As Government Declares State of Emergency, Gospel for Asia Founder KP Yohannan Mourns the Deaths of Nearly 300 People on Easter WILLS POINT, TX — The Easter Sunday attacks on eight churches and hotels that killed nearly 300 people in Sri Lanka were aimed at large gatherings of people across the nation and intended to… Continue reading Sri Lanka Terrorist Bombings Denounced as an Attack of Fear on ‘Holiest Day’ by Missions Leader
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International Body of Christ Bands Together to Pray for Sri Lanka
Devastation rocked Sri Lanka Easter weekend as bombs detonated around the country, killing nearly 300 people. The latest figures report around 500 people injured in the blasts. Terrorists targeted multiple churches and tourist destinations. According to NBC News, blasts occurred at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo; St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, a Catholic majority town north… Continue reading International Body of Christ Bands Together to Pray for Sri Lanka
Desecration of Churches in France on the Rise
PARIS – Millions of people around the globe stared in disbelief as they watched the Cathedral of Notre Dame ravaged by a massive fire. I couldn’t help but think about the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Although initial reports lean toward the fire having been accidental, it is interesting to… Continue reading Desecration of Churches in France on the Rise
Who Do Men Say That I Am? Disturbing Answers to Christ’s Question
LONDON – On April 14, 2019, BBC Local Radio released the results of a recent survey of British adults to determine their views on the meaning of Easter and forgiveness. The results were disturbing. Only 46% of those professing Christians surveyed believe that “Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected at Easter so they… Continue reading Who Do Men Say That I Am? Disturbing Answers to Christ’s Question
[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
India to Build Another World’s Tallest Statue
Barely weeks after Indian Prime Minister Modi unveiled the world’s tallest statue in Gujarat, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh confirmed that an even larger statue will be erected in the former Faizabad district. The Statue of Unity in Gujarat is an image of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India.… Continue reading India to Build Another World’s Tallest Statue
Nigerian Pastors at Odds Come Together for Bible Translation Conference, Request Launch of 250 New Projects
Orlando, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization involving people in the advancement of Bible translation, hopes to soon launch new Bible translation projects for 250 language groups in Nigeria that are without the Scriptures in their heart language. “The Christians there are pleading with us for the tools, technology, and training so they can… Continue reading Nigerian Pastors at Odds Come Together for Bible Translation Conference, Request Launch of 250 New Projects
“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”
Another Street Preacher Arrested in London
LONDON – Missions Box News featured a story on August 1, 2018, about a “London Man Arrested for Reading the Bible Aloud on Church Property.” News sources around the globe are now reporting the arrest of another street preacher on the streets of London on February 23rd. A video of the arrest has gone viral… Continue reading Another Street Preacher Arrested in London
Seeing Christ in the Syrian Crisis
The Syrian Civil War has been an epic crisis as the Assad regime attempts to retain its rule whilst ISIS rebels and others seek to wrest control as part of an attempt to establish an Islamic caliphate. About half of the Christian population has disappeared from the country either by death or diaspora. Yet, despite… Continue reading Seeing Christ in the Syrian Crisis
Vision 2025: One Million Souls for Christ
ATLANTA – Dr. Michael Youssef is best known for his 30 years of ministry through Leading the Way broadcasted primarily from the Church of the Apostles which he pastors in Atlanta. The 70-year preacher is leading a new project, Vision 2025, through which he hopes to engage Christians around the world to win 1,000,000 souls… Continue reading Vision 2025: One Million Souls for Christ
[Update] High Court Rules in Asia Bibi’s Favor
ISLAMABAD – Heavy security surrounded the Pakistani high court as the world awaited the judges’ decision on whether to proceed with the appeal against her recent acquittal on blasphemy charges. Paramilitary troops and quick response units deployed in sensitive areas in the capital as radical Muslim had called for protests. Just a few hours ago,… Continue reading [Update] High Court Rules in Asia Bibi’s Favor
[Update] Asia Bibi Appeal Review Set for January 29
ISLAMABAD – Asia Bibi’s acquittal by the Supreme Court of Pakistan was on October 2018, on charges of blasphemy after being held on death row for eight years. The judges ruled that the prosecution had “categorically failed” to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, that the evidence against her was flimsy, the complainant was not… Continue reading [Update] Asia Bibi Appeal Review Set for January 29
Charles & Martha Mault
When Christians read reports from nations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia some may wonder why missionaries have not reached out to the unreached long ago. We can easily operate on a false assumption that the current number of unreached and underserved is an indicator of the past failure of others to go and… Continue reading Charles & Martha Mault
The Light of the Cross Stirs Malaysia
PENANG – During the recent testing of lighting fixtures at a residential high-rise under construction in the city of Penang, a local Muslim mufti complained to local authorities because the resulting pattern was in the shape of a cross. The mufti insisted that the authorities investigate why the lights had been arranged as a cross… Continue reading The Light of the Cross Stirs Malaysia
Open Doors Releases 2019 World Watch List
SANTA ANA, CA – According to its website, “For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement, and Christian Community Restoration.”… Continue reading Open Doors Releases 2019 World Watch List
First Commandment Now Illegal in China
HENAN PROVINCE – On November 30, 2018, Chinese communist authorities ordered a church in Henan Province to remove its display of the first commandment of the Ten Commandments. The directive came during a regular inspection of a church affiliated with the government-approved Three-Self church movement. Freedom of religion in China has been a consistent and… Continue reading First Commandment Now Illegal in China
Maintenance of Religious Harmony in Malaysia and Singapore
SINGAPORE – Maintenance of religious harmony. It sounds wonderful. An idea that promotes people getting along together. True freedom of religion. But the artwork of legislative ambiguity is misleading in many countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore, the city-state at the southern end of Malaysia. Two men and two women, residents of Finland, were detained… Continue reading Maintenance of Religious Harmony in Malaysia and Singapore
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
Could Measles Become a Menace Again?
