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Source: http://www.mnnonline.org/rss/news.rss

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
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<channel>
<title>Mission Network News Headlines</title>
<link>http://www.mnnonline.org/news/?input_4=Worldwide&input_6=10/18/2025&input_5=Specific+Date</link>
<language>en</language>
<description>News Worth Listening To</description>
<item>
<title>How far will escalation at Pakistan-Afghanistan border go?</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-far-will-escalation-at-pakistan-afghanistan-border-go/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Pakistan (MNN) — A <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3dnvnjdg1ro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">48-hour, temporary ceasefire</a> between Afghanistan and Pakistan began Wednesday and is <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/17/tensions-between-pakistan-and-afghanistan-spike-as-truce-about-to-expire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">set to expire today</a>.
Deadly clashes at the border <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/15/new-normal-is-pakistan-trying-to-set-new-red-lines-with-afghan-taliban" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surged</a> in the past week after explosions in Kabul and another Afghan province on October 10. Pakistan didn’t officially claim responsibility for those attacks. But it continues to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/15/new-normal-is-pakistan-trying-to-set-new-red-lines-with-afghan-taliban" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allege</a> that Afghanistan’s government is allowing the nation to be a base for terrorism in Pakistan.
<div id="attachment_197084" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-197084" class="size-medium wp-image-197084" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/farid-ershad-DqukRY4Gdts-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Street scene in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Stock photo courtesy of Farid Ershad/Unsplash)</div>
The situation is complicated. Mike Grandy with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/unknown-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unknown Nations</a> explains that Afghanistan’s Taliban-run government is conservative. “But then there's also very far right conservative movements in Afghanistan, and they cross the border into Pakistan, and they do terrorist activities.”
Both countries are majority Muslim, but for groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (the Pakistani Taliban), there's a problem that may spur their attacks.
"Some of it has to do with [terrorists seeing] Pakistan as 'they don't have Sharia law.' There's maybe some revenge for previous things, retaliation. There's maybe these thoughts that their culture is lost, that they're not sticking to the strict Islamic fundamentalism that they should," says Grandy.
Sadly, the border fight between the two nations has been <a href="https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/india/pakistan-afghanistan-conflict-timeline-of-recent-escalations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">going on for decades</a>. But Grandy says that this week, “It’s a much more confrontational situation as far as bringing in the military and bombing. In the past, it was more border skirmishes or targeting certain areas. But now it's been much more widespread.”
Third-party mediators like Qatar may be able to help cool the latest escalations, which have affected gospel workers. 
“There's a self-preservation mode that happens. You have to take care of your family, you have to survive," says Grandy. "So those things [attacks] have an impact on ministry, but they [local Christians] are used to navigating this complicated situation.”
Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have growing Christian movements. Join them in praying simple, Great Commission prayers for more believers to reach others and more people to hear the gospel of Jesus.
“We know the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. So what we want to pray is that there's more laborers, more multiplication," Grandy says.
 
 
 
Header photo: man in Lahore, Pakistan courtesy of Lumensoft Technologies via Unsplash.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:00:04 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-far-will-escalation-at-pakistan-afghanistan-border-go/</guid>
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<title>Over 30 Christians beheaded in Mozambique, churches burned</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/over-30-christians-beaheded-in-mozambique-churches-burned/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Mozambique (MNN) — Over 30 Christians were recently beheaded in northern Mozambique as Islamic State–affiliated militants unleashed a wave of terror.
The <a href="https://www.christianpost.com/news/isis-in-mozambique-beheads-shoots-christians-burns-churches.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">attacks</a> spanned through the last week of September. Militants hit multiple villages in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, leaving burned-out churches and homes in their wake.
<div id="attachment_217573" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217573" class="size-medium wp-image-217573" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/dimitry-b-CJ1HMIqeKzc-unsplash-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />Arimba, a coastal town in the northern Mozambique province Cabo Delgado. (Photo courtesy of dimitry/Unsplash)</div>
The Islamic State Mozambique Province (ISMP) later released a gruesome 20-image photoset showing executions, shootings, and arson — a chilling display meant to sow fear.
“These militants would often separate Christians from other villagers and begin persecuting them,” says Floyd Brobbel with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/voice-of-the-martyrs-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Voice of the Martyrs Canada</a>. “So this seems to be the case here, and they're not shy about reporting what they've done. They're claiming responsibility for these attacks.”
Mozambique’s northern regions have faced an Islamist insurgency for years. Despite military intervention from Rwanda and neighboring countries, the violence continues.
“They can blend in, and they can suddenly rise up and cause problems and attack communities, and then they're gone again,” Brobbel explains. “So they're hard to locate. They're hard to pinpoint.”
<blockquote>
Even amid devastation, the Church continues to stand. “There are churches that continue to minister in those hot zones. They need our prayers,” Brobbel says.
</blockquote>
“We rely on the verses in Scripture and the promises in Scripture that tell us that the gates of Hell cannot prevail against the Church. So we need to be praying and remembering those [who] are in those regions and continuing to serve as salt and light. Pray that they would get a foothold for the Gospel and that we would see many of those who are militants against the Church would become followers of Christ."
Brobbel adds, “For ministries, pray that the leaders would have wisdom and understanding in how to reach back into their communities…and finding ways to be able to target these groups with the Gospel."
Ask God to strengthen believers in Mozambique’s war-torn north — and for their persecutors to become disciples of Jesus.
Learn more about how VOM Canada supports persecuted Christians at <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" href="https://vomcanada.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-start="2630" data-end="2672">vomcanada.com.</a>


Header photo courtesy of VOM USA.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:00:17 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/over-30-christians-beaheded-in-mozambique-churches-burned/</guid>
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<item>
<title>Pray for India during Diwali</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pray-for-india-during-diwali/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
India (MNN) -- Diwali parties <a href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2025/10/13/diwali-2025-date-start-5-days-what-to-know/86547835007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">begin tomorrow</a> in Hindu, Sikh, and some Buddhist communities throughout South Asia. The festival of lights spans five days, with its peak celebration scheduled for Monday.
Diwali is a Hindu festival primarily associated with the goddess of prosperity and marks the beginning of India’s fiscal calendar.
“We want to ask the body of Christ to join with us in prayer for the Hindu world during these Hindu holidays,” John Pudaite of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/bibles-for-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles For The World</a> says.
To support this effort, <a href="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/bibles-for-the-world/hwpg--mnn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">request a free prayer guide from Bibles For The World here</a>. “It’s a beautifully printed guide, and the theme this year is God sees, God heals, and God saves,” Pudaite adds.
<blockquote>
“God sees the persecution, God heals – no matter how deep the wounds may be – and then God saves. Ultimately, we want all Hindu people to know of salvation through Jesus Christ.”
</blockquote>
<h2>“God sees the persecution”</h2>
Christians face ever-increasing pressure from India’s Hindu nationalists. <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/new-anti-conversion-laws-intensify-pressure-on-christians/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more here.</a>
“At the state level, the BJP is trying to put into action its plan for making India a Hindu nation, and in the process, denying the freedom of religion that is guaranteed by the Indian constitution,” Pudaite says.
<blockquote>
“Things that are done in the name of, especially Christianity, can be considered or positioned as anti-national. This is a major concern.”
</blockquote>
Emboldened by state-level anti-conversion laws, “we are seeing the Hindu activist forces attacking churches [and] home fellowships; [there are] one or two attacks a day,” Pudaite adds.
Furthermore, “new laws are extending to the internet, and any attempts to convert on social media are brought under their purview.”
<div id="attachment_217582" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/bibles-for-the-world/hwpg--mnn" target="_blank" rel="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/bibles-for-the-world/hwpg--mnn noopener"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217582" class="wp-image-217582 size-medium" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BFTW_Hindu-prayer-guide-300x211.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="211" /></a>(Photo courtesy of Bibles For The World)</div>
<h2>Hope amid oppression</h2>
Pray for wisdom and strength for Christian leaders in India as they navigate the increasing persecution and restrictions. Ask the Lord to protect His people in India.
Pray that as Hindus celebrate the festival of lights, they meet a Christian who will introduce them to the Light of the World.
“We do see the body of Christ growing,” Pudaite says. “We see amazing reports of outreach [activities] happening in different parts of India. The Holy Spirit is still working across that country.”
 
 
 
Header image depicts Diwali lights in Delhi. (Photo courtesy <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/tilt-shift-lens-photography-of-street-lights-DksFIwoPLAA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pratham Gupta/Unsplash</a>)]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:00:31 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pray-for-india-during-diwali/</guid>
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<title>Lebanon seeking stability as Hezbollah resists change</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/lebanon-seeking-stability-as-hezbollah-resists-change/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Lebanon (MNN) — Lebanon looks very different today than it did two years ago, or even last year. The question is: What is God doing?
<div id="attachment_209709" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-209709" class="size-medium wp-image-209709" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pexels-jokassis-6462800-200x300.jpg" alt="Gemmayzeh, Beirut, Lebanon, stock photo" width="200" height="300" />(Photo of Beirut, Lebanon courtesy of Jo Kassis/Pexels)</div>
Just over a year ago, former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed by an Israeli strike — an event that reshaped power dynamics. Now, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has brought temporary relief to the region.
Yet next door, Lebanon is in a fragile state as <a href="https://time.com/7317656/lebanon-hezbollah-disarmament-us-israel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hezbollah refuses to disarm</a>.
Nuna with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/triumphant-mercy-lebanon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Triumphant Mercy Lebanon</a> says, "There is an agreement and everybody – the whole government now – has decided that Hezbollah needs to disarm. The international community is for that, so everything is going towards that end. But at the same time, Hezbollah is not willing to."
Many Lebanese are weighed down by instability and disillusionment. "So many people are depressed," Nuna says. "So many people are skeptical. So many people are in disbelief and in hopelessness.... So many people are feeling like it's better for us to leave.
<blockquote>
"It is strategic to pray at this time. We really want God to just show His power."
</blockquote>
As Lebanon grapples with transition, pray that the nation’s leaders will act with wisdom to stabilize the country. Pray for the Church to be a source of Christ’s hope and healing.
<div id="attachment_210141" style="width: 215px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-210141" class="size-medium wp-image-210141" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/51ead39a-d86b-407c-8198-287977f02d7d-205x300.jpg" alt="Triumphant Mercy Lebanon, summer camp, cross, hands, crafts" width="205" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Triumphant Mercy Lebanon)</div>
Nuna says, "We're seeing all these shifts in whole nations, and we're just there asking God to release His glory and to have people's eyes see His glory because it's a really difficult time at this time."
Learn more about Triumphant Mercy at <a href="https://tm-lebanon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tm-lebanon.com.</a>
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beiteddine_-_drapeau_libanais.jpg]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:00:23 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/lebanon-seeking-stability-as-hezbollah-resists-change/</guid>
<enclosure url="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Wikimedia_lebanon-flag-e1760586011741-180x180.jpg" type="" length="" />
</item>
<item>
<title>As sanctions close in, a closer look at Iran’s relationships</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/as-sanctions-close-in-a-closer-look-at-irans-relationships/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Iran (MNN) — As of September 28, Iran is under heavy, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/10/uk-france-germany-say-they-hope-to-restart-iran-nuclear-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">re-imposed UN sanctions</a>. The United Kingdom, Germany and France <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/28/e3-announces-plans-to-reimpose-snapback-sanctions-on-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener">instigated</a> the “snapback” sanctions in August, accusing Iran of failing to uphold the provisions of a 2015 nuclear pact.
<div id="attachment_198974" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-198974" class="size-medium wp-image-198974" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/mostafa-meraji-rql24m2eO2s-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Women in Iran wearing the traditional hijab and loose-fitting clothing required by sharia law. (Photo courtesy of mostafa meraji/Unsplash)</div>
Israel is among those concerned about Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. It has stated that <a href="https://iranwire.com/en/politics/145402-iran-divided-over-prospect-of-new-war-with-israel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it will not allow</a> Iran to rebuild its nuclear capacities. But Iran insists that its developments are only for civilian purposes. 
It's complex, isn't it? Samuel* from Redemptive Stories explains a few things about Iran's relationships that we might miss. First comes Israel. Why does the Iranian regime want Israel off the map? 
“It's more complicated than just all 'Oh, they are Muslims and those are Jews and so they hate each other,'" Samuel says. “There [are] other political and even economic factors that play into this frustration, angst, and hatred that goes back and forth between them.” 
For example, Israel has a voice in the Middle East as an ally of certain Western powers.
“The sanctions that are put on Iran, at least in part, are all related to Israel's sentiments towards Iran, and the power that they wield within the US as well as Europe,” says Samuel.
The enmity has manifested itself in many conflicts. For years, Iran has waged war with Israel through proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. It has leveraged its influence in nations and groups with high numbers of Shia Muslims, such as Syria and Iraq.
<div id="attachment_215517" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-215517" class="size-medium wp-image-215517" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/erfan-ro-YJTufMXpkYk-unsplash-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />Azadi Square, Tehran, Iran (Stock photo courtesy of Erfan Ro via Unsplash)</div>
<blockquote>
“Iran — they're 94% Shia. Therefore, they are viewed, at least because of their power and their position, as the heart of Shia Islam," explains Samuel. 
</blockquote>
"So Hezbollah, being Shia, also leans back to look to Iran for help. And Iran is helping. That is why Israel continues to bomb in the south of Lebanon and to attack targets that are there, because Hezbollah has so far resisted any thoughts of disarming."
Conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel and Iran have brought devastation, but "God is a friend near to those that walk through pain," Samuel says. Pray that there will be enough peace in the Middle East for Christians to bring the love of Christ to the people suffering.
<blockquote>
“If you look at the 20 points that have been laid out for Gaza [in the ceasefire deal], they really create opportunities for human flourishing to really occur in that area," says Samuel. "But is there enough trust to walk them out? That is a different question." 
</blockquote>
 
*Pseudonym
 
Header photo: Tafresh, Markazi Province, Iran (Photo courtesy of Mostafa Meraji via Unsplash)]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:00:19 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/as-sanctions-close-in-a-closer-look-at-irans-relationships/</guid>
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<title>New opportunities come from gospel resources</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/new-opportunities-come-from-gospel-resources/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
<div>
Venezuela (MNN) — This July, pastors and churches in Venezuela received a shipment of scripture booklets and Bible studies from <a href="https://www.wmpress.org/">World Missionary Press</a> for the first time since 2022. 
<div id="attachment_209791" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/world-missionary-press/"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-209791" class="size-medium wp-image-209791" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024_Venezuela_protests_08-300x184.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="184" /></a> Protests in Caracas against the re-election of Nicolás Maduro, July 2024. (Wikimedia Commons)</div>
With current crises in Venezuela, like election disputes, intensified repression, the growing influence of false religions, and the fear of Marxist guerrillas, the dangers can seem all-consuming. 
However, Helen Williams with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/world-missionary-press/">WM</a><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/world-missionary-press/">P</a> says, there is a hunger for the gospel, and the Word is still going out into these regions.
Booklets are entering the country to meet needs.
 
</div>
<div></div>
<div>Many Christians in Venezuela are first-generation Christians, so there is a need for discipleship and growth in the Word.</div>
<div></div>
<div>“We send [materials] for these pastors to be able to evangelize in their region as they can, but also to disciple and strengthen the new believers,” Williams says.</div>
<div></div>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center">“We have opportunities there that we are taking as long as there are [open] doors [and] pastors that are willing to take a stand and continue the work.</div></blockquote>
<div></div>
<div>Excited about the potential of the booklets, many pastors and churches have reached out to WMP in thanks, sending pictures of their street work and street fairs that they are doing to engage the community, sharing food and literature.</div>
<div></div>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center">“There's just such a great need and hunger for the Word, and the pastors and the churches, when they see that response, when they see people that are responding to outreach, or Christ's love, or people caring and sharing the word, it energizes them,” Williams says.</div></blockquote>
<div></div>
<div>Sometimes these materials are handed out directly, and other times they can be tools to leave so that people can engage with materials if there is no opportunity to meet.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Williams says, “The Word of God can be given and left and put in somebody's pocket, and we know the Spirit uses that.</div>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center"></div>
<div style="text-align: center">“Once the Word gets there and it's received by someone, then the work begins [and] the genuine work of regeneration and salvation begins and is accomplished in the heart.”</div></blockquote>
<div></div>
<div>Please pray that WMP will be able to fill the many requests they are receiving from countries around the world.</div>
<div></div>
<div>“We need prayer, our production people particularly, to be able to get the material out to these countries because there are believers in all of these countries waiting for something,” Williams says.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Pray that as people are reached in the country through discipleship and evangelism, it will promote genuine growth in their lives. Pray also for pastors who are beginning street work with the new supplies and opportunities they have.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>Header Photo provided by World Missionary Press</div>]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:00:24 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/new-opportunities-come-from-gospel-resources/</guid>
<enclosure url="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WMP_Booklets-180x180.jpg" type="" length="" />
</item>
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<title>Israel rejoices over freed hostages, but delays and future dangers remain</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/israel-rejoices-over-freed-hostages-but-delays-and-future-dangers-remain/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Israel (MNN) — The Israel-Hamas ceasefire was <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-fighters-tighten-grip-gaza-clouding-future-ceasefire-2025-10-14/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tested on Tuesday</a> after Hamas returned the bodies of only four deceased hostages on Monday. Israel responded to this delay — which it called a violation of the ceasefire agreement — by declaring it will reduce Gaza aid deliveries. The remains of an additional four hostages were <a href="https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-870414" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transferred</a> to Israeli Defense Force custody late Tuesday night.
In the rising tensions, Ilya Butolin with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/beit-hallel-congregation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beit Hallel Congregation</a> focuses on the return of the 20 living captives.
“After [the] seventh of October, each family, each person in Israel had either a friend or a relative or a close family that [has] been in captivity or [has] been hurt from the war," says Butolin. "Seeing how they held the hostages was really hard, because it's personal. It's almost like your family [is] in captivity."
The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-10-13-2025-9e4921406e846189c90144609c1a9530" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hostage's release on Monday</a> was deeply significant for another reason. October 13 marked the end of the Feast of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), which commemorates when God gave the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. 
"So it's a big celebration, on one hand, of when we received the Law, the Torah. But then, on the other hand, there is a big celebration that our people are coming back home," Butolin says. "I can't even explain in words how much of a big deal it is."
<h2>There’s much to pray for</h2>
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It’s the main thing that we as believers in Jesus have to stand on,” says Butolin. “It’s really important. It’s biblical.”
<div id="attachment_204938" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-204938" class="size-medium wp-image-204938" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/dariusz-kanclerz-MTj3H5EwiBg-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Jerusalem, Israel. (Photo courtesy of Dariusz Kanclerz/Unsplash)</div>
Pray for the families of the hostages who did not come back alive, that they will find their hope and healing in God alone. Pray the same for the 20 men released from captivity.
“My prayer, it's that there'll be no other thing [for the freed hostages] — no PTSD — except one thing: there will be God. God will be showing [Himself in] this time," says Butolin. "And I believe that these people will see the Lord. That's our prayer, that all Israel will be saved.” 
Then, keep praying. Butolin says Monday was a massive celebration. But one quarter of the almost 2,000 prisoners that Israel released on Monday had been "convicted of crimes including murder and deadly attacks against Israelis," <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr430epq45go" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the BBC reports.</a> 
“But [for] the future, we're still dealing with <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-fighters-tighten-grip-gaza-clouding-future-ceasefire-2025-10-14/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a terror organization</a>. It's one step closer to the peace, but it's not complete peace in Israel,” Butolin says. “It will be really important to continue to pray for other [war] fronts, for the northern [front] with Lebanon and Syria, with Iran, with the Houthis. We believe that there will be peace with all of them.”
 
 
Header photo: Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, Israel, October 13, 2025 (Photo courtesy of Oren Rozen via Wikimedia Commons. Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Connection beyond clampdown: an update from Afghanistan</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/connection-beyond-the-clampdown-an-update-from-afghanistan/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Afghanistan (MNN) — In Afghanistan, many are still reeling from the Taliban’s <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghanistans-cellphone-internet-services-down-monitoring-shows-2025-09-30/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent, two-day internet shutdown</a>, which has been followed up by <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/10/afghanistan-new-restrictions-telecommunications-raise-further-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media restrictions</a>. Nehemiah with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/forgotten-missionaries-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FMI</a> says the Taliban’s clampdown mirrors the group’s handling of more critical resources.
“This is another story: how brutal Taliban is in Afghanistan and how they are limiting access to human’s basic needs in Afghanistan.” 
Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghan citizens have battled a challenging political and economic landscape, marked by limited or restricted access to rights, education, and even food and water. 
The Taliban cited concerns over pornography access as the reason behind the most recent internet blackout.
“However, many observers believe the move is less about morality and more about information control and isolation,” Nehemiah says. 
In Afghanistan’s most rural areas, some villages are regularly without internet or mobile network access. Between existing access challenges and imposed shutdowns, Nehemiah says universal connectivity across the nation remains elusive. <img class=" wp-image-217506 alignright" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/children-60733_1280-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="422" height="281" />
<blockquote>“Even though the media is claiming that the internet has been restored in Afghanistan, still there are many cities with no internet,” he says. </blockquote>
He points out that pastors and underground leaders rely on digital communication. 
“Messaging apps, online trainings, coordination with overseas partners: this blackout tries to smear these lifelines.”
But shackled internet cannot thwart the purposes of the Lord. Nehemiah says blackouts are an opportunity for people to ramp up use of solar-powered audio players distributed by FMI and Keys for Kids. Each device contains pre-downloaded Scripture and devotional content, which means sunshine, rather than wifi, is its fuel. 
“This device does not require any internet. It is built-in devotional tools in their own language,” Nehemiah says. 
He reminds us that the church is not called to wallow in darkness but to stand forth in light. 
<img class=" wp-image-217508 alignleft" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/man-60741_1280-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="257" height="386" />
Please pray for the people of Afghanistan. Pray that they will hear, believe, and trust in the Word of the Lord, and pray that any ongoing or forthcoming Taliban restrictions will be an opportunity to seek Him more heartily. 
For any areas still affected by the shutdown, please pray for restoration of access, and continue to ask for the Lord’s favor and protection as FMI and partners distribute resources. 
Nehemiah reminds us that one kind of connection is sure:
<blockquote>“Spiritual communication – prayer, scripture, fellowship – that does not require any signals and wires,” he says. </blockquote>
All images used in this article by courtesy of Pixabay]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:35 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/connection-beyond-the-clampdown-an-update-from-afghanistan/</guid>
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<title>3 things every Christian parent wants their kids to know</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/3-things-every-christian-parent-wants-their-kids-to-know/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
USA (MNN) -- Becoming a parent is a tremendous privilege, but it’s also a role filled with incredible responsibility. You get to shape the entire worldview of another person, and the years four to fourteen are especially critical. <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/new-pew-study-finds-us-is-becoming-less-christian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn why here.</a>
Not sure where to start? Today, <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/keys-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Keys for Kids’</a> Greg Yoder highlights three essential truths every Christian parent wants their kids to know.
First and foremost, “You have to know Jesus,” Yoder says. “Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.
<blockquote>
“It’s not about being good; you can’t dress a certain way; you can’t even say a certain thing. It’s by grace alone, through faith alone, through Christ alone, that we’re saved.”
</blockquote>
Secondly, the Bible is an accurate and trustworthy source. “We know it’s true because there have been, I can’t even tell you how many prophecies, and so far, all of them have come true, bar none,” Yoder says.
The Bible provides direction, hope, and wisdom — and when parents model their faith around it, kids see a faith that’s real.
<div id="attachment_217540" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/KFK_mailbox-devo.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217540" class="wp-image-217540 size-medium" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/KFK_mailbox-devo-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>“I want to encourage you with the fact that my grandson received his first devotional EXACTLY when he needed it. ... What you saw as a delay was PERFECT TIMING in our lives. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you in this ministry.” (Photo, caption courtesy of Keys for Kids)</div>
Finally, “Living for Christ isn’t a burden,” Yoder says. “Jesus said in John 10, ‘I have come that you will have life to the full.’”
Faith isn’t about rule-following — it’s about joy, purpose, and freedom in Christ. That’s what Keys for Kids devotionals aim to teach: that knowing Jesus brings life and happiness. <a href="https://www.keysforkids.org/choose-your-daily-devotional" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Request yours here.</a>
“These are the essentials of living a godly life, and Keys for Kids Ministries, we’re here to give tools to parents to help guide them in that discipleship process with their kids,” Yoder says.
<h2>Discipleship opportunities</h2>
This month, Keys for Kids is encouraging families to “redeem Halloween.” Instead of just handing out candy, Yoder suggests taking this opportunity to introduce young visitors to Christ.
“What are we going to do with many of these kids who are coming to our door?” he asks.
<blockquote>
“Will we give them life through Jesus through a Keys for Kids devotional, or candy that will fade away?”
</blockquote>
Consider giving young visitors a harvest-themed Keys for Kids devotional. <a href="https://shop.keysforkids.org/products/special-editions?variant=45393736270125&fbclid=IwY2xjawNbVRlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTQkxpeWxvWHo2VUwzdmhuAR5VEioDlTHRYli7z0vd2l6CO-QCTHg7IN87OTC_hEpz_UGHkE8x4NOM6ma6Ag_aem_vKnOJ7YvjG3KqxANBXsyHw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Request yours here.</a> Last year, a young boy trick-or-treater picked up one of the booklets and told his grandmother, “This looks important!”
Looking ahead, Keys for Kids is seeing amazing doors open — including partnerships that bring devotionals into public schools through The Three Heath Brothers. Over 20,000 devotionals have already been distributed to students.
But that growth comes with challenges. Yoder encourages believers to pray for wisdom and provision as new ministry opportunities arise.
 
 
 
Header and story images courtesy of Keys for Kids. ]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:15 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Bittersweet freedom: Hostages return home as Gaza’s future hangs in the balance</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/bittersweet-freedom-hostages-return-home-as-gazas-future-hangs-in-the-balance/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Israel (MNN) -- <a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-10-13-2025-9e4921406e846189c90144609c1a9530" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All 20 surviving hostages</a> held by Hamas and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel now walk free, yet the future of Gaza remains uncertain.
<div id="attachment_217527" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hostages_Square_09102025_06.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217527" class="size-medium wp-image-217527" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hostages_Square_09102025_06-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>In Israel, yellow ribbons are displayed — on trees, fences, car mirrors, clothing, and public landmarks — as a visible sign of support for the hostages and their families. (Wikimedia Commons)</div>
Brother Y, who serves with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/global-catalytic-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Catalytic Ministries</a>, told MNN from Israel: “It’s a very, very complex scene with lots of emotions involved on all sides. Very few, though, are thinking that the war has ended.”
Some hostage families were horrified to see the physical state of their returned loved ones, while others grieved the loss of those they hoped to see alive.
“There’s mixed emotions there, but mainly joy and thankfulness for the American government and everybody who was instrumental in bringing the people back,” Brother Y says.
Most Israelis celebrated with the families of hostages who returned home alive yesterday, but the overall mood was bittersweet.
“I have personal connections – friends of my children, and children of my friends – both were kidnapped and assassinated or tortured and murdered from the Nova festival, etc.,” Brother Y says.
<blockquote>
“I didn’t have anyone that came (home) alive, but I can feel their celebration. I can feel their joy.”
</blockquote>
Simultaneously, “about 2,000 bona fide terrorists with gallons of blood on their hands were also released as part of the (ceasefire) deal,” he says, “so this is why I wasn’t emphasizing the joy.”
<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-peace-deal-trump-hostages-aid-3d994f7d482783da6fe7e18460ef06ab" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monday’s exchange</a> renewed international hope for ending the two-year war between Israel and Hamas. Supporters of the terrorist group, however, made “Quraysh treaty” their rally cry – “A time when, in the Quran, a covenant was broken,” Brother Y says.
“It was a temporary covenant to gain access and control, and then followed by a military conquest. They’re chanting this right now, basically saying, ‘We’ve gotten our reprieve. We’re going to come back bigger and stronger.’”
Pray for Gospel opportunities in the interim. “The prayer for believers is that God’s going to position His people – mature believers, praying believers, Gospel-focused, missions-minded believers – and that there’s going to be a wide-open door for the Gospel,” Brother Y says.
 
 
 
In the header image, Israel's Teddy Stadium displays the words "Thank you President Trump" following a deal for hostage release and ceasefire in Gaza. (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Teddy_stadium_with_Thank_you_president_Trump.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wikimedia Commons</a>)]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:00:34 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/bittersweet-freedom-hostages-return-home-as-gazas-future-hangs-in-the-balance/</guid>
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<title>Underground church leaders detained or missing in crackdown</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/underground-church-leaders-detained-or-missing-in-crackdown/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
China (MNN) — Since October 9, nearly 30 pastors and staff from the Beijing Zion Church have been <a href="https://bitterwinter.org/coordinated-arrests-sweep-zion-church-nearly-30-pastors-and-co-workers-detained-across-china/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">detained or forcibly disappeared</a> by Chinese authorities. 
Zion was once a massive house church. But it was banned in 2018 after refusing to install government surveillance cameras in its sanctuary. The congregation has continued to meet in smaller groups in creative ways since then, despite <a href="https://persecution.org/2025/07/03/authorities-raid-multiple-zion-church-locations-in-china/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">continued challenges</a>.
This series of detainments has <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c364n004wxzo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">received the condemnation</a> of the US State Department.
<div id="attachment_217519" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217519" class="size-medium wp-image-217519" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/imb-photos-20130503hj-0464-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />A cross outside of a government-approved Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) church in Suzhou, China. (<a href="https://www.imb.org/photos/image/20130503hj-0464/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Photo courtesy of IMB</a>)</div>
“It is a new and significant crackdown that should get our attention and should refocus our thoughts and prayers towards the people in China that are facing ever-increasing challenges and outright persecution,” says a gospel worker supporting the Church in China. 
Last month, the Chinese government <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/from-one-generation-to-the-next-chinese-christians-seek-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued new restrictions</a> on how religious leaders can and cannot use the internet. According to <a href="https://bitterwinter.org/coordinated-arrests-sweep-zion-church-nearly-30-pastors-and-co-workers-detained-across-china/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a report</a> from Bitter Winter, Zion Church's coordinated arrests seem to stem from church leaders disregarding those regulations.
“[Online platforms] became very important during COVID and have been a really important tool for especially the house churches, but the registered churches as well,” explains the gospel worker. 
As Chinese believers continue to pivot under government rules, they need wisdom for how to minister the gospel. 
“The Christians in China are not afraid to take some risks and to do things that might get [them] in trouble, but if they don't have to and there's strategies otherwise, then they'd love to take advantage of that,” says the gospel worker. 
Pray for younger believers to glean insight from the older generation on how to endure and adapt to persecution.
 
 
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Donald Tong/Pexels.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:00:54 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/underground-church-leaders-detained-or-missing-in-crackdown/</guid>
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<title>Children face growing threats from violence and hunger in Haiti</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/children-face-growing-threats-from-violence-and-hunger-in-haiti/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Haiti (MNN) -- The number of displaced children in Haiti has nearly doubled in the past year, <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/number-of-displaced-children-in-haiti-nearly-doubles-in-2025-unicef/3712290" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNICEF reports.</a>
Gang violence, malnutrition, and loss of educational services and infrastructure feed into each other, forming a “polycrisis” that threatens Haiti’s Next Generation.
<div id="attachment_185941" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/zach-vessels-CF36ZpibOzY-unsplash.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-185941" class="wp-image-185941 size-medium" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/zach-vessels-CF36ZpibOzY-unsplash-300x169.jpg" alt="Haiti, kids" width="300" height="169" /></a>(Photo courtesy of Zach Vessels via Unsplash)</div>
A lack of schooling makes kids especially vulnerable to danger. Even when people flee to areas where there are schools, “They don’t have the money, because all they took with them is the clothes on their backs,” <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/for-haiti-with-love/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">For Haiti With Love</a>’s Roseline DeHart explains.
“Surviving is a priority.”
Many displaced families and kids live on the streets. “This is also a problem,” De Hart says, “because anybody can give those kids money to go do any trouble – anything they want them to do – just for survival.”
For Haiti With Love points the people they serve to God and to hope in Him for their future. When they have the budget, they give food, build homes, and offer a school support program.
“We always tell them that God doesn’t want them to live like that. Even though the country is the way it is, it’s not God’s plan,” De Hart says.
<blockquote>
“They’re the future of Haiti. They can go to school and make it better, and God has a plan for them.”
</blockquote>
Pray for God’s mercy on Haiti and <a href="https://www.forhaitiwithlove.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">consider giving financially</a> to For Haiti With Love. “We just keep doing all we can, and we ask for support so we can continue to do it,” De Hart says.
 
 
 
Header image depicts Haitian children circa 2014. Photo credit MNN/Katey Hearth. ]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:00:43 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Results from election in Syria put the nation’s challenges on display</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/results-from-election-in-syria-put-the-nations-challenges-on-display/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Syria (MNN) — Syria’s October 5 <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3vz44zzp5zo">parliamentary election results are in</a>. Fragility and complexity are front and center. 
“You've got a new government trying to enact a new system of law and even create a new constitution over the next four years,” says Samuel* with Redemptive Stories. “There’s a lot at stake for what [this election] means, particularly for minorities.” 
Samuel notes that under the previous al-Assad regime, women held respected roles in society. But in last week’s election, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/first-results-syrias-new-parliament-show-low-share-minorities-women-2025-10-06/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">only six women and 10 members of minorities</a> were among the nearly 120 seats chosen. Two of those seats went to representatives for Christians — less than 1% of the total 210-member parliament.
<div id="attachment_212018" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-212018" class="size-medium wp-image-212018" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ali-wassouf-_iWdvouR8LQ-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />A minaret and a church steeple side-by-side in Syria. (Photo courtesy of Ali Wassouf/Unsplash)</div>
“With a more Sunni conservative government, those voices will be pushed more or brushed more aside,” Samuel says of women and minorities. 
That’s not the only factor complicating Syria’s government. Elections for 21 more parliamentary seats were delayed in two Kurdish-controlled provinces as well as one in the south of Syria. The delay stems from the government's continued tensions with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/syria-faces-both-external-and-internal-pressures-as-new-parliament-is-elected/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kurdish-led forces</a> in northeast Syria as well as <a href="https://themedialine.org/mideast-daily-news/syrian-army-druze-paramilitary-trade-heavy-fire-in-as-suwayda-as-tensions-surge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">predominantly Druze communities</a> in Suwayda.
Another 70 seats in parliament (one third of the total body) await direct appointment by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. It's possible that his appointments could correct the imbalances in the new government.
<h2>What does this election mean for believers in Syria?</h2>
“I think more and more Christians are realizing that this is not a place that will be safe for them,” says Samuel. “What this mean[s] for the Church is that that ethnic Christian [population] will continue, I think, to decrease."
<div id="attachment_215440" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-215440" class="size-medium wp-image-215440" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jonathan-ramalho-SuZr6jAadWY-unsplash-1-300x200.jpg" alt="Unsplash" width="300" height="200" />Syrian children (photo courtesy of Jonathan Ramalho via Unsplash)</div>
Ethnicity is no barrier to God or the gospel, of course. But it is a factor in Syria, where certain people groups are considered to be Christian.
“The prayer would be that there would be more of a desire of Christians to stay and to remain in order to be a light for their community," says Samuel. "But as those numbers continue to probably actually dwindle, then the church also needs to be engaged in raising up leaders from a Muslim background, Alawite background, Druze background [and] Kurdish Muslim background in order to fill in the gap where the ethnic Christian churches might exit.”
Please join in praying for Syria at this fragile time. Ask God to open the way for the gospel to reach across Syria’s ethnic and religious divisions. Pray for greater national stability that could allow greater spread of the gospel. 
 
