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MLB Rumors: Seattle Mariners Lay Off Manager Lloyd McClendon; PCL Picks Shortstop Ketel Marte As Number 8 Prospect
The Seattle Mariners have decided to part ways with manager Lloyd McClendon. The move, which was announced on Friday, is based on a decision by newly installed general manager Jerry Dipoto, according to the Seattle Times. Meanwhile, Seattle Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte was named by Baseball America as the Pacific Coast League’s (PCL) No. 8 prospect.

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NFL Rumors: Philadelphia Eagles' Chip Kelly Courted By USC Trojans; Jason Peters, Byron Maxwell to Return on Sunday
Since Chip Kelly began working as head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, there have been speculations that he will soon leave the NFL and return to college football. He was previously rumored to be coaching the University of Texas several months ago. Now, the talk has turned to the University of South Carolina (USC). Several reports suggests that the USC Trojans might be looking to ditch its current coach in favor of Kelly.

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Oakland Athletics' Marcus Semien Expected to Have Breakout Performance Next Year; Former Draft Pick Michael Nolan Dies after Gunshot To The Head
The Oakland Athletics have just come off with a 68-94 record, one of their worst seasons in many years. The team apparently has a lot of work to do in order to perform better next season. Oakland’s present roster is said to have players talented enough to make that happen. A recent analysis listed some of them who might emerge as potential breakout players in 2016, including shortstop Marcus Semien.

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Charlotte Hornets Coach Steve Clifford Mulls Strategy to Cope With Kidd-Gilchrist's Absence; Jeremy Lin Flaunts New Hairstyle
While the loss of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a huge blow to the Charlotte Hornet’s playoff ambitions, head coach Steve Clifford still has high hopes that his team will be in good shape. Clifford said that it may take him two more exhibition games to devise a plant on how to fill in for the small forward’s absence. While in China, guard Jeremy Lin decided to debut a new bowl cut hairstyle during the team’s media day

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NBA Rumors: Detroit Pistons Might Grab Markieff Morris From Phoenix Suns; Wingman Eric Griffin Placed On Waivers
The Detroit Pistons might be interested in reuniting the Morris twins as the team is reportedly ‘monitoring’ Markieff Morris’ current situation with the Phoenix Suns. The team is said to be interested in a potential trade for the controversial power forward. Meanwhile, in an attempt to trim its roster down to 15, the Detroit Pistons has officially announced the release of high-flying wingman Eric Griffin.

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Qatar Evangelical Alliance breaks ground on worship center, witnessing Christ in a Muslim nation
A worship center for evangelical churches has commenced construction in Qatar, marking a significant spiritual milestone in the history of evangelicals in the country.

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Hong Kong's deadliest fire in a Century: churches mobilize and pray to support the community
On 26 November, a severe level‑five fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Early reports said at least 13 people died and 23 were injured. Local churches mobilize to support the community and pray.

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Christians gather in Hong Kong to pray for victims of Tai Po Hong Fu Court fire
More than 1,000 Christians gathered in Hong Kong on Dec. 5 for a united prayer service commemorating the victims of the five-alarm fire that devastated Hong Fu Court in Tai Po on Nov. 26, destroying thousands of homes and killing 159 people.

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U.S. Congressional hearing highlights religious freedom challenges facing Chinese Christians and other faith communities
A recent U.S. congressional hearing cast a spotlight on religious freedom conditions in China, with witnesses sharing firsthand accounts of pressure faced by Christian, Muslim, and Tibetan Buddhist communities.

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Through education and healthcare: ACTS bears witness to the Gospel in West Africa
Silicon Valley’s River of Life Christian Church, based in California, founded Africa Career Training School (ACTS ), which has built schools and clinics in Togo, Benin and other West African nations.
