse, an American evangelist is urging prayer for Christians, whom he believes to be at heightened risk as Islamic hardliners may lash out against supporters of the United States and Israel. Evangelist Robby Dawkins says he has heard reports that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may be emboldened to target leaders of the underground church. He announced an urgent call to prayer for Iranian Christians.
100 Missionaries Deploy to 10/40 Window Amid Increasing Reports of Visions of 'The Man in White'
Until recent ceasefire agreements in the Middle East, Christians who gathered to pray and worship in war zones regularly heard overhead missiles hit their targets – explosions happening as they courageously united to exalt the name of Jesus from secret locations. In this environment of uncertainty, a covert prayer room staffed by indigenous believers and supported by a missional base in the United States is meeting to pray and worship for 50 consecutive hours beginning April 23rd.
Sentenced to Death for Following Jesus, She Now Believes Iran's Spiritual Chains Are Breaking
ANALYSIS As Israeli and U.S. military strikes decimate Iran's Islamic regime and its nuclear capabilities, an Iranian woman who was jailed and sentenced to die on apostasy charges believes her countrymen will soon forget their forced Muslim identities, embrace Christianity, and spark a spiritual awakening throughout the Middle East.
Christian Leaders Help Defeat Colorado Attempt to Legalize 'Women as Commodities'
ANALYSIS Christians and conservatives in Colorado are celebrating the defeat of a bill that would have legalized prostitution in the state. Among those celebrating is Victor Marx, an advocate for widows and orphans who has repeatedly risked his life to help rescue them in hostile and closed nations. As he's aiming to become the next Republican governor of Colorado, Marx supported efforts to defeat the bill.
Behind the Horrible Headlines in Iran, a Great Awakening Has Been Underway
ANALYSIS Exiled from Iran and accused of spying, an American pastor says the nation is at a potentially positive crossroads as the Islamic regime faces pressure from its people and world leaders opposed to the hardline religious government.
Trump to Release US Intel on Aliens - Is It Part of the 'Great Deception' Described in Revelation?
ANALYSIS Widespread interest in aliens, extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, and flying objects – even among many Bible-believing Christians – has reached the White House, where, overnight, President Donald Trump pledged full disclosure of government intelligence on these matters.
Despite Tragic Injury for Broncos Star, Izzy Nix Declares God 'Is the Perfect Author of Bo's Story'
The Denver Broncos are heading into the AFC Championship Game without their star quarterback. During their 33-30 victory over the Buffalo Bills, Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle in the final minutes of his first NFL playoff game, but Nix is maintaining his bold witness for Jesus Christ just like former Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Nix and Tebow are the only quarterbacks drafted in Broncos franchise history to win playoff games, which last happened for Denver in 2011, according to Broncos Wire.
Ex-Atheist Turned Evangelist Leads Hundreds of Gen Z to Holy Surrender on New Year's Eve
In anticipation of the new year, thousands of mostly young and Gen Z people gathered in Dallas, Texas, to focus on Jesus Christ through prayer, worship, and inspirational messages for three days. Tasked with preaching the final sermon on New Year's Eve, Brian Barcelona offered a sacrifice of praise after spending the previous day with his father, who had been diagnosed with cancerous brain tumors.
'We Love Because He First Loved Us': Christian Outreach Transforms Lives in Denver
The owner of a Christian coffee shop with a heart of love for the homeless community partnered with a Colorado church to spread joy among the less fortunate members of their spiritual family days before Christmas. Nearly 200 men, women, and a handful of children received raffle tickets, Bibles, coffee, homemade soups, clothing, coats, shoes, haircuts, pedicures, manicures, and assistance with recovering lost IDs at Grace City Church in Denver.
'Not Here to Be Spectators': Worship Leader Kim Walker-Smith Calls the Church Back to Her First Love
Twenty-plus years of ministry as a world-renowned worship leader, recording artist, and champion of God's transforming love and presence through songs of devotion define Kim Walker-Smith. But it's prayer for the church that Walker-Smith takes most seriously as a worship leader.
Terrorists Transformed Into Evangelists: YWAM Reports Powerful Stories of Redemption in Nigeria
*** Warning: This story contains references to gruesome violence *** CHRISTIAN ANALYSIS Formerly murderous militants in Nigeria are being transformed into spiritual warriors for Jesus Christ. And Christian widows whose husbands are victims of genocide in that African nation are also experiencing a powerful work of healing. The global Christian group Youth With A Mission (YWAM) reports God is taking what the devil intended for evil and turning it for good.
Blood Feud: Pipeline King Rory Russell vows to sue Lightning Bolt over alleged "Identity Theft"
"Does Lightning Bolt owe Rory Russell? Technically probably not, morally maybe yes.” North Shore great Rory Russell is boiling, alleging that head Lightning Bolt USA shaper and licensee Craig Hollingsworth, along with Local Motion’s Pat Rawson, are inappropriately profiting from use of his name and the Lightning Bolt logo. Russell is threatening to take the matter to federal court for counterfeiting.
