Today’s news headlines rivet our attention toward Iraq–the birthplace of Mesopotamia, site of the Garden of Eden, the Tower of Babel, ancient Nineveh, Babylon, and site of the patriarch Abraham’s native city, Ur. From the dawn of civilization until now the geographical territory we call the Middle East has been the subject of apocalyptic prophesies and the volatile setting of frequent wars. Why?

The Church of God Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CIMS) program was recently launched at the headquarters church in Fanchenebra, Ghana. There will also be classes at the Ghana Bible Institute, making it the second international learning center in Ghana.

By Ed Thomas, OneNewsNow.com A spokesman for the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) agrees with a published report that states the majority of disputes arising between patients and their medical doctors who refuse to give treatments or services are related to religious or ethical convictions. However, he feels that it is better that way.

Forty-nine students representing eight Latin American nationalities graduated from the South American Seminary (SEMISUD) in Ecuador at the 30th graduation.

Most will hail the ban on Partial Birth abortion which could potentially save thousands of pre-born children from having their brains sucked out and their skulls crushed; but sadly the weakness in the law is revealing itself in glaring brutality.

The first part of 2007 has developed into one of the most significant periods of distribution for Operation Compassion. During the Christmas season, 1.2 million children received gifts of toys, books, candy and small games. Operation Compassion followed up this distribution with an emphasis on helping single parent families find suitable housing. Working with partner charities, 7,500 homes have been built.

Promise Keepers (PK), the international ministry to men, contributes to Focus on the Family’s ‘Flashback’ series of ‘definitive broadcasts’ today and Friday, Aug. 10, 2007. Leadership guru John Maxwell is featured in a two- part broadcast on Focus on the Family’s global network of daily radio outlets.

By Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church, Seattle, WA

In the mid-1990s I was a young church planter trying to establish a church in the city of Seattle when I got a call to speak at my first conference. It was hosted by Leadership Network and focused on the subject of Generation X.

The Chaplains Commission recently made a giant leap forward in its tireless pursuit of ministry “beyond the gates” with the inauguration of a specialized course in law enforcement chaplaincy. This “first ever event” took place at the New York Theological Seminary, New York City, July 10-12, 2007.