GENEVA – On 17 July, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current Ebola virus outbreak in the DRC an international emergency. The outbreak has been classified as a Grade 3 emergency since August 2018. A Grade 3 emergency is a situation in which “a single or multiple country event with substantial… Continue reading Update: WHO Declares Ebola an International Crisis
Results for "Syria"
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Introducing Ananias House
HOUSTON – Ananias House is a ministry dedicated to “empowering the growth of the body of Jesus Christ in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region).” The ministry of Ananias House in the strife-torn MENA region is three-fold: Making disciples and planting churches Offering sustained hope and comfort to people suffering from conflict and… Continue reading Introducing Ananias House
526 Civilians Are Dead, But You Probably Haven’t Heard About It – Vernon Brewer Opinion | Fox News
IDLIB – Unless you deliberately searched for it, you probably missed one of the most significant news stories of the past few weeks.After eight years of bloody fighting, the Syrian civil war may finally be coming to an end. The Syrian army launched an offensive to retake Idlib, the last major rebel stronghold. If Idlib… Continue reading 526 Civilians Are Dead, But You Probably Haven’t Heard About It – Vernon Brewer Opinion | Fox News
Christians Endure Mass Killings, Attacks on Houses of Worship Around the World
WASHINGTON — Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chairman of Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission along with Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), today held a bipartisan hearing on the perilous state of religious freedom for Christians in China, Nigeria, Iran and other places around the world. Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, head of the U.S. State Department’s Office… Continue reading Christians Endure Mass Killings, Attacks on Houses of Worship Around the World
World Refugee Day – Are We Missing the Point?
WILLS POINT, TX – June 20th is World Refugee Day. The annual observation is particularly important this year as we are currently facing the worst refugee crisis in recorded history. Measuring the Problem According to the UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, at least 68.5 million people around the globe have been displaced from their… Continue reading World Refugee Day – Are We Missing the Point?
Documentary Debut Recounts Stories of Religious Persecution, Courage and Hope
WASHINGTON D.C. — “Christians in the Mirror: Stories of Courage and Faith in the Face of Persecution From Syria, Iraq, India, Sudan and Egypt” will premiere Monday, June 10 at the Miracle Theatre in Washington D.C. from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Joshuacord, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is honored to share with the community this one-of-a-kind film… Continue reading Documentary Debut Recounts Stories of Religious Persecution, Courage and Hope
Sri Lanka & South Asia: Guessing as to What Comes Next
COLOMBO – “You can’t say the threat is over but the situation is well under control.” That is the assessment of Sri Lanka’s Health Minister, Rajitha Senaratne, as of May 3, mere days following the terrorist bombings of several churches and hotels in this island nation. Senaratne told reporters that, internally, “Everyone is giving information.… Continue reading Sri Lanka & South Asia: Guessing as to What Comes Next
Religious Freedom Report Offers Grim Review Of Attacks On Faith Groups
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has released its annual report in the aftermath of attacks on mosques in New Zealand, churches in Sri Lanka and synagogues in the United States. “It’s coming at a time when religious freedom concerns, for lots of reasons, are getting more attention across the board,” USCIRF Commissioner Johnnie… Continue reading Religious Freedom Report Offers Grim Review Of Attacks On Faith Groups
USCIRF Report: China, Two Dozen Other Countries Top Religious Freedom Offenders List
WASHINGTON — With its particular focus on China’s oppression of religious and human rights, an independent watchdog group has decried in its annual report the state of religious freedom across the globe. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bipartisan organization created 20 years ago, concludes in its Monday (April 29) report that “innumerable… Continue reading USCIRF Report: China, Two Dozen Other Countries Top Religious Freedom Offenders List
Middle East Christian Broadcaster SAT-7 Announces New CEO
Lebanese-born Rita El-Mounayer takes over reins from visionary founder Dr. Terence Ascott, heralding “child focused” era for satellite TV ministry ASTON, MD — Pioneering Middle East Christian broadcaster SAT-7 has announced the appointment of Rita El-Mounayer as its new chief executive officer (CEO). She takes over from visionary SAT-7 founder and longtime CEO Terence Ascott,… Continue reading Middle East Christian Broadcaster SAT-7 Announces New CEO
Explorer’s Mission to Discover Lost Biblical Locations
A former FBI trained police investigator and SWAT team member Bob Cornuke is now a Biblical investigator, international explorer, and author of eleven books. He has participated in over seventy-three expeditions around the world searching for lost locations described in the Bible. These journeys include searching for the real Mount Sinai in Egypt and Saudi… Continue reading Explorer’s Mission to Discover Lost Biblical Locations
SAT-7 Is Reaching Beyond Closed Doors
NICOSIA, CYPRUS – SAT-7 Christian TV supports churches in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by making God’s Word available across borders and offering programs in the languages of the region. Whether those borders are geographic, generational, cultural, or linguistic, SAT-7 has continued to grow over the past 22 years. Using four main satellite… Continue reading SAT-7 Is Reaching Beyond Closed Doors
How Much Do You Know About the World’s Hunger Crisis?
