NIGERIA — It’s been 10 years since the Chibok Nigerian schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria. More than 90 of the young women are still missing. On 14 April, parents of the girls gathered for a service to pray for the missing women. Yakubu Nkeki – Chibok, Nigeria: My name is Yakubu…
JERUSALEM — Following the Iranian attacks on April 13 in which hundreds of drones and missiles were launched at Israel from Iran and its proxies, The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) announced today it has taken immediate action to approve $600,000 for emergency food and shelter boxes. Additionally, the organization is expediting…
CALIFORNIA— Joni and Friends Family Retreat provides a place where families living with disability can find love, community, and Christ-centered support. Mike’s story of finding hope through hardship is just a peek into the lives of the many families who attend Family Retreat. Mike “Boston” Andrejczyk: My oldest son, Naim, was adopted through Family Services….
CHIAPAS, MEXICO — In the Heart of Chiapas, a Pioneering Seminar Gathers Journalists and Evangelical Leaders to Address One of the Most Relevant Topics in Today’s Mexico: Religious Freedom San Cristóbal de las Casas was the venue for the seminar “The Reality of Religious Freedom in Mexico, Religious Discrimination, and the Challenges of Objective Communication.”…
PLAINS OF NINEVEH, IRAQ — Melody is a group of young Christians in Iraq who praise God and, through their music, share the message of the Gospel with those who do not know Christ. However, their lives have not been easy: nine years ago, they had to flee from their homes due to the advance…
WILLS POINT, TX — GFA World (www.gfa.org) — one of the largest faith-based mission agencies — is launching a new 450-bed hospital, medical school, and training complex in East Africa. The state-of-the-art medical facility and training center — being constructed in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali — will serve the poorest of the poor, and train new…
UKRAINE — Into the third year of Russia’s occupation of parts of Ukraine, Christian leaders are being killed, tortured and are disappearing. And in Russia, priests who oppose Putin’s invasion are being imprisoned or silenced. And yet, in Ukraine, there are signs of a growing hunger for the gospel, with reports of churches packed to…
IRAN — Simin* from Iran has experienced hostility from the authorities, her work and even her own family. But her faith in Jesus is undiminished. Today, helped by Open Doors, she’s found a way to channel her experiences into helping other women back in her homeland, Iran. Simin*: With nothing but a little cash in…
SANTA LUCÍA, MEXICO — Samaritan’s Purse has given four water filtration systems to the military of Mexico for use in future natural disasters. These devices were used during their response to Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, which recently concluded. Edward Graham was on hand to speak and tell why they do all they do in Jesus’…
DALLAS — RevelationMedia, the visionary organization behind the groundbreaking iBIBLE initiative, announced it has received an important endorsement from SIL International Translation Services, a leading global authority on Bible translations, certifying its iBIBLE Genesis scripts as an authentic translation of the Biblical Narrative and making it the first animated series to be certified as an…
IRAQ — When she became a Christian, Sara* experienced a miraculous escape after her father put her under house arrest and arranged a forced marriage to a Muslim man for her. Thanks to support from Open Doors, Sara knows her true value in Christ as she serves others. Open Doors’ vision is that every persecuted…
NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN — As Taiwan was rocked by it’s worst earthquake since 1999 Christian ministries were quick to provide urgent disaster response as well as mobilize prayers for the nation. The 7.4 magnitude quake has claimed at least 9 lives and the island nation has been hit by hundreds of aftershocks. A magnitude…
SYRIA — In Uganda, fear and attacks from Islamic ADF militants are increasing. But thanks to your prayers, local Open Doors partners are supporting affected Christians with trauma counselling and spiritual support. *Names changed for security reasons Edward Bamcwanira – Retired Bishop, East Rwenzori Diocese: We are living in fear. And whoever says there is…
CALIFORNIA — Evangelist Franklin Graham traveled to the United States-Mexico border to share a message of God’s love. The final stop of the tour took place in Chula Vista, California, on Saturday, March 9. The God Loves You Border Tour visited 10 cities, starting in the Gulf of Mexico and ending in the Pacific. Franklin…
SYRIA — Ani was horrified when her baby girl Maria was caught up in a bomb attack in Syria in 2014. In Ani’s survival story, Maria survived thanks to the prayers of the church – and Ani realised she needed to make Jesus her sure foundation. *Name changed for security reasons Ani*: “There are a…
ENGLAND — A Christian teaching assistant has won a £7,000 legal settlement from a school in Leeds in the North of England after he was sacked for being a street preacher in his spare time. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, Mr Andy Nix, 65, took legal action against Temple Moor High School in Leeds…
COLOMBIA — In Viviana’s* community, meeting together as Christians is impossible. But God has blessed believers with courage and creativity to help them gather – which means church in Colombia looks a little bit different. *name changed and voice adjusted for security reasons Viviana* – Colombia: We do not have a church and we cannot…
