Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg
In this special edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, you will hear from author interviews captured at the 2026 Illinois Christian Home Educators Conference (ICHE), a conference designed to disciple homeschooling families mentally and spiritually.
In the first half, you will hear from Rhonda Robinson, a mother of nine and and grandmother of 39! An award-winning author with over 25 years of writing experience, she currently serves as manager and content producer for the Parenting and Marriage web content at Focus on the Family.… Continue Reading
Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg
In this special episode of Spotlight, you will hear from two special speakers. Held at Olivet Nazarene University, the 2026 Illinois Christian Educator’s Conference featured a host of keynote speakers that inspired faithfulness and excellence in the younger generation.
Carl Kerby, one of the event’s keynotes, represented Reasons for Hope, a non-profit apologetics ministry designed to equip Christians with real answers to hard questions.
Kelly Love, another featured keynote speaker, works as the National Sales Director with Trail Life USA, a Christian alternative to the compromised Boy Scouts.… Continue Reading
Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg
On Monday, July 6, 2026, preliminary hearings started taking place in regard to Charlie Kirk’s assassination case.
Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin, and his defense team, requested that the death penalty be removed from consideration in his trial. The defense’s request was in response to prosecutor Christopher Ballard’s comment to the media about having “ample evidence” to prove Robinson’s guilt, in what the defense claimed was a violation of a gag order.… Continue Reading
Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, IFI’s Dave Smith sits down with Pastor Dan Fisher to explore the remarkable—and often forgotten—role that pastors played in securing the religious and civil liberties Americans enjoy today.
Pastor Fisher, founder of the Black Robe Regiment ministry and a former Oklahoma state representative, explains how colonial ministers boldly preached biblical principles of liberty, influenced the Founding Fathers, and, in many cases, led soldiers into the War for Independence.… Continue Reading
Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg
In this week’s episode, IFI’s David Smith hosts a “Generation Z” roundtable discussion focusing on the topic of “Pride Month.”
This discussion will break down the next generation’s view on LGBTQ issues, the reality of growing up with “Pride Month,” pursuing fidelity and marriage, and so much more.
“The void in our hearts that we’re looking for can only be filled by Jesus Christ…”
The roundtable also examines the importance of God’s design for marriage, sexuality, and family; the role of parents in guiding children; and why Christians must respond with both courage and compassion.… Continue Reading
Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg
This edition of Illinois Family Spotlight features special guest, Christopher Parr of Princeton University.
Christopher Parr, along with Professor Robert George, is part of a volunteer team that leads the June Fidelity Month initiative — a positive alternative to “Pride Month” that encourages faithfulness to God, family, and community.
With America drifting more and more away from faith, family, and freedom, Fidelity Month seeks to once again unify Americans around the core values of our faith in God, our founding documents, our covenant marriages, and our families.… Continue Reading
Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg
This week’s episode of Illinois Family Spotlight features highlights from a Springfield prayer gathering that IFI was a part of.
Illinois is in a spiritual battle. Yes, our voices and our votes are important. But, the deeper issue is a lack of repentance and faith in God.
IFI’s Executive Director, David Smith, was able to give an address at this prayer gathering.
“Can we not see that God is beginning to curse our blessings?
…
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Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg
In this episode of Spotlight, David Smith and Jenna Smith sit down with Rebecca Leland, founder of the ministry group, “UnSingling.”
UnSingling is a Christ-centered ministry specifically designed for Christians singles to meet, connect, and (hopefully) find their spouse.
In this episode, Rebecca Leland unpacks the current dating landscape and how Christians can still be intentional about finding faith-centered community.
“In the Christian dating realm, it is almost impossible feeling to find any kind of specific location that you can go to and know almost for certain that the majority are actually Christian and that the majority are seeking a spouse…”
This is a fun conversation that you do not want to miss. … Continue Reading
Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg
In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, David Smith sits down with Stephanie Trussell to discuss the political climate in Illinois.
Stephanie Trussell is a Christian, wife, mom, grandmother, radio host, and candidate for the 42nd House District who epmphatically says:
“I want to make it easier… for people to achieve the American Dream…
[Illinois is] the greatest state in the nation– we have the worst leaders.
In this conversation, Stephanie talks about the importance of standing on the biblical principles of faith, family, and life in the realm of politics.… Continue Reading
Written by David E. Smith
A new survey from Arizona Christian University and researcher Dr. George Barna reveals a troubling contradiction within Generation Z: while more young people are identifying as Christians, very few actually hold a biblical worldview.
According to the study, Gen Z is showing increased interest in matters of faith. More young adults claim to be Christians, report a deeper commitment to practicing their beliefs, and say they are reading the Bible regularly.… Continue Reading
Education, Faith & Religion | Alyssa Sonnenburg | 
August 5, 2026 5:00 AM | 
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