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… Continue reading Friends of Kidnapped Leah Sharibu Share How She’s Encouraged Them
Tag: World Missions
Evangelists Andrew and Wendy Palau Joined Dozens of Churches for Festival Palau: Panama
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… Continue reading Evangelists Andrew and Wendy Palau Joined Dozens of Churches for Festival Palau: Panama
Historic Year for Mercy Ships Serving Three African Nations
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… Continue reading Historic Year for Mercy Ships Serving Three African Nations
Ukraine War Survivor Overcomes Cancer to Help Traumatized Israelis
LOVES PARK, IL — A Ukrainian couple facing their own life-and-death battle with advanced cancer are helping others suffering from anxiety and despair on the frontline of the Israel-Hamas war. Ukrainian-born Jew Yura, 51, and his wife Luda, 53, who has undergone major surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy to treat Stage 4 cancer, left… Continue reading Ukraine War Survivor Overcomes Cancer to Help Traumatized Israelis
The Renewal Initiative Launches Global Mission To Restore Dignity, Hope In Despair-Ravaged Places
WASHINGTON — Organizers are pleased to announce the launch of The Renewal Initiative (TRI), a dynamic nonprofit organization committed to restoring dignity and hope where it has been stolen or lost. TRI aims to rejuvenate lives and communities grappling with adversity via compassion, advocacy, relief efforts and education. “There’s no shortage of awful things happening in… Continue reading The Renewal Initiative Launches Global Mission To Restore Dignity, Hope In Despair-Ravaged Places
Survivors of Nigeria Christmas Eve Attack Share Their Stories
NIGERIA, AFRICA — On Christmas Eve, Islamic militants attacked several Christian villages in Plateau State, Nigeria. The attacks went into the early hours of Christmas Day, and at least 113 people were killed. Many more were injured or have lost their homes. In this video, recorded by Open Doors local partners in the region, Nigeria… Continue reading Survivors of Nigeria Christmas Eve Attack Share Their Stories
Open Doors’ World Watch List for 2024
NORTH KOREA — The Open Doors World Watch List 2024 ranks the countries where Christians count the highest cost for following Jesus. These are the 5 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Could praying put you in danger? Could going to church risk your life? Could following Jesus cost you your job, your… Continue reading Open Doors’ World Watch List for 2024
New Homes Dedicated in Alabama After Tornado Devastation
SELMA, ALABAMA — Samaritan’s Purse celebrated the completion of eight new or repaired homes in Selma, Alabama, after a tornado ripped through the area over a year ago. Families were grateful to God for this new start. Shawn Vollmering – Samaritan’s Purse: On January 12th in 2023, a tornado came through Selma, Alabama, and… Continue reading New Homes Dedicated in Alabama After Tornado Devastation
Gifts Bring Joy to Israeli Children
ISRAEL — Samaritan’s Purse airlifted and distributed 24,000 boxes of gifts over Christmas for Israeli boys and girls. Ken Isaacs – Vice President of Programs & Government Relations Samaritan’s Purse: And today I’m in Moshavim, Israel. We brought 24,000 gifts into the country and we’re distributing them primarily in two of these regional council areas.… Continue reading Gifts Bring Joy to Israeli Children
In The First 10 Months of 2023, 5,000 Christians were Killed
NORTH KOREA — Christian freedom in the world is marked by a deterioration that seems to be getting worse. This is reflected in reports and statistics, such as those collected by the organization Open Doors. That entity has just published the World Persecution List 2024, with data related to the period between January and October… Continue reading In The First 10 Months of 2023, 5,000 Christians were Killed
Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament
NORTH KOREA — Longstanding Christian communities could disappear in parts of sub-Saharan Africa through a double blow of violent instability and authoritarian control. Christian minorities across east and west Africa face twin existential threats: violent disorder exploited by radical jihadists and autocratic governments backed by larger powers outside the region.This is one of the disturbing… Continue reading Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament
Wycliffe Associates Receives a Boost from Volunteers in Orlando and Elsewhere
ORLANDO, FL — Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, welcomes short- and long-term volunteers at its Florida-based headquarters and even offers an on-site RV park to accommodate long-term volunteers. Some volunteers spend between two and four months during the winter… Continue reading Wycliffe Associates Receives a Boost from Volunteers in Orlando and Elsewhere
