This week the State Department hosted its second annual Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.As part of the session, 27 victims of religious persecution met Wednesday with President Trump at the White House.The ministerial convenes foreign diplomats, experts and civil society leaders to address the most pressing issues affecting religious freedom around the world. Certainly among… Continue reading North Korea Is Top Persecutor of Christians in the World – Vernon Brewer Opinion | Fox News
Results for "Persecution"
Stop Censorship of Christian Flag
BOSTON — Liberty Counsel has asked a federal district court to forgo a trial and order the city of Boston to allow its resident Hal Shurtleff and his Christian civic organization, Camp Constitution, to fly the Christian flag on a city flagpole that Boston has opened to hundreds of other organizations. The city censored the religious viewpoint… Continue reading Stop Censorship of Christian Flag
65 Dead in Boko Haram Attack at Funeral
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The latest accounts say that some 65 people in Maiduguri, Nigeria, have died in a Boko Haram attack during a funeral in the northeastern village. Another 10 people reportedly sustained injuries, eight of who are in critical condition following Saturday’s attack. Boko Haram was initially known as the “Nigerian Taliban” when it… Continue reading 65 Dead in Boko Haram Attack at Funeral
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
Wearing a Cross Can Get You Killed in Burkina Faso
BANI, BURKIN FASO – Wearing a Christian cross on a necklace is common. For some, it is a mere prettification. Others wear one as a talisman of sorts. But, for believers, it is a witness to their faith in the finished work of Christ on Calvary. It is, for the most part, a perfectly acceptable… Continue reading Wearing a Cross Can Get You Killed in Burkina Faso
Anti-Christian Incidents Increasing in France
FRANCE – The Open Doors website explains that Christian persecution today in some countries is far worse than many of us in the Western Hemisphere understand. “In some countries, familial and social pressure make it terribly difficult to follow Jesus, while in other places, faith in Christ is threatened by daily risk of violence and… Continue reading Anti-Christian Incidents Increasing in France
Family in Taiwan Faces Grave Danger in China
MIDLAND, TX — When Liao Qiang and his family of six arrived in Taiwan last week, it’s because it was their only option for keeping their children safe. The family, which is affiliated with Early Rain Covenant Church, has been under constant surveillance from the Chinese authorities ever since a December crackdown on the church… Continue reading Family in Taiwan Faces Grave Danger in China
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
Landmark Ruling – Victory for UK Christian Freedoms
SHEFFIELD, England – In a landmark judgment, the Court of Appeal has upheld the rights of UK Christians to freely express their faith by handing victory to former student social worker Felix Ngole, a victory for UK Christian freedoms. According to Christian Concern, overturning a High Court decision to uphold Felix’s expulsion from Sheffield University,… Continue reading Landmark Ruling – Victory for UK Christian Freedoms
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
Christians Endure Mass Killings, Attacks on Houses of Worship Around the World
WASHINGTON — Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chairman of Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission along with Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), today held a bipartisan hearing on the perilous state of religious freedom for Christians in China, Nigeria, Iran and other places around the world. Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, head of the U.S. State Department’s Office… Continue reading Christians Endure Mass Killings, Attacks on Houses of Worship Around the World
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
The Day of the Christian Martyr
BARTLESVILLE, OK – Saturday, June 29, 2019, is The Day of the Christian Martyr. It is both right and proper that we pay homage to those brave souls who committed their lives to Christ regardless of the cost. Beginning with the eyewitness account of the stoning of Stephen in the Book of Acts (Chapter 7)… Continue reading The Day of the Christian Martyr
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
Crackdown on Christians in Eritrea
ASMARA – The tiny country of Eritrea has been called “The North Korea of Africa.” The county ranks at Number 7 on the Open Doors World Watch list of states where the persecution of Christians is the most severe. No national elections have been held since the country gained its independence in 1993. Even though… Continue reading Crackdown on Christians in Eritrea
