By terremocentroitalia terremocentroitalia from Italia In late October of 2016, an earthquake hit Norcia, Italy (a town in the central part of Italy). A 6.6 earthquake was recorded. CNN reports, “A powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake rocked central Italy on Sunday morning, injuring at least 20 people, in the strongest tremor to hit the country in more… Continue reading Another Italy earthquake
Results for "World Missions"
Venezuela protests call for ouster of President Maduro
Opponents of President Nicola Maduro’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela held mass demonstrations recently, demanding a recall election of the beleaguered president as the nation wallows in an economic crisis. Widespread shortages of common goods and medicines has led to increased crime, rolling blackouts and massive inflation. Economists predict 700 percent inflation this year and… Continue reading Venezuela protests call for ouster of President Maduro
Colombia peace deal with rebels rejected
In a national vote, Colombians rejected a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army, also known as FARC, which was intended to end 52 years of guerrilla warfare. The referendum’s failure to pass follows four years of negotiations between President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC, which Cuba hosted and facilitated. Colombians rejected… Continue reading Colombia peace deal with rebels rejected
Russia’s abortion bans to remember Biblical ‘slaughter of the innocents’ for one day
On January 11, there was an abortion ban headed by the Russian Orthodox Church. According to LifeSite, “The Russian Orthodox Church diocese in the city of Yaroslavl declared 11 January a ‘day of silence without abortions’, and said it had the support of the region’s health department. Abortion is legal in Russia and the cost… Continue reading Russia’s abortion bans to remember Biblical ‘slaughter of the innocents’ for one day
Venezuela keeping babies in cardboard boxes
In Venezuela, there has been a shortage of food and medicine. CNN reports, “In May, the opposition-controlled National Assembly declared that Venezuela was suffering a national humanitarian health crisis. The next month, a group of doctors speaking in the National Assembly decried shortages of medicines and supplies.” The picture of the babies in cardboard boxes… Continue reading Venezuela keeping babies in cardboard boxes
Flooding in Indonesia in the dry season
In June of 2016, the dry season in Indonesia, it would not stop raining. CNN explains, “June is usually relatively dry in the region, but the National Climatology, Meteorology and Geophysics Agency has issued a warning for potential rain for late June and early July in five provinces.” Not only did Indonesia have heavy flooding,… Continue reading Flooding in Indonesia in the dry season
Rev. Richard Wurmbrand: Voice for the Persecuted
Introduction Richard Wurmbrand was imprisoned and tortured for 14 long years in a Communist Romanian prison. After his release to the United States, he was the voice of persecuted Christians around the world. Early Life Richard was born in 1909 to a Jewish background family. Richard was a militant atheist who opposed all religions. Despite… Continue reading Rev. Richard Wurmbrand: Voice for the Persecuted
Sudan pastors put on trial by Islamic-oriented government
Two Presbyterian pastors are on trial in the Republic of the Sudan on charges of waging war against the state, espionage, and undermining Sudan’s constitutional system. Each faces the death penalty if convicted. Sudan is holding two others, Czech aid worker Petr Jasek and Darfuri human rights activist Abduelmoneim Abdulmawla, on charges… Continue reading Sudan pastors put on trial by Islamic-oriented government
Brazil passes law to get out of recession
In December of 2016, the Brazilian government made a law called the austerity law. The point of the law is to help get Brazil out of the recession they’ve been in. CNN explains, “Brazilian President Michael Temer — who assumed office in late August — praised the move, referring to the bill as the ‘first… Continue reading Brazil passes law to get out of recession
Chile Earthquake hits on Christmas
In December of 2016, a shallow 7.7 earthquake hit Southern Chile. According to CNN, “A magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred off the coast of southern Chile Sunday, 40 km (about 25 miles) southwest of Puerto Quellon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.” This triggered a tsunami warning in Southern Chile. The Los Angeles Times reports, “Chile’s… Continue reading Chile Earthquake hits on Christmas
Twenty-one kidnapped Chibok girls returned home
In mid-October of 2016, 21 Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped were returned to their hometown by Boko Haram. CNN reports, “The 21 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped and released by terrorist group Boko Haram were reunited with their families amid tearful scenes on Sunday.” It was a joyous celebration for many of the parents, yet it was… Continue reading Twenty-one kidnapped Chibok girls returned home
South Sudan at crosshairs
The newest nation in the world, South Sudan has been in a civil war in 2013. Not only have thousands of people been killed, but crops have been destroyed. South Sudan has had to call in aid agencies to take care of its people. According to The Guardian, “About half of the nation’s 11 million… Continue reading South Sudan at crosshairs
