#ourCOG Daily Brief [October 28, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for October 28, 2025.

In today’s global news, we’re tracking developments from the Middle East, where Iran has quietly signaled support for the Trump ceasefire plan in Gaza, reportedly accepted by its ally Hamas. Analysts suggest this move is part of Tehran’s efforts to reshape its regional image, positioning Israel as the primary antagonist. Elsewhere, Russia is looking to the past for future solutions, proposing a Soviet-era approach to student loan repayment by requiring national service from graduates. On a more uplifting note, a Nigerian teen has transformed a former garbage dump in Lagos into a vibrant park, providing a much-needed green oasis for children in the densely populated megacity.

Turning our attention to recent video content, we’ve had a look at “Groaning In The Spirit,” received a “Hurricane Melissa Update from Jamaica” with Pastor Jonathan sharing an Island Bishop Report in a #shorts clip, and enjoyed a “Chapel” session featuring Phil Cook, all from October 28, 2025.

From the FaithNews RSS feed, we’ve been following “Ministry to Israel’s ‘Lone Soldier Program’” as it seeks to welcome one of the hostages, news of a “New Book” examining generational shifts in leadership and discipleship, the recognition of TPUSA Founder Charlie Kirk by VPN.com, and the “Intercultural Ministries’ ‘Seat at the Table’ Conference.”

In prophecy news, Tehran saw widespread panic after Ayandeh Bank, one of Iran’s largest private financial institutions, officially declared bankruptcy. On the U.S. political front, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem criticized Minnesota Democrats and Governor Walz regarding immigration issues. Meanwhile, Captain Maxim Herkin has made an emotional return to the IDF after nearly two years in Hamas captivity. And in ongoing diplomatic efforts, President Trump’s administration continues its successful trend of securing the release of numerous wrongfully detained Americans abroad.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to October 29th, 539 BCE marks the significant fall of Babylon to Cyrus the Great of Persia. This event paved the way for the return of exiles to Eretz Israel and the rebuilding of the Second Temple. Centuries later, in 969, Byzantine troops occupied Antioch, a city with a rich and often tumultuous history of changing hands and, at one point, a thriving Jewish community.