JOPLIN, MO – In 1968, Bob Stacy, a professor at Ozark Bible College, was inspired to create a way to present the Gospel message to young people in a way that was contemporarily and culturally relevant. That’s not only difficult to do. It’s even more difficult to sustain. Kids today are not even remotely interested… Continue reading Christ in Youth – Limited Only by God’s Power
Results for "Christian Persecution"
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2020 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC – Its 2020 Annual Report on international freedom of religion has been made available to the public by the USCIRF. Various media reports have created confusion concerning the publication, with some referring to it as “the 2019 report” and others as “the 2020 report.” For clarification, the title of the 104-page document is… Continue reading 2020 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom
Open Doors Feeds Displaced Nigerian Community
NIGERIA — Last year attacks by nomadic Fulani herdsmen forced an entire Christian community in Naka, Nigeria to flee their homes. But in February this year, Open Doors was able to deliver vital aid to 1,500 families before Covid-19 travel restrictions were introduced. Pastor Sunday shares his appreciation for the impact this crucial help has… Continue reading Open Doors Feeds Displaced Nigerian Community
U.S. Advancing Religious Freedom Issues in Nigeria
WASHINGTON — The International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a nonprofit working to secure a future for all Nigerians, released a statement today, applauding a new executive order signed by President Trump advancing international religious freedom. The order directs the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to take action to… Continue reading U.S. Advancing Religious Freedom Issues in Nigeria
Pakistan Minorities Commission Enacts New Religious Freedom Law
The long-awaited National Commission for Minorities, now inaugurated in Pakistan on 5 May, has been welcomed as “an important step” in the country’s “continuing journey towards the protection of religious freedom” by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Commissioner Johnnie Moore added that the formation of the minorities commission is “undoubtedly a… Continue reading Pakistan Minorities Commission Enacts New Religious Freedom Law
Missing Lawyer Wins Award — Receives Human Rights Prize
MIDLAND, TX — A panel of judges unanimously chose to grant the annual Lin Zhao Freedom Award to disappeared lawyer Gao Zhisheng. As an attorney, Gao served people prosecuted by the Chinese Communist Party for decades. For his work, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. China, however, targeted him, and he spent years… Continue reading Missing Lawyer Wins Award — Receives Human Rights Prize
Streaming Your Sunday Service Isn’t Enough — Justin Murff Op-ed
WASHINGTON — Rev. Justin Murff, FRSA, Executive Director of the MENA Collective, submits the following and is available for comment: With all of the uncertainty surrounding the (current coronavirus outbreak crisis), one thing churches and pastors can be sure about is that streaming your online service is simply not enough. As ministers of the Gospel,… Continue reading Streaming Your Sunday Service Isn’t Enough — Justin Murff Op-ed
Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Emergency Field Hospital to NYC; Adding Life-Saving Medical Surge Capacity
International Christian Relief Organization Responds at the Epicenter of the Coronavirus in the U.S. BOONE, NC — Samaritan’s Purse deployed its Emergency Field Hospital to New York City, New York, where the local medical infrastructure is severely overwhelmed. In cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), New York state officials, and local hospital authorities,… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Emergency Field Hospital to NYC; Adding Life-Saving Medical Surge Capacity
Ohio Pastor Publishes New Bible in Burmese and New Book of Faith Stories from Myanmar
ORIENT, OH — An Ohio pastor publishes a New Testament in Burma in a language where there has never been a Bible, and few Westerners have ever been, and the same week, he publishes his own book about the incredible move of God going on there in the midst of great persecution. Pastor and Mission… Continue reading Ohio Pastor Publishes New Bible in Burmese and New Book of Faith Stories from Myanmar
‘Good News Across the Web’ Launched in Response to COVID-19 School Closures
WARRENTON, MO — Child Evangelism Fellowship operates over 99,000 after-school clubs around the world. GOOD NEWS CLUBS feature Bible teaching, music, games and snacks for children once a week. When schools and churches closed for weeks in South Korea due to COVID-19, a plea went to CEF International Headquarters in Missouri for help with an… Continue reading ‘Good News Across the Web’ Launched in Response to COVID-19 School Closures
Samaritan’s Purse Opens Emergency Field Hospital in Northern Italy; Bringing Life-Saving Surge Capacity
BOONE, NC — Today, the Samaritan’s Purse Emergency Field Hospital, specially equipped with a respiratory care unit, opened in Cremona, Italy. The 68-bed unit was airlifted to Italy on March 17 using the relief organization’s DC-8 cargo plane to provide critical surge capacity to an overwhelmed hospital. The tent facility began receiving patients as soon… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Opens Emergency Field Hospital in Northern Italy; Bringing Life-Saving Surge Capacity
Iranian TV Viewers See ‘Living Hope’ Amid Coronavirus Crisis