*Pseudonym
 
Header photo: Women wearing niqabs, veils worn by Muslim women that cover all of the face except the eyes, walk down the road in Damascus, Syria. (<a href="https://www.imb.org/photos/image/2010250mnj514/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Photo courtesy of IMB</a>)]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:22 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/results-from-election-in-syria-put-the-nations-challenges-on-display/</guid>
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<title>What makes a good church planter? The Türkiye experience</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/what-makes-a-good-church-planter-the-turkiye-experience/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Türkiye (MNN) — Being a good Christian leader is not enough to plant a church.
Believers are often drawn to God-fearing, charismatic church leaders. Their following grows, and many feel honored to belong to a particular church or shepherd. Yet, in the beauty of one church’s growth, there’s a danger it produces no others.
This is a challenge facing the Turkish Church. Vast areas of Türkiye still haven’t heard the Gospel, but raising up new church planters isn’t easy.
Patrick Anthony from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/forgotten-missionaries-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FMI </a>says, “One of the biggest challenges is finding those people in a country with a Christian population that's so small in percentage.”
Türkiye’s Christian population is less than one percent. Though most Turkish Muslims are cultural rather than devout, the Church often feels isolated. Yet the need for hope and the Gospel remains great — a need made especially clear after the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/two-years-later-turkiye-earthquake-survivors-face-hard-realities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earthquake </a>two years ago.
“Muslims were coming to faith in Christ,” Anthony recalls, “because of the way the Christian community was <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/9-months-since-turkiye-earthquake-the-church-hasnt-forgotten/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">caring for them</a> in the aftermath, compared to the government.”
Yet with the great need, there are not enough people. Anthony says FMI looks for pastors to work alongside who meet certain criteria:
<ul>
<li>deeply rooted in their faith,</li>
<li>grounded in Scripture,</li>
<li>experienced in leading the Church,</li>
<li>genuine in their relationship with Jesus,</li>
<li>and most importantly, they understand the need for the Church to multiply and reach more people.</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_217488" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217488" class="size-medium wp-image-217488" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/pexels-ugurtandogan-34214996-300x200.jpg" alt="Pexels" width="300" height="200" />Bustling Istanbul Bazaar (Photo courtesy of Ugur Tandogan via Pexels)</div>
Anthony explains that a true church planter is someone who can “raise up a church and mature and disciple a church for the purpose of those people's spiritual health, and also the multiplication of the church.”
Encouragingly, this work is happening in some areas of Türkiye.
“They [Christian leaders] are in one neighborhood with hundreds of thousands of people, and they’re pastoring the only known evangelical church there. They’re praying and planning to plant another church in a nearby suburb — also with hundreds of thousands of people — and they don’t know of any evangelical churches there,” Anthony says.
Yet one challenge is that many areas remain unreached, and there is a growing need for strategic planning. In addition, Turkish law doesn’t allow the construction of new church buildings; believers must use existing structures or, when that’s not possible, rent office space. This reality highlights the urgent need for prayer!
Please pray for workers to be found, as the harvest is ready! Visit <a href="http://forgottenmissionaries.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FMI </a>to learn more about their work and the ways you can help.
 
 
 
Abandoned 18th Century Brick Church in Turkiye (photo courtesy of Meriç Tuna via Pexels).]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:50 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/what-makes-a-good-church-planter-the-turkiye-experience/</guid>
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<title>Pastor uses FARMS loan for ministry opportunities</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pastor-uses-farms-loan-for-ministry-opportunities/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Bangladesh (MNN) – <a href="https://www.farmsinternational.com/">FARMS International</a> recently highlighted Pastor Albin, who used a FARMS loan to renovate a house that his wife, Esther, inherited. This house was then turned into a ministry location.
When Esther inherited the house, it needed a lot of work. 
“The community around them, the community that he's involved with, got together and helped repair the foundation, the roof, and different things to make [the house] into a ministry center,” Tim Landis with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/farms-international/">FARMS</a> says. 
<div id="attachment_217475" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217475" class="size-medium wp-image-217475" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/pastor-albin-and-easther-300x240.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="240" />Pastor Albin and his wife, Esther, used a FARMS loan to develop a ministry location. Photo provided by FARMS International. </div>
Now that the repairs are done, this center has a guest room that missionaries and out-of-towners can use. It also has a meeting room where women’s Bible classes have already begun. 
Pastor Albin is an encouragement and a model for FARMS because he utilizes funds and loans in ministry-minded ways. 
<blockquote>
“That's the fruit that comes from his mindset and wanting to evangelize, wanting people to come to knowledge of Christ, wanting to disciple people," Landis says.
</blockquote>
Albin has been a FARMS program participant for several years. During COVID, he was able to buy a building with a FARMS loan, which he then strategically turned into a pharmacy on one side and a reading room on the other. 
This reading room then became a place for Bible reading and Bible studies. Albin has also worked with FARMS to get livestock and other resources. 
<blockquote>
“There is a pattern of success with Albin, and ultimately it's always with ministry at the end in mind. It's so impactful because it's always about serving other people, and I just think that's one of the greatest things, and why we like to highlight him,” Landis says.
</blockquote>
Loans can open ministry opportunities like Albin’s and enable people to tithe back into their local churches. Evangelism starts happening, church activities start happening, and pastors can get some extra income to operate and shepherd churches.
<blockquote>
 Landis says, “The end goal for FARMS loans is to strengthen families, to help them out of poverty, but also to strengthen the church.”
</blockquote>
Please pray that FARMS will continue to see fruit like this, as Christians flourish and choose to give back to God with the things he’s blessed them with.
 
Header photo provided by FARMS International. ]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:52 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pastor-uses-farms-loan-for-ministry-opportunities/</guid>
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<title>Christians pray for spiritual breakthrough in the Middle East as Israel-Hamas ceasefire unfolds</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-pray-for-spiritual-breakthrough-in-the-middle-east-as-israel-hamas-ceasefire-unfolds/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Middle East (MNN) — Hope rose on October 9, 2025, as Israel and Hamas<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-agree-gaza-ceasefire-return-hostages-2025-10-09/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> signed the first phase of a ceasefire deal</a> in Egypt. The agreement outlines the release of Hamas hostages and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It will also include the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
It is a long-awaited step toward a broader peace deal to the two-year war. But Nuna with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/triumphant-mercy-lebanon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Triumphant Mercy Lebanon</a> says candidly, “This peace treaty that is in the Middle East, I'm not so sure it's going to stand. I think it's a false peace, but at least it will give us a bit of a relief for a time.”
Significant questions remain about Gaza’s government, Hamas’s disarmament, and Israel’s military presence in Gaza.
In a beautiful “coincidence” only God could have arranged, believers from Lebanon and around the world have gathered today to pray for the Middle East. Months ago, the <a href="https://tentofpraiselebanon.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beirut House of Prayer</a> planned a 50-hour international assembly for October 9-11.
“We will be praying day and night, with people rotating and praying and worshiping and just asking the will of God for not only this nation, but also the whole Middle East,” says Nuna.
<blockquote>
“It's [a] strategic time for Syria, for Turkey, for Jordan, for Lebanon, for the Palestinians, for Egypt, for all these areas here. We’re coming and pouring our hearts before God, asking for His will and for the knowledge of His glory to be released in these nations.”
</blockquote>
Nuna says these Muslim, Jewish, and nominal Christian countries are not seeing the glory of God. Instead, they are seeing “religious politics,” factions, closed borders, people separated, and changes in power such as <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/5/everything-you-need-to-know-about-syrias-first-post-assad-elections" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the fall of the Assad regime</a> in Syria or the <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/9/28/after-war-with-israel-how-is-lebanons-hezbollah-regrouping" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decrease of Hezbollah’s power</a> in Lebanon.
<div id="attachment_207446" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-207446" class="size-medium wp-image-207446" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/TM-Lebanon-e1710378013921-300x226.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="226" />(Image courtesy of Triumphant Mercy Lebanon)</div>
“We’re asking God to [open] people's eyes to see His glory, because it's a really difficult time,” says Nuna. “So many people are depressed, skeptical, in disbelief, and in hopelessness. So many people are feeling like ‘[It is] better for us to leave.’ So it is strategic to pray at this time.”
Join in praying for eternal things. Learn more about prayer movements in the Middle East and how you can be part of gatherings like the Beirut House of Prayer. <a href="https://tm-lebanon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Connect with Triumphant Mercy Lebanon</a>, or visit the Beirut House of Prayer on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beiruthouseofprayer/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@beiruthouseofprayer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a>.
“Jesus is coming back, and He's coming back here. This region is so dear to His heart —whether it is Israel or Lebanon or the whole area, it is dear to His heart,” says Nuna. “If you want to be part of this, and you want to have more news about the Middle East and more direct contact with houses of prayer, contact us.” 
 
 
Header photo of Beirut House of Prayer gathering October 9-11, 2025 courtesy of Triumphant Mercy Lebanon.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:00:51 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-pray-for-spiritual-breakthrough-in-the-middle-east-as-israel-hamas-ceasefire-unfolds/</guid>
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<title>International Day of the Girl, and tackling barriers to girls’ education</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/international-day-of-the-girl-and-tackling-barriers-to-girls-education/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
International (MNN) — International Day of the Girl Child is this Saturday, October 11 — a time to celebrate young girls and confront the challenges that hold them back. Around the world, millions of girls are still being kept out of school.
David Durance, president of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/teachbeyond/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeachBeyond</a>, says those barriers begin early.
<blockquote>
"Families are already saying to their young girls that they need to provide economically for the family. And then there's the other side of that, which is a real social pressure to be married very young.... They're married off at the age of 13, 14, and many by 15."
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_194457" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-194457" class="size-medium wp-image-194457" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/254751623_10160282498964505_2381527602321643826_n-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />(Photo courtesy of TeachBeyond)</div>
Plan International’s <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20251001dc87329/international-day-of-the-girl-plan-international-report-spotlights-barriers-keeping-girls-out-of-school" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 State of the World’s Girls report</a> shows how devastating that cycle can be. Across 15 countries, researchers spoke with 251 girls who married before age 18. Sixty-three percent were no longer in school, training, or work after marriage. More than one in three dropped out of school because of marriage — and only a few were able to continue learning afterward.
"If we were to map the two issues together – literacy issues combined with kids that don't complete K to 12 education – then we'd see that this is actually a huge issue that needs to be addressed," says Durance.
TeachBeyond is tackling that issue by offering girls high-quality education and free meals.
"When there is high-quality, affordable education...the equation changes for these parents," Durance says. "It's now saying there's a practical invitation where my daughter might actually have an opportunity to have a different pathway forward in her life."
<div id="attachment_172592" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-172592" class="size-medium wp-image-172592" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/39258891_10156945887499505_3809837532892364800_o-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of TeachBeyond via Facebook)</div>
Educators with TeachBeyond are local believers who can serve as role models for their students. These Christian teachers point girls to Jesus, who calls them valuable, worthy, and loved.
<blockquote>
Durance says, "We actually see this as, obviously a crisis, but a huge opportunity where – from the ground up, from the child up – we can pray for a whole society to receive the Gospel and be transformed by the power of the Gospel. "
</blockquote>
Pray for young girls to access education, and for families to see daughters as valuable and capable. Thank the Lord for mentors inspiring girls toward Christ-centered leadership. Pray, ultimately, for Gospel transformation in communities trapped by poverty and tradition.
<a href="https://teachbeyond.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about TeachBeyond.</a>
 
 
Header photo courtesy of TeachBeyond.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:00:15 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/international-day-of-the-girl-and-tackling-barriers-to-girls-education/</guid>
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<title>Catalysts for the Global Church: unfoldingWord empowers believers to spread God’s Word</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/catalysts-for-the-global-church-unfoldingword-empowers-believers-to-spread-gods-word/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
International (MNN) -- Quick Bible quiz: what do Jesus, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and Phoebe all have in common?
“Some people had leading roles, others worked backstage, but all of them were catalysts who equipped the Church and empowered it to reach the world,” says Dane with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/unfoldingword/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfoldingWord.</a>
unfoldingWord follows their example, acting as a catalyst for the global Church in today’s context, he adds.
“We want to see the Church go throughout the world, and it was always God’s primary means of reaching the world in the first place – the Church of Jesus Christ,” Dane says.
<h2>Breaking down barriers</h2>
unfoldingWord collaborates with indigenous churches and church-planting networks to establish a church in every people group and make the Bible available in every language. <a href="https://unfoldingword.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about that here.</a>
Along with teaching believers how to do church-centric Bible translation, “We try to catalyze Bible translation organizations to adopt open-licensing strategies for their translation resources and software,” Dane says.
<blockquote>
“It’s incredibly important for the global Church to have this (information), especially in the Global South. They don’t have lawyers that can negotiate copyright licenses year after year.”
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_190448" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/UW_quote-graphic.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-190448" class="size-medium wp-image-190448" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/UW_quote-graphic-300x251.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="251" /></a>unfoldingWord partners with the global Church to make Scripture accessible in every language through open licensing, translation, and collaboration. (Photo courtesy of unfoldingWord)</div>
Removing barriers is part of the ministry’s original purpose. unfoldingWord “has been advocating for open licensing of Bible translation resources since before we were founded in 2017. The people in leadership were doing that way back in 2010,” Dane says.
Today, “we count at least 32 Western organizations that are releasing open-license portions of their content for the global Church.”
<h2>Find your place in the story</h2>
Partnership is another key catalytic component. At unfoldingWord’s annual <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/church-centric-bible-translation-conference-ignites-collaboration/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Church-Centric Bible Translation Forum</a>, “We bring together church planting ministries, disciple-making ministries, [and] Bible societies, for networking, training, and collaboration,” Dane says.
“That benefits the global Church in its mission to translate and proclaim the Gospel.”
This collaborative effort includes you. “We have several ‘Whole Bible, Whole Nation’ projects around the world. If a church is looking for a mission [project] and they care about getting God’s Word out, that’s a great way to do it,” Dane says.
<a href="https://unfoldingword.org/wbwn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out unfoldingWord’s “Whole Bible, Whole Nation” projects</a> and ask the Lord how He’d have you support this work – whether through financial means, prayer, or advocacy.
 
 
 
Header and story images courtesy of unfoldingWord. ]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:00:46 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/catalysts-for-the-global-church-unfoldingword-empowers-believers-to-spread-gods-word/</guid>
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<title>Christians in the DRC need wisdom against rising attacks from extremists</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-in-the-drc-need-wisdom-against-rising-attacks-from-extremists/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Democratic Republic of the Congo (MNN) — Jesus told His disciples in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010:16&version=ESV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matthew 10:16</a>, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo live among wolves. Last month, the terrorist group Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) claimed the brutal killings of more than 140 believers. An <a href="https://www.barnabasaid.org/us/news/up-to-124-d-r-congo-christians-slaughtered-in-spate-of-islamist-violence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ambush</a> during a funeral in Nyoto village, Lubero District killed as many as 102 people. <a href="https://www.barnabasaid.org/us/news/another-40-christians-killed-in-d-r-congo-as-terrorists-renew-loyalty-to/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Multiple attacks</a> later in the month killed an estimated 40, according to a <a href="https://www.barnabasaid.org/us/news/another-40-christians-killed-in-d-r-congo-as-terrorists-renew-loyalty-to/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> from Barnabas Aid.
<div id="attachment_211766" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-211766" class="size-medium wp-image-211766" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/johnnathan-tshibangu-1vBnYOi3d-w-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Church in the DRC (Representative stock photo courtesy of Johnnathan Tshibangu via Unsplash)</div>
“One of the things that we've seen even [in] the last couple of months is just the level of violence of these attacks,” says Todd Nettleton with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/voice-of-the-martyrs-usa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Voice of the Martyrs, USA</a>. “[Fighters] coming in and killing dozens of people, beheading people, the idea of putting fear into the whole populace.”
There’s no end in sight, either. ISCAP, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces, is only one of 100 armed groups in the DRC. 
“So if you're in the government or in the military and you say, ‘Okay, we need to solve this problem,’ this is 100 problems,” Nettleton says. 
He says there is also a question of whether there is a will to solve the security problems. A July 26-27 ISCAP attack <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/06/dr-congo-armed-group-massacres-dozens-in-church" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed at least 40 churchgoers</a> in a city with a UN Peacekeeper presence.
"If that's happening in the same city where there are so-called peacekeepers, is it a lack of will? Is it a lack of information? What is happening that is allowing this to continue on?" says Nettleton.
<blockquote>
 "If you're a Christian in DRC right now, certainly you're asking that question as well: 'Why does this keep happening, and what needs to happen for our government or for someone to provide some safety, some protection for us?'"
</blockquote>
Imagine the disruption to daily life that these dangers cause for everyone, not only for those doing gospel work.
"The baseline of, 'Am I going to go out today and come home safely tonight?' — that's not a given," says Nettleton. "Every decision, every meeting, every chance to travel to a different location, you're having to factor in those security questions. 'What do I need to do to take only necessary risks and not unnecessary risks?'"
ISCAP released a graphic propaganda video in September, boasting of its wars on Christians and calling for reinforcements to join <a href="https://acleddata.com/qa/qa-islamic-states-pivot-africa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the rising jihad in Africa</a>. (Read an analysis of the video <a href="https://www.memri.org/reports/new-islamic-state-africa-video-features-old-playbook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.) With that in mind, please pray for bold wisdom and innocence for Christians in the DRC in line with <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010:16&version=ESV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matthew 10:16</a>. Pray that even jihadists in Africa will be won over by the gospel of Jesus.
 
 
Header image: Portrait of a Taabwa Catholic priest at the historic mission in the city of Moba, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Photo, caption courtesy of <a href="https://www.imb.org/photos/image/07130cs0409/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IMB</a>)]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:17 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>The Bangladeshi Christians face escalating danger as Islamists fill the power void</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-bangladeshi-christians-face-escalating-danger-as-islamists-fill-the-power-void/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Bangladesh (MNN) — Islamic groups have quickly moved to fill Bangladesh’s power vacuum, leaving little hope for Christians as February’s elections approach.
After <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/in-bangladesh-islamists-target-believers-from-a-muslim-background/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sheikh Hasina’s resignation</a>, Islamist factions have gained power and confidence, facing little resistance. Their growing influence leaves religious minorities increasingly vulnerable in the tense months leading up to the elections.
Tim Landis with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/farms-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FARMS International</a> says that under the previous government, Christians had at least some measure of protection: “They could report those things to the police. But now it’s turning out that there’s not any government aid.”
<div id="attachment_217440" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217440" class="size-medium wp-image-217440" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/pexels-kelly-2382889-2-300x200.jpg" alt="Pexels" width="300" height="200" />Bangladesh: Man Standing Beside Boy (Photo courtesy by Kelly via Pexels)</div>
As Islamist influence expands, persecution against believers is intensifying. Many Christians are anxious about the upcoming elections, recalling <a href="https://cruxnow.com/church-in-asia/2025/09/christians-in-bangladesh-fear-rise-of-islamst-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener">i</a><a href="https://cruxnow.com/church-in-asia/2025/09/christians-in-bangladesh-fear-rise-of-islamst-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener">njustices suffered before</a> and after past votes. With a greater threat looming this time, they are turning to God in constant prayer for protection.
“People are losing their voice. It’s not just affecting those who have recently converted, like the Muslim background believers, but now it’s affecting people who have been professing Christ for a really long time,” explains Landis.
In one case, a believer who regularly hosted Bible studies faced direct interference.
<blockquote>
“An Islamic group came in and took their Bibles, saying they couldn’t organize the study, so they were shutting it down. And this is just an Islamic group shutting it down on their own,” shares Landis.
</blockquote>
Another church leader’s wife was hospitalized and is still recovering from dengue fever — a reminder of how deeply the situation affects Christians in their day-to-day lives. She and her family need prayers for healing, strength, and the continued ministry of their church.
Pray that God will intervene amid the growing darkness over Bangladesh. Pray for the Bangladeshi believers to “find their peace in Christ and be able to afford the freedoms to continue doing what they’re doing without much pushback,” urges Landis.
FARMS International helps local churches establish sustainable businesses that strengthen and support Christian communities in Bangladesh. Visit their <a href="https://www.farmsinternational.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ministry page</a> to learn how you can become part of the change!
 
 
 
 
Sonargaon, Bangladesh (Photo courtesy of Allauddin Miajee via Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:36 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-bangladeshi-christians-face-escalating-danger-as-islamists-fill-the-power-void/</guid>
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<title>Has the term “pro-life” lost its meaning?</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/has-the-term-pro-life-lost-its-meaning/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
USA (MNN) — What does it really mean to be pro-life?
For some, it’s a broad commitment to human dignity in every form. For others, it’s a political label. Yet, <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/life-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LIFE International’s</a> Alissa Hollander says the movement risks losing focus if it drifts too far from its anti-abortion roots.
<div id="attachment_149785" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-149785" class="size-medium wp-image-149785" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/baby-infant-pixabay-300x240.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="240" />(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)</div>
“Historically, the term pro-life was probably always a good amount of things,” Hollander explains. “But it was never less than being anti-abortion. That was foundational — and where the term began.”
Over the last decade, the cultural conversation has shifted. People have tried to broaden “pro-life” to include every form of human flourishing.
Today, Hollander says the pro-life label "has been applied to everything, from environmental concerns to economic policies." While those desires may come from good intentions, she warns that redefining the term risks diluting it.
<blockquote>
“If everything is pro-life, the word risks losing its meaning,” Hollander says. “At its core, pro-life means affirming the God-given value and dignity of every person, beginning at conception. That’s the foundation from which everything else flows.”
</blockquote>
The pro-life community can hold nuanced opinions on other issues — such as immigration or the death penalty — without compromising that anti-abortion foundation.
“We always should treat everyone with dignity and respect,” Hollander says. “But we need to be clear that it (being pro-life) always includes being against the ending of innocent life in the womb.”
<div id="attachment_211271" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-211271" class="size-medium wp-image-211271" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSCF9406-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />LIFE International staff (Photo courtesy of LIFE International)</div>
LIFE International’s founder Kurt Dillinger and Alissa Hollander co-authored The People of the Womb and the Great Commission — a free resource helping Christians and the Church connect the Great Commission with the Father's heart for life, <a id="m_-117821557527351381OWA626e5332-6e7e-ba87-c402-510a593bbcb4" title="https://www.lifeinternational.com/the-people-of-the-womb/" href="https://www.lifeinternational.com/the-people-of-the-womb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lifeinternational.com/the-people-of-the-womb/&source=gmail&ust=1760106613505000&usg=AOvVaw3lxYoOMfGyzLKJ_PGt2G1e">available for free on their website</a>. The paper explores how the Church's mission must include defending the preborn, as the Great Commission calls the Church to uphold all that Christ commanded, including the value of every human life.
“Pro-life people have been accused of only caring about babies in the womb up until the moment of birth.... I just don't think that accusation holds any weight," Hollander adds. "There's countless ministries that are aimed at helping support women and their partners in keeping babies and supporting them after a baby is born.”
Pray for unity of purpose in the pro-life movement, and for believers to live out that conviction with truth and compassion. Pray that more people will recognize the God-given value of life in the womb.
Learn more about LIFE International and their global partnerships in 170 countries at <a href="https://lifeinternational.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifeinternational.com</a>.
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Camylla Battani/Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:08 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Local churches respond to earthquake devastation in the Philippines</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/local-churches-respond-to-earthquake-devastation-in-the-philippines/</link>
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Philippines (MNN) -- Relief aid is pouring into the Philippines, but it’s not reaching everyone. Thankfully, local believers have access to those in need. Their connections within remote communities are proving crucial.
<a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/wfp-philippines-earthquake-external-situation-report-no1-7-oct-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More than half a million people</a> were affected by <a href="https://reliefweb.int/disaster/eq-2025-000181-phl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">last week’s 6.9-magnitude earthquake</a> in Cebu province. Landslides and sinkholes caused by the quake and subsequent tremors are <a href="https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/cebu-struggles-aid-delivery-earthquake-october-5-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preventing survivors</a> from getting help today.
“Most of the [aid] responses are underway in San Miguel and Bogo [City], but there are churches up on the mountains in the villages, and they’re not being reached because it’s difficult to go there,” <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/a3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A3</a>’s Herman Moldez says.
However, he adds, “Local pastors are ministering to them; they don’t have the resources, but they’re just being with the people, praying, encouraging, and supporting them.”
Over 23,000 people cannot – or will not – return to their homes. Authorities set up a “tent city” in Bogo City to shelter earthquake-displaced families.
<div id="attachment_217396" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bogo_City_Hall_damaged_by_the_earthquake_October_2025.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217396" class="size-medium wp-image-217396" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bogo_City_Hall_damaged_by_the_earthquake_October_2025-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Bogo City Hall damaged by the earthquake, October 2025 (Wikimedia Commons)</div>
“At the moment, [there are] still many aftershocks happening, so most of the people are not returning to their houses,” Moldez says.
<blockquote>
“Some have lost their houses, so they’ve been sleeping on the streets.”
</blockquote>
Seasonal monsoon rains complicate relief efforts, but the weather could’ve been much worse.
“We are so grateful to the Lord that the typhoon did not pass [through] that area. It’s up north, it’s quite far away, so it did not complicate [relief efforts,]” Moldez says.
<h2>Gospel opportunity</h2>
A3 equips and empowers Christian leaders throughout Asia and beyond. <a href="https://a3leaders.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about their ministry here.</a> Partnering pastors work alongside the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches to deliver help and hope to those in need.
“Most of the time, this is an opportunity for people to start thinking about [their] relationship with God,” Moldez says.
<blockquote>
“The Philippines is a very religious country. It’s predominantly Catholic, so it’s an opportunity to help them understand what the Gospel means.”
</blockquote>
Pray for the coordination of aid deliveries so that people in remote locations get the help they need and for the safety of those traveling through rugged terrain.
“Pray for the pastors, that they may know how to minister and guide [people] and the Lord will use this as a means to create spiritual revival in the lives of people,” Moldez adds.
Pray for churches planning trauma-response outreach once relief efforts transition to recovery.
“One of the things that will be needed is a continuing rehabilitation of these people, what we call trauma healing. So many people are still afraid whenever there is an aftershock; they’re just trembling,” Moldez says.
 
 
 
Header image depicts the 53rd Engineer Brigade DRU with the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Operations in Bogo City, Cebu on October 2, 2025. (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Search_Retrieval_Cebu_Quake,_2025.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wikimedia Commons</a>)]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:24 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Gen Z rising across the world against corruption</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gen-z-rising-across-continents-against-corruption/</link>
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International (MNN) — Global, tech-savvy Gen Z is raising its voice against corruption. Youth-led protests in Nepal <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/10/3/nepals-leaderless-gen-z-revolution-has-changed-the-rules-of-power" target="_blank" rel="noopener">toppled the nation’s government</a> in early September. The spark? A social media ban.
In the weeks since Nepal's turnover, Gen Z protests have occurred in <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/21/thousands-rally-in-philippines-at-anticorruption-protests-in-manila" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Philippines</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/02/gen-z-madagascar-vows-protest-until-president-resigns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Madagascar</a>, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/9/29/perus-gen-z-rallies-against-president-boluarte" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peru</a>, and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/morocco-gen-z-protests-king-explainer-106e99e49835fca17da9d1ee411b78f5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morocco</a>. Since 2024, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/thousands-march-serbia-persistent-resistance-autocratic-leader-vucic-126130871" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Serbia</a> and <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/protests-in-kenya-point-to-serious-concerns-among-the-next-generation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kenya</a> have also experienced anti-government demonstrations. The motivations have varied within each nation, but all have the theme of young adults who want to see corruption removed from their countries.
"I think the soul knows when things are wrong. You feel compassion for these people [who are] living in countries where the situation has gotten to the point that even these young people are like, 'Hey, that's corruption, and that's not okay,'" says Denise Godwin with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/international-media-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Media Ministries</a>. She adds that if God intervenes, “this is a generation that could hold people to account and ask for a government that takes care of their people.”
<div id="attachment_216893" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216893" class="size-medium wp-image-216893" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1080px-2025_Nepalese_Gen_Z_protesters_infront_of_Bharatpur_mahanagarpalika_office-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Nepalese Gen Z protesters in front of Bharatpur city corporation office (Photo courtesy of हिमाल सुवेदी via Wikimedia Commons, Own work - CC BY-SA 4.0)</div>
Godwin sees a parallel between these recent events and the <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/17/what-is-the-arab-spring-and-how-did-it-start" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arab Spring</a> of the early 2010s. Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya, Yemen, and Syria all experienced uprisings — some leading to changes in government, others to division or civil war.
“Some of these people live in places [where] it is a danger to them to be having these protests. [This is a generation] that's pretty fed up with corruption, that's pretty fed up with the restrictions of governments that have chosen to subjugate people, either via religion or governance. [It] seems like they're using different reasons for the protests, but I think the essence is the same," says Godwin.
"I've spoken to Egyptians who say, 'Oh, the corruption is right back where it was at the Arab Spring. It's just [under] different names.'"
Watch and pray that there are no arbitrary crackdowns on young demonstrators. Last month, Nepal's demonstrations turned violent, resulting in the deaths of more than 70 people. In Madagascar, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/02/gen-z-madagascar-vows-protest-until-president-resigns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at least 22 people</a> were killed. Danger is always present, for both protestors and law enforcement.
“It's an important thing that they're birthing. They're aware of corruption, they're aware of injustice, but can it be channeled into something besides chaos or anarchy?” says Godwin. 
Ask God for more than just lives to be spared. 
“What we're seeing in Gen Z is a spiritual reawakening. It may not be necessarily focused on Jesus Christ, but there is a spiritual hunger in this generation,” says Godwin. “This is a really important time for Christians to be praying for God to use these disruptions of protests in people's lives to bring them to salvation in Jesus.”
Pray that Gen Z's actions in these nations will result in good changes. But remember that only God can truly end abuse and deception on earth. 
“We can think we’re immune in some place[s], but corruption goes back to original sin," says Godwin. "We are surrounded by humans who are vulnerable to taking advantage of others."
 
 
Header photo is a representative stock image courtesy of Ali Haghighi via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:52 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>MENA: When life loses its meaning, trust the Creator to give it back</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/mena-when-life-loses-its-meaning-trust-the-creator-to-give-it-back/</link>
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MENA (MNN) — October 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. There is a practical way to focus prayers and awareness on those who may be in need of hope.
An unseen enemy claims <a href="https://www.sat7usa.org/stories/turning-silence-into-support-in-the-fight-against-suicide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 700.000 lives</a> every year: suicide. In the Middle East and North Africa, where war, instability, and uncertainty often deepen despair, the struggle is especially heavy.
Walking alongside those who suffer is vital. That’s one of the key focuses for SAT-7 teams working in Persian, Turkish, and Arabic contexts. They provide safe spaces for listeners to understand themselves better and to be encouraged.
Joe Willey from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/sat-7/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAT-7</a> explains, “SAT-7 has programs that will address things — suicide, disability — things that are, at best, really uncomfortable culturally, but often just ignored.”
<div id="attachment_199452" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-199452" class="size-medium wp-image-199452" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SAT7_people-in-marketplace-blog-size-300x185.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="185" />(Photo courtesy of SAT-7)</div>
In many cultures across the Middle East and North Africa, people facing doubt or fear are often encouraged to turn to Islamic practices. The concept of collective honor can make vulnerability difficult — sharing struggles may be seen as weakness.
Alone with their fears and pressures, some lose hope. This is where the message of Jesus brings healing.
Sometimes, callers reach out to SAT-7’s hotline saying, I just don't want to live anymore. “They're listened to first,” says Willey, “but they're told the understanding of the Gospel and the biblical worldview — that no, there is great hope, and you are made in the image of God, and God loves you.”
For someone standing on the edge — feeling like an outsider in their own culture and ready to give up — a new day begins. It all comes back to this unshakable truth: every man, woman, and child is made in the image of God. Life is His gift, and He has a purpose for each one.
SAT-7 continues to air programs for those facing mental and emotional challenges. Willey adds, “It's the Christian worldview to say, even though there may be something that is difficult, it's desperate right now, maybe, there is a disability, there is still great hope in Christ and in God's plan.”
Pray that as <a href="https://sat7.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAT-7</a>’s team creates new programs, they’ll be led by the Holy Spirit to bring healing and hope. Pray also that churches across the Middle East and North Africa will be sensitive to their communities and serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to whoever might need it.
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Akhil Nath via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:59 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Pressure, bias, and truth after two years of the Israel-Hamas war</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pressure-bias-and-truth-after-two-years-of-the-israel-hamas-war/</link>
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Israel (MNN) — Two years ago, Hamas fighters broke into Israel, slaughtered 1,200 people, and kidnapped 251. Yet two years later, international pressure has risen on Israel to end its fight against Hamas. Many <a href="https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/10/03/2-years-later-much-world-no-longer-remembers-oct-7/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seem to have forgotten</a> the atrocities Hamas committed on October 7, 2023.
Why is this so? A man we’ll call Brother Y points to media coverage as one reason. He is an ex-IDF soldier and a Jew who gave his life to Yeshua the Messiah, serving with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/global-catalytic-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Catalytic Ministries</a>. He says the press has been almost unanimous in the push against Israel in its struggle.
For example, you will see images of Israeli soldiers with weapons, without understanding what they’re doing. Instead of seeing Hamas fighters or <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/yahya-sinwar-october-7th-mastermind-eliminated-by-idf-what-now/">masterminds</a> on the other side, “almost 100% of the time you see the populace, who are suffering,” says Brother Y. 
“So it's very easy to lose your critical thinking when you see that, and just go for your heart. Praise God, people have a heart, and they go by their God-given emotions. But that can really skew the view of reality and what's happening.”
At the same time, there have been tens of thousands of casualties in Gaza. The Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry puts the death toll <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/6/potential-hurdles-litter-road-as-israel-and-hamas-head-to-gaza-peace-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">above 67,000</a>. 
"That breaks our heart, especially as people of the faith," says Brother Y. "And I can tell you that it breaks the hearts of my people Israel who are not yet followers of Messiah. There's a big heartbreak, lots of discussions, lots of protests. 'Let's try to find a better way of doing this.'"
<h2>Genocide: who and where? </h2>
In September 2025, a United Nations inquiry announced its conclusion that Israel has <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/united-nations-calls-israel-hamas-war-in-gaza-genocide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">committed genocide</a> in Gaza. Brother Y says this is a debunked myth.
<div id="attachment_207565" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-207565" class="size-medium wp-image-207565" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nir_Oz_by_Yael_Yolovitch_YY9-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />A home in Kibbutz Nir Oz after the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. In the October 7, 2023 surprise attack on the Gaza border communities, Hamas either killed, injured or abducted about one quarter of the 400 residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz. (Wikimedia Commons)</div>
“[In] all of Palestinian Authority-controlled cities, there are zero Jews,” he points out. “Inside Israel, there are close to 2 million Arabs living with full rights, unlike any other country in the Middle East. They have full voting, full protest rights. So there's no apartheid. There’s no genocide. For two years now, a genocide could have taken place in one week if we wanted, with the weaponries that Israel has.”
He speaks bluntly on these things because he interacts with many people who used to stand with Israel. "[They] used to stand — generally, not with everything," he clarifies. "Neither [do] I stand with everything my government does. But [many would] generally stand with Israel who have now turned their backs, mainly because of media brainwashing."
Israel’s enemy is Hamas, not Palestinians. The terrorist group’s original 1988 charter, though revised since then, called for the annihilation of Israel. A study published online by Cambridge University Press analyzed the October 7, 2023, attack. It concluded that yes, <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/israel-law-review/article/hamas-october-7th-genocide-legal-analysis-and-the-weaponisation-of-reverse-accusations-a-study-in-modern-genocide-recognition-and-denial/322198E636341BE82F37ED7147FEB0F5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hamas's actions meet the criteria</a> for genocide under international law.
<h2>The gospel: for one and all</h2>
In all the evil and suffering of this two-year conflict, Brother Y says there is one Messiah to look to. 
“The suffering servant of the Lord, who came into our human suffering, and who says, ‘It's neither who's right, you guys are right, or your enemies, or the people on the other side. It’s "we're all wrong."' We've all sinned against the mighty God. God reached down and forgave us, His previous enemies, and made us friends and household of God.”
One Israeli Jew heard Brother Y sharing the gospel and asked, “As amazing as this message sounds, you really think hearts can change? People who've suffered so much on both sides can suddenly lay down their weapon[s] and say, ‘Yes, I see this bleeding Messiah. I see the suffering servant of the Lord’?”
<blockquote>
Brother Y replied, “I've seen this again and again, that even when we don't have answers, then we look at Yeshua, who suffered, and He calls us himself, He calls us to receive His heart, and supernaturally, He allows us to forgive on both sides.”
</blockquote>
This was Brother Y’s own story of change. It's also <a href="https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/profiles-in-faith-corrie-ten-boom/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the story of Corrie ten Boom</a>, whom Brother Y told his friend about.
<h2>Please pray</h2>
Whatever stance you have on the Israel-Hamas war, please pray for the people caught in the controversies and crossfire.
“Pray for justice and righteousness. Pray for more freedom of information, because that's really important. Information and education, even as [it] is, can bring dialogue,” says Brother Y. 
"Pray for the workers who are sowing the seeds of the gospel. Pray for the fire, the power of the gospel, to really breathe upon these people who are going out, because I believe eventually, this is the only hope."
 
