Pentecostalism, a charismatic branch of Christianity, is a relatively new, but rapidly spreading movement that emphasizes the divine gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is not so much a denomination, but more of an experience. As with many Christians, Pentecostals believe in the manifestation of the Holy Spirit through Biblically based gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophesying, and healing. For a lot of churches, this isn’t anything new, but the movement across the world is the phenomenon religious scholars are noticing.

The death of any loved one is always sad and difficult to accept. This is particularly true when it is a young and vibrant life that is suddenly shortened by a complex set of medical problems; a young and productive life that was surrounded by a strong and caring family, a throng of devoted friends and neighbors, and an enviable record of accomplishments. Such was the life of Nicholas Andre Williams, born Sept. 4, 1981 in Los Angeles, Calif., to Charles and Kimberly Williams.