VIENTIANE – The constitution of the nation of Laos guarantees its citizens freedom of religion. Specifically, it recognizes their “right and freedom to believe or not to believe in religion.” In addition, Laos is “a state party” to the seven core international human rights treaties under which they are obligated to “respect, protect, and fulfill… Continue reading Freedom of Religion Endangered by New Law in Laos
Results for "National Missions"
Missionaries ‘Stuck’ in Haiti
PORT AU PRINCE – Haiti is a popular country for short-term missions trips because its needs are great and it is a relatively short distance for small church groups. As the pastor of a church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, said, “We want to serve the Haitians with compassion and offer real hope.” That pretty well… Continue reading Missionaries ‘Stuck’ in Haiti
New Manual for Faith-Sensitive Approach by FBOs Excludes Proselytizing
GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) have collaborated to publish a new manual of guidelines for a “faith-sensitive approach” by faith-based organizations (FBOs). The 88-page document outlines guidelines by the UN-affiliated Inter-Agency Standing Committee for acceptable approaches for FBOs offering humanitarian responses to people in need around the globe.… Continue reading New Manual for Faith-Sensitive Approach by FBOs Excludes Proselytizing
[ICC] Diverse Projects Spotlight ‘Broad Challenge’ of the World’s 2 Billion Unreached People
International Day for the Unreached organizers emphasize need for whole church to respond to Jesus’ Great Commission COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – United by a single goal, the champions of missions to the unreached follow a wide range of paths in taking the gospel to those who have yet to hear of Jesus. The breadth of… Continue reading [ICC] Diverse Projects Spotlight ‘Broad Challenge’ of the World’s 2 Billion Unreached People
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
One-Time Rebel Invites Others to Follow in Her Risk-Taking Footsteps in Taking Gospel to Unreached
Troubled teen-turned-medical missionary aims to inspire others to trust God in new book chronicling her adventures in faith COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—A reformed rebel with a taste for adventure is looking to inspire others to step out and make a difference in the world. Sharing some hair-raising stories from more than 35 years’ missionary service in… Continue reading One-Time Rebel Invites Others to Follow in Her Risk-Taking Footsteps in Taking Gospel to Unreached
En-Gedi – A Place of Refuge for Neglected Children in Kenya
KENYA – Margaret Njuguna is a native of Kenya. She was fortunate to have received training that qualified her to work at the Kenyan and Ugandan offices of World Renew, the global relief ministry of the Christian Reformed Church. When she made it clear that she wanted to do “something more,” a co-worker urged her… Continue reading En-Gedi – A Place of Refuge for Neglected Children in Kenya
Chief Minister to Seek Repeal of State Anti-Conversion Law in Arunachal Pradesh
ITANAGAR, ARUNACHAL PRADESH – Pema Khandu, the BJP Chief Minister of India’s northeastern-most state, Arunachal Pradesh, announced on 28 June 2018 that he would move to repeal the state’s Freedom of Religion Act of 1978 when parliament enters into its next session. It is the Freedom of Religion act that contains the ban against “conversion… Continue reading Chief Minister to Seek Repeal of State Anti-Conversion Law in Arunachal Pradesh
Pioneering Broadcast Ministry Helps Bring Ex-Con Movie’s Message of Hope to the Big Screen
HCJB Ecuador, Reach Beyond’s media partner in Ecuador, plays major supporting role in rare theatrical release for faith-based drama challenging viewers to ‘make a change for good’ COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Missionary radio broadcaster HCJB Ecuador, partner of Reach Beyond, has supported efforts to use another medium to share the good news—helping bring a faith-based movie to… Continue reading Pioneering Broadcast Ministry Helps Bring Ex-Con Movie’s Message of Hope to the Big Screen
South Korea Bans Voice of the Martyrs’ Bibles in Balloons
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… Continue reading South Korea Bans Voice of the Martyrs’ Bibles in Balloons
Will the Taj Mahal Disappear?
