ANTAKYA, TURKEY — While the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria continues to mount, this unprecedented disaster has also destroyed many church buildings. Soner with Shema Media Group reports from the rubble of this church that had stood for at least 1,000 years in the city of Antakya in South-Central Turkey close… Continue reading Historic Turkish Church Destroyed in Earthquake
Tag: Christian World News
Aleppo Pastor Opens Up Church to Help Earthquake Victims
ALEPPO, SYRIA — After the earthquake struck Syria Open Doors partner Pastor Abdalla immediately opened up his church in Aleppo to provide help for the survivors. He shares what it was like the day of the disaster and how they are providing support to their community. Pastor Abdalla – Open Doors Partner in Aleppo, Syria:… Continue reading Aleppo Pastor Opens Up Church to Help Earthquake Victims
Helping Iraqis Overcome Trauma
NORTHERN IRAQ — Samaritan’s Purse is helping internally displaced families in Iraq heal from the ongoing wounds of trauma caused by ISIS’ reign of terror. They’re addressing these painful realities by sponsoring trauma recovery classes for men, women, and children in multiple locations across Iraq. From Mosul Family Center on the central Nineveh Plains, to… Continue reading Helping Iraqis Overcome Trauma
Why Are so Many Christians Killed in Nigeria?
NIGERIA — More Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a vast humanitarian catastrophe, as a wave of religiously motivated violence nurtured in Nigeria has swept across the region, targeting Christian populations at an alarming rate in countries like Burkina Faso, Cameroon,… Continue reading Why Are so Many Christians Killed in Nigeria?
Medical Ministry in Ukraine’s Liberated Towns
KYIV, UKRAINE — Kyiv Jewish Messianic Congregation unceasingly continues to serve those in need during this difficult time. Jewish Medical Charitable HUB UA is our medical organization that is providing humanitarian dental services in Ukraine. We managed to help people from 10 liberated villages and cities in the Kyiv region, and it was succeeded with… Continue reading Medical Ministry in Ukraine’s Liberated Towns
North Korea Tops Open Doors World Watch List
NORTH KOREA — More than 360 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith – that’s a staggering 1 in 7 believers. Open Doors has launched this year’s World Watch list highlighting the 50 countries where faith costs the most, with North Korea returning to number one as the world’s… Continue reading North Korea Tops Open Doors World Watch List
Helping Families Living with Disability Find Their Place in Church
RIDGELAND, MS — Did you know that there is an unreached people group in your neighborhood? Only 5-10% of the world’s disabled population are effectively reached with the Gospel. That makes people with disabilities one of the largest unreached people groups in the world! For Joshua and his mother, a welcoming church in Ridgeland, Mississippi… Continue reading Helping Families Living with Disability Find Their Place in Church
Distributing Food and Offering Hope in Ukraine
UKRAINE — Samaritan’s Purse is distributing food with help from a multitude of church partners in Ukraine to hungry refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing violence in their region. “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will… Continue reading Distributing Food and Offering Hope in Ukraine
Afghan Convert Shares Story of Fleeing Taliban
CENTRAL ASIA — Forty-year-old Abdulla*, his wife Nilufar* and their three children fled Afghanistan when the Taliban came to power in August 2021. Now living as a refugee in Central Asia, he shares his story about what life is like for Afghan people – and Christians – remaining in the country. *Name changed for security… Continue reading Afghan Convert Shares Story of Fleeing Taliban
Empowering Children in Africa’s Largest Slum
KIBERA, KENYA —A Christian charity is empowering and educating children in Africa’s largest slum in Kibera on the outskirts of Nairobi in Kenya. Most of the residents live in extreme poverty. There are few schools, little clean water, and very little electricity, medical care or toilet facilities. With no government services, schools, clinics, water and… Continue reading Empowering Children in Africa’s Largest Slum
Buenos Aires Outreach Sees 20,000 Gospel Responses
BUENOS AIRES — It had been 14 years since the Luis Palau Association held their last citywide campaign in Buenos Aires. The main avenue was shut down through town. All 16 lanes. And the crowd stretched out for 7 full blocks. It proved to be the largest festival in the history of their team. It… Continue reading Buenos Aires Outreach Sees 20,000 Gospel Responses