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
Evangelistic Campaign Draws Death Threats
BWERA, UGANDA – Several Christian churches in western Uganda began an outdoor evangelistic campaign in Bwera on May 20. It was evident that the event was going well as Muslim people listened and responded positively to the Gospel message.Because so many were publicly professing their faith in Christ, Muslim leaders began staging demonstrations. The demonstrations… Continue reading Evangelistic Campaign Draws Death Threats
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
“Return to Zero” Threatens Millions of Chinese Christians
BEIJING – According to the 2018 Chinese census, there are 40 million professing Christians living in mainland China. Some informed individuals believe the number of Christians is actually closer to 100 million. Given the rising repression of Christianity under the administration of President Xi Jinping, it is reasonable to assume that many did not publicly… Continue reading “Return to Zero” Threatens Millions of Chinese Christians
Chinese Government Agency Hosts a Seminar on ‘Enormous Harm’ of Christianity to China
A local government communications agency in China held a seminar in April to discuss with Communist Party members the “enormous harm” the growth of Christianity is to the atheist nation. The Chinese Christian persecution watchdog China Aid raised an alarm about the event, titled “Christianity’s Enormous Harm on China’s Security,” held on April 22 in the… Continue reading Chinese Government Agency Hosts a Seminar on ‘Enormous Harm’ of Christianity to China
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)
Reuters Writers Released from Myanmar Jail
YANGON – Reuters journalists, Wa Lone (33) and Kyaw So Oo (29) were detained in Myanmar in December 2017. They were charged and eventually convicted of violating the country’s Official Secrets Act. They were sentenced to seven years in prison. Today, the two men are free after spending more than 500 days in custody. They… Continue reading Reuters Writers Released from Myanmar Jail
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
Desecration of Churches in France on the Rise
PARIS – Millions of people around the globe stared in disbelief as they watched the Cathedral of Notre Dame ravaged by a massive fire. I couldn’t help but think about the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Although initial reports lean toward the fire having been accidental, it is interesting to… Continue reading Desecration of Churches in France on the Rise
Urgent: Chinese Woman’s Life in Peril Should The Netherlands Repatriate
AMSTERDAM — A Chinese petitioner is on track to be repatriated by the Netherlands back to China, where she will likely face severe persecution and may even lose her life. Chen Yan sought asylum in the Netherlands after she faced persecution for petitioning the Chinese Communist Party. Now, shortly after she protested during Chinese Premier… Continue reading Urgent: Chinese Woman’s Life in Peril Should The Netherlands Repatriate
Can You Prove You Are a Christian? Swedish Immigration Courts Want to Know
STOCKHOLM – Mention the words “immigration” or “asylum” and the average American’s thoughts turn to our southern border. The issues are so controversial in the U.S. that we tend to think that we are the only country in the world restricting immigration and that the refugees at our border are the only ones finding borders… Continue reading Can You Prove You Are a Christian? Swedish Immigration Courts Want to Know
When an Imam Comes to Christ – Pray for Podo
NAIROBI – When a young Muslim imam in the eastern Uganda village of Kerekerene began missing prayers at the local mosque, his family and friends became concerned. Three weeks passed before they found him. Rather than relief, their concerns escalated. Someone had spotted him on March 16, entering a building where they would have least… Continue reading When an Imam Comes to Christ – Pray for Podo
The Relentless Attack on Prayer
MOUNT STERLING, OH – Missions Box News serves primarily to connect the church in the West to news of what God is doing through nonprofits around the world. Sometimes we share the work of specific FBOs; other times we may offer insights into situations of international concern that may hinder or help the spread of… Continue reading The Relentless Attack on Prayer
[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
People’s Republic of Luhansk Bans Baptist Churches
