COLORADO SPRINGS – The 8th chapter of Acts records an incident where Philip, an early follower of Jesus, approached an Ethiopian who happened to be reading a copy of the book of Isaiah. “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30 NKJV) The man replied, “How can I unless someone explains it to me?”…
WARRENTON, MO — The international ministry Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is using models built of LEGO bricks as a tool to build community relationships with families while teaching children the Word of God. The CEF workers partner with local church volunteers by providing the popular building blocks, figures and instructions so the children can create…
Nueva Version International translation in partnership with Streetlights to feature in creative presentation of God’s Word for contemporary audience COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Biblica, the International Bible Society (www.biblica.com), is partnering with a multi-media urban ministry team to share the Bible’s unchanging, relevant truth in an innovative way. Biblica is pleased to bring its Spanish-language…
SEWICKLEY HEIGHTS, PA – Christians in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia have been struggling to keep churches open and maintain home Bible studies in the face of opposition. Not all of the opposition they face comes in the forms of physical abuse, assault, and terror attacks. Much of the opposition is coming now in…
LONDON – Imagine, if you will, a 55-year-old man reading the Bible aloud in front of a church. Imagine that it is not just any church, but the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Then imagine that the church staff asking him to stop reading the Bible and leave the property, after which he was…
Using nationals to reach nationals, organization promotes evangelism and Bible distribution under stricter laws COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — As the Chinese government clarifies its religious beliefs policy, Bibles For The World (BFTW) President John Pudaite says his organization will focus on the urgent need for effective Scripture distribution while helping believers understand their religious rights. According to Pudaite,…
Committee for Bible Translation reveals behind-the-scenes scholarship responsible for Biblica’s internationally loved New International Version COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Biblica, the copyright holder and global steward of the world’s most popular English translation of the Bible, is marking the 40th anniversary of its first publishing with a unique “open book” glimpse at its creation and…
‘Learn the Bible in a Year’ radio program offers response to Barna Group study showing downward trend in Bible literacy COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Bibles For The World (BFTW), a global ministry focused on reaching unreached peoples with the gospel in developing countries, is tackling a disturbing and growing trend — Bible illiteracy in the…
HAVANA – Reports indicate that people are coming to Christ in Cuba in numbers rarely seen before. Lest we think that this is happening because of improved relationships between Cuba and the United States, we must remember that ministries from other countries have been working in Cuba for many years. The awakening that is happening…
COLORADO SPRINGS – The mission of Bibles For The World is to be a catalyst for individual and cultural change through Christ and the power of His Word. This means sharing the Good News of God’s love in Christ Jesus by ministering to unreached peoples, to the Church, and to Christian leaders in developing nations,…
AMMAN – Leading the Way, the ministry founded by Dr. Michael Youssef, has been partnering with ministries to Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Leading the Way is supplying local pastors with Navigator audio bibles pre-loaded with an Arabic New Testament as well as dual language Arabic and English Leading the Way sermons. One local pastor said,…
SEOUL – One of the chief ministries of Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is getting Bibles to nations where the Word of God is restricted. The ministry uses innovative means to place Bibles into the hands of people – in their own language – who would otherwise live their lives without ever reading the Good…
New leader arrives from senior executive role at partner Bible Society, inspired by ‘transforming hope of God’s Word’ COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Biblica, The International Bible Society, sponsor and copyright holder of the world’s bestselling English Bible, the New International Version, has announced the appointment of ministry leader Geof Morin as its new CEO. Currently…
Commitment and generosity bring successful end to three-plus decades of work on ‘transformative’ contemporary Chichewa version COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Two families separated by thousands of miles but united by loss and a love for God’s Word came together as part of the long-awaited celebration of a Biblica translation project in which they featured prominently. Neither…