JAKARTA – Many Americans assume that measles has been eradicated. The disease that once plagued us as school children is rarely seen in the United States today. A combination of events could change that, beginning with one halfway around the world in Indonesia. Let’s begin by reviewing fundamental data about Indonesia shared in a recent… Continue reading Could Measles Become a Menace Again?
Asia Bibi Released from Prison
ISLAMABAD – Asia Bibi, the Christian woman who had been held on death row in a Pakistan prison for eight years on charges of blasphemy against the Muslim religion, was secretly released during the night of November 7th and spirited away to an undisclosed location. The British Pakistani Christian Association has been in touch with… Continue reading Asia Bibi Released from Prison
U.S. Grants India Waivers on Iranian Oil Sanctions
NEW DELHI – On Monday, November 5th, the United States imposed economic sanctions on 50 Iranian banks, 65 Iranian aircraft, 200 individuals, and all shipping vessels used for the transportation of Iranian oil. The U.S. granted India and seven other nations waivers allowing them to continue importing Iranian oil on a declining basis for the… Continue reading U.S. Grants India Waivers on Iranian Oil Sanctions
Asia Bibi Acquitted but Still Facing Execution
ISLAMABAD – Christians around the world rejoiced when the Supreme Court of Pakistan announced last week that it had acquitted Asia Bibi of the charges of blasphemy for which she had been held on death row since 2010. Although the court issued an order to do so, she has yet to be released. As expected,… Continue reading Asia Bibi Acquitted but Still Facing Execution
Evangelical Leaders Meet with Arab Officials
RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed a delegation of American Evangelical Christian leaders in the capital city today, November 1, 2018. The visit, arranged by Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, has been months in the making. The American delegation, which is visiting leaders throughout… Continue reading Evangelical Leaders Meet with Arab Officials
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church November 4, 2018
Missions Box News invites you to join tens of thousands of Christians on Sunday, November 4th, in prayer for our brothers and sisters around the world who are persecuted and are suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. It’s not likely that most who read this have ever faced persecution. Yet, persecution of Christians… Continue reading International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church November 4, 2018
Asia Bibi Acquitted of Blasphemy
ISLAMABAD – 31 October 2018 – The prayers of tens of thousands of Christians for the release of Asia Bibi were answered today when Pakistan’s Supreme Court handed down her acquittal. She has been on Pakistan’s death row for nearly a decade. The Christian woman had been sentenced to death under Pakistan’s strict anti-blasphemy laws.… Continue reading Asia Bibi Acquitted of Blasphemy
Gospel for Asia: 10 NGOs Providing Relief to Kerala Flooding Victims
The southern Indian state of Kerala was hit with severe rainstorms in August 2018, resulting in devastating floods. Thousands were driven from their homes. Hundreds lost their lives. Since the beginning, charities and NGOs have been at the forefront, running flood relief camps, donating resources, and raising money. The return to normalcy is still ongoing.… Continue reading Gospel for Asia: 10 NGOs Providing Relief to Kerala Flooding Victims
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
Algerian Man on Trial – Accused of Evangelizing His Own Wife
ALGIERS – Rachid Ouali appeared at a hearing in court on August 9, 2018, in the town of Bouira, about 60 miles south of Algiers. He was accused on charges of attempting to evangelism his wife. Rachid is a Christian. His wife is a Muslim. Islam is the official state religion of Algeria. Official estimates… Continue reading Algerian Man on Trial – Accused of Evangelizing His Own Wife
Pakistan Expels 18 Foreign Aid Groups
ISLAMABAD – The Interior Ministry of Pakistan has given 18 international foreign aid groups 60 days to shut down their operations and leave the country. All 18 agencies had filed appeals in response to an earlier notice from the IM. The first agency to report the news was ActionAid, a Johannesburg-based, international that aims to… Continue reading Pakistan Expels 18 Foreign Aid Groups
Good News from Sudan!
SUDAN – Good news is getting hard to find. It just doesn’t seem to be sensational enough to make compelling headlines. Missions Box News is seeking to change that by reporting the good news that Christians should know. Some exceptionally good news has come out of Sudan over the last several days. Sudan is currently… Continue reading Good News from Sudan!