AGRA, UTTAR PRADESH – The Taj Mahal has long been synonymous with India. It has been the nation’s number one tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors and generating an average of $4 million USD revenue per year for the government. It is now possible that the site may lose its international status as the spirit… Continue reading Will the Taj Mahal Disappear?
Pew Research Center Releases Latest Report on Global Religious Restrictions
WASHINGTON DC – The Pew Research Center has released its comprehensive annual report on religious restrictions around the globe. The report compares restrictions in 2016 with previous years across two distinct categories: government-imposed restrictions and societal hostilities. More than a quarter (28%) of the 198 countries included in the research were identified as having either… Continue reading Pew Research Center Releases Latest Report on Global Religious Restrictions
Widows Receive Aid from Believer’s Eastern Church in Senua Village
SENAU, ARUNACHAL PRADESH – Members of the Believer’s Eastern Church in Senua reached out to help about 30 widows living in the village on International Widows Day, What the church did was quite unusual, at least for westerners, yet deeply appreciated by the recipients. The Senua BEC regularly looks after the needs of widows with… Continue reading Widows Receive Aid from Believer’s Eastern Church in Senua Village
Three Teenage Girls Brutally Raped, Burned
Imagine this: You have a teenage daughter who is brutally raped by a young man. After she tells you what happens, he kills her. Between May 5 to May 13, three Indian girls were raped and burned alive. The first victim was kidnapped by a group of men in Jharkhand while her parents were at… Continue reading Three Teenage Girls Brutally Raped, Burned
India Cautiously Optimistic About Rare and Dangerous Nipah Virus Outbreak
NEW DELHI – One month ago today, the state of Kerala reported an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus. This is the third outbreak of the virus in India since the beginning of the century. Seventeen people have died as a result of the recent outbreak. Although there is no known cure for Nipah, the… Continue reading India Cautiously Optimistic About Rare and Dangerous Nipah Virus Outbreak
Outdoor Adventure Program CEO Spotlighted for Championing ‘Morality and Uprightness’
Mark Hancock’s Greenville-area-based Trail Life USA cited by national family values organization for creating different option to Boy Scouts BELTON, S.C.—The local CEO of a flourishing outdoor adventure program, Trail Life USA, has been spotlighted by a national organization for helping develop character in thousands of boys and young men. Mark Hancock is one of… Continue reading Outdoor Adventure Program CEO Spotlighted for Championing ‘Morality and Uprightness’
Ministry Leverages World Cup Matches to Compete for Souls As Russian Government Cracks Down on Christian Evangelism
Although open evangelism now illegal, Mission Eurasia will work with churches in Russia for creative Scripture distribution campaign WHEATON, Ill.—Because open evangelism in Russia is now illegal, Mission Eurasia—a ministry equipping and mobilizing the next generation of Christian leaders in the region—will capitalize on a closing window of opportunity. The campaign will enlist Russian evangelical… Continue reading Ministry Leverages World Cup Matches to Compete for Souls As Russian Government Cracks Down on Christian Evangelism
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
Nigeria – Conquering Polio, Playing in World Cup, But Coming Apart at the Seams
ABUJA – The country of Nigeria is an enigma. While, on the one hand, the Nigerian Minister of Health announced today that the country’s efforts to eliminate polio within its borders “are beginning to yield results, considering the fact that we have spent 18 months without a case of poliovirus,” the country stands at the… Continue reading Nigeria – Conquering Polio, Playing in World Cup, But Coming Apart at the Seams
Mission Eurasia Using Unique World Cup Outreach in Russia
MOSCOW – The 2018 FIFA World Cup soccer competition began today in Russia with the home team winning its and the tournament’s opening match before a crowd of 78,011 avid fans. The tournament will include 32 national teams competing in a total of 64 matches in 12 different cities, including Volgograd, Kaliningrad, Sochi, and Saint… Continue reading Mission Eurasia Using Unique World Cup Outreach in Russia
Gospel for Asia Issues Special Report on Remarkable Fathers
