WASHINGTON – An international organization representing Baha’is says it is extremely concerned about Iran’s ongoing detention of up to 100 Baha’is at risk of contracting the coronavirus in Iranian prisons. In a VOA Persian interview on Monday, the Baha’i International Community’s chief representative to the U.N. in New York, Bani Dugal, said an estimated 50… Continue reading Baha’i Leader: Iran Keeping Up to 100 Baha’is in Prisons Under Virus Threat | Voice of America
Tag: Coronavirus
Bible Study Media Gives Away Hope, New Life in Time of Need
Christian publisher offers contents of newly launched book via online community platformHOUSTON — Bible Study Media (BSM), a Christian curriculum publishing ministry and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announced today it will offer content from one of their recently launched books to the public at no cost through their new online community platform. “We are living in… Continue reading Bible Study Media Gives Away Hope, New Life in Time of Need
Teen Challenge Co-Founder Conquers Coronavirus
NEW YORK – The Teen Challenge addiction recovery ministry opened the doors of its first facility in Brooklyn, New York, in 1960. Founded in 1958 by brothers David and Don Wilkerson in 1950, Teen Challenge rose to prominence with the publication of David’s book, The Cross and the Switchblade in 1963. The book became “a… Continue reading Teen Challenge Co-Founder Conquers Coronavirus
LA Dream Center Has Served 300,000 Meals to Needy Families During COVID-19 Shutdown
LOS ANGELES — Since the Los Angeles Unified School District closed on March 13, the LA Dream Center immediately stepped in to provide meals for families who rely on free school meals every day. They have opened their doors 7 days a week from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm to provide food and other essential… Continue reading LA Dream Center Has Served 300,000 Meals to Needy Families During COVID-19 Shutdown
Samaritan’s Purse Central Park 68-Bed Hospital Fighting COVID-19 to Save Lives in NYC
NEW YORK – The big, white Samaritan’s Purse 18-wheelers pulled into New York City during the last week of March. Within days, a fully-equipped field hospital had been erected in Central Park to assist local hospitals in treating Coronavirus COVID-19 patients. Providing Relief The 68-bed emergency field hospital medical staff is complemented by 60 Christian… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Central Park 68-Bed Hospital Fighting COVID-19 to Save Lives in NYC
Helping the Helpless in Asia During COVID-19 Pandemic, Reports Gospel for Asia
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and its affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by KP Yohannan, reports on relief efforts to COVID-19 in Asia. India’s population exceeds 1.3 billion people. Within the nation, 470 million workers are currently restricted from moving about under directions to isolate in place. The Raw… Continue reading Helping the Helpless in Asia During COVID-19 Pandemic, Reports Gospel for Asia
COVID-19: Why the Extreme Poor May Be the Hardest Hit
HOFFMAN ESTATES — Bright Hope publishes new, downloadable booklet for churches and Christ-followers to examine the COVID virus from an extreme poverty perspective. Food Security, health and hygiene, social distancing, and medical care are all vastly different for those living on less than $2.00 a day. The spread of the COVID-19 virus could have devastating… Continue reading COVID-19: Why the Extreme Poor May Be the Hardest Hit
During Social-Distancing, Virtually Serving Others Becomes More Essential Than Ever
American Heritage Girls Across the Country Virtually Join Together in Acts of Service Amid COVID-19 CINCINNATI — While an abundance of events and activities have been canceled and communities are being asked to stay home amid the rapid-spreading COVID-19, for members of American Heritage Girls (AHG), serving others is still on the calendar. Adapting to… Continue reading During Social-Distancing, Virtually Serving Others Becomes More Essential Than Ever
‘Christ Over COVID’ Calls for Global Prayer as Coronavirus Ravages Russia, Former Soviet Nations
Slavic Gospel Association launches international prayer campaign; responds to coming avalanche of spiritual and humanitarian needs LOVES PARK — With on-the-ground reports indicating Russia’s coronavirus peak is less than two weeks away, a pioneering ministry to the former Soviet bloc today launched a global campaign – “Christ Over COVID: Much Prayer, Much Power” – calling… Continue reading ‘Christ Over COVID’ Calls for Global Prayer as Coronavirus Ravages Russia, Former Soviet Nations
Christian Organizations, Churches, Rush to Join COVID-19 Crisis Communications Support Group
Amid coronavirus outbreak, InChrist Communications sets up free ‘Crisis CONNECT Network,’ weekly webinars CHARLOTTE — Christian organizations, churches, and other faith-based nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are rushing to join a “crisis communications support group” set up to help them navigate the coronavirus storm. The online “Crisis CONNECT Network,” created by national integrated communications… Continue reading Christian Organizations, Churches, Rush to Join COVID-19 Crisis Communications Support Group