Following Jesus in North Korea, Despite Poverty and Danger
NORTH KOREA — Ji Ho* in North Korea counts the cost of following Jesus every day. Her father was taken away by police agents when his Bible was discovered, and she has to keep her faith secret – or face terrible consequences. *Name changed for security. Ji Ho*: I didn’t know what the book was,… Continue reading Following Jesus in North Korea, Despite Poverty and Danger
Samaritan’s Purse Airlifts Life-saving Trauma Supplies to Israel
BOONE, NC — Tomorrow, Samaritan’s Purse will airlift 1,000 Advanced Trauma Life Support kits to Israel on its 757 cargo plane. Each kit is specially packed with more than 70 life-saving medical supplies—including a tourniquet, chest tube kit, suture kit, and intubation kit—to help the country’s emergency responders in their work to save lives. Samaritan’s… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Airlifts Life-saving Trauma Supplies to Israel
Logos Launches Latest Version Designed to Help Readers ‘Live in the Word’
BELLINGHAM, WA — Logos, the most widely used Bible study and sermon preparation platform available, today released its highly anticipated new version, Logos 10. With a sleek and modern design and lightning-fast speed, Logos 10 is designed for the global Church and includes multiple new features geared to help readers engage more deeply with the… Continue reading Logos Launches Latest Version Designed to Help Readers ‘Live in the Word’
Leading a House Church for Secret Believers in Yemen
YEMEN — In Yemen, Christian believers like Saleh* risk arrest, beatings and death threats when they choose to follow Jesus. But despite these dangers Saleh is encouraging and discipling believers across the country. Saleh*: My name is found on the radicals’ wanted list. They have my picture. Sometimes they watch me going from place to… Continue reading Leading a House Church for Secret Believers in Yemen
Providing Safe Shelter for Lebanese Families Displaced by War
MOROCCO — Just after the Morocco earthquake killed thousands of people and left hundreds of thousands more homeless Christian charity Help The Persecuted sent their team to some of the most hardest to reach communities to provide practical and spiritual support.
Xuan’s Brave Witness in Vietnam
VIETNAM — When Xuan* converted away from tribal, animistic beliefs, her Hmong community told her she could be a Christian, as long as she didn’t evangelise. But Xuan visits houses in Vietnam in the dead of night as a Brave Witness to tell people about Jesus… Xuan*: There are no churches in my area. We… Continue reading Xuan’s Brave Witness in Vietnam
Mary’s Testimony: A Christian Kidnapped in Nigeria by Extremists
NIGERIA, AFRICA — Mary*, 20 years old, was in church when Fulani militants attacked. In her village in northwestern Nigeria, there is always the threat of attacks from Islamic extremists. However, this does not prepare the community for the reality of experiencing an attack. Mary*: They attack Christians because we worship Jesus and they want… Continue reading Mary’s Testimony: A Christian Kidnapped in Nigeria by Extremists
‘Wonder, Hope of Christmas’ Comes to Kids Caught in Israel, Ukraine Wars
LOVES PARK, IL — A unique Christmas program is bringing the gift of hope to thousands of children caught in the devastating wars in Israel and Ukraine. American Christians are supporting the annual Christmas campaign called Immanuel’s Child that will deliver gifts and a “star of hope” to as many as 75,000 needy children this… Continue reading ‘Wonder, Hope of Christmas’ Comes to Kids Caught in Israel, Ukraine Wars
Still Packing Shoeboxes and Serving the Lord at 98
GREENSBORO, NC — Packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child is one of the many activities Lela Mae Cummings enjoys in her still-active lifestyle at “98 and a half years old.” Leila Mae Cummings: I’m Leila Mae Cummings , and I’ve lived in the Guilford College area all my life. And I’m at Friends Home Guilford,… Continue reading Still Packing Shoeboxes and Serving the Lord at 98
Effective Evangelism Training for Spanish Outreach Efforts
BUENOS AIRES, AR — Argentine evangelist and founder of COMISIONADOS, Juan Lucas Roselli and his team, have launched their Campamento Avivamiento. These intensive evangelism training courses designed to ready leaders to fulfill the Great Commission to the Spanish-speaking world and beyond enjoyed a stellar start and the effects are already being felt. The vision has… Continue reading Effective Evangelism Training for Spanish Outreach Efforts
Why Hamas’ Rockets Will Not Stop the Gospel
ASHKELON, ISRAEL – Every time the air-raid sirens sound, I have to interrupt my work of sharing the Gospel with my Israeli neighbors and dash to the nearest bomb shelter. For me, there is no more vital task in Israel right now than sharing the hope of the Good News of Jesus Christ as our… Continue reading Why Hamas’ Rockets Will Not Stop the Gospel