SAT-7 Spotlights Top 5 ‘Evolving Crises’ in Middle East in 2023
EASTON, MD — A U.S. organization focused on the Middle East and North Africa is casting the spotlight on what it calls the region’s top 5 “evolving crises” at the start of 2023. With the world’s gaze fixed on Ukraine-Russia and muscle-flexing in China, “seismic events unfolding in the Middle East are simply off the… Continue reading SAT-7 Spotlights Top 5 ‘Evolving Crises’ in Middle East in 2023
Former Persecutor Finds Christ in Colombian Prison
COLOMBIA — Thirty-year-old pastor John used to persecute Christians after joining a paramilitary group to seek revenge for his father’s death. But it was while John was serving time in the Colombian prison that he met Jesus – and his whole life changed. John – Colombia: “When I was not a Christian, I was one… Continue reading Former Persecutor Finds Christ in Colombian Prison
GFA World Helps Light Up Stoney Creek
STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO — Every year GFA World and their mission partner, St Cyprian BEC, work together to bring beauty and light to their neighbourhood. One of the ways we do this is by turning three large evergreens into Christmas trees! On November 27 we held a Christmas Tree Lighting. At this event, the Christmas… Continue reading GFA World Helps Light Up Stoney Creek
Persecuted Christians in the Middle East Receive Vital Winter Supplies
MIDDLE EAST — As winter continues, persecuted Christians in the Muslim world are facing hunger and bitter cold. When humanitarian aid does make it to these areas for distribution, Christians are overlooked — intentionally left out by authorities because of their faith. They cling fervently to Christ despite all opposition and hardship.In response the Help… Continue reading Persecuted Christians in the Middle East Receive Vital Winter Supplies
GFA World Celebrated Serving Alongside Local Churches for 38 Years
STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO — November 14-20 marked this year’s National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes. St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church (BEC) was proud to once more serve as an OCC collection centre for Stoney Creek. Also, GFA World Canada celebrated their 38th anniversary on November 19th. Every year during National Collection Week,… Continue reading GFA World Celebrated Serving Alongside Local Churches for 38 Years
OM in Ukraine Continues to Serve Those Impacted by the War
UKRAINE — “Seeing the pain, seeing the need of people, you cannot stand by and do nothing. As Christians, we are always touched by that.” explains Stefan, Crisis Manager for Operation Mobilisation (OM) in Ukraine. In this video Stefan and others with OM in Ukraine share the power of the unity among the Christian community… Continue reading OM in Ukraine Continues to Serve Those Impacted by the War
Ian’s Perfect Gift: A Pediatric Wheelchair and Gospel Hope
EL SALVADOR — Four-year-old Ian from El Salvador was born prematurely. Lack of oxygen at birth caused a brain injury, leaving Ian with cerebral palsy. Living under the double weight of poverty and disability, Ian’s parents couldn’t afford a wheelchair for their son. Then, at a Joni and Friends Wheels for the World™ outreach in… Continue reading Ian’s Perfect Gift: A Pediatric Wheelchair and Gospel Hope
ChinaAid Announces Recipient of 2022 Lin Zhao Freedom Award
MIDLAND, TX — China Aid Association is pleased to announce Ms. Xu Qin as the winner of the Lin Zhao Freedom Award 2022. Ms. Xu is a well-known activist who served as the secretary general of the civil organization “China Human Rights Watch” and a spokesperson for Rose Team (玫瑰中国), a group committed to promoting… Continue reading ChinaAid Announces Recipient of 2022 Lin Zhao Freedom Award
Qatari Christians Call for Prayers During World Cup
QATAR — While Christian migrants are able to worship openly, native Qatari Christians are forbidden from having their own church or even entering one. Christians in Qatar are calling for prayers that the media coverage during the World Cup will provide an opportunity to reach more people. Qatar has been one of the countries participating… Continue reading Qatari Christians Call for Prayers During World Cup
Eastern European Mission Provides 225,000 Children’s Bibles to Former Communist Nation
HURST, TX — EEM (Eastern European Mission), a ministry that has steadfastly worked for more than 60 years to supply free Bibles to Eastern Europe and the surrounding nations, recently delivered 225,000 Children’s Bibles in North Macedonia as a result of its Bibles for Kids fundraising campaign. The gift was recognized by both the Church… Continue reading Eastern European Mission Provides 225,000 Children’s Bibles to Former Communist Nation