 
Header photo: Israeli intelligence officers, 2022. (Stock photo courtesy of Levi Meir Clancy via Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:28 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pressure-bias-and-truth-after-two-years-of-the-israel-hamas-war/</guid>
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<title>Hope rising in Israel’s spiritual hunger</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/hope-rising-in-israels-spiritual-hunger/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Israel (MNN) -- <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/10/06/mounting-push-to-end-fighting-and-open-aid-routes-as-gaza-war-enters-third-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ceasefire talks</a> between Israeli and Hamas delegations entered a second day in Egypt. Mediators are addressing <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-10-06-2025-3c3e1d13e86fabeaaff7930a18c6590a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">points of contention</a> like hostage and prisoner exchanges, disarmament, and troop withdrawals.
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-strikes-gaza-after-trump-calls-end-bombardment-2025-10-04/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Over the weekend</a>, a White House official announced that U.S. President Donald Trump was dispatching envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Egypt to finalize the technical arrangements for the hostage release and to explore a long-term peace agreement.
“We are certainly watching what’s happening with these ceasefire negotiations, and we are looking for direction on next steps,” Bruce with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/uncharted-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uncharted Ministries</a> says.
“We’re obviously very concerned for our staff [who] are in the fight; one of our close contacts in Israel [has a son who] is the tank commander.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-were-nearing-great-achievement-i-hope-all-hostages-will-be-returned-in-next-few-days/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expressed hope</a> that the captives’ return could be announced during the Jewish festival of Sukkot, observed from October 6 to 13. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continue deep within Gaza.
<div id="attachment_217375" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/UCM_jerusalem-west-wall.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217375" class="size-medium wp-image-217375" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/UCM_jerusalem-west-wall-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>Jerusalem’s Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock, where both Jews and Muslims pray every day. (Photo courtesy of Uncharted Ministries)</div>
<h2>Trauma and faith amid war</h2>
Hamas jihadists raided a Jewish community on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-suffer-on-both-sides-of-israel-hamas-war/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More about that here.</a> Nearly 50 hostages remain in Gaza today, and only 20 are still alive.
“We have a Jewish member of our team and then our Israeli national leader there; they say the nation is exhausted. Some are experiencing trauma, PTSD,” Bruce says.
<blockquote>
However, despite the mental toll of war, “as long as the hostages are still held, they can’t move on.”
</blockquote>
Uncharted partners with Jewish-background believers in Israel, and “We’ve heard, ‘October 7 has changed everything,’” Bruce adds.
Israelis are asking deeper questions about faith, purpose, and healing. In the midst of loss, a hunger for hope is growing – and many are finding strength in God’s promises. Learn how you can support this Gospel growth by <a href="https://unchartedministries.com/2025/06/09/light-in-the-darkness-stories-of-faith-and-survival-from-israel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">partnering with Uncharted.</a>
“Become educated and maybe as a ‘bucket list’ go [to Israel],” Bruce says. “Then you can pray right on the ground and see it firsthand.”
 
 
 
Header and story images courtesy of Uncharted Ministries. ]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:22 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/hope-rising-in-israels-spiritual-hunger/</guid>
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<title>Jesus at home and Islam outside: the double life of Christian children in Iran</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/jesus-at-home-and-islam-outside-the-double-life-of-christian-children-in-iran/</link>
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Iran (MNN) — For a Christian child growing up in Iran, the key is understanding Truth.
At school, Christian children must live double lives. Home is the only safe place to explore real truth, while outside, Islamic ideology dominates.
Lana Silk from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/transform-iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transform Iran</a> says, “All material has a flavor of Islam. You know, even if you're doing math or the arts.”
<div id="attachment_217367" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217367" class="size-medium wp-image-217367" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sama_Kindergarten_and_Elementary_School_-_First_day_of_Iranian_new_education_year_-_for_Kindergarten_students_and_elementary_school_newcomers_-_Qods_zonetown_-_city_of_Nishapur_057-300x225.jpg" alt="Wikimedia Commons" width="300" height="225" />Sama Kindergarten and Elementary School (Photo courtesy of Sonia Sevilla via Wikimedia Commons)</div>
Beyond regular subjects, students take religious classes to learn Islam and Arabic so they can recite Namaz and become proper Muslims. Even familiar Bible stories are rewritten through an Islamic lens.
“They have to be able to talk about the Islamic version at school, play along, and pretend that’s their reality — all while keeping the differences straight in their minds and not mixing them up. It’s a lot of pressure on the children,” explains Silk.
At home, Christian parents try to keep their children grounded in Scripture, but many lack training. That’s where Transform Iran steps in.
“We do a lot of ministry that focuses on children and have created resources focused on children to give parents the tools they need to help instill these foundations in their children at a young age, so that they grow up knowing the truth,” says Silk.
Whenever possible, the ministry organizes discreet gatherings — every few weeks or monthly — in small home groups led by trained teachers who use age-appropriate, biblically based materials.
For many children, the difference between truth and falsehood is tangible.
<div id="attachment_217369" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217369" class="size-medium wp-image-217369" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sama_Kindergarten_and_Elementary_School_-_First_day_of_Iranian_new_education_year_-_for_Kindergarten_students_and_elementary_school_newcomers_-_Qods_zonetown_-_city_of_Nishapur_064-300x225.jpg" alt="Wikimedia Commons" width="300" height="225" />First day of Iranian new education year (Photo courtesy of Sonia Sevilla via Wikimedia Commons)</div>
“They experience the love of God very early in their lives in Christian homes, and particularly in Iran's toxic climate, they recognize that at home there is joy and peace — something lacking outside their home,” says Silk.
Yet this double life takes a toll. Many children struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem as they navigate two conflicting worlds. They need your prayers.
Pray for Iranian parents to wisely guide their children through the emotional strain of their environment. Pray for children to hold fast to the truth they know at home.
Learn more about how <a href="https://transformiran.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transform Iran</a> equips families and children to live faithfully in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Mohammad Moslehi via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:33 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Christians in Rajasthan face surge of harassment, await upcoming Supreme Court decision</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-in-rajasthan-face-surge-of-harassment-await-upcoming-supreme-court-decision/</link>
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India (MNN) — Even a pending legislative bill can stir up danger for India’s Christians today. 
On September 9, 2025, India’s Rajasthan State passed its latest anti-conversion law. In the weeks since, at least nine documented <a href="https://releaseinternational.org/anti-conversion-law-prompts-attacks-on-christians-in-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">incidents</a> of attacks or harassment against Christians have happened in the state.
“While this law has actually not been signed by the governor and actually made law, it has certainly emboldened the fanatic Hindu groups there,” says John Pudaite with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/bibles-for-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles For The World</a>.
Anti-conversion laws can easily be used to target Christian and Muslim minorities. Even something like giving to the poor or playing music at a worship gathering can lead to <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-a-freedom-of-religion-bill-spells-trouble-for-indias-believers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accusations</a> of forcing someone to convert. Accusations can lead to mob attacks, fines, lengthy imprisonment, and legal battles.
This surge of mistreatment of Christians in Rajasthan isn’t surprising. It’s a reminder to pray for protection for these brothers and sisters, and that attackers will see the light of Christ as believers respond. The challenges that come from this are serious.
<div id="attachment_217340" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217340" class="size-medium wp-image-217340" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ahmed-fahmi-F0SZLNZj8FU-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="India, woman" width="300" height="200" />(Stock photo courtesy of Ahmed Fahmi via Unsplash)</div>
“[It forces] them to come up with a lot of money to bail out the pastors and Christians who have been charged, and to have to expend the legal fees to defend their case, and the time and resources that are involved,” Pudaite says. 
The accusations are usually unfounded. “While twelve states have these laws, and there have been hundreds of arrests made under these anti-conversion laws, not a single [case] has stuck in court,” he says. “Even though you have states like <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/india-intensifies-anti-conversion-laws/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uttarakhand</a> that have now increased the possible punishment to life imprisonment for a forcible or fraudulent conversion, not a single charge has stuck.”
The good news is that a roadblock came up in September against anti-conversion laws. India’s Supreme Court <a href="https://persecution.org/2025/09/17/indias-supreme-court-requests-responses-to-petitions-against-anti-conversion-laws-in-9-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called</a> for nine of the 12 Indian states with such laws to respond to <a href="https://persecution.org/2025/04/21/indias-supreme-court-hears-complaints-on-anti-conversion-laws/">petitions</a> challenging them. The Court says it will consider granting a stay on their enforcement. (<a href="https://persecution.org/2025/09/17/indias-supreme-court-requests-responses-to-petitions-against-anti-conversion-laws-in-9-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More on that here</a>.)
“That is a very, very important step that the Supreme Court has taken in asking the states to basically show cause [for] why they have passed these laws — really holding to the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion,” says Pudaite. 
Pray for justice and truth to be upheld by India’s Supreme Court, which will be under pressure from Hindutva voices to defend anti-conversion laws. 
 
 
Header photo: Central Wing of the Supreme Court of India where the Chief Justice's courtroom is situated. (Photo courtesy of Subhashish Panigrahi via Wikimedia Commons - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:00:43 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-in-rajasthan-face-surge-of-harassment-await-upcoming-supreme-court-decision/</guid>
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<title>3 practical steps to fuel your prayers for the unreached nations</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/3-practical-steps-to-fuel-your-prayers-for-the-unreached-nations/</link>
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International (MNN) — Discover these simple steps to see the world through Heaven’s eyes and help bring the Gospel to the unreached.
It’s been two thousand years since Jesus gave the Great Commission, yet millions still haven’t heard His name. If every Christian shared the Gospel with just 3 unreached people, the whole world could hear the Gospel! But real barriers stand in the way.
David Bogosian from the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/a-third-of-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alliance for the Unreached</a> says, “These 3 billion [unreached] people live in places that are difficult to get to — Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, northern India... These are places where Christian witness is heavily persecuted.”
The good news is that God sends workers into these fields — both local believers and foreigners who have responded to His call. They bring the Gospel of the Kingdom to regions thirsty for truth.
They need your support! Bogosian explains:
<blockquote>
“Our job is to pray for those people, to get behind those that are trying to reach them and to stand with God's people that are on the front lines of this type of witness.”
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_217358" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217358" class="size-medium wp-image-217358" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/maksim-shutov-kdLKidl6Lrc-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="Unsplash" width="300" height="200" />Heaven's perspective on the world builds faith (photo courtesy of Maksim Shutov via Unsplash)</div>
Yet, often our daily troubles distract us from God’s greater work. World news can seem unbearable and the future hopeless — yet this is exactly what Jesus’s disciples experienced!
“Jesus wanted to lift their eyes,” says Bogosian, “above all of that, to see what God is doing, to see what Heaven sees!”
There are three steps we can take to gain Heaven’s perspective:
<ol>
<li>Pray for God to give you His vision for the world — "We need to ask God to give us a global vision, a heart that sees the world the way that he sees it. And God will do that."</li>
<li>Learn about these nations: from open sources, testimonies, active workers— “So learn about the nations, learn about what God is doing.”</li>
<li>Act — “The third thing is get involved. Action fuels prayer!”</li>
</ol>
When we begin to see from Heaven’s perspective, our faith grows, and we recognize how deeply Christ’s message transforms individuals, communities, and even nations. Then we pass that message forward.
<blockquote>
“We're God's people. We are His hands and His feet, and this is what Jesus was doing. Jesus went out to seek and to save the lost,” says Bogosian.
</blockquote>
Be part of Christ’s global rescue plan! Visit <a href="https://alliancefortheunreached.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Alliance for the Unreache</a>d to learn more.
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Roman Melnychuk via Unsplash.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:00:12 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Grannies encouraged by parenting ministries</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/grannies-encouraged-by-parenting-ministries/</link>
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South Africa (MNN) – Single Moms Raising Sons, a ministry of <a href="https://cwomissions.org/">Christian World Outreach (CWO)</a>, is encouraging and meeting with grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren.
Though the ministry began as a way to reach single moms, grandmothers raising their grandchildren need support too and are often dealing with challenges that are new compared to when they raised their own children.
<blockquote>
“We have meetings with the grannies and speak into their lives, helping them with parenting skills now that some of them are in their 80s and raising their grandchildren. [We are] just sharing the Gospel with them and giving them tools that they can use to raise their grandchildren,” says Greg Yoder with CWO.
</blockquote>
The response has been positive, as the grannies are grateful for the meetings and excited that somebody is coming alongside them to share the support they need to raise their grandchildren.
Some of these families also have physical needs, and <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/christian-world-outreach/">CWO</a> is partnering with other organizations to meet those needs through food, clothing, and other essential items.
Recently, CWO was able to help several grannies get scales so that they can weigh their products and sell them for a fair price at the market.
“[It’s] been exciting to come alongside them in that way, and the donations that people have given have helped in a physical as well as a spiritual way,” Yoder says.
Through this ministry, the grandmothers are not the only ones being supported. The children raised by their grandmothers are able to live more stable lives.
<blockquote>
“These kids are hurting,” Yoder says. “If they're being raised by a granny who's generations older than them, it can be difficult for both of them, and looking at your grandmother raising you can be really difficult.”
</blockquote>
This ministry also helps boys go to camp to learn from male mentors. And for married grandmothers, some of the grandfathers are coming alongside them to help raise these children.
 
As many of the grandmothers are believers, it’s exciting to see them pass their faith to their grandchildren. As CWO helps them invest in these young people physically and spiritually, they are passing on a positive legacy.
<blockquote>
“We're just excited about what's happening in South Africa with this ministry,” Yoder says. [There is an] excitement that these ladies have when they come together, being able to share their stories with each other, and ultimately receiving the healing that they need, that really comes from God's love and what he can do in their lives.”
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_206480" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-206480" class="wp-image-206480 size-medium" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/416146572_746634790827860_4999910735706171641_n-300x225.jpg" alt="Men Molding Men camp helps boys learn from male mentors (Photo courtesy of CWO)" width="300" height="225" /> Men Molding Men camp helps boys learn from male mentors (Photo courtesy of CWO)</div>
Please pray for workers and volunteers as CWO continues to find new groups that want to meet. Pray that the information shared will be valuable and transformative for these grandmothers and their grandchildren.
For those who want to give to this ministry, donations can go to the general fund so that CWO can do things like buy scales for grannies, help boys go to camp, support other ministries like Healing Hearts and Men Around the Fire, and continue the many programs that serve children being raised by a single parent.
 
Header Photo Provided by Single Moms Raising Sons, a ministry of Christian World Outreach]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:00:53 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Afghanistan restores Internet after Taliban’s 48-hour blackout</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/afghanistan-restores-internet-after-talibans-48-hour-blackout/</link>
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Afghanistan (MNN) -- Afghanistan is back online after a 48-hour <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/world/afghanistan/afghanistan-blackout-taliban-denies-nationwide-internet-ban-women-rcna234865" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Internet shutdown</a> by Taliban authorities. Officials provided <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98dmq03n92o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no reason</a> for this week’s blackout, which grounded flights, halted commerce, and restricted access to emergency services.
Todd Nettleton with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/voice-of-the-martyrs-usa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Voice of the Martyrs USA</a> says, “Even sat (satellite) phones had troubles working inside the country. Ministries are scrambling to figure out, ‘Okay, how are we going to hear from our partners?’”
People had no means of communication with each other or the outside world, and they had no idea how long the blackout would last. Unfortunately, the shutdown also restricted the only avenue of hope for many people.
<div id="attachment_192538" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/afghan-burqas-01.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-192538" class="size-medium wp-image-192538" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/afghan-burqas-01-300x237.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="237" /></a>(Photo courtesy of FMI)</div>
Diplomatic and industry sources <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghanistans-cellphone-internet-services-down-monitoring-shows-2025-09-30/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Reuters</a> that Taliban authorities ordered communication services to be shut down, citing morality concerns.
“They said, ‘We’re shutting down the Internet to prevent immorality.’ Well, what would be listed under immorality? In their minds, Christian content from the Internet would be considered immoral for their idea of following Islam,” Nettleton says.
“One of the things it definitely affects is Christian materials – online evangelism, social media evangelism, discipleship – that happens over an Internet connection.”
Thankfully, the Taliban restored connectivity <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0jq2q5jnw3o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">after two days,</a> but the shutdown sets a disconcerting precedent. Pray that Afghans will turn to Christ for peace and reassurance.
“The average Afghan looks at the Taliban, looks at the oppression and says, ‘Well, if that’s what it means to be a good Muslim, I’m not sure I want to be a good Muslim,’” Nettleton says.
<blockquote>
“That plants some questions in the heart to say, ‘Okay, well, if I’m not a good Muslim, then what should I be?’ The Gospel has answers to those questions.”
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.persecution.com/globalprayerguide/afghanistan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Partner with VOM here</a> to provide practical and spiritual support to Christians in Afghanistan. Pray for the protection of Christian leaders and believers who are being targeted by the Taliban.
 
 
 
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/h7wEYf-LUCk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joel Heard/Unsplash.</a>]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:45 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/afghanistan-restores-internet-after-talibans-48-hour-blackout/</guid>
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<title>Child of God or jihad?</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/child-of-god-or-jihad/</link>
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Africa (MNN) — According to a <a href="https://icct.nl/publication/islamic-state-2025-evolving-threat-facing-waning-global-response" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 report</a> from the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, the Islamic State appears to be <a href="https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/ghost-of-the-caliphate-how-africa-became-the-global-epicenter-of-the-islamic-state/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">growing fastest in Africa</a>. Although IS's presence in Africa is not a new thing, its rising influence is a danger that analysts have been <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/11/25/top-counterterrorism-official-warns-of-isiss-rapid-rise-in-africa-00191571" target="_blank" rel="noopener">speaking out</a> about.
One ministry taking that danger seriously is <a href="https://www.zimzamglobal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZimZam Global</a>, a church-planter training organization that approaches children's discipleship first.
“With the rise of terror groups in Africa, you would realize that the most affected people are children,” says Francis Kataka Kubondo with ZimZam Global. "Wherever there is an attack, definitely the children suffer most." 
Children’s school attendance and church and family life all come under threat when terrorists strike. Some may be exploited in the worst of ways.
Children are also vulnerable to <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/islamic-state-evolving-deadly-attacks-syria-iraq-somalia-iskp/33357688.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accepting Islamic State jihadism</a> themselves. Kubondo explains that extremists will sometimes enter communities the same way that Christians do. They might offer humanitarian aid or school sponsorship, gaining influence.
<div id="attachment_217313" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217313" class="size-medium wp-image-217313" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fatima-yusuf-1zfQLW1me3g-unsplash-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />(Photo courtesy of Fatima Yusuf via Unsplash)</div>
“They target areas where people are poor, [they] target area[s] where there is some form of instability, and then they present themselves as a solution,” he says. 
<blockquote>
Yet there is a crucial difference: “For Christianity, we are driven by love, as opposed to the Islamists, who are driven by fear.” 
</blockquote>
ZimZam Global’s vision is a church for every child. Today, they serve in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, and their reach is expanding.
“Most [other] church planting trainings focus on adults, but for us, we do it the other way around. We first of all reach out to children, and then through children, the church planter can gain access to family and then through family, now a church can be birthed," says Kubondo.
The next generations in Africa are on the line, so please pray! Pray that instead of being exposed to Islamic extremism, many more children in Africa will accept Christ, join God’s family and serve His good Kingdom purposes. Pray for more believers to join the work to reach children for Christ in Africa. Pray for resources ZimZam Global needs to carry this mission forward. 
<blockquote>
“Our biggest cry in Africa is for God to provide opportunities in His own ways so that we can move up to the northern part of Africa and share the goodness of Christ in those areas," says Kubondo. "As of now, the engagement is very low.” 
</blockquote>
 
 
 
Header photo is a representative stock photo courtesy of Michael Ali via Unsplash. ]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:55 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/child-of-god-or-jihad/</guid>
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<title>Kingdom-minded: The largest Evangelical church in the Arab world</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/kingdom-minded-the-largest-evangelical-church-in-the-arab-world/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Egypt (MNN) — We want to introduce you to a new ministry partner – the largest Evangelical church in the Arab world!
<a href="https://english.kdec.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kasr El-Dobara Evangelical Church (KDEC)</a>, located in Egypt, was founded by Dr. Ibrahim Said in 1949 with a “missions DNA.” Since then, the church has grown into the largest Arab Evangelical congregation, with 12,000 members.
<div id="attachment_217326" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217326" class="size-medium wp-image-217326" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/489288942_1087656033401963_4416850828168737379_n-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" />(Photo courtesy of KDEC)</div>
<blockquote>
KDEC's Pastor Sam emphasizes, "It's not about the number, actually. It's about the Kingdom. We are Kingdom-minded, not church-minded.
</blockquote>
"We believe that the Church exists for the Great Commission, to continue the message that Jesus Christ started, and help people to get to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We pass the message of hope for people."
Out of Egypt’s 118 million people, Pastor Sam says, "At least 20 million are Christians. The majority are Coptic Orthodox — 93%. Five percent are Evangelicals, and the rest are Catholic. So we are a minority among minorities — but thank God that we can reach the multitude!"
KDEC meets people where they are through creative outreach. Pastor Sam says, for example, "We have the largest sports ministry program in the Middle East. We serve around 750,000 per year across Egypt and also in the Middle East. We are using sports to reach people [with] the knowledge of Christ."
<div id="attachment_217328" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217328" class="size-medium wp-image-217328" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/485658692_1094069379427295_3790982092929980870_n-300x168.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="168" />(Photo courtesy of KDEC)</div>
Another outreach draws thousands to <a href="https://sat7.org/god-at-work-during-christian-festival-in-egypt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">music festivals</a>. "We developed a program called Count It Right in partnership with Palau's organization. We have a festival, and people come from different backgrounds to watch the shows. In each station, we share...the Gospel."
Whatever the method, Pastor Sam says it all comes down to one goal — telling as many people as possible about Jesus.
"We are using different 'languages.' I don't mean like Arabic and English. I mean languages like sports, music, apologetics, media, [and] social media to grab people's attention to the message of Christ."
When asked how Christians can pray, Pastor Sam responds with sincere reverence: "Pray for grace and wisdom as we're serving the Lord. [Pray] for the Church in Egypt to be in the center of God's will, and to be brave, and to continue sharing the Good News without fear."
<a href="https://english.kdec.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about KDEC at their website.</a>
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of KDEC.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:12 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Syria faces both external and internal pressures as new parliament is elected</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/syria-faces-both-external-and-internal-pressures-as-new-parliament-is-elected/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Syria (MNN) — Syria’s first <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/syrias-first-election-after-dictatorship-what-you-need-to-know/a-74067091" target="_blank" rel="noopener">parliamentary elections</a> since the former Assad regime fell are set for this weekend. But both external and <a href="https://www.epc.ae/en/details/scenario/one-step-forward-two-steps-back-negotiations-between-the-syrian-government-and-the-sdf-and-prospects-of-a-political-solution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">internal pressures</a> are at play.
“Anytime there's an election in our part of the world, it's always a little spicy,” says Samuel* from Redemptive Stories. 
Syrian critics call the election <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/syrias-first-election-after-dictatorship-what-you-need-to-know/a-74067091" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a charade</a>. Two-thirds of the 210-member parliament will be elected, but one-third will be appointed directly by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
<div id="attachment_211829" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-211829" class="size-medium wp-image-211829" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1522px-Syrians_in_Germany_celebrate_Fall_of_Assad_Regime_8_December_2024-300x213.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="213" />Syrians in Germany celebrate Fall of Assad Regime, 8 December 2024 (Photo courtesy of Shark1989z via Wikimedia Commons - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)</div>
Samuel noted the contrast at the 2025 United Nations General Assembly last month, where al-Sharaa sat in the same room with leaders of governments who had once been trying to arrest him.
<blockquote>
“One of the things that people need to realize is that it seems on all external measures that he (al-Sharaa) is walking this tightrope between his own people that have put him in power, and then also walking the other side is what the West wants from him,” Samuel says. 
</blockquote>
One of those tightrope issues is what to do with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The U.S.-backed, Kurdish militants have controlled northeast Syria for years, and they don’t want a centralized government. 
“Even though there's been an agreement put in place to enforce them towards this, they still are trying to drag their feet as long as [they] can, because they want to preserve autonomy and their identity,” says Samuel, referring to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-reaches-deal-integrate-sdf-within-state-institutions-presidency-says-2025-03-10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the March 2025 pact</a> between the SDF and the government.
It’s a reasonable concern. Neighboring Turkiye considers the SDF a terrorist organization and has <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/erdogan-says-turkey-will-not-allow-syrias-fragmentation-2025-10-01/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">threatened</a> military action if the Kurdish group does not integrate into Syria’s new government. Both <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/14/israeli-army-carries-out-its-latest-ground-incursion-in-southern-syria">Israel</a> and the <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/01/us-iraq-reduction-isis-syria/86456062007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S.</a> have a military presence and differing goals they would like to see achieved in Syria.
Another topic the West is watching is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syria-establish-new-parliament-testing-inclusivity-pledge-2025-09-23/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the inclusion of minorities</a> in Syria's future. For the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-conflict-druze-israel-minorities-6827a22c87e0e1b4ea2973ce73e33f8a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Druze</a>, Alawite, and Christian populations, Samuel says the new parliament “could create space for them to actually run for election and hopefully be elected."
Yet for minorities within Kurdish-controlled Syria, Samuel says there have been huge strides in terms of religious freedom and religious plurality. Priests and pastors from Muslim backgrounds have been able to operate without fear of government attention. That could change, though, if a centralized, Sunni Islam-dominated culture and system spreads across the nation.
Please pray today that God will use the upcoming elections, however imperfect they are, to stabilize Syria and strengthen the Church. Samuel explains that the flood of young people and families who left Syria during the nation’s civil war created a significant gap.
<div id="attachment_178180" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-178180" class="size-medium wp-image-178180" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/WikimediaCommons_Syrian-refugee-family-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Refugees from Idlib fleeing the Syrian Civil War in a camp in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon. (Photo courtesy of DFID - UK Department for International Development via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0)</div>
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“One of the greatest needs we have across the region of the Arab world are new young leaders to grow up and to step into those roles, to lead the Church in the future,” he says. 
</blockquote>
“So that's my deep prayer, that this [election] will become a stabilizing act that will create more space for more leaders to be trained, developed, and then walk into their gifting within the context of God's Kingdom in Syria.”
 
*Pseudonym
 
 
Header photo: U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio meets President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa in New York City, New York on 22 September 2025 (Photo by U.S. Department of State via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:23 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/syria-faces-both-external-and-internal-pressures-as-new-parliament-is-elected/</guid>
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<title>When the door to freedom in Iran opens, are Christians ready?</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/when-the-door-to-freedom-in-iran-opens-are-christians-ready/</link>
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Iran (MNN) — Unless Christians have a strategic plan, they may falter in the spiritual battle ahead.
The recent <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/after-ceasefire-iranian-government-targets-its-own-people/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">war </a>between Israel and Iran, combined with sanctions and inner <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/not-their-war-most-iranians-want-peace-regime-change/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">conflicts </a>within the Republic, is shaking Iran’s foundations. While it remains unclear if major change is coming soon, one thing is clear: the Church must be strong to stand firm when the time comes.
Panayiotis Keenan from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/sat-7/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAT-7 PARS</a> says, “The Iranian people have had enough. They're looking for a change. The government knows it, the parliament knows it, and it looks like they're losing control.”
But Christians are not the only ones preparing to enter Iran if the door opens.
<div id="attachment_217285" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217285" class="size-medium wp-image-217285" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sajad-nori-rG41gpS2FKI-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="Unsplash" width="300" height="200" />Aerial view of Tehran (photo courtesy of Sajad Nori via Unsplash)</div>
“There are also other denominations, if you like, who are ready to step in when the regime falls, teaching not correct theology,” says Keenan.
This highlights the urgent need for solid biblical teaching — both for new believers who lack knowledge and for seekers exploring the faith. “There is a need for us to produce programs which are designed for not yet believers, like introduction to Christianity, introduction to the Gospel,” he explains.
Disappointment with Islam has fueled Iranians’ interest in other religions and ideologies. And unless Christians are nourished with the “solid food” of the Gospel, they will not be able to train themselves to distinguish good from evil (Heb. 5:14), disciple others, and remain steadfast in turbulent times.
Keenan urges preparation:
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“We need to prepare ourselves as Christian ministries. We need to prepare our viewers, our audience, to know right from wrong, to know incorrect theology, to identify it, and not accept it.”
</blockquote>
SAT-7 PARS is equipping Iranian Christians by creating satellite and online programs. “We teach very basic theology, but we also have seminaries on air for the church leaders.”
Viewers can also call in with questions, opening the door to discipleship through secure Zoom meetings. “If they're ready to pray, if they're ready to learn Scripture, if they're ready to give their life to Christ,” explains Keenan, “and they admit it even on Zoom — before they go and get actually baptized.”
After careful vetting to ensure they are trustworthy and not government informants, some are welcomed into Christian communities! And staying in the Word means they will be ready to respond to the challenges of the time.
This is a historic moment for Iran — and your prayer and action matter! Visit <a href="https://sat7.org/our-channels/channel-overview/sat-7-pars/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAT-7 PARS</a> to learn more about their work. Share the link with your Iranian, Afghan, or Tajik acquaintances.
Pray for the right Christian resources to reach and strengthen Iranian church leaders in the Gospel. Pray also for the Church to endure persecution and prepare for the day the door finally opens.
 
