The first Empowered21 All Japan Conference is underway in Kyoto, Japan at the Kyoto International Convention Center. More than 3,000 Spirit Empowered believers of all ages from across Japan, Asia and the world converged on the ancient capital of Japan for worship, prayer and teaching. The conference started Friday, October 11 and continued through Monday, October 14. Portions of the conference can be viewed at www.ustream.tv/channel/empowered21aj.

Church of God World Missions recently announced the distribution of an additional $100,000 from the Marcelly’s Dream Initiative.

Numerous studies have tracked Americans’ declining religious commitment in recent years, including a Pew Research survey that found 50 percent of U.S. adults believe “more people who are not religious” is a good thing or doesn’t matter for American society.

We should not be talking right now. According to the naysayers who predicted Christianity’s demise by the year 2000, we should not even be here.

The owner of the Hobby Lobby craft store chain, under fire because his stores do not carry Hanukkah merchandise, apologized for employee comments “that may have offended anyone, especially our Jewish customers and friends.”

]October 10, 2013–Cleveland, TN–Church of God administrative bishops and spouses are gathering for an annual update, training and fellowship event at the International Offices. The three days are a continuation of last year’s “Integrity” event and thus titled, “Integrity II.”

Author Malcolm Gladwell may not be known for writing on religion. His New York Times best-selling books The Tipping Point, Outliers, Blink and What the Dog Saw deal with the unexpected twists in social science research. But his newest book, David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, also includes underlying faith-related themes, and not just in the title.

Family Christian Ministries (FCM) announced a new digital platform, iDisciple, at Catalyst Atlanta. Billed as a one-stop shop for sermons, devotionals and other digital content, iDisciple aims to be “the iTunes of Christian content” according to FCM—the nonprofit parent of Family Christian Stores.

Hope is not an empty word for Darlene Zschech, an Australian worship leader who wrote a song for Billy Graham’s latest gospel-spreading effort called My Hope America.