#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 12, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 12, 2026.

We begin with the latest developments in U.S. and world news. Domestically, the Artemis II mission has successfully concluded, returning to Earth and renewing public interest in space exploration. This comes as the U.S. and China are locked in an accelerating global competition to establish a permanent presence on the moon, driven by scientific research, national pride, and potential lunar mining operations. In other news, Vice President JD Vance is currently in Pakistan, leading the U.S. delegation for critical peace talks with Iran. His long-standing anti-interventionist stance could be an asset in building trust, though the stakes are high, and he could face blame if negotiations falter. On the cultural front, hip-hop continues its academic ascent, with colleges expanding course offerings and even establishing full degrees, creating new career pathways. Politically, Maine’s Democratic Senate primary is showcasing generational tensions between Governor Janet Mills and oysterman Graham Platner, with the race centering more on experience and style than differing policies. Internationally, President Donald Trump has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, stating the U.S. is ready to “finish up” Iran at the “appropriate moment.” This comes as U.S. and Iranian leaders are meeting face-to-face in Pakistan following a fragile two-week ceasefire. Meanwhile, in Israel, the ceasefire has drawn criticism, with many citizens feeling the war against Iran was left “unfinished,” leading to harsh assessments of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership despite high public support for the initial conflict.

Turning to our digital offerings, today’s featured videos include “Azusa 120 Highlights | Day Two” and a sermon titled “After This | John 21:1-17 | Bishop Jason Garner | IPCOG, April 12, 2026.”

From the FaithNews RSS feed, we learn of the passing of Robert White, our Former General Overseer. Also making headlines are a Church Planting Intensive currently in session, the ‘Jesus Wells’ Campaign focusing on the ‘World’s Thirstiest Communities,’ and a ministry winning ‘Best Children’s Feature’ at the Movieguide® Awards.

In prophecy news, the latest reports confirm that U.S. and Iranian officials are indeed meeting face-to-face in Islamabad ceasefire talks today, marking the seventh week of a war that has claimed thousands of lives and shaken global markets. This comes shortly after claims from the Pentagon that “Operation Epic Fury” has “flattened” Iran’s defense industry and military capabilities. Adding another dimension to the situation, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, recently told Liberty University that Christianity is “exploding underground” in Iran, as he works to replace the current Islamist regime. Meanwhile, a different kind of shift is noted with the U.S. fertility rate hitting a record low, attributed to decades of societal messaging discouraging early childbearing.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at April 13th, we find two significant events. In 1111, Henry V was crowned Holy Roman Emperor, a move that proved unfortunate for the Jews of Germany, as his father, Henry IV, had been known for protecting his Jewish subjects by forbidding forced baptisms and allowing converts to return to their faith. The loss of such a protective monarch was a blow, as they were rare in that era. Then, in 1204, the Fourth Crusade continued its infamous sack of Constantinople, an event initially called for by Pope Innocent III.