IRAN — In the eye of the coronavirus storm, anxious viewers in the Middle East and North Africa are looking to live Christian TV for reassurance — desperate to see “living hope” amid the escalating coronavirus crisis. As nations introduce strict measures to curb the coronavirus, SAT-7 Christian satellite TV becomes ‘channel of calm’ across… Continue reading Iranian TV Viewers See ‘Living Hope’ Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Disturbing Data from Latest Barna Study on the Church in America
VENTURA, CA – The Barna Group has released the second of its monthly articles on the State of the Church 2020. The March 4th report is entitled, “Signs of Decline & Hope Among Key Metrics of Faith.” Unfortunately, there are more signs of decline than of hope. The report is based on more than nearly… Continue reading Disturbing Data from Latest Barna Study on the Church in America
Andrew Brunson Talks Turkey About Fear
NASHVILLE, TN – Pastor Andrew Brunson and his wife, Norine, spent 23 years serving the Lord in Turkey, hosting a house of prayer. He and Norine were taken into custody, falsely accused of terrorism, in October 2016. Norine was released and returned to North Carolina. Andrew spent the next two years in a Turkish prison.… Continue reading Andrew Brunson Talks Turkey About Fear
The Day Hudson Taylor Arrived in China Was March 4, 1854
SHANGHAI – On this day 166 years ago, a man sent from God set foot in China for the first time. It would change his life. More importantly, it would change the life of the Chinese people for more than a century and a half until this present day in 2020.That man was James Hudson… Continue reading The Day Hudson Taylor Arrived in China Was March 4, 1854
Colson Center to Honor Bob Fu with 2020 William Wilberforce Award
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – During the weekend from May 14 through 17 this year, the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and Breakpoint will present China Aid founder, Bob Fu, with the 2020 William Wilberforce Award. The Wilberforce Weekend is the annual flagship event for the Colson Center. The China Aid website describes Bob Fu as… Continue reading Colson Center to Honor Bob Fu with 2020 William Wilberforce Award
Why You Need to Pray, Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism Today
Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, discusses reasons why we need to pray and speak out against anti-semitism today. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is observed annually on Jan. 27, we proclaim “Never again!” Yet the increase in anti-Semitism in the U.S. and around the world has many people… Continue reading Why You Need to Pray, Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism Today
Score One for Prayer by Public School Kids
WARRENTON — People of faith are celebrating this week, and none more than the teachers of nearly 5,000 Good News Clubs in the nation’s public schools. On National Religious Freedom Day, January 16, President Trump signed new guidance rules to protect, among other things, freedom of prayer in public schools. He was surrounded by students… Continue reading Score One for Prayer by Public School Kids
Praise Reports from South Asia
SOUTH ASIA – Christians are under attack on all continents. It is quite clear why Jesus called us to be lights in the darkness. So much is reported about the darkness, we need to be reminded that some people are still drawn to the light and are finding joy in Jesus. And the Lord is… Continue reading Praise Reports from South Asia
During Hanukkah, I Pray for People of All Faiths Who Are Oppressed – Yael Eckstein Opinion | Fox News
Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christian and Jews, shares her thoughts on Hanukkah and her hope and prayer for divine intervention, for the power of light to overcome the darkness of religious oppression wherever it exists. Hanukkah, which began Sunday night this year, commemorates a great Jewish victory over oppression by the… Continue reading During Hanukkah, I Pray for People of All Faiths Who Are Oppressed – Yael Eckstein Opinion | Fox News
China Partner Celebrates 30 Years of Ministry
LITTLETON, CO – While China Partner celebrates 30 years of ministry, the country is, once again, undergoing dramatic changes. As they have in the past, Chinese Christians are learning to stand firm in their faith and be willing to trust the Lord in every circumstance. China Partner is there to help them. Erik Burklin is… Continue reading China Partner Celebrates 30 Years of Ministry
Japan Needs Jesus
TOKYO – Japan rose like a phoenix out of the ashes of World War 2 to become the world’s third-largest economy and a leading producer of in-demand passenger vehicles. The country has taken a back seat over the last several decades as other developing nations have become giants of industry and technology. Yet millions of… Continue reading Japan Needs Jesus
North Koreans in Russia & China Headed Home
MOSCOW – This is not an article about a missionary agency, a missionary project, or a faith-based organization. It is about people of whom we are mostly unaware. People who need the Lord. People who need our prayers. The purpose of this article is to raise our collective awareness and encourage us to pray.Something significant… Continue reading North Koreans in Russia & China Headed Home
7 Reminders About the 10/40 Window
WILLS POINT, TX – The primary ministry of Gospel for Asia and numerous similar efforts are focused on a portion of what has become known as “The 10/40 Window.” A recent article published by Advancing Native Missions, “What Is the 10/ 40 Window and Why Is it Important,” prompted this writer that it is time… Continue reading 7 Reminders About the 10/40 Window