 
 
Header photo: Tehran, People gather at a brightly lit mosque at night (Photo courtesy of Mdreza Jalali via Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:33 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/when-the-door-to-freedom-in-iran-opens-are-christians-ready/</guid>
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<title>America talking about Jesus, churches overflowing: Is this revival?</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/america-talking-about-jesus-churches-overflowing-is-this-revival/</link>
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USA (MNN) — In the weeks since the assassination of political speaker and Christian, Charlie Kirk, churches across the United States have reported a significant surge in attendance – especially among young people.
<blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/faith-revival-follows-charlie-kirks-death-more-people-attend-mass-read-bible" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Newman Ministry</a>, some congregations are seeing as much as a 15% increase.
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_217054" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217054" class="size-medium wp-image-217054" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1619px-Charlie_Kirk_54507147995-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Charlie Kirk speaking at the University of Tennessee. (Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0)</div>
Pews are overflowing. Churchgoers are parking on lawns and side streets. <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/faith-revival-follows-charlie-kirks-death-more-people-attend-mass-read-bible" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bible sales</a> are soaring, with over one million more sold than this time last year.
Generation Z grew up in a culture saturated by moral relativism and the idea that "your truth" is all that matters. Now, many are realizing they want real. They want authentic. They want Truth.
And people are seeking it in Jesus — the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014:6&version=NIV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John 14:6</a>)
<h3>What is Revival?</h3>
"I think it's obvious that God is speaking," says Stan Key, Minister-at-Large with <a href="https://www.owm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OneWay Ministries</a>. "It's not obvious what He is saying. But it's obvious that through the events of Charlie Kirk's death, particularly, the whole country is talking about the Gospel in his memorial service. I don't think I've ever heard the word Jesus named more frequently than was named there by our religious leaders and our political leaders."
Critics were quick to question the motives of those who shared the Gospel at Kirk's memorial service on September 21, which was attended by 100,000 people and viewed by millions more online.
Yet, as the Gospel is proclaimed, the question of motive is addressed by the Apostle Paul in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%201%3A15-18&version=CSB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philippians 1:18</a>: "What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice."
<div id="attachment_217301" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217301" class="size-medium wp-image-217301" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/jon-tyson-YtYNavix3pw-unsplash-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Jon Tyson/Unsplash)</div>
If this is the beginning of a spiritual revival in America, Key encourages believers not to miss what the Holy Spirit is doing.
"A lot of people think revival is enthusiasm. It's sort of like a pep rally before a big game. 'Let's just get everybody in the stands, turn up the music, and have an emotionally charged speech.' That's emotionalism. There's a place for that. I like pep rallies in sports, and I like emotion in worship! I get goosebumps. I sometimes cry. That's not necessarily revival.
<blockquote>
"Revival is when the Spirit of Holiness — the Holy Spirit, the sanctifying Spirit — is manifestly present.... And what does the Holy Spirit typically do? Well, He convicts of sin. He brings people to repentance. There's a hunger and thirst for God, not for the secondary elements, but for God. The Word of God is present, the spirit of prayer, and the spirit of brokenness."
</blockquote>
Historic examples of spiritual revival in the U.S. include the Asbury Revivals of 1970 and 2023. Key’s wife was a student during the 1970 revival, and Key himself attended soon after.
<div id="attachment_217299" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217299" class="size-medium wp-image-217299" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/set-sj-TWkRvlJ9_c0-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />(Photo courtesy of set.sj/Unsplash)</div>
He recalls, "People just said God was there. It wasn't about a preacher, it wasn't about music, it wasn't about signs and wonders. It was about a palpable awareness that the Spirit of God is here."
<h3>The Heart of Revival and Reformation</h3>
At the heart of revival, Key says, must be the true Gospel. "To be candid, I think my generation has had a very muddled understanding of the Gospel. We have tended to understand the Gospel in terms of the plan of salvation. 'God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. He can forgive your sins, so when you die several decades from now, you can go to Heaven.' That's not the Gospel. That's the plan of salvation.
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"I think the first priority of the Church today is, ‘Do we have the Gospel right?’" Key emphasizes, "It's not about helping us go to Heaven. It's so we can have the image of God restored in our lives.... The world is under new management. Jesus is Lord. That's the Gospel."
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_217302" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217302" class="size-medium wp-image-217302" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/joel-muniz-XqXJJhK-c08-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />(Photo courtesy of Joel Muniz/Unsplash)</div>
In light of the Gospel, how then should we live our lives?
"If we can get the Gospel right, not only will revival come, but reformation will come," says Key.
Reformation happens when revival takes root in daily life by engaging with God's Word. <a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/reformation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cambridge Dictionary</a> defines reformation as “the act of making an improvement, especially by changing a person’s behavior or the structure of something.”
Whether America is on the brink of revival remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: People are talking about Jesus.
<blockquote>
Put simply, Key says, "Revival is when the life of God comes upon God's people to bring them to life again."
</blockquote>
Pray for this spiritual hunger to deepen across the United States as people give their hearts and lives to King Jesus.
Header photo courtesy of Mitchell Leach/Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:55 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/america-talking-about-jesus-churches-overflowing-is-this-revival/</guid>
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<title>Typhoon Bualoi, the latest chapter in Southeast Asia’s monsoon season</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/typhoon-bualoi-the-latest-chapter-in-southeast-asias-monsoon-season/</link>
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Vietnam (MNN) — After it deluged the Philippines, Typhoon Bualoi struck Vietnam early Monday. It is the worst storm to hit the nation this year. By Tuesday, the death toll had <a href="https://apnews.com/article/vietnam-storm-typhoon-bualoi-philippines-3bba73337c67bb661773ce7d86b6f6c7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">risen to 26 people</a>, with at least 22 missing. In the Philippines, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/typhoon-bualoi-death-toll-rises-19-vietnam-2025-09-30/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at least 10 people</a> lost their lives.
Pastor Loc Lam from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/a3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A3</a> in Vietnam says, according to reports, more than <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/one-dead-12-missing-typhoon-bualoi-makes-landfall-vietnam-2025-09-29/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">44,000 homes and around 14,000 acres</a> (6,000 hectares) of crops have been harmed.
“We are connecting with those who are in this crisis, so that we can see how we can supply rice, clothing and accommodation for them,” he says. “We must work with the local [authorities] in order to help the people in the communities.”
<div id="attachment_217261" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217261" class="wp-image-217261" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/trung-nhan-tran-DTPlIdXJexI-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="woman, baby, child, parent, mother, Vietnam" width="300" height="200" />Photo taken in Soc Trang, Vietnam (Representative stock photo courtesy of Trung Nhan Tran via Unsplash)</div>
Heavy rainfall after the storm has made flooding and landslides more likely. Those dangers stir up memories of Super Typhoon Yagi from September 2024. That storm claimed the lives of <a href="https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/viet-nam/viet-nam-typhoon-yagi-and-floods-situation-update-no-5-23-october-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 320 people in Vietnam</a>, and hundreds more in Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries.
Today, believers in Vietnam are rallying with others to bring relief as the hands and feet of Christ. 
“Many of them lost their houses. There's no house to stay [in], and no food, no clothing," says Pastor Loc Lam. "So please pray for them, that we can try our best to supply something that they need for their survival.” 
Pray for open doors to work alongside the government to provide aid. 
“The government [is] trying their best as well, with the NGOs and organizations, even with different religions, to raise fund[s] and support the people in those places,” said the pastor. "Please pray for cooperation among the government and organization[s], even churches and religions, to work together to help the people overcome this type of situation."
Keep watching and praying for Southeast Asia. The region has another two months of monsoon season to endure. 
 
 
Header photo: Typhoon Bualoi approaching northern Vietnam, September 28, 2025 (Photo by MODIS image from Aqua Satellite - EOSDIS Worldview, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:27 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/typhoon-bualoi-the-latest-chapter-in-southeast-asias-monsoon-season/</guid>
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<title>New anti-conversion laws intensify pressure on Christians</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/new-anti-conversion-laws-intensify-pressure-on-christians/</link>
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India (MNN) -- India’s Hindu nationalist push – led primarily by the Bharatiya Janata Party – is creating legalized persecution.
Though India’s constitution guarantees an individual’s right to choose their own religion, “We do see states where the BJP is the strongest starting to enact stronger, more stringent anti-conversion laws: <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/indian-state-boasts-toughest-new-anti-conversion-law/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maharashtra</a>, <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-a-freedom-of-religion-bill-spells-trouble-for-indias-believers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uttarakhand</a>, <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/india-intensifies-anti-conversion-laws/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chhattisgarh</a>, <a href="https://releaseinternational.org/anti-conversion-law-prompts-attacks-on-christians-in-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajasthan</a>,” John Pudaite with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/bibles-for-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles For The World</a> says.
“These are states that have a BJP party in power or a coalition in power.”
Anti-conversion laws make it illegal to change your faith, and they penalize the people who introduce you to a different religion.
“They position these laws often under the title of Freedom of Religion Act, and it’s actually the exact opposite,” Pudaite says.
<blockquote>
“It’s meant to restrict people from exercising their ability to practice the religion of their choice.”
</blockquote>
These new laws broaden the scope of activities considered “conversion,” putting more believers at risk.
“Anything they do, whether they post something on social media or they meet together in a home and have a time of prayer and worship, these things now can be considered as offenses,” Pudaite says.
Keep India’s Christians in your prayers. Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage them. <a href="https://www.biblesfortheworld.org/2025-hindu-world-prayer-guide-website/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Request a free prayer guide from Bibles For The World</a> to further inform your intercession.
“The immediate threat is how it emboldens the pro-Hindu, anti-Christian activists. With the government behind them, they can do things against Christians and know that there’ll be no prosecution,” Pudaite says.
“Pray for the leadership, for wisdom and strength in their faith, as well as the congregations, and that they may continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ.”
 
 
 
Header image courtesy of Bibles For The World. ]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:23 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/new-anti-conversion-laws-intensify-pressure-on-christians/</guid>
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<title>Week of prayer highlights the urgency of Bible translation</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/week-of-prayer-highlights-the-urgency-of-bible-translation/</link>
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International (MNN) -- Could you add Bible translation to your prayer list? September 30 through October 6 is illumiNations’ <a href="https://illuminations.bible/pray/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Week of Prayer for Bible Translation</a>. Each day features a different prayer based on Scripture.
As an Illuminations partner, <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/unfoldingword/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfoldingWord</a> catalyzes church-centric Bible translation around the world. Dane says unfoldingWord exists to see “the church in every people group and the Bible in every language.”
<div id="attachment_217269" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/UW_week-of-prayer.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217269" class="wp-image-217269" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/UW_week-of-prayer-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="375" /></a>(Photo courtesy of unfoldingWord)</div>
unfoldingWord partners with church planters and church networks worldwide to fulfill this mammoth purpose. “We don’t make Bible translations; we make Bible translators. We are equipping people to become excellent Bible translators,” Dane says.
“It’s the primary way God has called us to participate in the Great Commission. We catalyze and equip church networks so that they are empowered and successful in reaching the least-reached.”
<h2>Translation testimonies</h2>
On a practical level, unfoldingWord supplies tools, technology, and training to help church planters translate God’s Word into minority languages. <a href="https://unfoldingword.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More about that here.</a>
“We see what we do as kind of ‘turbo-charging’ church planting ministries around the world,” Dane says. “They are already trying to do Bible translation because they need it; they can’t wait.
<blockquote>
“It takes too long to get a Western missionary to go. They need the Bible like, yesterday, in the heart languages of the people groups where they are.”
</blockquote>
For example, Benin has <a href="https://www.ethnologue.com/country/BJ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 50</a> indigenous languages. Many still lack Scripture, and the most recent New Testament took 20 years to publish. One church planting partner there recently told Dane, “When I first got involved in this and I heard how long that would take, [I] said, ‘How are we ever going to do this? How are we ever going to get the Bible in all these languages?”
Believers shared the following after receiving Bible translation tools and training from unfoldingWord:
“Our encounter with unfoldingWord completely changed our perspective. Now we know that Bible translation can be done in a more inclusive, effective, and efficient way than ever before. We’re proud to be involved, and we’re ready to make a sacrifice to make this dream a reality.”
<a href="https://unfoldingword.org/wbwn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Consider supporting unfoldingWord’s “Whole Bible, Whole Nation” projects through financial partnership.</a>
Most importantly, pray. Ask the Lord to bless unfoldingWord’s global work in Bible translation and church planting. <a href="https://unfoldingword.org/join-us/pray/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can also become an ongoing prayer partner here.</a>
 
 
 
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-stack-of-books-sitting-on-top-of-a-wooden-shelf-xsYP2_vW2rM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash.</a>]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:53 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/week-of-prayer-highlights-the-urgency-of-bible-translation/</guid>
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<title>Israel-Hamas peace proposal receives Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approval</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/israel-hamas-peace-proposal-receives-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahus-approval/</link>
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Gaza (MNN) — After meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to a 20-point, U.S.-backed <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-gaza-plan-israel-palestine-benjamin-netanyahu-10800335" target="_blank" rel="noopener">peace proposal</a> for ending the Israel-Hamas war. 
In a press conference that afternoon, Netanyahu warned that if Hamas rejects the deal, or accepts it and then works against it, “<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-closest-weve-ever-come-full-text-of-trump-netanyahu-statements-on-deal-to-end-gaza-war/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Israel will finish the job by itself</a>.”
The proposal would call for a “modest withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Gaza, said Netanyahu, and a return of all Hamas hostages within 72 hours of its signing. It would also establish a new, international body that Trump called "the Board of Peace." This Board would be tasked with seeing Hamas fully disarmed and Gaza demilitarized.
<div id="attachment_200368" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-200368" class="size-medium wp-image-200368" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/tim-mossholder-9XT1_6wFTpY-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Representative stock photo from Jerusalem, Israel courtesy of Tim Mossholder via Unsplash</div>
The path ahead is complex. Fadi Sharaiha with the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/mena-leadership-center/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MENA Leadership Center</a> says to remember that people’s lives and dreams and goals are involved here — not only the lives of the remaining hostages, but those at risk of being caught in a continuing cycle of violence.
“If you have a child who [is] 16 [and] he lost his family, what do you think this person will be? [A] peacemaker or a soldier, whether he is in Gaza or in Israel?” Sharaiha says. 
He acknowledges the evil that has been done on both sides of the conflict, starting with Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Even if one day Hamas is disarmed, it's important to recognize it is more than a band of like-minded people.
“Hamas is a doctrine. Hamas is a school of thought. It's called 'political Islam.' Even in so many countries in the Arab world, Hamas is forbidden," Sharaiha says. "Hamas was kicked out of Jordan because of their doctrine. So no, the Middle East [is] not all on the same level of how they look at Hamas."
Over and above all, Sharaiha points Christians to remember the bigger picture: “God loves the people, God loves humankind, and God wants all to come to faith in Christ. So whenever it's tough, we go back to the basics,” he says.
<div id="attachment_206035" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-206035" class="size-medium wp-image-206035" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MLC_equip-train-leaders-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of MENA Leadership Center)</div>
“In Genesis chapter one, where God created mankind in His own image, this really establishes that all people, regardless of gender, background, religion, bear God's image and therefore have inherited dignity.”
<h2>Please pray</h2>
Keep asking God to bring the peace of Christ to people in the Gaza war zone. Pray for the government leaders who have a role in these peace conversations (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20tim%202%3A1-7&version=ESV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1 Timothy 2:1-7</a>). 
Pray also for the MENA Leadership Center’s future courses on trauma healing and refugee ministry. 
“We're trying to prepare the church in the MENA to be ready for those people, and also to be ready to share the gospel in a way that [answers] the questions of the heart,” says Sharaiha. 
 
 
Header photo is a stock image courtesy of Marek Studzinski via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:00:41 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/israel-hamas-peace-proposal-receives-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahus-approval/</guid>
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<title>Christians in Nepal face growing hardship amid Gen Z uprising</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-in-nepal-face-growing-hardship-amid-gen-z-uprising/</link>
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Nepal (MNN) -- The streets of Kathmandu may be quiet for now, but <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3327225/nepals-new-leaders-race-deliver-gen-z-demands-everyones-revenge-mood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tensions simmer</a> just below the surface.
So-called Gen Z protests have rocked Nepal for weeks, leaving the future of the former Hindu kingdom in question.
PG Athui with Zim Zam Global says, right now, “The protesters are calming down, just seeing how the temporary leadership will take over.”
Demonstrations began <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gen-z-continues-anti-government-protests-in-nepal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earlier this month</a> when the government ordered a shutdown or ban on 26 social media platforms. Young people viewed the ban as censorship and the latest power move by a decrepit system of elites. So, they took to the streets.
<div id="attachment_217248" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/GenZ_protest_against_government_in_chitwan3_8_september_2025.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217248" class="wp-image-217248" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/GenZ_protest_against_government_in_chitwan3_8_september_2025-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="450" /></a>Gen Z movement against corrupted government. (Wikimedia Commons)</div>
As a result, ministry plans went askew. “We were planning to have four more trainings in Nepal in October and November,” Athui says.
<blockquote>
“We are now uncertain, which is really stopping the Gospel [from moving] forward.”
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/the-economic-roots-of-nepals-uprising-and-what-it-means-for-the-region/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Economists warn</a> that, because protests took place during the tourist season, Nepal — already impoverished — <a href="https://kathmandupost.com/money/2025/09/14/billions-lost-thousands-jobless-as-nepal-counts-cost-of-gen-z-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noopener">will lose billions</a> of dollars. Ripple effects are likely to hit Christians even harder. Poverty rates among believers tend to be higher than the national average.
“With that protest and many things happening, it’s really hard for them even to survive,” Athui says. “[The Christian community looks] for provision from many leaders around, and we cannot reach them.”
Pray that the Lord sustains His disciples in Nepal. Ask God to help Zim Zam Global connect with its partners. “Pray that God will comfort them, and also the big thing is God’s provision for them to live, to have their own daily survival: food, the necessities,” Athui says.
 
 
 
Header image depicts Nepal's Gen Z protests against corruption on September 9, 2025. (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2025_Nepalese_Gen_Z_protesters_infront_of_Bharatpur_mahanagarpalika_office.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wikimedia Commons</a>)]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:00:34 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-in-nepal-face-growing-hardship-amid-gen-z-uprising/</guid>
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<title>“As for us, we will continue the task!” Belarus pastors stay faithful despite hardships</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/as-for-us-we-will-continue-the-task-belarus-pastors-stay-faithful-despite-hardships/</link>
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Belarus (MNN) — Despite numerous challenges facing the Belarusian church, the Gospel remains their source of purpose and hope.
Life’s struggles fade in the light of the Gospel. This is what Belarusian pastors believe as they persevere through obstacles in their ministry!
Eric Mock from<a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/slavic-gospel-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Slavic Gospel Association</a> says, “Through compassion ministry over the last eleven years, thousands of people have heard the Gospel, and hundreds have come to faith through this ministry.” Click <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/from-groceries-to-the-gospel-belarus-pastors-connect-with-needy-families/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here </a>to learn more about the compassion ministry.
The obstacles are many — government <a href="https://cruxnow.com/church-in-europe/2024/12/religious-minorities-facing-attacks-in-belarus-charity-says" target="_blank" rel="noopener">restrictions</a>, <a href="https://hrwf.eu/belarus-an-overview-of-religious-persecution-and-a-call-for-the-release-of-fr-okolotovich-by-nash-dom/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monitoring of sermons</a> and social media, and even arrests of <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-pastor-jail-prayers-ukraine/32866654.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clergy </a>who speak against limits on language or freedoms. Church leaders pray for wisdom as they carefully navigate registration and policy requirements, working hard to maintain peace with their government when possible.
<div id="attachment_217241" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217241" class="size-medium wp-image-217241" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-5206089-300x200.jpg" alt="Pexels" width="300" height="200" />Photo courtesy of Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels</div>
They persevere by remaining faithful to the Great Commission.
Mock says, “Look behind the curtain and see the faithful believers who, regardless of world events, continue to fulfill the task at hand and declare the Gospel to all people.”
Eric recalls meeting a few pastors from Belarus. He asked them how they respond to these challenges, and one pastor replied,
“That’s between them and God. As for us, we will continue the task before us of declaring the Gospel and making disciples of all people!”
These pastors are less concerned with government policies than with how to carry out the Great Commission in these times. And there are challenges, as many of them serve in two or three churches due to a lack of newly trained pastors.
<a href="https://www.sga.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Slavic Gospel Association</a> supports Belarusian churches and leaders in their growth and humanitarian outreaches. Visit their website to learn more!
Mock adds, “We attempt to provide financial or supplemental support for these men who are out in the villages, because sometimes it’s almost impossible to take care of your family and continue doing ministry.”
Pray for a new generation of pastors to embrace the call and for wisdom as they navigate these sensitive days.
<blockquote>
“Let us, in the middle of these chaotic times, preach Christ and Him crucified, so that people would know Christ and make Him known,” Mock encourages.
 </blockquote>
 
 
Header photo: Minsk, Belarus (courtesy of Egor Kunovsky via Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:00:10 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/as-for-us-we-will-continue-the-task-belarus-pastors-stay-faithful-despite-hardships/</guid>
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<title>From one generation to the next, Chinese Christians seek resilience</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/from-one-generation-to-the-next-chinese-christians-seek-resilience/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
China (MNN) — What’s your mental picture of the Church in China? New guidelines from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) this month may help you see the challenge but also the courage believers there have. 
New <a href="https://bitterwinter.org/holy-firewalls-chinas-new-rules-for-online-clergy-conduct/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">regulations</a> published September 15 by the CCP outline how clergy can and cannot use internet platforms to preach and teach. They are no mere suggestions but rather statements of the new normal in a nation with a formidable <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2025/09/inside-chinas-surveillance-and-propaganda-industries-where-profit-meets-party/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surveillance infrastructure</a>.
“They have the capacity to track down and shut down as they please. I have friends that will testify to that,” says Joe Handley with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/a3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A3</a>. 
Yet at the same time, we shouldn’t think of Christians in China as being in retreat. Years ago, one pastor told Handley, “We grew up in an era where our churches went from underground to overground and back underground. We know how to pivot on the fly.”
“No matter what thing comes their direction, they're resilient,” says Handley.
<div id="attachment_187835" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-187835" class="size-medium wp-image-187835" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/timothy-eberly-wnrxQGBhbh8-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="praying, China Partner, Unsplash" width="300" height="200" />Photo courtesy of Timothy Eberly via Unsplash</div>
Don’t take that the wrong way, though. The resilience of Chinese believers comes from God, so there’s every reason to keep praying. The new regulations limit the use of social media, prohibit short-form content and more for clergy. They also require support for socialist values and government oversight, among other CCP goals. 
(Read the full translation of “Regulations on the Online Behavior of Religious Clergy” <a href="https://bitterwinter.org/holy-firewalls-chinas-new-rules-for-online-clergy-conduct/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.)
“It’s critical that we pray that those of us [who] are involved in the leadership development space are thinking ahead of the curve,” says Handley. 
Pray especially for God’s grace upon future church leaders in China. They have not experienced faith under pressure in the same way that their parents and grandparents have. 
“The next generation is going to be critical, because they're the generation that will carry the gospel. So pray for the young people of China, that they will be able to weather the storms that come their way,” says Handley. 
“Pray for A3 as we try to equip the church around the world. They’re hungry for the gospel. The church leaders are hungry for leadership [and] equipping. It's one of the greatest needs of our era.”
 
 
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Rosalind Chang via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:16 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/from-one-generation-to-the-next-chinese-christians-seek-resilience/</guid>
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<title>Historic 17-day protest draws attention to Pakistan’s persecuted Christians</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/historic-17-day-protest-draws-attention-to-pakistans-persecuted-christians/</link>
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Pakistan (MNN) — Two years after the Jaranwala attacks, people are still struggling to rebuild their lives amid government inaction. Yet, they do not give up hope for justice.
In a unique occasion, victims of the August 2023 Islamist attacks on <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pakistans-third-largest-city-sees-mob-targeting-christians-burning-churches/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christians in Jaranwala</a> ended an unprecedented <a href="https://morningstarnews.org/2025/09/christians-stage-17-day-protest-against-injustice-in-pakistan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">17-day protest</a> on September 2.
Nehemiah from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/forgotten-missionaries-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FMI </a>says, “Protest wasn’t just about property damage or compensation; it was about justice, accountability, and being heard. The community felt neglected by those claiming to advocate for them.”
More than 25 churches and 85 Christian homes were damaged or burned, yet despite such massive destruction almost nothing was done. Clear clues pointed to the attackers, but the investigation stalled for two years as perpetrators were freed and victims <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/two-years-later-jaranwalas-believers-are-still-healing-from-the-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remain helpless</a>.
The Victims Committee Jaranwala was created to advocate for those affected.
<div id="attachment_217219" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217219" class="size-medium wp-image-217219" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Jaranwala_railway_station-1-300x214.jpg" alt="Wikimedia Commons" width="300" height="214" />Jaranwala railway station (courtesy of Fahads1982 via Wikimedia Commons)</div>
“They can file complaints,” says Nehemiah, “and pursue prosecution, even though in many cases arrests or prosecutions have been inadequate. And negotiation committees, including women, are meeting with federal institutions and using local religious press to raise awareness and public pressure.”
Women joined this protest despite greater danger, playing a significant role. “They joined the protest,” he adds, “leaving daily chores, fasting, and making their voices heard.”
Unlike Western protests, these demonstrations are tightly controlled by the government. Nehemiah explains:
“They allocate you one specific spot where Christian community is allowed to sit and file their record as a protest.” Sometimes it’s only two hundred square feet that you can’t leave.
Yet, it was a significant event.
“It marked the first time Christians in their area collectively protested for their rights in such an extended and visible way,” says Nehemiah.
The Victims Committee Jaranwala led the protest saying: “Insaf, Aman, Masih Ke Naam!” meaning “Justice, Peace, in the Name of Christ!”
Restricted space kept many from joining, but another goal was achieved: “To register their protest, or simply let the international community know what is happening in Pakistan with Christians.”
Their plea has reached you!
Pray for justice for Jaranwala victims. Pray that as the protestors boldly intercede for their rights, they will be wise and protected — especially the women.
Pray for <a href="https://forgottenmissionaries.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FMI </a>Pakistan who serve in this challenging environment and bring hope to the hopeless.
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of The Voice of the Martyrs USA.]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:05 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/historic-17-day-protest-draws-attention-to-pakistans-persecuted-christians/</guid>
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<title>Terrorists encountering Christ behind bars</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/terrorists-encountering-christ-behind-bars/</link>
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<![CDATA[
International (MNN) — Radicalized terrorists in developing nations are some of the hardest people to reach for Christ. It’s a dangerous ministry when terror groups have vast, embedded networks. They can intimidate or even kill believers — especially new converts — before they ever get to the Good News of Jesus.
But in prisons, the dynamic changes. An incarcerated extremist becomes, quite literally, a captive audience for the Gospel.
Greg Von Tobel, President of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/prisoners-for-christ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prisoners for Christ (PFC)</a>, says, “When we talk about third-world prisons, there are a lot of terrorist groups that have found themselves in prison.
<blockquote>
"What better opportunity to share the love of Christ with some of the hardest of hearts that are bent on evil and having them come to know Lord, getting released, going back to their communities and sharing the love of Christ?”
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_188057" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-188057" class="size-medium wp-image-188057" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/colin-carey-F5oDUpFCIAQ-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Photo courtesy of Colin Carey via Unsplash</div>
PFC helps believers behind bars start churches in prisons across the developing world. For terrorists, these church gatherings are often the first place they hear about Jesus.
Don Szolomayer, PFC’s Director of International Affairs, explains that many inmates enter prison churches simply out of curiosity. “And it says, ‘This is a safe place. This is a place you can come, you can ask questions, you can learn, you can grow.’”
Still, sharing the Gospel is only the beginning. Von Tobel stresses the importance of building up new believers in the faith during their incarceration.
<blockquote>
“We have to have the discipleship piece – feeding and growing inmates that are babes in the Word of God, and watching them and growing them into great warriors for the cause of Christ.”
</blockquote>
Pray for extremists in prison to turn to Christ, and become warriors for God's mercy and truth!
Pray also for believers who lead these prison churches — that God would equip them with wisdom, courage, and perseverance as they disciple new Christians behind bars.




Header photo image generated by AI.]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:31 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/terrorists-encountering-christ-behind-bars/</guid>
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<title>Widespread flooding in India leaves farmlands submerged, families struggling</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/widespread-flooding-in-india-leaves-farmlands-submerged-families-struggling/</link>
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<![CDATA[
India (MNN) -- Parts of India are drowning in a record-setting monsoon season. This week, the city of Kolkata in West Bengal suffered its heaviest rainfall in 39 years. In Punjab, farmlands nearly the size of London and New York City combined are underwater.
<div id="attachment_217197" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217197" class="size-medium wp-image-217197" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/file-5-1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />Flooding in Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, September 2025. (Photo courtesy of Mission India)</div>
<blockquote>
Raina Miller with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/mission-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mission India</a> says, "We're getting reports from our partners in North India all the way down to South India about what's happening in their regions. They share that in the state of Punjab, there are about 1.46 million people affected."
</blockquote>
For farmers and their communities, "they don't have a means of earning income if their farmland is gone. They've got infrastructure down. There are some areas where you can only get around by boat right now because the flooding has blocked off all the roads. It's damaged irrigation systems. It's just impacted just about everything."
Amidst tragedy, Mission India’s local partners are ready to respond with Christ’s comfort.
Miller says, "Once the flooding subsides and people start to rebuild, we're able to welcome kids into Bible Clubs, and welcome illiterate adults into Literacy Classes where they can maybe even gain skills to help them build back and find new jobs that'll land them in a better place than even where they started.
<blockquote>
"Our church planters will be around ministering and encouraging people who are devastated as they deal with this loss."
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_217200" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217200" class="size-medium wp-image-217200" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/file-3-300x226.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="226" />Flooding in Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, September 2025. (Photo courtesy of Mission India)</div>
Additionally, Mission India is assembling Relief Kits to distribute to flood-impacted families.
"For $55, you can provide for one family and give them things like basic groceries, rice, tea, cooking ingredients, toothpaste, soap, and basic essentials that will help them get by when they've lost everything."
Donate to Mission India's flooding Relief Kits at <a href="http://www.missionindia.org/flood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">missionindia.org/flood</a>.
Miller asks, "Pray with us that this becomes an opportunity for people to lean on God and see the truth of the Gospel in the midst of their hopelessness."
 
 
 
 
 
Header photo: Flooding in Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, September 2025. (Photo courtesy of Mission India)]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:00:46 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/widespread-flooding-in-india-leaves-farmlands-submerged-families-struggling/</guid>
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<title>Hope for change as India’s Supreme Court questions anti-conversion laws</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/hope-for-change-as-indias-supreme-court-questions-anti-conversion-laws/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
India (MNN) -- Believers celebrate a small “win” as India’s Supreme Court <a href="https://persecution.org/2025/09/17/indias-supreme-court-requests-responses-to-petitions-against-anti-conversion-laws-in-9-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asks states to reconsider</a> anti-conversion laws.
Even though the Supreme Court has now decided that the laws are unconstitutional, there’s been a strong push in recent years to pass anti-conversion legislation at the state level. <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/whats-really-at-stake-with-indias-anti-conversion-laws/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more about that here.</a>
The laws were “passed because of the strong support and the rise in power of the BJP government, which is a strong pro-Hindu, anti-Christian political party,” explains John Pudaite with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/bibles-for-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles For The World.</a>
<div id="attachment_203050" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/prayforIndia_VCM.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-203050" class="size-medium wp-image-203050" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/prayforIndia_VCM-300x251.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="251" /></a>(Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs Canada)</div>
Still, this moment calls for gratitude. “It’s taken quite a bit of effort behind the scenes for the Supreme Court to take notice and to take this action, so I do see that as a small win and just an answer to prayer that so many of our listeners have been joining with us on,” Pudaite says.
Prayer remains essential. The leaders of the nine states in question – Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh – have four weeks to respond to the Supreme Court’s request.
After that, “we are going to have a hearing in six weeks, [which] is a tight timeframe in India in their judicial system,” Pudaite says.
<blockquote>
“Pray that the Supreme Court may continue to treat the issue and the responses that come in from the states truly objectively and according to the Constitution of India, with all of its intents to protect religious freedom.”
</blockquote>
For now, enforcement continues. Authorities and Hindu radicals often use anti-conversion laws to target Christians and other religious minorities, leaving these communities vulnerable.
“The context in India is so difficult for us to share the Gospel. If we’re out evangelizing in the streets or sharing Christian literature, they’ll just come and attack us,” Pudaite says.
“You can’t even have a Christian family get-together because if you pray before your meal or you sing a song together, you might get attacked for that.”
Despite the challenges, hope remains. You can stand with believers in India: <a href="https://www.biblesfortheworld.org/home/donate/2250-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">consider partnering with Bibles For The World</a> to help distribute God’s Word, sponsor Christian students, or provide healthcare in Jesus’ name.
 
 
 
Header image depicts buildings that house India's Supreme Court. Photo courtesy of the <a href="https://www.sci.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court of India.</a> ]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:00:19 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Sign language ministries touch lives</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/sign-language-ministries-touch-lives/</link>
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<![CDATA[
International (MNN) — Seeing Scripture in sign language is a transformative way for deaf people who are cut off from other Biblical ministries to see God’s personal love and interest in them.
Rob Myers with <a href="https://doorinternational.org/">DOOR International</a> says Gospel access that only comes from hearing people can lead to the belief that the deaf do not have direct access to God. They believe they cannot pray to Him because He either doesn't understand sign language or that it needs to be voiced.
<blockquote>
“That's one of the beautiful things about the Gospel, that Jesus gives each of us direct access to the Father, and that through His grace and His sacrifice, we have the opportunity to boldly come before God's throne and ask for what we need and commune with Him, and that they too are created for a purpose that God can use in His plan,” Myers says.
</blockquote>
 
When deaf people see Scripture in their own sign language, it touches them in a way that other languages cannot.
Myers says, “Sign language is different from written language, and deaf people have been cut off and have had significant barriers to the Gospel.”
<div id="attachment_217124" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217124" class="size-medium wp-image-217124" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DOOR_SL-bibles-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" />Scripture in sign language reaches people differently than in writing. (Photo courtesy of DOOR International)</div>
A significant Bible passage in the deaf community is Exodus 3 and 4, where Moses is called from the burning bush to go to Egypt and rescue the Israelites. In the passage, Moses tries to excuse himself from his call, saying that he is not a good speaker.
<blockquote>
“Exodus 4 says, ‘Who made the deaf and the mute and the blind and the seeing? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go,’ effectively saying, even if you can't speak at all, Moses, I've gifted you in ways that I want to use you,” Myers says.
</blockquote>
Myers says when deaf people realize that sign language is a gift from God, they realize that God has created them for a purpose, and because there are so few deaf Christians globally, they have an opportunity to share the amazing news of Jesus Christ with other people who are also deaf.
This month is Deaf Awareness Month, so <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/door-international/">DOOR International</a> is raising awareness for sign language ministry needs among deaf communities. Please pray that this ministry will reach new communities and that it will convey the personal nature of Christ’s love. 
To learn more about deaf people’s stories, go to DOOR International’s website to partner with them financially and prayerfully.
 
(Photo courtesy of DOOR International)]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:00:16 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Targets on their backs: Iranian Christians under increasing danger</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/targets-on-their-backs-iranian-christians-under-increasing-danger/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Iran (MNN) — Ever since Iran’s 12-day war with Israel, the regime’s crackdown on its own people has gotten worse daily. Nazanin Baghestani with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/heart4iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heart4Iran</a> says it's because of fear.
“After the war, they realized there are many spies [who] find government secrets and send [them] to Israel,” she says. “They are blaming everyone.”
One watchdog organization reports that <a href="https://iranhumanrights.org/2025/09/they-see-us-as-targets-irans-brutal-repression-of-journalistic-freedom/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">journalists</a> have been especially targeted. Baghestani adds Christians and Baha’is to the list. She says the government accuses believers of being “Zionist Christians” spying for Israel. It’s a fast track to prison. 
“More than I would say 70 Christians are in prison currently, awaiting their sentences,” Baghestani says. 
Heart4Iran knows of house churches that have been raided and at least one pastor who was arrested and tortured so severely that he shared names of other believers. 
“Some have just left their homes and cars where they are, and they just fled for their lives,” says Baghestani. "It's sad, because we have prayed with these friends, with these Christians inside the country. We have discipled them. They are like our [children], and we are responsible for them."
People's fear of being monitored has kept them from calling Heart4Iran’s counseling center, which has seen its daily call volume drop.
<div id="attachment_200727" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-200727" class="size-medium wp-image-200727" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/H4I_iran-protests-prayer-needed-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Heart4Iran)</div>
“Everybody — Christian or non-Christian, the youth, the old — they all live in fear. Fear of arrest, fear of even getting killed on the streets. They come and stab you, and nobody knows why. You're dead on the street, bleeding, and there is no answer,” Baghestani says. 
“When <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/mahsa-amini-3-years-on-will-iran-face-fresh-protests/a-74000756" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahsa Amini</a> [protests] started, all the youth [rose up]. But now the youth are quiet. Where are they? They're scared. They're afraid.”
She says Iranians are placing notes and stickers in public places as signs of protest rather than taking to the streets themselves.
Let these accounts lead your prayers for the Iranian church.
“The Lord is good. The Lord is faithful. The Lord can protect them in the midst of all the persecution,” Baghestani says. 
Then, share this story. Visit <a href="https://heart4iran.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heart4Iran</a>’s website to learn more about the Church in Iran.
“When we educate one another [about] what’s going on, when we bring awareness, we will be able to pray better for our people inside the country,” Baghestani says. 
“As much as we feel we are safe and there is no persecution, at these end times, persecution is spreading. If there is persecution in Iran, it will ooze out, and it will affect Christians all over the world.” 
 
