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… Continue reading Imprisoned, Sacked and Forced to Flee Iran
Tag: World Missions
Helping Homeowners Recover from Devastating Tornados in Ohio and Indiana
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… Continue reading Helping Homeowners Recover from Devastating Tornados in Ohio and Indiana
Christian Communities Living in Fear in Uganda
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… Continue reading Christian Communities Living in Fear in Uganda
Ani’s Syria Survival Story
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… Continue reading Ani’s Syria Survival Story
A Church Always on the Run in Colombia
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… Continue reading A Church Always on the Run in Colombia
Emergency Field Hospital Being Delivered to Samaritan’s Purse Canada to Increase Global Medical Response Capacity
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… Continue reading Emergency Field Hospital Being Delivered to Samaritan’s Purse Canada to Increase Global Medical Response Capacity
Nonprofit Reveals New Name in Battle Against Root Causes Facing Central American Youth
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… Continue reading Nonprofit Reveals New Name in Battle Against Root Causes Facing Central American Youth
Shoebox Gifts Remind Mexico’s Children that God Is Near
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… Continue reading Shoebox Gifts Remind Mexico’s Children that God Is Near
Global Audience Hears Stirring Stories from Persecuted Christians During The Voice of the Martyrs’ “I Am N” Event
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… Continue reading Global Audience Hears Stirring Stories from Persecuted Christians During The Voice of the Martyrs’ “I Am N” Event
Wycliffe Associates Bringing Bible Translation Technology to Indigenous Translators Lacking Internet Access
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… Continue reading Wycliffe Associates Bringing Bible Translation Technology to Indigenous Translators Lacking Internet Access
New Technology Enables Greater Outreach to Persian Communities
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… Continue reading New Technology Enables Greater Outreach to Persian Communities
Evangelist Andrés Palau Meets with the President of Panama
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… Continue reading Evangelist Andrés Palau Meets with the President of Panama
Friends of Kidnapped Leah Sharibu Share How She’s Encouraged Them
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
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