Media Ministry Supplies Vital Winter Heating in Ukraine
UKRAINE — Winter is coming to Ukraine. Russia has bombed Ukraine’s power grids and heating infrastructure. To survive this winter thousands of families, mothers and children need a heater. In response, Great Commission Media Ministries has been distributing hundreds of families with wood-burning stoves for heating and for cooking but they say thousands more are… Continue reading Media Ministry Supplies Vital Winter Heating in Ukraine
OM UK Celebrates 60th Anniversary
HALESOWEN, ENGLAND — For 60 years, OM has been ministering in the UK. Over the years, tens of thousands of people have been inspired and equipped to engage in mission work around the world. And today, by the grace of God, OM has over 275 missionaries from the UK living out His love in over… Continue reading OM UK Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Calls for World Cup Host Qatar to Embrace Religious Freedom
QATAR — This year, Qatar will become the first Arab nation to ever host the World Cup. But behind the polished veneers of the sparkling stadiums things in Qatar aren’t as pristine as they seem, according to Christian charity Open Doors. Since winning hosting rights for the World Cup more than a decade ago they… Continue reading Calls for World Cup Host Qatar to Embrace Religious Freedom
Ukraine ‘Heat and Hope’ Project Gets Underway as Winter Crisis Nears
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based mission has launched a massive ‘heat and hope’ project to rush generators and critical supplies of firewood, coal and thermal blankets to local churches helping Ukrainian families facing a brutal and potentially deadly winter. The Ukraine Winter Heat and Hope Project, organized by Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org),… Continue reading Ukraine ‘Heat and Hope’ Project Gets Underway as Winter Crisis Nears
Iran Alive Ministries Partners with Channel One to Reach Even More Viewers in Iran
LOS ANGELES, CA — Iran Alive Ministries (IAM) has officially partnered with Channel One (Kanal Yek TV), a Persian TV channel broadcasting from Los Angeles, CA to viewers in Iran, to obtain a primetime slot for IAM’s Gospel-centric programming. “With this partnership, we will gain many new secular-minded audiences who have already rejected Islam, so… Continue reading Iran Alive Ministries Partners with Channel One to Reach Even More Viewers in Iran
Historic Bibles for Kids Distribution in Macedonia
SKOPJE, MACEDONIA — EEM (Eastern European Mission), a ministry that has steadfastly worked for more than 60 years to supply free Bibles to Eastern Europe and the surrounding nations, recently delivered 225,000 Children’s Bibles in North Macedonia as a result of its Bibles for Kids fundraising campaign. The gift was recognized by both the Church… Continue reading Historic Bibles for Kids Distribution in Macedonia
Kenya Student Disabled Following Islamist Attack
KENYA — In 2015, Islamist terrorists attacked Garissa University in Kenya, leaving 148 people dead. Many victims were, like Ronald, Christian students who were singled out by the gunmen. Ronald shares some of the difficulties he has encountered since the attack. Ronald Moranga Magembe: “My name is Ronald Moranga Magembe a former Garissa University student,… Continue reading Kenya Student Disabled Following Islamist Attack
Adama’s Life-Saving Mercy Ships Surgery
SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA — When Adama was born in Senegal with a cleft lip it posed great danger to her life with the possibility of malnutrition and even starvation. That was until she received life-saving surgery on board the Africa Mercy, run by Christian charity Mercy Ships. Adama was born with a cleft lip, so… Continue reading Adama’s Life-Saving Mercy Ships Surgery
Evangelist Andrew Palau Shares the Gospel with More Than 200,000 People Through Massive Regionwide Festival in Argentina
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA — Fourteen years after renowned evangelist Luis Palau’s historic campaign in Argentina’s capital city of Buenos Aires, the Palau Association returned to deliver the same message of hope to a new generation of Argentines, this time led by Luis Palau’s son, Andrew Palau. Standing in front of a sea of people in… Continue reading Evangelist Andrew Palau Shares the Gospel with More Than 200,000 People Through Massive Regionwide Festival in Argentina
Minno Brings ‘Laugh and Grow Bible For Kids’ to Life, Adapting Best-Selling Bible for Screen
