MAUI, HAWAII — Residents of Lahaina on the island of Maui, Hawaii, are processing their heartache and loss after their city and surrounding neighborhoods were recently devastated by wildfires, seeking solace and strength through prayer. Through tears, Carolyn shared her story with Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains. “The house I was raised in, that… Continue reading Chaplains Ministering to Hawaiians Who ‘Desperately Need’ Prayer
Results for "Children"
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Togo
TOGO — Christian charity CRY has launched a campaign to highlight how education is helping to break the cycle of poverty in some of the neediest parts of the world. This report shares the story of how an orphanage that they support in Togo is providing life-changing opportunities for many young lives through the power… Continue reading Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Togo
LifeWise Academy Offering Bible Education to Students in America
COLUMBUS, OH — As schools across the country are kicking off a new school year, LifeWise Academy has now reached a major milestone in their expansion of released time religious instruction: students in over 300 public schools will be attending Bible education classes this year. In 2019, LifeWise offered its first released time classes for… Continue reading LifeWise Academy Offering Bible Education to Students in America
Compassion International Launches New ‘Hope Starts Here’ Experience
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Compassion International, a leading child development organization, is excited to announce the launch of its new “Hope Starts Here“ experience. Buoyed by compelling personal stories, “Hope Starts Here” is an immersive experience, transporting visitors to vulnerable communities where Compassion works. This free, family-friendly event is designed to inspire compassion and action… Continue reading Compassion International Launches New ‘Hope Starts Here’ Experience
Worke’s Witness: Christian Convert Testifies to God’s Help in East Africa Despite Violent Persecution
EAST AFRICA — For years, Worke*, a Christian convert in East Africa, outwardly acted like a Muslim while secretly holding onto Jesus in her heart. But after her husband died of an illness, she openly embraced her faith in Christ – and his family strongly opposed it. *Name changed for security reasons Worke from East… Continue reading Worke’s Witness: Christian Convert Testifies to God’s Help in East Africa Despite Violent Persecution
The Salvation Army Southern California to Host Annual Gala to Raise Funds to Combat Homelessness
BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Salvation Army Southern California is set to host its highly anticipated Finding A Way Home Gala at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on Sept. 21. Sponsored by Payden & Rygel, the extraordinary event will honor Sarah Michelle Gellar with the Judge Harry Pregerson award while showcasing an ensemble… Continue reading The Salvation Army Southern California to Host Annual Gala to Raise Funds to Combat Homelessness
Post-pandemic Global Evangelism, ‘The Power of One,’ A Renewed Focus
TULSA, OK — In his newly released book, The Power of One: Reaching Every Person on Earth, Dr. Billy Wilson, President of Oral Roberts University and Global Chair of Empowered21, provides a clear path forward to a new era of evangelism. In order to fulfill the Great Commission, Dr. Wilson asks: How can eight billion… Continue reading Post-pandemic Global Evangelism, ‘The Power of One,’ A Renewed Focus
U.S. Mission Spotlights Crisis of Ukraine’s ‘50,000 Social Orphans’
LOVES PARK, IL — The war in Ukraine has caused a dramatic surge in the number of “social orphans,” according to a U.S.-based organization responding to an escalating crisis of child abandonment. Ukrainian church leaders estimate there are as many as 50,000 “hidden” social orphans, children barely surviving under the radar who’ve been abandoned or… Continue reading U.S. Mission Spotlights Crisis of Ukraine’s ‘50,000 Social Orphans’
Help The Persecuted Supports More than 12,000 Impacted by Syria-Turkey Earthquake
TURKEY — Since an earthquake rocked the people of Syria and Turkey in February 2023 Christian charity Help The Persecuted has provided practical and spiritual support to more than 12,000 people impacted by the disaster. As a colossal earthquake rocked the Syria-Turkey border in February 2023, Christian Charity Help the Persecuted has provided practical and… Continue reading Help The Persecuted Supports More than 12,000 Impacted by Syria-Turkey Earthquake
Dodging Police and Smuggling Bibles in China
