ISRAEL — A large part of the world refers to the land of Judea and Samaria as “Cisjordania.” For many Christians, and especially for the Jews living there, Judea is considered the land of the Bible. In these hills not far from Jerusalem, the Arugot Farm is located. For six years, its founders have built…
WASHINGTON — Mike Pence, the 48th Vice President of the United States, will speak during the afternoon plenary at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The IRF Summit is the world’s premier annual gathering of international religious freedom advocates and activists. The Summit’s convening co-chairs, former U.S. Ambassador at Large for…
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…
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…
MEXICO CITY — Franklin Graham is returning to Mexico one year after the historic, two-night outreach at Arena CDMX filled the venue. An additional 10,000 people watched the event outside the arena on screens set up in the overflow area. Franklin Graham is coming back to Mexico on February 17 and 18. This year, he…
PAKISTAN — Former Muslim, Abdul spent several years hiding on the roof of his family’s house because he had nowhere else to sleep. His family had completely rejected him after he chose to follow Christ. Abdul grew up under the Sharia in Pakistan. When he wondered where eternity would go, his uncle told him that…
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….
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…
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,…
MIAMI — The Elevate Prize Foundation announced Matt Damon as the latest recipient of its Elevate Prize Catalyst Award in recognition of his long-standing advocacy and work with Water.org, a global nonprofit working to bring safe water and sanitation to the world. The award was presented to Damon by the Elevate Prize Foundation’s founder, Joseph…
BOONE, NC — Tomorrow, Samaritan’s Purse will airlift 1,000 Advanced Trauma Life Support kits to Israel on its 757 cargo plane. Each kit is specially packed with more than 70 life-saving medical supplies—including a tourniquet, chest tube kit, suture kit, and intubation kit—to help the country’s emergency responders in their work to save lives. Samaritan’s…
ATLANTA — Chick-fil-A, Inc. announced today the 51 nonprofit grant recipients of the 2024 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards® program. Established in 2015, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the program, which seeks to honor and support organizations that make a positive impact in their local communities. This year, Chick-fil-A celebrated the anniversary by awarding…
SEATTLE — From the Maui wildfires to devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, along with cyclones in Mozambique and Myanmar, Christian humanitarian organization World Vision has been at the forefront of extensive humanitarian response efforts worldwide, supporting communities in crisis. In 2023, World Vision responded to 78 disasters and humanitarian crises in 59 countries around…
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — Save a Child’s Heart (SACH), an Israeli humanitarian organization, marked a major milestone when it treated Kelvin, a 10-year-old from Kenya. Kelvin became Save a Child’s Heart’s 7,000th child saved by the volunteer Israeli doctors of SACH. Kelvin was referred to Save a Child’s Heart by Kenyan Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Ombaba…
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,…
SPAIN — According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 22% of American adults consider themselves ‘spiritual but not religious’. This group views organized religion as divisive or propagating intolerance, which aligns with the decline of some traditional religious practices. A quarter of adults in the US consider themselves ‘spiritual, but not religious’…
SANTA ANA, CA — For the first time ever, incidents of violent religious persecution are searchable through a new database that records violent attacks on Christians and people of faith around the world. Unveiled by Global Christian Relief, America’s leading watchdog of Christian persecution, the Global Christian Relief Violent Incidents Database (VID) is the first…
ISRAEL — Samaritan’s Purse teams and ministry partners are offering various forms of relief to the Israeli people following the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks that claimed more than 1,200 lives. They are providing 21 new ambulances, including seven that are armor-plated to guard against sniper rounds and other attacks. Ken Isaacs – Vice President…
YEMEN — In Yemen, Christian believers like Saleh* risk arrest, beatings and death threats when they choose to follow Jesus. But despite these dangers Saleh is encouraging and discipling believers across the country. Saleh*: My name is found on the radicals’ wanted list. They have my picture. Sometimes they watch me going from place to…
COLOMBIA — In Colombia, Christians like Leonardo refuses to let the threats from the FARC stop him from preaching. He has been assaulted and threatened by the guerrilla group, but he continues to openly share the Gospel. In Colombia, the pastors are forced to ask permission to preach to paramilitary groups and guerrillas. These rebel…
MOROCCO — Just after the Morocco earthquake killed thousands of people and left hundreds of thousands more homeless Christian charity Help The Persecuted sent their team to some of the most hardest to reach communities to provide practical and spiritual support.