As Islamists Dismember Christians in Mozambique, Powerful Displays of Forgiveness Point to Jesus
More than 40 years ago, missionaries Rodney and Ellie Hein founded a Bible college under a tree in a remote, central region of Mozambique. For decades, their Afrika Wa Yesu ministry has worked to reach the nation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But now Christians throughout the region are facing an extremely dangerous threat. As the kingdom of God advances in Mozambique, radical Islam's evil reign of terror targets Christian believers. They're driven from homes, then bloodied, and even beheaded.
'Communion Revival': 50+ Tents and 1 Enormous Table from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial
United around the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, thousands of Christians representing multiple generations, denominations, and races spent the Labor Day holiday in a unique way – celebrating communion. For the past 40 days, these believers have also individually remembered the Lord's Supper in preparation for Communion America, a first-of-its-kind observance at the National Mall.
Waves of Doom! Climate Creep will destroy $194M California Surf Goldmine
"For those absolute bores who call the ocean their church, prayers to Poseidon are worth a try." While Surfer magazine whores out a front-page story shilling for the new Chevy Trail Boss, BeachGrit delivers stories that matter, that matter to you, to me, even that chunky kid covered in sand rolling in the whitewash. (You know the one.) No, I’m not talking about the real estate section, but something almost of equal value: the end of civilization.
Sid Abbruzzi, the 'Clay-Faced Pauper': How One Surfer’s Defiant Spirit Bound a Culture’s Soul
"Water Brothers was a lighthouse. And when that light goes out, that's the end." At last, Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story released to the masses this weekend and it don’t disappoint. Amazon, Hulu, etc. Why take the time to dig into the life story of an aged, clay-faced pauper? Cause Saint Abbruzzi is a blessing. When Shawn Thompson’s best move is a reverse mortgage, when AARP offers discount ticket to the Surf Museum, it reminds us that our noses are slowly pointing to the dirt.
'Beauty for Ashes': Christian Filmmakers Showcase Unity in Yeshua Amid 2 Years of War in Israel
As Israel marks two years of war with Hamas on October 7th, a Christian-produced film is inspiring viewers to search for peace, resilience, and hope while remembering the innocent people who've lost their lives on all sides of the conflict.
The data desert California high school leaders endure
High school principals and leaders of unified and high school districts are about to trek through the data desert again. Another cycle of LCAPs and Differentiated Assistance and Technical Support and charter renewal hearings and more. And all of these are dependent upon interpreting signals of varying quality about student learning using a Dashboard whose logic rules are broken. The trek for elementary and middle school leaders is bad enough.
56 Tents, 50 States, 1 Enormous Communion Table: Could DC Event Spark a Third Great Awakening?
United around the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, thousands of Christians representing multiple generations, denominations, and races recently spent the Labor Day holiday in a unique way – celebrating communion. And for the next 40 days, these believers will individually remember the Lord's Supper before celebrating it together at Communion America, a first-of-its-kind observance at the National Mall.
The Story Behind Christian Chart-Topper Tauren Wells and How He Met Jesus
Known for his seven No. 1 hits on Christian radio and numerous nominations and awards for millions of copies sold, Tauren Wells is also a best-selling author and pastor of a Texas church that has baptized hundreds of people and grown to three worship services in less than two years. But faith wasn't always his first priority. It turns out that street hockey – not worship, preaching, or writing – was on Wells' mind the first time he went to church.
They Used to Identify as LGBTQ, Now These Portland 'Freedom Marchers' Identify as Jesus-Followers
At 13 years of age, Michael Myrand's father committed suicide without embracing or affirming him. Then a kid at school blamed Michael for his father's death, telling him, "Your dad killed himself because you're a {gay slur}." Abuse and rejection by boys from kindergarten through high school only reinforced Myrand's pain and feelings of abandonment growing up without his dad in Michigan, where he lived with his praying mother.
Tourist boat charges pumping Ala Moana Bowls!
Got a sick one. Ships ahoy! A passenger vessel ran onto reef this morning. At 8 a.m. HST, the Discovery, a boat that transports ticket holders to an offshore pleasure submarine, charged through the break at the edge of Ala Moana Bowls, nailed a hard right down the line, and ran itself aground. Watch the video here: It is reported that the captain and one crew member were the sole bodies on board the Discovery, owned by Atlantis Adventures.
Surf fiction: The incredible true story of Emmy award-winning "voice of surfing" Joe Turpel
For the first time, he allowed himself to see that these were not professional surfers but shining black harp seals looping around the waves. Management changed hands frequently and with each new group a new look, a new name: The Westgate Support Lounge marquee sign was erected over the main building. As if a flashlight could heat a potato.