YAOUNDÉ – Native Bible translators have found themselves caught up as targets in politically-stirred hostilities in the Republic of Cameroon. Cameroon is located on the west coast of Central Africa and is bordered by Nigeria to the northwest, Chad and the Central African Republic on the east, and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the People’s Republic of…
SWINDON, UK – The United Bible Societies (UBS) released a report on the 2017 aggregate Bible distribution results of the 200 Bible Societies working together in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe. United Bible Societies claims to be “the largest translator and distribution of Scripture on the planet,” providing approximately 70% of…
HOLLAND, Michigan – Would you hang on to your Audio Bible at all costs? Would you refuse to let it go? A representative of Audio Scripture Ministries (ASM) recently shared the story of an elderly man, a native of the isolated Nyishi tribe in the far northeast of India. The man is reported to be…
Spanish-translation ministry and distributor welcomes ‘positive movements’ in serving country’s growing church COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Biblica, the International Bible Society, is looking forward to more opportunities to make desperately needed Bibles available in Cuba, despite a setback. Leaders of the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based ministry said that they hoped the return of a shipment of…
BEIJING – The People’s Republic of China released a white paper today entitled, “China’s Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief.” A title like that might encourage Christians about the prospects of sharing the Gospel in mainland China. However, this may be a classic example of not judging a white paper by its…
MAINZ, Germany – February 23, 2018, is the 563rd anniversary of the first printing of the Gutenberg Bible, marking one of the most significant technological achievements of all time. Many people think that the Bible was the first product of Gutenberg’s work. Yet others believe that Gutenberg invented the printing press. Neither of these is…
ORLANDO, Florida – Wycliffe Associates has a goal of translating the Bible into every language by 2025. During 2018, the organization expects to begin translations in 600 languages, a task that was once unimaginable. Wycliffe is embracing advances in technology previously unavailable to translators. It was not all that long ago that translation of the…
BELIZE – In November 2017, a team from Mission Cry in Fowlerville, Michigan was visiting Belize to deliver Bibles to school children. One morning, they arrived at the next school on their schedule only to discover that their meeting had been canceled. While the group was discussing how to proceed, one of their Belizean hosts…
IRAN — Simin* from Iran has experienced hostility from the authorities, her work and even her own family. But her faith in Jesus is undiminished. Today, helped by Open Doors, she’s found a way to channel her experiences into helping other women back in her homeland, Iran. Simin*: With nothing but a little cash in…
IRAQ — When she became a Christian, Sara* experienced a miraculous escape after her father put her under house arrest and arranged a forced marriage to a Muslim man for her. Thanks to support from Open Doors, Sara knows her true value in Christ as she serves others. Open Doors’ vision is that every persecuted…
SYRIA — In Uganda, fear and attacks from Islamic ADF militants are increasing. But thanks to your prayers, local Open Doors partners are supporting affected Christians with trauma counselling and spiritual support. *Names changed for security reasons Edward Bamcwanira – Retired Bishop, East Rwenzori Diocese: We are living in fear. And whoever says there is…
CALIFORNIA — Evangelist Franklin Graham traveled to the United States-Mexico border to share a message of God’s love. The final stop of the tour took place in Chula Vista, California, on Saturday, March 9. The God Loves You Border Tour visited 10 cities, starting in the Gulf of Mexico and ending in the Pacific. Franklin…
SYRIA — Ani was horrified when her baby girl Maria was caught up in a bomb attack in Syria in 2014. In Ani’s survival story, Maria survived thanks to the prayers of the church – and Ani realised she needed to make Jesus her sure foundation. *Name changed for security reasons Ani*: “There are a…
COLOMBIA — In Viviana’s* community, meeting together as Christians is impossible. But God has blessed believers with courage and creativity to help them gather – which means church in Colombia looks a little bit different. *name changed and voice adjusted for security reasons Viviana* – Colombia: We do not have a church and we cannot…
CALIFORNIA — Franklin Graham went to the U.S.-Mexico border to share a message of God’s love. The final night of the tour took place in Chula Vista, California, on Saturday, March 9. The God Loves You Frontera Tour visited 10 cities, starting at the Gulf of Mexico and going all the way to the Pacific….
