Tag: FIFA

Pro-Life Ad With Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Approved for World Cup

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Mountain landscape at sunset with a glowing heartbeat line overlaid in the sky

Six years after a Faces of Choice Super Bowl ad introducing abortion survivors to America was blocked days before airing, the pro-life organization now has another opportunity to bring those same voices before a global audience. Faces of Choice has created a powerful new World Cup commercial featuring boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and abortion survivors from around the world — men and women who survived abortion procedures intended to end their lives before birth. The ad has now been approved, and an initial international placement will run during the World Cup final weekend. Faces of Choice is still working against the clock to fund additional placement while this rare window remains open, so this message can reach as many people as possible.

For Faces of Choice founder Lyric Gillett, the moment carries deep significance. “Six years ago, our Super Bowl ad was blocked just before the game,” Gillett said. “That ad was created to introduce culture to abortion survivors, not as statistics, not as political arguments, but as real people with names, faces, families, and stories. Now, during one of the largest global media moments in the world, we have another chance.” Pacquiao’s involvement in the ad campaign also carries special significance given his long-standing public pro-life convictions.

In addition to his historic boxing career, Pacquiao served in the Philippine Senate from 2016 to 2022, where he was known not only as a national sports icon, but as a public figure willing to speak openly about faith, family, and the value of human life. The campaign’s message is simple: “Choice is not just a word. Choice is a person.” The original 2020 Faces of Choice ad premiered at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., where the stories of survivors were received by pro-life advocates from across the country.

Survivors such as Melissa Ohden of the Abortion Survivors Network, Dr. Imre Téglásy of Human Life International, Robin Sertell, Josiah Presley, Lisa Manasco, Claire Culwell, Denisha Workizer, Anderson Ocampo of Passion Life, Pastor Gary Yamamoto, Lauren Eden, and so many others from the United States and all around the world, reveal the faces of “choice.” “Abortion survivors change the conversation because they reveal what is at stake in human form,” Gillett said. “When people come face to face with someone who survived an abortion procedure, a powerful paradigm shift takes place.

Abortion survivors’ lives challenge the idea that “choice” is an abstraction. These are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, teachers, pastors, artists, athletes, and neighbors…Real people, made in the image of God.” Actor Kevin Sorbo has also joined the effort, recording and sharing an urgent video message encouraging pro-lifers to support the campaign. Sorbo said he believes the world needs to hear directly from abortion survivors themselves.

“This is the kind of message the world needs to see,” Gillett said. “This is no longer theoretical: the ad is approved, the survivors are ready, and the campaign is beginning internationally during the World Cup final weekend. Now the focus is on expanding the reach of this campaign while this rare global window remains open.” Faces of Choice was founded to amplify the voices of people who survived abortions and to challenge the culture to recognize the humanity of every child in the womb. The organization’s work centers on survivor-led storytelling, media campaigns, and directing viewers to existing life-affirming networks like Heartbeat International.

“This is not simply about one ad campaign,” she said. “This is about changing the way the world sees abortion and “choice.” It’s the beginning of a much larger vision: a global media initiative to introduce abortion survivors to the world as the faces of “choice.” We hope to build a lasting platform where their stories can continue to be seen, heard, and connected to the existing networks of life-affirming care. The World Cup gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to open that door, but the mission does not end there.”

Source: Pro-Life Ad With Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Approved for World Cup – LifeNews.com

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

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Arlington Police lieutenant serves as the only female SWAT commander across all 16 FIFA host cities

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Two security officers walking outside Lions Arena entrance at dusk

FIFA World Cup organizers estimate North Texas will host about four million people during the tournament, more than any other host city. Soccer fans from around the world bring their fandom to Dallas Stadium in Arlington for nine FIFA World Cup games. Law enforcement agencies are making sure people are safe while supporting their teams. That includes Arlington Police Lieutenant Ja’Nae McGee. “I joined the SWAT team in 2022, and from there, it was preparation for FIFA,” McGee said. Lt. McGee is the only female commander leading a SWAT team among the 16 FIFA host cities.

“The reality is being a female in law enforcement is very different than being a male, and as long as we create that sisterhood and that bond with one another, I think it carries on through generations,” McGee said. Lt. McGee decided to go into law enforcement after seeing her cousin work as an officer for the Arlington Police Department. The World Cup assignment is perfect for her; she played soccer in high school and in college. She leads 45 officers on her team and ensures the SWAT unit has everything needed to be prepared for emergencies. “We needed armor, and we need additional resources for tactical operations,” McGee said. Part of the preparation included additional training. “We came up with a big training for the Metro that was spearheaded by Arlington FD, and that was a simulation of a huge drone attack,” McGee said. “It showed us where we need to work on and how we need to work on things.” The Arlington Police Department partners with other agencies for the World Cup.

“We’ve relied heavily on our federal partners, which include the FBI and DPS, and they help us out at the games as a reaction team for outside and interior support when we’re inside the stadium. Then we also rely on Mansfield, who covers us in our absence from the city,” McGee said. France takes on Spain at Dallas Stadium for a semi-final match on Tuesday, July 14. Lt. McGee assured her team is ready. “We get up early, we bring the team in, we get briefed, everyone gets into positions, and then it’s more of we’re here for presence and assistance, and everyone’s having a good time,” McGee said. The mother of a seven-year-old girl hopes to be a role model for other young women while protecting fans from any potential danger.

Source: Arlington Police lieutenant serves as the only female SWAT commander across all 16 FIFA host cities – CBS Texas

O my soul, you have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
Psalm 16:2

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FIFA World Cup Fans are saying “USA …We Are SORRY Says WORLD 😊” –

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Group of enthusiastic soccer fans tailgating with flags and grill outside Lumen Field stadium at sunset

I’ve got to say collectively we owe the USA an apology. And when I say we, I mean the entire world and that apology is needed purely because of how much judgment the world has thrown onto the US over the last few years. The American people are probably the most genuine, welcoming, humble people that I’ve ever met in my life. 100% if you get the chance, go to the US and travel and see it for yourself. I promise you, you won’t regret it. t’s just been really cool. And I think one of my favorite parts even about World Cup is the fact that there’s so many people coming in from all over the world and they’re enjoying America.

Like they’re truly truly enjoying America, enjoying all of the little things that sometimes we overlook. And you see the little like Tik Toks or stories from there. There’s Freddy LA7 who is currently on Twitter and it’s like they’re just enjoying the little things about this country that maybe we sometimes overlook like having a big gas station like going to Bies, even just talking about like the neighborhoods, how quaint our neighborhoods are or how kind people are in America. It It’s almost like we needed people from different parts of the world to remind us how great our country is and know our country isn’t perfect and there’s definitely some things that can be better, but there’s also just a lot of good here and there’s a lot of good people here.

There’s a lot of amazing things here. There’s a lot of small things that I feel like sometimes us Americans take for granted because it’s just something that we’ve gotten used to our entire life. And so that’s been one of the things that I also just think has been really cool, seeing our country through the eyes of people who don’t live here. I think we owe you a big apology because what we think America’s like is exactly not what it’s like. Like the news outlets in the UK say America’s this, say America’s that, say America’s this, America’s that. I’m not going to get into detail, but listen, when you go to America, you actually see what it’s like with your own two eyes. Honestly, people are so nice here. The hospitality is amazing. People are just so accommodating.

And anything you want, they will do it. And the thing is, the people here are so nice, so polite. And in the UK, we think the complete opposite. We think people are not nice. We think it’s very dangerous here. But it’s not, guys. You need to go to America to experience it. Cuz if you’re not, then you’re missing out. You’re 100% missing out of what it’s like in the USA. So to me, to you, I give you guys a huge apology because us Brits are missing out of the USA. honest guys. America, you deserve and are owed an apology. And I’m going to say sorry on behalf of all the countries outside America and their media and the narrative they paint about America. Hundreds and thousands of fans for the World Cup are now seeing America through their own eyes, realizing the narrative they’ve been fed is false.