 
 
Header image is a stock photo from Tehran, Iran courtesy of Seyed Amir Mohammad Tabatabaee.]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:08 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Chinese government labels tithing as fraud for underground churches</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/chinese-government-labels-tithing-as-fraud-for-underground-churches/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
China (MNN) – Church leaders in China struggle with tithing as the government cracks down on “financial fraud”.
<h2>Non-Existent Organizations</h2>
Todd Nettleton with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/voice-of-the-martyrs-usa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Voice of the Martyrs USA</a> recently recorded <a href="https://www.vomradio.net/episodes/detail/china-when-we-fear-we-pray-more" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a podcast with Chinese pastor</a>, Brother Enfu*. He offered some insights on this unique concern of the underground church.
Nettleton says, “Every single church leader that has been charged in the last two years has been charged with financial crimes charges. They've been charged with fraud. They've been charged with so-called illegal business practices. And what it comes down to is the government comes in and says, 'Hey, you're collecting donations for an organization that doesn't exist. That's fraud.'”
Pastors facing this charge have very little chance at a defense. They cannot admit to having parishioners since that would require a legal church. The trials have been short and there is little chance for outside help since China says the arrests are for fraud not religious persecution.
<div id="attachment_217173" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217173" class="size-medium wp-image-217173" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jacob-bentzinger-srEfFoLt_Wk-unsplash-200x300.jpg" alt="praying hands" width="200" height="300" />(Image courtesy of Jacob Bentzinger on Unsplash)</div>
Nettleton says that for Brother Enfu and other church leaders this poses a serious problem. Tithing, paying a pastor, and even providing healthcare or insurance for the pastor have become increasingly difficult.
“You can't start a checking account for something that doesn't legally exist. And the Chinese government is certainly monitoring financial transactions. They're watching what's going on. He talked about the fact that people bring their offerings in cash because they don't want it tracked through some kind of electronic transaction, and the church doesn't have a checking account where they could deposit checks. So people bring their money, their offerings, in cash. Then in his church they divided it up among the elders of the church,” Nettleton says.
Once the elders have the money, there still must be a legitimate reason for them to have it. So many church leaders have found themselves attending to these practical concerns while they struggle to find time to prepare to preach.
<h2>Smaller Churches, No Outside Training</h2>
Additionally, the crackdown in this way has forced larger underground churches to break up into smaller units. They need more leaders, but the avenues to train and pay them are fewer and more dangerous than in the past.
One area of increased concern is with outside training from foreigners. Brother Enfu noted that the government has cracked down on outsiders sharing the Gospel.
<div id="attachment_217174" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217174" class="size-medium wp-image-217174" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zhang-kaiyv-pHM2v2OBXls-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="Person reading" width="300" height="200" />(Image courtesy of Zhang Kaiyv on Unsplash)</div>
Nettleton says, “Not just in front of a crowd of people, but literally even in a one-on-one conversation, for a foreigner to talk about religion is now against the law in China. And so the need for Chinese leaders to be raised up, and Chinese leaders to stay and to train the next generation of leaders, that is something that is certainly on Brother Enfu’s heart. He encouraged us to pray for that as well.”
As a result of these new and creative means of persecution, Chinese parents are preparing their children for oppression and imprisonment. Nettleton says, “He talked about literally sitting around his own dinner table and talking with his own children about, 'What will happen when I get arrested? Yeah, that that's a strong possibility. But more importantly, what will happen when you get arrested my children? When you go to prison? Because that's what it looks like to follow Jesus in China.'”
Please pray that God would continue to grow the church in China despite persecution.
If you want to listen to Brother Enfu's interview in full, <a href="https://www.vomradio.net/episodes/detail/china-when-we-fear-we-pray-more" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>.
*Pseudonym
Header image courtesy of Ye Jinghan via Unsplash]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:45 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>From inmates to chaplains: How discipleship is transforming Nigeria’s prisons</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/from-inmates-to-chaplains-how-discipleship-is-transforming-nigerias-prisons/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Nigeria (MNN) — Nigeria’s prisons are becoming unlikely centers of revival. Through <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/prisoners-for-christ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prisoners For Christ's</a> (PFC) International Bible Institute, inmates across Nigeria are not only finding faith in Jesus but also becoming Christian leaders who disciple others.
 "It's a Bible college inside the prison for inmates," explains Don Szolomayer, Director of International Affairs at PFC. "There are 143 total lessons in the whole course. So it takes about three to four years, depending. But the goal is once they go through all of that, those who graduate from it now become what we call an inmate chaplain."
These inmate chaplains are trained to evangelize, teach, and disciple others through Scripture. The impact of this ministry is spreading.
Recently, Nigeria’s prison chaplains took their training to a new level. "About three or four weeks ago, they held a crusade with all of their inmate chaplains that have graduated," says Szolomayer.
<blockquote>
"They got permission from the officer in charge to go cell-by-cell evangelizing. Then on top of that, they had a full crusade out in the yard. This all went on for over a week and a half!
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_217165" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217165" class="size-medium wp-image-217165" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-24-142858-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Prisoners for Christ)</div>
"So here is this group of men in this prison who've gone through this course, and now they're putting feet to what they learned. They're taking it actually step-by-step out into that prison — not just holding it to themselves — but actually going out and evangelizing and discipling."
Szolomayer says prison staff are even noticing the change. "Something that we hear very often when we go into the prisons and the jails in other countries is, 'How soon are you coming back?' Because the officers see the difference that it's making in their prison."
Greg Von Tobel, President of PFC, emphasizes that this vision extends beyond Nigeria: "Our primary focus is to share the love of Christ and to save unrepentant sinners and move them to a situation where they're now saved and can disciple other people."
Yet, growth depends on resources. "If we had more volunteers that were qualified to go into prisons, we could cover more countries," says Von Tobel. "Last year, we had 2.1 million inmates that attended our services. Out of that, as best as we can determine, 73,000 men, women, and children said yes to Jesus for the very first time."
Learn more about PFC <a href="https://www.prisonersforchrist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at their website</a> and find ways to get involved.
Pray for more inmate chaplains to step up, and that prison officers would continue welcoming Gospel transformation inside. Ask God to multiply discipleship through Nigeria’s prison churches, that they may know Christ!



Header photo courtesy of Mirza Mustofa/Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:45 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Church leaders in China have new online restrictions to navigate</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/church-leaders-in-china-have-new-online-restrictions-to-navigate/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
China (MNN) — Digital discipleship for Christians in China has become much harder. 
<a href="https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/9/19/china-tightens-digital-grip-on-religion-with-sweeping-rules-for-clergy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New restrictions</a> from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) claim greater authority over religious expression, this time in the digital sphere. 
Just eighteen short paragraphs make up “Regulations on the Online Behavior of Religious Clergy,” published September 15. But together, the articles state that online preaching and teaching can be shared only through government-licensed platforms. Teaching children, raising funds, and using AI in evangelism online are also prohibited, along with much more. (Read the full English translation of the articles <a href="https://bitterwinter.org/holy-firewalls-chinas-new-rules-for-online-clergy-conduct/?_gl=1*8p0m54*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTM0MzQ0NDk2LjE3NTg2NDE0MTc.*_ga_BXXPYMB88D*czE3NTg2NDE0MTckbzEkZzAkdDE3NTg2NDE0MTckajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.)
<div id="attachment_204001" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-204001" class="wp-image-204001 size-medium" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bibles_For_China_church-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />(Courtesy of Bibles for China)</div>
“The internet is a wonderful thing. But it's also the renegade information stream in the world. There is very little accountability,” says Kurt Rovenstine with Bibles for China.
He says the new regulations are a natural progression of where the CCP is taking the nation. 
“[In] the last year, there's been restrictions on gatherings — who can gather where, and with what kind of supervision, the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/china-formally-bans-foreign-missionary-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">restriction of any kind of foreign influence</a> on in-person meetings,” Rovenstine notes. "That has continued to progress in a way that gives China much more control in the 'Sinicization' of all things religious and Chinese."
He says while the September 15 restrictions are not surprising, they are disappointing, “because the regulations not only affect the churches in China, but it is targeting a lot of people who are working outside of China and trying to get content into China.” 
Think of Christian leaders in China who have been walking the line between government regulations and following Christ. The new rules will require creativity from them and from believers outside of China in order to disciple others and share the gospel. It will call for risk. 
“It's a ‘wait and see’ [situation]. I do think there will be a lot of people from outside of China [who] will challenge this. It will be a game of chess on the internet,” says Rovenstine.
Let this news help you pray more strategically for fellow Christians in China. A brother who works in China told Rovenstine, “Our response [to Chinese Christian leaders who feel trapped] is to feel their frustration and pray for the courage and tenacity in the midst of new challenges every day.”
Rovenstine adds, “[Pray] that God would give them creativity and courage to know [what] He's leading them to do, to continue to be the spiritual leaders within China and be obedient to the Word of God and not the mandates of man.”
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Karwin Luo/Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:26 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>A new Sykes-Picot? Middle East faces ongoing upheaval</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/a-new-sykes-picot-middle-east-faces-ongoing-upheaval/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Middle East (MNN) -- The latest changes in the Middle East renew a decades-long discussion about borders and control. Most recently, thought leaders suggested redrawing the region in <a href="https://www.glimpsefromtheglobe.com/regions/redrawing-middle-east/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2014</a> and <a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/5057286-middle-east-artificial-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2024.</a>
Nuna with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/triumphant-mercy-lebanon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Triumphant Mercy Lebanon</a> says a secret 1916 treaty called <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Sykes-Picot-Agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Sykes-Picot Agreement</a> created the Middle Eastern countries we know today. “The French and the British, after World War I, divided the lands according to their areas of influence,” she explains.
<blockquote>
“We are now seeing a new Sykes-Picot; the map of the Middle East is changing.”
</blockquote>
Two years of war between Israel and Hamas have led to a <a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/in-historic-shift-u-k-australia-and-canada-recognize-a-palestinian-state-83598a66" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewed push for Palestinian statehood</a>. Shifting power dynamics in <a href="https://www.ifimes.org/en/researches/syria-2025-the-historical-syrian-project-from-revolution-to-a-modern-inclusive-civil-state/5437?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Syria</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-saudi-arabia-hezbollah-naim-kassem-tensions-d04bddbae6ad919e6d8f35565a5c6a58" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lebanon</a> leave vulnerable populations in limbo.
“In the midst of this change, there is chaos,” Nuna says. “People are being killed, homes are being destroyed. People are displaced; there are, like, 40 million people in the Middle East that are displaced now.”
<h2>Hope amid chaos</h2>
Triumphant Mercy Lebanon is on the ground, delivering help and hope to those who need it most. <a href="https://tm-lebanon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more here.</a>
<div id="attachment_212420" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lebanon-displaced-sleeping-street-beirut-oct-1-2024-afp.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-212420" class="size-medium wp-image-212420" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lebanon-displaced-sleeping-street-beirut-oct-1-2024-afp-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /></a>Displaced people sleeping in the streets of Beirut. (Photo courtesy of Triumphant Mercy Lebanon)</div>
“People are living in fear. They don’t see the hand of God in all this. They’re just seeing destruction and death and wars and rumors of wars,” Nuna says.
<blockquote>
“We have to bring this hope to people that God did not forget us, and it’s not out of His control. Nothing that is happening here is out of His control.”
</blockquote>
Pray for wisdom so TM Lebanon teams can focus their efforts efficiently. <a href="https://portal.trustbridgeglobal.com/public/donate?id=38625a04aa9c26b5943caf178fce1e80d7436012" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Consider supporting these efforts here.</a>
“Pray for the region in general, for the remapping of the region according to God’s design so that countries would be aligned to His purposes, and not man-made alignments,” Nuna requests.
 
 
 
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/soldier-map-middle-east-army-war-1864294/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ErikaWittlieb/Pixabay.</a>]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:10 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Charlie Kirk’s death sparks spiritual questions and Gospel opportunity</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/charlie-kirks-death-sparks-spiritual-questions-and-gospel-opportunity/</link>
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USA (MNN) -- Charlie Kirk’s violent death <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-death-of-charlie-kirk-and-what-it-means-to-be-a-young-christian-in-the-marketplace-of-ideas/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM_zoFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETEwRlhlamw5bUFBRnR5cmxuAR4-VeJwjz0z_DXXTD-gfPcAN_ZsPGMjk2BKVl0PAgiuuZzKj6LXeD5VCbwqxg_aem_DGAZVMARvKspiTpzCkxSwQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two weeks ago</a> sent shockwaves through the nation. While some of Kirk’s opponents have <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/09/17/us-news/syracuse-professors-gloat-over-charlie-kirks-ironic-death-bizarrely-thank-witches-for-his-demise-can-rest-in-piss/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">joked about</a> his death, few can argue with his lasting impact on the Next Generation and his public stand for Jesus.
Churches have noticed a <a href="https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/09/19/wyoming-churches-see-revival-shakeup-after-charlie-kirks-death/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surge of newcomers</a> at weekend services. Even <a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-religious-revival-martyr-evangelical-churches-0e4649d798d22e0d43d93ef020716547" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mainstream media</a> has toyed with the word “revival.”
“Historically, moments of national trauma and searching have made a way for a large turning to God. Some have called them revivals, awakenings,” Ron Hutchcraft with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/ron-hutchcraft-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hutchcraft Ministries</a> says.
“We see it individually, even, that someone’s death [can end up] bringing life to a lot of other people.”
<div id="attachment_217148" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TP_charlie-kirk.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217148" class="wp-image-217148" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TP_charlie-kirk-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="375" /></a>(Photo courtesy of Turning Point USA)</div>
<h2>Violence and a searching generation</h2>
In a generation exposed continually to violence, few find solace in religion. More than 11,000 Americans <a href="https://www.thetrace.org/2025/04/gen-z-leading-cause-of-death-gun-violence/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ages 11 to 26</a> died from gun injuries in 2023, and gun violence contributed to <a href="https://projectunloaded.org/report-gun-violence-is-contributing-to-gen-zs-mental-health-concerns/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gen Z mental-health concerns</a> the following year.
Simultaneously, today’s young people are unlikely to find comfort for their fears within the walls of a church. <a href="https://cnsmaryland.org/2025/03/25/a-shift-in-christianity-across-the-u-s-may-continue-as-gen-z-ages/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to a Pew study,</a> less than half of America’s Gen Z identifies as Christian, though many young people <a href="https://springtideresearch.org/post/religion-and-spirituality/gen-z-and-religion-what-the-statistics-say?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">still consider themselves “spiritual.”</a>
However, Kirk’s death <a href="https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/09/19/will-charlie-kirks-death-change-faith-trajectory-gen-z/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appears to be</a> changing the tide, and opportunity follows on its heels.
<h2>Opportunity for discipleship</h2>
Don’t miss the questions about eternity that young people in your life may be asking. Hutchcraft says making yourself approachable can open the way for discipleship if you are a Christian adult.
“If we live that way, that says to a young person, ‘You matter, and I want to hear what you have to say,’” Hutchcraft says.
<blockquote>
“[When] we speak with conviction and Holy Spirit boldness, and we seem to have something solid to offer, I think we can be hope for a young person we know.”
</blockquote>
Consider the opportunities God may place before you to model Christ for the Next Generation. <a href="https://hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-mission/a-fatal-shot-a-wounded-generation-10091" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find inspiration here.</a>
“Let’s learn from this [moment in time] that young people are truly looking for leadership, for shepherding, and we can be that for them,” Hutchcraft says.
 
 
 
Header image depicts young people mourning Charlie Kirk's passing. Photo courtesy of <a href="https://hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-mission/a-fatal-shot-a-wounded-generation-10091" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hutchcraft Ministries.</a>]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:01 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/charlie-kirks-death-sparks-spiritual-questions-and-gospel-opportunity/</guid>
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<title>Filipino protesters call for accountability for billions of missing dollars</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/filipino-protesters-call-for-accountability-for-billions-of-mission-dollars/</link>
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Philippines (MNN) — Tens of thousands of Filipinos rallied in Manila on Sunday to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/21/thousands-rally-in-philippines-at-anticorruption-protests-in-manila" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protest alleged corruption</a> in the nation. 
The Philippines experiences about <a href="https://apnews.com/article/philippines-flood-control-corruption-allegations-61deba5e59f9bc5fac1800a660591c35" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20 typhoons and storms per year.</a> Critical flood-control projects were allocated billions of taxpayer dollars, but the Department of Finance <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/22/more-than-200-arrested-after-anticorruption-protests-in-philippines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">estimates</a> that up to two billion dollars have been lost to corruption since 2023.
<div id="attachment_217131" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217131" class="size-medium wp-image-217131" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pexels-teardrop-32988602-300x191.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="191" />Flooded streets in Malabon, Philippines (Photo courtesy of Tear Cordez via Pexels)</div>
Pastor Herman serves with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/a3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A3</a> in the Philippines. He says anger has swelled ever since President Marcos Jr. first said in July that there were anomalies in the flood-control projects. 
“Some are what he calls ‘ghost projects,’ meaning the money has been released, but the project has not been done,” Herman explains. 
Sunday’s protests were mostly peaceful, but <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/22/more-than-200-arrested-after-anticorruption-protests-in-philippines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">violence broke out</a> in certain parts of the city. At least 130 police officers were injured, and more than 200 people were arrested after the incidents. 
“The cry of the people is really for accountability and punish[ment for] those who are responsible," Herman says. 
The Philippines has a track record of “peaceful revolutions,” Herman says. He thinks the protests will continue. “It will depend on how it develops, whether the president is serious in saying that this should be uncovered.”
If protests do continue, the Filipino Church has a significant opportunity. Pastor Herman says that in the Philippines, there is an emphasis on discipleship and sharing the gospel. Yet the Church also needs to actively speak biblical truth into current events.
<blockquote>
“We are not really seeing the prophetic voice to speak the truth and denounce those who are involved in this corruption,” he says. “Pray for the Church, that the Church will also not just watch what's happening, but be a voice for justice, truth, and righteousness.”
</blockquote>
Another prayer request is for both peace and for fruit from protests, “so that the government will feel that this is really serious and people are really angry. I think that's the only way this can have a resolution," Herman says.
“I always see that what has happened is not just a turn of events, but really God is acting. Continue to support us and rally with us in seeking the Lord's intervention.”
 
 
Header photo: An aerial view of the Baha sa Luneta protest at Rizal Park, Manila, on September 21, 2025 (Photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office - Manila Public Information Office Facebook page, Public Domain, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baha_sa_Luneta_aerial_view.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wikimedia Commons</a>.)]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:39 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/filipino-protesters-call-for-accountability-for-billions-of-mission-dollars/</guid>
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<title>How technology shapes digital ministry in Iran</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/217108/</link>
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Iran (MNN) — Iran’s widespread internet filtering and restrictions make it difficult to receive updates about evangelization efforts within the country. Edwin Keshish Abnous with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/heart4iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heart4Iran</a> says on top of this, many Iranians regularly face poor internet connectivity. 
“That means that downloading the videos, audio, and all sorts of resources that Iranian or Western ministries are preparing for Iranians inside the country are not easy to consume.”
The regime’s constant monitoring of digital activity means that consistent, meaningful communication with people inside the country is a challenge for ministry partners outside of it. When Iranians do communicate online, they do so through virtual private networks (VPNs), which serve as pipelines to Biblical resources. But Abnous says this is a channel that isn’t always open. 
“VPN is the only way for them to be able to communicate outside the country, but if the internet is shut down, the VPNs are basically useless.”
In the absence of internet connection, one of the most common ways Iranians access Biblical resources is through satellite television. Censorship of this medium is not widespread in Iran, and Abnous says there is no way for Iran to track viewership. Thus, Biblically faithful TV programming remains an open door for reaching Iranians. 
<div id="attachment_205820" style="width: 408px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-205820" class="wp-image-205820 " src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/H4I_digial-map-of-iran-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="398" height="265" />Image courtesy of Heart4Iran</div>
Another door opener is Artificial Intelligence. 
“Either on TV or social media, there are ways for us to use these new technologies to not only minimize the challenges of the security of Iranians but also be more efficient and effective when we’re sending content inside Iran,” Abnous says. 
Recently, Heart4Iran has been employing a version of ChatGPT trained to operate with a Biblical worldview. 
“We have tested multiple times, and we’re getting constant feedback,” Abnous says. “As an Iranian Christian or an Iranian seeker inside the country is asking the question, the answer they get is Biblical.” 
Abnous says the other beautiful aspect of using AI is to be able to clean, categorize, and tag data in an analyzable format. 
“That is of great value for ministries outside the country because we’re dealing with a country that is very restricted. So to have these tools at our disposal, we will have better insight inside the country to see who is consuming, the demographic, the type of content they’re interested to consume.”
Looking forward, the team at Heart4Iran hopes to ensure personal connection by introducing internet searchers to Christians who can pick up where AI leaves off. 
Please pray for the security of Iranians inside the country as well as ministry partners interacting with them. 
Pray for anointed decision-making that will bring forth fruit in places that were once desolate.
Pray for Heart4Iran to wisely steward its resources. 
Pray that God would pave the way for more ministries to partner with Heart4Iran in reaching this closed country. 
“Especially these days with the advancement of technology,” Abnous points out, “you’re always excited to try every new thing that comes in the market, but we want to have that discernment to make sure what is needed now, how to use it, how to master it, how to educate our team members to use it best.”
<div id="attachment_208284" style="width: 574px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-208284" class=" wp-image-208284" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TI_bible-light-300x182.jpeg" alt="" width="564" height="342" />Photo courtesy of Transform Iran; header photo courtesy of Markus Winkler via Pexels</div>]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:15 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/217108/</guid>
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<title>International Day of Sign Languages highlights access and knowledge gaps</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/international-day-of-sign-languages-highlights-access-and-knowledge-gaps/</link>
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International (MNN) -- Today is the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Day of Sign Languages,</a> highlighting access needs in the global Deaf community and knowledge gaps among the hearing.
More than 70 million people around the world are deaf, according to the World Federation of the Deaf. The majority – over 80 percent – live in developing countries. Collectively, they use more than 300 unique sign languages.
Many people in the Deaf community remain cut off from essential information. While closed captioning helps some, this service is not universally available and doesn’t meet the needs of all Deaf people.
<div id="attachment_217124" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DOOR_SL-bibles.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217124" class="size-medium wp-image-217124" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DOOR_SL-bibles-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" /></a>(Photo courtesy of DOOR International)</div>
“For us as hearing people, we think of reading as a visual activity, and so we think, ‘Oh, deaf people should be fine just with captions,’ but what we don’t realize is that reading is a sound-based activity for hearing people,” <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/door-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DOOR International</a>’s Rob Myers says.
“We learn to read by first hearing and speaking a language, and after we become fluent in that language, then we go on to learn how to sound out letters connected to the language that we already know,” he continues.
“They (Deaf people) miss all of that sound-based activity growing up, and reading becomes a very different exercise.”
<h2>Challenging assumptions</h2>
International observances like the International Day of Sign Languages and the <a href="https://wfdeaf.org/international-week-of-deaf-people-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Week of the Deaf,</a> always held during the last week in September, serve as essential awareness tools for the majority-Hearing community.
“For most of us – not having grown up around Deaf people – we don’t know things like there’s more than one sign language around the world,” Myers says.
<blockquote>
“We assume sign language and English are the same language when they’re not.”
</blockquote>
Myers held assumptions like these before he became involved in Deaf ministry. The recently assassinated political activist Charlie Kirk faced criticism earlier this year for similar views.
<div id="attachment_217125" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DOOR_SL-bibles2.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217125" class="size-medium wp-image-217125" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DOOR_SL-bibles2-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" /></a>(Photo courtesy of DOOR International)</div>
“He commented that it seemed the interpreter was distracting, and deaf people could just use captions through reading. Someone helped him understand that some Deaf people have access to written language. They can read, but many, many deaf people struggle with reading… And that’s one of the reasons that sign language is so critical to the Deaf community,” Myers explains.
“Charlie, to his credit, published a video explaining how he had misunderstood, and others had come to him and explained this, and he now recognized why sign language interpreters are so, so critical.”
<h2>Ongoing barriers and a call to action</h2>
Although awareness tools can help us move from ignorance to understanding, significant communication barriers remain. “Less than half of the countries around the world recognize sign language as one of the official languages of their country,” Myers says.
<blockquote>
“If Deaf people’s first language is a sign language, then not having access to information – particularly from our vantage point, not having access to the Gospel – is a critical gap.”
</blockquote>
<a href="https://doorinternational.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By partnering with DOOR,</a> you can help Deaf communities access the most critical information of all – the lifesaving Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
“DOOR is empowering Deaf leaders to be sent out as missionaries to share Jesus and make disciples, and then to train those leaders to begin translating the Bible into their various sign languages,” Myers says.
 
 
 
Header and story images courtesy of DOOR International. ]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:03 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/international-day-of-sign-languages-highlights-access-and-knowledge-gaps/</guid>
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<title>Promoting religious freedom is an “atrocity prevention tool,” says USCIRF</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/promoting-religious-freedom-is-an-atrocity-prevention-tool-says-uscirf/</link>
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United States (MNN) — Do you think of religious freedom as a life-or-death issue? According to <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-2025-annual-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a new report</a> from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), sometimes it literally is. 
In March, USCIRF released its <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-2025-annual-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 recommendations</a> of which countries the U.S. should watch regarding the freedom of religious belief. Their list of recommended countries correlates strongly with another list: The Early Warning Project’s <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-2025-annual-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ranking</a> of nations where mass killings are most likely to occur.
<div id="attachment_217078" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217078" class="size-medium wp-image-217078" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/johnnathan-tshibangu-KscvXsYbkn8-unsplash-2-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Stock photo courtesy of Johnnathan Tshibangu via Unsplash)</div>
“More than half of the top 30 countries most at risk of mass killings are identified in USCIRF’s Annual Report for poor religious freedom conditions,” the release said. They suggest that promoting religious freedom is "a vital atrocity prevention tool."
When Todd Nettleton with <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-2025-annual-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Voice of the Martyrs, USA</a> saw USCIRF's report, he thought of a July attack in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dozens of Christians were killed by ISIS allies <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-2025-annual-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">while at a prayer vigil</a>. Another <a href="https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/100-plus-christians-slaughtered-in-drc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">attack</a> on September 8 left more than 70 Christians dead.
“Then to see a report that, ‘Wait a minute, genocide and mass killing seems to be more likely in places where religious freedom is not respected, where religious freedom is not protected…’ When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense,” Nettleton says. 
The Early Warning Project ranks <a href="https://www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2023/chad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chad</a> as the number one country most likely to have a mass killing outbreak. Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa are active there. This highlights another dynamic in USCIRF’s and The Early Warning Project's lists.
Nettleton explains, “It’s not necessarily a government action that is putting the risk of mass killing, the risk of genocide, in place. It is actually terrorist activity.” 
All this underscores the gravity of the U.S. State Department’s future 2025 <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-2025-annual-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Religious Freedom report</a>. The upcoming report will show how this new U.S. administration will apply its influence through international policies about other nations and entities.
<h2>Find your place in the story</h2>
Religious freedom is not a given. Jesus said to His disciples, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=if+they+persecuted+me&version=ESV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John 15:20</a>). But that doesn't mean Christians should do nothing about religious freedom issues.
Nettleton says the first response to these matters should be prayer for the persecuted Church. Use the<a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-2025-annual-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> list from USCIRF</a> or even <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-2025-annual-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Early Warning Project</a> to launch your prayer for Christians.
<div id="attachment_208235" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-208235" class="size-medium wp-image-208235" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/aaron-burden-t2b1Z-jPT-w-unsplash-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />(Photo courtesy of Aaron Burden/Unsplash)</div>
“Religious freedom really underlies so many other freedoms," Nettleton says. "From a spiritual perspective, as a Christian, my brothers and sisters are impacted by these situations. So I want my brothers and sisters to be able to worship in safety. I want them to be able to evangelize and have other people come to know Christ without the threat of violence, without government interference."
Nettleton also calls for civic advocacy on behalf of the persecuted.
“We want to understand this information so that we can pray with more knowledge, with more specificity. We want to let our government authorities know that this is something we pay attention to. This is something we care about," says Nettleton.
 
 
Header photo: Monument in Lippepark, located in Hamm, Germany (Photo courtesy of Sven Piper via Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:24 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/promoting-religious-freedom-is-an-atrocity-prevention-tool-says-uscirf/</guid>
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<title>Where will I sleep tonight? Iranian Christians flee persecution in endless survival journey</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/where-will-i-sleep-tonight-iranian-christians-flee-persecution-in-endless-survival-journey/</link>
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Iran (MNN) — Iranian believers who lead home churches, evangelize, or are <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/after-ceasefire-iranian-government-targets-its-own-people/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">targeted </a>by the Iranian government often have to escape the country. Yet, other difficulties arise.
Iranians love their culture. Their home. Their history. But when they find the highest love – Jesus – and want to share Him with others – they are often forced into an endless move of survival.
Robert Duncan from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/middle-east-concern/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Middle East Concern</a> says, “Persecution against Christian converts, in particular in Iran, is quite strong. A lot of people respond to that, at least by considering leaving their country.”
This often concerns Christian leaders, evangelists, Bible smugglers – and those less fortunate, caught by weak security or betrayal.
“Often, if the persecution is severe, they don't have a lot of time to prepare. This means that they don't have time, for example, to get a visa to a country that they would perhaps choose to go to,” adds Duncan.
<div id="attachment_217093" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217093" class="size-medium wp-image-217093" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hasan-almasi-KuHX-cTRN7M-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="Unsplash" width="300" height="200" />People are mourning for Imam Hossein in Hosseinieh Habibi, Khansar (Photo courtesy of Hasan Almasi via Unsplash)</div>
If Iranian believers are arrested for their faith and forced to pay bail, it often costs them their property. Duncan explains, “It impoverishes them, and that means they don't have a lot of financial resources to leave the country or to set up life anywhere else.”
For a quick escape, most choose visa-free neighbors: Türkiye, Armenia, or Georgia. But new challenges await.
Their first hurdle is legalizing their stay, usually through an asylum claim, proving they had a solid reason to leave. “They also have to demonstrate that it isn't safe for them to return,” Duncan says, “and that if they were to go back to Iran, they would likely face severe rights violations.”
Authorities demand solid evidence — medical records, audio or video threats, witness statements, or other documented proof of danger. This evidence is often difficult to obtain once outside Iran.
Yet, even with proof, many Christian refugees are still denied. “There used to be many more [accepted cases], but the world is going through an asylum crisis at the moment,” Duncan explains.
And if accepted, life in the system offers little healthcare, education, or work. After a few years, many are released into <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/when-faith-meets-legal-limbo-for-iranian-asylum-seekers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">uncertainty</a>, rotating between those three countries.
“They're in a situation where they don't know when it's going to end, and it can be very wearing,” Duncan says, adding that the pressures often strain relationships and daily survival.
Pray for Iranian believers seeking a safe home! And pray for religious freedom in Iran so believers can thrive without needing to flee.
<a href="https://www.meconcern.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Middle East Concern</a> — together with Article 18, CSW, and Open Doors International — has published reports highlighting the plight of Iranian Christians seeking International protection in both <a href="https://www.meconcern.org/2024/12/02/iranian-christians-seeking-international_protection-in-georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Georgia</a> and <a href="https://articleeighteen.com/reports/13404/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Türkiye</a>. Check out these reports to uncover what’s happening — and see how you can pray and help!
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Anthony Nguyen via Pexels.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/where-will-i-sleep-tonight-iranian-christians-flee-persecution-in-endless-survival-journey/</guid>
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<title>Encouragement to Bengali believers despite persecution</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/encouragement-to-bengali-believers-despite-persecution/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Bangladesh (MNN) — After delays due to the challenging nature of sending short-term missionaries in a country like Bangladesh, <a href="https://www.unknownnations.com/">Unknown Nations</a> now has a team there working to encourage local believers.
Short-term missions are important to <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/unknown-nations/">Unknown Nations</a>’ partners, but often the areas that the organization is active in are not conducive to short-term mission trips.
Bangladesh is home to the Bengali Sheikh, one of the largest unreached people groups in the world. 135 million of the country's 160 million people are still in the zero percentile of Christians.
The Muslim people group is welcoming of Westerners, so when Westerners are in the country, they stand out.
“It causes unnecessary attention to really our partners on the ground, and that's one of the last things we want to do," Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations says.
<div id="attachment_209230" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-209230" class="size-medium wp-image-209230" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WMI_veiled-women-holding-treasures-300x168.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="168" />Veiled women hold Treasures, Unknown Nations' solar-powered audio Bibles. (Photo courtesy of Unknown Nations)</div>
Going into a place like that with a concentrated population makes it hard to get away.
This means that ministry done within the country is done almost exclusively by Bengali Christians. They are the ones distributing solar-powered audio Bibles and providing relief, as well as training and mobilizing leaders.
“From a cultural standpoint, it's a superior approach to mobilize the Bengali Christian community to reach that country. I mean, you're again, you're in the high 90 percentiles of people inside of Bangladesh that have never heard of Jesus one time,” Kelley says.
The barriers a Westerner has in the country can be detrimental to the progress of the gospel.
Islam is so ingrained in the culture of the country that, in some ways, to be Bengali is to be Muslim. While Christians can be beaten, imprisoned, and killed regularly for their faith, often their persecution comes from within their own families.
<blockquote>
“Think of your mother, your father, your brother, your sister, your aunt, your uncle, your grandparents, totally rejecting you because of your decision to follow Jesus. That's the persecution that takes place in Bangladesh on a daily basis,” Kelley says.
</blockquote>
Short-term teams sent into places like Bangladesh act more like vision teams and prayer teams and can be an encouragement.
<blockquote>
“We call it the power of presence,” Kelley says. “You're there, you're encouraging them, you're meeting their family, you're praying over them, and the vision is being seeded inside of you.”
</blockquote>
Please pray for these strong Christians in Bangladesh and for their willingness to share the gospel with a society that rejects them for it.
<blockquote>
“We say that there are no lukewarm Christians in Bangladesh. When you're a follower of Jesus, you're either all in or you're not at all, because to be lukewarm, you just won't survive,” Kelley says.
</blockquote>
Please pray for the Rohingya people from Myanmar, that God will be with them through their refugee crisis in Bangladesh, pray for these people who have seen disaster, and have come to a new country without Jesus.
Please pray that God will work through the Bengali people and their visitors to reach the unreached with the love and salvation of Jesus Christ.

