NASHVILLE — Each year World Orphans Day™ is observed around the world on the ‘Second Monday in November,’ which was November 13, this year. The Stars Foundation™, a Nashville, TN based nonprofit, initiated this back in 2009, as a day devoted to empowering the Orphans and Displaced Children of the World, while uniting world leaders… Continue reading West Africa Shines in Observance of World Orphans Day
Results for "Orphans"
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U.S. Mission Spotlights Crisis of Ukraine’s ‘50,000 Social Orphans’
LOVES PARK, IL — The war in Ukraine has caused a dramatic surge in the number of “social orphans,” according to a U.S.-based organization responding to an escalating crisis of child abandonment. Ukrainian church leaders estimate there are as many as 50,000 “hidden” social orphans, children barely surviving under the radar who’ve been abandoned or… Continue reading U.S. Mission Spotlights Crisis of Ukraine’s ‘50,000 Social Orphans’
Russia, Ukraine Orphans ‘At Risk of Organized Crime Recruitment’
LOVES PARK, IL — Thousands of abandoned and unwanted orphans in orphanages across Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet countries are highly vulnerable to recruitment by organized crime groups, a U.S. mission agency says. “When children turn 18 they age out of the orphanages and have to fend for themselves,” said Michael Johnson, president of… Continue reading Russia, Ukraine Orphans ‘At Risk of Organized Crime Recruitment’
U.S. Charity Aims to Bring Hope to 60,000 Children, Orphans in Ukraine, Russia This Christmas
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based Christian charity is ramping up its efforts to bring hope to more than 60,000 children and orphans across Ukraine, Russia and the former Soviet Union this Christmas – 10,000 more children than last year. The huge-scale, church-led Immanuel’s Child outreach supported by Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) gives… Continue reading U.S. Charity Aims to Bring Hope to 60,000 Children, Orphans in Ukraine, Russia This Christmas
‘Frontline’ Pastors ‘Risk Everything’ to Aid Orphans, Widows, War-Torn Families
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S. organization is aiming to help 1,300 “frontline pastors” and ministry workers in Russia and the former Soviet Union this winter who, it says, are “risking everything” to aid orphans, widows, and suffering families. During the pandemic, local pastors across Russia and the former Soviet Union have trekked hundreds of miles… Continue reading ‘Frontline’ Pastors ‘Risk Everything’ to Aid Orphans, Widows, War-Torn Families
Israel: Caring for Orphans and Widows
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – The premature death of a spouse threatens the stability of a family and leaves a gaping emotional hole for the surviving wife or husband. An Israeli organization is reaching out to families, widows, and orphans using the Bible as their guide. Chris Mitchell, CBN News: Once a week this home is filled… Continue reading Israel: Caring for Orphans and Widows
Rafiki Is a Friend to Africa’s Orphans and Widows
EUSTIS, FL – Young people are probably more familiar with Rafiki than older adults. For them, Rafiki is a character in Disney’s Lion King. But Rafiki is so much more than that. It is the word in the Swahili language for “friend.” And the Rafiki Foundation has been a friend to Africa for 35 years.… Continue reading Rafiki Is a Friend to Africa’s Orphans and Widows
SOAR Reaches Russian Orphans with Easter Gift Baskets
KENAI, Alaska – In partnership with local Russian evangelical churches, SOAR International is planning to distribute Easter gift baskets to orphaned children in Far Eastern Russia in Communities across the Bering Sea from Nome, Alaska. SOAR (Service & Outreach Alaska to Russia) began its ministries to Russian in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, but now has… Continue reading SOAR Reaches Russian Orphans with Easter Gift Baskets
1.5 Million View “Christianity & the Amazing Armenians: 10 Facts”
WASHINGTON — During five days in February (14th – 18th), more than 1.5 million viewed the “Christianity & the Amazing Armenians: 10 Facts” in the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The full-page ads (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) in the first section of the newspaper, along with its top leaderboard banner online, generated widespread engagement and conversation. Khachkar Studios coordinated the… Continue reading 1.5 Million View “Christianity & the Amazing Armenians: 10 Facts”
Frostbite Evangelism in ‘Coldest Place On Earth’
LOVES PARK, IL — It’s called “frostbite evangelism” in what is officially the coldest inhabited place on earth. In Russia’s Far East — home to the vast frozen tundra of Yakutia — temperatures in January can plummet to minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 50 degrees Celsius. At such bone-chilling temperatures, exposed skin suffers frostbite… Continue reading Frostbite Evangelism in ‘Coldest Place On Earth’
