NIGERIA — New reports highlight the growing kidnapping crisis in Nigeria, where Christians are regarded as soft targets for abduction. Release International is calling on Nigeria to protect vulnerable Christian communities. Andrew Boyd has the details. New reports confirm that Christians are being targeted for kidnap and ransom in Nigeria, sometimes by bandits hungry for…
UGANDA — After Waswa’s* mother was poisoned by relatives because of her decision to follow Jesus, Waswa and his siblings became orphans. But after receiving care and support from local Open Doors partners, Waswa now runs an orphanage in Uganda, caring for many isolated children in his community and sharing his faith with them. When…
ACAPULCO — Samaritan’s Purse North American Ministries and Disaster Assistance Response Teams are providing hope by giving food and water to residents of Acapulco, Mexico, in the wake of a category 5 hurricane. Hassan Villegas: Acapulco has struggled. It used to be the pinnacle of Mexico. And then once corruption came in and scandals, it…
GOSHEN, IN — Reverend Brian Kamwendo, the Presidential Advisor on Religions Affairs in the African nation of Malawi, held a press conference at First Baptist Church Elkhart on Thursday, November 16, 2023. He was speaking on how Malawi is experiencing the fruit of repentance, the beginnings of which can be traced back to reviveINDIANA in…
SOUTH EAST ASIA — In Pastor Yohannes’* community, Christian children can face discrimination at school, like Ermias’ twin boys, Fasil and Ezana. But thanks to your prayers and support, they now attend a bridge school, run by Open Doors partners – and it’s helping to unite a divided community. Pastor Yohannes*: This area is an…
SOUTH EAST ASIA — Abraham* came to follow Jesus, encouraged by Eti*, the Christian woman he would later marry. But Abraham’s family were about to face persecution in south east Asia, until he was saved by a miracle. Abraham* – South east Asia: I was born and grew up in a Muslim home and all…
MADAGASCAR — Each week a team of local volunteers in North Wales in the UK tirelessly gives of their time to convert YWAM’s latest vessel into a medical ship. They’ve set themselves the goal to have the Island Reach ship ready to set sail for Madagascar in April 2024 for its first medical mission. Dedicated…
IRAN — The upsurge in violence in the Middle East has led to claims that Iran has been active behind the scenes in supporting the Hamas group that attacked Israel. A new report also accuses Iran of putting pressure on Christians to keep away from the country’s hijab protests. It warns that Christians who are…
POLAND — An Operation Christmas Child volunteer in Poland started a Christian club for children who wanted to continue to meet for Bible study after they received shoebox gifts and graduated from The Greatest Journey. Wiestawa Szymczak – Volunteer: One day God laid it in my heart that if the children come to know Him…
WILLS POINT, TX — A U.S.-based global mission agency says several of its partner churches were left “broken” by a devastating earthquake that struck remote Western Nepal Nov. 3, killing more than 150 people. “We have also lost cherished members of our church family in this heart-wrenching tragedy,” said K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder of…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Mexico after Hurricane Otis, a category 5 storm, slammed into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast last week. The hurricane claimed the lives of at least 48 people and resulted in widespread property damage, including more than 200,000 homes. “Our thoughts and prayers are…
PLANO, TX — In the new White Chair Film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, Cuban-born immigrant and Dallas-area megachurch pastor Gilberto Corredera shares about his surprising transformation, the difficult transition of moving his family to America and how his dreams ultimately came true. Growing up during the hardships of Cuban communism, a…
LOVES PARK, IL — Jewish Christians in Israel, including Russian-speaking immigrants who’ve fled the war in Ukraine, are delivering aid to traumatized Israeli families, even as rockets continue to rain down. Hamas continues to fire rockets at the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon, where many frightened families are huddled in bomb shelters. Partnering with Illinois-based…
PASADENA, CA — TENX10, a collaborative discipleship initiative, is calling on Christian faith leaders from all denominations and faith traditions to join them in supporting the young and faithful. Their mission – to make faith matter more for a generation that is leaving the faith at the alarming rate of over 1 million young people…
NORTH KOREA — In North Korea, saying the word “Jesus” can be a death sentence. Hea-woo is a persecuted Christian, one of the prisoners in North Korea. Although her mother was a Christian, she only heard about Jesus through her husband. To maintain her faith, the Christian fled to China, but there she was discovered…
PAKISTAN — Journey into the heart of Pakistan’s brick kilns, where resilient Christians labor under the harsh sun and the heavy yoke of modern slavery in the form of bonded servitude. This is more than a look into the world of brick-making, it’s a glimpse into the lives and faith of our brothers and sisters…
UK — A UK Christmas campaign ‘Shine Your Light’ is calling hundreds of thousands to unite in towns, villages and cities this Christmas to take the message outdoors. The vision for Shine Your Light is that the whole church across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic stand united to share the Gospel to…
BAKERSFIELD, CA — In the fight against terror, CityServe International is making clear that help is on the way for the people of Israel. That’s the message from CityServe International, the global church-based humanitarian network headquartered in Bakersfield, California. CityServe International and its CityServe Israel affiliate announced the kickoff Monday of “Operation: Save Israel,” a…
MEXICO — In the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, an entire family organized a humanitarian aid campaign for immigrants from Central America and Venezuela. The people received food, clothing, Bibles, and, in addition, a message of hope in Jesus. Isa Vásquez reports from Chiapas. An entire family organized this weekend…
ETHIOPIA — After Lalise’s husband was killed in 2012, Open Doors shared her story and asked believers to pray. When Melanie from Germany heard about Lalise, she began to pray for her every day – and didn’t stop shedding tears for ten years. Open Doors Prayer News 298 (September-October 2023) Lalise and Dabela had been…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Over two consecutive weekends in September, evangelist Will Graham shared the Gospel with a total of 23,239 people in the cities of Curitiba, Brazil, and Idaho Falls, Idaho. The back-to-back events in South and North America resulted in 1,729 people embracing hope and beginning a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. Esperança Curitiba…