“If you could eat only one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?” This is the way we often speak about food. It’s a hobby, a pastime, and a vehicle for community. For many, however, food and hunger isn’t just about fun. It’s a matter of life and death.… Continue reading How Much Do You Know About the World’s Hunger Crisis?
[Update] Crisis in Yemen
SANAA, Yemen – We live in an age filled with “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6) – an era where men speak of “‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14). However, embraced by a culture steeped in self-gratification, the preference of many is to relax in comfort while multiple millions of people… Continue reading [Update] Crisis in Yemen
After the Disaster – Resettling the Refugees
MYITKYINA, Myanmar – Crises like floods, famine, earthquakes, and war make great headlines, followed only by stories of relief efforts. Reporters move from one crisis to the next drawing our attention with them. We tend to forget about the aftermath that usually lasts much longer than the crises themselves. The refugees running from crisis endure… Continue reading After the Disaster – Resettling the Refugees
Top 10 Countries with the Worst Water Crisis
WILLS POINT, TX – March 22nd is set aside every year as World Water Day. Throughout the month and beyond, Missions Box will feature news, statistics, and human-interest stories that draw attention to multiple facets of the global crisis. This article shares insights into the Top 10 countries where the water crisis is worst. #10… Continue reading Top 10 Countries with the Worst Water Crisis
H.O.M.E. Reaching the Suffering – Sharing the Cure
MISSOURI CITY, TX – There is no doubt about it. There is no place like HOME. It’s especially true for people in seven nations in the Middle East. For them, HOME is an acronym for Health Outreach to the Middle East. Health Outreach to the Middle East is a Christ-centered health organization serving in the… Continue reading H.O.M.E. Reaching the Suffering – Sharing the Cure
“If Heaven is Made for ISIS, I Would Choose Hell”
KOBANI – Open Doors’ most recent World Watch List noted that, although persecution of Christians in the country at large appeared to have diminished, there was “a spike in violence” against Christians perpetrated by ISIS-backed rebels. Expression of Christian faith are strictly prohibited in areas controlled by radical Islamic forces. Countless church buildings have been… Continue reading “If Heaven is Made for ISIS, I Would Choose Hell”
Heart for Lebanon Ministers in Rukban Refugee Camp
RUKBAN – Situated at the far northeastern corner of the border berm between Syria and Lebanon, Rukban is an arid desert site that is home to more than 50,000 Syrian refugees. Heart for Lebanon, a faith-based NGO headquartered in Black Mountain, North Carolina, is committed to helping refugees in Lebanon in what the United Nations… Continue reading Heart for Lebanon Ministers in Rukban Refugee Camp
Andrew Brunson Freed after Telling Court, ‘I Love Jesus, I Love Turkey’
IZMIR, Turkey (RNS) — A Turkish court has freed the Rev. Andrew Brunson, an American missionary who had been the subject of a diplomatic standoff between the United States and Turkey. Brunson had been under house arrest after being accused of terrorism and conspiring against the Turkish government. The Pastor, who denies all charges against… Continue reading Andrew Brunson Freed after Telling Court, ‘I Love Jesus, I Love Turkey’
The Erdogan Enigma
NEW YORK – Recep Erdogan is the President of Turkey, one of the most complex nations in the world at the moment. His economy is crumbling, he is responsible for holding a North Carolina pastor in jail on bogus charges of attempting to overthrow the Turkish government, and he has made it clear that he… Continue reading The Erdogan Enigma
Still No Churches in Saudi Arabia, But Small Steps Toward Religious Freedom
Saudi Arabia has made unprecedented strides toward religious tolerance just a year after its young new ruler pledged to bring more moderate Islam to the Sunni kingdom. After a visit to the capital city of Riyadh last week, US officials reported the country has reformed its religious police—once tasked with enforcing shari’ah law on the… Continue reading Still No Churches in Saudi Arabia, But Small Steps Toward Religious Freedom
The Shameful Truth About Modern Slavery
WILLS POINT – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was ratified in 1948, seventy years ago. Article 4 of the Declaration says, “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.” A large number of people in the United States – perhaps most… Continue reading The Shameful Truth About Modern Slavery
Open Hearts Not the Same as Open Doors: The Existential Global Refugee Crisis
BRUSSELS – Asylum is an existential goal of every refugee. A refugee is a displaced person who has left his home country in hopes of obtaining asylum in another country. The numbers of people displaced by wars in the Middle East and Africa have created a refugee crisis of unparalleled proportions. So much so that… Continue reading Open Hearts Not the Same as Open Doors: The Existential Global Refugee Crisis