The IMM Heritage Project: Reaching North Africa for Christ
MADRID – International Media Ministries (IMM) was founded by the Assemblies of God World Missions (USA) in 1981 as it became apparent to forward thinkers that the ability to have and share information would become the essential and driving strategy for successful businesses. There was no reason to believe that successful business platforms built on… Continue reading The IMM Heritage Project: Reaching North Africa for Christ
Flooding Crisis in Kerala Worst in Over 100 Years
KERALA, INDIA – India is experiencing monumental meteorological and geophysical problems that constantly threaten the potential of the country’s efforts to raise itself to a position of global leadership. As governmental agencies, private companies, and NGOs work consistently to improve education, healthcare, and alleviating poverty and disease, circumstances beyond the control of mankind take one… Continue reading Flooding Crisis in Kerala Worst in Over 100 Years
Too Much? Too Little? Too Late? South Asia’s Growing Water Crisis
INDIA – South Asia and the Indian subcontinent seem to be facing a perennial water crisis that may be getting worse rather than better. The problem is complex. It is not simply that there is too much or too little. While there is flooding in some regions there is a drought in others. Where there… Continue reading Too Much? Too Little? Too Late? South Asia’s Growing Water Crisis
Peace in Eritrea and Ethiopia May Open Doors to Share the Gospel
ADDIS ABABA – The North African nations of Eritrea and Ethiopia have formally agreed to end the longest-running war on the continent. Christians in Ethiopia are praying that the agreement will present new opportunities to spread the Gospel. “With this new peace agreement, borders will be reopened and trade reinstated between the two countries. The… Continue reading Peace in Eritrea and Ethiopia May Open Doors to Share the Gospel
Released Boko Haram Captive Pinning Her Problems to the Cross
ABUJA – The militant African group Boko Haram has terrorized Nigerians for nearly 10 years, destroying churches, schools, and homes. The infamously mass murder entire villages of people before burning the villages to the ground. They have taken more than 3,000 women and schoolgirls captive and attempt to convert them to Islam. Those who refuse… Continue reading Released Boko Haram Captive Pinning Her Problems to the Cross
Bibles For The World Encourages and Equips Chinese Believers in Light of New Policy Governing Religious Belief
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,… Continue reading Bibles For The World Encourages and Equips Chinese Believers in Light of New Policy Governing Religious Belief
Algerian Christian ‘Free at Last’
ALGIERS – Idir Hamdad is a native Algerian. He was born into and raised in a Muslim home. In 2002, he and his family converted to Christianity which led to harassment from their neighbors. Islam is the state religion in Algeria, so conversion to any other religion is considered apostasy and is punishable by death.… Continue reading Algerian Christian ‘Free at Last’
Freedom of Religion Endangered by New Law in Laos
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
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
Prayer Requests for Afghanistan
Imagine a country where you had to keep your faith silent for fear of being arrested. There are many people living in countries throughout the world that face this threat. Afghanistan is one of them. There are no churches, but mosques can be found on every street corner in the rugged and mountainous terrain of… Continue reading Prayer Requests for Afghanistan
Turkey’s President Warns of War Between the Cross and the Crescent
ANKARA – Turkish President Recep Erdoğan said this week that the decision of the Austrian government’s closure of seven mosques and expulsion of 60 Muslim imams may lead to war “between the cross and the crescent.” Erdoğan would have the world believe that Austria’s actions threaten world peace because its actions were “Islamophobic, racist, and… Continue reading Turkey’s President Warns of War Between the Cross and the Crescent
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
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
Horizons International to Open Prayer for All Nations Center in Lebanon
BEIRUT – Horizons International recently introduced its plans for establishing the Middle East Center for World Missions in Beirut. The entire project is expected to take 10 years to complete. The objective is “To build a hub and network that facilitate the mobilization, training, and sending of missionaries from the Middle East and North Africa… Continue reading Horizons International to Open Prayer for All Nations Center in Lebanon
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
Nigerian Girl Refuses to Renounce Christ Remains Captive of Boko Haram
DAPCHI, Nigeria – Leah Sharibu is 15 years old. She is one of more than a hundred Nigerian school girls who are either missing or held in captivity by the Boko Haram. Although the terrorist group, known for kidnapping school girls en masse, agreed to return the girls in exchange for the release of several… Continue reading Nigerian Girl Refuses to Renounce Christ Remains Captive of Boko Haram
Christians Concerned About Turkish Presence in Syria
Turkish Army Takes Afrin, Syria from Kurds AFRIN, Syria – Turkish forces have overtaken the Syrian town of Afrin, driving the Kurdish forces out. To most readers in the Western Hemisphere, this news has little relevance. Most us have no idea who’s who or what is where in the conflict in Syria. The situation for… Continue reading Christians Concerned About Turkish Presence in Syria
Pakistan Judge Rules Citizens Must Declare Their True Religious Faith
ISLAMABAD – It has been a rule of law that citizens of Pakistan must self-identify their religion on their passports. Now a judge on the Islamabad High Court has extended the rule to greater lengths. In a ruling delivered on Friday, 09 March 2018, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui has ordered that Pakistan citizens must also… Continue reading Pakistan Judge Rules Citizens Must Declare Their True Religious Faith