SANTA ANA, CA — Christian persecution watchdog, Open Doors USA released a statement today regarding the news of 17 American missionaries who were abducted in Haiti this weekend. According to several sources, the abductors are also responsible for the kidnappings of five priests and two nuns earlier this year. “We are deeply concerned for the…
CRETE, IL — A ministry that shares the Bible with people in far-flung corners of the world is embarking on a new faith outreach — this time, in the heart of America’s own Bible belt. As desperate migrants from Central America and other countries flood into Texas, Bible League International (BLI, www.bibleleague.org) says thousands of…
USA — At a time when many people are experiencing fear, uncertainty, and hopelessness, the God Loves You Tour has traveled 2,000 miles along America’s Route 66 and Franklin Graham has shared a Gospel message in eight cities along the historic highway. More than 55,000 people attended the free evenings of music and hope that…
PHILIPPINES — In the Philippines, 15 years on from the murder of their persecuted father, Pastor Mocsin, we hear an update from siblings Emelyn and Jun-Jun. Emelyn: “I miss those times when we went to church together as a family. Then, during church services, we were complete. We would lead the praise and worship. Then…
FALLS CHURCH, VA — Christian Freedom International (CFI) has designed a free church Prayer Kit to equip churches for the “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.” This annual event — held on the first Sunday in November — unites churches to pray for Christians worldwide who face persecution. “The catastrophe in Afghanistan — with Christians…
LES CAYES, HAITI — When a 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked western Haiti the morning of August 14, more than 2,000 people were killed and over 12,000 were injured. Healthcare services on that part of the island were also incapacitated. Samaritan’s Purse immediately responded to the tragedy, airlifting tons of critical relief supplies, including plastic tarp…
NEW YORK — African Mission Healthcare expresses gratitude to Jewish entrepreneur Mark Gerson and his wife, Rabbi Erica Gerson, for committing $18 million dollars to support the lifesaving work of African Mission Healthcare (AMH), a nonprofit Christian Medical Missions organization envisaged by Gerson and his friend Dr. Jon Fielder, who become friends 30 years ago…
CINCINNATI — 7 Hills Church hosted its annual “Vision Sunday” during its morning services Sunday, Oct. 3, at its Florence Location, Cincinnati Location and online. When Pastor Jentezen Franklin, senior pastor of Free Chapel church in Atlanta, Georgia, made a surprise appearance at 7 Hills Church’s annual “Heart for the House Vision Dinner” in August,…
ANAHEIM, CA — After taking a gap year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SoCal Harvest returned to Angel Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 3 with more than 6,000 people making professions of faith. In lieu of a traditional crusade, Harvest released its cinematic crusade film A Rush of Hope in 2020, which reached over 4 million…
LOVES PARK, Ill – Churches in the first-ever country to adopt Christianity as its national religion are confronting “the rawest imaginable trauma” in the wake of a “forgotten” war. With the news dominated by Afghanistan — and the recent focus on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in the U.S. — the victims of the lesser-known…
RAPID CITY, SD — The Don Barnett Arena at The Monument in Rapid City came to life this weekend with uplifting music and inspirational messages of hope, as more than 5,100 people attended the three-day Black Hills Paha Sapa Celebration with Will Graham, held Sept. 24-26. “There’s more to Jesus than many people think. Jesus…
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — A movement to shake up America’s “sleepy” retirement culture is launching a new digital push to help retirees find “real purpose” — marking the International Day of Older Persons, Oct. 1. This year, the United Nations’ annual special day for older people spotlights the “digital gap” between young and old —…
LAOS — Last year, three Christians in Laos, Southeast Asia were arrested because of their faith. Here, they recount their experiences – and how they knew God was with them. As one of them told an Open Doors partner, “Even when I was in prison, I felt I was not alone. I felt your prayers.”…
GREENVILLE, CA — When the first sparks of the Dixie Fire ignited in Plumas County, California, in July, no one could have predicted that it would burn clear across the Sierra over the next two months and consume nearly 1 million acres to become the second-largest wildfire in the state’s history. The conflagration destroyed over…
WASHINGTON — The Biblical Archaeology Society, publisher of Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR) magazine, will host its signature event online this fall. The 24th Annual Bible and Archaeology Fest on October 16–17, 2021 offers live talks from leading Bible scholars and archaeologists from around the world via Zoom. Paid participants can enjoy a weekend of accessible, online learning…
WASHINGTON — Ten years ago, on October 9, 2011, the Egyptian Army murdered 27 Copts and injured 327 others for peacefully protesting the destruction of a church, in what became known as the Maspero Massacre. Coptic Solidarity’s virtual Zoom program will honor the rally participants, heroes, and martyrs from that day. Register today to join…
HOUMA, LA — Hurricane Ida came ashore in Louisiana last August on the anniversary of devastating Hurricane Katrina. Ida was the second-most damaging and intense hurricane to ever hit the Gulf state. First-responders immediately headed to the hardest hit areas, and they stayed on after the storm disappeared from the news headlines. Among the first…