‘Convert or Be Killed!’ Expectant Mother Pays Ultimate Price in Jihadist Massacre | CBN
NIGERIA – The Jihadist massacre lasted for five hours. Esther listened from the makeshift outhouse as she hid behind the door. “Convert or be killed!” shouted Boko Haram militants. Their commands were followed by screams, the popping of machine guns, and the smell of burning flesh and hair as they made their way through the… Continue reading ‘Convert or Be Killed!’ Expectant Mother Pays Ultimate Price in Jihadist Massacre | CBN
Demand for Newly Translated Bibles Prompts Wycliffe to Step up Printing Systems for Underground Churches
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, says the demand for Bibles has dramatically increased—especially in the Middle East. In areas where Christianity is a minority religion and Christians risk persecution, even death, Wycliffe Associates’ Print On Demand… Continue reading Demand for Newly Translated Bibles Prompts Wycliffe to Step up Printing Systems for Underground Churches
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – November 3, 2019
NEW YORK, NY – Christians around the world are invited and encouraged to engage in prayer and supplications on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their faith. Sunday, November 3, has been set aside as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We should not be… Continue reading International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – November 3, 2019
Worshipping Safely: UN, Faith Communities Unite to Prevent Violence
NEW YORK — In an era in which places of worship have become, too often, targets for violence, United Nations officials and religious leaders gathered in New York City on to talk over plans for preventing attacks against people of faith.The event, titled “Uniting to Prevent Violence in Places of Worship,” was held at the… Continue reading Worshipping Safely: UN, Faith Communities Unite to Prevent Violence
Is This the Great Iranian Awakening?
TEHRAN – By nearly all accounts, more people in Iran are forsaking Islam and becoming followers of Jesus Christ than in any other country in the world. FAI Studios, producers of the movie “Sheep Among Wolves,” commented that “Muslim-background Iranians are leading a quiet but mass exodus out of Islam and bowing their knees to… Continue reading Is This the Great Iranian Awakening?
Pompeo Speech Defends Religious Freedom
ROME – When the United States Secretary of State speaks, it is usually about political affairs of state. When Mike Pompeo addressed a symposium in Rome on October 2, his message was about increasing global threats to the right of religious freedom. Secretary Pompeo was a featured speaker at a symposium about the work of… Continue reading Pompeo Speech Defends Religious Freedom
Day of Global Recognition of Violence Against People Based on Religion or Belief
NEW YORK – August 22, 2019, marked the first International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief sponsored by the United Nations. Missions Box News first became aware of the proposed special day in July 2018 when members of the British parliament were called to consider supporting a proposal… Continue reading Day of Global Recognition of Violence Against People Based on Religion or Belief
Government Restrictions Against Freedom of Religion Are Growing Globally
WILLS POINT, TX – The closure of yet another Christian church and its Bible school by authorities in Algeria spurred one of our reporters to dig a little deeper. He decided to investigate government restrictions and political persecution against the Church. He didn’t have to look far. A recent report by the Pew Research Center… Continue reading Government Restrictions Against Freedom of Religion Are Growing Globally
Introducing Ananias House
HOUSTON – Ananias House is a ministry dedicated to “empowering the growth of the body of Jesus Christ in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region).” The ministry of Ananias House in the strife-torn MENA region is three-fold: Making disciples and planting churches Offering sustained hope and comfort to people suffering from conflict and… Continue reading Introducing Ananias House
Honoring South Africans Martyred in Afghanistan
BARTLESVILLE, OK – South African doctor, Hannelie Groenewald gathered with other medical personnel, preparing for a predicted Taliban attack in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. Little did she suspect that the Taliban were targeting her own family because of their Christian faith. Voice of the Martyrs remembered their sacrifice this year on the Day of the… Continue reading Honoring South Africans Martyred in Afghanistan
Egypt Reauthorizes More Coptic Churches
CAIRO – On July 1, the presidential committee for the legalization of churches announced that it had processed yet another wave of approvals. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly told reporters that another 127 previously unlicensed Coptic Christian churches had been added to the list of properties approved as places of worship. The reauthorization was mandated by… Continue reading Egypt Reauthorizes More Coptic Churches
FEBC Radio Ministry Now Broadcasting Gospel in 124 Languages
LA MIRADA, CA — Radio broadcaster FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Company) has opened up the airwaves for millions of people in unreached regions to hear the gospel in their own language for the first time – now broadcasting in 124 languages, with more than 2.2 million individuals responding annually to the “good news.” “In many… Continue reading FEBC Radio Ministry Now Broadcasting Gospel in 124 Languages
World Refugee Day – Are We Missing the Point?