Chinese Christians Face Persecution & Pandemic
BEIJING – The world as we know it is at a virtual standstill in the presence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. People are isolating in place to avoid falling victim to the virus. Businesses, churches, sports and entertainment venues, and even government offices are closed.For Christians in China, where the COVID-19 is believed to have… Continue reading Chinese Christians Face Persecution & Pandemic
Trinity Recovery Coaching Offers Free Online Christian Counseling During Pandemic
LAS VEGAS — COVID-19 has caused many states to cancel Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Celebration for Recovery meetings to prevent the spread of the disease. People in recovery depend on those meetings for sobriety and without them, they are at a greater risk for relapse. To combat this risk, www.TrinityRecoveryCoaching.org is offering… Continue reading Trinity Recovery Coaching Offers Free Online Christian Counseling During Pandemic
India Bracing for COVID-19 Crisis Says Gospel for Asia
WILLS POINT, TX – A headline in the Los Angeles Times asked the question, “Social distancing during the Coronavirus? Not when a family of six shares one room.” The story introduced readers to some of the obstacles facing India ahead of the potential impact of the Coronavirus and some of the preventative actions being taken… Continue reading India Bracing for COVID-19 Crisis Says Gospel for Asia
Gospel for Asia Reports on the Coronavirus in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, joined the ranks of the many nations battling the deadly coronavirus on January 26th, when the first COVID-19 case was officially reported. The 25,000 square mile island in the Indian Ocean, just off the southern tip of India, is home to approximately 21.6 million people—whom… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Reports on the Coronavirus in Sri Lanka
Persecuted Christians at Higher Risk as Coronavirus Halts Daily Life Worldwide
“Our ability to act quickly is critical.” — Open Doors USASANTA ANA, CA — Living conditions for Christians and other religious minorities worldwide are rapidly worsening due to the Coronavirus outbreak, says Open Doors USA, an organization working with persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries. “Their situation is going from bad to worse,” said… Continue reading Persecuted Christians at Higher Risk as Coronavirus Halts Daily Life Worldwide
Watch Good Friday Service Online With Francis Chan, Ravi Zacharias, Lauren Daigle, Kari Jobe
MINNEAPOLIS — Following this week’s widely successful Leader Check-In, Nick Hall hosted an uplifting Good Friday Service to remember why “the darkest day in history is empowering our brightest future.” The service is an initiative of PULSE and Year of the Bible and was streamed at 5 p.m. ET, Friday, April 10, on GoodFriday.com and… Continue reading Watch Good Friday Service Online With Francis Chan, Ravi Zacharias, Lauren Daigle, Kari Jobe
Got the Quarantine Blues? New Website Resolves that Like Isaac Newton Did in Prior Pandemic
BIRMINGHAM, AL — The following is submitted by Fred Markert, he is director of YWAM Ascend (ascednmissions.com) and serves at Highlands College (highlandscollege.com): In his 1993 book, “Don’t Waste Your Sorrows,” author Paul Billheimer makes the point that it’s not the mere presence of anxiety, fear, pain, or suffering, but how a person reacts to… Continue reading Got the Quarantine Blues? New Website Resolves that Like Isaac Newton Did in Prior Pandemic
CarePortal to Help Kids and Families Most Affected by COVID-19
KANSAS CITY, MO — In coordination with the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and child welfare workers across the country, CarePortal connecting the needs of families with local churches and community members willing to help, launches a COVID-19 Disaster Relief platform. Through this new initiative, local churches across the nation will… Continue reading CarePortal to Help Kids and Families Most Affected by COVID-19
IFCJ Provides Passover Meals for 215,000 Worldwide During COVID-19
JERUSALEM — Leading up to Passover, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) is helping hundreds of thousands of Jews prepare for a joyous holiday, especially those who might otherwise not be able to celebrate. The Fellowship has announced they are dedicating $3 million to help more than 215,000 Jews observe Passover in… Continue reading IFCJ Provides Passover Meals for 215,000 Worldwide During COVID-19
Luis Palau Association Launches Covid.HopewithGod.com to Encourage, Inspire Millions Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