'Leading the World in Worship for 25 Years': 1,200 Rally at Bethel for Worship Commissioning
ANALYSIS The last book of the Bible reveals every nation, tribe, people, and tongue standing before God's throne in heaven, worshiping with loud voices the One who is surrounded by angels and living creatures. This week, 1,200 people are at Bethel Church for training, equipping, and commissioning to lead worship for multitudes on earth – as it is in heaven.
Missing evidence about schools in the nation and California
In the face of the damage the gleeful Trump administration has been wreaking on the world, I’ll confess that I’ve had a hard time keeping my focus on the mismeasurement of K-12 education. Harm to humans caused by Trump’s White House and MAGA Republicans in Congress is so vast that it makes harm to data and evidence seem tiny. But these two varieties of harm – one small and one large — are related. When the House passed the budget bill into law on July 3, it provoked me to get back to work.
Ravik Jetboard Poised to Transform the Art of Big-Wave Surfing
"Imagine rolling into a Pe’ahi mega-bomb from way out the back, all at the slight pull of that funny little trigger.” The way of progress is neither swift nor easy, said Marie Curie, and the gal worked herself to death so it’s fair to agree with her little pearl. But now there’s the Ravik to counter the old tart. Easy is indeed the way with the newly released Ravik “jetboard” series by Awake.
Messianic Jews Return to Worship Together After Weeks of Iranian Missiles
With news of a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Iran, the prospect of returning to synagogues and churches for worship in the Holy Land inspired a Messianic Jewish congregation in Jerusalem to gather again for worship on Sunday night. Giving heartfelt thanks to God, the Israel Defense Forces, and faithful people who returned to their house of prayer in Jerusalem, leaders praised the congregation's members during their first in-person worship service in nearly two weeks.
Pastor Carries Cross from Coast to Coast to Preach Christ and Call Attention to the Homeless
A pastor who has carried a 75-pound, wooden cross for two years across the United States is in the nation's capital this week with a message he first preached on the West Coast. Pastor Nick Schindler carried the cross all the way to the gates of the White House, as he and other people have been praying, worshipping, and welcoming Jesus Christ into public squares across the nation.
Christian Camp That Led Thousands to Christ Faces Legal Battle to Uphold Biblical Beliefs on Gender
NEWS FEATURE A wife and mother of five, Kaitlyn Scott first encountered Jesus Christ as a junior-high student at a Christian camp near the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where in 2024 alone nearly 300 youth responded to the Gospel. Today, an author and worship leader, due in part to her early camp experiences, Scott remembers the presence of Jesus in worship as much as the camp's iconic name.
Christian Camp That Points Thousands to Christ Faces Legal Battle Over Biblical Beliefs on Gender
NEWS FEATURE A wife and mother of five, Kaitlyn Scott first encountered Jesus Christ as a junior-high student at a Christian camp near the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where in 2024 alone nearly 300 youth responded to the Gospel. Today, an author and worship leader, due in part to her early camp experiences, Scott remembers the presence of Jesus in worship as much as the camp's iconic name.
Beloved Promise Keeper Bill McCartney Inspired Millions To Pursue Jesus
By Steve Rees — Bill McCartney, the founder of the Christian men’s ministry Promise Keepers, is receiving heavenly rewards for leading a ministry that blessed millions of families with a biblical representation of Godly manhood through stadium events across the country and in the nation’s capital. “Our beloved founder, Coach Mac, has gone to glory,” Promise Keepers posted to its social media account, along with an ABC News report of McCartney’s death on Jan. 10.
The Fruit Loops Dashboard
I have a hefty appetite for visual expressions of school data. So it was with a hungry eye that I saw the EdSource visual representation of the new CDE Dashboard results. I clicked … but quickly lost my appetite. Five colors. Six columns. But no numbers. The invitation to compare schools seems tempting, until you try. What does it mean to compare a yellow to an orange in math performance? The comparisons remind me of Fruit Loops, the breakfast cereal.
Former abortionists, survivors of abortion, face-to-face
By Steve Rees — Contemplate the unimaginable: You survive an abortion attempt and later in life intentionally meet two people who killed preborn babies in the wombs of their birth mothers. Or consider you are an abortionist coming face to face with survivors – one of whom emerged alive from a lethal salt solution – and the other a twin whose sister was torn apart inside her mother’s uterus in procedures you once performed.
Pastor trades his cane for a cross to trek across America
By Steve Rees — When Nick Schindler heard the Lord Jesus say He wanted him to carry a cross, the unconventional pastor went to a big-box store – like good carpenters do – for lumber and hardware to build one. A literal cross – not the spiritual one Jesus commands His followers to carry – is what the Lord had in mind. Not a carpenter by trade like Jesus, Schindler listened to the Lord for directions: Build the cross using an eight-feet-long post and side bars three-feet wide, He told Schindler.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Steve
Contact Steve, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack