This week in good news (Oct. 25-31)

The Lord set captives free, Christmas came early to parts of Manitoba, and young people got involved in helping others in good news this week.

PRAISE: Christian held captive for seven years released

A Pakistani Christian has been released from prison seven years after being accused of blasphemy.

Sawan Masih was imprisoned in 2013 and extreme violence followed his charges, Mission Network News reports.

WATCH: Bangladesh believers worship while being baptized in secret

Raw footage of worship and a secret baptism in Bangladesh show how believers are persisting in following Christ despite persecution.

Open Doors USA's local Bangladesh partners recently recorded a secluded baptism showing men and women all taking a significant public step in their commitment to follow Jesus.

Each person in the video converted from another religion to become a Christian, Open Doors USA reports.

One woman understands the impact one shoebox can make in the life of a child

Although COVID-19 has presented challenges to shoebox packing, a woman passionate about helping less-fortunate children knew the need this year was greater than ever.

Ina Reimer runs a shoebox drive out of the basement of her church, Landmark Fellowship Church in Landmark, Man.

"I first started putting together shoeboxes when I first heard of them," says Reimer.

Fresh IE hanging out with Lauren Daigle and Chris Tomlin on music charts

It was a very happy birthday weekend for Fresh IE as his latest project quickly shot up the music charts.

The Winnipeg rapper (AKA Robert Wilson) debuted Heart Breaks on Friday.

On Saturday he received one of the greatest birthday gifts possible as the album was quickly climbing on the Apple Music inspirational charts. It debuted at No. 21 on the charts. "Thank you all for the birthday love!!" he writes in an online post.

Movie shoot brings early Christmas to Carman

An annual holiday favourite is hitting close to home for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies in southern Manitoba.

One of the channel's 2020 premieres, called Project Christmas Wish, is being filmed in Carman during the first week of November.

"We haven't had a movie filmed here for a couple of years and so now this is another opportunity for us to showcase our community," said Tyler King, Director of Economic Development.

Pilots fly 2,500 Bibles to a remote tribe, translated in their language

The Yali tribe in Papua, Indonesia, once very hostile, are now enjoying the Word of God translated in their language after pilots dropped off 2,500 Bibles.

In August of this year, according to a report, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) out of the UK, flew this precious cargo to the Yali tribe. They brought 1,100 Bibles and 1,400 children’s Bibles to the remote Papuan villages of Holuwon, Oakbisik, and DeKai.

In Oakbisik, people from neighbouring villages walked for a whole day just to receive a Bible.

Winnipeg boy helping clean up walking paths, one piece of trash at a time

At just 11-years-old, one local boy is helping make a difference by cleaning up other people's trash on a walking path that is parallel to the Seine River.

Luka Gray and his family love being outdoors and often go for walks or ride their bikes along the Seine River.

After doing that a few times this summer, Luka got inspired when he saw a lot of garbage along the walkway. He felt that something needed to be done and then took action.

Mennonite school's annual dinner feeding over 1,200 people

A high school in Winnipeg is offering free meals to its community to thank them for their support.

Alexis Dirks and Krista Neustaedter Barg from Westgate Mennonite Collegiate are preparing their third annual Pick Up, Dine, and Donate. The school is offering its community bags of four meals that include Mennonite staples such as perogies and farmer sausage.

Teens raking up responsibility

A group of students at Glenlawn Collegiate are making a point of being a good neighbour.

Teacher Dan Law says that he and a group of students in his Lifeworks class go into the community to rake leaves for those in need.

"It is a little bit different than the classroom, but every time I say 'hey we are going out and raking' they are like ' hey! That is awesome! Where are we going?" Law says.

Manitoban doctor using TikTok to educate young people on COVID

A prominent doctor shares that she has hope for Winnipeg, but people need to do their part.

Dr. Gigi Osler is an ENT surgeon in Winnipeg and the former president of the Canadian Medical Association. She is also now a budding TikTok star for her efforts educating Manitoba's young people on COVID-19.

Osler's video explaining health care capacity ending with a positive message has over 51,000 views.

Roussin asks Manitobans to find hope in ability during pandemic

Winnipeg's chief medical officer says "we have never been helpless" against COVID-19 and is asking Manitobans to care for others by staying home.

Dr. Brent Roussin says that with the current trajectory, Manitoba could see thousands of more COVID-19 cases by the end of the week. While this is a possibility, he says there is a reason to stay positive.

"As far as hope goes, I think we know exactly what we can do. If we look at ourselves, and the loved ones around us, we can reduce our risk, right now, today."

Front-line workers share how to pray for them during the pandemic

As a global pandemic drives many people to be secluded, workers on the front line move towards those that need help the most.

Doctors, nurses, police officers, and firefighters put themselves in harm's way to help those in need. Many say they are the heroes in our communities.

Here is how people can pray for front-line workers who help others in the midst of COVID-19.

'I've seen first hand, the things I couldn't do, Jesus can do': Austin French opens up with CHVN

Austin French has been rising in the Christian music scene for a few years, and now he's come out with a very personal account of his rough childhood with his first book.

The book, as well as a song on his latest album, is called Jesus Can.

"I never thought I'd be an author, but here we are," French says.

Comedy re-imagined, Michael Jr. shares his heart and faith with CHVN

"My purpose is to comedically inspire people to walk in purpose," says Michael Jr. who mixes his comedy routine with his Christian faith.

He mixes his faith in with his comedy routine and has said that when people laugh is often when they are most responsive to a life-changing message.

"Tension and stress is actually comedy's best friend because it needs so desperately to be released. Whether it's in somebody's heart or something they've never even noticed before."

'We will get through this': officials sharing messages of calm

As Manitobans soak in the latest COVID-19 moves, major voices in the pandemic response are sharing hopeful messages.

On Friday, the Winnipeg Metro region is moving to Red on the Pandemic Response System. The rest is moving to Orange if they are not already there.

"We recognize the significant personal and professional sacrifices Manitobans have made to help protect themselves and their community. We are in this together, and I confident we will get through this together," Premier Brian Pallister says.

Porch Pals remember Luci Swindoll

When the Women of Faith group lost one of their beloved speakers recently, Luci Swindoll, the original members connected online to give their tribute to her.

The original members include Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Sandi Patty, Thelma Wells, Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, and Nicole Johnson.

The ladies collectively called themselves the Porch Pals and have comfortably been on stages across North America talking as if they were sitting in their own living room, discussing life and faith.

Bird self-admits to rehab after wings singed

A little sparrow is now on the mend and in the right place after it admitted itself to an animal rehab centre.

On October 29, staff at the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile Des Chenes just outside of Winnipeg had a visitor.

"We had a tiny little house sparrow that just hopped into our wildlife rehab centre. Talk about a walk-in clinic," says Zoe Nakata, the Executive Director of the centre.