Missouri

In search of the next best church choir in America, Verizon’s annual Gospel competition “How Sweet the Sound” made its mark in downtown St. Louis for three hours of energetic worship Monday.

The 2011 contest continues to put the spotlight on talented congregants and churches all across the nation, ultimately seeking to give God the praise. St. Louis was the sixth stop in its nine-city tour.

Some contestants have even said they hope to witness to and evangelize nonbelievers who attend the event. more >>

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawsuit filed against a Missouri school district for filtering what it calls "educational lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender content" has no legal grounds or traction and will likely be thrown out, speculated Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) Senior Counsel David Cortman.

"There is no basis in law for the claims that the ACLU are making in that case," he said.

The ACLU asserts blocking Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) websites violates of the first amendment rights of the advocacy groups for which the sites belong. more >>

Chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team recently finished ministering to victims of the devastating tornadoes that hit Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Joplin, Mo., earlier this year.

The Rapid Response Team, a group of chaplains that are trained to minister to people in crisis situations, spent nine weeks in Tuscaloosa and over six weeks in Joplin providing an ear to listen, prayer support, and counseling to victims.

Keith Stiles, the RRT's deployment manager, said that even though the ministry has a goal of sharing Christ with the victims, they don't do all the talking. more >>

A number of victims injured in the devastating Joplin tornado that hit Missouri in May have died after contracting a rare fungal infection, officials reported Friday.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at least eight are known to have been infected by the rare fungal infection, with at least three dying.

Jasper County Coroner Rob Chappel reported that one of the deaths was definitely caused by the fungal infection “mucormycosis.” However, the cause of the other two deaths has not yet been determined. more >>

Joplin, Mo., officials reported a higher death toll of 141 on Sunday. Three additional people passed away recently due to injuries sustained during last month's tornado.

"It is with deep regret that we make this report," the city said.

Just a few days ago on Thursday, the southwestern Missouri city had raised the death count from 134 to 138 after four more individuals died at hospitals as a result of tornado injuries. more >>

Franklin Graham and his son, Will, visited the tornado-stricken city of Joplin, Mo., over Memorial Day to encourage volunteers helping with Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, and to pray with survivors of the massive storm.

The May 22 monster tornado killed at least 139 people and left miles of destruction in its path. It is reported to be the deadliest tornado in the U.S. in 60 years.

"The community is literally ripped apart," said Will Graham, the grandson of Billy Graham and the third generation of Grahams to preach under the BGEA banner. "Nothing is left. The streets are wiped clean." more >>