The country of El Salvador has been ravaged by over 20 years of civil war and gang violence. The president of El Salvador, Antonio Saca, is searching for peace for his country. He personally invited the Central Oregon based Freedom Team to come and share their message of hope and love.

For years, the partnership and cooperation between the Church of God and Operation Christmas Child has been growing as we join together in service, reaching out to children in desperate circumstances around the world. It is a partnership that has been forged through the shared heart and passion to proclaim the gospel and care for those who are lost, hurting, and needy.

OurPrayer, an Outreach Ministry of Guideposts that prays for over 600,000 prayer requests annually, is asking again this year for prayer requests in advance of their Annual Thanksgiving Day of Prayer on Monday, November 24th. “We welcome all to join us as OurPrayer reaches out to inspire, unite and help people worldwide through prayer. Please send us your prayer requests so that we may pray for you or a loved one on this special Thanksgiving Day of Prayer,” said Reverend Dr. Peola Hicks, OurPrayer Manager.

Written by Samantha Nelson, Reaching the Hurting–A Biblical Guide for Helping Abuse Victims, covers a range of abuse situations and is available through The Hope of Survivors. This book makes a great personal, self-help healing tool as well as a workbook for small group Bible studies or a quick-reference for counselors.

This weekend, millions of Brazilians across the country will gather around a television during prime time to watch one of the world’s greatest athletes — but they won’t be seeing a sporting event.

By Cameron Fisher

CLEVELAND, TN–A new building dedicated exclusively to the School of Religion at Lee University was formally dedicated on November 7, 2008. The ceremony recognized key individuals and organizations which made the $5 million facility possible.

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AP) — Billy Graham’s work as a pastor to presidents is coming to an end, but he is praying for Barack Obama as the next U.S. leader begins his work, Graham’s son said Friday on the ailing evangelist’s 90th birthday. Franklin Graham said in an interview that his father’s mind remains sharp even as his body continues to fail. But the preacher who has counseled every president beginning with Eisenhower is not in line to mentor Obama.

“The Purpose of Christmas” CD, the music companion to Dr. Rick Warren’s newest book with the same title released today from Howard Publishers at retailers nationwide, is now available through an exclusive arrangement with the nation’s largest retailer, Wal- Mart. All net proceeds will benefit The PEACE Plan, a global initiative created by Warren, pastor of Saddleback Valley Community Church in Southern California and author of “The Purpose Driven Life.”

By Grant McClung

Ninety years ago today, on November 6, 1918, the young life of a visionary missions mobilizer in the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) was cut short by the global influenza pandemic of 1918. It is estimated that 70 million people worldwide died in that horrible plague.