Header Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@enginakyurt?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">engin akyurt</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-close-up-of-the-flag-of-bangladesh-M-F8aPoEi64?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:41 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/encouragement-to-bengali-believers-despite-persecution/</guid>
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<title>Hope amid collapse: Medical outreach brings relief to Sudanese refugees</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/hope-amid-collapse-medical-outreach-brings-relief-to-sudanese-refugees/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Sudan (MNN) -- Essential services are collapsing in Sudan, <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165854" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the UN reports.</a> Only one functioning hospital remains in Darfur, and community kitchens shut down last week after running out of food.
Two years of civil war have forced nearly 12 million people from their homes. Over four million have crossed into neighboring countries as refugees. John – a Gospel worker focused on Sudan – partners with church planters in the region.
A recent medical outreach brought much-needed care to Sudanese refugees in South Sudan. Although his organization* primarily focuses on disciple-making and church planting, “We went to the Lord, and it became obvious that this (medical outreach) was an opportunity,” John says.
<blockquote>
“We saw God do an amazing thing.”
</blockquote>
<h2>Healing and hope for Sudan’s displaced</h2>
The medical outreach began as an answer to prayer. “Our organization sits in full view of the suffering of Sudanese refugees, and we were just praying and praying for these people day after day,” John says.
<div id="attachment_217052" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sudan-med-outreach2.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217052" class="wp-image-217052" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sudan-med-outreach2-226x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="398" /></a>(Photo courtesy of John)</div>
One day, “out of the blue, we were approached by an organization saying, ‘We have a ministry of providing medications purchased in the U.S. at a greatly reduced price, and we’d like to do something to help the Sudanese,’” he continues.
“Several organizations worked together, and the [agreement] was, ‘We’ll secure the medications and ship them to where you are, and you figure out how to get these to the people that need them.’ We were able to receive the medicines and air freight them to the areas where we had access to refugees,” John says.
“In one location, the doctor and nurses saw 1,000 children in eight days.”
Last week’s pop-up clinic focused on children with cholera, while an earlier outreach provided antibiotics and blood pressure medicine. “We were able to give them medication for several months, because a week wouldn’t help them that much,” John says.
As doctors and nurses met medical needs, church planters helped refugees process trauma. “Islam doesn’t offer anything in these settings,” John says.
<blockquote>
“In this suffering and deep despair, they’re not finding comfort or answers or hope for the future, only a question – If I die tomorrow, [where will I go?] The Gospel gives assurance and hope.”
</blockquote>
Now that you know, how will you respond? Ask the Lord for guidance, and then wait on Him for answers. <a href="https://greater-reach-inc.networkforgood.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Consider partnering financially with John’s organization here.</a>
“When we seek to do that on a deeper level in prayer, then the Great Commission is a natural response,” John says.
 
 
*Ministry name withheld for security purposes. 
 
Header and story images depict pop-up medical clinic serving Sudanese refugees in South Sudan. Photos courtesy of John. ]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:00:15 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/hope-amid-collapse-medical-outreach-brings-relief-to-sudanese-refugees/</guid>
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<title>Spiritual openness and the search for answers after national tragedies</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/spiritual-openness-and-the-search-for-answers-after-national-tragedies/</link>
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<![CDATA[
United States (MNN) — As people across the United States and other parts of the world grapple with the killing of Charlie Kirk last week, Ron Hutchcraft with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/ron-hutchcraft-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hutchcraft Ministries</a> wants us not to miss the spiritual response taking place among young people.
Hutchcraft has been in cross-cultural youth ministry for decades. He sees several reasons Kirk’s death has been so traumatic for Gen Z.
“Many of them — not all, but many of them — saw in [Kirk] someone they could trust. And trust comes hard to this younger generation. Then suddenly he was gone, violently, publicly. That has left them seeking. They really are.”
Hutchcraft recalls how America searched for answers in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks as well.
“[Something] I think God sees is a nation without answers. We are groping to [find out] ‘What’s wrong with us, what’s wrong with this world, what's wrong with this culture?’” he says. “The public nature of what happened, the violent nature of what happened, the heart-wrenching way it happened, has reached all the way from college campuses to the Capitol.”
This time of national grief, debate, and clamor is causing people to look to God.
<div id="attachment_217054" style="width: 387px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217054" class=" wp-image-217054" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1619px-Charlie_Kirk_54507147995-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="377" height="251" />Charlie Kirk speaking with attendees at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0)</div>
“The response as you look at social media has been many, many saying, ‘I'm going to church for the first time in my life.’ [Or] ‘I'm going back to church for the first time in many, many years,’” Hutchcraft says.
“There is a lot of God-seeking because, setting aside the political agenda of what Charlie Kirk may have had, he was a bold voice for his personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the fact that all of us need that relationship.” 
If you haven’t noticed spiritual openness among the people in your life yet, be on the lookout for it. Be on the lookout for them and their questions, even as you ask your own questions. Remember the hope Jesus offers every person who comes to Him, and share it. 
Hutchcraft points to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=heb%206%3A15-20&version=ESV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hebrews 6:19</a>. “There is in the resurrected Christ — the conqueror of death — the end of our search. [That search] may very well be started by trauma, by losing some ‘earth hope’ that some may have placed their hope in.”
 
 
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Joshua Hanks via Unsplash.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:00:11 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/spiritual-openness-and-the-search-for-answers-after-national-tragedies/</guid>
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<title>From groceries to the Gospel, Belarus pastors connect with needy families</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/from-groceries-to-the-gospel-belarus-pastors-connect-with-needy-families/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Belarus (MNN) — It was an outreach that they were told would never work. When <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/slavic-gospel-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)</a> first launched its <a href="https://www.sga.org/ministries/compassionministry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Compassion Ministry</a> in Belarus — delivering food and essentials to needy families — local pastors were skeptical. They insisted that Belarusians would never open their doors to strangers.
<blockquote>
However, Eric Mock with SGA says, "What they hadn't counted on is there are a lot of people that didn't know where their next meal was going to come from, and they would happily open the door to a pastor that wanted to tell them a message of hope and bring them a bag of groceries."
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_217064" style="width: 276px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217064" class="size-medium wp-image-217064" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-18-190925-266x300.jpg" alt="" width="266" height="300" />In the countries of Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, SGA-sponsored missionary pastors are visiting needy families in their regions with much-needed parcels of staple food items. (Photo, caption courtesy of SGA)</div>
Now, 11 years later, the SGA-supported Compassion Ministry is flourishing.
SGA supports 55 missionary pastors in Belarus, 35 of whom are actively involved in the Compassion Ministry.
"The figure the pastors last week gave me is that 7% of all people coming to faith, out of all the ministry of the churches in Belarus, are through this Compassion Ministry!" says Mock.
"Ten percent of all the pastors in Belarus are engaged in this Compassion Ministry through support from SGA."
The pastors themselves often have very little. Yet, Mock says, "They faithfully declare the Gospel in their community, and here they give of the abundance of their heart more than an abundance of resources. So we help them in that, and that's opened up doors and people have been coming to faith."
Praise God for open doors and hearts to the Gospel in Belarus!
You can <a href="https://www.sga.org/ministries/compassionministry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">support SGA's Compassion Ministry here.</a>
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of SGA.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:00:25 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/from-groceries-to-the-gospel-belarus-pastors-connect-with-needy-families/</guid>
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<title>Worst flooding in a decade hits Bali</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/worst-flooding-in-a-decade-hits-bali/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Indonesia (MNN) -- Bali, an island paradise, is grappling with a nightmare. Torrential rains last week unleashed the worst <a href="https://jakartaglobe.id/news/bali-begins-recovery-after-floods-leave-18-dead-4-missing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flooding</a> locals have seen in a decade -- destroying homes, markets, and claiming 18 lives. Four people are still missing. The province declared a state of emergency.
<div id="attachment_217042" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217042" class="size-medium wp-image-217042" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/paolo-nicolello-zb3b08nJlww-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />(Photo courtesy of Paolo Nicolello/Unsplash)</div>
Greg Kelley with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/unknown-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unknown Nations</a> explains, "Bali is an area where there are a lot of mountains, and when [rain] hits the mountains and these fronts remain in a certain area for so long, it just happens to have a greater impact. The rivers all get overflooded. It is a situation that doesn't happen very often."
As a ministry that provides aid in times of crisis, Unknown Nations is sending physical relief and spiritual encouragement to flood-affected areas in Jesus’ name.
"Our people go in and they just love them unconditionally. There's no bait and switch, you know, 'Let me give you this rice, this tarp, this temporary shelter, and then tell you about Jesus.'
<blockquote>
"It's just purely an act of love, and because of that, the people's hearts open up. So our people will continue to minister as long as it takes to these people because, as I said, for them, it's the worst crisis imaginable."
</blockquote>
Unknown Nations coordinates with the local Church to ensure new believers are connected with Christians who can disciple them long-term.
"This is really critical, because the local Church is going to be the staying power that's there," says Kelley. "That's where we want the work to be done through."
<div id="attachment_217043" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217043" class="size-medium wp-image-217043" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/480711456_558868860536548_2845168825866100121_n-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Unknown Nations)</div>
Indonesia is in the 10/40 Window with some of the largest unreached people groups in the world.
<blockquote>
Kelley says, "Of the 300 million people who are living in Indonesia, 200 million of them are still waiting for their first Gospel witness. That's why it's a priority."
</blockquote>
Pray for the local Church to be a faithful Gospel witness, and that those who mourn will be comforted in the Holy Spirit. Lift up Indonesia’s unreached millions to encounter Christ for the first time.
You can give to Unknown Nations <a href="https://www.unknownnations.com/humanitarian-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at their website here</a> as they respond to emergencies like this.
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Udith Babu K N/Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cliffside-sculpture-on-blue-ocean-view-33878489/]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:36 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/worst-flooding-in-a-decade-hits-bali/</guid>
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<title>How greater stability changes life for Christians and minorities in Iraq</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-greater-stability-changes-life-for-christians-and-minorities-in-iraq/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Iraq (MNN) — This month, the United States’ nearly eleven-year military mission in Iraq transitions to a "<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/08/18/us-confirms-change-in-status-of-military-mission-in-iraq/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bilateral security partnership</a>." The US Department of Defense announced the two-phase transition back in September 2024. US troops have already <a href="https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/international-coalition-forces-start-withdrawal-from-iraq/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">left a military base</a> in Anbar Province.
The US military re-entered Iraq in 2014 <a href="https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2025/08/us-forces-begin-withdrawal-from-ain-al-asad-airbase-as-us-presence-in-iraq-transitions.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to help counter the influence of ISIS in Iraq as well as Syria</a>. Today, the fight against ISIS <a href="https://www.shafaq.com/en/Security/Airstrike-pounds-ISIS-cell-in-northern-Iraq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">continues</a>. Iraq is more stable, though <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/ten-questions-and-expert-answers-on-operation-inherent-resolves-end-in-iraq/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some complexities exist</a> because of America’s presence.
<blockquote>
In an interesting paradox, Samuel* with Redemptive Stories says the stability is reversing how authorities interact with local Christians. 
</blockquote>
“In the past, they were too busy fighting wars between ISIS and/or civil war. There were higher things on the hierarchy of needs in terms of what the police force and the government [were] focused on,” he says.
<div id="attachment_217026" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217026" class="size-medium wp-image-217026" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mhrezaa-F7ItsN8ma6Y-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />(Representative stock photo courtesy of mhrezaa via Unsplash)</div>
“But now, there’s enough space for them to again begin to attack Christians. So we're seeing persecution, unfortunately, rise in Iraq.” 
Although the influence of ISIS in Iraq is significantly diminished, don’t miss this fact: “To ‘get rid of’ them is a misnomer," Samuel says, "because <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/suffering-ahead-for-the-church-in-the-midst-of-isis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the ideology of that part of Sunni Islam</a> is still there, and it will stay there. It is in the hearts and the thoughts of people.”
Jesus can transform people’s hearts and is doing this even now. Samuel says that in northern Iraq, witnessing boldly for Christ is possible. “God is working there, particularly among minority groups, including Christians [who] have stayed.” 
Southern Iraq, where Shia Islam is predominant, is the most unreached area of the nation, Samuel says. “Yet one of the greatest tools God is using right now is continued media reaching into that space. We’re seeing lots of people come to faith and seek God.”
The gospel will continue to spread in Iraq at a price. In regions of the Middle East and across Africa where Islamic extremism is rampant, Christians need to prepare for suffering.
<div id="attachment_192272" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-192272" class="size-medium wp-image-192272" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/levi-meir-clancy-kj-QJkZMcv8-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />A house destroyed by war with ISIS in Sinjar, Iraq. (Photo courtesy of Levi Meir Clancy/Unsplash)</div>
“The Christian life isn't fair across the board. For me to be a Christian in certain contexts is easy; in other ones, much harder," says Samuel.
Find your place in this story through prayer.
“We need bold leaders who are willing to walk that line of hearing God's voice and knowing which way to go, like Paul did when danger came, and knowing which risks to take versus which not to,” says Samuel.
“We need to encourage our brothers and sisters, pray for them, and help them walk a path that's bold and courageous, even in the midst of what they have to suffer.” 
 
*Pseudonym
 
Header photo: A house destroyed by war with ISIS in Sinjar, Iraq. (Photo courtesy of Levi Meir Clancy/Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:52 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-greater-stability-changes-life-for-christians-and-minorities-in-iraq/</guid>
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<title>The quiet frontline of the country – the families of servicemen</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-quiet-frontline-of-the-country-the-families-of-servicemen/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
USA (MNN) — For the wives, mothers, and daughters of servicemen, Warrior Set Free prepares a place of rest and renewal.
A siren pierces the sky as servicemen rush to their mission. Fire, crime, tragic accident, or threat to the State cuts their rest short and sends them out like arrows. Meanwhile at home — hands busy with children, cooking, studying, or work — their loved ones carry on, hearts lifted in prayer for a safe return.
Kym Panquerne from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/set-free-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warrior Set Free</a> says, “The men may be an active battle on the field, but the women are an active battle at home!”
<div id="attachment_217033" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217033" class="size-medium wp-image-217033" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pexels-denniz-futalan-339724-942572-300x200.jpg" alt="Pexels" width="300" height="200" />Photo courtesy of Denniz Futalan via Pexels</div>
That battle means carrying the weight of home tasks with a team weakened by the absence of a husband, father, or son. Wives often parent alone, keep the household running, and solve problems by themselves — while also carrying the heavy stories their husbands bring home.
“His PTSD spills over onto her, and so then she becomes wounded, not only from her own trauma, but then from her husband as well,” says Panquerne.
In response, Warrior Set Free is organizing a four-day retreat this March in Georgia.
“This is for active military spouses of military first responders,” says Panquerne, “police officers, and mothers and daughters of those in active duty as well.”
The goal is to bring these women into a place of peace and restoration with the Lord, without distraction. The problem is, we rarely give God four days of uninterrupted time.
“So what we do is literally take away all the distractions and place you somewhere you can hear the voice of the Lord. All we do is — what we call — set a table and just let the Lord minister to these women,” adds Panquerne.
An important aspect of this ministry is soul healing.
“It's about the wounds and trauma and hurts and sins that take up real estate in our hearts, and asking the Lord to just come in and fill those places with his truth and with His forgiveness and with His love and with His grace,” says Panquerne.
Pray that many in need will hear about this conference and attend. Pray also for the preparation and for the team devoted to serving these women.
Visit <a href="https://warriorssetfree.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warrior Set Free</a> to learn about their ministry to military, veterans, and first responders struggling with faith, identity, and feelings of loss.
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Dani Guitarra via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:25 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-quiet-frontline-of-the-country-the-families-of-servicemen/</guid>
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<title>United Nations calls Israel-Hamas war in Gaza “genocide”</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/united-nations-calls-israel-hamas-war-in-gaza-genocide/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Gaza (MNN) — Nearly 64,900 Palestinians have died in the Israel-Hamas war, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. On Tuesday, a United Nations inquiry announced its conclusion that Israel’s war on Gaza is a <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/16/first-head-of-united-nations-body-declares-israels-gaza-war-a-genocide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">genocide</a>. Israeli leaders have declared that this is not true.
The nearly two-year war is only one of many current events dividing people across the world. 
“We are so polarized. ‘If you are not 100% with me, then you are 200% against me,’” says Fadi Sharaiha with the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/mena-leadership-center/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MENA Leadership Center.</a> “This is not right. We need to talk. We need to discuss.”
How should the global Church respond to events in Gaza? Sharaiha first acknowledges the evil in this war. Neither side is innocent. People are dying on both sides, and Hamas still holds <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hostages-de5ab67d6eab8c1ef31663b59500d4cb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">48 hostages</a>.
“In the midst of the whole evil that is around us, I believe that God is still worthy of all the blessings and all the glory,” he says. 
"I [also] want to acknowledge the need for us to go back to the basics and remember what Jesus said about peacemakers: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.’ We are called to love our enemies.”
<div id="attachment_180245" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-180245" class="size-medium wp-image-180245" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nathan-dumlao-MrtzHLp4zVM-unsplash-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash)</div>
Sharaiha says believers don’t have to understand every aspect of the war in order to respond the right way. He studied the history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine at the United Nations University. Even after receiving lectures from different leaders, not everything was clear to him. 
“But you need to get the Bible. You need to get ‘Who are we? What is our identity?’ We are called to be peacemakers. We are called to love our enemies,” he says. 
Talking about peace is premature in the midst of active war. But one day, people with great wisdom will have to begin that restorative work. 
"The governments right now are really calling on both Israel to stop, and Hamas to surrender the hostages and surrender their weapons," he says.
Even when the fighting ends, a different battle will continue in people's hearts.
<blockquote>
“I am very concerned about people dying today, but also I'm concerned about the one who did not die, next year,” Sharaiha says. “They will be filled with so much hatred, agony, trauma. That's why we need to make sure that we are preaching Jesus to those people.” 
</blockquote>
In the complexities of the Israel-Hamas war, please pray that the Church will be a peacemaker. Pray that the gospel of peace in Christ will reach more people in Gaza and Israel. Pray for the <a href="https://menaleadershipcenter.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MENA Leadership Center</a>, as it plans training courses that will one day equip leaders for trauma healing and refugee ministry. 
 
 
Header image is a stock photo courtesy of Marek Studzinski via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:11 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>India intensifies anti-conversion laws</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/india-intensifies-anti-conversion-laws/</link>
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India (MNN)—Across India, states are toughening up their anti-conversion laws, either adding to existing laws or passing new ones, limiting individuals’ ability to practice faiths besides Hinduism. 
Currently, about a dozen of India’s 28 states have anti-conversion laws, according to Greg Musselman of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/voice-of-the-martyrs-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voice of the Martyrs, Canada</a>. Most of these laws have been implemented after Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took up power within the Indian government. 
“It is definitely intensifying,” says Musselman. “People are coming to the Lord, and then that can, you know, put these evangelists and pastors and those that have converted into great danger. But there's also the daily aspect, the psyche within the Christians to keep their faith very quiet and silent. And that was not the case, you know, 10, 20 years ago, when you could be a Christian, you could meet openly, no problem.”
In the northern state of Uttarakhand, an amendment to the existing anti-conversion legislation was passed into law this past summer, introducing more stringent penalties along with a ban on digital propaganda
“Uttarakhand is the first state to include digital media, and this of course now is a major concern, because social media is used for evangelization. You know, Christians there want to share their faith.” 
In the state of Chhattisgarh’s capital, Raipur, more than 200 house churches were notified that worship gatherings within private homes are no longer permitted, restricting worship to officially registered buildings. 
“They allege these illegal conversions are taking place in these house churches, and the reality is that people are converting and coming to Jesus,” says Musselman. “One pastor was detained for violating that order, and then a legal petition objecting to the police directive has now been filed. There's court hearings going on, and so it is putting pressure on the church.”
Anti-conversion laws can also make it illegal to use anything that could be considered allurement to convert others to Christianity. This can include preaching about heaven or hell—even caring for the poor and those who are dying would be considered “bribing people, because you're showing compassion and kindness,” says Musselman. 
The impact, he says, is that “many Christians are being arrested. Leaders are being pressured. They're stopping these house church meetings.”
“But the positive side is that the gospel is going forward. In spite of all these restrictions, these anti-conversion laws, the pressure and everything that's happening, the gospel is still going forward. And, you know, our Indian brothers and sisters are aware that this is a spiritual battle and that they need to be praying. They need to be asking the Lord for wisdom.”
Spreading awareness is important, although Musselman acknowledges the voices of advocates are often drowned out by politics. Overall, he emphasizes the importance of prayer. 
“In terms of where we go now, is prayer. We need to be praying for our brothers and sisters, and then through that, really praying that God will give wisdom to our brothers and sisters in India.”
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs Canada]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:56 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>A century in China: celebrating what God did</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/a-century-in-china-celebrating-what-god-did/</link>
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China (MNN) -- Looking back at history can help believers celebrate God’s goodness and continual provision.
The 1920s and 30s were turbulent times in China, marked by power struggles between competing factions. Rising nationalism, anti-foreign sentiment, cultural barriers, health struggles, and changing ministry expectations challenged Christian missionaries. Despite this, many persevered, laying the groundwork for the growth of the indigenous Chinese Church.
“I remember my grandmother telling us that they were always on flight. They had to go from one location to another, trying to evade conflict and war,” <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/china-partner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China Partner</a>’s Erik Burklin says, recalling his grandparents’ experiences as missionaries in China.
<blockquote>
“My grandfather wrote in his memoirs, ‘During my 25 years of ministry in China, we had 10 converts.’ That’s less than one convert per year!”
</blockquote>
Yet the Lord provided grace and humor amid hardship. <a href="https://chinapartner.org/history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Take a more detailed look at China Partner’s history here.</a>
Burklin’s grandparents began their missionary journeys in China separately, but “Both of them served with Hudson Taylor’s mission, China Inland Mission, which is today, OMF,” Burklin says.
<div id="attachment_217007" style="width: 364px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CPM_100-years.jpeg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217007" class="wp-image-217007" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CPM_100-years-300x169.jpeg" alt="" width="354" height="200" /></a>(Photo courtesy of China Partner)</div>
“One day, my grandfather saw this mission magazine with a young, beautiful lady [on the cover] and some children around. This was my grandmother, Lena. He didn’t know her at the time, but he thought, ‘Well, she looks attractive! I think I’d better pursue her.’ So, he did, and went to several mission stations to look her up,” Burklin says.
“In the meantime, he had somehow got information about her because they were all registered as missionaries [and] contacted her father. [My grandfather] asked for her hand (in marriage) ahead of time, before he had even met her,” he continues.
Eventually, “he found her, and they met and talked. He proposed right away,” Burklin says. “They got married and had three children in China.”
Then came World War II. “Their time was very difficult; my father and his siblings were separated from their parents for five years because of the Japanese front,” Burklin says.
“Can you imagine being separated from your own children and [continuing] to do ministry? That was a huge, huge challenge.”
When communism forced out all foreign missionaries in 1950, believers weren’t sure if the fledgling indigenous Church would survive.
<blockquote>
However, Burklin says, “The Church exploded, and today there are millions of believers.”
</blockquote>
China Partner supports the indigenous Chinese Church by equipping its leaders. <a href="https://chinapartner.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More about that here.</a> “Our challenge right now is that things have become more restrictive, especially related to what American Christians can officially do,” Burklin says.
Pray for open doors. Due to government restrictions, China Partner had to cancel its most recent training session. Burklin says, “We’re hopeful that by next year, we will be able to take teams back over and continue our training ministry.”
 
 
 
Header and story images courtesy of China Partner. ]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:02 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Gospel workers spread hope despite threats of war in Lebanon</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gospel-workers-spread-hope-despite-threats-of-war-in-lebanon/</link>
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Lebanon (MNN) -- A senior official <a href="https://en.abna24.com/news/1726695/Hezbollah-MP-warns-against-Israeli-backed-disarmament-plan-calls" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decries efforts</a> to disarm Hezbollah, calling the move a threat to Lebanon’s sovereignty. Disarmament is a critical part of the 2024 ceasefire agreement that ended a year of war between Israel and Lebanon.
Lebanon’s army presented its plan for disarming Hezbollah in four phases based on location <a href="https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/without-hezbollah-disarmament-deadline-lebanon-should-face-repercussions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earlier this month.</a>
“We have till the end of the year, so three months from now, to have the weapons completely gone from Lebanon – the weapons of Hezbollah – otherwise it’s going to be war,” Nuna with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/triumphant-mercy-lebanon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Triumphant Mercy Lebanon</a> says.
<blockquote>
“It’s [either] going to be Israel coming in and taking it by force, or civil war. We don’t know where we’re going, but the deadline is very close.”
</blockquote>
The push for disarmament, driven primarily by the U.S. and Israel, is an unmatched effort to weaken Iran’s most powerful regional proxy.
<div id="attachment_205913" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WikimediaCommons_Hezzzzbollah.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-205913" class="size-medium wp-image-205913" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WikimediaCommons_Hezzzzbollah-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Hezbollah fighters march in a 2018 ceremony. (Wikimedia Commons)</div>
<a href="https://www.csis.org/blogs/examining-extremism/examining-extremism-hezbollah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Founded in the 1980s</a> as a Shi’ite militant group, Hezbollah is <a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10703" target="_blank" rel="noopener">classified as</a> a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. government. State officials <a href="https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4300023/trump-administration-announces-security-assistance-package-for-lebanon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently approved</a> a $14.2 million security assistance package to “build the capability and capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to dismantle weapons caches and military infrastructure of non-state groups, including Hizballah.”
Lebanese Cabinet members voted to proceed with the army’s plan for disarmament <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/05/middleeast/lebanon-hezbollah-disarm-plan-intl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">last week.</a>
“Five people were Shiite, and they are the only ones who withdrew from this meeting,” Nuna says. “All the other [members] unanimously voted against the weapons of Hezbollah. This has never happened before.”
For now, Israel waits on the sidelines. “We have like 40,000 [soldiers] at the border of Lebanon waiting to see what’s going to happen with the disarmament. Because if nothing happens, they will invade the land,” Nuna says.
Pray for Gospel workers in Lebanon as they introduce people to the Prince of Peace. Triumphant Mercy Lebanon combines physical help and spiritual hope to serve Lebanon’s most vulnerable communities. <a href="https://tm-lebanon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more here.</a>
“People are so ready [for hope] because they have this darkness in front of them, and we have to show them a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel,” Nuna says. “The Gospel brings light to people and dispels the darkness around them.”
 
 
 
Header image depicts pandemic-era distributions of food aid to vulnerable households. Photo courtesy of Triumphant Mercy Lebanon. ]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:51 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Syrian Christians continue to face violence</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/syrian-christians-continue-to-face-violence/</link>
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Syria (MNN) – Syrian Christians follow in the steps of the early church as they love their neighbors and share the Gospel in a turbulent world.
<h2>Unstable Recent History</h2>
In December of 2024 the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/assad-exiled-as-syria-sees-dramatic-power-shift/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Assad regime was overthrown</a> by a coalition of opposition groups. A new government is in place; however, instability and sectarian violence continue as the country resettles after years of war.
Hunter Williamson with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/lsesd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thimar-LSESD</a> says, “Syria is made up of a number of different sectarian groups, and they were fighting amongst each other during the war. The overthrow of the government in December did not magically heal or magically resolve the situation. This sectarian violence that we've talked about very much highlights the grievance, the anger, the tensions that still exist among communities.”
<div id="attachment_216996" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216996" class="size-medium wp-image-216996" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mahmoud-sulaiman-QF_CGDotbGY-unsplash-300x213.jpg" alt="ruins" width="300" height="213" />(Photo courtesy of Mahmoud Sulaiman on Unsplash)</div>
Williamson explains that violence coming from this tension impacts many minority groups. In some cases, Christians are targeted because of their association, not with Christ, but with another group. The violence in the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-fallout-continues-from-killings-in-syria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alawite community</a> earlier this year was a good example of this. Some media outlets reported that large numbers of Christians were being killed as well, but Williamson says that was not really the case.
“There were Christians who were killed in the violence that happened. But what was going on was that these were believers who originally came from Alawite backgrounds. They were not, you might say, indigenous Christians. So, when they were killed, they were killed for being from the Alawite community, not because they were Christians.”
<h2>Trouble for the Cause of Christ</h2>
However, the church in Syria has also faced direct threats. In June a suicide bomber killed 25 and wounded 63 more during an attack at <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/suicide-bomber-targets-church-kills-dozens-in-damascus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church</a> in Damascus. Williamson says that while this was the most significant violence against one of their partners, there have been other threats.
“We also have another church partner in Syria's western coastal area, which had threats made against it. A few weeks after the suicide bombing, there were flyers that were distributed in front of the church and in the village where the church is located, calling for Jihad and the killing of Christians,” Williamson says. “Thankfully, nothing has materialized.”
<h2>Two Responses Within the Church</h2>
Yet the looming threats and other violence against minorities, like the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/attacks-leave-druze-christian-minorities-vulnerable-in-syria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Druze</a>, have caused many people within the Church to emigrate. Williamson says that before the war about ten percent of the population was Christian. Now they make up one percent or less.
“This is sort of reignited this desire of a number of Christians to leave Syria now. Among others, there's this feeling or sense that they need to continue to be a light to their country. They need to be reaching out to their communities, to serve them, to show the love of Christ. All of this, all of what's happened over these past months has just reinforced this belief among them. So, we're really seeing sort of these two strains of thought among our partners and from other Christians and believers in Syria.”
<div id="attachment_216994" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216994" class="size-medium wp-image-216994" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/salah-darwish-sUhRiFabJOQ-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="refugee tents" width="300" height="200" />(Photo courtesy of Salah Darwish on Unsplash)</div>
Those individuals and organizations remaining in the country reach out to the community through humanitarian aid and relief. Recent reports from the UN number about two million Syrians returning to their homes. However, many of those homes were destroyed or now don’t have electricity or other public services. The country is also facing a drought.
<h2>A Connection with the Early Church</h2>
Williamson says that with the tension around them believers in Syria identify strongly with the early Church. They are bearing a similar testimony of painful circumstances and yet trying to love their neighbors and share the Gospel. To do that, they ask for prayer.
Please pray that God would protect His people from discouragement and fear as they face the days ahead. Pray that they will remain strong in the faith and hold to truth. Pray also for peace among different groups.
“One of the things that Syria really needs to move forward, to heal, to rebuild, is for there to be healing among the different communities, among the different people. So that's really one thing people can be praying for.”
If you want to learn more about the situation in Syria and how Thimar-LSESD is helping, <a href="https://www.thimar.org/the-situation-is-not-okay-thimar-partners-face-attacks-and-threats-in-syria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>.
 
Header photo courtesy of Mahmoud Sulaiman on Unsplash]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:20 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/syrian-christians-continue-to-face-violence/</guid>
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<title>Miracles are scattered throughout Syria’s unrest</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/miracles-are-scattered-throughout-syrias-unrest/</link>
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Syria (MNN) — In the midst of the danger and sectarian violence in Syria, miracles are scattered. Tom Doyle with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/uncharted-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uncharted Ministries</a> has a story from one Syrian family.
“One man did a test with God. He was religious — not a Muslim, not a Christian, but [part of] a split-off group from Islam in Syria," he says.
The man had heard about Jesus but didn’t believe. Then, members of the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) came to the neighborhood, killing people.
The man and his family asked Jesus to save them. 
<blockquote>
“He hasn't even trusted Jesus at this point. He's just saying, ‘Jesus, if you're real, could you please do this? We will believe,'" says Doyle. 
</blockquote>
“They walk out the door. They can see HTS. There’s killings in the street. They calmly have their things, [he] puts his wife and the kids [in], gets in the car, drives through some of the HTS. It was as if [HTS] never even saw them.”
<div id="attachment_200760" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-200760" class="size-medium wp-image-200760" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pexels-ahmed-akacha-6929741-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Boy sitting in a broken car in Syria. (Photo courtesy of Ahmed akacha/Pexels)</div>
The man made good on his promise to God. He believes in Christ and tells the story of how he and his family should be dead but were saved. 
“Is anything too hard for God?" Doyle asks. "Was that a challenge for God to make them invisible, or make HTS not see them, or whatever happened? That's nothing for God.” 
Praise the Lord for how He is still moving in Syria. Then, please pray that more Syrians will be spared from death and know the hope of Christ.
“He's still saving lives, one by one. Every soul matters," Doyle says. "As believers, we can rejoice in that.”
 
 
Header image: Representative stock photo courtesy of Omar Ramadan via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:35 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Conditions worsen for Rohingya in India</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/conditions-worsen-for-rohingya-in-india/</link>
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India (MNN) — Refugees or illegal immigrants? India’s Supreme Court <a href="https://www.scobserver.in/cases/mohammad-salimullah-v-union-of-india-rohingya-deportation-case-background/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">will soon rule</a> on which category the Rohingya of Myanmar fall into. 
An estimated 40,000 Rohingya live in India. They fled Myanmar’s civil war, but face persecution in India too.
Philip is a pastor who used to serve with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/a3/">A3</a>. He says the suffering of the Rohingya in India is “even worse than in Myanmar.”
The trouble for Rohingyas in India started in 2017. That's when militants with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army in Myanmar killed more than 100 Hindus in Arakan State.
"Immediately after the killing, [the] Indian government treated the Rohingya refugees as illegal migrants," Philip said. "Since then, the Rohingyas faced certain difficulties, such as [a] lack of legal recognition, poor living conditions, inadequate healthcare, and so on."
<div id="attachment_216947" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216947" class="size-medium wp-image-216947" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pexels-khoshnejad-33628609-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />Portrait of a Rohingya woman in Teknaf Camp (Photo courtesy of Mehdi Khoshnejad via Pexels)</div>
Indian landlords and shopkeepers have faced pressure not to rent or sell to Rohingya. Companies are forbidden to hire them. 
"Under the <a href="https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-immigration-and-foreigners-bill-2025">Immigration Act</a>, the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) and police can arrest anyone at any time and send them to jail or detention centers. Even UNHCR cannot do anything to save them,” Pastor Philip said. 
“Since they are not allowed to rent houses or apartments, many Rohingyas sleep at railway stations and roadsides at night, and search [for] their daily food in the daytime.” 
The <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/india-mourns-kashmir-casualties/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terrorist attack</a> in India-administered Kashmir this April made things even worse. Pastor Philip says Indian authorities suspected Rohingya Muslims of being involved with Pakistani terrorists. Since then, reports of <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/28/india-scores-of-rohingya-refugees-expelled" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arbitrary detentions and deportations of Rohingya</a> have surged.
For example, 40 Rohingya in India were <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g0p0522zeo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allegedly rounded up</a> in May and flown to the Andaman and Nicobar islands off the coast of Myanmar. They were then forced off an Indian naval ship to swim to the mainland. 
“Out of 40, 15 of them were Christians. This is how they are suffering now," says Pastor Philip.
International <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/06/india-stop-unlawful-deportations-and-protect-rohingya-refugees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">outcry</a> on behalf of the Rohingya has been present for years and is growing. Please ask God not only for justice on their behalf but also for their salvation. Pastor Philip says only around 350-400 Rohingya Christians live in India.
But the fact that there are any Christians among the Rohingya is an answer to prayer. Years ago in Myanmar, A3 (formerly Asian Access) was involved in training leaders among the Rohingya and other peoples.
<div id="attachment_215897" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-215897" class="size-medium wp-image-215897" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Displaced_Rohingya_people_in_Rakhine_State_8280610831_cropped-300x214.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="214" />(Image courtesy of English: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, OGL v1.0OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons)</div>
"It would not be wrong if we say the Rohingya Christians of Myanmar were the [result] of Asian Access Myanmar. The Rohingya believers increased rapidly [from] the year 2008 to 2012," said Pastor Philip.
But then, the civil war dispersed the Rohingya church, and the work in Myanmar ended. Today, Rohingya live all over Southeast Asia.
"Pray for all the Rohingya in India, including Christians who are suffering from severe persecution and expulsion from the government and the neighbouring Hindus. Let's pray for them that they may get their daily food, shelter and other help needs," Pastor Philip said.
"Pray for the Rohingya Christians in New Delhi. In number, they are 34 families. They want to move to Bangalore to escape from persecution. Let's pray that they may get the needed money [to] move to Bangalore to escape all the persecution and expulsions."
 