PORTLAND, OR — The Luis Palau Association is offering encouraging resources and the opportunity to join a community of nearly 20 million believers through social media during these uncertain times amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. People are encouraged to find hope and join the community at covid.hopewithgod.com. Palau’s Hope with God platform includes evangelistic videos, articles,… Continue reading Luis Palau Association Launches Covid.HopewithGod.com to Encourage, Inspire Millions Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Back to the Bible Offers Free Resources for Churches to Stay Connected During Pandemic
NASHVILLE — To help churches stay connected and minister to their members during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Back to the Bible is offering a free digital service. The BttB.App (https://www.bttb.app/) platform offers churches the ability to integrate their existing websites with various functions such as coordination of online groups and classes, social engagement between… Continue reading Back to the Bible Offers Free Resources for Churches to Stay Connected During Pandemic
Gospel for Asia Mobile ‘Free Store’ Aids Starving Families in Asia Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Stay-at-home Americans challenged to support coronavirus relief efforts WILLS POINT, TX — Faith-based humanitarian group Gospel for Asia (GFA World, and its affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by KP Yohannan is helping to sustain desperate families pushed to the brink of starvation as South Asia battles the deadly coronavirus. More than 5,000 cases… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Mobile ‘Free Store’ Aids Starving Families in Asia Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Samaritan’s Purse Aids Mount Sinai Health System, Opens Emergency Field Hospital in NYC Central Park to Fight Coronavirus Pandemic
International Christian Relief Organization Responds at Epicenter in U.S. and ItalyNEW YORK — Samaritan’s Purse is opening an Emergency Field Hospital in Central Park adjacent to The Mount Sinai Hospital, the main facility of the Mount Sinai Health System to provide additional specialized care for victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. With nearly half of all… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Aids Mount Sinai Health System, Opens Emergency Field Hospital in NYC Central Park to Fight Coronavirus Pandemic
Luis Palau to Present Powerful Easter Messages Amid Stage IV Cancer Treatment
PORTLAND, OR — Renowned evangelist Luis Palau is set to go big this Easter with a special digital experience sharing a powerful and heartfelt message of hope, love, and joy in the midst of his cancer and these trying times. This Easter Sunday message, in both English and Spanish, is being made available free of… Continue reading Luis Palau to Present Powerful Easter Messages Amid Stage IV Cancer Treatment
Gospel for Asia-Supported Churches in Coronavirus Janata Curfew Lockdown
WILLS POINT, TX – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed the nation of India under a 21-day Janata (all people) curfew to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic among the country’s 1.3 billion residents. He announced the nationwide lockdown on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Although the number of reported cases and deaths due to… Continue reading Gospel for Asia-Supported Churches in Coronavirus Janata Curfew Lockdown
Help Available for Talking to Kids About COVID-19
WARRENTON, MO — Child Evangelism Fellowship has provided an effective, online tool for conversing with children about such troubling situations as the Coronavirus outbreak. In 2001, after the 9/11 tragedy, CEF prepared a booklet entitled “Do You Wonder Why?” to address tragedy. It speaks directly to children about the emotions they experience due to natural… Continue reading Help Available for Talking to Kids About COVID-19
Prayers for Hope, Healing, & Heroes at America’s Hospitals
CONWAY, SC – Hospitals around America are literally being surrounded by Christians praying for the heroic medical staffs, for the healing of patients, and for both groups to find strength and hope in Jesus. On Friday evening, April 3, just one block away from this writer’s home, cars encircled the Conway Medical Center (CMC) as… Continue reading Prayers for Hope, Healing, & Heroes at America’s Hospitals
FBO Leader Stays in Haiti During Coronavirus
JÉRÉMIE, HAITI – Haiti could be a poster-child for disaster. It seems like it is bound by disasters linked together like an endless chain. The impoverished nation had not fully recovered from the massive 2010 earthquake when it was ravaged by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Even without these natural disasters, three-quarters of the households have… Continue reading FBO Leader Stays in Haiti During Coronavirus
Immune to Fear: Unusual Times Require Strong Faith