John Wesley
John Wesley was the co-founder of Methodism along with his brother, Charles. John rode thousands and thousands of miles around England on horseback in order to spread the Good News to the common people. John Wesley and the rest of the English crew were afraid of the storm on the open seas. John Wesley was… Continue reading John Wesley
105-year-old women benefits community
Kunwar Bai Yadav is 105-year-old women. She wanted to give a gift that would benefit her community after learning about the benefits of having a toilet at a local school. The BBC explains, “‘The district collector was visiting the local school to give a speech. I also went along and there he talked about building… Continue reading 105-year-old women benefits community
Asia Bibi’s appeal court date pushed back again
By Farhan from Karachi, Pakistan – Are they independent – Karachi Jail, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4292206 Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy, has had her appeal before the nation’s supreme court delayed pending a new hearing, after one of the judges recused himself from the case. The Bibi case has… Continue reading Asia Bibi’s appeal court date pushed back again
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
6.2-magnitude quake rocks western Japan
TOKYO – A 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook western Japan, damaging homes and injuring seven people, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Oct. 21 temblor struck west of Osaka near the city of Kurayosh, about 430 miles west of Tokyo. According to Japan’s meteorological agency, the area also experienced a 5.0-magnitude aftershock. No tsunami risk resulted.… Continue reading 6.2-magnitude quake rocks western Japan
Tensions increase as Syrian ceasefire ends in barrage of death and destruction
ALEPPO, Syria – A weeklong ceasefire came to a violent end as government-directed airstrikes pummeled the city. The attacks targeted a United Nations humanitarian convoy in rebel-held neighborhoods, killing at least 12 workers, while continued strikes killed another 70 and destroyed the city’s water station. The violence in late September heightened tensions between the United… Continue reading Tensions increase as Syrian ceasefire ends in barrage of death and destruction
Privatization seeks to boost Uganda’s failing education system
KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda’s ministry of education is looking toward low-cost private schools to counter the failure of the public school system caused by teacher absenteeism, poor facilities and high dropout rates. According to the BBC, 68 percent of Ugandan students do not complete elementary school. Teachers are ill-prepared for their careers, with 78 percent… Continue reading Privatization seeks to boost Uganda’s failing education system
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
Fifteen years after 9/11, America still vulnerable
In September 2016 as the United States marked the fifteenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, lingering questions cast shadows from the pristine One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) onto the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Is America any safer today than on September 11, 2001? The most… Continue reading Fifteen years after 9/11, America still vulnerable
South Africa bans American pastor
South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba withdrew the visa exemption of controversial American Pastor Steven Anderson calling the American an “undesirable person.” This is an unusual move, as Americans typically receive entry visas from South Africa without problems. Gigaba acted following input from South Africa’s LGBT leaders who objected to Anderson’s endorsement of the… Continue reading South Africa bans American pastor
FARC in Colombia Guerilla demands amnesty in peace deal
Ivan Marquez of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army, also known as FARC, said in September that unless the government offers amnesty to his guerillas, there will be no peace. The guerrillas have battled the Colombian government for 52 years, this the longest lasting civil war in the Americas. FARC is a Marxist-Leninist movement… Continue reading FARC in Colombia Guerilla demands amnesty in peace deal
Faith-based organizations help Haiti recover from Hurricane Matthew
Multiple faith-based humanitarian organizations are responding to the disaster in Haiti caused by Hurricane Matthew. Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has focused on long-term needs of the hurricane victims, helping 16,643 people and partnering with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) to reach 10,000 people. NCA distributed hygiene kits with water purification tablets, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste… Continue reading Faith-based organizations help Haiti recover from Hurricane Matthew
Syrians turn to Christ in the midst of civil war
In the midst of a devastating civil war, Christian ministries continue to report thousands of Syrians are turning to faith in Christ. Numerous Christian groups and relief organizations are on the scene serving the Syrian war victims, and their work is having a dramatic impact. Indigenous missionaries are working up to 15 hours a day,… Continue reading Syrians turn to Christ in the midst of civil war
Brother Andrew
