Islamic State Destroys Tomb and Threatens Christians

Compiled from World News and ASSIST News reports MOSUL — Islamic State militants have destroyed tombs long ascribed to the Old Testament prophets Jonah and Daniel in Mosul, according to eyewitness reports and video footage posted on YouTube. The demolition came as the Sunni-led, al-Qaeda-linked militants—who stormed Mosul June 10 and have occupied Iraq’s second largest city and the surrounding area in Nineveh province—also demolished tombs and related sites sacred to Shiite Muslims. The fighters have chased thousands of Christians out of Mosul, confiscating their homes and belongings. According to Archimandrite Emanuel Youkhana, an Assyrian Christian leader who heads the […]

-Read More


UN Calls for Cease-fire in Gaza

WORLD News Service GAZA — The UN reports the death toll in Gaza has crossed 500, and the world body is calling for an immediate cease-fire. That’s what Israel, Egypt, the Arab League, and others wanted over a week ago when Hamas said no. Rarely does international politics present such moments of moral clarity, writes Charles Krauthammer on the Israeli-Gaza conflict. “Here’s the difference between us,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We’re using missile defense to protect our civilians, and they’re using their civilians to protect their missiles.”

-Read More


ISIS orders female circumcision in Mosul

ASSIST News Service The radical group ISIS is seeking to impose female genital mutilation (FGM) in Mosul, a top UN official in Iraq told the BBC. The edict stated that all females aged 11 to 46 in Mosul must undergo the procedure, UN official Jacqueline Badcock reported noting the extraordinary pronouncement was of grave concern. Some African, Middle Eastern and Asian communities practice female circumcision in the belief it prepares women for adulthood and marriage. The procedure poses many health risks to women, including severe bleeding, problems urinating, infections, infertility and increased risk of newborn deaths in childbirth, according to […]

-Read More


Paddle Out in Memory of Phil Pechonis

In memory of a beloved friend, minister and surfer, more than a hundred supporters paddled out in memory of Phil Pechonis at Deerfield Beach pier on July 18. Pechonis, the former general manager of Island Water Sports, passed away on July 14. He is survived by his wife, Megan, and his children, Max, 18; Zach, 16, Katie, 11; and Alex 10. The family moved to North Devon, England, to start a church in September of 2000. In 2002 he co-founded a Christian Music Festival, Creation Fest in Woolacombe, Devon, which has gone from a one-day to a week-long festival. “Phil […]

-Read More


Live the Life Center Spread

Live the Life Builds Community by Strengthening Marriages As government programs and non-profit organizations spend more to provide services to meet the needs of those in poverty and brokenness, one organization is attacking the problem at its root cause by strengthening the marriages and families needed to provide a solid foundation for a healthy, thriving society. Research shows that as marriages fail, social problems and spending to deal with those ills increase. Impact areas The National Association for Relationship and Marriage Education (NARME) has identified more than a dozen areas impacted by strengthening marriages. Here are a few of their […]

-Read More


South Floridians Rally to Support Israel

More than 3,500 people attended a rally to support Israel in Miami Beach on July 20 in an effort to Stand United for Israel.  Organized by Christians United For Israel (CUFI) at Florida International University, the event was held in order “to raise awareness of the current conflict and to send support and unconditional love to our brethren in Israel and the Israel Defense Forces.” The CUFI announcement stated, “We want to expose the truth– Hamas is the enemy, not Israel. The State of Israel is a peace loving nation and, like all other nations, has the right– and responsibility– […]

-Read More


Covenant Retirement Communities Awards Scholarship

Covenant Retirement Communities (CRC) awarded Kari Cook, a senior at Calvary Christian Academy and resident of Sunrise, a $1,225 scholarship to help fund her college education at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she plans to study business marketing. –“Covenant Retirement Communities is dedicated to individual development and fulfillment. The scholarships underscore that key commitment,” said Deborah Tate, CRC vice president of human resources. CRC bases awards on career pursuits consistent with CRC values, an essay explaining career goals and the student’s involvement in extra-curricular activities. During high school, Kari volunteered at CVF and worked as a waitress on campus. […]

-Read More


Dog Days at Church by the Glades

Churchgoers brought their dogs to Church by the Glades to attend services in the worship center during Dog Days Weekend July 26 and 27. For this free event the church set up a “VIP” section for the four-legged guests that included a photo spot, doggy treat center, fresh water and of course plenty of toys to keep the fur-babies occupied. Entering the worship center, guests were greeted with Duran Duran’s version of “Hungry like the Wolf” (all the songs kept with the Dog Days Weekend theme), and volunteers in hazmat suites labeled Poop Patrol perused the isles providing clean up […]

-Read More


Faith Farm Dedicates New Bridge

The Boynton Campus of Faith Farm Ministries recently dedicated their new bridge to the thousands who cross this bridge to a transformed life. The old bridge, which was condemned about a year ago, had to be replaced. Faith Farm Ministries is a free, minimum 9 month, faith-based, addiction recovery program with residential services for more than 445 men and women who have lost control of their lives due to alcohol and/or illegal and pharmaceutical drug addictions. The program also prepares the student for a competitive job market through Comprehensive Work Training that teaches resume worthy vocational skills, work ethics, teamwork […]

-Read More


Community Celebrates Juanita Purinton’s 100th Birthday

A charter member of Lauderdale Manor Church of the Nazarene in 1958 and a consistent woman of faith and service, Jaunita E. Purinton celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday, June 27. Friends, family and community representatives gathered at Pompano Beach First Church of the Nazarene, where she has been a member for the past 12 years, to honor her life. Born in Arcola, Ill., as Jaunita Bottenberg, she married Joseph E. Purinton in the church his father pastored in Danville, Ill. The family lived in St. Louis, Mo., before moving to Fort Lauderdale in 1956 and serving from the beginning […]

-Read More