ORLANDO — In light of the isolation many are experiencing as a result of the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic, Evangelist Daniel Kolenda and the Christ for All Nation’s (CfaN) team is releasing a timely, 60-day Bible study entitled, Immune to Fear. CfaN will offer the inspiring, faith-building, daily devotional free of charge. Once participants register online,… Continue reading Immune to Fear: Unusual Times Require Strong Faith
CDF Capital Offers Over $5.25 Million in Relief to 150+ Churches
IRVINE, CA — On Tuesday, March 31, CDF Capital will offer in excess of $5.25 million in relief to more than 150 churches across the United States. With over $550 million in loans, every network church with a loan in good standing is eligible to receive payment deferrals in the form of six months interest-only… Continue reading CDF Capital Offers Over $5.25 Million in Relief to 150+ Churches
Somebody Cares Network Respond to COVID19 Crisis
HOUSTON — In response to a plea from the White House for donations of supplies to hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers, Somebody Cares America/International has distributed over 40 thousand N95 masks, normally used by SCA for wildfires and relief efforts involving mold from flooding. Recipients include medical relief ministries in Texas and California; various… Continue reading Somebody Cares Network Respond to COVID19 Crisis
First-Ever ‘National Backyard Campout’ Encourages Families to ‘Make Memories’ During the COVID-19 Lockdown
During COVID-19 lockdown, Trail Life USA invites families across U.S. to campout in backyard April 17 GREENVILLE, SC — Boys adventure movement Trail Life USA (www.TrailLifeUSA.com) today announced its first-ever “National Backyard Campout” — encouraging families to “make memories” during the COVID-19 lockdown. At a time when “outward bound” has become “homebound” for families across… Continue reading First-Ever ‘National Backyard Campout’ Encourages Families to ‘Make Memories’ During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Texas Enforces Public Health Orders to Stop the Spread of Coronavirus
CLEVELAND— While Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Maryland have made it clear that abortion clinics are not exempt from public health directives designed to stop the COVID-19 spread, only Texas has actually enforced it. “It appears only Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking the pandemic and the governor’s order to prevent the spread of… Continue reading Texas Enforces Public Health Orders to Stop the Spread of Coronavirus
Groundwire Reports 500+ Faith Professions Monday – During Coronavirus, God is Accessible
CASTLE ROCK, CO — On Tuesday, the 24th of March, Groundwire saw 536 people place their trust in Jesus. God continues to prove that in the midst of a crazy worl of social isolation, He is accessible. The paradigm of “Social Distancing”, in the midst of the Coronavirus chaos, is being encouraged so that germs… Continue reading Groundwire Reports 500+ Faith Professions Monday – During Coronavirus, God is Accessible
USCIRF Says Hazara Shi’a Scapegoated in Pakistan Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today expressed its concern over reports of the provincial government of Balochistan, Pakistan targeting Hazara Shi’a for the spread of COVID-19 amid the Coronavirus lockdown. “We are troubled that government officials in Balochistan are scapegoating the already vulnerable and marginalized Hazara Shi’a community… Continue reading USCIRF Says Hazara Shi’a Scapegoated in Pakistan Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
Initiator of School Prayer Guidelines, A Professor, Calls for National Day of Repentance
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Professor and Harvard graduate William Jeynes is organizing a National Day of Repentance for Easter, Sunday, April 12th. He is contacting governors to announce the proclamation for their states, and religious leaders to make the proclamation for their houses of worship and denominations. He is hopeful that President Trump will make… Continue reading Initiator of School Prayer Guidelines, A Professor, Calls for National Day of Repentance
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
Congregants Embrace Online Worship in Record Numbers Amid Coronavirus
Small churches poised to embrace new technology ahead of Easter Sunday 2020 LENOIR CITY, TN — ChurchStreaming.tv and easyTithe, Ministry Brands companies, reported an unprecedented surge in congregant online worship and tithing as in-person church attendance levels decrease. easyTithe saw a 99% increase in online giving and ChurchStreaming.tv saw a quadrupling of its streaming usage… Continue reading Congregants Embrace Online Worship in Record Numbers Amid Coronavirus
Thirty-One Brazilians Find New Home in Holy Land Despite Coronavirus Challenges
JERUSALEM — In a miraculous display of fortuitousness and resolve, 31 new Jewish immigrants (olim) from Brazil managed to find their way to Israel last weekend despite myriad restrictions required to contain the spread of COVID-19. “The fact is that our work must continue,” said Yael Eckstein, president and CEO of the International Fellowship of… Continue reading Thirty-One Brazilians Find New Home in Holy Land Despite Coronavirus Challenges
