Siem Reap, Cambodia–May 8, 2015 was a banner day for the Church of God, People for Care and Learning (PCL) and the small rural village of Takam, located just north of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Gospel for Asia Compassion Service Teams in India are assessing the destruction caused by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake yesterday that killed at least 37 people and injured more than 1,100. Relief workers right away began responding to immediate needs by providing medical care and relief supplies, as well as continuing to offer crisis counseling and prayers for the victims. They are also working to determine damage to churches, Bible schools and children’s centers.

Last week I worshipped in Hong Kong with hundreds of believers at the Wing Kwong Church, a Pentecostal Holiness congregation that has grown from 28 members in 1978 to more than 13,000 today. The modern megachurch, which meets in a sleek six-story building completed in the year 2000, gives thousands of dollars every year to fund international missions work. Under the leadership of Pastor Donavan Ng, the church sent a missionary couple to Kenya in 2006 to reach Chinese immigrants who have moved to that African nation.

Though Clark Beckham is the runner up American Idol, he’s staying grounded in his roots.

May 14, 2015–Class of 2014 Lee University graduate Clark Beckham was runner-up on the popular talent search competition American Idol, losing to fellow competitor Nick Fradiani on the show’s season finale Wednesday night.

Outreach, Inc., a world leader in church communications, publishing and media, announced the firm’s acquisition of Christian Computing Magazine and The American Church Magazine, published by Christian Digital Publishers, Inc. for the past 25 years. Christian Computing has provided tools and practical advice to churches and individuals seeking to better use technology in their ministry, and The American Church encourages and resources pastors who may be struggling to save troubled churches or are attempting to navigate the difficult process of starting or planting a church.

This event is part of the #orangejumpsuit campaign which has stood in solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world. The cross will be covered in orange ribbon.

TULSA, Okla. – Spirit-empowered leaders from around the globe are voicing their anticipation for the Empowered21 Global Congress, which will be held in Jerusalem May 20-25, 2015. The Global Congress is a call to all believers from around the world to celebrate Pentecost in the land of Pentecost. The event will attract Spirit-empowered Christians from every continent to Jerusalem during the week of Pentecost to unite in faith for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Registration is available at www.jerusalem2015.com.

More than 1,300 Church of God senior adults gathered in Gatlinburg, Tennessee at the Gatlinburg Convention Center April 28-30, 2015 for the 25th annual Smoky Mountain Jubilee Senior Adult Retreat.