July 2012 Headlines

Sex Tourists: Brazil Fights 'Out of Control' Child Exploitation

Tourists come to northeastern Brazil to take advantage of its beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, and history. Tragically, some come to take advantage of the children.

Romney Praises Poland on Freedom, Economy

Mitt Romney praised the nation as a model of small government and free enterprise, as well as a "defender of freedom" alongside the United States.

India Power Grids Collapse, Millions in the Dark

A massive blackout has left 600 million people without power after India's eastern and northern electricity grids collapsed.

Afghan Refugees: Life in Greece Worse than Taliban

Greece's economic meltdown is causing society to unravel, and some are looking for scapegoats -- like refugees from Afghanistan and immigrants from other nearby nations.

Thousands Flee Syria's Largest City

More than 200,000 people have evacuated Syria's largest city, Aleppo, as fighting there intensifies between rebel forces and President Bashar Assad's regime.

Religious Freedom Report Shows Rise in Anti-Semitism

The latest International Religious Freedom Report exposed several violations, including the rise of anti-semitism in nations from Venezuela to the Netherlands.

Abu Sayyaf's Reign of Terror Coming to an End?

They shocked the world by kidnapping American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham. Today, the Abu Sayyaf's terror is far from over, but are they as dangerous?

Missionary Pastor Kidnapped in India Released

The founder and president of Gospel for Asia called Pastor Ponnachan George's release Monday "a huge miracle."

Olympic Medals Count

2012 London Olympics Medal Count

Olympic Roundup for Saturday, July 28

Ryan Lochte won the 400-meter individual medley, China collected a couple of gold medals and Australia set an Olympic record in the women's 400-meter freestyle relay.

With Royalty and Rock, Britain Opens Olympics

The queen and James Bond gave the London Olympics a royal entrance like no other Friday

Ready or Not, London Olympics Set to Start

Despite security fears, political missteps and traffic issues, athletes are ready to compete to prove their mettle in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Christian Chorus Rising Among Tribal Hindus

Christians are still a minority in many parts of Rajasthan. Yet, it's said as many as 300,000 people have become believers in just the last 10 years.

Brink of War: No End in Sight for Sudan Violence

A United Nations report revealed Sudan's air forces recently dropped six bombs inside the independent nation of South Sudan. One man died in the bombing.

Clinton: We Must Fight Demonization of Israel

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton re-affirmed her support for Israel and the Jewish people during a a speech on genocide, Tuesday.

Syria's Civil War Forcing Christians to Take Sides

Fighting has spread in Damascus and Aleppo, the country's two largest cities where many Christians live. Now, those Christians are being forced to take sides.

Gaza Christians Fear for Community's Survival

For the second time in two weeks, Gaza's Christians are publicly accusing Muslims of forcing members of their faith to convert to Islam.

Scotland Closer to Legalizing Gay Marriage

The Scottish government could soon be the first in the United Kingdom to legalize same-sex marriage.

London 'Games Lanes' Cause Transportation Headaches

Wednesday was the first day that London's usually aggressive drivers had to respect the unpopular "Games Lanes" or face a stiff fine of up to 130 pounds.

Hundreds of Fetuses Found in Russian Forrest

Villagers in Russia's south Urals region stumbled upon a gruesome discovery: four barrels containing 248 human fetuses left in a forest.

UN Treaty Endangering the Right to Bear Arms?

World leaders believe a global standard regulating the international trade of arms would help curb the violence. But many people in the U.S. have concerns.

Israel: Syria-Hezbollah Weapons Transfer 'Cause for War'

Israel's foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, said the transfer of Syrian chemical weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon would be a cause for war.

Syria Says It Has Chemical Weapons Ready to Use

Syria admitted for the first time that it has chemical weapons. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said his country is willing to use them against a foreign invader.

Series of Terror Attacks Mark Bloodiest Day in Iraq

A wave of coordinated attacks across 13 Iraqi cities left 103 people dead Monday, making today the bloodiest day in Iraq since U.S. troops pulled out last December.

Brazil's Northeast Emerging as Economic Powerhouse

The world's money problems are putting speed bumps in Brazil's growth. But the long-term outlook for the emerging South American superpower is promising.