 
Header photo: Noor is a Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh. (Photo by DFID - UK Department for International Development - via Flickr and Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.)]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:11 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>How Indonesians discover the Prince of Peace amid protests</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-indonesians-discover-the-prince-of-peace-amid-protests/</link>
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Indonesia (MNN) — All eyes in Southeast Asia and beyond are on Indonesia as a new wave of <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/violence-sweeps-across-indonesia-amid-protests-over-worsening-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protests </a>sweeps the country.
Indonesia is a vast nation of striking contrasts. Some regions face significant persecution of believers, and reports have emerged of extremists — like ISIS — setting up camps and training there. Yet <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/a-biblical-mindset-that-helps-indonesian-believers-overcome-opposition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ministries </a>based in the country continue to see openness and success in sharing the Gospel, even amid the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/violent-anti-government-protests-erupt-across-indonesian-islands/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protests</a>.
John Pudaite from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/bibles-for-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles For The World</a> says, “These protests are being led by students primarily across the country, who feel that this current government is becoming rather repressive and also quite corrupt, and is passing laws and bills that are benefiting them.”
<div id="attachment_216965" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216965" class="size-medium wp-image-216965" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/putri-nabila-V3NC4xG_CA0-unsplash-300x300.jpg" alt="Unsplash" width="300" height="300" />Map of Indonesia (photo courtesy of Putri Nabila via Unsplash)</div>
The main demands include economic reforms to help the middle class have financial stability, more job opportunities with fair salaries for young professionals and graduates, and freedom for opposition voices.
The protests also reveal the nation’s deeper need for hope.
“You could just feel such a poverty for Scripture there in that country, that they haven't had access to it, and they really want to know what's written in God's Word,” explains Pudaite.
Christians responded to this need by going out to share the Good News with protestors.
“The most recent wave of protests and violence we had a wonderful window to provide 80,000 Gospels of John and 15,000 New Testaments for the new believers,” he says.
The Gospel is so refreshing that people often stop in their tracks!
“So often we saw them just kind of step off to the side and start reading God's word immediately,” he shares.
Pray for lasting peace and economic breakthrough across the country. Pray also for the Gospel to fill the deep void of hope.
“We continue to pray into this situation, that the Prince of Peace may prevail, that these — especially the violent protests — may subside, and that the people will, in the process, come to know that Jesus Christ is truly the only way to everlasting peace and hope,” says Pudaite.
Visit <a href="https://www.biblesfortheworld.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles For The World</a> to see how Scripture transforms lives!
 
 
 
 
Header photo: 2025 Indonesian student protests in Central Jakarta (photo courtesy of David Wadie Fisher-Freberg via Wikimedia Commons).]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:45 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Transform Iran launches secure VPN to protect online privacy for Iranian believers</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/transform-iran-launches-secure-vpn-to-protect-online-privacy-for-iranian-believers/</link>
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Iran (MNN) — In Iran, people are expected to publicly show loyalty to Islam. Yet, even private Internet searches are not safe. But now, help is at hand!
The Internet is a great tool to learn more about the situation in the world, deepen one’s knowledge of a certain topic, or find an answer to a burning question. But under Iranian laws, some innocent searches can land a person in jail.
Lana Silk of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/transform-iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transform Iran</a> says,
<blockquote>
“People are monitored and they're brought in if their online activities are considered to be in violation of these requirements, these laws of the country. And there are all sorts of punishments, from questioning them, interrogating them, to imprisoning them, torturing them, taking away livelihoods.”
</blockquote>
Despite the risks, Iranians search for news, popular movies and songs, and truth beyond Islam. They often turn to local VPNs — tools meant to hide their identity online. However, these are often unsafe.
“The problem is that VPNs in Iran are notoriously unreliable,” explains Silk. “They can be very expensive, and they can introduce malware.”
<div id="attachment_182289" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-182289" class="size-medium wp-image-182289" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/photo-of-woman-using-mobile-phone-3367850-300x231.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="231" />(Photo courtesy mikoto.raw via Pexels)</div>
Moreover, many local VPNs are run by the government to leak personal data. Whether it is a question about the divinity of Jesus or a desire to check the news from government-disapproved websites, a quick search may lead to years of trouble.
Transform Iran responded by <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.itvpn&pcampaignid=web_share" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offering a free VPN</a>!
“It is high speed, it's reliable, it's secure, but also our users can be confident to know that their data truly is secure and won't be sold out to the government,” says Silk.
Most importantly, the Iranian church benefits from it!
“Now our church network, and all churches, all Christians in Iran, can use a VPN that they really can bank on as being safe for them to communicate with their other churches and with pastors and mentors from outside the country,” she adds.
But what about advertising? The free version carries ads, which the ministry uses to introduce people to Christian content, apologetics, and more.
Visit <a href="https://transformiran.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transform Iran</a> to learn of the practical ways you can support the Iranian church.
<blockquote>
“Let's pray that as far as the technology goes, it's protected from interference from the governmen,” urges Silk.
</blockquote>
Pray also that news of this opportunity spreads from person to person, reaching more believers as well as seekers who might learn about Jesus by following the ad link.
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:24 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>The death of Charlie Kirk, and what it means to be a young Christian in the marketplace of ideas</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-death-of-charlie-kirk-and-what-it-means-to-be-a-young-christian-in-the-marketplace-of-ideas/</link>
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USA (MNN) — Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at a public event on Utah Valley University's campus.
He was holding not a gun, not a knife, but a microphone.
Kirk was a prominent political figure in America who consistently emphasized his faith in Christ and the biblical values that shaped his worldview and debates.
Greg Yoder, Executive Director of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/keys-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Keys for Kids Ministries</a>, reflects on Kirk's impact: "He had the uncanny ability, kind of like the Apostle Paul, of taking Scripture and proving Scripture to be absolutely true, but then infusing it into everyday culture and helping young people understand it. I think this is why he was targeted.
<blockquote>
"He was actually convincing many of these young people that the ways of Jesus are the right ways of life."
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_216932" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216932" class="size-medium wp-image-216932" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/56b7a46e-61cd-438b-bf89-092a5371c247_1600x1200-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />College students met around the country to pray for Charlie’s family and our nation. (GVSU - Photo: Joe Moss)</div>
Kirk was known for practicing civil discourse and championing free speech on college campuses. His conservative convictions centered on faith, family, the sanctity of marriage, pro-life values, patriotism, justice, and individual freedom.
He willingly engaged with both supporters and critics, inviting students who disagreed with him to come talk at his table first.
Yet, even amidst differences of opinion, Kirk pointed young people to the Gospel. In an X post on September 6, just days before his assassination, Kirk wrote, “Jesus defeated death so you can live.”
Yoder says, "What I'm always amazed at is how he was depicted as some kind of monster and a hateful person, bigoted, etc. Clearly, they never watched any of his interactions with college students because he loved them. I mean, even those that criticized him and called him horrible names. He just smiled and said, 'Well, you know, you have the right to say that. I love you. Jesus died for you.'"
American Christians are largely unfamiliar with physical persecution. Kirk’s assassination serves as a stark reminder that anyone who is a loud voice for biblical values may become a target for physical violence.
Yoder points to the truth of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206:12&version=KJV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ephesians 6:12</a>: Our wrestle is not against flesh and blood.
"This is a time to mourn — not just for Charlie Kirk, but our culture, which is dying without Jesus," Yoder says. "If the culture can lie and be convincing enough to tell someone they don't know what gender they are, or that what's evil is good and what's good is evil, we know that this is the spiritual battle that Scripture is so clear about talking about."
According to <a href="https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barna Research</a>, Generation Z is experiencing a spiritual revival. American churches are seeing young people coming back in droves, seeking out spiritual truth and answers to life's questions.
<blockquote>
At this pivotal cultural moment, young believers are asking, "How am I going to use my voice for truth for Christ?"
It looks like picking up the microphone and engaging in hard spiritual conversations — as Yoder puts it, "sharing your faith boldly and lovingly in this marketplace of ideas."
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_216934" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216934" class="wp-image-216934 size-medium" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Charlie_Kirk_54670961811_cropped-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />Charlie Kirk (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)</div>
He asks, "Now the question is, who's next? Who will join Charlie in declaring the liberating power of the Gospel, and using that to help form a political guide? We as Christians still live in this world. Are we to be influencers in the world? I think we are."
If you want more biblical resources to encourage young people, check out the <a href="https://www.keysforkids.org/devotional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Keys for Kids devotionals</a> and <a href="https://unlocked.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unlocked devotions for teens.</a>
Yoder also urges, "Obviously, we need to be praying for Charlie's family, his wife Erika, his two kids, his friends, his close family, and those shaken by the event. There were so many young people there that saw this, and they're not going to ever forget it.
"We need to be praying for ourselves, praying for our churches, and praying for those that are going to be responding in light of all of this that's happened — and being reminded of the fact that God is still on the throne."
 
 
 
Header photo: Charlie Kirk speaking with attendees at the 2022 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Caption, photo courtesy Gage Skidmore/Flickr: https://tinyurl.com/4z9jey33)]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:00:39 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Israeli strike on Hamas heats up Middle East, but gospel openness remains</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/israeli-strike-on-hamas-heats-up-middle-east-but-gospel-openness-remains/</link>
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Middle East (MNN) — International <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/10/analysis-will-attack-in-qatar-lead-to-international-isolation-of-israel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">backlash</a> continues after an Israeli strike killed five Hamas leaders and one security guard in Qatar on Tuesday. 
The airstrike came one day after <a href="https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-866707" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terrorists</a> killed six people and wounded more than 20 in Jerusalem. Hamas <a href="https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-866895" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed</a> responsibility for that attack.
“This has shown the world that Israel is not messing around. They want to get Hamas out of Gaza,” says Tom Doyle with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/uncharted-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uncharted Ministries</a>. “But then, on the other hand, you look at <a href="https://apnews.com/article/qatar-israel-attack-hamas-un-gaza-hostages-16a8e9c4a9757eadeec9ef520c0a1e30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Israeli hostages</a> that are still trapped. What's going to happen to them? Will there be a retaliation?”
<div id="attachment_212901" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-212901" class="size-medium wp-image-212901" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/man-7456080_1280-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Palestinian man. Image courtesy of hosnysalah via Pixabay.</div>
The situation is incredibly complex. But Doyle shares that Palestinian Christians have strong opinions about Hamas. 
“As [the strikes] happened, we were getting texts from former Muslims in Gaza that were thrilled that, as they said, ‘The people who have made our lives miserable in Gaza — Hamas — are slowly going. So many of the leaders are gone now.’” 
Behind the headlines, Doyle says, believers in both Gaza and Israel are seeing greater openness to the gospel. 
“In the midst of the war, there are Muslim background believers with joy on their face," says Doyle. "They’ve had times where they were struggling to get food without getting shot at or robbed, yet now they have the fruit of the Spirit on their face.” 
Their joy is leading fellow Palestinians to ask them why, leading to a chance to share about Christ. 
In Israel, Doyle says that one man who survived the Holocaust recently passed away. He had resisted the gospel for decades, believing that Nazis were Christians. But another Christian prayed for him for more than 20 years. At age 98, the man received Jesus as his Savior. 
“He became someone [who] just started sharing with his Jewish friends about Jesus,” Doyle said. “He would say this: ‘I don't have a lot of time left in life, so I may not get to ever talk with you again. So please listen to what I say.’”
<div id="attachment_190885" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-190885" class="size-medium wp-image-190885" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_4029-300x239.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="239" />A Palestinian believer and Jewish believer pray together at the Gaza fence. (Photo, caption courtesy of Uncharted Ministries)</div>
This man passed away recently. At the funeral, his son accepted Christ. 
<h2>Find your place in the story</h2>
Pray for people to come to know Christ all across the Middle East. 
“[Lasting peace] won't happen through government or the UN or any one country. Only Jesus can bring peace in their hearts, to where people won't hate each other and the war won't just keep going on and on and on,” Doyle says. 
“What we're praying right now is for peace and for a great awakening in the Middle East, where millions are turning to Jesus as Savior.” 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Kyle Glenn via Unsplash. ]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:00:34 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/israeli-strike-on-hamas-heats-up-middle-east-but-gospel-openness-remains/</guid>
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<title>WMP update from Nigeria: a heartwarming story</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/wmp-update-from-nigeria-a-heartwarming-story/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Nigeria (MNN) -- When’s the last time God’s Word changed your life? Charles, a man from southern Nigeria, was never the same after reading a <a href="http://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/world-missionary-press/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Missionary Press</a> Scripture booklet.
“He had that one booklet, and that is what he held onto, our booklet Help From Above,” WMP’s Helen Williams says. “It's always just God speaking to one heart through the booklets.”
Williams first became acquainted with Charles through email earlier this summer. “He said, 'I grew up in a village in Kogi State, Nigeria, in the early 1970s,’” she recalls.
“‘I'm presently in the United States, and there are two things on my mind: number one, I want to visit your office before I leave this world. And number two, I will be glad if you can send me a copy of your booklet, Help From Above.’”
In recent weeks, Charles met Williams and dozens of her coworkers during a tour of the Indiana-based WMP plant. “He sat here in my office and said over and over, ‘I'm here to thank you,’” Williams says.
<blockquote>
“‘I have wanted all these years to come and thank you. Everybody in our village got your booklet, and it changed my life.'”
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_216926" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hausa-Help-From-Above.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216926" class="size-medium wp-image-216926" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hausa-Help-From-Above-300x190.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="190" /></a>Cover art of Help From Above in Hausa, one of Nigeria’s top spoken languages. (Photo courtesy of World Missionary Press)</div>
Even though southern Nigeria is overwhelmingly Christian, biblical resources are few and far between, making WMP Scripture booklets extremely valuable.
“One (Scripture) booklet can reach a whole village,” Williams says. “One person will get a booklet, and they'll go back to their village, pass it around, or they'll get two or three and share them. Everybody gets to read them.”
World Missionary Press produces 10 million Scripture booklets each month, sending material to partners in over 200 countries. <a href="https://www.wmpress.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about WMP’s mission here.</a>
“We provide it free of charge, and so not only can the pastors and missionaries do more, but the individual who gets it,” Williams says. “To have the booklet in their hand to read over and over and for the Spirit, then, to do the work – that's why there's such a demand.”
Help WMP put life-changing resources in the hands of people like Charles <a href="https://www.wmpress.org/give/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by donating here.</a>
 
 
 
Header and story images courtesy of World Missionary Press. ]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:00:36 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Curfew enforced as Nepal protesters and military start talks</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/curfew-enforced-as-nepal-protesters-and-military-start-talks/</link>
<description>
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Nepal (MNN) — Nepal’s Gen Z protests on Monday and Tuesday left many government buildings in the capital in shambles. At least <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/10/nepal-gen-z-protests-corruption" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 people lost their lives</a> in the protests, with <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjd1ndmrej0o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two police officers</a> killed and hundreds injured.
Some Gen Z groups claim the demonstrations were meant to be nonviolent but that <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjd1ndmrej0o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opportunists “hijacked” them</a>. Regardless, the military enforced the curfew on Wednesday, restoring some order to Kathmandu.
“There have been protests in some of the farther flung areas, major towns and cities across the country. So it’s definitely a nation in flames right now,” said John Pudaite with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/bibles-for-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles For The World</a>.
According to a report from The New York Times, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/09/10/world/nepal-protests" target="_blank" rel="noopener">conversations</a> between military officials and young protest leaders have begun. 
The protests were triggered by a government ban on social media last Thursday. 
“We're very surprised [by] the extreme reaction that we saw from the youth. But beneath the surface, this had been brewing for some time, because there [have] been a lot of protests about the corruption in the current Nepali government,” Pudaite said. 
“These are the youth of the country that are struggling, trying to figure out how far can they go with education? What kind of job will they have? And they're seeing the resources [of] the country being eaten up by a corrupt government.”
<div id="attachment_203440" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-203440" class="size-medium wp-image-203440" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BFTW_Nepal-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Bibles For The World)</div>
In years past, Bibles For The World has sent millions of Scripture resources for people in Nepal. Pudaite says they have gradually had to stop this activity after tightened restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the ministry has begun to prayerfully consider ways to renew its gospel work in the nation.
“Even under the current laws and under the current regime, how can we continue to equip the Body of Christ with God's Word?” Pudaite said. 
Please pray that Nepal’s young generation today will discover the true life that God offers. 
“Pray that this political crisis will bring spiritual unity among the believers in Nepal,” Pudaite said. 
<blockquote>One Bibles For The World partner shared this prayer: “Let us cry out to our Lord for peace and stability in Nepal. Now is the time for us to come together in unity and lift our voices in prayer to our Almighty God. May He heal Nepal's land, comfort the grieving and bring justice and hope to the people of Nepal.”</blockquote>
 
 
Header photo: Nepalese Gen Z protesters in front of Bharatpur city corporation office, September 2025 (Courtesy of हिमाल सुवेदी via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 05:00:23 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/curfew-enforced-as-nepal-protesters-and-military-start-talks/</guid>
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<title>Ministry continues in the face of child involvement in Haitian gangs</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/ministry-continues-in-the-face-of-child-involvement-in-haitian-gangs/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Haiti (MNN)—According to a recent UN report, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/28/united-nations-says-children-make-up-50-percent-of-gang-members-in-haiti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">children now make up about half of the members of gangs in Haiti</a>, being used as couriers, lookouts, and porters, as well as being exploited for domestic labor and even forced into combat roles. Greg Yoder of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/christian-world-outreach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christian World Outreach</a> says, while he doesn’t personally know of any cases, he’s not surprised.
“I can see where, if a gang is willing to help take care of children, maybe even giving them food, that kind of thing, that would be a draw for them to join a gang,” said Yoder. “I don't think of young children. I think of young teenage boys, especially, that I know in Port-au-Prince that I've got a concern about, just because that could be a draw, being able to help themselves or help their families by joining the gang.”
<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/28/united-nations-says-children-make-up-50-percent-of-gang-members-in-haiti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">As much as 90 percent of Port-au-Prince is under gang influence,</a> according to previous UN reports, resulting in blocked roads, limited public services, rapidly increasing costs for essential supplies, as well as many Haitians fleeing their homes.
Amidst the unrest and economic insecurity, <a href="https://cwomissions.org/haiti/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CWO works with in-country leadership and staff to understand and address the emotional, spiritual, and educational needs of Haitians.</a> Their main purpose is reaching families with the gospel, says Yoder.
“We just pray that God will speak to these children and their families as they go through this difficult time, and that the gospel takes hold with people. We're seeing ministry continue on, not in every place where we've been in the past, because people have completely left one of the towns where we had a feminine training center, but in Port-au-Prince, in other places, we're seeing ministry go on with our churches and the feminine training center and the feeding program.”
Yoder asks fellow Christians to pray for CWO’s staff and ministry, as well as for divine intervention.
“Just pray that somehow God will intervene and things will change in Haiti to where people can be reached for the gospel. Pray for safety of our staff as they continue on their continuing ministry, despite the difficult situation they're in. And if they want to give, it would be great to have new donors join in and support the ministry as we continue on.”
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Christian World Outreach.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 05:00:19 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/ministry-continues-in-the-face-of-child-involvement-in-haitian-gangs/</guid>
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<title>“War or Peace, Win or Lose” TV satellite program in Iran started its encouraging work</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/war-or-peace-win-or-lose-tv-satellite-program-in-iran-started-its-encouraging-work/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Iran (MNN) — When a team of Christians produces the TV program, their first audience is believers — thirsty for good news and solid teaching. But another audience tunes in as well: Islamic teachers and government officials, eager to protect the nation’s attention.
That might even be how some of them discover Jesus!
Earlier we covered a new project of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/transform-iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transform Iran</a>: a satellite program called <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gospel-reaches-iranian-homes-through-satellite-tv-find-out-how/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“War or Peace, Win or Lose”</a>, created to meet the spiritual needs of Iranian believers safely through satellite TV. You can read more about it here. Since then, they’ve already released several episodes.
“So [there is] a lot of practical advice, a lot of prayer, a lot of biblical teaching to strengthen, encourage and resource the Church,” says Silk. Among the topics they cover are war, preparing for possible escalation, coping with shortages in the country, sharing the Gospel safely, and more.
<div id="attachment_207983" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-207983" class="size-medium wp-image-207983" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/khashayar-kouchpeydeh-eSOST-WeOqo-unsplash-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />Tehran, Iran (Photo courtesy of Khashayar Kouchpeydeh/Unsplash)</div>
“There were episodes in there that directly addressed the leadership of Iran, talking about how they run the country, the curses that they have spoken over Israel for 46 years now, and warning them,” she adds.
The team noticed that shortly after an episode on Israel’s curse aired, one Iranian cleric went public to teach about cursing Israel — proving that the government is watching. But that’s not always bad news!
“Let's pray because they are watching,” says Silk. “They are hearing the Gospel. They are hearing the truth. You know, the Word of God talks about this veil that is blinding people to the truth. Let's pray that this veil will be lifted, that they will be able to see the truth and respond to it.”
Iranians can watch the program safely from home because, as Silk says, “No one can stop what is being broadcast on satellite TV, and no one can see what people are watching. And millions can benefit from these programs.”
The series began airing in early August, with enough content to run through the end of September, three times a week. To keep it fresh, more episodes are needed to cover the rest of the year.
The media Gospel is vital for the throbbing heart of the Iranian Church!
“There is a funding gap now, and I would really urge the listeners to get behind it. Normally, for a half-hour program, we can produce material for about $450 for 30 minutes,” says Silk.
Consider partnering with <a href="https://transformiran.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transform Iran</a> to help sponsor one of these episodes! Pray also that believers are encouraged by these programs, and that those opposing the Gospel will have their hearts softened and transformed.
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Karolina Grabowska via Pexels]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 05:00:30 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Gen Z continues anti-government protests in Nepal</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gen-z-continues-anti-government-protests-in-nepal/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Nepal (MNN) — Nepal’s Gen Z continues to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c741n80ndlxt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rock the nation</a> with protests against government corruption. 
Demonstrations broke out after the Nepali government blocked several social media platforms. The platforms had allegedly <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/snapshot-look-nepals-anti-corruption-protests-that-prompted-pms-resignation-2025-09-09/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">failed to register</a> with the government.
“Gen Z [is] just frustrated with corruption. It started with an anti-corruption movement,” Joe Handley with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/a3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A3</a> says. “Their main means of communication with each other and with the world is social media. So they're protesting against [corruption], but you add to it that their communication channels are shut down. So the tension rises within them.”
Clashes on Monday between protesters and police killed <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/9/9/nineteen-killed-in-nepal-protests-against-corruption-and-internet-bans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at least 19 people</a>. On Monday night, the government lifted the social media ban, but that did not stop the riots.
<div id="attachment_216883" style="width: 257px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216883" class=" wp-image-216883" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/aayush-lama-tamang-KoH8C-wkMNU-unsplash-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="247" height="371" />Photo in the Ason Bazar, Kathmandu, Nepal (Photo courtesy of Aayush Lama Tamang via Unsplash)</div>
“This is the generation, at least there in Nepal, [that is] looking for a better future. They feel like this government has not provided that for them,” says Handley. 
Nepal’s Prime Minister <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/political-survivor-nepals-oli-felled-by-fury-protest-deaths-2025-09-09/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">K.P. Sharma Oli resigned</a> on Tuesday over the unrest, but young demonstrators still set the parliament building and other structures in Kathmandu on fire.
Handley says that after the ban lifted on Monday, reports from their partners began to increase. “If you're on social media, you’re seeing smoke rising in Kathmandu, all over different parts of the town.” (See a collection of pictures <a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/nepal-protest-social-media-ban-deadly-30955f1120f415b6787e1980ed2bd299" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.)
The government is calling for restraint and dialogue. A3’s network of alumni is calling for prayer. 
“They're trying to be agents of peace in the midst of the chaos — and having to be careful too, because there [are] guns being shot and fire billowing in the capital,” Handley says. 
“My colleagues are begging the global Church to pray for peace, to pray that they could be agents of hope and good news, and that the gospel would shine."
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Samrat Khadka via Unsplash.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:34 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gen-z-continues-anti-government-protests-in-nepal/</guid>
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<title>Schools remain shuttered as tensions continue in Lebanon</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/schools-remain-shuttered-as-tensions-continue-in-lebanon/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Lebanon (MNN) -- The Lebanese army redeploys to <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/lebanese-army-deploys-to-over-120-sites-in-southern-regions-un-mission/3681612" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 120 sites</a> across southern Lebanon as Hezbollah refuses to lay down its arms. Israel says it won’t withdraw from strongholds in the region until Hezbollah is disarmed.
Meanwhile, the people wait in limbo. <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/heart-for-lebanon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heart for Lebanon</a>’s Camille Melki says, “The majority of those (people) are living now in makeshift homes still in southern Lebanon, waiting for their towns and villages to be rebuilt.”
Lebanon’s Next Generation is especially at risk. <a href="https://www.savethechildren.net/news/education-disrupted-sixth-year-15-million-children-lebanon-half-public-schools-used-shelters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roughly half</a> of Lebanon’s public schools were converted into shelters at the end of 2024 due to the war between Hezbollah and Israel.
“A lot of children count on ministries to provide aid to survive the hardship or education, and Heart for Lebanon provides both,” Melki says.
“We provide fun activities and educational material, and we help children deal with trauma, fears, and challenges.”
Heart for Lebanon’s holistic approach to education turns despair into hope. <a href="https://heartforlebanon.org/h-o-p-e-bekaa-elie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about that here.</a>
“We offer counseling support, spiritual support, and we are always ready to answer this ‘Why?’ question: Why do you care? Why do you provide this aid for us? Why are you still working in southern Lebanon, where most agencies have left?” Melki says.
<blockquote>
“The answer is always, ‘We are here to show you the love of Jesus Christ in meaningful and tangible ways.’”
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_216877" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/h4l-story-march26-2024-1170x725-1.jpeg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216877" class="size-medium wp-image-216877" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/h4l-story-march26-2024-1170x725-1-300x186.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="186" /></a>(Photo courtesy of Heart for Lebanon)</div>
Classroom lessons, chapel sessions, and afternoon Bible studies point to Christ, while the playground provides opportunities for children to live out what they’ve learned.
“We build biblical stories into our curriculum to address many character traits that we find in Scripture, such as forgiveness, encouragement, generosity, fairness, and equality,” Melki says.
“We also have fun activities geared toward using games and fun in a way that honors Christ,” he continues, “so even as children are playing in the playground or participating in a sports activity, we use the character traits to emphasize proper behaviors, like attitude towards others, winning or losing, and to play fair and have fun.”
<a href="https://heartforlebanon.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out how you can partner with Heart for Lebanon here.</a>
“Pray for the students we serve. Pray for their families, because the challenges are huge and prayers are essential for us,” Melki says.
“Also, you can sponsor a student and help provide financial support to our schools in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa, or our scholarship program.”
 
 
 
Header and story images courtesy of Heart for Lebanon.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:46 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/schools-remain-shuttered-as-tensions-continue-in-lebanon/</guid>
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<title>God’s sovereignty seen in shipping containers</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gods-sovereignty-seen-in-shipping-containers/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Liberia (MNN) – After receiving a first order, one of <a href="https://www.wmpress.org/">World Missionary Press’ (WMP</a>) distributors placed another order in September 2023, which he just recently received. This order included two 40-foot containers of literature, one in English with materials for Liberia and one in French with materials for Côte d'Ivoire.
<a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/world-missionary-press/">WMP</a> printed and shipped the two containers in September 2024, and the containers arrived at the port in Liberia in November. However, up until a few weeks ago, the materials were still being detained by customs.
“We provided all the paperwork, and all the paperwork was pretty much the same as before,” Helen Williams with WMP said. “We have certain designations for our materials for customs. It's a designation that they are free literature, it's written literature, it's not being sold, and we use that sending designation around the world.”
When the containers came to customs, customs said that the designation was wrong, which resulted in the designation being changed. Suddenly, the containers were being held, and WMP’s contact in Liberia was given a large bill, above the regular importation fees that WMP had sent money for.
They began the process of appealing this up the governmental ladder, one after another. They would get a hearing, and then they wouldn't hear anything in response. Meanwhile, these containers were sitting there.
After doing everything they could, WMP and their contacts worried that the containers would be sold or destroyed.
Just a few weeks ago, WMP's original shipper reached out, aware that the containers were still in port, and directed WMP to a contact in Liberia who imports all the time and is well known at the port.
<div id="attachment_211396" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-211396" class="size-medium wp-image-211396" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WMP_Booklets-300x169.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of World Missionary Press via Facebook." width="300" height="169" />God is working through the booklets WMP supplies. The booklets in Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire will touch new lives with the gospel. Photo courtesy of World Missionary Press.</div>
Around the same time, WMP got another call, this time from a ministry partner, Feed the Hungry, who ended up having the same contact as the shipper.
Williams says that the contact, a bishop from the area, was “very successful" in helping WMP.
“We had to reconcile the shipments to Feed the Hungry so that he could negotiate,” says Williams.
He got the $60,000 demurrage bill lowered to $20,000, which WMP was able to send to Feed the Hungry.
Three days after the bishop went to the port, the two containers were released.
After all this time, Williams lost contact with the original consignee. However, within the last couple of weeks, she got an email from the original requester who said, “I want to thank you for all your patience and your prayers, and your support. I've been working with this bishop, and they're going to be cleared, and I'm going to make sure that those containers get to their destination.”
After two years, the containers are both at their original destinations.
<blockquote>
“I just can't praise the Lord enough for His sovereignty in these things,” says Williams. “We've learned just to wait on the Lord, and He brings the people, and He brings the opportunities, and He goes before, and this one has been a long, long problem on our desk.”
</blockquote>
Please pray for WMP as they work to fulfill the many requests for materials they receive and praise God with them as they celebrate what He has done.
Please pray also for the safety of the production staff around the machinery.
For those who wish to donate to WMP, they can use the website or call in and support the work of sending booklets internationally as well as in the United States.
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@guibolduc?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Guillaume Bolduc</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/stack-of-cargo-trailer-uBe2mknURG4?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:20 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gods-sovereignty-seen-in-shipping-containers/</guid>
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<title>Deadly shooting in Jerusalem underscores turmoil</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/deadly-shooting-in-jerusalem-underscores-turmoil/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Israel (MNN) -- At least six people are dead and more than a dozen injured after a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-gunmen-kill-six-jerusalem-bus-stop-shooting-2025-09-08/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terrorist attack</a> in northern Jerusalem. Monday morning, two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in a busy intersection. Civilians and local police shot and killed the attackers on the scene.
It was the deadliest attack in Israel’s capital in years.
<div id="attachment_216868" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216868" class="size-medium wp-image-216868" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mike-labrum-fvl4b1gjpbk-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />(Photo courtesy of Mike Labrum/Unsplash)</div>
Against the backdrop of war, the nation has seen an increase in attacks targeting civilians. Pastor Israel Pochtar with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/beit-hallel-congregation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beit Hallel Congregation</a> says that amid tragedy, Israeli Christians are offering the comfort of Christ.
<blockquote>
"The Gospel is the only hope for Israel," he says.
</blockquote>
Beit Hallel Congregation is committed to advancing the Gospel in tangible ways -- and with a sense of urgency.
In a few months, the church will open its new Evangelism and Discipleship Center in Ashdod, about an hour from Jerusalem.
"We have more and more people getting saved, coming to the Lord, and discovering Jesus," says Pochtar. "But the building we use is built in a way that, besides a weekend service, we cannot do different activities.
<blockquote>
"This new Evangelism and Discipleship facility allows us to reach out to people and, when they come to us, share the Gospel...and also discipleship. We needed a venue for Bible school, for trainings -- for leadership training, for pastors' training, for youth."
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_216867" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216867" class="size-medium wp-image-216867" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-08-160817-300x170.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="170" />Beit Hallel Congregation's new Evangelism and Discipleship Center in Ashdod. (Screenshot courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation)</div>
Pochtar asks, "Pray for our team, to encourage and build us up. Pray for more leaders and evangelists."
As Beit Hallel Congregation commissions the new Evangelism and Discipleship Center, pray that God will use it to grow His Kingdom.
Pray for Israel to know the peace and hope of Christ.
 
 
 
 
Header photo: Jerusalem, Israel. (Photo courtesy of Dariusz Kanclerz/Unsplash)]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:13 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/deadly-shooting-in-jerusalem-underscores-turmoil/</guid>
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<title>Suffering ahead for the Church in the midst of ISIS</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/suffering-ahead-for-the-church-in-the-midst-of-isis/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Syria (MNN) — Last week, Iraq’s intelligence service announced that it has <a href="https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/010920251" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dismantled</a> an Islamic State financial network. The network supported ISIS terrorism in Europe and abroad. 
That’s good news, but for Christians in places like <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/20/us-led-coalition-captures-a-senior-isil-isis-member-in-syria-state-media">Syria</a> and <a href="https://wng.org/sift/islamic-state-group-a-threat-especially-in-africa-un-says-1755798292" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Africa</a>, ISIS still presents a daily threat.
Samuel* with Redemptive Stories explained, “An interpretation of Islam creates the scenario for ISIS to exist. It is one strict interpretation that is not held by many. Maybe 10 percent of all Muslims would think that this is a legitimate interpretation.” 
But those who do hold this interpretation often embrace it violently. Because it’s an ideology, Samuel believes ISIS will keep resurfacing worldwide even when networks are dismantled. 
“Anytime those power vacuums exist and chaos reigns, it gives a license and opportunity for organizations like [ISIS] to, again, grow,” he said. 
There's a misconception that military action will stem terrorism. But military action won’t change a person's beliefs.
“There are other forms of transformation that are required for someone to be willing to step out of that understanding of Islam into something else," Samuel said.
Transformation comes through the gospel! That’s why it’s so important to pray for believers in West Africa and Syria. They are the witnesses for Christ in the midst of chaos today. 
“For the gospel to go forth in our part of the world and across Africa, I think we are going to be walking a path of suffering,” Samuel said. "I think Jesus told us that as much in His farewell discourse to us, and was very clear that 'what they did to me, they will also do to you.'"
Suffering is a hard road to choose. Syrian believers desire stability just like most people in the world. 
“I was talking to a Syrian brother who said, ‘If they opened up the pathway for Christians in Syria to go to Canada, 70 percent of them would go, and I would be one of them that would be on the plane, ready to go right away,’” Samuel said. 
“May we just be in prayer for them and stand with them by being generous, by being encouraging, by sharing their story with others.”
 