And they’re now realizing America is not the place that they thought it was. And I am sorry the media in these countries outside of America paints you the way they do. America is rich in culture, scenery, the people are amazing. And the media in the countries outside of America paint this weird narrative that it’s a place that you shouldn’t go. But now the tides are changing. There is a shift that is happening. And I’m sorry you’ve been painted in this light for so long. And I’m so happy America is finally receiving the flowers that it deserves.

Source: (606) “USA …We Are SORRY” – Says WORLD 😊 – YouTube

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17

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What Europeans Discover in America: FIFA First Impressions

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Large dark SUV facing a small yellow car with a crowd of people behind a barricade, many looking surprised

There’s something fascinating about watching videos of Europeans visiting America for the first time. Many are amazed by the sheer scale of everyday life, from massive stores like Walmart and Costco, where entire aisles seem to stretch forever, to the wide highways and endless parking lots. Visitors often express surprise at iconic yellow school buses, the huge portions served in restaurants, and the incredible variety of products available in American stores.

Beyond the size and convenience, many travelers are equally impressed by how friendly people are, with strangers striking up conversations and offering help without hesitation. These firsthand reactions provide a fresh perspective on things many Americans take for granted, highlighting the unique experiences, hospitality, and opportunities that make the United States such an interesting place to explore.

Source: Europeans Realize They Were Lied to About America. I Love America!; Youtube.com

But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Galatians 3:22

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5 police officers shot dead in cartel-plagued part of Mexico as World Cup kicks off

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string with flags

Five Mexican police officers were shot dead and five others wounded Wednesday in violence-hit Michoacan state on the eve of the World Cup opener in Mexico City, local authorities said. The officers were attacked by unknown assailants in an Indigenous region of the western state, which is plagued by cartel violence, the state government reported. The pickup truck they were traveling in was riddled with bullet holes, according to images obtained by AFP. In a social media post, the Moriela Police Department identified the slain officers as Porfirio Rodriguez Briseno, Brandon Josue Zamora Torres, Francisco Javier Otero Damas, Jonatan Mondragon Servin and  Mateo Valdez Abarca.

Jose Pablo Alarcon Olemdo, the city’s former police chief, extended his condolences the victims’ families and friends. “The criminals responsible for this attack must be arrested and punished with the full weight of the law,” he wrote on social media. The attack took place in the municipality of Nahuatzen, a region inhabited by the Purepecha people where the powerful New Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) operates. In May, the brazen murder of a small-city mayor, allegedly by the CJNG, prompted angry protests targeting symbols of the state, which many residents accused of failing to combat spiraling violence.

Michoacan’s capital Morelia is situated around 300 kilometers from both Mexico City and fellow World Cup host city Guadalajara. The state’s security department said police were searching for the perpetrators of Wednesday’s attack. Mexico’s government insists that there is no security threat to visiting World Cup fans. Mexico is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and the United States. The U.S. Embassy said this week that because safety risks in Mexico can “vary greatly by region,” each Mexican state has been given its own travel advisory by the U.S. State Department.

In late April,  the Mexican military captured one of the CJNG’s top leaders in the northwest of the country, two months after the cartel’s leader was killed. Audias Flores Silva, also known as “El Jardinero,” or The Gardener, was seen as a possible successor to the killed leader and the United States had a $5 million reward out for information leading to his arrest. Flores Silva was seen as a possible successor to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho,” who was killed in a dramatic military operation in February. The killing of “El Mencho” led to a surge of cartel violence with a wave of attacks on businesses by cartel gunmen, vehicle burnings and road blockades that killed more than 70 people, including 25 National Guard members.

Source: 5 police officers shot dead in cartel-plagued part of Mexico as World Cup kicks off – CBS News

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13

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