ACAPULCO, MEXICO — Samaritan’s Purse is providing relief, clean water, tons of food, and thousands of tarps to hurting homeowners in Acapulco following the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis. It was surreal, the amount of devastation, destruction. It was, dear God, how did these people survive? Samaritan’s Purse has been involved in Acapulco. We’ve distributed…
MIDDLE EAST — At the end of a year that has been marked by disaster and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), SAT-7’s four channels – ARABIC, KIDS, PARS, and TÜRK – will be broadcasting peace and the hopeful message of Christ’s birth in a range of Christmas programs for all ages….
UGANDA — Recently, unlike other church worship days, Christians gathered at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) exhibition center were determined to break the Guinness World Record for the longest applause. Every Sunday, Ministerios Internacionales Fanero, a prominent Ugandan church, attracts thousands of faithful to its vibrant services, filled with the Holy Spirit. Recently, unlike other…
SALT LAKE CITY — Parker Migliorini International (PMI Foods) worked with Reverend Ramon Camacho of First Assembly of God Huntington Park to donate more than 1,000 lbs. of beef to feed those in need this holiday season. “We are proud to help feed those who need it most this holiday season,” said Darin Parker, President…
UK —Churches from all denominations united for what was the largest ever UK Christmas outreach campaign last weekend. GNA reporter Peter Wooding went along to one of their Shine Your Light events at Europe’s largest shopping mall in London. More than 57,000 Christians from over 450 churches took part in Shine Your Light evangelistic Christmas…
CAMAGÜEY, CUBA — In the vibrant city of Camagüey, Cuba, the impactful “Bible Event” took place, an evangelistic campaign that gathered more than 10,000 people. With the participation of various Christian denominations, including the Baptist Church and the Assemblies of God in the province, the event was marked by a message preached by a Russian…
VIETNAM — When Xuan* converted away from tribal, animistic beliefs, her Hmong community told her she could be a Christian, as long as she didn’t evangelise. But Xuan visits houses in Vietnam in the dead of night as a Brave Witness to tell people about Jesus… Xuan*: There are no churches in my area. We…
CHINA — In a context of growing digital surveillance in China, Ming, a faithful Christian, faces increasing challenges in sharing the Gospel. As persecution intensifies, constant monitoring, and restrictions on religious freedom, Ming finds himself at a crossroads between his faith and the threats posed by the regime. Ming: I feel like I’m being watched….
CHIAPAS — In a testimony of faith, more than 20,000 Christians gathered in Tuxtla Gutiérrez for the Day of Thanksgiving to God for peace in Chiapas. This event, which began three decades ago, has become a symbol of hope and reconciliation in the region Recently, in Tuxla Gutierrez, the Day of Action of “Thank you…
NIGERIA, AFRICA — Mary*, 20 years old, was in church when Fulani militants attacked. In her village in northwestern Nigeria, there is always the threat of attacks from Islamic extremists. However, this does not prepare the community for the reality of experiencing an attack. Mary*: They attack Christians because we worship Jesus and they want…
ATLANTA — Peachtree Proofreading Services proudly announces a significant milestone in their history. They have contributed to Bibles that now exceed one billion copies distributed worldwide. “Our journey, deeply rooted in a mission to protect and advance God’s Word, celebrates a profound impact–over one billion Bibles,” says Christopher Hudson, President of Peachtree. “This milestone is…
ISRAEL — Samaritan’s Purse is working with ministry partners in Israel to distribute grocery boxes to Israeli families who have been displaced by violence. Kayla Sprague – Samaritan’s Purse Partner: During this war, there’s been rockets shot all up the coast. There’s sirens going off every day, every few days here. They’re having to run…
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…
ISRAEL — Chuck Holton from CBN News reports from the Jordan Valley that Israeli farmers are struggling to harvest their crops. But now a group of American cowboys has come to their aid. As fighting between Israel and Hamas militants continues, it’s straining much of the Israel’s economy. Given the number of military reservists supporting…
WINCHESTER, VA — The latest numbers from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) reveals a pace in charitable giving to Christian ministries that is mostly steady, however, due to inflation and other factors, dips for the first time in a decade. In ECFA’s 14th annual State of Giving report, data reported by exactly 2,000…
WARRIOR, AL — Church International hosted their inaugural gift giveaway for North Jefferson County residents on December 9, 2023. The event, titled Christmas on the Red Brick Street, benefitted countless families and more than 300 children who were in need of a little extra help this Christmas. Pastor Robin R. Bullock was thrilled to see…
EASTON, MD — Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, has canceled its traditional Christmas celebrations, a move that spotlights the challenges Christians in the Middle East face this festive season. Amid the suffering caused by the Israel-Hamas war, Bethlehem’s leaders reportedly feel it’s inappropriate to hold festivities, and the town’s Christian elders agree. It’s a difficult…
SENEGAL —“I have never had hope that one day I would be healed.” Samba carried this outlook about his cleft lip until the medical vessel the Global Mercy Ships came to Senegal. He admitted, “I wasn’t happy I was born like that,” but without access to affordable surgical care, he couldn’t imagine a different future….