DUBLIN — Leading The Way Founder and President Dr Michael Youssef shared an uncompromising Gospel message as thousands flocked to the Hope Ireland celebration events in Dublin and Belfast September 1st and 3rd. After a year of preparation with many different churches it’s hoped the impact of these outreach events will spark a movement of…
WILLS POINT, TX — Mission agency GFA World (www.gfa.org) has launched an appeal to help thousands of “ostracized widows” around the globe at risk of starvation and abuse after being abandoned by their family and neighbors. “Millions of widows live in societies where they are blamed for their husband’s death, regardless of the illness, accident…
POLAND — “The war started suddenly,” Elena, a fine arts teacher in Ukraine, said. “I prayed every day, ‘Lord, I trust in You. Give me strength, patience, and humility for this day.’” Soon, she and her daughter fled to Poland to escape the increasing violence. They arrived close to Easter and moved into a hotel…
CHINA— China is cracking down on every sign of religion by tearing down crosses from churches, removing mosque domes and destroying symbols of Buddhism. And tough new rules mean the clampdown is getting even tighter. As Andrew Boyd from Release International reports… China is tightening its grip on the church in tough new measures designed…
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…
JARANWALA, PUNJAB — Christians in Pakistan are considering how to rebuild their homes and churches in the aftermath of mob violence attacks on townships in Jaranwala, Punjab, following unsubstantiated allegations of blasphemy. Christians were forced to meet in the open air on Sunday (August 20), after rioters burnt churches and destroyed their homes. Partners of…
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…
PAKISTAN — Christians in several communities in Pakistan have come under attack from angry mobs this week after two teenagers were accused of allegedly desecrating a Quran. Christian leaders and others said it was a false accusation. Nearly 30 churches were attacked, some being completely destroyed as hundreds of Bibles and Christian literature was burned….
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…
LONDON, ENGLAND — They came by the busload from all over England and Wales to hear a Gospel message. Approximately 130 coaches carried 5,000 people to the outreach from as far away as Liverpool.People streamed out of buses and trains into ExCeL London, eager to hear powerful music from Christian artists—Ce Ce Winans, Newsboys, and…
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…
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…
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….
CHINA— China has pledged to change the face of world Christianity at a conference for pastors of state-controlled churches. China’s Communism Strategy aims to export a Communist-Christian hybrid around the world. This report is from Andrew Boyd. China’s been trying to compel churches to adopt the atheist ideology of the Communist Party which denies the…
TURKEY — As Christians in Turkey and Syria continue to suffer the long-term impact of the devastating earthquakes that struck last month, many nonprofit organizations and ministries are stepping in to provide needed aid. Galcom International, a radio and audio Bible ministry and MegaVoice partner, received an urgent request for solar-powered flashlights and chargers from…
BOULDER, CO — Gloo, the leading technology platform dedicated to connecting the faith ecosystem and releasing its collective might, announced its new partnership with The A.M.E. Zion Church, one of the largest African American denominations in the United States and abroad. The A.M.E. Zion Church will now leverage the Gloo platform to find new and…
LOS ANGELES — “Jesus Revolution,” the breakout Hollywood film about the true story of a national spiritual awakening in the early 1970s and its origins within a community of teenage hippies in Southern California, is now available on Netflix in the US. The story of the movie’s success was featured in the cover story in…
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…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Highland Falls, New York, an area that experienced catastrophic flooding this past weekend. Roadways were washed out and dozens of water rescues took place after more than a half-foot of rain fell in only a few hours. Highland Falls is just outside…
SOUTHERN UKRAINE — A recent dam collapse has added to the hardships facing the resilient Ukrainian people. On June 6, the Kakhovka Dam caved in after a significant explosion, unleashing the waters of the nation’s largest reservoir on tens of thousands of people in southern Ukraine. Samaritan’s Purse quickly responded with critically needed relief for…
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…
AMSTERDAM — The Empowered21 Amsterdam2023 EveryONE conference concluded Saturday with a global worship, prayer and commissioning service for the thousands who gathered in The Netherlands this week before returning to their home countries. More than 5,000 individuals from over 125 nations attended the conference in person at the historic RAI conference center, with thousands more…
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…
BARTLESVILLE, OK — Christians around the world will observe Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29, 2023. In advance of Day of the Christian Martyr, The Voice of the Martyrs has released strategic prayer resources and a short video highlighting the life and legacy of Abdiwelli Ahmed, an ethnic Somali Christian killed for his…
PERRYTON, TEXAS — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are working tirelessly to help residents restore their damaged homes and to bring comfort to aching souls after a deadly tornado laid waste the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton. Derek Drum: We took a direct hit in the city of Barrytown. The tornado itself went six miles in 11…
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…
MARKED TREE, ARKANSAS — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Marked Tree, Arkansas, after a line of severe storms tore through the Mid-South. Winds in excess of 100 mph snapped power lines and caused widespread damage to the small city located between Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee. “Our thoughts and prayers…
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…
AMSTERDAM — The Amsterdam2023 EveryONE conference concluded recently with a global worship, prayer and commissioning service for the thousands who gathered in The Netherlands this week before returning to their home countries. More than 5,000 individuals from over 125 nations attended the conference in person at the historic RAI conference center, with thousands more joining…
