FaithVillage.com, the social network for faith experiences launched last year, is opening a new online bookstore this week.

With more than 450 million copies in print, the New International Version of the Bible has long been the bestselling, most read modern English Bible translation since its initial debut nearly 35 years ago.

North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple on Tuesday signed a measure giving the state the most restrictive abortion law in the United States, a bill banning the procedure in most cases once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, as early as six weeks.

Operation Compassion, an independent benevolent agency with roots in the Church of God, recently announced the milestone of delivering one million pairs of shoes to needy families.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Lively all-night church services, one-on-one prayer at eyeglass clinics, and a message of hope for the entire city helped characterize Haiti’s second Fun in the Son Festival with Andrew Palau.

Throughout his ministry, the Rev. Billy Graham has earned many titles and recognitions: evangelist, author, minister and spiritual advisor to U.S. presidents. Carson-Newman University felt one title was missing. On Friday, the Jefferson City, Tenn., school named Graham “Evangelist of the 20th Century.”

The recognition was presented to Graham at his home in Montreat, N.C., by Carson-Newman University President J. Randall O’Brien.

“I am thankful to Dr. O’Brien and Carson-Newman University for the honor of receiving the ‘Evangelist of the 20th Century Award,’” said Graham. “It is especially meaningful to receive this from a school well known for shaping hearts and minds of next generation students for Jesus Christ.

“I also commend this church-related institution for recently receiving the status of ‘university’—well-fitting Carson-Newman’s mission ‘Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.’ While I do not deserve this award, I accept it in the name of the One whom I have sought to serve all my life.”

O’Brien said the decision to present Graham with the prestigious honor was a unanimous decree from the University’s board of trustees.

“We feel we are the privileged ones to be able to present Dr. Graham with this award,” said O’Brien. “At Carson-Newman we believe in the power of the gospel in transforming lives to better serve God and neighbor. I can think of no one in modern history who has helped transform more lives for the kingdom of God than Billy Graham,” said O’Brien. “This award joyfully recognizes Dr. Graham’s faithful service and heart for sharing with others the saving love of Christ.”

Graham’s impact throughout his lifetime of ministry cannot be overstated. His accomplishments and recognitions are legendary. Often referred to as “America’s Pastor,” Graham has been named to Gallup’s “Top 10 Most Admired Men in the World” 56 times since 1948—the most of any individual.

The North Carolina native founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 1950, and has preached the gospel to more live audiences than anyone in history—some 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories. He is the author of 31 books, many becoming best-sellers. He is the recipient of the United States Congressional Gold Medal, 1996, and the Honorary Knight Commander of the order of the British Empire, 2001.

The “Evangelist of the Century” honor is the first of its kind to be presented by Carson-Newman University, O’Brien explained. “In the years to come, we will continue to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with our world,” said O’Brien.

Graham was married to the late Ruth Bell Graham. Together they had three daughters and two sons. Ruth Graham, the family’s third daughter, serves as honorary chair of Carson-Newman’s Women of Vision, an organization that helps support the University through personal, professional and philanthropic avenues.

“Ruth Graham has been a grace-gift to Carson-Newman,” O’Brien said. “Her ministry to our students and University family has modeled the compassion of Jesus Christ. Oh, the lives she has touched!” he added. “I know her father is proud of her, as are we. We love them both dearly.”

Carson-Newman University is a private, Christian liberal arts university. Founded in 1851, the school is located among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The university has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

(Source: Charisma News)

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s novelization of The Bible TV miniseries, The Bible: A Story of God and All of Us, has become a national best-seller.

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Christian films continue to sway Hollywood movie executives by providing record-setting sales to smaller budget films thanks in large part to intriguing and moral-based movies such as the new-released Dove Seal approved movie My Lucky Elephant.