21st Century Slavery & Human Trafficking: Stories, Statistics and Solutions
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Special Report on Slavery & Human Trafficking Written By Palmer Holt of InChrist Communications Around 10 million people are currently behind bars somewhere in the world. Some have yet to face trial, a few have been wrongly convicted, but most are prisoners for a crime they have committed. Meanwhile, four… Continue reading 21st Century Slavery & Human Trafficking: Stories, Statistics and Solutions
313 Humanitarian Aid Workers Attacked in 2017 | World Humanitarian Day
NEW YORK – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) released its 2018 overview of the Aid Workers Security Report in time for the commemoration of World Humanitarian Aid Day. The observance is held annually on August 19th. The overview tells a story that we would rather not read. But it… Continue reading 313 Humanitarian Aid Workers Attacked in 2017 | World Humanitarian Day
SAT-7 KIDS Marks a Decade of Christian Programming to Some of World’s Most Closed Countries
Millions of young viewers have found ‘unfailing hope’ through 24/7 network focused on region’s teens and children NASHVILLE—Christian media group SAT-7 marked a major milestone at “Proclaim 18,” the 75th annual National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention—a decade of children’s broadcasting in the Middle East and North Africa, where churches may be outlawed and sharing the… Continue reading SAT-7 KIDS Marks a Decade of Christian Programming to Some of World’s Most Closed Countries
Operation Good Neighbor
JERUSALEM – The Jerusalem Post summed up the relationship between Israel and Syria saying “Jerusalem and Damascus have never had diplomatic relations and have been officially at war since Israel was established in 1948. In 1967 Israel took control of the 1,200 square kilometers of the Golan Heights from Syria during the Six Day War… Continue reading Operation Good Neighbor
UNHCR Report Reveals Startling Facts About Global Refugee Crisis
GENEVA – “Wars, other violence, and persecution drove worldwide forced displacement to a new high in 2017 for the fifth year in a row, according to UNHCR’s annual Global Trends report, released on 19 June 2018. The report showed that 68.5 million people were displaced as of the end of 2017. Overwhelmingly it is developing… Continue reading UNHCR Report Reveals Startling Facts About Global Refugee Crisis
Understanding the Refugee Crisis on World Refugee Day
NEW YORK CITY – Wednesday, 20 June 2018, is World Refugee Day. The day is especially important because there is, as most people know, a global refugee crisis. The crisis is compounded by the emotional and political conflict regarding the status of refugees. More about that in a minute. First, here are some facts about… Continue reading Understanding the Refugee Crisis on World Refugee Day
[Update] Refugee Crisis in Bidi Bidi – We Just Want to Go Home
This news article is an update to “Insight into the Global Child Refugee Crisis.” UGANDA – The photo preceding this article was taken at the Bidi Bidi Refugee Camp in northwest Uganda. He is breaking rocks into pebbles which he will attempt to sell for a penny in hopes to provide for his family. Bidi… Continue reading [Update] Refugee Crisis in Bidi Bidi – We Just Want to Go Home
Insights into the Global Child Refugee Crisis
WILLS POINT, TX – Most people would agree that life is not easy. I know the homeless lady we took to church this week does. I’m sure those who have lost a job or suffered divorce or the death of a loved one do. Because of our own circumstances, it is difficult for us to… Continue reading Insights into the Global Child Refugee Crisis
The Rising Challenge of Stateless Children
WILLS POINT, Texas – It is no secret that the world is rife with problems ranging from terrorism and wars to hunger and health issues. Many of these and other problems spawn floods of refugees seeking safe harbor from potential harm. Many would consider making a successful journey to a safer place a success. However,… Continue reading The Rising Challenge of Stateless Children
Turkish Prosecutor Demands American Pastor Gets Life in Prison
American pastor Andrew Brunson has been in prison for 18 months in Turkey, accused of ties to an American terrorist. Pastor Brunson had been in Turkey for 20 years before his arrest, in which he was charged with plotting with terrorists for a coup, according to Fox News. He’s also been accused of helping a Kurdish… Continue reading Turkish Prosecutor Demands American Pastor Gets Life in Prison
HALO Declares Afghan Province of Herat Mine Free
HERAT, Afghanistan – “HALO works with countries emerging from conflict, securing weapons and disposing of unexploded ammunition. It paves the way for infrastructure to enable economic development and it underpins international stability and security. By hiring men and women from the mine-impacted communities, HALO’s approach directly lifts our staff’s extended families and communities out of… Continue reading HALO Declares Afghan Province of Herat Mine Free
Kurds Refusing Christians and Yazidis Coming Back
