SAO PAULO, Brazil – Over a century ago, a partially-sighted African American minister came from Texas to Los Angeles to spread the Pentecostal ministry. His early efforts to preach the Pentecostal message were rejected. Church leaders were suspicious of his religious doctrine and his teachings, but he persevered and kept on praying. Then in April of 1906, a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit occurred within his small group of worshipers. There were physical and mental healings, speaking in unknown languages and many other miraculous and inexplicable occurrences. Word spread and soon hundreds of people started coming from all over the world to the Apostolic Faith Mission on Azusa Street in Los Angeles to receive the Holy Spirit.

As the world pauses this April to remember the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, one group will gather to celebrate the sacrifice of the men and boys on board the ship who gave their lives so women and children might live. Titanic 100: An International Centennial Event will be held on April 13-15 in Branson, Missouri, and is unique as an anniversary commemoration in focusing on the Christian doctrine of “women and children first” that was displayed in the midst of Titanic’s tragic sinking.

At the recent 30th Anniversary of Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Knoxville, Tennessee, thousands of teens and young adults gathered for worship, prayer, and ministry. However, almost 300 students from around the nation decided to truly make the most out of their time at Winterfest. With hearts, hands, and attitudes ready to serve, these young men and women partnered with eight local Knoxville ministries to share the love and the hope found in Jesus Christ!

A woman who does not suffer from any fatal disease has sued Switzerland after Swiss authorities would not provide her with drugs to commit suicide.

The social media behemoth Facebook has its effects on churches and denominations and the Church of God is no exception as over 47,000 people “like” the Church of God.

Pro-life drama October Baby came in at No. 8 over the weekend, when it competed with the release of The Hunger Games, which had the third-largest movie opening of all time. October Baby earned $4,405 per screen and an estimated $1.7 million from 390 locations, according to Box Office Mojo.

With the success of such movies as The Passion of the Christ, the gospel is touching people we Christians never expected to reach. God seems to be creating a “new pulpit” from which His Word will be preached.

Churches suffered from plummeting donations after the recession began in 2008. But in the past year, a majority of congregations experienced giving increases because of a better economy, higher attendance and more church teaching on giving.

A theme for the 74th Church of God International General Assembly was recently announced by the International Executive Committee.