#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 2, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 2, 2026.

In today’s top headlines, President Trump is facing mounting political problems at home, having recently dismissed two Cabinet members, Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem, amid challenges with the Iran war and the economy. Meanwhile, a historic moment unfolded as the Artemis II mission launched four astronauts toward the moon, marking the first lunar orbit endeavor in over half a century. Domestically, the Supreme Court appears wary of changing birthright citizenship, with the President of the United States notably attending oral arguments in this major case. The ongoing surge of U.S. troops into Iran is sparking debate over whether it will serve as deterrence or lead to escalation into another prolonged conflict. And in Washington, well-timed market plays are raising alarms about potential insider trading, prompting a wave of new legislation. On the international front, the Iran war continues to erode principles of international law and civilian protections, leading to fears of an ‘age of impunity.’ In Nigeria, a dedicated couple, Aramide and Oluwaseun Kayode, are making a significant impact on their country’s education crisis through free academies and online teacher training. Finally, renewed tensions are building between Ethiopia and Eritrea, driven by Ethiopia’s desire for coastline access, with troops now gathering at their shared border.

Turning our attention to recent video offerings, you might be interested in watching the Good Friday Service from 7 PM, a Chapel presentation on Passion Week recorded today, April 2nd, 2026, or a short on ‘Parents’ Divine Duty’ focusing on #parenting.

In FaithNews, we remember Robert White, the former General Overseer, who has passed away. Also, a Church Planting Intensive is currently in session, the ‘Jesus Wells’ Campaign is highlighting the needs of the ‘World’s Thirstiest Communities,’ and a ministry recently won ‘Best Children’s Feature’ at the Movieguide® Awards.

For our prophecy news update, today, April 2nd, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake off eastern Indonesia triggered a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Just yesterday, the Bank of England was reportedly advised to prepare for potential alien disclosure from the U.S. Earlier this week, on March 31st, President Trump stated that the assassination of senior Islamic regime leaders amounted to achieving regime change in Iran. And rounding out the month, on March 30th, Vice President Vance indicated the Trump administration is building a case to deport Congresswoman Ilhan Omar for alleged immigration fraud, while questions arose about whether Iran is now accelerating its pursuit of a nuclear bomb post-war.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at April 3rd, we note several significant events. In 309 B.C.E., tradition marks the start of the Seleucid Dynasty, which, by seizing control of Palestine decades later, set the stage for the uprising we now celebrate as part of the Chanukah story. For some scholars, April 3rd, 33 C.E. is the actual date a Jewish carpenter was crucified by the Romans. And much later, in 1287, Pope Honorius IV, a figure instrumental in the expulsion of Jews from England, passed away.