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Together 2016: Christians Flock to DC National Mall, 'Only Agenda is Jesus' Says Nick Hall
Saturday's "Together 2016" prayer and music event in Washington, D.C., organized by evangelist Nick Hall, was aimed at attracting millennials, with the purpose of giving people an opportunity to "reset," or get a second chance. Although Hall, a college pastor and founder of PULSE, started planning the occasion several years ago, it ironically came at a time of violence across the world, a time during which Christians are seeking solace.
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California Classrooms Now to Include LGBT History Lessons, Same-Sex Parents' Models
New lessons for elementary, middle and high school students that recognize the contributions of minorities including "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans," were approved by the California Board of Education members Thursday. The updates are part of a broader overhaul of California's history and social science curriculum.

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Pokémon Go California Players Fall Off 90-Foot Ocean Cliff, Others Stabbed Or Robbed
In North San Diego County in California Wednesday, two men fell off a bluff while playing the Pokémon Go smartphone game. Sgt. Rich Eaton of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said he thinks people need to realize this is just a game. "It's not worth your life. No game is worth your life."

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'God's Not Dead 2' Film Sign Banned From GOP National Convention, Called 'Incendiary'
Politically associated media buys are ramping up in Cleveland, Ohio, where the Republican National Convention will take place next week. But one potential sponsor, representing the "God's Not Dead 2" new Christian drama movie, was nixed, which prompted an accusation of religious persecution.

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U.S. Churches Vow to Not Leave Russia Even After New Law Makes Evangelizing Illegal
Representatives of several U.S.-based religious denominations rooted in evangelizing and missionary work are choosing to defy the new "Yarovaya laws" laws in Russia that would ban them from proselytizing. The package of laws, billed as anti-terrorism measures, was passed by the Russian Duma, or parliament, on June 24 and signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 7. Leading Russian human rights activists said authorities used an air disaster -- the October bombing of a Russian passenger

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Biopic ‘Hudson & Maria’ to Begin Filming in Malaysia This August, Recreating Iconic Missionary Faith Story
After 15 years of preparation, the historical biopic Hudson & Maria begins filming in Malaysia this August, telling the story of 19th-century missionaries who crossed cultural barriers to bring the Gospel to China.
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Freed After 266 Days: Zion Church Pastor Ezra Jin Unexpectedly Released to Reunite with Family in US
Pastor Ezra Jin was unexpectedly released after 268 days of detention and flown to the U.S. for a family reunion, following high-level diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and China.
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Pastor Ezra Jin Speaks Out for First Time Since Release: ‘I’m Free. Now Pray for China!’
Released after 266 days of detention, Pastor Ezra Jin uses his Wall Street Journal op-ed to thank international supporters, advocate for imprisoned church members, and call for religious freedom in China.