AFRICA — Christ for all Nations (CfaN) has embarked on a historic series of gospel campaigns across Africa. This epic undertaking of 50 gospel campaigns from Cape Town to Cairo, led by Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, follows the 50th-anniversary launch event in Cape Town and started on February 21st, 2024. These events are expected to draw…
RICHARDSON, TX — U.S.-based RevelationMedia announced two significant milestones today in its groundbreaking iBIBLE initiative. First, the overwhelming success of an iBIBLE special episode, The Real Story of Jesus, that presents the story of Jesus from creation to His second coming. Since its release on December 3, the ministry reports, more than 1,290,000 people have…
UGANDA — A non-profit organization based in Colorado, USA is celebrating twenty years in Uganda, Africa; combating HIV/AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases by promoting abstinence before marriage, and faithfulness in marriage, through the power of Christ. For decades, Uganda was the epicenter of the HIV crisis in Africa. Today, countless orphans remain as witnesses…
CALGARY, AB — On Tuesday, March 19, Samaritan’s Purse transported one of its Emergency Field Hospitals to Calgary to increase Samaritan’s Purse Canada’s capacity to launch international, life-saving medical responses. The tent facility arrived at the Calgary International Airport onboard the Christian relief organization’s DC-8 and 757 Cargo planes. The hospital will be strategically positioned…
PAKISTAN — Pakistan is expecting a change of government following recent elections. And one challenge that will face the new Prime Minister and his party will be to protect the country’s Christian minority from violence. The violence is often linked with accusations of blasphemy, as Andrew Boyd from Release International reports. There are calls for…
CALIFORNIA — Franklin Graham went to the U.S.-Mexico border to share a message of God’s love. The final night of the tour took place in Chula Vista, California, on Saturday, March 9. The God Loves You Frontera Tour visited 10 cities, starting at the Gulf of Mexico and going all the way to the Pacific….
AFRICA — The year 2024 is historic for the ministry Christ for All Nations, as it marks 50 years since the ministry’s inception. Founded by the late evangelist Reinhard Bonnke and now led by Daniel Kolenda, (CfaN for its acronym in English) has an astounding track record in mass evangelism campaigns, particularly in the African…
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, is working to provide Christians in 35 language groups across Indonesia and Southeast Asia with Bible Translation Acceleration Kits (BTAKs)—and the training to use them. Each kit includes a computer, special…
WILLS POINT, TX — It’s one of the most remarkable stories in the colossal quest to provide clean drinking water to every person on the planet. The “Jesus Wells” project, a monumental undertaking of Texas-based mission agency GFA World (www.gfa.org), is 25 years old this year — and on the cusp of delivering safe, clean…
BOULDER, COLORADO — Artificial Intelligence, or AI, can be used to write social media posts, create images and soundtracks for weekly announcements, and even generate a sermon outline. The challenge for the church is understanding how to harness the power of AI in a way that preserves the integrity of the gospel message. It has…
ISRAEL — When Pastor Oleg miraculously survived rocket attacks from Hamas at his home in Ashkelon near the Gaza border, instead of fleeing for his life, he chose to stay and minister to many fellow Ukrainians who have fled war in their own country to Israel. Thanks to support from Slavic Gospel Association Pastor Oleg…
BOULDER, COLORADO — Artificial Intelligence, or AI, seems to be everywhere we turn, including the church. A tech company that serves the church community recently sponsored an AI “hackathon” to bring together like-minded software designers to explore the potential, and peril, of this powerful technology. Without a doubt, you have heard of artificial intelligence, but…
IRAN — A new technology, cutting-edge virtual camera system, installed at SAT-7 PARS’ Limassol studio in Cyprus is taking multiple Persian programs to new heights. It enables presenters and actors to move about in, and even interact with, a digitally-designed virtual environment that is bringing stories to life. And it will enable the broadcast ministry…
KRAKOW, POLAND — In every corner of Poland, from Gdańsk to Zakopane and from Zielona Góra to Białystok, hundreds of churches are coming together and supporting the Bóg Cie Kocha Tour, which will bring a powerful message of hope to Krakow this spring. Wojciech Włoch, pastor of the Church of Jesus Christ in Krakow and…
ISRAEL — During a special ceremony in January in Jerusalem, Franklin Graham met with Israeli leaders and with families of the fallen to dedicate 14 new ambulances provided by Samaritan’s Purse for the use of Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical services provider. Each vehicle was inscribed with an excerpt from Scripture and with…
PANAMA — The President of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, received the evangelist Andrés Palau in his office. Together, they shared the importance of spreading a message of hope at the new Palau Festival in Panama City, which includes both spiritual moments and social assistance activities. The meeting concluded with a prayer for the nation and the…