CHINA — It’s illegal to buy a Bible online in China, and some ethnic minorities find it really hard to get a Bible at all. The Chinese authorities watch every movement – not just on the street, but online too. With support from Christian charity Open Doors, Ming (name changed) takes huge risks to serve… Continue reading Dodging Police and Smuggling Bibles in China
Jessica’s Story: From Doubt to Faith
MINYA, EGYPT — Jessica gave her life to Christ after receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift and attending The Greatest Journey course in her Egyptian village. When COVID shut down the churches, Jessica started her own discipleship group and led her friends to the Lord. Jessica – Shoebox Recipient: My name is Jessica and… Continue reading Jessica’s Story: From Doubt to Faith
CityServe Bringing Help and Hope to Lahaina, Maui
BAKERSFIELD, CA — The charitable relief organization CityServe International has fully activated its church-based network, teaming up with No Child Hungry, to launch its distribution of over 250,000 meals and other emergency supplies throughout the fire-stricken Hawaiian island of Maui. Pastors and church members whose entire neighborhoods were wiped out by the flames are healing… Continue reading CityServe Bringing Help and Hope to Lahaina, Maui
GFA World Spotlights Global ‘Crisis’ of Adults Who Can’t Read or Write
WILLS POINT, TX — A shocking number of adults around the world can’t read or write even a simple sentence, says mission agency GFA World (www.gfa.org) as it marks International Literacy Day, September 8. According to the United Nations’ education agency UNESCO, approximately 773 million adults worldwide — equal to more than twice the population… Continue reading GFA World Spotlights Global ‘Crisis’ of Adults Who Can’t Read or Write
Final preparations underway for Idaho Falls Look Up Tour with Will Graham
IDAHO FALLS, ID — One month from today, the Idaho Falls Look Up Tour with Will Graham will officially take place in the Hero Arena at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls. Participants from 110 churches representing 27 denominations across the region are working together to host the weekend-long outreach, Sept. 23 and 24.… Continue reading Final preparations underway for Idaho Falls Look Up Tour with Will Graham
Evangelist Nick Hall Leads Nation’s Largest Free Christian Music Festival with 45,000 In Attendance Over Two Days
BENTON, AR — The 11th annual Amplify Music Festival, a community-sponsored free Christian music festival, drew over 45,000 attendees this past weekend to make Jesus known. Including the free live stream, the attendance topped 67,000 throughout the 2-day festival. In the last decade, Amplify has attracted tens of thousands for the sole purpose of introducing… Continue reading Evangelist Nick Hall Leads Nation’s Largest Free Christian Music Festival with 45,000 In Attendance Over Two Days
PMI Foods Donates More than 10,000 Pounds of Meat to Fight Food Insecurity
SALT LAKE CITY — Today, Parker Migliorini International (PMI Foods) announced the donation of 10,500 pounds of beef bone-in rib ends to several Los Angeles area food banks. This is the latest in a series of donations from PMI Foods in an ongoing effort to directly help thousands of homeless residents. More than 67,000 people… Continue reading PMI Foods Donates More than 10,000 Pounds of Meat to Fight Food Insecurity
Exploring God’s Word: A Journey without Barriers
HURST, TX — At EEM (Eastern European Mission), our slogan is “The Bible. We Want Everyone to Get It.” We mean that in both the literal and figurative senses. We want everyone to be able to have a copy of God’s Word in their own language, and to understand it in their minds and believe… Continue reading Exploring God’s Word: A Journey without Barriers
EEM Unveils 499 Bible Illustrations
HURST, TX — EEM (Eastern European Mission), a ministry that has been providing free Bibles in former Communist bloc countries and surrounding nations since 1961, will now be the conduit, thanks to Publishing Director Scott Hayes, for getting 499 illustrations for the New Testament – nearly two for every chapter – to children and adults… Continue reading EEM Unveils 499 Bible Illustrations
Fun and Faith in Iraq Bible Competition
IRAQ — Young believers in Iraq are discovering how to apply the Bible in their everyday lives – through a fun, interactive Bible competition run by Open Doors local partners. Wiam: We have an activity today in the Holy Bible. the Gospel of John. We read it and prepare for upcoming questions. The contest will… Continue reading Fun and Faith in Iraq Bible Competition
Global Mercy Completes First Ever Field Service in Senegal
DAKAR, SENEGAL — In 2023, Mercy Ships sailed into a new season together: Serving patients from two countries at once — Senegal and The Gambia — from the decks of their brand new vessel Global Mercy. In total 794 surgeries were performed on board this medical ship in Dakar in Senegal. In 2023, we sailed… Continue reading Global Mercy Completes First Ever Field Service in Senegal
