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
Results for "Christian Persecution"
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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
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
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
Not Forsaken – A Modern Day Paul in China
CHENGDU – Last week Chinese authorities detained Pastor Wang Yi and 100 members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, Szechuan, China.Bob Fu, the president of ChinaAid, said that “the massive overnight attack . . . represents a major escalation of religious persecution in China.”Former U.S. Senator and current U.S. Ambassador at Large for… Continue reading Not Forsaken – A Modern Day Paul in China
No Matter the Danger, 600-Plus Language Groups Request Bible Translation Training, Technology from Wycliffe Associates
Orlando, Florida, USA — Church leaders from more than 600 language groups around the world have asked Wycliffe Associates for the technology and training to start translating the Bible using a translation method known as MAST (Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation). “They have the commitment to proclaim Christ, even in the most dangerous areas,” said Bruce… Continue reading No Matter the Danger, 600-Plus Language Groups Request Bible Translation Training, Technology from Wycliffe Associates
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
Pondering Paradise Lost
PARADISE, CA – “Workers fanned out across the cinders, looking for those who didn’t escape the inferno that transformed this town into a wasteland.” That was the lead-in of a Daily Beast article about the California wildfire that destroyed the town of Paradise, California. The fire came upon the people so quickly that there was… Continue reading Pondering Paradise Lost
Forgotten Missionaries International | Missions Box Spotlight
Forgotten Missionaries International: Building partnerships to empower indigenous church plantersThis is the second article in our new “Spotlight” series that homes in on our primary intent of “Connecting the Church in the West to news of what God is doing through nonprofits around the world.” This article shines the Spotlight on Forgotten Missionaries International (FMI),… Continue reading Forgotten Missionaries International | Missions Box Spotlight
World Missionary Press | Missions Box Spotlight
World Missionary Press: Free Scripture Booklets for the WorldMissions Box News was established by Gospel for Asia (GFA) to “highlight the good works of nonprofits from around the world.” Most often we do that by reporting news “that pertains to the hardships of living in this world” to show the needs of people burdened by poverty… Continue reading World Missionary Press | Missions Box Spotlight
American Pastor Imprisoned in Turkey Is Set Free
IZMIR – Pastor Andrew Brunson is on his way home to North Carolina after more than two years either in prison or, more recently, under house arrest in Turkey. The Trump administration has been tightening the screws on the Turkish economy for its part in getting Pastor Brunson released. While the diplomatic efforts of the United… Continue reading American Pastor Imprisoned in Turkey Is Set Free
Reaching a Captive Audience
IRAN – Mojtaba Hosseini was arrested for being a threat to the national security of his home country of Iran. His crime was being a leader of a house church group. When he was originally arrested, he was placed on probation and warned to cease his church activities. I wonder what I would have done… Continue reading Reaching a Captive Audience
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!
Making Sense of Myanmar – The Chin, Kachin, Shan, and Wa States
YANGON – Myanmar, formerly Burma, may best be described a line from Rogers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I” in which the king exclaims, “It’s a puzzlement.” In a recent article, we related the story of a Christian pastor in a small village in the Chin state in northwest Myanmar. The gist of the story… Continue reading Making Sense of Myanmar – The Chin, Kachin, Shan, and Wa States
“Lack of Religious Freedom Anywhere Is a Threat Everywhere”
WASHINGTON, DC – Sam Brownback, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom open the first meeting of a three-day Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom conference in Washington DC sponsored by the U.S. State Department. In his opening speech on 24 July, he said, ‘ The lack of religious freedom anywhere is a threat everywhere.” His… Continue reading “Lack of Religious Freedom Anywhere Is a Threat Everywhere”
London Man Arrested for Reading the Bible Aloud on Church Property
LONDON – Imagine, if you will, a 55-year-old man reading the Bible aloud in front of a church. Imagine that it is not just any church, but the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Then imagine that the church staff asking him to stop reading the Bible and leave the property, after which he was… Continue reading London Man Arrested for Reading the Bible Aloud on Church Property
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
Walk Free Foundation Releases 2018 Global Slavery Index
NEDLANDS, WESTERN AUSTRALIA – Slavery is not a thing of the past. Despite the efforts of William Wilberforce, Abraham Lincoln, and others, slavery did not end in the 19th century. In fact, according to the 2018 Global Slavery Index, over 70 million people are caught in the throes of 21st century slavery. More than 70… Continue reading Walk Free Foundation Releases 2018 Global Slavery Index
CAM Brings Healing to Vietnam Hospitals