MERCER ISLAND — The State of the Christian Workplace 2024 report provides insights into employee engagement and workplace health in Christian-led workplaces. For the first time, results from Best Christian Workplaces research are publicly available in an accessible and statistically valid format. Now leaders who want to take steps to create a flourishing workplace culture…
CUBA — “Cuba Crucis” is a documentary directed by Cuban journalist Yoe Suárez. This documentary gathers testimonies and stories about how the lack of individual freedoms under the communist regime in Cuba affects the religious community and hinders the full practice of faith. The 52-minute documentary “Cuba Crucis” presents impactful testimonies from religious leaders and…
NIGERIA, AFRICA — On the sixth anniversary of Leah Sharibu’s kidnapping in Nigeria, friends of kidnapped share how they’ve been encouraged by her courageous faith – and how they’re hopeful they’ll one day see her again. Leah Sharibu’s Friends: Leah is like a sister to me, a very good friend. At the boarding school, we…
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA — At the invitation of dozens of local churches in Panama, the Palau Association shared the Good News of Jesus Christ in Panama City, from February 26 – March 2, 2024, through numerous outreach events and a 2-day family festival in the heart of the city. Thousands gathered for the festival on…
AFRICA — In 2023, Christian medical ministry Mercy Ships made history by serving three African nations for the first time providing vital surgeries from two ports through the #GlobalMercy. In 2024, the need remains great — but with an active two-ship fleet, the impact will be even greater. In 2023, for the first time in…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) are deploying to Hutchinson County in the Texas Panhandle, where the second-largest fire in the state’s history is forcing evacuations. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties, as over 1 million acres have burned in Texas and Oklahoma….
UNANDERRA, AUSTRALIA — The International Men’s Day team congratulate the women of the world on the 114th celebration of International Women’s Day, which started in 1911. Three years ago, in 2021 the theme we celebrated for International Men’s Day was, ‘better relations between men and women.’ This is still one of our core objectives. Please…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Jean Graham Ford, wife of evangelist Dr. Leighton Ford and younger sister of the late Rev. Billy Graham, died at Carolinas Medical Center Thursday morning, Feb. 29, at the age of 91. Jean spent her childhood in Charlotte on the Graham dairy farm, located a few miles from the current location of…
WASHINGTON — Family Research Council (FRC) recently released the newest edition of its Hostility Against Churches report, updated to include hostility incidents from calendar year 2023. The report’s findings suggest that the rise in hostility against U.S. churches that were identified in FRC’s inaugural December 2022 report has neither slowed nor plateaued; rather, it has…
ACAPULCO — Thousands of Venezuelans enter Colombian territory daily. Many continue their journey towards other countries, but most settle in major cities within Colombia. In Medellín, Venezuelan immigrants discover more than just material assistance at churches. Diego and Luis are two Venezuelan pastors who arrived in Medellín, Colombia, several months ago, despite being foreigners themselves,…
ROMANIA — Irene Anselmi moved from Switzerland where has started a coffee shop ministry to women. In 2006, she took the step of pioneering this work, and today she owns “Coffee Shalom” in Suceava, a meeting space for women who want to know God more and get closer to Him. Since 2006, Irene Anselmi has…
SYRIA — One year on from the devastating earthquake in Syria/Turkey in February, 2023, large numbers of people are still mourning, recovering or rebuilding their lives. Open Doors highlights some of the Christians who were directly impacted. Kamal – Latakia, Syria: It’s terrifying and sad to remember the night of the 6th of February. I…
ORLANDO, FL — In an era where faith seems to waver, Christ for all Nations (CfaN) stands as a beacon of hope and revival, embarking on a historic series of gospel campaigns across Nigeria. This epic undertaking, led by Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, follows the 50th-anniversary launch event in Cape Town and started on February 21st,…
LVIV, UKRAINE — In the heart of Ukraine’s war-torn landscape, men maneuver stealthily through the darkness on their way to work, careful to avoid security checkpoints where they would be detained and sent to the front lines of the ongoing war with Russia. Some of them do this to make their way to an office…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Franklin Graham is going to the U.S.-Mexico border to share a message of God’s love. The upcoming tour will be stopping in Tucson, Arizona, on Tuesday, March 5. This will be the eighth stop of the God Loves You Frontera Tour, which will visit 10 cities, starting at the Gulf of Mexico…
CHARLOTTE, NC — As the situation intensifies on America’s southern border, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is releasing a new TV program, “Border Crisis: Is There Hope?” The special explores stories of those who have lost hope and are hurting in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. Hear from those on both sides who’ve been…
BAKERSFIELD, CA — The CityServe International church empowerment network hosted a dinner and benefit concert on Wednesday in Nashville to honor heroes on the frontlines in war-torn Israel and Ukraine. The evening featured captivating stories of bravery and faith in the face of horror. Award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Danny Gokey headlined the benefit…
