Wed April 19, 2017 – Gospel for Asia Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers provide disease-prevention systems and lessons to improve health, offer hope in World Water Day effort WILLS POINT, Texas—Fresh water sources are freeing impoverished families in Asia from sickness and disease. GFA (Gospel for Asia)-supported workers dedicated new Jesus Wells in series of… Continue reading Well installations and filter distributions bring relief
Author: missionsbox
Only 1/3 of Venezuelans Eat One or Two Meals Per Day
Photo by Unukalhai Venezuela used to be an oil-rich nation, but since Maduro took over, things have been going downhill. Fox News reports, “The once-wealthy oil producing nation has fallen on hard times since Nicolás Maduro took power following the death of socialist leader Hugo Chávez in 2013. A drop in global oil prices has… Continue reading Only 1/3 of Venezuelans Eat One or Two Meals Per Day
Newly Elected Gambian President Returns from Senegal
Adama Barrow, the newly elected President last December who had to flee to Senegal, because the former President wouldn’t step down finally returned in January. Per CNN, “President Adama Barrow, who defeated longtime President Yahya Jammeh in a December election but waited in neighboring Senegal because Jammeh refused to surrender power on time last week,… Continue reading Newly Elected Gambian President Returns from Senegal
Australia Prime Minister Talks to President Trump about Sending Immigrants to America
Photo by Sardaka When former-President Obama was in the White House, he promised the Australian Prime Minister that America would take in 1,250 refugees every year. The Federalist explains, “We entered the picture, nonetheless, in 2016. The Obama administration struck a deal with Turnbull’s government to take the refugees into our country.” Prime Minister Turnbull… Continue reading Australia Prime Minister Talks to President Trump about Sending Immigrants to America
Italy Avalanche kills 29 and Injures 11
Photo by Goldmund100 In January, there was an avalanche in Central Italy. It hit a hotel nestled at the foot of the Gren Sasso mountains. It came because of strong earthquakes in the region. Per CNN, “The four-star spa hotel at the foot of the Gran Sasso mountain, about 135 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of… Continue reading Italy Avalanche kills 29 and Injures 11
Romanians Protest Corruption Bill
Mätes II In February, Romania was planning on passing a corruption bill, which would make it legal for government officials to do corrupt things if it did not go over a certain amount. Per CNN, “The original decree, which would have taken effect in about a week, decriminalized corruption that causes damage worth less… Continue reading Romanians Protest Corruption Bill
Paris Peace Conference
Photo by הסוכנות היהודית Pikiwiki Israel In January, right before President Trump was sworn into office, a group of international leaders met to discuss the Two-State Solution, or the giving the West Bank in Israel to the Palestinians. Per Al Jazeera, “The [UN] resolution condemns all Israeli settlement activity as illegal and calls upon member… Continue reading Paris Peace Conference
Easter Rabbits Can Help Give Families a Future
Image by Gospel for Asia Farm animals can provide income to those who are in need. These animals may provide milk or their young may be sold for a price that will take care of the family. Either way, people may wonder why this kindness was shown to them and it provides opportunities for Christians… Continue reading Easter Rabbits Can Help Give Families a Future
Islamic State Lost Almost a Quarter of its Territory in 2016
By Nadavspi In-between the beginning of 2016 and the end, a land a little smaller than the state of Florida was recaptured by Iraqi and Syrian forces. Per Newsweek, “This means ISIS lost control of almost 18,000 square kilometers (6,900 square miles) over the last 12 months, bringing the totality of the landmass it holds… Continue reading Islamic State Lost Almost a Quarter of its Territory in 2016
Gambia’s President wouldn’t step down
CC BY-SA 3.0 President Jammeh, wouldn’t step down despite his defeat in Gambia’s election. According to CNN, “Jammeh, who took power in a 1994 military coup, suffered a surprise election defeat in December to Adama Barrow, who won 45% of the vote. Jammeh originally conceded the presidency, but then announced his ‘total rejection of the… Continue reading Gambia’s President wouldn’t step down