HO CHI MINH CITY – Hospitals and churches something in common. They are places where many people do not want to go. Unless they are hurting. People suffering from pain will often eagerly seek a place that can bring relief. Hospitals and churches are recognized as places for healing. Some of Christian Aid Mission’s (CAM)… Continue reading CAM Brings Healing to Vietnam Hospitals
Turkish Court Keeps Pastor Andrew Brunson Jailed
IZMIR – Despite heightened optimism that a Turkish court might release U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson from prison today, expectations were dealt a blow when the court ordered him to remain in custody. The next hearing, his fourth, is scheduled for 12 October 2018. Brunson, 50, a native of North Carolina, has lived in Turkey for… Continue reading Turkish Court Keeps Pastor Andrew Brunson Jailed
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
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
[ICC] Diverse Projects Spotlight ‘Broad Challenge’ of the World’s 2 Billion Unreached People
International Day for the Unreached organizers emphasize need for whole church to respond to Jesus’ Great Commission COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – United by a single goal, the champions of missions to the unreached follow a wide range of paths in taking the gospel to those who have yet to hear of Jesus. The breadth of… Continue reading [ICC] Diverse Projects Spotlight ‘Broad Challenge’ of the World’s 2 Billion Unreached People
Deny Yourself to Live
It was a momentous day for the Apostle Peter. He declared his faith that Jesus is the Messiah. The moment after, Jesus starts talking about His upcoming suffering, death and resurrection. All of a sudden, the momentous day for Peter takes a turn. He tells Jesus that he’ll never allow that to happen. Jesus rebukes… Continue reading Deny Yourself to Live
South Korea Bans Voice of the Martyrs’ Bibles in Balloons
SEOUL – One of the chief ministries of Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is getting Bibles to nations where the Word of God is restricted. The ministry uses innovative means to place Bibles into the hands of people – in their own language – who would otherwise live their lives without ever reading the Good… Continue reading South Korea Bans Voice of the Martyrs’ Bibles in Balloons
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
Understanding the Refugee Crisis on World Refugee Day
NEW YORK CITY – Wednesday, 20 June 2018, is World Refugee Day. The day is especially important because there is, as most people know, a global refugee crisis. The crisis is compounded by the emotional and political conflict regarding the status of refugees. More about that in a minute. First, here are some facts about… Continue reading Understanding the Refugee Crisis on World Refugee Day
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
Texas Senator Ted Cruz to Address Capitol Hill Policy Day
WASHINGTON, DC – Texas Senator Ted Cruz heads the lineup of speakers and panelists featured at the Capitol Hill Policy Day at the Capitol Visitor Center on June 5, 2018. The conference, sponsored by International Christian Concern, will focus on “the crisis of violence in Nigeria brought about by both Boko Haram and Fulani militants.”… Continue reading Texas Senator Ted Cruz to Address Capitol Hill Policy Day
Gospel for Asia Founder Expresses “The Power of Oneness”
Wills Point, Texas – GFA (Gospel for Asia) Founder, Dr. K.P. Yohannan recently expressed several powerful insights into the power of oneness in his blog post entitled “When Believers Unite in Doing God’s Will Nothing Will Be Impossible” Acknowledging that the idea of “united we stand; divided we fall” is universal, his article suggests that Christians… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Founder Expresses “The Power of Oneness”
Egyptian Cabinet Certifies 166 More Churches [Update]
CAIRO – On 11 March 2018, Missions Box News reported that Egyptian government officials had granted licenses for 53 churches as a “first block” toward compliance with the legal requirements. The licensing mandate which had been proposed by the Housing Ministry became law in August 2016. Yesterday the Egyptian Cabinet approved the legalization of 166… Continue reading Egyptian Cabinet Certifies 166 More Churches [Update]
Here’s How to Pray for Missionaries and Pastors
How should we pray for overseas missionaries and pastors? I want to pray, but what do they need? This is a question that often crosses our minds when we hear of the adversity facing those who serve the Lord in areas that are volatilize and prone to hostility. Tamang is a pastor in South Asia who… Continue reading Here’s How to Pray for Missionaries and Pastors
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
Kazakh Woman Not Guilty of Illegal Missionary Activity
SHYMKENT, Kazakhstan – A Christian Kazak woman who had been charged with “illegal missionary activity” was acquitted on 13 March by the South Kazakhstan Regional Court. Her illegal activity? Showing another woman how to download a Bible app on her smartphone. The woman for whom she downloaded the app then file a complaint with the… Continue reading Kazakh Woman Not Guilty of Illegal Missionary Activity
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
Mohabat TV Receives International Impact Award
NASHVILLE – Mohabat TV, the media arm of Heart4Iran, has received the highly-coveted 2018 International Impact Award from the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) at their annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Mohabat TV and Heart4Iran work in collaboration with more than 80 other ministries to spread the Gospel in the Middle East. The satellite TV network… Continue reading Mohabat TV Receives International Impact Award