NASHVILLE — Minno, a kids’ media company, announced today that its best-selling “Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids,” is being adapted for screen through vibrant animation. An initial four-episodes and Christmas Special for children ages 4-8+ will launch just in time for the holidays. The “Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids” animated series invites kids… Continue reading Minno Brings ‘Laugh and Grow Bible For Kids’ to Life, Adapting Best-Selling Bible for Screen
Thankful for a New Home in Ukraine
UKRAINE — Kateryna praises God for the Samaritan’s Purse workers who put windows in her home and a new roof on it, giving her a safe place to live after a missile destroyed her house in Ukraine. Kateryna – Ukrainian Homeowner: At first there was nothing, it was a normal day. It then turned into… Continue reading Thankful for a New Home in Ukraine
Ethiopian Convert Escapes Death
ETHIOPIA — When Ethiopian Daniel*, a staunch follower of Islam, came across a Bible, he decided to read it only so that he could disprove it. But encountering the gospel led him to convert and start following Jesus – and experience persecution from his family. *Name changed for security reasons. Daniel: “People noticed me… Continue reading Ethiopian Convert Escapes Death
Being Family for Valentina This Christmas
COLOMBIA — Valentina (15) in Colombia is one of many Christian children who face persecution for their faith. It isn’t safe for her to live at home, because of guerrilla gangs and indigenous groups. Thanks to Christian charity Open Doors in, she’s able to receive shelter and a Christian education at their Colombia Children’s Centre… Continue reading Being Family for Valentina This Christmas
‘King’ Baba’s Journey to Hope in Senegal
SENEGAL — Meet Baba, one of the graduates of the Mercy Ships Food for Life sustainable agriculture program in Senegal. Or, as he was more commonly known by the other students, “King Baba.”He earned the nickname because from the top of his class, the 19-year-old peanut farmer used his energy to lift others up. Baba’s… Continue reading ‘King’ Baba’s Journey to Hope in Senegal
Providing Clean Water in Puerto Rico
PUERTO RICO — Samaritan’s Purse is helping to bring clean water to families in Puerto Rico following the devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona by setting up water filtration systems in neighborhoods. Jeremiah Roberts – Samaritan’s Purse: In the wake of hurrican Fiona there’s been widespread loss of access to electricity and also to drinking water.… Continue reading Providing Clean Water in Puerto Rico
Open Doors Enables Mimi’s Family to Stay in Iraq
IRAQ — Mimi (12) was very young when she fled her home in Bartella with her grandparents after so-called Islamic State invaded the Nineveh Plains. Until recently, Mimi’s parents were considering leaving Iraq – until they received a microloan to set up a farm through Open Doors partners. Mimi: “I love Iraq, because it is… Continue reading Open Doors Enables Mimi’s Family to Stay in Iraq
Healthcare Provider’s Tumor Surgery Impacts Guinea Community
GUINEA, WEST AFRICA — Despite the tumor slowly growing on his face for 15 years, Amadou never stopped providing medical care to others around him. As the sole healthcare professional, he became a pillar of hope for his village in Guinea in West Africa — and then, finally, it was time to have his own hope… Continue reading Healthcare Provider’s Tumor Surgery Impacts Guinea Community
International Men’s Day Saturday 19 November 2022 — ‘Helping Men and Boys’
UNANDERRA, AUSTRALIA — Launched in 1999, and now celebrated in more than 90 countries worldwide, International Men’s Day is going from strength to strength. One of the six pillars of International Men’s Day is: “To focus on men’s health and wellbeing: social, emotional, physical, and spiritual.” In this light our theme for IMD 2022 is… Continue reading International Men’s Day Saturday 19 November 2022 — ‘Helping Men and Boys’
Jewish Open Space Festival in the Time of War, Ukraine
KYIV, UKRAINE — Jewish Open Space festival changed its format this year. This year the Festival expanded its reach despite martial law and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Besides being hosted in Kyiv, it’s also held in a number of other cities in Ukraine and even in other countries like Germany and Poland. The joy… Continue reading Jewish Open Space Festival in the Time of War, Ukraine
Media Ministry Gives Voice to Iran’s Embattled Women
