According to The Pew Research Center, the vast majority of Americans (90%) believe in some kind of higher power. However, according to spiritual life coach Latoya Shea, 100% of the people on earth can participate in the power of prayer. Shea’s book “Intimacy With God: The Prayer Book That Will Change Your Life” offers readers a roadmap to developing a closer relationship with the almighty.

Production has wrapped on THE BLIND, a biopic of Phil Robertson, the “Duck Dynasty” patriarch. The film, set in the 1960s Deep South, depicts a man conquering the shame of his past, addiction and complicated family dynamics, ultimately finding redemption in an unlikely place. Slated for a September 22, 2023 theatrical release, distribution plans are being finalized.

Dr. Héctor De Ycaza has joined the staff of the Church of God Division of Education as dean of USA Hispanic Educational Ministries (HEM).

A powerful and beautiful work. If there is another book as transformational as this one I have never come across it.” — Cathy Sakiyama, Therapist (PACCP), Certified Professional Counselor.

The following are portions of an editorial commentary submitted by Dr. Alveda King:

September 30, 2022–As Hurricane Ian continues its path beyond Florida, Church of God General Overseer Dr. Tim Hill has spoken with state and regional administrative bishops regarding damage and the aftermath of the storm, which landed on the western shores of Florida and is now making its way northward, affecting Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia this weekend.

The Church of God has hundreds, perhaps thousands, of families and churches in the path of this storm. The administrative bishops are assessing damage and pulling together action teams, particularly in hardest-hit Florida.

Partner agencies with the Church of God have mobilized or are preparing to assist as access is granted. Men and Women of Action and God’s Pit Crew are en route and already on the ground in some areas. Operation Compassion is shipping product to four different staging sites: Bradenton, Fort Myers, Wauchula, and Gainesville. Three semis of relief supplies were dispatched prior to the storm, with three more headed out today.

Executive Director of Operation Compassion Kelvin Page reported on Friday morning that initial stations are being staged at local churches where parking lots are spacious and there is access to large storage areas. Other sites will be added as logistics are arranged, including Wauchula, Sarasota, and Gainesville. Page encouraged Church of God families and churches in need to use these stations:

CitiIMPACT/NextLevel
12400 Plantation Road
Fort Myers FL 33966

CitiIMPACT/Bayside
2525 27th St E,
Bradenton, FL 34208

Citygate Ministries
1735 Jackson St
Fort Myers FL 33901

Greater Union First Baptist Church
240 S Clara Ave
DeLand Fl 32720

General Overseer Hill and the Executive Committee has asked for continued prayer for everyone affected by this monstrous storm. Prayer should be directed not just for those directly affected through loss of life or personal property, but for all volunteers, drivers, and those placing themselves in harm’s way for the sake of helping others.

In addition to prayer please consider donating to the Church of God Disaster Relief Fund, which recently received a boost in funds at the General Assembly in San Antonio earlier this summer, but needs additional funds to effectively minister over this coming extended period. Donations sent to the Disaster Relief Fund will be directed to assist our agencies getting to the need. To donate online, please click here to access the Church of God disaster Relief Fund directly.

Further updates on the aftermath and recovery from Hurricane Ian will be posted on Faith News as warranted.

–Cameron Fisher, Church of God Communications

In the new White Chair film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, Jonathan Evans shares his story about facing rejection and failure and how he eventually found victory on a path he hadn’t expected. Evans, a former NFL player and Baylor Bear, is the Dallas Cowboys’ and Dallas Mavericks’ Chaplain.

Douglass Leadership Institute (DLI), an organization built on a foundation of righteousness, justice, liberty and virtue, today announced a new faith-based effort, Forward Justice Initiative to address the imbalances within the criminal justice system while defending law and order.

Cleveland, TN—Members of the 2022-2024 International Executive Council gathered for their first official meeting of this Assembly period earlier this week at the international headquarters of the Church of God.