Cornerstone Television Offers ‘Coronavirus: Hope for Today’ Programs
WALL, PA — Fear. Panic. Anxiety. Uncertainty. As people throughout the U.S. and around the world are experiencing these emotions, Cornerstone Television Network (a faith-based TV network) has decided to extend its daily programming special, entitled “Coronavirus: Hope for Today” on its own network, and through other networks across the nation. Originally announced as a… Continue reading Cornerstone Television Offers ‘Coronavirus: Hope for Today’ Programs
World Health Day and the Anitimicrobial Challenges of COVID-19
GENEVA – April 7th of this year marks the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the observance of World Health Day. The special awareness day was established in 1948 by the first World Health Assembly (WHA). The WHA is the governing body over the World Health Organization (WHO), the sponsor of World Health Day. The… Continue reading World Health Day and the Anitimicrobial Challenges of COVID-19
IFCJ Donates $2 Million for Lifesaving Equipment in Israel to Fight the Coronavirus
JERUSALEM — As the number of individuals in Israel diagnosed with the COVID-19 coronavirus rises, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) plays a critical role in Israel’s fight against the pandemic. On March 20, 2020, The Fellowship approved $2 million in special grants to 15 hospitals for respiratory equipment and other lifesaving machinery. Additionally, The Fellowship purchased 20 special testing… Continue reading IFCJ Donates $2 Million for Lifesaving Equipment in Israel to Fight the Coronavirus
‘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
Save the Storks Helps Pregnancy Resource Centers During COVID-19 Outbreak
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) across the nation face obstacles as they continue working to reach clients during the COVID-19 outbreak. “Keeping PRCs open and reaching clients is of upmost importance during this crisis,” said Chief Communications Officer Diane Ferraro. “It is more important than ever for clinics that provide free resources… Continue reading Save the Storks Helps Pregnancy Resource Centers During COVID-19 Outbreak
Amid COVID19, Non-Profit Works to Rescue Children from Public School
SAN DIEGO — With COVID19 coronavirus shutting government schools, millions of parents have a historic opportunity to try homeschooling and non-government alternatives, declared leaders with the new movement “Public School Exit.” According to the non-profit, founded in 2019 by Christian leaders passionate about K-12 education, government schools are seriously harming children through sexualization, indoctrination, and… Continue reading Amid COVID19, Non-Profit Works to Rescue Children from Public School
COVID-19 Causes People Worldwide to Seek Spiritual Assurance at Unprecedented Levels
PLANO, TX – As the COVID-19 virus stokes worldwide fear for physical, financial and employment well-being, Global Media Outreach – the pioneer and leader in online ministry – is seeing an unprecedented rise in inquiries about faith, God and the Bible during this pandemic. “Fear is a natural response to a situation like this that… Continue reading COVID-19 Causes People Worldwide to Seek Spiritual Assurance at Unprecedented Levels
Faithlife Giving Offers Free Subscriptions to Online Platform to Aid Churches During COVID-19
BELLINGHAM, WA – In support of the many churches that will operate online for the foreseeable future in recognition of CDC recommendations to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Faithlife Giving, an online giving solution from Faithlife, makers of Logos Bible Software, is now offering six months of premium rates with no subscription fees… Continue reading Faithlife Giving Offers Free Subscriptions to Online Platform to Aid Churches During COVID-19
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
Virtual Services Enable Real Prayer, but Not All Have Online Access
GENEVA — The following is the fourth in a series about the response of the WCC, member churches and all people of goodwill to COVID-19. The purpose of these stories is to share hopes, concerns and best practices among our one human family. – WCC director of communication Marianne Ejdersten As the world grapples with… Continue reading Virtual Services Enable Real Prayer, but Not All Have Online Access
Coronavirus Crisis Could Compound in Asia Due to ‘Handwashing Crisis’ Warns Gospel for Asia
WILLS POINT, TX — Hundreds of millions of people around the world can’t take the most basic precaution against the coronavirus or other diseases — because they don’t have clean water or soap to wash their hands, mission agency Gospel for Asia (GFA) warned today. Marking World Water Day, Gospel for Asia (GFA) says millions… Continue reading Coronavirus Crisis Could Compound in Asia Due to ‘Handwashing Crisis’ Warns Gospel for Asia