Mourning the Loss of Shawn Chrisagis
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO — June 13, 2023 Shawn Chrisagis passed away at 55 years old. His legacy was one of LOVE. He was an identical twin of Brian Chrisagis. These two men of integrity formed the Chrisagis Brothers Ministries. The ministry was known all over the world for family entertainment, reaching and recruiting legends in… Continue reading Mourning the Loss of Shawn Chrisagis
CityServe Family Center to open in Ukraine for families affected by war
BAKERSFIELD, CA — This month, CityServe International will have a grand opening for their new CityServe Family Center in Kyiv, Ukraine. In partnership with churches in Ukraine, this family center will serve to heal the multi-generational trauma of a war that has already claimed over 20,000 Ukrainian lives, including many civilians. The grand opening ceremony… Continue reading CityServe Family Center to open in Ukraine for families affected by war
Relief From the Heat: Continuing Aid for Turkey Earthquake Survivors
ANTAKYA, TURKEY — Samaritan’s Purse is providing 21,000 units of refrigerators, fans, and shade kits to earthquake survivors in Turkey who are living in tents. The relief supplies are part of a project to help families combat extreme heat in the region. Bryan Dodson – Samaritan’s Purse: We are in the Antakya, Turkey, which is… Continue reading Relief From the Heat: Continuing Aid for Turkey Earthquake Survivors
Amplify Fest with Evangelist Nick Hall Announces Full Line-up for Nation’s Largest Free Christian Music Festival
BENTON, AR — The 11th annual Amplify Music Festival takes place Aug. 18-19 in Benton, Arkansas. Gates will open at 3 p.m Aug. 18 and 1 p.m. Aug. 19. The two-day event will include a message of hope by Evangelist Nick Hall and feature Christian artists: Chris Tomlin Casting Crowns Rend Collective Lecrae Passion Natalie… Continue reading Amplify Fest with Evangelist Nick Hall Announces Full Line-up for Nation’s Largest Free Christian Music Festival
CityServe launches major relief effort in response to Maui wildfires
BAKERSFIELD, CA — On Thursday, CityServe International announced the launch of a major disaster-relief effort to aid victims of the deadly wildfires now sweeping across western Maui in Hawaii. Fanned by high winds from Hurricane Dora, the fires have already claimed nearly 100 lives. Officials have declared a state of emergency and thousands have been… Continue reading CityServe launches major relief effort in response to Maui wildfires
One Story: Nepalese Christian Woman Suffering But Committed to Christ
NEPAL — In rural Nepal, thousands of Nepalese Christian converts like Shanti* suffer discrimination and even violence. When Shanti’s husband reacted angrily to her decision to start following Jesus, she found support from another believer. Shanti*: My life was sorrowful before I came to Christ, but it became more difficult after I came to Christ.… Continue reading One Story: Nepalese Christian Woman Suffering But Committed to Christ
Child Migrant Meets Christ by Reading the Bible Given to Him at the Camp
MATAMOROS, MEXICO — Thousands of migrants continue to arrive at the United States border seeking asylum. In an improvised migrant camp in Matamoros, Mexico, a gifted Bible changes the life of a Venezuelan child. Joseph Rendón: I learned that if one has confidence in God, everything is possible. The faith in Christ Jesus reaches the… Continue reading Child Migrant Meets Christ by Reading the Bible Given to Him at the Camp
The Adam’s Family: Give, and It Shall Be Given Unto You
EL SALVADOR — Yolo didn’t know Family Retreat could bless her family. She first got involved with Joni and Friends by encouraging another family to attend Family Retreat. After hearing the story of Alex’s family and the challenges they face navigating life with his autism, she decided to help raise funds to give them the… Continue reading The Adam’s Family: Give, and It Shall Be Given Unto You
Traore’s Story – Surviving a Jihadist Attack Fatherless in Burkina Faso
BURKINA FASO — Almost two million people in Burkina Faso have been displaced by extremist violence. Many are Christian widows and orphans. Traore* (17) is one of them. He moved to a safer area after a jihadist attack brought tragic loss to his family. Traore*: Sometimes, my heart is broken when I think about my… Continue reading Traore’s Story – Surviving a Jihadist Attack Fatherless in Burkina Faso
Farah’s Return to the Nineveh Plains
IRAQ — Farah was just one of around 70,000 Christians who fled to Erbil to escape the advancement of so-called Islamic State in 2014. When she returned, Open Doors partners helped her to restore her home and business in Nineveh Plains. Farah can well recall the day in 2014 when her family fled their home… Continue reading Farah’s Return to the Nineveh Plains
