WILLS POINT, TX — The public viewing for the late Dr. K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) on May 15 in Dallas, Texas, was attended by approximately a thousand mourners, including presidents of national Christian organizations; former dignitaries of the Indian parliament; bishops, priests and leaders of various Christian denominations; and many men and women who grew…
WILLS POINT, TX — On May 15, around a thousand people visited Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas, to pay tribute the late Dr. K.P. Yohannan (Metroplitan Yohan), founder of GFA World. Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., a steady stream of people flowed into the funeral parlor, including presidents of national Christian organizations; former…
VIETNAM —To avoid being imprisoned, Pastor Foom spent two days hiding in the mountains near his village. However, in the end they caught him. In 2002, Pastor Foom Chao opened his eyes after the prayer. At the alarming scene of the police waiting to arrest him, he was arrested for taking Bibles to the jungles…
BOONE, NC — Over the weekend, Samaritan’s Purse deployed its DC-8 and 757 cargo planes to Porto Alegre, Brazil in response to the catastrophic flooding and landslides that have struck the nation. In less than two weeks, the onslaught of relentless rain has killed more than 100 people, displaced thousands, and devastated communities throughout southern…
CHARLOTTE, NC — I find it of no small significance that K.P. entered the “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us between the Orthodox Church’s celebration of the Sunday of Holy Pascha and the Sunday of Saint Thomas—the disciple who first brought Christianity to India in AD 52. This constitutes a certain sign that the GFA…
MOORESVILLE, NC — KP Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) — founder of missions agency GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia) who died May 8 — once said to me: “I’m just a skinny kid from India who grew up to be a follower of Jesus.” Genuine humility was the mark of the man — a man whom…
JAMAICA — As a 27-year-old rebellious son of one of the world’s best known evangelists, Andrew Palau never believed 31 years later he would return to Jamaica where he accepted Christ to conduct his own evangelistic festival. More than three decades later he is continuing the legacy of his father Luis Palau by sharing the…
BOONE, NC — Tomorrow, Samaritan’s Purse will airlift more than 1,200 rolls of emergency shelter material to Sudan using its DC-8 cargo plane. The heavy-duty tarp will provide desperately needed shelter to more than 42,000 people suffering in Sudan. Conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and a rebel militia group over the past year has…
MEXICO — Atlanta pastor and international evangelist Michael Youssef traveled to Veracruz, Mexico last month, bringing a message of hope and encouragement to record crowds. Drawing 16,480 people, the Come & See Veracruz Weekend Celebration was the largest Christian event in the region in over 20 years. Dr. Michael Youssef: God is saying to you…
WILLS POINT, TEXAS— K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, departed in the presence of God on May 8, 2024. He was a missionary statesman with an undying call to share the love of Christ with this world and to inspire others to follow in his…
It hasn’t been a full day yet since being told the news that K.P. Yohannan died. As I sit at my desk and record my thoughts, I am fighting back tears. I sense I am still in shock. I believe I am one of the few who still called him K.P. It’s how he introduced…
LAKE MARY, FL —Dr. Michael Brown is taking charge to see revival shift into a cultural revolution in his latest release, Turn the Tide (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-357-0). Turn the Tide does more than simply beg for God to work a revival in our land. It’s a call to take the revival that He’s already given us…
LOVES PARK, IL — Kids’ War Art is ‘Window to Their Souls’ as Pain Grows — Children in Ukraine, for whom death and destruction has become part of life, are expressing themselves through “war art” — giving a heart-wrenching window into their young minds and souls. Eleven-year-old Sophia’s wartime artwork shows missiles raining down while…
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…
WINCHESTER/SELMA, IN — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are helping homeowners in Logan County, Ohio, and the Selma/Winchester area of Indiana, recover from damage caused by devastating tornadoes that swept through the region. But more volunteers are urgently needed. Todd Taylor – Samaritan’s Purse: We’re here in Selma, Indiana, as well as Winchester, Indiana, where Thursday night…
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…
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…
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…
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…
NEWPORT NEWS, VA — The nonprofit organization formerly known as Orphan Helpers announced today a name change to Counteract International. The new name and brand reflect the faith-based nonprofit’s broader mission to address urgent needs of incarcerated and released youth in incredibly challenging conditions in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. “At Counteract International, we believe…
MEXICO — A mother, daughter, and children in Acapulco, Mexico, praise God for the hope and joy they received through an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift after their home was destroyed in a hurricane. Esmeralda: It was 10 pm. A hurricane was announced. A hurricane became more powerful. It became a category 5 hurricane. I…
BARTLESVILLE, OK — “Persecution is real, and it is biblical, and Jesus told us we will face persecution in this world,” said Pastor Hassan Abduraheem during The Voice of the Martyrs’ “I Am N” Virtual Event earlier this month. During the online event, Hassan and two other survivors of Muslim extremism shared their inspiring stories…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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….
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…