by Lou Gutheil, Gospel for Asia (GFA) guest writer “You fathers–if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not!” (Luke 11:11-12 NLT) One of His disciples had asked Jesus to teach them how to… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Issues Special Report on Remarkable Fathers
Malawian Bible Celebration Unites Two Families Instrumental in Completing Long-Time Translation Project
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… Continue reading Malawian Bible Celebration Unites Two Families Instrumental in Completing Long-Time Translation Project
Character-Forming Outdoor Adventure Group Will Remain ‘a Place Where Boys Can be Boys’
Trail Life USA pledges to keep its ‘affirming’ boys focus as Boy Scouts of America announces it will start welcoming girls. BELTON, S.C.—The leader of a national outdoor adventure program aiming to help develop men of character has reassured member-families and supporters that it will remain “a place where boys can be boys.” Trail Life… Continue reading Character-Forming Outdoor Adventure Group Will Remain ‘a Place Where Boys Can be Boys’
9 Things Christians Need to Know About Korea
SEOUL – North and South Korea have made a lot of headlines in the past year, including North Korea’s ballistic missile tests and nuclear potential, South Korea’s hosting of the Winter Olympics, and the historic meeting between North Korea’s Kim Jung Un and U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore. While the complete denuclearization of North… Continue reading 9 Things Christians Need to Know About Korea
Believers Eastern Church Feeds 150 Brick Factory Laborers
Believers Eastern Church served a hot, nutritious meal to 150 men and women working in a brick factory on International Workers’ Day, May 1, to encourage and show God’s love. Pastor Aapt and the leader of the local Women’s Fellowship, Chadna, led the food distribution. Many of the people in this area serve as laborers… Continue reading Believers Eastern Church Feeds 150 Brick Factory Laborers
Pioneering Form of ‘Conversational’ Christian Broadcasting Makes an Impact in Eastern Europe
Secular music mix approach developed with Reach Beyond’s help to encourage listeners to ‘think for themselves’ spreads in parts of former Soviet Union COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.— A pioneering form of evangelistic Christian radio is spreading across parts of Eastern Europe, asking questions instead of giving answers. Mixing secular and Christian music with conversation-starting commentary about… Continue reading Pioneering Form of ‘Conversational’ Christian Broadcasting Makes an Impact in Eastern Europe
Need for Aid Increasing in Myanmar
YANGON – Life goes on as normal for Christians and Muslims in Myanmar, just as life goes on as normal for Christians and Muslims in America. Normal is the operative word because what is normal for them is at the extreme opposite of what normal is for us. We often refer to normal as “the… Continue reading Need for Aid Increasing in Myanmar
World Day Against Child Labor Statistics
GENEVA – June 12, 2018, is World Day Against Child Labor. The annual event is sponsored by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and is intended to “direct attention to the plight of child laborers with the hope of one day being able to end all forms of child labor that may exist in the world… Continue reading World Day Against Child Labor Statistics
Millions of Brazilians March for Jesus
SÃO PAULO – Established in 1993, São Paulo’s March for Jesus is among the biggest religious events in Brazil, the country with the world’s second-largest Christian population after the United States. Each year, for 26 years, hundreds of thousands of people have gathered together in the streets of São Paulo to worship the Lord and… Continue reading Millions of Brazilians March for Jesus
GFA World Canadian Staff Joins Hamilton Ontario’s Team Up to Clean Up
HAMILTON, ONTARIO – The name Tim Horton is almost synonymous with Canada. For most Americans who are familiar with the name, it is a national chain of doughnut shops. But Tim Horton was a real person. Horton was a first-team All-Star three times in his 24-year career in the National Hockey League. In 2017, he… Continue reading GFA World Canadian Staff Joins Hamilton Ontario’s Team Up to Clean Up
Gospel for Asia Literacy Program Opens Doors for Asia’s Impoverished Families