Samba’s Mercy Ships Journey Towards Hope in Senegal
SENEGAL —“I have never had hope that one day I would be healed.” Samba carried this outlook about his cleft lip until the medical vessel the Global Mercy Ships came to Senegal. He admitted, “I wasn’t happy I was born like that,” but without access to affordable surgical care, he couldn’t imagine a different future.… Continue reading Samba’s Mercy Ships Journey Towards Hope in Senegal
Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Assessment Team to Tennessee after Deadly Tornadoes
BOONE, NC — Today, Samaritan’s Purse has deployed disaster response specialists to Tennessee and pre-positioned two Disaster Relief Units—tractor-trailers stocked with tools and equipment—in the wake of deadly tornadoes that struck multiple communities on Saturday. The catastrophic storms have killed at least six people with search and rescue efforts underway. Many homes have been damaged… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Assessment Team to Tennessee after Deadly Tornadoes
Orphan in Uganda Starts His Own Orphanage
UGANDA — After Waswa’s* mother was poisoned by relatives because of her decision to follow Jesus, Waswa and his siblings became orphans. But after receiving care and support from local Open Doors partners, Waswa now runs an orphanage in Uganda, caring for many isolated children in his community and sharing his faith with them. When… Continue reading Orphan in Uganda Starts His Own Orphanage
Bridge School Unites Community in Ethiopia
SOUTH EAST ASIA — In Pastor Yohannes’* community, Christian children can face discrimination at school, like Ermias’ twin boys, Fasil and Ezana. But thanks to your prayers and support, they now attend a bridge school, run by Open Doors partners – and it’s helping to unite a divided community. Pastor Yohannes*: This area is an… Continue reading Bridge School Unites Community in Ethiopia
New National Geographic Documentary Fails to Tell the True Story of John Allen Chau: The Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton
BARTLESVILLE, OK — Five years ago, the controversial death of American missionary John Chau created an international conversation around modern Christian missions which continues even today with the release of a new National Geographic film about Chau’s life and death called, “The Mission.” The Voice of the Martyrs Spokesperson Todd Nettleton screened the documentary and… Continue reading New National Geographic Documentary Fails to Tell the True Story of John Allen Chau: The Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton
Abraham and Eti’s Story: Surviving Death Threats and Persecution
SOUTH EAST ASIA — Abraham* came to follow Jesus, encouraged by Eti*, the Christian woman he would later marry. But Abraham’s family were about to face persecution in south east Asia, until he was saved by a miracle. Abraham* – South east Asia: I was born and grew up in a Muslim home and all… Continue reading Abraham and Eti’s Story: Surviving Death Threats and Persecution
Samaritan’s Purse Responds In Israel; Providing Ambulances And Other Life-saving Support
BOONE, NC — When Hamas attacked Israel in early October, Samaritan’s Purse immediately deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team. Now, the international Christian relief organization is supporting church partners—meeting the emergency needs of innocent civilians who are suffering as a result of the war. Samaritan’s Purse has committed to providing Magen David Adom with fourteen… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Responds In Israel; Providing Ambulances And Other Life-saving Support
UK Volunteers Prepare YWAM Ship for Madagascar Medical Mission
MADAGASCAR — Each week a team of local volunteers in North Wales in the UK tirelessly gives of their time to convert YWAM’s latest vessel into a medical ship. They’ve set themselves the goal to have the Island Reach ship ready to set sail for Madagascar in April 2024 for its first medical mission. Dedicated… Continue reading UK Volunteers Prepare YWAM Ship for Madagascar Medical Mission
‘Historic’ Outreach in Rome
ROME, ITALY — More than 10,000 people from all around Italy attended the Noi Festival in the Palazzo dello Sport—Roma to hear a message from Franklin Graham. More than 500 people responded to the evangelist’s invitation to receive Jesus Christ, during this historic outreach, the first of its kind in Rome. When I saw that… Continue reading ‘Historic’ Outreach in Rome
Ivanna’s Story: Hope in Honduras
HONDURAS — Ivanna, a 12-year-old girl in Honduras, shares how receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift gave her hope and introduced her to Christ’s love.
