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
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
Trauma Healing Provided for Religious Abuse Victims in East Africa
EAST AFRICA — Munah* is a young woman from east Africa and one of only a handful of Christians in her strictly Muslim tribe. Her family’s choice to forsake the beliefs and practices of their people group came at the considerable cost of isolation.But an Open Doors trauma care programme is helping her in healing… Continue reading Trauma Healing Provided for Religious Abuse Victims in East Africa
Body Armor-Wearing Pastors Risk All to Deliver Aid to Ukraine Frontline
LOVES PARK, IL — Courageous pastors, some wearing bulletproof vests, are risking everything to deliver life-saving aid to desperate people living near the frontline of the war in Ukraine. “Jesus used to go where there was pain, where it was difficult, where people needed him,” said armor-wearing Pastor Vlad, as he and church members distributed food… Continue reading Body Armor-Wearing Pastors Risk All to Deliver Aid to Ukraine Frontline
Nadia Sees Prayer as Spiritual Bridge to Others in the Arabian Peninsula
ARABIA — In the Arabian Peninsula, with its predominantly Islamic faith and culture, choosing to follow Christ can be costly. Nadia* struggled with loneliness and isolation when she became a Christian – but she has seen the impact of prayer. *Name changed for security reasons. Nadia*, name changed for security purposes: If I look back… Continue reading Nadia Sees Prayer as Spiritual Bridge to Others in the Arabian Peninsula
Persecuted Iranian Christian Opens Refugee Center in Turkey
TURKEY — Kouroush* is an Iranian Christian now living in Turkey, after he fled to escape persecution, leaving everything behind. We hear how, with Open Doors’ support, he is now opening a Center of Hope to help care for fellow refugees. Kouroush*, name changed for security purposes: “I didn’t murder anyone. I didn’t steal anything.… Continue reading Persecuted Iranian Christian Opens Refugee Center in Turkey
Iranian Christian Woman Helps Other Persecuted Believers in Turkey
TURKEY — When Sahar became a Christian in Iran, she lost everything – her husband, her children and her freedom. But she never let go of God, and now she lives in Turkey, ministering to women who are going through similar situations for their faith. *Name changed for security purposes. Sahar* – Iranian Christian: I… Continue reading Iranian Christian Woman Helps Other Persecuted Believers in Turkey
Ukraine War Accelerates Orphan Crisis
LOVES PARK, IL — The war in Ukraine is accelerating an orphan crisis in the embattled nation and neighboring Russia, a U.S. mission agency says. Children are being swept up in the turmoil in Ukraine and taken to overcrowded orphanages miles away across borders, often separated from family members desperately searching for them, says Illinois-based… Continue reading Ukraine War Accelerates Orphan Crisis
North Korea Tops Open Doors World Watch List
NORTH KOREA — More than 360 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith – that’s a staggering 1 in 7 believers. Open Doors has launched this year’s World Watch list highlighting the 50 countries where faith costs the most, with North Korea returning to number one as the world’s… Continue reading North Korea Tops Open Doors World Watch List
Ukraine ‘Heat and Hope’ Project Gets Underway as Winter Crisis Nears
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based mission has launched a massive ‘heat and hope’ project to rush generators and critical supplies of firewood, coal and thermal blankets to local churches helping Ukrainian families facing a brutal and potentially deadly winter. The Ukraine Winter Heat and Hope Project, organized by Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org),… Continue reading Ukraine ‘Heat and Hope’ Project Gets Underway as Winter Crisis Nears
Ukraine War Kids, ‘Forgotten Children’ to Taste Joy at Summer Camps
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based mission to the former Soviet Union aims to help give 50,000 disadvantaged boys and girls a “life-changing” summer camp experience this year, including children suffering because of the war in Ukraine. Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) partners with thousands of local churches across the vast region to provide… Continue reading Ukraine War Kids, ‘Forgotten Children’ to Taste Joy at Summer Camps
U.S. Christians Help Power ‘Church Aid Machine’ in Ukraine, Poland
LOVES PARK, IL — American Christians are helping thousands of people experiencing the horror of war in Ukraine through a local church-powered humanitarian aid machine. The grassroots relief network delivers food, hygiene items and other supplies to desperate families that other aid agencies can’t reach in war-torn regions and remote villages across Ukraine. In less… Continue reading U.S. Christians Help Power ‘Church Aid Machine’ in Ukraine, Poland
Churches Rush to Aid Heartbroken Ukrainian Refugees
LOVES PARK, IL — Heartbroken refugee women and children are saying a tearful goodbye to their husbands and fathers at the Ukrainian border, but local churches are coming to the families’ aid. “Many Ukrainian families are being separated at the border,” said Eric Mock, vice president of ministry operations at Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org).… Continue reading Churches Rush to Aid Heartbroken Ukrainian Refugees
Serving the Widow: Helpful Tips for the Local Church
Crissy Sanchez-Cochran, Executive Director of Communications of City Serve discusses The Widow — A Compassion Initiative — a biblical template for how the local church can care for the widow in their sadness and loss. It is often the case that ministries are led most effectively by those who have a heart for a particular… Continue reading Serving the Widow: Helpful Tips for the Local Church
U.S. Ministry Readies for ‘Marathon’ of Aid to Ukrainians
LOVES PARK, IL — Ukrainian refugees lodging at evangelical churches across Eastern Europe are reporting atrocities scarring psyches, crucial needs for water and food, and desperate attempts to escape the war zone by car and foot. Julia reached a seminary that Slavic Gospel Association aids in Warsaw, Poland, only after a harrowing escape from the… Continue reading U.S. Ministry Readies for ‘Marathon’ of Aid to Ukrainians
Standing with Ukrainian Churches in Ministry to Refugees
UKRAINE — Slavic Gospel Association is continuing to help resource churches across Ukraine as they provide vital aid and transportation to rescue countless families trapped in the conflict there. SGA’s President Michael Johnson explains how they’re standing with the Baptist Union of Churches of Ukraine. As the conflict continues to devastate countless lives across Ukraine,… Continue reading Standing with Ukrainian Churches in Ministry to Refugees
Providing Shelter for Ukrainian Refugees
UKRAINE — Vitaliy Smolin, director of Open Door Foundation, is partnering with Samaritan’s Purse in Ukraine to provide shelter for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the fighting. Vitaliy Smolin – Director, Open Door Foundation: My heart for Ukraine is to help the orphans, to help the children, because that’s what God’s heart is. As soon as the… Continue reading Providing Shelter for Ukrainian Refugees
60 Impoverished Widows in Guatemala Receive Homes
PUEBLO, CO — International ministry World Challenge recently helped build houses for 60 impoverished widows in Guatemala, reported Christian Post.[1] As part of World Challenge’s widow ministry program, which seeks to fulfill the biblical directive to care for widows, local partners meet practical, daily needs of widows, such as food, medicine and shelter. Partners also… Continue reading 60 Impoverished Widows in Guatemala Receive Homes