EU Parliament Grants Pakistan Special Trade Status Despite Human Rights Warnings
BRUSSELS – The European Parliament warned Pakistan last week that the renewal of its favored status trade deal would be dependent upon the government’s release of a woman, Asia Bibi, who has been held on death row on a blasphemy case since 2010. Prior to adjournment, however, the parliament voted to continue to extend economic… Continue reading EU Parliament Grants Pakistan Special Trade Status Despite Human Rights Warnings
Voice of the Martyrs Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
In October 1967, Richard Wurmbrand wrote a book called Tortured for Christ, which marked the beginning of Voice of the Martyrs, a ministry which seeks to equip those who are persecuted to share Christ’s love with those around them. Tortured for Christ is the account of Wurmbrand’s life in Communist Romania at the time of… Continue reading Voice of the Martyrs Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
Open Doors Restoring Homes Destroyed by War in Iraq
QARAQOSH, Iraq – If home is where the heart is, what happens when you are forced to leave your home, then return to find it destroyed? That is what has happened to Christians under siege in Iraq returning to their homes in Qaraqosh on the Plains of Nineveh in the aftermath of the conflict with… Continue reading Open Doors Restoring Homes Destroyed by War in Iraq
Sudanese Pastors Remain Homeless
Sudan is ranked as one of the top five countries in which Christians face the most significant persecution. The war-torn country has been named “A Country of Particular Concern” by the U.S. State Department since 1999 due to the persecution of Christians and widespread human rights issues. After South Sudan seceded in 2011 after one… Continue reading Sudanese Pastors Remain Homeless
[UPDATE] Bolivia’s President Requests Repeal of New Penal Code
LA PAZ, Bolivia – Bolivia’s president, Evo Morales Ayma, addressed a national television audience on January 21st, following protestations by representatives of the country’s National Association of Evangelicals opposed to a section of a new penal code that would have made it a crime to evangelize. Section 88.11 of the code stated, “whoever recruits, transports,… Continue reading [UPDATE] Bolivia’s President Requests Repeal of New Penal Code
Missionaries or Ambassadors
The Western world has traditionally held the word “missionary” in high esteem, largely unaware that leaders of Eastern nations have often regarded the idea skepticism. That skepticism has grown over the past century, following the end of World War I and, even more so, since the end of the Second World War. Why the disparity?… Continue reading Missionaries or Ambassadors
[Update] Pakistan House Churches Reopen
PAKISTAN – Earlier this month officials in Abbottabad closed six unregistered house churches within the district for security reasons. It had not been clear what those security issues were. Meetings between officials and members of the All Pastor Association Abbottabad have clarified the security issues. As a further result, officials agreed to re-open the churches… Continue reading [Update] Pakistan House Churches Reopen
Officials May Close All House Churches in Pakistan
PAKISTAN – Earlier this month officials in Abbottabad closed six unregistered house churches within the district for security reasons. Abbottabad is located about 75 miles north of Islamabad, the district captured the attention of Americans when it was discovered that Osama bin Laden had been residing there. The district is home to the Pakistan Military… Continue reading Officials May Close All House Churches in Pakistan
UPDATE: Egypt Extends State of Emergency after Coptic Church Attack
Police in the aftermath of the attack. (Source: BBC, EPA) CAIRO (MENAFN – Jordan Times) – Egypt will extend its nationwide state of emergency for three months from January 13th to help tackle ‘the dangers and funding of terrorism,’ state news agency MENA said on Tuesday. Egypt first imposed the current state of emergency last… Continue reading UPDATE: Egypt Extends State of Emergency after Coptic Church Attack
President Trump’s Nominee for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Stalled
News from the nation’s capital has Americans attuned to the battles between Republican and Democrats and liberals and conservatives over immigration, tax reform, healthcare, and government spending. Regardless of the subject at hand, until the recent passage of the tax reform bill, issues that many believe should be of major importance to America and the… Continue reading President Trump’s Nominee for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Stalled
Evangelical Entrapment Growing in India
Hyderabad, India – When Jesus told his disciples that the gates of Hell would not prevail against the church, He didn’t say that the church would never come under attack. The concept of prevailing implies attack. Christianity has been under attack for 2,000 years. There is no indication, from the Bible or from current events,… Continue reading Evangelical Entrapment Growing in India
Somali Refugee Boat Shot
Photo by aflaanta std In March, there was an attack on a boat holding Somali refugees. At least 46 people were killed and 39 were injured. CNN reported, “At least 42 people died and 39 were injured in the Friday incident, the United Nations’ refugee agency said. Some 160 people reportedly were on board, according… Continue reading Somali Refugee Boat Shot