Samaritan’s Purse Provides Emergency Relief To Tens Of Thousands Of People In Mexico After Hurricane Otis
BOONE, NC — Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization, responded to Hurricane Otis after the deadly storm destroyed homes, businesses, and livelihoods. The Category 5 hurricane rapidly intensified from a tropical storm over a 24-hour period—catching the town of Acapulco completely off guard. Today, Samaritan’s Purse airlifted more than 19 tons of emergency relief… Continue reading Samaritan’s Purse Provides Emergency Relief To Tens Of Thousands Of People In Mexico After Hurricane Otis
International Relief Charity Chooses Coventry As New Home
COVENTRY — A warehouse in Coventry has been transformed into a new state-of-the-art headquarters for an international Christian relief organisation whose projects include a large-scale disaster response in Ukraine and a well-known Christmas initiative for children in need called Operation Christmas Child. Relocating from London, the humanitarian charity is moving their offices and operations to… Continue reading International Relief Charity Chooses Coventry As New Home
A Christian Club for Children in Poland
POLAND — An Operation Christmas Child volunteer in Poland started a Christian club for children who wanted to continue to meet for Bible study after they received shoebox gifts and graduated from The Greatest Journey. Wiestawa Szymczak – Volunteer: One day God laid it in my heart that if the children come to know Him… Continue reading A Christian Club for Children in Poland
Chaplains Minister to Those Impacted by Maine Mass Shooting
LEWISTON, MAINE — Following the mass shooting that claimed 18 lives in Maine a team of chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team quickly deployed to provide spiritual and emotional support to this devastated community. BG-RRT chaplains are now helping in six locations. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is responding to a mass… Continue reading Chaplains Minister to Those Impacted by Maine Mass Shooting
Caring for Burned Patients in Armenia
ARMENIA — A Samaritan’s Purse medical team is caring for burned patients in an explosion while fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh. They are are sharing by word and deed that Jesus cares and has not forgotten them. Peter Holz – Samaritan’s Purse: Samaritan’s Purse has arrived in Armenia. We are treating patients with severe burns to them from… Continue reading Caring for Burned Patients in Armenia
Love Nairobi Festival Reaches 130,000 People
KENYA — In a massive effort to share hope with hundreds of thousands around Kenya, the Luis Palau Association partnered with more than 2,000 churches from every denomination to put on the Love Nairobi Festival. This free evangelistic festival, featuring live music, action sports, and fun for the whole family, aimed to unite churches throughout… Continue reading Love Nairobi Festival Reaches 130,000 People
Help The Persecuted Provides Safe Refuge in Lebanon to Those Fleeing Middle East Conflict
MIDDLE EAST — As the war in the Middle East intensifies and the region faces a devastating surge of violence, Help The Persecuted is on the ground as their teams minister to those fleeing into Lebanon. Neighboring Israel and Syria, Lebanon is the most open country in the Middle East to Christianity. Many persecuted believers… Continue reading Help The Persecuted Provides Safe Refuge in Lebanon to Those Fleeing Middle East Conflict
Russian-Speaking Jewish Christians Rush Aid to War Victims
LOVES PARK, IL — Jewish Christians in Israel, including Russian-speaking immigrants who’ve fled the war in Ukraine, are delivering aid to traumatized Israeli families, even as rockets continue to rain down. Hamas continues to fire rockets at the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon, where many frightened families are huddled in bomb shelters. Partnering with Illinois-based… Continue reading Russian-Speaking Jewish Christians Rush Aid to War Victims
Helping Homeowners in Hawaii
LAHAINA, HAWAII — Volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse are sifting through the ashes of properties, helping homeowners in the Maui community devastated by wildfires. Todd Taylor – Samaritan’s Purse: Here in Lahaina, the catastrophic wildfire blew through this area. It devastated everything in its path. The whole way from the mountains out to the sea. Buildings,… Continue reading Helping Homeowners in Hawaii
