BAKERSFIELD, CA — The CityServe International church empowerment network hosted a dinner and benefit concert on Wednesday in Nashville to honor heroes on the frontlines in war-torn Israel and Ukraine. The evening featured captivating stories of bravery and faith in the face of horror. Award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Danny Gokey headlined the benefit… Continue reading CityServe Benefit Held in Nashville to Help Those in Need in War-torn Regions of Ukraine and Israel
Results for "Prayer"
Gold Coast Look Up Celebration with Evangelist Will Graham announced in Gold Coast, Queensland
AUSTRALIA — More than 120 people and over 85 different churches from across the region gathered on Thursday morning, 1 February, to officially launch the upcoming Gold Coast Look Up Celebration with Will Graham. The evangelistic outreach, which is scheduled for 29 June at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, will feature music from… Continue reading Gold Coast Look Up Celebration with Evangelist Will Graham announced in Gold Coast, Queensland
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
FRC Releases Updated Report Detailing the Intensifying Intolerance Toward Christians in the West
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,… Continue reading FRC Releases Updated Report Detailing the Intensifying Intolerance Toward Christians in the West
Increased Persecution and Surveillance in China
CHINA — It’s the Chinese New Year, but for Christian families in China, the new year is set to bring increased surveillance and persecution. As Andrew Boyd from Release International reports, the state is homing in on Christian children. As China celebrates its New Year, which begins in February, Chinese Christians are braced for a… Continue reading Increased Persecution and Surveillance in China
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
Israeli Farmers Bring the Bible to Life in Judea
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… Continue reading Israeli Farmers Bring the Bible to Life in Judea
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
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Provides $19M in Aid in first 100 Days of Israel-Hamas War
JERUSALEM — To mark the 100th day of the Israel-Hamas War, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) today released details of its 2023 impact, which includes emergency aid support for those affected by the ongoing conflict. From October 7 through December 31, 2023, The Fellowship provided $19 million in emergency aid and… Continue reading International Fellowship of Christians and Jews Provides $19M in Aid in first 100 Days of Israel-Hamas War
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
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
Leading a House Church for Secret Believers in Yemen
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… Continue reading Leading a House Church for Secret Believers in Yemen
Christians Reject the Order to Stop Preaching
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… Continue reading Christians Reject the Order to Stop Preaching
Providing Safe Shelter for Lebanese Families Displaced by War
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.
The Luke Commission Celebrates Historic Year, Prepares to Launch New Healthcare Technologies in Eswatini and Beyond
SAGLE, IDAHO— The Luke Commission, a nonprofit providing free healthcare in the Kingdom of Eswatini, celebrates a historic 2023 milestone, hosting over 300,000 VIP (Very Important Patient) visits and carrying one-third of Eswatini’s national healthcare framework. Eswatini has the highest rate of HIV in the world at 27%. Dr. Harry and Echo VanderWal founded The… Continue reading The Luke Commission Celebrates Historic Year, Prepares to Launch New Healthcare Technologies in Eswatini and Beyond
UK Christmas Campaign Shines A Light on Jesus
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… Continue reading UK Christmas Campaign Shines A Light on Jesus
Xuan’s Brave Witness in Vietnam
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… Continue reading Xuan’s Brave Witness in Vietnam
Digital Surveillance Against Christians in China Increases
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.… Continue reading Digital Surveillance Against Christians in China Increases
30 Years of Gratitude: Christians in Chiapas March for Peace
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… Continue reading 30 Years of Gratitude: Christians in Chiapas March for Peace
Christian Organization Offers Bible’s Answers for America’s ‘Suffering Poor’
RICHARDSON, TX — The U.S. government’s $33 trillion “monster debt” — the largest in U.S. history — is a direct result of the nation’s rejection of biblical principles, says the producer of a new video series addressing the current economic calamity. The eight-part series, Biblical Economics: Answers for Difficult Days, was released in November, and… Continue reading Christian Organization Offers Bible’s Answers for America’s ‘Suffering Poor’
