Sevierville, TN—Officials with the Church of God’s Smoky Mountain Children’s Home (SMCH) recently unveiled a renovated chapel, Magnolia Auditorium, located in the historical administration building fronting its sixty-acre campus, in the heart of Sevierville, Tennessee.

In a world of seemingly ever-present iPhones, iPads and laptops, it’s difficult to go anywhere without seeing people transfixed by their technology devices. Could it be they’re doing more than updating Twitter and Pinterest? One study says yes.

In recent years there has been some significant discussion and controversy over the de-Christianization of Christmas. With shop workers being told to say “Happy Holidays” the over-emphasis of Santa Claus, Elf on the Shelf and other such traditions, many have felt as though we’ve been committing treason against the reason for the season.

In Korea, at the turn of the last century, there were no Christian churches – then, as a result of sparks from Azusa Street, God moved through the nation. Seoul was so impacted by spiritual renewal that it became known as the second Jerusalem. Then sadly and suddenly, the Japanese Occupation of Korea took place.

As Operation Compassion has been moving forward with the One Million Child Initiative, critical supplies and materials from valued corporate partners have been received. One of the largest donations of tile was offered in the past few days.

For five decades, the South American country of Colombia has been a war with Marxist insurgents. Fighting can erupt at any time throughout scattered war zones, but that doesn’t stop an intrepid messenger of peace.

These days, I spend lots of my time mentoring young leaders. I take them on ministry trips, speak in training schools and lead discipleship retreats. But I’m learning that mentorship does not work in just one direction. Even though I’m the “old guy,” I benefit in amazing ways from the time I spend with younger Christians.

Two Oahu churches have filed an appeal of a trial court’s decision to keep a baseless lawsuit filed by two atheists alive. Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys and an ADF-allied attorney represent the churches, One Love Ministries and Calvary Chapel Oahu.

The Church of God and Church of God of Prophecy, will be two of many denominations coming together to participate in Encounter 2015, in Fayetteville, NC, Monday and Tuesday, January 5-6, 2015.