DELTA, BC – MORE Network Services is one of only a few missional organizations in North America that specializes in facilitating the growth of missionary kids (MKs). Now in its 10th year, MORE is achieving its goal of mission-sending and training organizations, churches, and individuals to work “collaboratively and congenially” with each other. Network members…
LAFAYETTE, IN – Ratio Christi is observing its tenth year of ministry in the most hostile place for Christianity in the United States – at the university campus. The non-profit is a global movement that equips university students and faculty to give historical, philosophical, and scientific reasons for following Jesus Christ. The ministry was established…
WHEATON, IL – The men on the motorcycles are “Mobile Messengers,” and they are heading out to share the Gospel of Christ with people who live in hard-to-reach places. The Mobile Messengers play a significant role in the ministry of Open Eyes, Open Eyes’ Mobile Messengers are recruited from indigenous Christian leaders. They are trained…
LEESBURG, FL – The most important people in my life, as a demographic, have been my pastors. You probably feel the same. October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and the second Sunday in October is observed as Pastor Appreciation Day. It is fitting, therefore, that we dedicate at least one article to appreciating the men who…
CAMPBELLVILLE, ON – Missions Box recently featured a story about Village Missions in Canada. I decided to follow up on that with another Christian missionary agency that is also committed to sharing God’s Word with our neighbors to the north. That decision may be somewhat connected to the fact that I lived there for nearly…
NAIROBI, KENYA – The title question is not one that needs to be asked in Kenya. Everyone there knows who Mully is. I had never heard about Mully until I watched the Mully Movie last evening. I immediately knew that I had to introduce our readers to Mr. Charles Mully. He is a man whose…
VENTURA, CA – The renowned Barna Group recently released the results and analysis and its latest survey conducted among 3,100 Americans. The purpose of the survey sponsored by Probe Ministries was to further define select worldview components of respondents labeled as Christian American across a range from Born Again to Unaffiliated. For those who have…
MISSION, BC – The calling and thrust of Village Missions of Canada is to “Preach the Word & Love the People.” More than 60 million people live in rural areas of North America, including many of whom are isolated from major metropolitan areas. To that extent, we are not all that different than other regions…
PHOENIX, AZ – Grand Canyon University and CityServe are announcing the creation of a major distribution hub on the GCU campus that will provide thousands of household goods to needy families in Arizona. A 35,000-square-foot warehouse on campus will house products such as clothing, heaters, fans, blankets, furniture, mattresses, food boxes and other essential items…
DALLAS, TX – The renowned Dr. Os Guinness was the featured speaker at the fifth and final day of the annual National Religious Broadcasters Convention on June 24, 2021. He was one of the many Christian luminaries to grace the stage at the Gaylord Resort in Grapevine, Texas. Others included former U.S. Secretary of State,…
CENTENNIAL, CO – Communitas International has been described as “a global missional movement focused on secular, “post-Christian,” and mostly urban communities.” The Mission Field When we think of the unreached, our minds gravitate toward a history of sending Christian missionaries to foreign countries where the people had never heard about Jesus and His great grace….
USA — In appreciation of their devotion to protect and serve others, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team supports America’s law enforcement community through annual retreats. These events acknowledge the unique challenges officers and their families face. BGEA President and CEO Franklin Graham brings this update from their most recent Law Enforcement Appreciation Retreat. Franklin…
CANADA — Long time humaritarian worker in Afghanistan John Weaver talks about the opposition and challenges Christians face in Afghanistan, now that the Taliban has taken over, but how the current situation may actually see more Afghans turn to Jesus. And CEO of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Floyd Brobbel, explains how they’re supporting…
ARIZONA — Grand Canyon University and CityServe are announcing the launch of the first CityServe HUB in Arizona at Grand Canyon University campus to help people in need. A 35,000-square-foot warehouse on campus will function as the new GCU HUB—powered mostly by volunteers—to receive, sort and distribute goods in-kind (GIK), such as food, apparel, furniture…
SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are in Southeast Louisiana tarping roofs, removing debris, and cutting downed trees for homeowners who were impacted by Hurricane Ida. But more volunteers are urgently needed to come alongside these hurting residents and let them know that God has not forgotten them. Debbie Anderson, Homeowner: This down here is…
EASTON, MD — Despite the threat of persecution, Afghans are turning to Christianity in growing numbers — and creating a wave of “Christian Taliban,” a ministry to Afghanistan reports. “The word ‘Taliban’ actually means ‘student,’” said Dr. Rex Rogers, president of Christian media ministry SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org), “and right now increasing numbers of Afghans are…