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
At Age 95 Vietnamese Pastor Recalls Persecution
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… Continue reading At Age 95 Vietnamese Pastor Recalls Persecution
Nigeria’s Kidnapping Epidemic Targets Christians
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… Continue reading Nigeria’s Kidnapping Epidemic Targets Christians
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
Delivering Hope to Acapulco
ACAPULCO — Samaritan’s Purse North American Ministries and Disaster Assistance Response Teams are providing hope by giving food and water to residents of Acapulco, Mexico, in the wake of a category 5 hurricane. Hassan Villegas: Acapulco has struggled. It used to be the pinnacle of Mexico. And then once corruption came in and scandals, it… Continue reading Delivering Hope to Acapulco
The Nation of Malawi is Experiencing the Fruit of Repentance
GOSHEN, IN — Reverend Brian Kamwendo, the Presidential Advisor on Religions Affairs in the African nation of Malawi, held a press conference at First Baptist Church Elkhart on Thursday, November 16, 2023. He was speaking on how Malawi is experiencing the fruit of repentance, the beginnings of which can be traced back to reviveINDIANA in… Continue reading The Nation of Malawi is Experiencing the Fruit of Repentance
Bridge School Unites Community in Ethiopia
SOUTH EAST ASIA — In Pastor Yohannes’* community, Christian children can face discrimination at school, like Ermias’ twin boys, Fasil and Ezana. But thanks to your prayers and support, they now attend a bridge school, run by Open Doors partners – and it’s helping to unite a divided community. Pastor Yohannes*: This area is an… Continue reading Bridge School Unites Community in Ethiopia
Abraham and Eti’s Story: Surviving Death Threats and Persecution
SOUTH EAST ASIA — Abraham* came to follow Jesus, encouraged by Eti*, the Christian woman he would later marry. But Abraham’s family were about to face persecution in south east Asia, until he was saved by a miracle. Abraham* – South east Asia: I was born and grew up in a Muslim home and all… Continue reading Abraham and Eti’s Story: Surviving Death Threats and Persecution
UK Volunteers Prepare YWAM Ship for Madagascar Medical Mission
MADAGASCAR — Each week a team of local volunteers in North Wales in the UK tirelessly gives of their time to convert YWAM’s latest vessel into a medical ship. They’ve set themselves the goal to have the Island Reach ship ready to set sail for Madagascar in April 2024 for its first medical mission. Dedicated… Continue reading UK Volunteers Prepare YWAM Ship for Madagascar Medical Mission
Iran’s Warning to Christians
IRAN — The upsurge in violence in the Middle East has led to claims that Iran has been active behind the scenes in supporting the Hamas group that attacked Israel. A new report also accuses Iran of putting pressure on Christians to keep away from the country’s hijab protests. It warns that Christians who are… Continue reading Iran’s Warning to Christians
A Christian Club for Children in Poland
POLAND — An Operation Christmas Child volunteer in Poland started a Christian club for children who wanted to continue to meet for Bible study after they received shoebox gifts and graduated from The Greatest Journey. Wiestawa Szymczak – Volunteer: One day God laid it in my heart that if the children come to know Him… Continue reading A Christian Club for Children in Poland
GFA World Responds to Devastating Nepal Earthquake
WILLS POINT, TX — A U.S.-based global mission agency says several of its partner churches were left “broken” by a devastating earthquake that struck remote Western Nepal Nov. 3, killing more than 150 people. “We have also lost cherished members of our church family in this heart-wrenching tragedy,” said K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder of… Continue reading GFA World Responds to Devastating Nepal Earthquake
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Chaplains Deploy to Acapulco, Mexico, after Hurricane Otis Causes Catastrophic Damage
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Mexico after Hurricane Otis, a category 5 storm, slammed into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast last week. The hurricane claimed the lives of at least 48 people and resulted in widespread property damage, including more than 200,000 homes. “Our thoughts and prayers are… Continue reading Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Chaplains Deploy to Acapulco, Mexico, after Hurricane Otis Causes Catastrophic Damage
New ‘I Am Second’ Film Tells Immigrant’s Story of Starting Over: ‘From Nothing to Everything’