Britain Bolstering Troops after Security Gaffe

With exactly one week before the Olympic torch is set to arrive at the Tower of London, officials are working to shore up more security for the Olympic Games.

Egypt's Christians Snub Clinton for Islamist Support

Egyptian Christians refused to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, claiming the United States is backing Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.

New Law Could Restrict Ministries in Russia

Russia's parliament has passed a new law restricting the work of non-government organizations (NGOs) and other groups that receive international support.

Latin American Pastors Pass Torch to Young Leaders

A new generation of leaders is taking over in Latin America, but can they sustain the same high level of growth?

US Issues Worldwide Travel Safety Caution

The U.S. government issued a worldwide safety caution recently for American travelers abroad, warning of the growing risk of attacks in multiple regions.

Egypt's Coptic Women Abducted in the Name of Islam

As Egypt moves toward "democratic reforms," the situation is deteriorating for the Coptic church, especially Christian women.

WorldWatch: Updates on the Global Church

This week's stories affecting the global church, including attacks on believers in Egypt, Gaza and Nigeria.

Damascus Blast Shows Escalating Situation in Syria

Three top Syrian regime officials were killed in a suicide bombing in central Damascus Wednesday, according to Syria's state-run TV.

Brazil's 'March for Jesus' Makes History

More than 1 million evangelical Christians participated in the annual "March for Jesus" in Sao Paulo, Saturday -- one of the largest Christian events in the world.

US Pastor’s Son Calls Dad’s Release Answer to Prayer

Two Americans, including a Boston pastor, that were taken hostage in Egypt have been released, according to an Egyptian official.

UN Prepares for Syrian Leader's Imminent Fall

The U.N. Security Council meets Thursday, where members are expected to vote on a resolution to demand that Assad withdraw troops and weapons from populated areas.

London 2012 Olympics a Terror Target

Olympics organizers have said the games will be a "symphony of inspiration.' But for Islamic radicals, they're providing inspiration of a different sort.

France's Super Rich Leaving to Avoid Tax Hike

Some of France's wealthiest residents are leaving the country in fear they'll be required to pay substantially higher tax rates.

Navy Fires on Boat in Persian Gulf, Killing One

A U.S. Navy ship fired on a small boat in the Persian Gulf Monday reportedly killing one person and wounding three others. Navy officials said the boat was racing toward them.

Clashes Continue as Civil War Declared in Syria

The International Committee for the Red Cross declared a civil war in Syria, putting the entire nation under humanitarian laws that could lead to war crime charges.

Clinton Meets with Tantawi in Cairo

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held talks with Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi and other military leaders in Cairo Sunday.

Death Toll Rises from Mudslides, Flooding in Japan

Rescue operations resumed in southwestern Japan early Sunday morning, as the death toll from mudslides and flooding rose to 24, with more than 5,000 stranded.

UN Team Investigates Reported Syria Massacre

U.N. observers investigated the latest reported massacre in Syria, entering a village where activists say regime forces killed dozens of people the past week.

Film Highlights Scandal of Haiti's Cholera Epidemic

A second tragedy struck Haiti shortly after the 2010 earthquake. But what's even more tragic is how the deadly cholera disease came into the country.

Olympic Games Starting to Resemble War Setup

Lockdown has begun in Britain's capital, meaning anti-terrorist surface-to-air missiles now hover over some London dwellings.

Clinton in Egypt for First Meeting with President

Hillary Clinton hoped to use her first meeting with Egypt's new Islamist president toward opening a dialogue with the military that could end the country's political crisis.

Olympic Games Open Up Evangelism Opportunities

Many Christian organizations are using the upcoming Olympic Games for ministry, like Athletes in Actions, which is working to reach 2,500 Olympians for Christ.

Critics: Gates' Family Planning Solution Targets Poor

Bill and Melinda Gates advocate birth control as a means to address global population control. But critics say such 'solutions' do more harm than good.

Chinese Bishop Detained for Quitting State Church

A newly appointed Chinese bishop is being held in isolation after publicly resigning from his position in China's state-sanctioned church.

