Faith News Network

Cleveland, TN—A website dedicated solely for the promotion of the upcoming Church of God International General Assembly was launched on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Cleveland, TN–The Dixon Pentecostal Research Center recently honored Evangelist Jacqueline E. Smith, DD, with their Spirit of Azusa Award. The award presentation and a reception in Smith’s honor was part of the Twentieth Annual Azusa Lecture held in the Lee University Chapel on November 11.

CLEVELAND, TN — Church of God Publications and Pathway Press are proud to announce the release of the 75th Anniversary Edition of the Church Hymnal—affectionately known around the world as the “Red Back Hymnal.”

Dr. Cecil M. Robeck, Jr. will present the Twentieth Annual Azusa Lecture on Tuesday, November 11, at 7:00 p.m., in the Lee University Chapel. Robeck will present “Reaping the Harvest: Lessons from the Azusa Street Revival.” Following Robeck’s presentation, the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center will honor National Evangelist Jacqueline E. Smith, DD, with the Spirit of Azusa Award and a reception for her exemplary evangelistic ministry.

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.