WILLS POINT, TX – June 20th is World Refugee Day. The annual observation is particularly important this year as we are currently facing the worst refugee crisis in recorded history. Measuring the Problem According to the UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, at least 68.5 million people around the globe have been displaced from their… Continue reading World Refugee Day – Are We Missing the Point?
The Power of Prayer and Prayercast
NAPERVILLE, IL – Prayercast is a division of OneWay Ministries, committed to “activating God’s people to exalt Jesus Christ and advance His gospel to the multitudes.” If prayer is, as John Wesley once said, “Where the action is,” then Prayercast is the 21st-century compass to point us to where the action is. Senator and former… Continue reading The Power of Prayer and Prayercast
Algerians for Missions
ALGIERS – With nearly 920,000 square miles, Algeria is the tenth largest nation in the world. It is the largest country on the continent of Africa. Initially settled by the Berbers, Algeria has had a long and storied history. The country gained independence in 1962 from France which had invaded and began colonizing it in… Continue reading Algerians for Missions
China’s Sharp Eyes
SHANDONG PROVINCE – The Chinese government initiated the Sharp Eyes project following its approval by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2016. Sharp Eyes is the beginning of a program to dramatically increase video surveillance throughout the nation. The goal of the project is to have “coverage across all regions, sharing… Continue reading China’s Sharp Eyes
Churches in Russia Need a Sign (or Not)
OSLO – In my youth, when inviting friends to come to church with me, not all of them knew where Park Avenue Baptist Church was. But, when I simply said, “You know. The church with the sign.” Everyone knew where that was. It was impossible to come into town from the west and not see… Continue reading Churches in Russia Need a Sign (or Not)
Asia Bibi Finally Out of Pakistan — Release International Calls for Repeal of Blasphemy Laws
‘Overjoyed that Asia is finally free – but why has it taken so long?’ Asia Bibi is finally out of Pakistan. Officials have confirmed that Asia has been released. Her lawyer has told CNN she is now in Canada, where two of her daughters have already been granted asylum. The Christian woman was acquitted of… Continue reading Asia Bibi Finally Out of Pakistan — Release International Calls for Repeal of Blasphemy Laws
USCIRF Report: China, Two Dozen Other Countries Top Religious Freedom Offenders List
WASHINGTON — With its particular focus on China’s oppression of religious and human rights, an independent watchdog group has decried in its annual report the state of religious freedom across the globe. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bipartisan organization created 20 years ago, concludes in its Monday (April 29) report that “innumerable… Continue reading USCIRF Report: China, Two Dozen Other Countries Top Religious Freedom Offenders List
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
[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
After the Disaster – Resettling the Refugees
MYITKYINA, Myanmar – Crises like floods, famine, earthquakes, and war make great headlines, followed only by stories of relief efforts. Reporters move from one crisis to the next drawing our attention with them. We tend to forget about the aftermath that usually lasts much longer than the crises themselves. The refugees running from crisis endure… Continue reading After the Disaster – Resettling the Refugees
“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
ECHR Rules: Turkey Violated Freedom of Religious Assembly
STRASBOURG – The European Court of Human Rights has rendered a judgment against Turkey in the case of Altınkaynak and Others v. Turkey. The court ruled that Turkey had violated the rights of a group of Seventh Day Adventists in 2004 when they attempted to register their religious foundation. Although Turkey ratified the European Convention… Continue reading ECHR Rules: Turkey Violated Freedom of Religious Assembly
Secular View of Freedom of Religion Is Spreading
Religious freedom, i.e., the separation of church and state appears to be gaining greater legal standing around the globe. Yet, according to the latest Open Doors World Watch List, persecution of Christians is on the rise. Christians are not the only ones being persecuted. People of any faith who are in the minority are increasingly… Continue reading Secular View of Freedom of Religion Is Spreading