One of thousands of women taught to read and write tells how GFA-supported initiative ‘made my dream come true’ WILLS POINT, Texas—It was a dream come true for a 50-year-old woman living in a village in northern India when she wrote her own name for the first time—a milestone made possible by GFA (Gospel for Asia)… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Literacy Program Opens Doors for Asia’s Impoverished Families
Death Penalty Now Mandatory for Apostasy in Mauritania
NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania – On 27 April 2018, The National Assembly of Mauritania passed a law that makes the death penalty mandatory for anyone convicted of “blasphemous speech” and acts deemed “sacrilegious.” Human rights experts from the UN, the African Commission of Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), and more than 20 NGOs have called upon the… Continue reading Death Penalty Now Mandatory for Apostasy in Mauritania
Bible Translators Caught in Midst of Cameroon Conflicts
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… Continue reading Bible Translators Caught in Midst of Cameroon Conflicts
Texas Senator Ted Cruz to Address Capitol Hill Policy Day
WASHINGTON, DC – Texas Senator Ted Cruz heads the lineup of speakers and panelists featured at the Capitol Hill Policy Day at the Capitol Visitor Center on June 5, 2018. The conference, sponsored by International Christian Concern, will focus on “the crisis of violence in Nigeria brought about by both Boko Haram and Fulani militants.”… Continue reading Texas Senator Ted Cruz to Address Capitol Hill Policy Day
More Than 300 People Rescued from Human Trafficking
Al Jazeera, a Middle East news station, reports 350 people in the Caribbean and Latin America have been set free from human trafficking between April 3–9, and 22 people affiliated with the human trafficking, such as the ringleaders were arrested by Interpol, an international police organization. The operation was funded by Canada’s government and a… Continue reading More Than 300 People Rescued from Human Trafficking
Politics and the Global Water Crisis – The Indus River Tributaries
KARACHI – According to Asia Times, “Pakistan is bracing for a grave water crisis because of climate change and India’s tacit ‘control and management policy’ on the flow of water from the Himalaya-Karakorum mountain range into the Indus Valley.” This site has repeatedly reported on the global clean water crisis, including the Day Zero that… Continue reading Politics and the Global Water Crisis – The Indus River Tributaries
Commissioner Brian Peddle Named New General of the Salvation Army
LONDON – Commissioner Brian Peddle was elected as the 21st General of the Salvation Army in a solemn, prayerful occasion at the Army’s international headquarters in London. Peddle succeeds outgoing General André Cox who has held the office since August 2013. Following the announcement of his election, Mr. Peddle proclaimed, “We are overwhelmed to say… Continue reading Commissioner Brian Peddle Named New General of the Salvation Army
Gospel in the Goldfields Celebration
KALGOORLIE, Western Australia – Will Graham has been traveled to and preached the Gospel in Australia several times over the past decade. The Goldfields Celebration at Centennial Park in Kalgoorlie concluded with a three-day evangelistic outreach and concert where Mr. Graham presented the Gospel to those in attendance. Will is the son of Franklin Graham… Continue reading Gospel in the Goldfields Celebration
Women Sailors’ Success Is Inspiration for Young Indian Girls
GOA, INDIA – Six young women, all members of the Indian Navy have provided some inspiration for their younger counterparts by successfully circumnavigating the globe in a 56-foot, single-mast sailboat, the Tarini. This amazing accomplishment was the first-ever Indian expedition steered by women sailors – and, it should provide some encouragement for those in a… Continue reading Women Sailors’ Success Is Inspiration for Young Indian Girls
Dr. Robert Jeffress Calls on Americans to Remember on Memorial Day the Men and Women of Our Armed Forces Who Paid the Ultimate Price
“More than just a day off, Memorial Day is a day to solemnly remember those who have given their lives in service to the American people and gifted us with the privilege of living in a place we can still call ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave.’” — Dr. Robert Jeffress… Continue reading Dr. Robert Jeffress Calls on Americans to Remember on Memorial Day the Men and Women of Our Armed Forces Who Paid the Ultimate Price
The Heat Is on in South Asia