IRAN — A Middle East media ministry is giving embattled Iranian women a voice after government officials shut down the nation’s internet amid mass protests that have turned deadly. SAT-7 — a multimedia Christian broadcaster — has seen its WhatsApp and Instagram services disrupted by the digital media blackout, but live satellite television broadcasts are… Continue reading Media Ministry Gives Voice to Iran’s Embattled Women
Bringing Long-Term Relief to Ukraine
UKRAINE — Samaritan’s Purse has served more than 6 million people throughout the first seven months of their response in Ukraine. They have distributed over 33,000 metric tons of food within Ukraine in partnership with the local church. Their water systems and newly constructed freshwater wells have provided more than 15 million liters of water… Continue reading Bringing Long-Term Relief to Ukraine
GFA World Partner St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church Hosts Fall Festival for Stoney Creek Community
STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO — October 22, 2022 St. Cyprian BEC (https://www.bechurch.ca), mission partner of GFA World hosted a free Fall Festival for the community. We gratefully took advantage of one of the last warm weekends of the year for this event. Families and individuals were welcomed to the property we share with Gospel for Asia… Continue reading GFA World Partner St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church Hosts Fall Festival for Stoney Creek Community
Inspired by a Remarkable True Story ‘5000 Blankets’ Premieres in Theaters Nationwide for Two Nights Only Dec. 12-13
CULVER CITY, CA — In theaters for two nights only this December, 5000 BLANKETS tells the remarkable and inspiring story of a young family that meets a life-altering crisis with compassion for those most in need, inspiring their city in the process. 5000 BLANKETS debuts in more than 700 theaters nationwide Dec. 12 and 13… Continue reading Inspired by a Remarkable True Story ‘5000 Blankets’ Premieres in Theaters Nationwide for Two Nights Only Dec. 12-13
Revisiting Syrian Widow Jina
SYRIA — In 2019, Open Doors visited Jina, whose husband Rober had been kidnapped by extremists early in the Syrian civil war. Jina has been raising their son, Apo, alone since then – but she continues to be supported by Open Doors. In 2019 Open Doors visited Jina, whose husband Rober had been kidnapped by… Continue reading Revisiting Syrian Widow Jina
CityServe Pledges to Help More Families in Ukraine Stay Warm, Plans to Deliver Another Million Meals
BAKERSFIELD, CA — As an energy crisis unfolds in Europe, Ukrainians may face the inability to heat their homes, or lack the resources to do so. Consequently, CityServe International is partnering with over 6,700 churches in their church network in Eastern Europe to help deliver generators and C-train homes to Ukrainian families to ensure they… Continue reading CityServe Pledges to Help More Families in Ukraine Stay Warm, Plans to Deliver Another Million Meals
Cire’s Mercy Ships Birthday Gift
SENEGAL — When Cire was just 16, a tumor started growing on the right side of his face. It was a devastating development for his family, who had already paid all they could afford for surgery to remove a similar tumor years earlier. Now, with no funds left, all they could do was wait —… Continue reading Cire’s Mercy Ships Birthday Gift
Dr. David Jeremiah and Turning Point announce their first feature film, ‘Why the Nativity’
EL CAJON, CA — Premiering this Christmas as the first docudrama feature film from Turning Point Ministries, Why the Nativity? is a thought-provoking journey surrounding what Dr. Jeremiah calls “the most pivotal moment in human history—the birth of Jesus Christ.” Throughout the docudrama, Dr. Jeremiah draws from both the Old and New Testaments, providing answers… Continue reading Dr. David Jeremiah and Turning Point announce their first feature film, ‘Why the Nativity’
Prayer for Ukraine and Russia
GALAȚI, ROMANIA — We still need to pray for peace in a Europe that is faced with the war in Ukraine. More than 8 months have passed since the Russian invasion and a ceasefire agreement has still not been reached. During this time, over 4 million people have fled the war and taken refuge in… Continue reading Prayer for Ukraine and Russia
Shoebox Gifts Bring Joy to Deaf Children in Namibia
NAMIBIA — The classroom was quiet as deaf Namibian boys and girls opened their Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. There were no squeals of excitement or chattering, no shouting for friends to come and look at the fun gifts inside their shoebox. The Operation Christmas Child outreach event marked the first time that most of the… Continue reading Shoebox Gifts Bring Joy to Deaf Children in Namibia