ROMANIA — Philadelphia Church in Baia Mare in Romania is concerned with fulfilling the mandate that the Lord Jesus Christ left to the apostles, but also to Christians today, namely to preach the Gospel, to heal the sick and to set free the demonized.Another dimension that is emphasized is praise and worship, according to pastor…
ISRAEL — When Pastor Oleg miraculously survived rocket attacks from Hamas at his home in Ashkelon near the Gaza border, instead of fleeing for his life, he chose to stay and minister to many fellow Ukrainians who have fled war in their own country to Israel. Thanks to support from Slavic Gospel Association Pastor Oleg…
NIGERIA, AFRICA — On the sixth anniversary of Leah Sharibu’s kidnapping in Nigeria, friends of kidnapped share how they’ve been encouraged by her courageous faith – and how they’re hopeful they’ll one day see her again. Leah Sharibu’s Friends: Leah is like a sister to me, a very good friend. At the boarding school, we…
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA — At the invitation of dozens of local churches in Panama, the Palau Association shared the Good News of Jesus Christ in Panama City, from February 26 – March 2, 2024, through numerous outreach events and a 2-day family festival in the heart of the city. Thousands gathered for the festival on…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Jean Graham Ford, wife of evangelist Dr. Leighton Ford and younger sister of the late Rev. Billy Graham, died at Carolinas Medical Center Thursday morning, Feb. 29, at the age of 91. Jean spent her childhood in Charlotte on the Graham dairy farm, located a few miles from the current location of…
WASHINGTON — Family Research Council (FRC) recently released the newest edition of its Hostility Against Churches report, updated to include hostility incidents from calendar year 2023. The report’s findings suggest that the rise in hostility against U.S. churches that were identified in FRC’s inaugural December 2022 report has neither slowed nor plateaued; rather, it has…
SAN DIEGO — Last week, Dr. David Jeremiah, the founder and host of Turning Point with Dr. Jeremiah, was awarded a Milestone award and a digital media award at the National Religious Broadcasters Association Annual Convention. The awards were presented at two different gatherings during the 2024 Convention held in Nashville, TN, where broadcasters and…
SYRIA — One year on from the devastating earthquake in Syria/Turkey in February, 2023, large numbers of people are still mourning, recovering or rebuilding their lives. Open Doors highlights some of the Christians who were directly impacted. Kamal – Latakia, Syria: It’s terrifying and sad to remember the night of the 6th of February. I…
SAN DIEGO — “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” This verse from the New Testament book of Galatians has been one of the guiding principles for the growth of David Jeremiah’s broadcast ministry, Turning Point with David Jeremiah. In January…
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…
UGANDA— Today an estimated 1.3 billion people in the world live with a disability. Many of these people are in developing countries where they have limited access to medical care and mobility equipment. And too often, poverty and discrimination intensify the difficulties of living with a disability.That’s why the Joni and Friends program—Joni’s House—is committed…
WASHINGTON — Family Research Council’s Center for Religious Liberty today published an updated edition of its report “Free to Believe? The Intensifying Intolerance Toward Christians in the West,” which seeks to provide a better understanding of religious freedom violations perpetrated by Western governments against Christian individuals, organizations, and churches. Between January 2020 and December 2023,…
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…
NIGERIA, AFRICA — On Christmas Eve, Islamic militants attacked several Christian villages in Plateau State, Nigeria. The attacks went into the early hours of Christmas Day, and at least 113 people were killed. Many more were injured or have lost their homes. In this video, recorded by Open Doors local partners in the region, Nigeria…
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…
EASTON, MD — Christians in North Africa, where less than 1% of the population follows Christianity, are facing a new year of escalating persecution in the shadow of the Holy Land conflict. There are only a handful of evangelical churches still open in Algeria, where the government is raiding and systematically shutting down Christian places…
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…
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, welcomes short- and long-term volunteers at its Florida-based headquarters and even offers an on-site RV park to accommodate long-term volunteers. Some volunteers spend between two and four months during the winter…
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…
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,…
