August 20 – August 26

Here are your top 5 interesting, must-know news articles from the past week. Enjoy!

"What does your identity in faith do to you? Do you feel that you HAVE to act a certain way and make certain decisions according to that faith? Or does the faith instill in you a transformation in drive and desires? Whatever it may be, the true test of faith is the fruits that one bears. And as Christians, as much as we should contemplate globally, let’s not forget our local fallen. Check yourself."

5.

// US court says World Vision can hire on basis of faith

9th US Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that World Vision can continue to hire based on religious belief.  Because World Vision is a religious institution, it is exempt from the Civil Rights Act prohibiting religious discrimination. World Vision said, "Our Christian faith has been the foundation of our work since the organization was established in 1950, and our hiring policy is vital to the integrity of our mission to serve the poor as followers of Jesus Christ.” Original article.

4.

// Michael Enright Charged With Hate Crime: Ahmed Sharif, Muslim Cab Driver, Attacked For Religion

A 21-year old man named Michael Enright was charged with a hate crime this week after attacking a Muslim taxi driver with a weapon. Enright is being charged with attempted murder and can face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. A representative of a group that Enright was involved with, felt the situation was “tragic,” especially in light of the group’s attempt to encourage “interfaith dialogue.” Original article.

3.

// Not Forsaken: Reaching Sex Slaves in Mid-America

Kristy Childs of Kansas City works to rescue other women and girls who are trapped in the commercial sex trade through her organization, Veronica's Voice.  Childs, who left home at 12 and prostituted herself, tells her testimony of how she heard God’s voice speak to her when she was pregnant with her son. Childs admits she is lucky, but she is working hard to help others break away from a life of sex trafficking. Original article.

2.

// Some 9/11 Families Show Support for Mosque Near Ground Zero

While it seems most of America is fighting against the building of a mosque near the ground zero site of New York, another group is gathering in support of it. This group includes family members of victims from the 9/11 attacks. While the victim’s families have expressed similar fear, they feel that the building of the mosque is more about human rights than anything else. Original article.

1.

// Jimmy Carter Plans N. Korea Trip to Free Jailed American

Jimmy Carter arrived in North Korea’s capital city, Pyongyang, to negotiate the release of a U.S. citizen, Aijalon Mahli Gomes.  Gomes is a Christian from Boston who taught English in South Korea.  He was arrested on January 25 and sentenced to eight years of hard labor for entering North Korea illegally. A team was sent earlier by the U.S. State Department but North Korea requested a visit of a high-profile U.S. figure for Gomes’ release. Original article.

Update: The North Korean government has allowed the release of Gomes. Both Gomes and former president Carter are scheduled to arrive back in the US by Friday. Original article.

Special thanks to contributing writer, Grace Kwon.

Have suggestions of what you want to read about or would like to share some stories that you came across? E-mail Veronica at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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