SOUTH ASIA (May 23, 2018) – Pakistan and India are being afflicted with intensely hot weather that is affecting residents throughout both countries. Unfortunately, the term “hot weather” does not translate into every American English any easier than if we were reading it in Hindi. The subcontinent has been experiencing temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.… Continue reading The Heat Is on in South Asia
Campaign to Champion Needs of World’s 2 Billion Unreached People Gets Major Boost
Expansion of International Day for the Unreached alliance announced at NRB, underscores ‘growing importance’ of Great Commission campaign NASHVILLE — A movement to accelerate missions efforts among peoples who have yet to hear about Jesus continues to gain momentum, with two new additions to the International Day for the Unreached organizing group. Frontier Ventures and William… Continue reading Campaign to Champion Needs of World’s 2 Billion Unreached People Gets Major Boost
Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins Appointed to USCIRF
WASHINGTON, DC – Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council and anchor of the daily radio broadcast Washington Watch, has been appointed to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) upon the recommendation of Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The appointment was announced on Monday, May 14, 2018. Perkins earned a BS… Continue reading Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins Appointed to USCIRF
‘American Idol’ Finalist to Lead Global Rallying Cry on Behalf of World’s 2 Billion Unreached People
Singer Phil Stacey hosting May 20 International Day for the Unreached event calling for greater focus on taking gospel to those who have yet to hear of Jesus. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A global appeal on behalf of the more than 2 billion people around the world who have yet to hear the gospel is to ring… Continue reading ‘American Idol’ Finalist to Lead Global Rallying Cry on Behalf of World’s 2 Billion Unreached People
2018 Tiger Supply Run at Gospel for Asia Finishes Strong
WILLS POINT, Texas – They ran. They jogged. They trotted. They loped. A few even moseyed. A total of 229 runners registered for the 2nd Annual Tiger Supply Run hosted on the campus of Gospel for Asia (GFA) in Wills Point, and sponsored by Russell Memorial UMC and Gospel for Asia (GFA). Participants lined up… Continue reading 2018 Tiger Supply Run at Gospel for Asia Finishes Strong
Frontier Mission Champions Announce Sale of Campus in Forward-Looking Move
William Carey International University Board says EF Education First purchase helps further founding vision in a changing world. PASADENA, Calif. — The board of directors of William Carey International University (WCIU) has announced the planned purchase of its long-term missions campus by Education First (EF), the world’s largest private international education organization. The pending sale positions… Continue reading Frontier Mission Champions Announce Sale of Campus in Forward-Looking Move
‘Unreached’ Alliance Concerned by Church’s Unawareness of ‘Great Commission’ Mandate
Report revealing more than half of churchgoers don’t know of Jesus’ final directive spotlights importance of International Day for the Unreached call to reach those who have never heard gospel. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A new survey revealing that more than half of churchgoers don’t know of the Great Commission has spotlighted the importance of a… Continue reading ‘Unreached’ Alliance Concerned by Church’s Unawareness of ‘Great Commission’ Mandate
Man Won’t Let Go of His Audio Bible
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… Continue reading Man Won’t Let Go of His Audio Bible
U.S. Embassy Opens in Jerusalem – The World Reacts
JERUSALEM – News channels around the globe carried live coverage of the official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, May 14, 2018. Although the move of the embassy operations is intended to be permanent, the embassy will temporarily use the U.S. Consulate building until another location can be built or acquired and… Continue reading U.S. Embassy Opens in Jerusalem – The World Reacts
Scandals of Poverty: Seeing the Poor Through Jesus’ Eyes
“Blessed is he who considers the poor.” – Psalm 40:17 Wills Point, Texas – GFA (Gospel for Asia) – Discussing the scandals of poverty. Nearly everything about poverty is scandalous. The United Nations Millennium Goals include the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. Faith-based organizations and other NGO’s, major businesses, and UN member states have… Continue reading Scandals of Poverty: Seeing the Poor Through Jesus’ Eyes