Christmas Courage in Ukraine’s ‘Men-less’ Churches
LOVES PARK, IL — War is robbing Ukraine’s churches of men — leaving congregations of grieving war widows and anxious wives this Christmas. Dasha recently gave birth to a baby boy. Her husband, Pavlo, didn’t live to see his newborn son. He was killed on the frontline in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Now a widow… Continue reading Christmas Courage in Ukraine’s ‘Men-less’ Churches
Ukrainian, Russian Jewish Christians Lead War Aid Effort in Israel
LOVES PARK, IL —It’s a surprise twist few would have imagined — Ukrainian and Russian Jewish Christians are playing a vital role delivering aid to suffering families on the frontline in Israel, 2,000 miles from the war in Europe. Recent immigrants to Israel include Ukrainian refugees who’ve added to the ranks of Israel’s small-but-growing evangelical… Continue reading Ukrainian, Russian Jewish Christians Lead War Aid Effort in Israel
Love Zambia Campaign Reaches More than 730,000 People
ZAMBIA — The Love Zambia Campaign has reached more than 730,000 Zambians over a period of 5 months. Through the Luis Palau Association’s Global Network of Evangelists, volunteers from more than 25 countries ministered in villages and cities across the nation, culminating in a 3-day festival in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Mark Roughton reports. The Love… Continue reading Love Zambia Campaign Reaches More than 730,000 People
Swimming From a Prison Island to Help Other Children
RWANDA — South Africa’s Robben Island is a former prison colony, most famous for hosting Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27 years in prison. Today it is a popular tourist attraction, and the starting point for a challenging ocean swim. A ten-year-old girl from Cape Town is now the youngest swimmer to… Continue reading Swimming From a Prison Island to Help Other Children
Heartbeat Festival in Romania
CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA — The “HeartBeats” Festival, now in its 3rd year, took place in Cluj-Napoca in Romania at the House of Culture of Students. Christian music bands from all over the country, but also from Africa, the United States and Israel took to the stage. The festival created a context in which hundreds of young… Continue reading Heartbeat Festival in Romania
CMM College of Theology – 17 Years of Global, Affordable Christian Accredited Degrees
FORT MILL, SC — CMM College of Theology is entering its 17th year of offering affordable, Christian-accredited degrees around the world. Christ’s Mandate for Missions is an international, Christian, five-fold ministry, humanitarian aid organization founded in 1978. We provide care for orphans/widows, drill water wells, and help fight human trafficking. This school is unlike any… Continue reading CMM College of Theology – 17 Years of Global, Affordable Christian Accredited Degrees
Creating a Safe Haven in Ethiopia
TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA —The Samaritan’s Purse project Tesfa for Tigray has created a safe haven for children who have fled ongoing conflict in Ethiopia. My city is Humera. It is my favorite city and a wonderful city. I miss my hometown Humera the blessed city. The sun rises from Western Tigray. Because of her children the… Continue reading Creating a Safe Haven in Ethiopia
NRB Welcomes Fifteen New Members
WASHINGTON, DC— The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), the world’s largest association of Christian communicators, is pleased to announce the addition of 15 organizations and individuals as NRB members in the second quarter of 2024. “We are delighted to welcome these fifteen new members into the NRB family,” said President & CEO Troy A. Miller. “There’s… Continue reading NRB Welcomes Fifteen New Members
Moldova Holds its Breath Over Ukraine War as Churches Keep Hope Alive
LOVES PARK, IL — A new evangelical church movement is bringing hope to Moldova — a vulnerable, ex-communist nation on the edge of the Ukraine war. “Concern among Moldovans is very real that, after Ukraine, they could be next,” said Eric Mock, senior vice president of ministry operations at Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA), a… Continue reading Moldova Holds its Breath Over Ukraine War as Churches Keep Hope Alive
KP Yohannan: The Gentle Man Who Shook the Missions World
MOORESVILLE, NC — KP Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) — founder of missions agency GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia) who died May 8 — once said to me: “I’m just a skinny kid from India who grew up to be a follower of Jesus.” Genuine humility was the mark of the man — a man whom… Continue reading KP Yohannan: The Gentle Man Who Shook the Missions World
