Indiana

If you live in America, you’ve more than likely heard of “Jon & Kate Plus 8.”

Less likely is the chance that you’ve heard of “Jim & P.J. Plus 8” (for one, because there is no such reality TV show).

While notably less dramatic than the Gosselins, however, the Jonases of Charleston, Ind., would provide an interesting story. more >>

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has issued a new legal bulletin, advising officers not to prohibit street preaching or the distribution of leaflets.

The mission statement of the IMPD "demonstrates commitment to the enforcement of laws while respecting individual rights," the bulletin reads. "Those individual rights include the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which allows citizens to express their views and beliefs in public forums – including public sidewalks, pubic parks and streets. This may take the form of speech, passing out leaflets and carrying signs, among other activities."

Liberty Counsel had negotiated the language of the police department's legal bulletin. The Christian legal firm was aiming to clarify the free speech rights of street evangelists after a group of Christians were being regularly stopped by law enforcement. more >>

An international missionary-sending organization founded by missionaries to China is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week.

World Gospel Mission, with staff now serving in more than 17 countries on six continents, began its four-day celebration on Thursday at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind. Attendees include missionaries from around the world, international guests, supporters, as well as representatives from China who came to know Christ through the group’s early missionaries.

The focus during the centennial anniversary gathering will be supporting a new generation of international missionaries. more >>

After receiving wide criticism for presenting President Obama with an honorary degree last year, the University of Notre Dame on Thursday issued a statement affirming the sanctity of human life.

"Consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church on such issues as abortion, research involving human embryos, euthanasia, the death penalty, and other related life issues, the University of Notre Dame recognizes and upholds the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death," the institutional statement reads.

Notre Dame is a premier Catholic University in Indiana that came under fire when it invited Obama to address graduates at last May's commencement ceremony and further honored the president. more >>

More than 200 American Christians attended a conference in Indianapolis this past weekend to learn how to reach out to Muslims in North America.

Speakers at the Oasis Conference, hosted by Muslim outreach ministry Crescent Project, included two former Muslims and a pastor who was born and raised in the Middle East.

Attendees heard answers on questions such as: How can we reach out in love to our Muslim neighbors? How can we clearly present the gospel to Muslims without offending them? How can my congregation reach out to the Muslim community down the street? How can my student group reach out to Muslims on my campus? more >>

A clerk who was held at gunpoint at a store in Indianapolis began praying and talking to the gunman who later dropped down to one knee and also prayed.

Angela Montez recalled in an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Thursday that she was scared but felt God’s presence during the robbery attempt on Monday. The man had come into her store initially asking for a loan, but then jumped over the counter, pulled out a gun and pointed it at her.

The confrontation and then dialogue between Montez and Smith were all caught on security video. more >>