LUHANSK, Ukraine – The unrecognized People’s Republic of Luhansk, an independent quasi-state of Ukraine drafted a law requiring all churches`to “re-register” just four years after declaring its independence during the armed conflict of 2014. The February 2018 legislation pertained to all Protestant churches and required them to re-register by October 2018. The re-registration was required… Continue reading People’s Republic of Luhansk Bans Baptist Churches
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
Operation Blessing Mobilizing to Aid Venezuelan Refugees
PAMPLONA, Columbia – Operation Blessing has provided relief to millions of people in 90 different countries and all 50 of the United States over the past 41 years. Founded in 1978 by Pat Robertson, the faith-based NGO provides aid in areas where people’s lives are threatened by poverty, disasters, and persecution. Like similar faith-based organizations… Continue reading Operation Blessing Mobilizing to Aid Venezuelan 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
Gospel for Asia Mourns Death of Village Pastor Killed After Abduction at Gunpoint in Myanmar
Tun N., serving with GFA Asia field partner, leaves behind a wife and three children WILLS POINT, TX—Gospel for Asia (GFA) is mourning the loss of one of its field-partner workers, a pastor who has been reported dead after being abducted at gunpoint in Myanmar, formerly Burma. The tragic death of Tun N., aged 41,… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Mourns Death of Village Pastor Killed After Abduction at Gunpoint in Myanmar
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
Gallup Poll – American Trust in Clergy Declining
In February 2018, Dr. Graham exchanged his earthly rewards for his heavenly rewards, marking the first time since 1955 that he was not included in the annual Gallup poll of American’s most admired men. Sadly, the 2018 poll of the most trusted Americans by occupation also witnessed a continuing decline in the respect afforded to… Continue reading Gallup Poll – American Trust in Clergy Declining
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
Open Doors Releases 2019 World Watch List
SANTA ANA, CA – According to its website, “For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement, and Christian Community Restoration.”… Continue reading Open Doors Releases 2019 World Watch List
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
Christians & Muslims Persecuted as ‘Enemies’ of Chinese Nationalism
“For China’s Christians, these are desperate times.” That was a comment made by U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence in October 2018 in a speech where he described the Chinese Communist Party as “avowedly atheist.” Perspective Magazine, which covers U.S. foreign policy from a Christian perspective observed that “in 2018, China’s religious repression has reached ‘a sustained… Continue reading Christians & Muslims Persecuted as ‘Enemies’ of Chinese Nationalism
The Despair of Displacement
WILLS POINT – While we gather together with our families during this Christmas season there are 68.5 million forcibly displaced people around the world who are separated from home and families and have nowhere to go. According to the UNHCR, people are forcibly displaced faster than one every two seconds as a result of conflict… Continue reading The Despair of Displacement
Christian Nonprofit Celebrates 8,000 Church Projects Internationally
HAMPTON, VA — International Cooperating Ministries (ICM) in Hampton recently approved its 8,000th building project to assist Christians in difficult areas. With a vision to establish a healthy church within walking distance of everyone in the world, the 33-year-old charity is currently operating in 91 countries. The 8,000th church project will provide hope for one of Egypt’s… Continue reading Christian Nonprofit Celebrates 8,000 Church Projects Internationally
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
Christian School Global Summit Addresses Key Issues for Faith-Based Education Movement
Worldwide gathering in San Antonio Jan. 30-Feb. 1 to tackle ‘challenges and opportunities’ facing private Christian school movement COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Global leaders in the private Christian school community are convening next month to look for ways to reshape their movement and continue offering distinctive, faith-based education in an increasingly pluralistic and post-religious world. Around 1,000… Continue reading Christian School Global Summit Addresses Key Issues for Faith-Based Education Movement
London Mayor: “Learn Kindness from Christians”
LONDON – Sadiq Khan is the Mayor of London, England. He had been a Member of Parliament since 2005. He is also a devout Muslim. However, whether politically motivated or out of sincerity, he has proven to be kind to Christians. Just a few days ago on December 16th, he addressed a crowd of 10,000… Continue reading London Mayor: “Learn Kindness from Christians”