An immigration judge June 30 dismissed the deportation case against Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a Hamas founder, who had become a spy for Israel. The author of Son of Hamas (Tyndale House Publishers), Yousef spoke at ICRS while under threat of being deported. Yousef, 32, received a standing ovation there and also had a long line for his book signing at the Tyndale booth the following day. The judge's ruling in San Diego came after the federal government decided that Yousef was not a terrorist threat. The Department of Homeland Security initially denied Yousef's asylum request in February 2009. No explanation was given by the government attorney for the abrupt change in position.

Standard Publishing announced the theme for its 2011 Vacation Bible School (VBS), officially introducing Inside Out & Upside Down on Main Street: Where Jesus Makes a Difference Every Day! Each day of the new VBS, children will learn a parable that teaches an important quality of the Christian life. Standard Publishing introduced the VBS curriculum at its Sneak Peak Product Party, which offered retailers and their families a taste of foods from the Gateway City.

Apparel maker Kerusso announced the winner of its Live For Him/Compassion International mission trip at its 3:16 floor event that drew more than 150 retailers. The winner was Calvary Church Bookstore of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which sold the most Live For Him product in the last 12 months. Two store employees will join Kerusso President and CEO Vic Kennett and Compassion in the Dominican Republic this December.

Bridge-Logos Foundation announced the winner of a unique giveaway. As winner, Peggy Knudsen of The Word Shoppe in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, was given two choices and picked $1,000 worth of product instead of having Bridge-Logos Executive Vice President of Marketing Steve Becker work for two days at her store.

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