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Virginia Man Accused of Fatally Stabbing Missionary Will Receive Mental Health Court Update
The mental health status hearing for a Virginia man accused of fatally stabbing a South Korean visitor at a rural religious retreat last summer is set for Monday (Jan. 4) in Frederick County, Md. Song Su Kim, 30, of Falls Church, Va., is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 63-year-old Chung Hwan Park of Suwon, South Korea, and attempted first-degree murder in the stabbing of Park’s wife, Ae Suk Ko.

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'Evangelicals Can’t be Pro-Life and Pro-Gun,' Says Rev. Rob Schenck
As a leading American evangelical reverend to Washington, D.C., officials and president of the Faith and Action Christian outreach ministry, Rob Schenck took on the controversial topic of choices about guns and morality in a special opinion piece this week. He said he now believes his "family of faith is wrong on guns."

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Jordan Smith, God's Gifted 'The Voice' Season 9 Winner, Proposes To Girlfriend; Will He Sing at Wedding?
Christian singer and 2015 winner of NBC's "The Voice" national competition, Jordan Smith, posted a celebratory photo of himself and now-fiancée Kristen Denny at the Boston Public Garden late Friday night. "RINGING in the new year with my future wife!" he tweeted along with the selfie, in which Denny showcased her ring. "She said YES! #Mr&Mrs. Smith."

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Jesus de Greatest: Businessman Unveils 'Largest Statue of Jesus Christ' In Africa
A Nigerian businessman unveiled what he believes is Africa’s largest statue of Jesus, describing it as a symbol of peace in a country wracked by Islamist insurgency. Obinna Onuoha commissioned the nearly 30-foot tall “Jesus de Greatest” statue in 2013, hiring a Chinese company to carve it from white marble.

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Las Vegas Mosque Vandalized With Raw Bacon
Spring Valley, Nev., mosque worshippers headed to early morning prayers last Sunday arrived to an unwelcome surprise: Raw bacon was threaded through the handles of the building's doors. Local police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime — Islam considers any type of pork to be "haram," or forbidden, to touch or eat.

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Qatar Evangelical Alliance breaks ground on worship center, witnessing Christ in a Muslim nation
A worship center for evangelical churches has commenced construction in Qatar, marking a significant spiritual milestone in the history of evangelicals in the country.

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Hong Kong's deadliest fire in a Century: churches mobilize and pray to support the community
On 26 November, a severe level‑five fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Early reports said at least 13 people died and 23 were injured. Local churches mobilize to support the community and pray.

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Faith and freedom: USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler shares insights on China’s religious landscape
As China continues to update its religious regulations, changes in the country’s faith environment and space for religious practice have drawn increased global attention. In this interview, USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler responds to questions about religious policy, human rights, and faith, offering her perspectives on China’s current situation and sharing words of support and encouragement for Christians facing challenges.

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U.S. Congressional hearing highlights religious freedom challenges facing Chinese Christians and other faith communities
A recent U.S. congressional hearing cast a spotlight on religious freedom conditions in China, with witnesses sharing firsthand accounts of pressure faced by Christian, Muslim, and Tibetan Buddhist communities.

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Christians gather in Hong Kong to pray for victims of Tai Po Hong Fu Court fire
More than 1,000 Christians gathered in Hong Kong on Dec. 5 for a united prayer service commemorating the victims of the five-alarm fire that devastated Hong Fu Court in Tai Po on Nov. 26, destroying thousands of homes and killing 159 people.