Yemen facing the ravages of war and malnourishment
By Bernard Gagnon (Own work) Since the war hit Yemen, there has been a rising amount of poverty and malnutrition in the country. AP reports, “International agencies have classified Hodeidah among nine of Yemen’s 22 provinces that are a step away from famine. A U.N. report in June said that in Yemen, ‘the highest… Continue reading Yemen facing the ravages of war and malnourishment
Rohingya in Bangladesh Moved to Uninhabited Island
The Rohingya of Myanmar is one of the most persecuted group in the world. They have no home. Per Fox News, “Some 300,000 Rohingya Muslims have lived in Bangladesh for decades after fleeing there from neighboring Myanmar in the face of persecution by its military and majority Buddhists.” Many of the Rohingya are forced into… Continue reading Rohingya in Bangladesh Moved to Uninhabited Island
American pastor detained in Turkey
Myararat83 An American Pastor who worked in Turkey for 20 years was detained for supposed ties to a terrorist group. Per Fox News, “Mr. Brunson is a pastor of a small church on the west coast of Turkey. After living peacefully in Izmir for more than 20 years, he was imprisoned based on unsubstantiated… Continue reading American pastor detained in Turkey
Famine in South Sudan State
Al Jazeera English Unity State, in South Sudan, which has a population of 100,000, has been declared by the United Nations to be famine proportions. There has not been a famine in South Sudan for six years. Per the Guardian, “A further 1 million people were classified as being on the brink of famine, according… Continue reading Famine in South Sudan State
6 Tornados hit San Antonio and Austin
By Mugchee On Sunday, February 19, six tornados touched down in San Antonio and Austin. According to KTRK, “At least six tornadoes hit parts of San Antonio and Austin area, damaging dozens of homes but causing no major injuries.” Not only was there tornadic activity, but also flooding in San Antonio. Fox 29 San Antonio… Continue reading 6 Tornados hit San Antonio and Austin
California Flooding
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Orders to evacuate the San Francisco area came on February 20 due to rising water and floods. According to Fox News, “Evacuations were ordered in Central California on Monday and flash-flood warnings were issued elsewhere as downpours swelled creeks and rivers to troubling levels in the already soggy region.” It… Continue reading California Flooding
China’s Two-Child Policy
Foudeelau China used to be on a one-child policy until 2016, when they realized the population was decreasing, due to the fact most of the population was elderly. Per CNN, “But the low birth rate created a number of serious demographic challenges. Today, China faces a rapidly aging population and a shortage of working-age residents,… Continue reading China’s Two-Child Policy
Mosque attack in Quebec, Canada
By Gilbert Bochenek On January 30, a man walked into a mosque in Quebec, Canada and started shooting. Three people were killed in the attack. There were also 19 others who were injured. According to CBC, “Alexandre Bissonnette, 27, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted… Continue reading Mosque attack in Quebec, Canada
Brexit to Include Close Relationship with EU
CC BY-SA 3.0 Brexit, which is Britain splitting from the European Union, will include a close relationship with the EU. Per BBC, “The UK will withdraw from the single market and seek a new customs arrangement and a free trade agreement with the EU.” Immigrants are worried they will be deported from Britain because of… Continue reading Brexit to Include Close Relationship with EU
Severe Weather including 4 tornados hit Texas
Mr. Robert E. Day On January 16, 4 tornadoes hit the Dallas, Texas suburbs. NBCDFW reports, “The four confirmed tornadoes — including two EF-1 tornadoes, an EF-0 and one other that is yet to be rated — were spawned from a single long-track super cell thunderstorm that moved across Coryell, Bosque, Hill and Tarrant counties, according… Continue reading Severe Weather including 4 tornados hit Texas
Flooding hits Thailand hard
In December of 2016 and January 2017, southern Thailand was hit by heavy flooding. According to Fox News, “Flooding in southern Thailand has killed at least five people, disrupted transportation and spoiled tourists’ holidays at one of the country’s most popular resort islands.” The rain was due to a low pressure system circulating over southern… Continue reading Flooding hits Thailand hard