Indonesia Churches Explode with Growth

Pastors in the predominantly Muslim country of Indonesia say through prayer and unity, churches are seeing phenomenal growth.

Pastor Urges Intervention as Nigerian Christians Killed

The Christian Association of Nigeria says more must be done by the United States and other world leaders to stop Boko Haram's "holy war."

Boko Haram Declares Christians Will 'Not Know Peace'

The radical Islamist group Boko Haram is claiming responsibility for recent attacks against Christian villages in Nigeria.

South Sudan Turns One Amid Disputes

Thousands gathered in Juba to watch a parade of South Sudan's war heroes, as the people marked their first anniversary of independence from Sudan Monday.

India Community Thrives Off 'A Handful of Rice'

One of the poorest areas of India boasts a thriving Christian community, widely because of the selfless and creative giving there.

Christians Forced to Flee Syrian City of Homs

Syrian Christians trapped in the besieged city of Homs were evacuated Wednesday after a deal was struck between the army and local rebels.

State Dept. Demands Release of Pastor Youcef

The U.S. State Department is again demanding that Iran release Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani immediately.

Afghans Protest Woman's Public Execution

Dozens of men and women took to the streets of Kabul Wednesday to protest the public killing of an Afghan woman accused of adultery.

Russia, US Agree on New Adoption Regulations

Russia's parliament passed a long-awaited agreement with the United States, Tuesday, on regulating adoption of Russian children by Americans.

Christianity Changing China from the Inside

Christianity is helping the Chinese people stand up to their government, according to activists from the organization China Aid.

China Busts Massive Child Trafficking Operation

A collaborative effort involving more than 10,000 police in China recently led to the arrest of 802 people suspected of child trafficking.

Libya's Jabril Leading in Elections

Early results from Libya's first national elections in nearly five decades show moderate Mahmoud Jabril holding an impressive lead.

Attacks on Nigerian Christians Leave Dozens Dead

Fifty-eight people died in coordinated attacks against Christian villages in Nigeria this weekend.

Six US Troops Die in Afghanistan Bombing

NATO has confirmed that six American troops died in a Sunday roadside bombing in Afghanistan.

Egypt Christians Fearful Despite New President's Pledge

Egypt's new President Mohammed Morsi, a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, has pledged to protect the Christian minority, but many remain fearful.

Christians, Muslims Band Together to Stop Attacks

Kenya's Christian and Muslim leaders are joining forces to prevent violence from erupting following deadly attacks on churches.

New Trial Date Set for Condemned Iran Pastor Youcef

Jailed Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is now reportedly being charged with committing "crimes against national security," and a new trial is set for September.

Chinese Family Forced to Abort Files Criminal Charges

The man whose wife was forced to have an abortion wants the Chinese officials responsible to face criminal charges.

UK Police Arrest Seven More Suspected Terrorsts

British police have arrested seven more terrorist suspects after a routine vehicle search turned up firearms and other weapons one day after officers detained six other suspects.

Pakistan Re-Opens Border to US, NATO Troops

Pakistan reopened border crossings into Afghanistan for U.S. and NATO troops this week after a seven-month closure of the supply routes.

Original Lady Liberty Now 'Enlightens' Paris Museum

The prototype for the Statue of Liberty is now in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.

Iran Tests Missiles Amid EU Sanctions

Iran's Revolutionary Guards test fired several ballistic missiles Tuesday, including a long-range missle that is capable of hitting American warships in the Persian Gulf.

U.S. Moves Forward with Southern Keystone Pipeline

The U.S. government is moving forward with a portion of the Keystone pipeline, following the lead of many Americans who say they want it.

U.S., Christians Decry UN's Listing on Nativity Site

The U.S. State Department and Christians in Bethlehem are criticizing the United Nations for designating the Church of the Nativity a World Heritage Site.

Mali Islamists Tear Down UN Protected Shrines

Militant Islamists in Mali say they will continue destroying historic religious sites despite objections by the United Nations.

Gunmen Open Fire on Churchgoers in Kenya

Gunmen opened fire on a church in Kenya Sunday, killing 17 people and wounding more than 40.