Stand for Life Launches, Jack Hayford Dies at 88 & Buffalo Bills Chaplain Speaks on Collapse

A new organization that grew out of an alliance of more than 100 pro-life groups has launched with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission providing a vital contribution.

Stand for Life became a separate organization at the start of 2023 with the purpose of uniting the pro-life movement to establish a culture that affirms every human being, including the preborn child, is made in the image of God. It also seeks to strengthen support for women who experience unexpected pregnancies.

The new organization will hold a private meeting of pro-life organizations Jan. 18-19 in Washington, D.C.
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Jack Hayford, a popular Pentecostal leader and pioneer of the megachurch movement, often regarded as a “pastor to pastors,” has entered the majesty of Heaven. He died Sunday.

Hayford died peacefully in his San Fernando Valley home in Southern California, according to a statement from The Church on the Way, a church in Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys that he led for 30 years until 1999. He retained his membership there and received the title of pastor emeritus in 2015.

Hayford is known for his long-standing radio program and popular hymn “Majesty”.

He was 88.
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Faith and prayer are more prevalent in the NFL than the casual observer may think, Buffalo Bills team chaplain Len Vanden Bos told Baptist Press. But since the moments after Damar Hamlin fell to the turf in Cincinnati Jan. 2, Vanden Bos has witnessed a unifying desire for prayer among both players and fans.

Hamlin collapsed from cardiac arrest after a routine tackle in the first quarter and was taken to a local hospital. He has since shown remarkable progress and was able to watch the Bills’ 35-23 win over the Patriots Sunday from his room. Hamlin was released to a Buffalo hospital on Jan. 9.

Vanden Bos stood about 20 yards from Hamlin when the play occurred and was soon out on the field with others. People grabbed a hand next to them.

This past Sunday, medical personnel and athletic trainers were honored alongside first responders for their roles in saving Hamlin’s life. Hamlin’s jersey number, 3, was seen throughout a packed Highmark Stadium. It was also on a card Vanden Bos gave players prior to the game. He called it three realities:

1. God is with us. (Psalm 23:4)

1. Time is limited for each of us. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

1. Jesus brings us the victory over death. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

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