Myanmar’s crackdown on ethnic minorities
The Myanmar military is cracking down on Myanmar’s minorities, particularly the Rohingya. Many of them flee into Bangladesh. CNN reports, “Authorities in neighboring Bangladesh said dozens of people have attempted to flee across the border in recent days.” Those in Myanmar think that the Rohingya are Bangladesh citizens and as such are there illegally, even… Continue reading Myanmar’s crackdown on ethnic minorities
The Rio Refugee Team
By Agência Brasil Fotografias The Rio refugee team was the first of its kind in the Olympics. Never before had there been a team of refugees in Olympic history. UNCHR reports, “Hailing the first-ever refugee team as “true Olympians”, UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly T. Clements has praised its 10 members of for helping to… Continue reading The Rio Refugee Team
Chile water crisis due to flooding
PizarroContreras Chile is undergoing a water crisis due to the flooding there. This is located in the capital city of Santiago. The BBC reports, “Rainstorms and landslides in Chile have contaminated a major river forcing the authorities to cut off drinking water to at least four million people in the capital, Santiago.” These homes… Continue reading Chile water crisis due to flooding
Hurricane Matthew hits North Carolina; creates massive flooding
http://www.ccfhr.noaa.gov/news/ophelia In October of 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit the shore of North Carolina. According to CNN, “The storm’s US death toll climbed to 21 on Monday, with North Carolina reporting 11 deaths, Florida reporting four, and three each in South Carolina and Georgia.” Those in the Southeast were ordered to evacuate. Fox News explains, “An… Continue reading Hurricane Matthew hits North Carolina; creates massive flooding
Increase of requests for abortions in Latin America
In Latin America, there has been an increase in the number of women asking for abortions due to the spread of the Zika Virus. In most Latin American countries, abortion is illegal. CNN reports, “In Latin American countries, where abortion is highly restricted if not downright illegal, pregnant women are seeking abortions at significantly higher… Continue reading Increase of requests for abortions in Latin America
Papua New Guinea 7.9 Magnitude Earthquake
Fanny Schertzer On January 22, 2017, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake hit Papua New Guinea. It is initially believed to be no deaths. According to CNN, “The predominant structure of homes in the area meant they were vulnerable to earthquakes, it said, and fatalities were possible.” There was a Tsunami warning put into effect for several… Continue reading Papua New Guinea 7.9 Magnitude Earthquake
4 Israeli Soldiers die in Jerusalem truck attacks
By Berthold Werner In early January, 4 Israeli soldiers were killed by a Palestinian, who took over a truck and attacked all those who were nearby. It is believed he supported the terrorist attacks of ISIS. CNN reports, “The driver who plowed a truck into a group of soldiers in Jerusalem, killing four people and… Continue reading 4 Israeli Soldiers die in Jerusalem truck attacks
Rohingya not treated fairly in Myanmar
By English: Foreign and Commonwealth Office The Rohingya are treated badly by the government of Myanmar, mainly the military. Many Rohingya have escaped into Muslim countries. According to CNN, “The Myanmar government has forcibly segregated Rohingya from the rest of the population in Rakhine state since 1982 when the government stripped them of their citizenship.”… Continue reading Rohingya not treated fairly in Myanmar
Evangelical elected as mayor in Rio de Janeiro
By Adelano Lázaro In late October, Marcello Crivella was elected to be mayor in Rio de Janeiro. Crivella is a devoted Evangelical. According to CNN, “Rio de Janeiro, the city of sunshine and samba, elected a former evangelical bishop mayor in a municipal election that signals Brazil’s politics are shifting right after 13 years of… Continue reading Evangelical elected as mayor in Rio de Janeiro
Russia Attacks Ukraine on 25th Anniversary of Independence