ROIministry.org Announces World Changers Challenge to Fund Christian Charities with Highest Impact Results
ATLANTA — ROIMinistry.org extends an invitation for you to contribute to the World Changers Challenge, as we head into the last quarter of 2023. ROIMinistry.org has identified the Top 10 ministries that are doing the most for the kingdom of God, based on their impact per dollar, so that you know where your charitable giving… Continue reading ROIministry.org Announces World Changers Challenge to Fund Christian Charities with Highest Impact Results
Emergency Relief Provided in Armenia
ARMENIA — Samaritan’s Purse is providing emergency relief supplies, including hygiene kits, bedding, blankets, school supplies, and more, in Armenia to displaced families fleeing violent conflict in their homeland. Susan Pineda – Samaritan’s Purse: We are here with Samaritan’s Purse in Armenia responding to the crisis of people that have been displaced due to the… Continue reading Emergency Relief Provided in Armenia
Christian Evangelizes Hundreds of Prisoners in North Korea
NORTH KOREA — In North Korea, saying the word “Jesus” can be a death sentence. Hea-woo is a persecuted Christian, one of the prisoners in North Korea. Although her mother was a Christian, she only heard about Jesus through her husband. To maintain her faith, the Christian fled to China, but there she was discovered… Continue reading Christian Evangelizes Hundreds of Prisoners in North Korea
Inside Modern Slavery: The Christian Brick Kiln Workers of Pakistan
PAKISTAN — Journey into the heart of Pakistan’s brick kilns, where resilient Christians labor under the harsh sun and the heavy yoke of modern slavery in the form of bonded servitude. This is more than a look into the world of brick-making, it’s a glimpse into the lives and faith of our brothers and sisters… Continue reading Inside Modern Slavery: The Christian Brick Kiln Workers of Pakistan
Nonprofit Israel Friends Charters Its First Plane to Provide Crucial Support for Israel in Response to Ongoing Atrocities
LOS ANGELES — In response to the escalating crisis in Israel, Israel Friends, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, is mobilizing a significant humanitarian endeavor to address the atrocities unfolding in the region. In a swift response to the current crisis, Israel Friends has successfully secured donations to charter a plane from the United States to Israel.… Continue reading Nonprofit Israel Friends Charters Its First Plane to Provide Crucial Support for Israel in Response to Ongoing Atrocities
Solar-Powered ‘Lifeline’ Brings Ray of Hope to ‘Discouraged’ Ukrainians
LOVES PARK, IL — Churches in Ukraine are using portable solar-powered “survival systems” to bring relief and hope to those without electricity as drones relentlessly target the nation’s power grid. Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) — an evangelical mission that has been supporting local churches in the region for decades — has supplied 40… Continue reading Solar-Powered ‘Lifeline’ Brings Ray of Hope to ‘Discouraged’ Ukrainians
Love Nairobi Festival with Andrew Palau Reaches 130,000 People During 2 Weeks of Outreach in Kenya’s Capital City
NAIROBI, KENYA — In a massive effort to share hope with hundreds of thousands around Kenya, the Luis Palau Association partnered with more than 2,000 churches from every denomination to put on the Love Nairobi Festival. This free evangelistic festival, featuring live music, action sports, and fun for the whole family, aimed to unite churches… Continue reading Love Nairobi Festival with Andrew Palau Reaches 130,000 People During 2 Weeks of Outreach in Kenya’s Capital City
Lalise: Ten Tears On – Ethiopia
ETHIOPIA — After Lalise’s husband was killed in 2012, Open Doors shared her story and asked believers to pray. When Melanie from Germany heard about Lalise, she began to pray for her every day – and didn’t stop shedding tears for ten years. Open Doors Prayer News 298 (September-October 2023) Lalise and Dabela had been… Continue reading Lalise: Ten Tears On – Ethiopia