WASHINGTON — As Christians in Afghanistan pray to stay alive, this Saturday, US Christians are being called to D.C. for a first-of-its-kind large-scale march of solidarity for martyrs and persecuted Christians. March for the Martyrs aims to raise awareness about the plight of persecuted Christians by bringing together believers across all denominations to stand in…
BAKERSFIELD, CA – Billy Graham asked his close friend of 10 years, Don Wilton, to be his pastor and what followed was a privileged 25 years of sitting at the feet of one of God’s pillar servants—nurturing a friendship and seeing a personal side of Billy that most people have never known, until now. “My…
USA — More than 56 million Americans live with a disability. With so many families navigating the day-to-day challenges of disability, it is vital that they have a place where inclusion and acceptance aren’t a question. Joni & Friends Family Retreat program makes a way for families living with disabilities to have a time of…
BAKERSFIELD, CA – We have seen the desperation of the Afghan people trying to escape as Taliban forces take over Kabul. The US Air Force C-17 plane was packed with 640 precious lives as countless others clung to the outside of the plane—risking life and limb to leave Afghanistan. As we process this grave situation,…
PUMAS COUNTY, CA — As they pressure washed fire retardant off houses in Northern California after the Dixie fire, God used Samaritan’s Purse volunteers to lead three people to salvation in Christ. The teams are now preparing to soon sift through ashes of burnt houses to help recover cherished items for hurting homeowners. Leroy Wentz, Samaritan’s…
CHARLOTTE, NC – At a time of intense fear and uncertainty across the USA evangelist Franklin Graham will be sharing a message of hope during his 8 city Route 66 tour across the country. BGEA Vice President Steve Rhoads this is one of most needed messages for the people of America right now. Evangelist Franklin Graham…
VIETNAM — Samaritan’s Purse distributed food packages containing rice, vegetables, and other nutritious supplies to families in Vietnam who are struggling during the pandemic. Minh Nguyen, Samaritan’s Purse Program Development Manager: It is 5:00 AM here, and we are loading up 250 food packages to be distributed. Here’s our supplies. We have some food items,…
WASHINGTON — A groundbreaking Baylor University study of a Prison Fellowship International (PFI) in-prison program provides evidence that the faith-based course transforms prisoners – and leads to culture change in prisons. “PFI is providing innovative prison programs that are quickly becoming one of the centerpieces of the emerging field of positive criminology,” said Dr. Byron…
RALEIGH, NC — A new report on charitable giving suggests America’s nonprofit organizations are on track for possibly their best fundraising year ever, even in the midst of the pandemic. The new study of people’s giving intentions across the nation shows a whopping 90% of donors expect to give the same — or even more…
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Adult and Teen Challenge of Texas, San Antonio Men’s Rehab Center announced their fall fundraising event Greater Things Gala, to be held on Friday, October 15 with virtual and in-person options. The San Antonio Men’s Center serves men suffering from drug and alcohol addiction with a 12-month residential discipleship and life…
MINNEAPOLIS — Nick Hall, founder of Pulse, the millennial-led evangelism movement, will host “Pulse 100,” an evangelism showcase for young faith leaders from across the United States at Pulse headquarters in Minneapolis, Sept. 23-24. Similar to Pulse’s 2020 “Preach Twin Cities” event, “Pulse 100” will feature young evangelists who have been selected from a pool…
HAITI — Samaritan’s Purse continues to serve in Jesus’ Name in the aftermath of a deadly 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti’s southern peninsula on Aug. 14. Their DC-8 aircraft flew out just one day after the disaster with a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and tons of emergency relief. They quickly set up an…
WASHINGTON — More than 340 million people around the world suffer persecution for practicing their Christian faith – making it the largest persecuted religious group. In solidarity with them, and to help raise awareness, the 2nd annual March for the Martyrs will take place in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25, 2021. It’s the first time…
IRAQ — Iraqi law forbids a person from changing their religion from ‘Muslim’ to ‘Christian on their official ID. Believers who find themselves in this situation can be extremely isolated, treated with suspicion by the Christian community while also rejected by Muslims. Mr Youhanna* gives legal counsel to Christians like Matti* who suffers this discrimination….
WAVERLY / HUMPHREYS COUNTY, TN — Billy Graham chaplains are ministering to flood victims in Middle Tennessee where 20 people lost their lives in recent floodwaters. Resident Shane Gannon shares what it was like in the midst of such a disaster and how the Billy Graham team has impacted his community. Shane Gannon – Homeowner:…
ORLANDO, FL — Daniel Kolenda has just released a new concept in publishing. He is calling it an “interactive book” because it brings print and digital technology together in a fresh and exciting way. LIVE Before You Die is Kolenda’s best-selling book, designed to help readers “Discover and fulfill God’s will for their lives.” But…
NIGERIA – In Nigeria persecution is on the increase and so the trauma believers suffer is increasing. However through Open Doors partners working in trauma care, Christians are receiving hope and healing. Anuhu* (name changed for security reasons) who leads the trauma care programme shares the story of how a Nigerian widow, one of the…