By Qypchak In late August of 2016, Russia attacked Ukraine while it was celebrating its Independence from the former USSR. CNN reports, “On the day of his country’s 25th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants ‘the whole Ukraine’ to be part of… Continue reading Russia Attacks Ukraine on 25th Anniversary of Independence
St. Mark’s Coptic Church Bombed
By Athanasius 77 In December, just a few weeks before Christmas, a Coptic Church in Cairo was bombed. At first, the authorities had no idea who was responsible for the attacks. According to Fox News, “The Islamic State [ISIS] claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing that killed 25 people. They also alleged that the… Continue reading St. Mark’s Coptic Church Bombed
Henry Martyn
Henry Martyn was a missionary to both India and Arabia between 1806-1812. Through his sharing of the Good News, many people were challenged in their thinking of Jesus. Early Life Henry Martyn was born on February 18, 1781 in Cornwell England. Henry was picked on at school and the teachers had to assign another student… Continue reading Henry Martyn
Cuba dictator dies at 90-year-old
By Kotoviski – Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1620427 In November, Fidel Castro, the leader and dictator of Cuba died of an ailment. According to The Slatest, “One of the world’s most divisive and authoritarian leaders who allegedly survived more than 600 assassination attempts and played a key role in the history of the 20th… Continue reading Cuba dictator dies at 90-year-old
Zika virus causing microcephaly in Thailand
The Zika-related malady of microcephaly that has plagued Brazil and much of the Americas is now in Thailand where two babies recently born there have the birth defect, marking Asia’s first reports of the condition. While not all pregnant women infected with Zika deliver microcephalic babies, researchers say Zika is one of the leading… Continue reading Zika virus causing microcephaly in Thailand
Save the Children: Girls under 15 marry every seven seconds
More than 700 million women living today entered into forced marriages as children under the age of 18, according to a landmark report by Save the Children called Every Last Girl. The current rate of marriage worldwide for girls under 15 is one every seven seconds. These teenaged and pre-teenaged girls are not falling in… Continue reading Save the Children: Girls under 15 marry every seven seconds
What Was the missions world like the last time the Cubs Won the World Series?
The year is 1908. The cubs are playing in the World Series, and they win the final game, making them the World Series champions. In the meantime, God is working through missionaries around the world to spread the Good News. After 108 years the Chicago Cubs have finally won, this time against the Cleveland Indians.… Continue reading What Was the missions world like the last time the Cubs Won the World Series?
WHO certifies Sri Lanka as malaria-free
The World Health Organization (WHO) certified in September that the island nation of Sri Lanka off the southeast coast of India is malaria-free. Sri Lanka joins a list of 33 nations that have achieved that status, while 94 nations and territories still have malaria transmission. “It was a hard fight, [but] this is an example… Continue reading WHO certifies Sri Lanka as malaria-free
Teams Distribute Food, Shoes, Supplies to Afflicted on World Leprosy Day
GOSPEL FOR ASIA-SUPPORTED WORKERS GIVE HELP AND HOPE TO THOSE LIVING IN ISOLATION. WILLS POINT, Texas – People affected with leprosy throughout South Asia received food, shoes, blankets and household supplies as workers supported through Gospel for Asia (GFA) commemorated World Leprosy Day, held each year to promote awareness and prevention. Gospel for Asia (GFA)… Continue reading Teams Distribute Food, Shoes, Supplies to Afflicted on World Leprosy Day
Another Italy earthquake
By terremocentroitalia terremocentroitalia from Italia In late October of 2016, an earthquake hit Norcia, Italy (a town in the central part of Italy). A 6.6 earthquake was recorded. CNN reports, “A powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake rocked central Italy on Sunday morning, injuring at least 20 people, in the strongest tremor to hit the country in more… Continue reading Another Italy earthquake
Venezuela protests call for ouster of President Maduro
