For several years, scientists have used a person’s own stem cells to slowly grow replacement organs in an artificial environment (Live Science, September 24, 2013). Simple organs like skin, tracheas and bladders, with a person’s own DNA, have been grown and transplanted into patients—with no rejection effects! Regenerative medicine is now developing 3D printers to rapidly make new organs.  The goal is to make complex organs like hearts, livers, and kidneys (ibid.).

A new Sunday Assembly “community group” recently began in London with the goal of encouraging people to “do good” to others. (The Times, September 16, 2013). Its “service” includes singing, music and taking up donations.

Last week during the annual Haj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti reminded pilgrims from all over the Islamic world, “to avoid divisions, chaos and sectarianism, without explicitly speaking of the turmoil in some Arab countries. ‘Your nation [the greater Muslim community] is a trust with you. You must safeguard its security, stability and resources,’ he said… ‘You should know that you are targeted by your enemy... who wants to spread chaos among you...

Attacks against professing Christians are rising as instability in the Middle East increases. “A pair of suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a 130-year-old Anglican church in Pakistan after Sunday Mass, killing at least 78 people in the deadliest attack on Christians….” (Reuters, September 22, 2013).