CHARLOTTE, NC — Each year, thousands of people from across the Carolinas and the Southeast visit the Billy Graham Library to experience Christmas at the Library. The Christ-centered festivities have become an annual Christmas tradition for many, with more than 500,000 visitors experiencing this seasonal celebration since 2008. The 16th annual Christmas at the Library…
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — This past weekend, nearly half of the NFL’s punters were slated to participate in “Punts for Purpose,” a charitable-giving initiative designed specifically for punters. After funding two child development centers and traveling to Tanzania to see the work of child development organization Compassion International, Bradley Pinion (Atlanta Falcons) and his wife,…
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…
VIETNAM — Vietnamese Pastor Zoong Tee Tie — also known as Mrs. Ly — helped start Vietnam’s house church movement. Lucille Talusan of CBN News, brings us the story from Hanoi. Although Christians still face persecution in communist Vietnam, churches thrive because leaders endured suffering to spread the gospel. That includes 95-yr-old, pastor Zoong Tee…
CHARLOTTE, NC — As we commemorate the birth of Jesus, Evangelist Will Graham has recorded his fourth annual online Christmas program for release this weekend. Featuring award-winning musical guest Natalie Grant, the special will focus on the gift of Christ, and the hope of salvation that can be found in Him today. Joy to the…
LOS ANGELES — Thousands of homeless and underprivileged children in Los Angeles are set to experience the magic of Christmas at one of the biggest Christmas celebrations in the city on Saturday, December 16th, 2023. Generously donated by compassionate individuals, over 7,000 new toys will bring smiles to the faces of approximately 2,000 children in…
BOONE, NC — Today, Samaritan’s Purse has deployed disaster response specialists to Tennessee and pre-positioned two Disaster Relief Units—tractor-trailers stocked with tools and equipment—in the wake of deadly tornadoes that struck multiple communities on Saturday. The catastrophic storms have killed at least six people with search and rescue efforts underway. Many homes have been damaged…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to two locations in central Tennessee after tornadoes tore through the area, killing six people and injuring dozens more. Two children are among those killed in the storm that ravaged parts of Tennessee and Kentucky – a storm that spawned at least 22…
BAKERSFIELD, CA — CityServe’s disaster-relief operations is mobilizing its national church-based network to render aid and support for those hit by the devastating tornadoes that struck Tennessee on Saturday. The first semi-truck filled with emergency supplies such as water, clothes, toiletries, and medical supplies will be leaving for Clarksville Tuesday morning from CityServe Oklahoma’s distribution…
SOUTH UKRAINE — In November 2022 Kherson in South Ukraine hit the news when it was liberated after the Russian occupation. A year later families living in a nearby village are rebuilding their lives in South Ukraine thanks to support from Christian charities like Mercy Projects More than a year after this village near Rson…
NIGERIA — New reports highlight the growing kidnapping crisis in Nigeria, where Christians are regarded as soft targets for abduction. Release International is calling on Nigeria to protect vulnerable Christian communities. Andrew Boyd has the details. New reports confirm that Christians are being targeted for kidnap and ransom in Nigeria, sometimes by bandits hungry for…