Introduction Brother Andrew’s real name is Andy van der Bijl. Brother Andrew lived for adventure. When he was younger, he never knew of the adventures he would be having as an adult. Never in a million years, would Brother Andrew think he was going to smuggle Bibles into a restricted country behind the Iron Curtain.… Continue reading Brother Andrew
Bring Dignity to Poor Through Work
Introduction There are millions of people around the world living in poverty and without the opportunity to earn a sustainable income. Some ministries give dignity to people through providing some people work. For example, Gospel for Asia (GFA) provides farm animals or other items that help people get to work, so they do not have… Continue reading Bring Dignity to Poor Through Work
After Two Years of Praying and Waiting, South Asian Village Gets ‘Jesus Well’
WILLS POINT TX — The entire community of one South Asian village will join in World Water Day celebrations on March 22 by dedicating their new “Jesus Well” – a well drilled and installed with the support of Gospel for Asia (GFA), and which is the result of more than two years of prayer. “Wells… Continue reading After Two Years of Praying and Waiting, South Asian Village Gets ‘Jesus Well’
Gospel for Asia Addresses Gender Equality on International Women’s Day
WILLS POINT, Texas – Gospel for Asia (GFA) joins with the international humanitarian community in commemorating today’s International Women’s Day. Gospel for Asia (GFA) partners will be offering special assistance to women in the areas where it serves in South Asia, celebrating the success of women and underscoring the wide gaps in gender equality that… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Addresses Gender Equality on International Women’s Day
Gospel for Asia Helps Vulnerable Children Get Ready for School
WILLS POINT, Texas – Responding to requests for help, Compassion Services Teams supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA) recently visited poor areas in Sri Lanka to supply school children with book bags filled with school supplies and other items needed to continue their education. They also helped equip a particular school with much-needed musical instruments… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Helps Vulnerable Children Get Ready for School
Earthquake kills hundreds in rural Italy
The people of central Italy awakened to discover that a 6.2-magnitude earthquake had killed 247 people overnight, according to Italy’s Civil Protection Department. The temblor occurred 6.2 miles southeast of Norcia at 3:36 a.m. local time, as reported by CNN. Tremors awakened residents as far away as Rome, 100 miles southwest of the epicenter. An… Continue reading Earthquake kills hundreds in rural Italy
Turkey detains thousands of citizens after failed coup attempt
Turkey’s federal government has detained nearly 80,000 military, police and civil service employees after a failed coup attempt this summer that resulted in more than 270 deaths and the shutdown of more than 130 news outlets. The purge, ordered by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, included military, media, education and justice sectors, as reported by The… Continue reading Turkey detains thousands of citizens after failed coup attempt
White Helmet relief workers saving lives in Syria
When Khaled Omar, a Syrian Civil Defense White Helmet volunteer in Syria, rescued a 14-day-old baby boy from debris following a Russian air strike, the world cheered and celebrated his heroism. The “miracle baby”, after being buried for 16 hours, was safe at last in Aleppo. “I thought I was being delusional because I was… Continue reading White Helmet relief workers saving lives in Syria
Brussels Subway Reopens Month After Attack
The March 22 attack by a suicide bomber on Maelbeek, a downtown Brussels subway station, killed 16 people but crippled the city for only a month as the station reopened in April. When Maelbeek became operational, the Belgian capital’s underground network returned to full capacity. Officials have maintained high security throughout the subway system. Joe… Continue reading Brussels Subway Reopens Month After Attack
Myanmar peace talks take place for ethnic groups
The new Myanmar government led by Aung San Suu Kyi is starting peace talks with ethnic groups they had been war with when the military was in power. Both the UN and China are helping Myanmar with the peace talks. According to Fox News, “Officials in Myanmar say United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will… Continue reading Myanmar peace talks take place for ethnic groups
‘Forgotten Christmas’ campaign promotes giving with eternal value
Wed Oct. 12, 2016 – Gospel for Asia (GFA) The gift of a goat, bicycle, or even a blanket can make all the difference for people across the globe. WILLS POINT, Texas — Gospel for Asia (GFA) is launching its “Forgotten Christmas” campaign this year to encourage and show Christians how to make an eternal… Continue reading ‘Forgotten Christmas’ campaign promotes giving with eternal value
Zika vaccine breakthrough available soon
A vaccine may soon be available for the mosquito-borne Zika virus that has cast fear across the Americas. Inovio of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., and GeneOne Life Science of Seoul, South Korea, worked together to develop the vaccine, which is ready for human trials. The pharmaceutical companies will seek 40 volunteers to test their vaccine.… Continue reading Zika vaccine breakthrough available soon
Cuban refugees pouring into Texas
CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1620441 Scores of Cubans recently fled the island nation on chartered flights to Central and South America, then trekked across Mexico to reach El Paso, Texas. The refugees were fleeing the repressive Cuban government en route to the U.S. where federal law treats them as legal immigrants. The Texas Tribune reports… Continue reading Cuban refugees pouring into Texas
Russia’s new anti-terror legislation infringes on Christian ministries
By Laban66 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10403927 The Vladimir Putin-led Russian government recently passed sweeping anti-terror legislation that reduces all citizen’s rights to privacy while potentially infringing on the right of Christians to engage in missions. “It could stop missionary activity to anybody but representatives, registered organizations and groups,” said Joel Griffith of… Continue reading Russia’s new anti-terror legislation infringes on Christian ministries
South Asia monsoon floods claim lives, destroys homes
A relentless monsoon season has claimed an estimated 100 lives in Nepal and India while displacing more than 1.2 million people, according to government estimates. Water-induced landslides crushed buildings and caused many of the deaths. In one area of Nepal, rescuers were pulling bodies out of the debris and immediately handing those bodies to their… Continue reading South Asia monsoon floods claim lives, destroys homes
ISIS’ defeat won’t guarantee safety for Iraqi Christians
As coalition forces back Iraqi military efforts to regain ISIS-controlled cities, the resulting victories in Fallujah and elsewhere leave cause for concern, according to FBI Director James Comey. Comey believes the defeated ISIS militants in Iraq will take their fight to Western Europe and the United States. Minorities, particularly Christians, in Muslim-majority Iraq believe that… Continue reading ISIS’ defeat won’t guarantee safety for Iraqi Christians
Prostitution rampant during Rio Olympics
As the world focused on Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics, prostitutes as young as nine years old poured into the city in hopes of cashing in on the influx of tourists and money. Prostitution is legal in Brazil, and so rampant that child prostitutes regularly work the 262 truck stops on the 2,800-mile… Continue reading Prostitution rampant during Rio Olympics
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
Quote of the Day
“If there be any one point in which the Christian church ought to keep its fervor at a white heat, it is concerning missions. If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world.” ~ Charles Spurgeon ~
Yellow fever vaccine shortage leaves millions of Africans vulnerable
A shortage of the yellow fever vaccine has led the United Nations health agency to endorse lower doses that reduce immunity from a lifetime to approximately 12 months. The World Health Organization recommends using a fifth of the standard dose to stretch the current vaccines. Mass immunization in Angola following 300 deaths since December depleted… Continue reading Yellow fever vaccine shortage leaves millions of Africans vulnerable
Rwandan landslides claim 53 lives
Rwanda’s rainy season has caused higher than normal landslides that the nation’s disaster relief officials say have mostly claimed the lives of children among the 53 dead. Between January and April, landslides killed 67 others Rwandans. Rwanda incurred one of history’s greatest genocides in 1994 when 800,000 people died in about 90 days as rivals… Continue reading Rwandan landslides claim 53 lives
Cyclone Roanu slams Bangladesh; 500,000 people flee
Cyclone Roanu recently swept across the Indian ocean and made landfall near Chittagong, Bangladesh, claiming 26 lives as it displaced 500,000 people. The government ordered 2 million people to evacuate the coastal areas, which officials believe kept the death toll low. But many ignored the warning because the cyclone’s winds were only about 50 miles… Continue reading Cyclone Roanu slams Bangladesh; 500,000 people flee
Monsoonal mudslides bury 200 families in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s heaviest rains in 25 years have caused massive mudslides resulting in about 63 confirmed dead and up to 200 missing families buried in 50 feet of mud. Officials estimate that 200,000 people have left Colombo, the nation’s low-lying capital, while 400,000 have fled to state-run relief camps. Deforestation meant to create more farmland… Continue reading Monsoonal mudslides bury 200 families in Sri Lanka
Jamaican authorities make arrest in murder of two American missionaries
Long-time missionaries Harold Nichols and Randy Hentzel died in April, apparent victims of a robbery attempt and murder in Jamaica. In June, Jamaican police arrested one man and were seeking a second suspect for questioning. Nichols and Hentzel were part of the US-based TEAMS for Medical Missions and had been in Jamaica since 2002. The… Continue reading Jamaican authorities make arrest in murder of two American missionaries
Paris Mayor announces new refugee resettlement center as “The Jungle” closes
After an estimated 2,500 refugee drownings in the Mediterranean Sea and scores of immigrants settling in makeshift camps throughout Paris, Mayor Anne Hidalgo has announced a new plan for her city. “Paris will not stand by and do nothing as the Mediterranean becomes a graveyard of refugees,” Hidalgo said as she announced the establishment… Continue reading Paris Mayor announces new refugee resettlement center as “The Jungle” closes