Photo by James McCauley Iraq’s Christians and Yazidis have tried to come back to their homes, only to find them taken by Kurds. Fox News reports, “‘For months we’ve been receiving numerous reports from Assyrian Christians and Yazidis that Kurdish forces are using the fog of war to seize land that rightfully belongs to… Continue reading Kurds Refusing Christians and Yazidis Coming Back
VP Pence Tries to Reassure Australia of US Commitment to Them
Photo by Diliff In February, President Trump was on a phone call with the Australian Prime Minister. All the sudden, an argument arose and President Trump hung up the phone on the Prime Minister. Vice President Pence made a trip in April to smooth out relations between the United States and Australia. Per Fox News,… Continue reading VP Pence Tries to Reassure Australia of US Commitment to Them
Turkey Provides Education to Refugees
Turkey agreed with the European Union (EU) to provide an education for refugees entering their country. Per Daily Sabah, “Turkey, the European Union and UNICEF have formally launched an EU-funded project aiming to encourage Syrians and other refugees in Turkey to enroll their children in schools and prevent them from dropping out.” Parents are promised… Continue reading Turkey Provides Education to Refugees
European Union’s Libya Migrant Policy
There has been resistance in Italy to migrants trying to enter the country from Libya, despite pressure from the European Union to allow those migrants to enter the country. Part of the reason Italy doesn’t want to allow Libyan migrants to enter the country, is to keep smugglers from coming in. Per Fox News, “Italy… Continue reading European Union’s Libya Migrant Policy
French Priest Murdered by ISIS
At the end of last July, an ISIS soldier came to a Roman Catholic Church in France. There he murdered a priest by stabbing him and then slitting his throat. One of the French nuns fled the scene after seeing the priest was about to be murdered. Per CNN, “Before she fled, she witnessed the… Continue reading French Priest Murdered by ISIS
Shooting Goes Off in Nightclub at Midnight on New Years
Photo by By Davidetorino at Italian Wikipedia It was New Years Eve of 2016. People were waiting for the New Year to come at midnight in Istanbul, Turkey. The clock hit midnight and all the sudden people heard a banging noise. They thought it was a fight, but it ended up being a terrorist shooting… Continue reading Shooting Goes Off in Nightclub at Midnight on New Years
Iraqi refugees return home
Photo by Christiaan Briggs Iraqi refugees have returned to their homes in the Nineveh region. Yet, what they discovered deeply grieved them. According to Fox News, “There were gasps, followed by tears at a small church in northern Iraq as a group of Christians returned to their parish Sunday to find that everything had been… Continue reading Iraqi refugees return home
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
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
Demolition begins on France’s infamous ‘Jungle’ Camp
The migrant camp known as “the Jungle” is being demolished, even as Calais’ mayor warned the refugee crisis is not over. Protestors and police clashed as orange jumpsuit-clad workers tore down makeshift shelters in the camp. But Calais Mayor Natacha Bouchart warned this will do little to resolve the refugee problem. “Migrants are continuing to… Continue reading Demolition begins on France’s infamous ‘Jungle’ Camp
ISIS recruits hearing about Christ, coming to faith
In the midst of chaos and destruction caused by ISIS in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, reports of Christian conversion among ISIS fighters are emerging thanks to the distribution of Bibles by Open Doors. One pastor reports about an angry man coming to his door and threatening to behead him. The pastor remembered the words of… Continue reading ISIS recruits hearing about Christ, coming to faith
U.S. report ranks trafficking abuse; Myanmar among the worst
Myanmar called an annual report issued by the U.S. State Department “sad and regrettable” after being named among the worst human trafficking offenders. Along with Iran, North Korea and Syria, the report cited Myanmar’s negligence to meet “the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking.” Reuters reported that Myanmar’s ranking, which got downgraded from the previous year,… Continue reading U.S. report ranks trafficking abuse; Myanmar among the worst
Pope invites 12 Muslim refugees to Vatican
Demonstrating his conviction that refugees are people, not numbers, Pope Francis invited three Muslim families to board his chartered Alitalia flight in Lesbos and begin a new life in Italy. Sky News reports that, “The Pope’s decision to bring three families back to the Vatican with him after his visit to the Greek island of… Continue reading Pope invites 12 Muslim refugees to Vatican
Iraq forces taking back Mosul
With the backing of a U.S.-led coalition, Iraq’s military has battled back the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Mosul, that nation’s second largest city, in an initiative called “Operation Conquest.” Mosul had been a major victory for ISIS in June 2014 as they captured the city of more than 2 million people… Continue reading Iraq forces taking back Mosul