Brazil has committed to a rapid energy roadmap deadline, involving key ministries to accelerate energy policies and initiatives, reflecting the country's focus on sustainable development and climate commitments.
Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent American televangelist and gospel singer known for his massive following and later scandals, has died at age 90 after being hospitalized for cardiac arrest. His career, marked by significant success and public fall from grace due to infidelity scandals in the late 1980s and early 1990s, spanned decades with extensive broadcasting, recording, and authorship. Despite setbacks, he remained active in ministry into his late 80s.
Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent televangelist whose ministry was marred by sex scandals but who remained active in preaching until his death at age 90, passed away in Louisiana. His career, marked by a massive following and financial success, was significantly impacted by his 1988 prostitution scandal, leading to his resignation from the Assemblies of God. Despite setbacks, he continued to preach and maintain a presence through his ministry and family.
Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent televangelist known for his charismatic preaching and subsequent scandals involving prostitution, has died at age 90. His career was marred by a sex scandal in 1988 that led to his resignation from the Assemblies of God and a decline in his influence, though he continued his ministry with a reduced audience. Swaggart's life was marked by his rise from humble beginnings in Louisiana to becoming a major religious figure, and his legacy remains complex due to his religious contributions and personal controversies.
Rock legends Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper have announced the continuation of their "Freaks On Parade" tour for the summer of 2024, with special guests Ministry and Filter. The 21-city tour, produced by Live Nation, will kick off in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 20 and conclude in Fort Worth, Texas on September 18. Tickets will be available starting January 30 for presales and February 2 for the general public.
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper are set to embark on a Summer 2024 US tour with Ministry and Filter, reprising last year's "Freaks on Parade Tour." The tour kicks off in August and includes 21 cities, with tickets available for pre-sale starting January 31st and general sales on February 2nd. Additionally, Alice Cooper has announced a deluxe edition of his 1973 album Billion Dollar Babies, set for release on March 8th.
Revanth Reddy, the Telangana Congress president, is set to take oath as the state's next chief minister on Thursday. The party is considering appointing a deputy chief minister from the Dalit community. Reddy's elevation comes after he led a challenge against the ruling BRS government. The Congress is now working on forming the initial team of ministers in the Revanth cabinet, with Bhatti Vikramarka and Uttam Reddy being potential contenders for the post of deputy CM.
Jehovah's Witnesses have ended the century-old practice of requiring adherents to report the number of hours they spend on proselytizing activities. The hours-reporting requirement was seen as a measure of a congregation's spiritual vitality and a factor in leadership decisions. The change was announced by the denomination's Governing Body, stating that their ministry involves more than counting time. Former adherents speculate that declining ministry hours, particularly during the pandemic, may have prompted the change. The removal of the requirement applies to rank-and-file adherents, while those in more extensive service will continue to record their hours. The organization also revised its interpretation of biblical prophecies about the end times, stating that nonbelievers might still accept the truth and be saved even during the Great Tribulation.
Bishop Carlton Pearson, known for preaching about God's love and acceptance, has passed away at the age of 70 after battling cancer. He was a major force in Oklahoma, founding his own ministry and organizing the annual AZUSA Conference, which brought in thousands of attendees and generated millions of dollars for the Tulsa economy. Pearson later shifted his beliefs to preach the "Gospel of Inclusion," stating that Jesus died for all human beings and that no one goes to hell as traditionally believed. His story was dramatized in the Netflix movie "Come Sunday." Services are pending.
The number of North Korean defectors reaching South Korea has significantly decreased in recent years, largely due to the pandemic and tightened border restrictions. Hanawon, a government-run center for newly arrived defectors, offers a 12-week resettlement and integration training program to help them adapt to their new lives in the South. However, with fewer defectors arriving, Hanawon has redirected resources to provide additional support and vocational training to those who have already completed the program. The Unification Ministry, responsible for overseeing Korean unification efforts, has undergone organizational changes and has a new, more hawkish leader, raising questions about its role and the future of inter-Korean relations. Additionally, public sentiment in South Korea towards unification has shifted, with a preference for "peaceful division" surpassing the desire for unification in a recent survey.
Country star Granger Smith announced that he is leaving the music world behind to pursue Christian ministry. In an Instagram post, Smith shared a photo from his final show and explained that the "real reason" for his career transition is his desire to know Jesus and share his faith with others. Smith emphasized that he does not want his name to be known, but rather wants to proclaim the name of Christ. He expressed relief after making the announcement and is currently working towards a master's degree in theology. Smith's final tour was named "Like a River" in honor of his late son, River, who passed away in 2019.
Warren O'Meara-Dates, a minister from Gadsden, Alabama, who was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, created the 6:52 Project Foundation to raise awareness and provide education and treatment for HIV/AIDS, particularly among Black and brown communities and the LGBTQ community. Despite battling symptoms, O'Meara-Dates established the foundation and developed a sexual health curriculum that reaches 47 counties in Alabama. He focuses on empowering women and encourages others to be themselves. Driven by his personal experiences and the support of influential women in his life, O'Meara-Dates is committed to making a positive impact in his community and fulfilling Gadsden's motto as the "City of Champions."
Country music star Granger Smith has announced that he is leaving his music career behind to devote himself to a life of ministry at his church in Texas, four years after his son River died. Smith plans to enroll in a master's degree program at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His upcoming Like a River tour, named after his late son, will be his last. Smith struggled with the idea of continuing to sing country music while also talking about God on stage, but ultimately realized he needed to make himself smaller and surrender his platform to God. His memoir, Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache, will be released on August 1, and his final concert will be on August 26.
Country singer Granger Smith has announced that he is leaving the music industry to focus on ministry. Smith will wrap up performing with his “Like A River” shows this summer. The tour is named after his son, River, who died at the age of 3 in 2019 following a tragic accident. Smith said he’s been attending Southern Baptist Seminary and enjoying a time of “learning and growing.” He also has a book titled, “Like A River,” coming out on August 1.
Country singer Granger Smith has announced that he is leaving the music industry to pursue a career in ministry. Smith, who has enjoyed a successful music career spanning 24 years, said he wants to "glorify God the best way that I can." The announcement comes nearly four years after Smith's 3-year-old son River tragically died in a drowning accident. Smith's "Like a River" tour, named in his son's honor, will be his last.