Faith News Network

Jerusalem, Israel—Michael Utterback, Director of Ministry to Israel (MTI) for the Church of God, shared a testimony of answered prayer concerning one of the 20 Israeli hostages released from captivity on Monday, October 13.

MTI, which funds and operates a support program for Israeli military called the Lone Soldier Program, looks forward to the day when they can welcome Rom Braslavski, a recipient of the program and one of hundreds taken hostage and held over two years following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, during a music festival near the Israeli-Gaza border.

Rom in a photo just prior to his release on October 13, 2025.

Utterback lives part-time in Jerusalem and along with several staff operates Support Centers in several Israeli cities. The centers assist Israelis seeking to return to their homeland, as well as other humanitarian and assistance programs. The Lone Soldier Program has been in place for many years to provide services to Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers who are far away from family or loved ones and seek support while serving in the IDF.

“Rom was one of our newest Lone Soldiers, having only come to us two times,” Utterback stated. “On his last visit to the Jerusalem Support Center, for some reason, he left his dog tags. Raya, one of our staff, called him and Rom said he would come back the next week to get them. He never came back.” Utterback stated that Rom was serving with security for the Nova Festival when at 6:30 on the morning of October 7, 2023, thousands of terrorists invaded the small villages along the Gaza border. Twelve-hundred people were killed, many at the Nova festival. According to eyewitnesses, Rom saved many lives and fought the terrorists until the afternoon when was taken captive.

In reporting on Rom’s condition, Utterback stated, “these precious people held captive were starved, brutally beaten, and endured unbelievable, psychological trauma. As of October 13, 2025, thank God, they are free and with their families.” President Donald Trump flew overnight to Israel to speak to the Knesset and to congratulate the people of Israel, and especially the hostages, greeting them and their families.

Rom’s IDF dog tags left behind at the Jerusalem Support Center,

Rom’s dog tags have been on our wall and reminded us to pray for him throughout this ordeal,” Utterback concluded. “We look forward to the day that we can hand them to him personally.”

Farmers Branch, Texas—Church of God Intercultural Ministries hosted its first, “Seat at the Table” conference, held at the Metro Church of God in Farmer’s Branch, Texas, just outside Dallas.

Cleveland, TN—In a ceremony concluding in a powerful time of corporate prayer, the ribbon was cut on the Church of God International Offices (COGIO) Prayer Center and was formally opened.

Cleveland, TN–Lee University formally inaugurated Dr. Phil Cook as its 18th president on Friday, Sept. 19, in a ceremony held at the Conn Center on Lee’s campus.

Cleveland, TN-—On Saturday, September 13, 2025, pastors and leaders of the East Central Hispanic Region (ECHR) were joined by members of the Church of God Executive Committee to dedicate a new regional office facility.

Sevierville, TN–The Smoky Mountain Children’s Home (SMCH) has received official notification of its renewal of accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA) of New York, securing its accreditation through 2029.