Ukraine: ‘Kids of War’ Grapple with Trauma, Life-Changing Injuries
LOVES PARK, IL — Ten-year-old Maryna kneels beside her bed and prays for the war in Ukraine to end. For Maryna, the horrors of war have already left lifelong scars. Surgeons had to amputate her crushed leg after a shell exploded next to her home. Now she wears a prosthetic. Any loud noise brings her… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Kids of War’ Grapple with Trauma, Life-Changing Injuries
Laos: Losing a Home and Job for Following Christ
SOUTHERN LAOS — In a remote part of southern Laos, 40-year-old Peto* has been following Jesus for over ten years as a Christian. But his Christian faith was opposed by the village authorities who considered it a foreign religion. In a remote part of southern Laos, 40-year-old Peto has been following Jesus for over 10… Continue reading Laos: Losing a Home and Job for Following Christ
Sowing Gospel Seeds in Colombia
CÚCUTA, COLOMBIA — Samaritan’s Purse is in Colombia helping Venezuelan migrants living in areas where there are limited resources. In these neighborhoods, they are teaching children how to read and write, and sowing seeds of the Gospel into their hearts. Tom Ovington – Samaritan’s Purse: Venezuela started to have extreme economic issues. And a lot… Continue reading Sowing Gospel Seeds in Colombia
From Guerrilla to Christian
COLOMBIA — As a young woman in Colombia, Reina joined the guerrilla movement and was taught that religion was the opium of the people. She fully committed to serving as a guerrilla fighter, but after being hospitalized during a patrol, she cried out to God for help and underwent a transformation and became a Christian.… Continue reading From Guerrilla to Christian
The Out of the Garden Project, Recognized for Exceptional Contributions to Fighting Hunger, Begins Back to School Campaign
GREENSBORO, NC — Out of the Garden Project (OOTGP), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating hunger in North Carolina, is proud to announce that it has been honored with an esteemed award, received two local substantial donations, and welcomed new members to its dedicated board of directors. These remarkable achievements further underscore Out of… Continue reading The Out of the Garden Project, Recognized for Exceptional Contributions to Fighting Hunger, Begins Back to School Campaign
Concern Worldwide Marks World Refugee Day by Responding to Growing Global Displacement Crisis
NEW YORK — Concern Worldwide provides critical humanitarian support as the world’s displacement crisis reaches an all-time high, with 1 in every 78 people on earth forced to flee their homes and 32.5 million refugees – that is, people who have fled the country – globally. In Chad, Concern is responding to the immediate needs… Continue reading Concern Worldwide Marks World Refugee Day by Responding to Growing Global Displacement Crisis
Angel Studios’ ‘Sound of Freedom’ Projecting $85 Million 2nd Weekend Cumulative Box Office
PROVO, UT — Angel Studios, a platform and studio empowering filmmakers to crowdfund, create, and distribute films and TV series globally, backed by thousands of Angel investors, is announcing its July cumulative-to-date and second weekend results for its Jim Caviezel-driven film SOUND OF FREEDOM. Angel Studios is projecting over $85 million total cumulative box office… Continue reading Angel Studios’ ‘Sound of Freedom’ Projecting $85 Million 2nd Weekend Cumulative Box Office
Restoring Hope to Persecuted Egyptian Christian
EGYPT — In Baher’s* community in Egypt, Egyptian Christians are only offered dangerous jobs in the quarry. After two terrible accidents, Baher felt hopeless and alone. An Open Doors partner is helping him see lasting hope. *Name changed for security reasons. Baher’s*: I started working as a quarryman when I was 13. That was a… Continue reading Restoring Hope to Persecuted Egyptian Christian
Restoring Childhoods in Afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN —A special needs school in Kabul in Afghanistan is using play, sports and arts to help heal traumatized kids who have lost their childhoods. The project is supported by Christian charity CRY. A school project supported by Christian charity Cry is restoring the lost childhoods of special needs kids in Kabul in Afghanistan. Cry’s… Continue reading Restoring Childhoods in Afghanistan
Healed Hearts Together in Bolivia
BOLIVIA — A young Bolivian mother and her daughter suffered from the same fatal heart condition. With only years to live, they received lifesaving surgery through the Children’s Heart Project run by Samaritan’s Purse. Fatima Ramos Cardozo – Children’s Heart Project Recipient: It is very difficult to learn your child is very sick. Especially… Continue reading Healed Hearts Together in Bolivia