Missionary Statesman KP Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) Enters Eternity
WILLS POINT, TEXAS— K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, departed in the presence of God on May 8, 2024. He was a missionary statesman with an undying call to share the love of Christ with this world and to inspire others to follow in his… Continue reading Missionary Statesman KP Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) Enters Eternity
Kids’ War Art is ‘Window to Their Souls’ as Pain Grows
LOVES PARK, IL — Kids’ War Art is ‘Window to Their Souls’ as Pain Grows — Children in Ukraine, for whom death and destruction has become part of life, are expressing themselves through “war art” — giving a heart-wrenching window into their young minds and souls. Eleven-year-old Sophia’s wartime artwork shows missiles raining down while… Continue reading Kids’ War Art is ‘Window to Their Souls’ as Pain Grows
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to Hold “Sharing Hope in Crisis” Training in Farmington, Pennsylvania
FARMINGTON, PA — From personal tragedies like disease, suicide and financial difficulties to catastrophes on a massive scale such as shootings, fires and floods, many Christians may feel unprepared to offer comfort and hope to those who are grieving and in despair. On May 4, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) – a nationwide… Continue reading Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to Hold “Sharing Hope in Crisis” Training in Farmington, Pennsylvania
Parents of Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls Gather for 10th Anniversary Service
NIGERIA — It’s been 10 years since the Chibok Nigerian schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria. More than 90 of the young women are still missing. On 14 April, parents of the girls gathered for a service to pray for the missing women. Yakubu Nkeki – Chibok, Nigeria: My name is Yakubu… Continue reading Parents of Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls Gather for 10th Anniversary Service
Celebrating 20 years of combating AIDS in Uganda
UGANDA — A non-profit organization based in Colorado, USA is celebrating twenty years in Uganda, Africa; combating HIV/AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases by promoting abstinence before marriage, and faithfulness in marriage, through the power of Christ. For decades, Uganda was the epicenter of the HIV crisis in Africa. Today, countless orphans remain as witnesses… Continue reading Celebrating 20 years of combating AIDS in Uganda
Nigerian Pastor Receives Trauma Counselling Following Family Loss
NIGERIA — In May 2023, Pastor Zachariah returned home to find his wife and son had been killed in an attack by Fulani militants. His home had also been burnt to the ground. To help him deal with his devastating loss, Nigerian Pastor Zachariah received trauma counselling and practical support from Open Doors partners. It… Continue reading Nigerian Pastor Receives Trauma Counselling Following Family Loss
Ukraine War Survivor Overcomes Cancer to Help Traumatized Israelis
LOVES PARK, IL — A Ukrainian couple facing their own life-and-death battle with advanced cancer are helping others suffering from anxiety and despair on the frontline of the Israel-Hamas war. Ukrainian-born Jew Yura, 51, and his wife Luda, 53, who has undergone major surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy to treat Stage 4 cancer, left… Continue reading Ukraine War Survivor Overcomes Cancer to Help Traumatized Israelis
Open Doors’ World Watch List for 2024
NORTH KOREA — The Open Doors World Watch List 2024 ranks the countries where Christians count the highest cost for following Jesus. These are the 5 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Could praying put you in danger? Could going to church risk your life? Could following Jesus cost you your job, your… Continue reading Open Doors’ World Watch List for 2024
In The First 10 Months of 2023, 5,000 Christians were Killed
NORTH KOREA — Christian freedom in the world is marked by a deterioration that seems to be getting worse. This is reflected in reports and statistics, such as those collected by the organization Open Doors. That entity has just published the World Persecution List 2024, with data related to the period between January and October… Continue reading In The First 10 Months of 2023, 5,000 Christians were Killed
Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament
NORTH KOREA — Longstanding Christian communities could disappear in parts of sub-Saharan Africa through a double blow of violent instability and authoritarian control. Christian minorities across east and west Africa face twin existential threats: violent disorder exploited by radical jihadists and autocratic governments backed by larger powers outside the region.This is one of the disturbing… Continue reading Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deploys to Claremont, North Carolina, after severe storms
