#ourCOG Daily Brief [August 26, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to the #ourCOG Daily Brief. We begin tonight with news from within the Church of God. Pentecost Sunday has been designated Evangelism Sunday, a call to action for increased outreach. Additionally, the Church of God World Missions has launched an ambitious “2 Million Souls Initiative,” aiming to bring two million people to Christ. Several upcoming events promise to further this goal, including the PDX Crusade in Portland and a Global Prayer Walk scheduled for May 31st. Finally, Dr. Phil Cook has officially assumed his role as the new president of Lee University, a significant leadership change for the institution.

Turning to other faith-related news, a marker has been unveiled at the Barney Creek site, a significant historical location. A new book, “The EASY Bible Study Method,” aims to empower everyday believers in their faith journeys. The Ministry of Evangelism is holding a church planting conference, demonstrating a strong focus on expanding God’s Kingdom. Meanwhile, a troubling report reveals two people were killed and several injured in a Kentucky church shooting, highlighting the need for prayer and support for the affected community. Church of God agencies are expanding their reach into Texas, further solidifying their commitment to ministry growth in the region.

In other news, the White House has issued a proclamation for “Captive Nations Week 2025,” and a newly released book, “The American Miracle – Our Nation is No Accident,” is generating significant interest. The USCIRF has released a report on religious freedom in Russia, highlighting ongoing challenges. In Hollywood, an actor’s bold stand for their faith has resulted in blacklisting, raising concerns about freedom of expression in the entertainment industry.

Internationally, the Caribbean Assembly convened in Trinidad and Tobago, bringing together leaders from across the region. A lost Christian site has been discovered in Jordan, using an ancient map of the Holy Land, offering further insights into Christian history. Meanwhile, in less uplifting news, there are ongoing reports of violence against Syria’s Druze community. A significant M6.1 earthquake struck east of the Kuril Islands, and Typhoon Kajiki made landfall in Vietnam, causing evacuations and at least one fatality.

Finally, a commentary piece from Now The End Begins explores concerns about President Trump’s administration, noting its large number of openly gay officials. The piece also highlights other controversial actions by the President, prompting questions about his administration’s direction. Additionally, President Trump’s reported consideration of renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War is causing considerable unease, especially in light of other concerning developments such as the building of FEMA camps and the federalization of Washington, D.C. This raises concerns about the potential for escalating conflict and the creation of a police state. A separate report indicates a worrying increase in the number of Americans reporting disability. This concludes tonight’s #ourCOG Daily Brief. Good night.