Editor's Note: On Oct. 1, nine people were killed at Umpqua Community College after being asked if they were a Christian. Rev. Samuel Rodriguez wrote this column for Charisma News.

We live in dark times. The Umpqua Community College shooting targeting Christians speaks to a world spiraling into anarchy, embracing chaos, empowered by hatred and expressed through violence.

I humbly call upon our nation to broaden our collective lens and address the issue of intolerance toward people of faith-especially when directed against followers of Christ, both domestically and abroad. Although it would be premature, and arguably intellectually inappropriate, to establish a moral equivalence with our brothers and sisters in the Middle East and elsewhere who suffer from government and terrorist-sponsored persecution, the tragedy in Oregon does expose the need for vigilance. 

Accordingly, as a nation, we must repudiate all religious bigotry-without exception. More than ever before, we must stand committed to protecting our God-given and constitutionally protected right of religious liberty. Read more.

Rick Ciaramataro, President of Open Bible Faith Fellowship, said "The Vision for Evangelism (VFE) event in Charlotte was an inspiring time of deep soul-searching." Brian Egert, Mission Canada Assistant to the General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, said, "It was great to meet with other Spirit-filled leaders around this issue that is close to the Father's heart. It was a significant time together."  Ramona Farmer said "the VFE was an intense, interactive time that renewed our passion to share the Good News with those whom we contact daily." 

Sponsored by the Awakening America Alliance and the Billy Graham Library, the Call to Charlotte VFE is designed to release thousands of next gen leaders into the field of souls.  Those present were encouraged to go home and recruit potential evangelists to return to Charlotte for a similar encounter with God and His Spirit.  

Movements and churches are responding. Dates in 2016 are being set for repeat events. Contact Allie Miller if you are interested in sending a group to experience the VFE event...if you recognize a need for renewed personal evangelism in your district, region, movement, or group.  "Say not four months...the fields are ripe" (John 4:35).

Christians around the world participated in a prayer vigil on Sept. 26 to remember the third anniversary of the incarceration of American pastor Saeed Abedini in an Iranian prison.  Read more