Diana Chandler

GAZA STRIP (BP) -- “A love offering from the Baptist Church in Gaza” proclaims the sign as Christian Mission to Gaza (CMG) serves hot meals to both Christians and Muslims in the Gaza Strip, where people are starving to death.

In its 33rd year, the Black Church Leadership and Family Conference (BCLFC) July 21 – 25 at Ridgecrest Conference Center, immersed attendees of all ages in activities including early morning and evening worship, daily Bible study, Fuge camp and dozens of educational and motivational breakout sessions addressing various ministry areas.

RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP) – Southern Baptist Convention President Clint Pressley saw himself as the “white boy in the room” when he worshipped on opening night at the Black Church Leadership and Family Conference July 21, the guest of African American pastor Gregory Perkins.

BOULDER, Colo. (BP) – Pastors trail other Christians in relational flourishing and many say their ministry challenges their marriages and families, Barna and Gloo said in the latest 2025 State of the Church release.

PINEVILLE, La. (BP) – Heather Williams was accustomed to making all As. Her performance less than excellent in Russian class at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa., she turned to her professor John Mark Scott for advice.

TEHRAN, Iran (BP) – Iran is increasingly persecuting Christians under its ceasefire with Israel, arresting at least 21 believers, raiding house churches and promoting incendiary propaganda, according to religious freedom advocate Article 18.

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (BP) -- The Glory of Christ Tanzania Church remains shuttered six weeks after the government shut it down following the pastor’s sermon against human rights violations, Christian Solidarity Worldwide lamented.

PHILADELPHIA (BP) – Reading the Bible has better self-care outcomes than exercising, meditating or spending time with friends, the American Bible Society (ABS) said in the latest release of its 15th annual State of the Bible.

WESTERN UKRAINE (BP) -- Ukraine’s western region bore the brunt July 9 of Russia’s largest air strike to date in its invasion of Ukraine, with children among the most vulnerable victims of the lingering war.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (BP) – Patrice Baker walked into the dealership and announced her budget for a car – “free.”