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) will deploy to Claremont, North Carolina, after severe storms swept through the area on Tuesday. The National Weather Service reported that an EF-1 tornado tore through the area, where one person was killed, several others were injured and dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed.… Continue reading Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deploys to Claremont, North Carolina, after severe storms
God is Love Takeover: Downtown LA in Partnership with Azusa Street Mission on MLK Weekend Spread Love, Unity and Service
LOS ANGELES — The God is Love Takeover came to downtown Los Angeles Friday January 12, 2023 for Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday weekend in partnership with the Azusa Street Mission to spread the power of love, unity and service. From city to city, the God is Love movement has poured out love by donating… Continue reading God is Love Takeover: Downtown LA in Partnership with Azusa Street Mission on MLK Weekend Spread Love, Unity and Service
Following Jesus in North Korea, Despite Poverty and Danger
NORTH KOREA — Ji Ho* in North Korea counts the cost of following Jesus every day. Her father was taken away by police agents when his Bible was discovered, and she has to keep her faith secret – or face terrible consequences. *Name changed for security. Ji Ho*: I didn’t know what the book was,… Continue reading Following Jesus in North Korea, Despite Poverty and Danger
New Book ‘What Are You Going to Do?’ Shares Inspiring Story of the Founding of Compassion International
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — This January, a new book entitled “What Are You Going to Do?” shares the inspiring true story of Everett Swanson and the humble beginnings of the global Christian ministry Compassion International. In the fall of 1952, Rev. Everett Swanson flew from Chicago to South Korea to minister to American troops fighting… Continue reading New Book ‘What Are You Going to Do?’ Shares Inspiring Story of the Founding of Compassion International
Christians Discovered and Arrested in Iran
IRAN — Those Christians who are Iranian who want to live their faith in Jesus freely are often sent to prison, where they are frequently tortured and interrogated. They flee the persecution that plagues the country, becoming refugees in other nations. Kouroush is one of them. Kouroush: I had to leave everything behind. My country,… Continue reading Christians Discovered and Arrested in Iran
‘Wonder, Hope of Christmas’ Comes to Kids Caught in Israel, Ukraine Wars
LOVES PARK, IL — A unique Christmas program is bringing the gift of hope to thousands of children caught in the devastating wars in Israel and Ukraine. American Christians are supporting the annual Christmas campaign called Immanuel’s Child that will deliver gifts and a “star of hope” to as many as 75,000 needy children this… Continue reading ‘Wonder, Hope of Christmas’ Comes to Kids Caught in Israel, Ukraine Wars
Still Packing Shoeboxes and Serving the Lord at 98
GREENSBORO, NC — Packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child is one of the many activities Lela Mae Cummings enjoys in her still-active lifestyle at “98 and a half years old.” Leila Mae Cummings: I’m Leila Mae Cummings , and I’ve lived in the Guilford College area all my life. And I’m at Friends Home Guilford,… Continue reading Still Packing Shoeboxes and Serving the Lord at 98
The UK’s Largest Church Outreach Shines A Light on Jesus This Christmas
UK — More than 42,000 Christians from more than 360 UK churches are taking to the streets December 16-17 in various Christmas Shine Your Light outreach events with the sole purpose to share that Jesus is the reason for the season. Dr. Jonathan Oleyede – National Day of Prayer and Worship: This Christmas the whole… Continue reading The UK’s Largest Church Outreach Shines A Light on Jesus This Christmas
Orphan in Uganda Starts His Own Orphanage
UGANDA — After Waswa’s* mother was poisoned by relatives because of her decision to follow Jesus, Waswa and his siblings became orphans. But after receiving care and support from local Open Doors partners, Waswa now runs an orphanage in Uganda, caring for many isolated children in his community and sharing his faith with them. When… Continue reading Orphan in Uganda Starts His Own Orphanage
Russian-Speaking Jewish Christians Rush Aid to War Victims
LOVES PARK, IL — Jewish Christians in Israel, including Russian-speaking immigrants who’ve fled the war in Ukraine, are delivering aid to traumatized Israeli families, even as rockets continue to rain down. Hamas continues to fire rockets at the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon, where many frightened families are huddled in bomb shelters. Partnering with Illinois-based… Continue reading Russian-Speaking Jewish Christians Rush Aid to War Victims