PLANO, TX — In the new White Chair Film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, Cuban-born immigrant and Dallas-area megachurch pastor Gilberto Corredera shares about his surprising transformation, the difficult transition of moving his family to America and how his dreams ultimately came true. Growing up during the hardships of Cuban communism, a… Continue reading New ‘I Am Second’ Film Tells Immigrant’s Story of Starting Over: ‘From Nothing to Everything’
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
TENX10 Calls On Faith Leaders To Help Combat Church Drift
PASADENA, CA — TENX10, a collaborative discipleship initiative, is calling on Christian faith leaders from all denominations and faith traditions to join them in supporting the young and faithful. Their mission – to make faith matter more for a generation that is leaving the faith at the alarming rate of over 1 million young people… Continue reading TENX10 Calls On Faith Leaders To Help Combat Church Drift
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
Inside Modern Slavery: The Christian Brick Kiln Workers of Pakistan
PAKISTAN — Journey into the heart of Pakistan’s brick kilns, where resilient Christians labor under the harsh sun and the heavy yoke of modern slavery in the form of bonded servitude. This is more than a look into the world of brick-making, it’s a glimpse into the lives and faith of our brothers and sisters… Continue reading Inside Modern Slavery: The Christian Brick Kiln Workers of Pakistan
Hundreds of Thousands in the UK To ‘Shine Their Light’ This Christmas
UK — A UK Christmas campaign ‘Shine Your Light’ is calling hundreds of thousands to unite in towns, villages and cities this Christmas to take the message outdoors. The vision for Shine Your Light is that the whole church across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic stand united to share the Gospel to… Continue reading Hundreds of Thousands in the UK To ‘Shine Their Light’ This Christmas
CityServe church-based network launches ‘Operation: Save Israel’
BAKERSFIELD, CA — In the fight against terror, CityServe International is making clear that help is on the way for the people of Israel. That’s the message from CityServe International, the global church-based humanitarian network headquartered in Bakersfield, California. CityServe International and its CityServe Israel affiliate announced the kickoff Monday of “Operation: Save Israel,” a… Continue reading CityServe church-based network launches ‘Operation: Save Israel’
A Christian Family from Chiapas Organizes Aid Campaign for Immigrants
MEXICO — In the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, an entire family organized a humanitarian aid campaign for immigrants from Central America and Venezuela. The people received food, clothing, Bibles, and, in addition, a message of hope in Jesus. Isa Vásquez reports from Chiapas. An entire family organized this weekend… Continue reading A Christian Family from Chiapas Organizes Aid Campaign for Immigrants
Lalise: Ten Tears On – Ethiopia
ETHIOPIA — After Lalise’s husband was killed in 2012, Open Doors shared her story and asked believers to pray. When Melanie from Germany heard about Lalise, she began to pray for her every day – and didn’t stop shedding tears for ten years. Open Doors Prayer News 298 (September-October 2023) Lalise and Dabela had been… Continue reading Lalise: Ten Tears On – Ethiopia
Hundreds Find the Hope of Christ Through the Idaho Falls Look Up Tour and Esperança Curitiba
CHARLOTTE, NC — Over two consecutive weekends in September, evangelist Will Graham shared the Gospel with a total of 23,239 people in the cities of Curitiba, Brazil, and Idaho Falls, Idaho. The back-to-back events in South and North America resulted in 1,729 people embracing hope and beginning a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. Esperança Curitiba… Continue reading Hundreds Find the Hope of Christ Through the Idaho Falls Look Up Tour and Esperança Curitiba
Many Gospel Responses at Dr Youssef’s Hope Ireland Celebration
DUBLIN — Leading The Way Founder and President Dr Michael Youssef shared an uncompromising Gospel message as thousands flocked to the Hope Ireland celebration events in Dublin and Belfast September 1st and 3rd. After a year of preparation with many different churches it’s hoped the impact of these outreach events will spark a movement of… Continue reading Many Gospel Responses at Dr Youssef’s Hope Ireland Celebration
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
Elena’s Story: Offering Praise in Poland
POLAND — “The war started suddenly,” Elena, a fine arts teacher in Ukraine, said. “I prayed every day, ‘Lord, I trust in You. Give me strength, patience, and humility for this day.’” Soon, she and her daughter fled to Poland to escape the increasing violence. They arrived close to Easter and moved into a hotel… Continue reading Elena’s Story: Offering Praise in Poland