Evangelist Nick Hall to Headline Amplify Music Festival on August 18-19, 2023
BENTON, AR — The 11th annual Amplify Music Festival takes place August 18-19 in Benton, AR. The event will include a message of hope by Evangelist Nick Hall and feature Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, and many others. With expenses paid by local businesses, churches, and community members, tickets are free, so anyone can… Continue reading Evangelist Nick Hall to Headline Amplify Music Festival on August 18-19, 2023
Human Appeal Calls for Urgent Intervention in Somalia
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND — UK charity Human Appeal called on the World community to support an urgent integrated humanitarian intervention in Somalia. This comes as part of Human Appeal’s ongoing humanitarian work in Somalia where millions are on the verge of famine due to repeated rainy season failures and conflict. The worst hunger levels in three… Continue reading Human Appeal Calls for Urgent Intervention in Somalia
From App Store Launch to Year 15, YouVersion Remains a Standout
OKLAHOMA CITY — In July 2008, Apple CEO Steve Jobs and YouVersion CEO Bobby Gruenewald had something in common: they were both surprised by their organization’s success on launch weekend of the App Store. After just three days, Jobs reported a staggering 10 million app installs, an average of 12,500 installs for each of the… Continue reading From App Store Launch to Year 15, YouVersion Remains a Standout
Mary Finds Peace After Escaping Kidnappers
NIGERIA, AFRICA — Mary* from Nigeria was kidnapped by Fulani militants and experienced awful violence and sexual assault at their hands. After she was freed, Open Doors partners cared for her at a trauma care centre where she found peace. Sadly, shortly after Mary shared her story with us, she died from an unrelated illness… Continue reading Mary Finds Peace After Escaping Kidnappers
100th Episode of ‘Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch’ Released
CHARLOTTE, NC — Today, Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch releases a milestone 100th podcast episode. The special installation was recorded at the North Carolina mountain home of host Cissie Graham Lynch’s grandparents, Billy and Ruth Graham. Their home, which was also where her father, Franklin Graham, was raised, holds special memories for Lynch that she… Continue reading 100th Episode of ‘Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch’ Released
Amplify Music Festival: Uniting Communities with Hope
BENTON, AR — The 11th annual Amplify Music Festival takes place August 18-19 in Benton, AR. The event will include a message of hope by Evangelist Nick Hall and feature Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, and many others. With expenses paid by local businesses, churches, and community members, tickets are free, so anyone can… Continue reading Amplify Music Festival: Uniting Communities with Hope
Susannah Koh Speaks Out on the Trial of Her Abducted Husband
MALAYSIA — More than six years after abducted husband, Pastor Raymond Koh, was kidnapped in Malaysia, his wife Susanna is pleased that a trial into the abduction has finally started. After two days of statements and questioning earlier this month, the trial resumed on June 20th. Susanna shares her reflections on the trial of… Continue reading Susannah Koh Speaks Out on the Trial of Her Abducted Husband
Destiny Grace Academy Empowers Sierra Leone’s Next Generation
SIERRA LEONE — As Sierra Leone faces extreme poverty and high rates of illiteracy, Christian school Destiny Grace Academy is teaching hundreds of children, who’ve been rescued from the slums of the capital city of Freetown, to be the country’s next generation of leaders. A Christian-run school in war-torn Sierra Leone has provided life-changing education… Continue reading Destiny Grace Academy Empowers Sierra Leone’s Next Generation
Ugandan School Massacre Claims 37 Lives
UGANDA — At least 37 schoolchildren have been killed in an attack in Uganda by militants linked to the Islamic State terror group. Militants linked to Islamic State have carried out a massacre at a boarding school in western Uganda, killing and kidnapping students. It’s been described as the deadliest attack in Uganda since 2010.… Continue reading Ugandan School Massacre Claims 37 Lives
Bucket Ministry Saves Lives Around the World
NORTH TEXAS — A businessman on a missionary trip asked for a glass of water and discovered a disturbing reality: the majority of people in the world do not have access to clean water. At that moment, Chris Beth heard the Lord speak to him for the first time in his life. Ten years later,… Continue reading Bucket Ministry Saves Lives Around the World