Christian Evangelizes Hundreds of Prisoners in North Korea
NORTH KOREA — In North Korea, saying the word “Jesus” can be a death sentence. Hea-woo is a persecuted Christian, one of the prisoners in North Korea. Although her mother was a Christian, she only heard about Jesus through her husband. To maintain her faith, the Christian fled to China, but there she was discovered… Continue reading Christian Evangelizes Hundreds of Prisoners in North Korea
Solar-Powered ‘Lifeline’ Brings Ray of Hope to ‘Discouraged’ Ukrainians
LOVES PARK, IL — Churches in Ukraine are using portable solar-powered “survival systems” to bring relief and hope to those without electricity as drones relentlessly target the nation’s power grid. Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) — an evangelical mission that has been supporting local churches in the region for decades — has supplied 40… Continue reading Solar-Powered ‘Lifeline’ Brings Ray of Hope to ‘Discouraged’ Ukrainians
GFA World Launches Appeal As ‘Ostracized Widows’ Face Life of Begging
WILLS POINT, TX — Mission agency GFA World (www.gfa.org) has launched an appeal to help thousands of “ostracized widows” around the globe at risk of starvation and abuse after being abandoned by their family and neighbors. “Millions of widows live in societies where they are blamed for their husband’s death, regardless of the illness, accident… Continue reading GFA World Launches Appeal As ‘Ostracized Widows’ Face Life of Begging
CityServe Family Center to open in Ukraine for families affected by war
BAKERSFIELD, CA — This month, CityServe International will have a grand opening for their new CityServe Family Center in Kyiv, Ukraine. In partnership with churches in Ukraine, this family center will serve to heal the multi-generational trauma of a war that has already claimed over 20,000 Ukrainian lives, including many civilians. The grand opening ceremony… Continue reading CityServe Family Center to open in Ukraine for families affected by war
Traore’s Story – Surviving a Jihadist Attack Fatherless in Burkina Faso
BURKINA FASO — Almost two million people in Burkina Faso have been displaced by extremist violence. Many are Christian widows and orphans. Traore* (17) is one of them. He moved to a safer area after a jihadist attack brought tragic loss to his family. Traore*: Sometimes, my heart is broken when I think about my… Continue reading Traore’s Story – Surviving a Jihadist Attack Fatherless in Burkina Faso
Ukraine: ‘Kids of War’ Grapple with Trauma, Life-Changing Injuries
LOVES PARK, IL — Ten-year-old Maryna kneels beside her bed and prays for the war in Ukraine to end. For Maryna, the horrors of war have already left lifelong scars. Surgeons had to amputate her crushed leg after a shell exploded next to her home. Now she wears a prosthetic. Any loud noise brings her… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Kids of War’ Grapple with Trauma, Life-Changing Injuries
Ukraine Dam Catastrophe: Churches Rush to Help in Flood Zone
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S. mission is rushing to support Ukrainian churches racing to help families impacted by the catastrophic dam collapse in southern Ukraine as a counter-offensive gets underway. “People are desperate for water, food, and a way to charge their phones as flood waters surround them and the counter-offensive goes on,” said… Continue reading Ukraine Dam Catastrophe: Churches Rush to Help in Flood Zone
Ayuba’s Path to Peace After Losing His Father to Boko Haram
NIGERIA — Ayuba’s* father was killed by Boko Haram militants in 2020. Ayuba swore to take revenge on the man who had betrayed his father to the militants – but has found healing through a trauma centre, supported by Open Doors. *Ayuba is portrayed by an actor and his name has been changed for security… Continue reading Ayuba’s Path to Peace After Losing His Father to Boko Haram
Inspiring Real-Life Stories from Former Soviet Countries ‘Will Give Americans Hope’
LOVES PARK, IL — A one-of-a-kind podcast featuring inspiring stories from Ukraine, Russia, former Soviet countries and Israel will give Americans the hope they’re looking for, its producers say. “We’re delivering an entirely new type of podcast,” said Michael Johnson, president of Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) that produces “Encountering Hope – The Podcast.” “They’re… Continue reading Inspiring Real-Life Stories from Former Soviet Countries ‘Will Give Americans Hope’
Ukraine: Desperate Times Lead to Surge in Summer Bible Camps
LOVES PARK, IL — The Ukraine war and growing desperation in hard times are driving a surge in the number of children expected to flock to Bible camps this summer across the former Soviet Union, a region once steeped in atheism. Amid fears the Ukraine conflict could escalate at any moment, Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association… Continue reading Ukraine: Desperate Times Lead to Surge in Summer Bible Camps