Opponents of President Nicola Maduro’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela held mass demonstrations recently, demanding a recall election of the beleaguered president as the nation wallows in an economic crisis. Widespread shortages of common goods and medicines has led to increased crime, rolling blackouts and massive inflation. Economists predict 700 percent inflation this year and… Continue reading Venezuela protests call for ouster of President Maduro
Colombia peace deal with rebels rejected
In a national vote, Colombians rejected a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army, also known as FARC, which was intended to end 52 years of guerrilla warfare. The referendum’s failure to pass follows four years of negotiations between President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC, which Cuba hosted and facilitated. Colombians rejected… Continue reading Colombia peace deal with rebels rejected
Russia’s abortion bans to remember Biblical ‘slaughter of the innocents’ for one day
On January 11, there was an abortion ban headed by the Russian Orthodox Church. According to LifeSite, “The Russian Orthodox Church diocese in the city of Yaroslavl declared 11 January a ‘day of silence without abortions’, and said it had the support of the region’s health department. Abortion is legal in Russia and the cost… Continue reading Russia’s abortion bans to remember Biblical ‘slaughter of the innocents’ for one day
David Brainerd
David Brainerd was dedicated to growing in holiness from the time he came to know Christ. He reached out to the Native Americans on the East Coast. Even though David died early, he left a legacy to all those who would come after him. Early Life David Brainerd was born on April 20, 1718 in… Continue reading David Brainerd
Missing girls in China not because of One-Child Policy
In 1979, China put into law the One-Child Policy. Under this law, parents were only allowed to have one child and other babies were to be aborted. There were missing girls. The boys outnumbered the girls. CNN explains, “But in a new study, researchers suggest that around 25 million of these girls aren’t actually missing,… Continue reading Missing girls in China not because of One-Child Policy
Teams Perform Good Works Across India as Country Celebrates National Heritage
GOSPEL FOR ASIA-SUPPORTED WORKERS OFFER HELP AND HOPE TO NEEDY COMMUNITIES TO MARK REPUBLIC DAY As India celebrated its national heritage recently, some of the country’s neediest people were given help and hope by teams supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA). Hundreds of Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers in different locations went out into their… Continue reading Teams Perform Good Works Across India as Country Celebrates National Heritage
Venezuela keeping babies in cardboard boxes
In Venezuela, there has been a shortage of food and medicine. CNN reports, “In May, the opposition-controlled National Assembly declared that Venezuela was suffering a national humanitarian health crisis. The next month, a group of doctors speaking in the National Assembly decried shortages of medicines and supplies.” The picture of the babies in cardboard boxes… Continue reading Venezuela keeping babies in cardboard boxes
Flooding in Indonesia in the dry season
In June of 2016, the dry season in Indonesia, it would not stop raining. CNN explains, “June is usually relatively dry in the region, but the National Climatology, Meteorology and Geophysics Agency has issued a warning for potential rain for late June and early July in five provinces.” Not only did Indonesia have heavy flooding,… Continue reading Flooding in Indonesia in the dry season
Rev. Richard Wurmbrand: Voice for the Persecuted
Introduction Richard Wurmbrand was imprisoned and tortured for 14 long years in a Communist Romanian prison. After his release to the United States, he was the voice of persecuted Christians around the world. Early Life Richard was born in 1909 to a Jewish background family. Richard was a militant atheist who opposed all religions. Despite… Continue reading Rev. Richard Wurmbrand: Voice for the Persecuted
Sudan pastors put on trial by Islamic-oriented government
Two Presbyterian pastors are on trial in the Republic of the Sudan on charges of waging war against the state, espionage, and undermining Sudan’s constitutional system. Each faces the death penalty if convicted. Sudan is holding two others, Czech aid worker Petr Jasek and Darfuri human rights activist Abduelmoneim Abdulmawla, on charges… Continue reading Sudan pastors put on trial by Islamic-oriented government