*Pseudonym
 
 
Header photo: A minaret and a church steeple side-by-side in Syria. (Stock photo courtesy of Ali Wassouf/Unsplash)]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:57 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/suffering-ahead-for-the-church-in-the-midst-of-isis/</guid>
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<title>Syria opens to global trade and the Gospel</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/syria-opens-to-global-trade-and-the-gospel/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
Syria (MNN) -- Syria <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2025/09/02/syria-makes-first-official-crude-export-in-14-years/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">re-enters the global energy market</a> with its first official crude export in 14 years. Earlier this year, the U.S. lifted sanctions, sparking renewed interest in Syria’s energy sector and foreign investment.
But there’s more than economic opportunity at play. In a similar way, spiritual doors are opening for Gospel work. “Syria has opened up,” Marc with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/global-catalytic-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Catalytic Ministries</a> says.
<blockquote>
“Because it’s now accessible for the first time in decades, we are starting work in Damascus.”
</blockquote>
Working through a network of Syrian Christians, Marc says, “We’re going to be spreading to the north and south, building disciple-making communities, starting to see house churches formed, starting to see baptisms happen.”
Global Catalytic Ministries is known for equipping Muslim-background believers in underground churches across the Middle East. <a href="https://catalyticministries.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More about that here.</a> These believers, once hesitant, are now eager to bring others to Christ.
“When our people come into contact, they’re already ready; the harvest is truly ready. We have a disciple maker sitting in Syria about to baptize a new believer tonight,” Marc says.
<div id="attachment_209126" style="width: 392px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/VCM_syria-prayer-request.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-209126" class="wp-image-209126" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/VCM_syria-prayer-request-300x157.jpg" alt="" width="382" height="200" /></a>(Graphic courtesy of VOM Canada)</div>
Still, eagerness doesn’t always come with experience. Many Christians from Muslim backgrounds long to share the Gospel but lack practical training.
“We’re seeing this massive hunger for disciples to be made,” Marc says.
“I sat in a room with 25 locals yesterday, pouring into them for about five hours on disciple-making strategies, and they’re like, ‘Tomorrow, more. Friday, more. We need more,’ because they’ve never had this before.”
This hunger offers hope in a region where traditional churches often struggle to grow.
“In this region, not many people are coming to the Lord because the churches are content with the status quo. They’re just moving Christian-background believers from church to church,” Marc says.
As Syria opens to new opportunities, believers see a rare chance to plant seeds of faith that could flourish for generations. Pray for training to take root, for leaders to rise up, and for the Gospel to spread like wildfire across the country.
 
 
 
Header image is a representative stock photo depicting a market in Damascus courtesy of <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-large-group-of-people-walking-through-a-market-yM5eqzbmH0E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahmoud Sulaiman/Unsplash.</a>]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:02 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/syria-opens-to-global-trade-and-the-gospel/</guid>
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<title>Taliban restrictions drive women in Afghanistan desperate for hope</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/taliban-restrictions-drive-women-in-afghanistan-desperate-for-hope/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Afghanistan (MNN) — Eastern Afghanistan has continued to reel with aftershocks since a 6.0-magnitude quake struck August 31. The death toll <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/4/afghanistan-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-2200" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surpassed 2,200</a> last week and is expected to rise as recovery work continues. 
But for local women, the quake is only one crisis among many. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/global-catalytic-ministries-keeps-afghan-christians-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four years ago</a>, the militant group has tightened restrictions on women’s travel, education, employment, and <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/world/asia-pacific/2024/08/26/taliban-ban-on-hearing-womens-voices-gives-distressing-vision-for-afghanistan-says-un-official/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">even the use of their voices</a>. The UN <a href="https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2025/08/afghanistan-ten-facts-about-the-worlds-most-severe-womens-rights-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports</a> that these abuses of women’s rights are being normalized.
Recently, Nehemiah* with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/forgotten-missionaries-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FMI</a> heard directly from Afghan pastors about the social boycott women are enduring: “Many women feel trapped, silenced and powerless. This isolation has further increased levels of depression, anxiety and hopelessness among women, while also placing immense <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/aug/30/taliban-crackdown-afghanistan-secret-beauty-salons-women-gender-apartheid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pressure</a> [on] families who relied on women’s income.”
<div id="attachment_192538" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-192538" class="size-medium wp-image-192538" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/afghan-burqas-01-300x237.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="237" />(Photo courtesy of FMI)</div>
Yet in places of despair, the light of the gospel shines. It just has to be shared carefully. In Afghanistan and similar cultures, a man may only speak with a woman if they are related. 
“In many cases, FMI’s pastors, their wives are the ones who go and talk to these deprived women who [do not find] hope in [the] Taliban system, but they find hope in Jesus Christ,” says Nehemiah. “This is the only channel we have at the moment where women feel connected and encouraged.”
Recently, one pastor’s wife showed the Jesus Film to a dozen women. Pray that many more will know the hope of Christ! 
“Pray for FMI partners in Afghanistan and their wives, who are really struggling and [who] put their life on [the] line every day,” says Nehemiah.
“Pray for their safety, their wisdom. [Ask] God [to] open avenues and doors for these pastors and their wives so they can connect with other Afghan families, women, children, so they can do ministry.”
Learn more about the work of FMI <a href="https://forgottenmissionaries.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. 
 
 
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Farid Ershad via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:00:12 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/taliban-restrictions-drive-women-in-afghanistan-desperate-for-hope/</guid>
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<title>Keys for Kids: Redefining hope for children who’ve lost it during war</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/redefining-hope-for-children-whove-lost-it-during-war/</link>
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Ukraine (MNN) — When toys lie in rubble and nights are shattered by explosions, Ukrainian children need hope beyond this world. <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/keys-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Keys for Kids Ministries</a> works to bring that hope to Ukrainian children — this time with a goal of one million copies!
Greg Yoder says, “Since our partnership with Mission Eurasia, we've been actually able to distribute 600,000 copies of Keys for Kids and Unlocked into war-torn regions, not only Ukraine, but surrounding countries as well.”
Yet, the need is immense.
Children endure severe trauma, facing the war while growing up and coping with fear and loss. This brings existential questions that need help answering.
<blockquote>
“How do I express my feelings? How do I express the fact that I've lost every family member? How do I express in my heart that I don't have any hope, and that there is no hope and I don't know where to turn?” says Yoder.
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_216839" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216839" class="size-medium wp-image-216839" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kelly-sikkema-mDMngG2yjqI-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="Unsplash" width="300" height="200" />Representative photo of Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash</div>
He recalls a story of a young, orphaned girl who wouldn’t speak. As she drew pictures, it became clear why.
“Little girl drew a picture of a dad figure, a mom figure, a couple of siblings, a house, an animal, and then one by one began crossing them off, because all of them had died.”
“That's what they're dealing with right now,” concludes Yoder, “and it's on all phases of the spectrum, from young children all the way to adults, because even some of the adults don't know how to express what they've seen, the trauma that they've experienced in this horrible tragedy of war.”
With stories like these piling up, the need for the Gospel is urgent. Keys for Kids materials are designed to meet that need!
Yoder describes, “What Keys for Kids Ministries does through our devotionals is it points kids to that they need a Savior to save them from their sins, and they can have a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
It gives them Someone and something to hope in, because their hope is not in this world — it’s in Christ, in Him rescuing them, saving, and drawing into relationship with Him.
<a href="https://www.keysforkids.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Keys for Kids Ministrie</a><a href="https://www.keysforkids.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">s</a>' partners in Ukraine have requested one million devotionals to share God’s Word! Join them in this goal.
Pray also for sustainable peace in Ukraine, and for provision in the years of restoration — physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological.
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Hans via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:00:58 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/redefining-hope-for-children-whove-lost-it-during-war/</guid>
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<title>Heart for Lebanon meets schooling needs in the country</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/heart-for-lebanon-meets-schooling-needs-in-the-country/</link>
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Lebanon (MNN) -- It’s a challenging year ahead in Lebanese schools.
Lebanon’s Minister of Education recently announced that, instead of a standard five days of school a week,<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/08/22/lebanon-shorter-school-days-childcare-costs/"> government schools will be open four days a week.</a>
Instead of raising salaries for teachers, teachers in the country are now supposed to <a href="https://www.newarab.com/news/lebanon-shorten-school-week-four-days-public-schools">teach only four days</a> so that they can find another part-time job on Fridays.
As private schools continue to teach five days a week, there is a deficiency in the education of students in public schools.
In southern Lebanon, the war that Hezbollah started with Israel is wreaking havoc. The six months of severe shelling that occurred last year have left villages destroyed and cities wiped out.
Many schools, both private and government, remain demolished, meaning that many in the south will go without opportunities for education for the second year in a row.
Camille Melki with <a href="https://heartforlebanon.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMpeBxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXeGs1b3JxbWkxZVFNTWFDAR6g6Wqfmqra2onvyyEBK_PnjTZnBwmCnnsQ85r1zOWJxPCSA8zMrJRiTPcYyQ_aem_G0L8xEtsA4WldxLSvPJzHA">Heart for Lebanon</a> says that private schools are now carrying the brunt of the work because government schools are not operating properly. However, because of the economy, private schools have been forced to raise their tuition costs by 30 to 60 percent compared to last year.
This economic crisis affects not only Lebanese nationals but also Syrian refugees living in the country.
<blockquote>
“Most international donor agencies stopped providing aid in June,” says Melki. “(They) have said there will be no medical support or educational support for refugees who are living in Lebanon anymore. The little aid that the UN and large government agencies were providing to the refugees has stopped.”
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/heart-for-lebanon/">Heart for Lebanon</a> will provide education support to 1,300 families this school year.
Six hundred of these students will study in one of Heart for Lebanon’s two schools in the Bekaa Valley or in southern Lebanon, receiving free education. These are students who would not otherwise have an opportunity to study anywhere else.
The other 700 students will receive scholarship support to attend other schools in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. These are partner Christian schools for families that can afford some, but not all, tuition expenses.
<div id="attachment_204917" style="width: 288px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-204917" class=" wp-image-204917" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/HFL_education-header-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="278" height="185" />600 students will attend one of Heart for Lebanon's schools this year. (Photo courtesy of Heart for Lebanon)</div>
<blockquote>
“It's our opportunity at Heart for Lebanon to stand in the gap, provide the proper academic education that students need, but also provide a holistic approach to a child’s spiritual, social, and emotional upbringing,” says Melki.
</blockquote>
Between the death and destruction in Syria and Lebanon, most of the children that Heart for Lebanon provides education for have experienced trauma.
“We’re providing a safe environment where teachers are loving and caring for, supporting, and encouraging students; providing social care, and emotional care, but first and foremost, also providing spiritual care to the students and to their families,” says Melki.
Please pray for the education system in Lebanon and for the students who will be ministered to through these schools this year.
 
(Header photo courtesy of Heart for Lebanon) ]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:00:30 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/heart-for-lebanon-meets-schooling-needs-in-the-country/</guid>
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<title>Kidnapped Irish missionary and others released in Haiti</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/kidnapped-irish-missionary-and-others-released-in-haiti/</link>
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Haiti (MNN) — After a month in captivity, an Irish missionary and *seven others kidnapped from an orphanage compound in Port-au-Prince, Haiti have been <a href="https://apnews.com/article/haiti-kidnapping-orphanage-irish-missionary-7b34a27503bbd929d9ab83d331d72524" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a>. Among the group was a three-year-old child. They were taken by armed gang members who stormed the compound in the early morning hours.
<blockquote>
<a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/christian-world-outreach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christian World Outreach’s</a> (CWO) Greg Yoder says, “First of all, we thank God that these people that were kidnapped have been released, and [we are] just grateful that their lives were spared – others have not been.”
</blockquote>
Their safe return brings relief, but it also highlights the ongoing instability gripping the nation, fueled by gang violence and targeted kidnappings.
<div id="attachment_216821" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216821" class="size-medium wp-image-216821" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/unnamed-47-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />Children's feeding program by CWO in Haiti. (Photo courtesy of Christian World Outreach)</div>
Around 1.3 million Haitians have fled their homes and are now <a href="https://www.iom.int/news/haiti-sees-record-displacement-13-million-flee-violence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">internally displaced</a> — a 24% increase since the end of 2024.
“We have seen or heard reports of some of the towns, especially in the north where people have been displaced to. The way it was described — it being one of the cities — it’s like ants," says Yoder.
"You just add more people, which probably adds food insecurity in those areas. That’s how it affects ministries like Christian World Outreach.”
CWO is seeing the impact of displacement firsthand through its children’s feeding program. “We’re just seeing an increase," says Yoder. "Eighty children gathered in one of our places where we have a feeding program, which is a little bit higher than the norm.”
Pray for an end to the violence and instability permeating Haitian life, and for people to turn to Jesus for hope. Ask the Lord to sustain CWO's ministry with supporters and spiritual encouragement.
Yoder also urges prayer for the newly freed captives: “Emotionally, that God would heal there. I’m not sure what all they went through, but I’m sure that emotionally it was a draining month. [Pray] that God will work in their lives and they can get back to somewhat of a normal life that they had at that center.”
 
 
*<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4e23w2dlko" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Some reports</a> say nine people total were kidnapped from the compound.
Header photo from 2020 of a suburb of Port-au-Prince. (Photo courtesy of Reynaldo Mirault/Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:00:53 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/kidnapped-irish-missionary-and-others-released-in-haiti/</guid>
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<title>Christians may be among casualties of Sudan landslide</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-may-be-among-casualties-of-sudan-landslide/</link>
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Sudan (MNN) -- Sudan <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/plea-help-after-landslide-wipes-out-sudan-village-killing-1000-2025-09-01/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">calls for international help</a> following Sunday’s massive landslide in western Darfur. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sudan-darfur-landslide-rain-village-0ff996583d79ecb97c912d0dc44ec018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Local footage</a> of the disaster zone shows a flattened area between mountain ranges where an entire village used to be.
<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165758" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Days of heavy rain</a> triggered landslides in the Marrah Mountains, reportedly leaving only one survivor. The scale of the debris and the disaster’s remote location <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165777" target="_blank" rel="noopener">limit information.</a> Civil war, raging between rival militaries since 2023, further complicates recovery efforts.
“The area hit by the landslides is also a hub for displaced families fleeing the fighting,” says John, a Gospel worker focused on Sudan.
“They were trying to escape that (fighting) in El Fasher. They went up to this area, and now [there is] a landslide.”
Authorities say <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg2wlppnreo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">between 300 and 1,000 people</a> were killed, but the actual death toll could be higher.
John’s partners fear the worst as attempts to reach their friends go unanswered. “Even though it’s an Islamic area, there are house churches that have been planted over the years,” John says.
<blockquote>
“We know there are some Christians among [the affected people.]”
</blockquote>
Pray for wisdom and discernment as church planters determine how they will respond to this disaster. John’s organization supports frontline Sudanese church planters throughout the Islamic nation.
“We’re not a relief organization, but because of the network of believers on the ground, getting $200 someplace has a huge effect,” John says. “We’ve done targeted relief in many, many places.”
<div id="attachment_208600" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/spokenworldwideprayforsudan.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-208600" class="size-medium wp-image-208600" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/spokenworldwideprayforsudan-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>(Photo courtesy of Spoken Worldwide)</div>
Pray that Sudanese Muslims will find truth, comfort, and peace in Jesus Christ.
“I have met so many Muslims that, in their desperation of finding inner peace and hope, had God meet them in a dream. So many Muslims have come to Christ without someone leading them,” John says.
Frustration with Islam leaves many Sudanese open to the Gospel, he adds.
“The whole nation is in trauma, and that trauma cuts to the core,” John says.
“These are non-Arabs, but they’re still Muslims, so they’re trying to deal with the fact that ‘The Koran says we’re brothers, and yet, here’s my brother trying to kill me, take my land, drive me from my land, because I’m not Arab.’”
 
 
 
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/rubble-an-water-in-a-village-14000733/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Franklin Peña Gutierrez/Pexels.</a>]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:00:36 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-may-be-among-casualties-of-sudan-landslide/</guid>
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<title>When the hope of Jesus wins the battle</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/when-the-hope-of-jesus-wins-the-battle/</link>
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United States (MNN) — When the hope of Christ collides with despair, only one of them ever gives way.
On Eagles’ Wings is a division of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/ron-hutchcraft-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hutchcraft Ministries</a> that equips Native American believers to reach their peers for Jesus. The team saw the power of God again and again during their Summer of Hope outreaches this past year.
In one urban Native community, a homicide had taken place just days before their visit. Ron Hutchcraft said local Native believers spoke about the obvious despair at the first night’s gathering. “There was a confusion and a chaotic feel in the audience that usually is not there.”
One team member shared their hope story of how Jesus had changed their life. But then a mysterious bang went off, scattering the crowd. It was followed by a severe thunderstorm that finished the night.
David, the Native host for the On Eagles' Wings team, told them privately: “There’s a blanket of darkness over this community. Life here is traumatizing.” 
The On Eagles’ Wings team immediately sent out a request for prayer. 
The darkness did not deter them — it made these Native young people more determined to share the hope and freedom Jesus offers. Then prayer was answered with the darkness kicked out, and hope and victory entering the park! 
People listened to different Native young people speak about Christ. When the invitation came to publicly accept Christ, key men from the community stepped forward.
“In fact, the response was all [men] that night. I don't remember ever seeing that,” Hutchcraft remarked.
Find your place in the story through continued prayer. It’s been more than a month since the summer outreaches ended, but follow-up ministry plans were already in place with local Native leaders. Pray for discipleship to be effective with new believers.
Pray for the young people whose lives were changed by the summer yet who face tough daily realities back home.
Pray for the applicants to the leadership development program with <a href="https://hutchcraft.com/on-eagles-wings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">On Eagles’ Wings</a>. Hutchcraft says, “We're praying that they will be exactly the people that God wants, and that they will be transformed by this year of intensive discipleship." (Read about the 2025 graduating class of leaders <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/on-eagles-wings-class-of-2025-prepares-for-full-time-ministry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>!)
<div id="attachment_216494" style="width: 417px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216494" class=" wp-image-216494" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/oew2025teamphoto-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="407" height="229" />2025 team photo (Photo courtesy of Hutchcraft Ministries)</div>
 
Header photo courtesy of Hutchcraft Ministries. ]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:00:13 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/when-the-hope-of-jesus-wins-the-battle/</guid>
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<title>Violent anti-government protests erupt across Indonesian islands</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/violent-anti-government-protests-erupt-across-indonesian-islands/</link>
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Indonesia (MNN) — Indonesia is experiencing its most violent wave of <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/indonesia-protests-continue-despite-crackdown-and-deaths/a-73833183" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protests</a> in over two decades.
Ten people have been killed and at least 1,042 were <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7vlv2gpvvzo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taken to hospitals,</a> according to the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation.
<blockquote>
<a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/forgotten-missionaries-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FMI’s</a> Bruce Allen explains, "Anti-government protests in recent days have spread to 32 of the country's 38 provinces. Across major cities on multiple islands, government buildings [and] police stations have been attacked and burned – some in locations where our FMI-supported church planters serve."
</blockquote>
Protestors are angry with lavish government spending and police abuse. But the protests turned violent after a police vehicle ran over a young motorcycle taxi driver who was not part of the demonstrations.
"Overall, the public feels betrayed and that the government officials and police are being very callous toward them," says Allen. “The heavy-handed response of the authorities has only really served to incite further backlash from the public.”
<div id="attachment_216793" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216793" class="size-medium wp-image-216793" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-3-300x272.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="272" />Pastor Bakti of Sumatra, Indonesia, expounds the Scriptures to a congregation of about 80 people. (Photo, caption courtesy of Bruce Allen/FMI)</div>
Some pastors fear the unrest could revive the authoritarian policies of the late 1990s, when churches were systematically targeted and destroyed.
Allen says, “In speaking with some of our ministry leaders in recent days because of these protests, they're sensing that there's a real possibility that martial law could be imposed within the next few weeks.”
Yet, Indonesian churches are setting an example of peace through prayer.
One regency had recently passed restrictions on Christian worship. But when local pastors were invited to government headquarters to pray for peace, they agreed.
Allen says, "The video of that prayer meeting brought me to tears this morning as I watched. I'm sure that was a very refreshing moment for the church leaders of that regency as well. So prayer is a major point."
<blockquote>
You can link arms with Indonesian believers who are seeking to be a Gospel light. Allen asks, "Pray that the Christian community is a visible demonstration of Christ's compassion."
</blockquote>
 
 
 
Header photo: Graffiti from anti-government protests in Indonesia earlier this year, March 2025. (Photo by Rafael Christopher and Vanesh De Gabze, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162786473)]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:00:02 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/violent-anti-government-protests-erupt-across-indonesian-islands/</guid>
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<title>Truth needed for the next generation in China</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/truth-needed-for-the-next-generation-in-china/</link>
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China (MNN) — Who will win the hearts and minds of Chinese kids? The next generation has become a battleground. 
Kurt Rovenstine with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/bibles-for-china/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles for China</a> explains, “Proselytizing kids in China is against regulations and policies, and it's pretty closely monitored.” 
Whether you’re a Christian or a Chinese Communist Party member, it’s clear why kids are so important: “You affect kids, you change a generation,” says Rovenstine. 
Christians want the next generation to know Jesus personally. The Chinese government has <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/churches-respond-to-chinese-communist-party-ban-on-religious-activities-for-children/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">different goals</a>. This summer, officials in Shanghai <a href="https://www.ucanews.com/news/china-using-children-to-vilify-illegal-religious-groups/110145" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trained</a> kids to reject the religious groups the government has deemed illegal or<a href="https://english.religion.info/2018/12/20/china-heterodox-teachings-and-proscription-of-religious-groups-interview-with-edward-irons/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> xie jiao </a>("evil cults").
<div id="attachment_187836" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-187836" class="size-medium wp-image-187836" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/jerry-wang-jqMz_PmgmnA-unsplash-200x300.jpg" alt="girl, China, unsplash" width="200" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Jerry Wang via Unsplash)</div>
Bibles for China works legally in China, without opposing the government. But Rovenstine says the situation calls for prayer and action. 
“Anytime there's a challenge, God equips His people with creativity, opens doors and creates avenues for the gospel to move forward in spite of what is inhibiting it,” Rovenstine says. 
Today, <a href="https://biblesforchina.org/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles for China</a> is printing children’s Bibles in Mandarin outside the country, plus other resources. These can be carried into China by hand.
“I had an email [recently] from the gentleman that took some of our children's Bibles. He’s been sharing them with people that are headed back to China, and they're taking them back two and three at a time,” Rovenstine says. This method isn’t a problem because the Chinese government “is just trying to make sure they're not being printed and distributed in mass.”
Pray that every Bible and resource reaches the right family and child at the right time with the good news of Christ!
Pray that God will open the eyes of kids being taught false things about God. Pray that they will look for truth and find it in Scripture. 
 
 
Header photo is a representative stock image courtesy of Note Thanun/Unsplash. ]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:00:33 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/truth-needed-for-the-next-generation-in-china/</guid>
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<title>Three ways technology boosts Bible translation</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/three-ways-technology-boosts-bible-translation/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Southeast Asia (MNN) -- Technology can be a great thing. For example, it’s helping Christians in Southeast Asia translate the Bible into minority languages in three key ways.
First, technology enables believers to complete work they would otherwise struggle to do.
“They’ve taken technology tools that our folks created, most notably the one called translationCore, and they have turbocharged it,” Dane with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/unfoldingword/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfoldingWord</a> says. “It serves as a checking tool, which is essential in Bible translation, [and] an initial drafting tool as well.”
Secondly, tech tools from unfoldingWord help believers work efficiently, completing more work in less time. “They’ve translated the New Testament faster than anybody we’ve partnered with,” Dane says.
“They have completed 10 New Testaments, text versions. They have completed one New Testament in audio, and two more audio New Testaments are underway for 2025. They also have 10 Old Testaments underway; those would be text versions.”
<div id="attachment_216782" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/UW_quote-woman.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216782" class="size-medium wp-image-216782" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/UW_quote-woman-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" /></a>When God's Word speaks your language, it speaks to your heart. This is why unfoldingWord equips local believers to translate the Bible into the languages they know best. (Photo courtesy of unfoldingWord)</div>
Finally, technology fosters key connections. Team members collaborate on projects using digital means, and some believers discover the Lord’s leading through technology.
“One of the brothers, a key leader, shared how God called him into ministry, not through a pulpit,” Dane says.
<blockquote>
“Pastors preach sermons, and God calls people to ministry in a church. This guy came to his call to ministry through technology.”
</blockquote>
However, the authorities are also highly skilled with technology, so pray for believers to have wisdom and discernment.
The government’s “surveillance apparatus is really powerful,” Dane notes. “They are concerned that the translation of the Bible and the truths that it teaches might foment a rebellion.”
<a href="https://unfoldingword.org/portfolio/asia/southeastasia1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Help unreached people groups receive Scripture in their heart languages here.</a>
“We’re equipping our partners and aiding them in any way we can so they can translate the Bible into all of the languages represented there, especially the ones that are unreached,” Dane says.
“This country has [several dozen] unreached people groups out of a total of 119, so that is over 9 million people.”
 
 
 
Header image is a representative photo courtesy of <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-ipad-tablet-technology-820272/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fancycrave1/Pixabay.</a>]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:00:25 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/three-ways-technology-boosts-bible-translation/</guid>
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<title>Multiple earthquakes devastate part of Afghanistan</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/multiple-earthquakes-devastate-part-of-afghanistan/</link>
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Afghanistan (MNN) — A magnitude 6.0 earthquake <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/2/rescuers-focus-on-remote-mountainous-regions-after-afghanistan-earthquake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">devastated</a> parts of eastern Afghanistan late Sunday. As of Tuesday, the death toll has passed 1,410 people, with thousands more injured and over 5,400 homes destroyed. Almost all of the deaths were <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/afghanistan-earthquake-death-toll-rises/story?id=125172025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in Kunar Province</a>, Afghan officials said Monday.
<div id="attachment_216755" style="width: 249px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216755" class="size-medium wp-image-216755" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-08-31_Asadabad_Afghanistan_M6_earthquake_shakemap_USGS-239x300.jpg" alt="" width="239" height="300" />Shakemap from USGS for the magnitude 6.0 earthquake in Afghanistan August 31, 2025. (Courtesy of United States Geological Survey, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.)</div>
Among other aftershocks, a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqvqeg3nz5o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5.2-magnitude quake</a> struck in the same region on Tuesday. 
Road damage and landslides have hindered rescue efforts. Nehemiah with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/forgotten-missionaries-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FMI</a> shared a report from a local partner: “Nearly half of the villagers remain trapped under the rubble, and survivors are desperately trying to dig them out with their bare hands.
"There is nobody who would come and help them, so villagers or survivors are helping themselves."
Houses made of wood and mud-bricks were nothing against the first quake. It struck around midnight Sunday when most people were asleep and vulnerable to structural collapse.
“This disaster is especially devastating because it is human-made," said Nehemiah. "In a sense, the fragile building practices driven by poverty and limited infrastructure have turned a national event into a disastrous tragedy.”
Nehemiah said FMI church planters stand in the gap to serve isolated villages at this time. “They are distributing food, organizing emergency shelters and offering prayers, even risking their own lives and own safety.” 
Other powers are in motion to help. The Taliban government has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/02/afghanistan-earthquake-taliban-appeals-for-international-aid-as-rescue-teams-search-for-survivors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appealed</a> for international aid. India has already sent food and tents for immediate relief. The UN and United Kingdom have also <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/9/2/afghanistan-earthquake-live-search-for-survivors-on-after-800-killed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">promised</a> emergency aid. But what FMI partners are asking for is your prayers!
“Pray for safe delivery of aid into accessible areas. Pray for wisdom, protection and spiritual strength for our church planters on the ground,” Nehemiah said. 
<blockquote>
“Pray that in the darkest moments, the light of Christ will shine and bring hope to those who have lost so much.”
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_216758" style="width: 627px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216758" class=" wp-image-216758" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mustafa-TQ5TDoaThEk-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="617" height="411" />An example of a house in eastern Afghanistan, Nuristan Province (Photo courtesy of Mustafa via Unsplash)</div>
 
Header photo courtesy of Joel Heard/Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:04 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/multiple-earthquakes-devastate-part-of-afghanistan/</guid>
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<title>Amid loss and war, Ukrainian girl discovers Jesus at summer camp</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/amid-loss-and-war-ukrainian-girl-discovers-jesus-at-summer-camp/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Ukraine (MNN) — Fourteen-year-old Aneliya lives in Mykolaivka, a small coastal town in Ukraine. Like many teens, she was looking for a place to belong this summer. When she heard about a youth camp hosted by a local church, she asked to join.
What she found there changed her life.
<div id="attachment_216771" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216771" class="wp-image-216771 size-medium" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/photo_2025-07-29_14-52-42-1-300x236.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="236" />Aneliya at summer camp. (Photo courtesy of Valentin Lupashko/Slavic Gospel Association)</div>
One evening during worship, Aneliya came forward in tears. She prayed, and believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Later, she shared her story with a pastor — a story marked by pain and abandonment.
Aneliya’s father was drafted to the front lines of Ukraine. Not long after, her mother found another man and left the family, walking away from her two children. Aneliya and her younger brother now live with their elderly grandmother, trying to process trauma far too heavy for their young shoulders.
<blockquote>
“She told me that this camp saved her,” the pastor reported. “She experienced spiritual renewal and found hope again.”
</blockquote>
According to Eric Mock with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/slavic-gospel-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)</a>, Aneliya’s story represents the hope many young people found in Christ this summer.
“These stories are of young kids saying they did not know of the love of God. They did not know they could go to heaven. They did not know of the grace of God. They were angry and confused, and now they walk away with hope,” Mock says.
But this ministry took place against a backdrop of war. “The war zone of Ukraine is getting more violent…. The nights are getting worse, the missiles and the drones are constantly coming in and harassing families,” Mock says. “In fact, we were told by one family that when they go to bed at night, they know that they'll be awakened at 1:30, at 2:00 in the morning, often for four to five hours, and the sirens are blaring [while] they're in shelters.”
For churches in Ukraine, the response may seem surprising. “What would you do if missiles and rockets were raining down every night?” Mock asks. “And their answer is this: 'Well, what we're going to do right now is we're going to hold a summer camp.'”
<div id="attachment_209429" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-209429" class="size-medium wp-image-209429" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SGA_aid-campaign-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Slavic Gospel Association)</div>
That commitment to Gospel service and encouragement is exactly what SGA exists to support. “The joy that we have is to serve the churches in these embattled countries who are faithfully ministering in their community."
As summer camps wind down, local congregations are already preparing for the next outreach.
<blockquote>
“We might think we're done with summer camp. We can relax,” Mock says. “They're already thinking of Christmas outreach. They never stop planning and prepping and ministering to the people in their communities.”
</blockquote>
Pray for Aneliya as she begins attending church, and for many more young people across Ukraine who need the peace only Jesus can bring. Ask God to strengthen local churches as they continue year-round discipleship in the face of exhaustion, loss, and war.
Header photo courtesy of Valentin Lupashko/Slavic Gospel Association.]]>
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:31 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/amid-loss-and-war-ukrainian-girl-discovers-jesus-at-summer-camp/</guid>
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<title>God’s big list and our big call</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/216735/</link>
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<![CDATA[
United States (MNN) — Do you make lists? God does. 
In Genesis 46, He lists the members of Jacob’s family relocating to Egypt. In Ezra 2, He lists the number of exiles returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian Captivity. In both the Old and New testaments, He keeps careful genealogies. And since before the world began, He has had another list, the biggest and best of all. It’s a list of the Lord’s redeemed. 
Revelation mentions this record when it describes kings entering the heavenly city of New Jerusalem. 
“They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.”1
<div id="attachment_216736" style="width: 453px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216736" class=" wp-image-216736" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pexels-tara-winstead-8850706-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="443" height="295" />Courtesy of Tara Winstead via Pexels.</div>
Believers are a loved people. They are a redeemed people. And they are a counted people. 
Yet, not all those counted in the flock have come to dwell within it. Before ascending to the Father, Jesus gave his disciples the task of going out to bring these home. 
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 2
<h1>The Task</h1>
2000 years after the Great Commission, Director of the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/a-third-of-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alliance for the Unreached</a> David Begosian emphasizes the reality of the unfinished work. 
“We have, still, places where the Gospel has never gone: places like Somalia, places like Northern India, places like Southern China,” he says. 
Begosian says we are more resourced than ever regarding the unfinished task. And one thing that’s helping the cause? Lists. 
“We never had, twenty or thirty years ago, the lists of places and people groups that have never heard like we have now today,” he says. “Missionaries are going out, they’re discovering these places, and the Gospel is moving.” 
Begosian points out that there are movements today among Muslims like we’ve never seen before, and God is waking up His church to be involved. 
<h1>The Need</h1>
Still, many American Christians are unaware of the scale of the remaining work. One in three people around the world has yet to hear the message of hope in Christ. As Western believers drenched in Living Water, are we forgetting a third of the world who is parched? 
Take heart and start small. Remember those people group lists? Begosian has an idea. 
“One of the things that we’re encouraging people to do is to take a piece of the action and say, ‘We’re going to focus on this area of the world or on this people group,’” Begosian says. “We’re going to adopt them and we’re going to stick with them until there is a church: until the Gospel has gone and is well established among that people group.” 
Meanwhile, organizations like the Alliance for the Unreached are focusing on unity and clarity: how do we simplify the message while understanding the complexity of the remaining work? 
“Reaching people from Muslim background or a Hindu or Buddhist background is not easy, and yet God can do the impossible,” Begosian says. 
From wars to diseases and political conflict, barriers to the unreached abound. But God is a multi-directional people mover.
“If you’re in a major city, God has brought people of the ends of the earth to us,” Begosian says. “We may not be aware of it, but we need to go look for it. And that’s one of the things that’s so important about missions: missions requires intentionality.” 
Intentionality starts with questions: Who are the unreached? Where are they? How can we reach them where they are? 
As the newly appointed director of the Alliance for the Unreached, which has recently come under the umbrella of MissioNexus, Begosian feels a pull toward partnerships in the Global South. He says organizations can link arms strategically as we work towards fulfillment of the Great Commission. 
“The landscape has changed a little bit for us from America. God is calling us more and more to partner with what God is already doing in those places. So even though there are very few believers in places like North Africa and Northern India, the fact is there are believers now, and that’s exciting.”
<h1>The Call</h1>
What does this mean for you? Here are two starting points:
<ol>
<li style="list-style-type: none">
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Get informed. Learn more about the unreached at websites like <a href="http://joshuaproject.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">joshuaproject.net</a> and <a href="http://peoplegroups.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">peoplegroups.org</a>. Alliance for the Unreached has a plethora of resources available <a href="https://alliancefortheunreached.org/resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Get involved.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li style="list-style-type: none">
<ol>
<li style="list-style-type: none">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><a href="https://prayercast.com/prayer-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pray for the unreached</a>, perhaps by working your way through a list of people groups or adopting a single group. </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Inform believing friends, perhaps by participating in the annual “<a href="https://athirdofus.com/idu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Day for the Unreached</a>.” </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Go into all the world with the hope of Jesus, whether God is calling you across the ocean or across the street.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<div id="attachment_216737" style="width: 605px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216737" class=" wp-image-216737" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pexels-jens-johnsson-14223-66100-300x260.jpg" alt="" width="595" height="516" />Above photo courtesy of Jens Johnsson via Pexels. Featured photo courtesy of Lara Jameson via Pexels.</div>
<h6>1 Revelation 21: 24 - 27</h6>
<h6>2 Matthew 28:16 - 20 </h6>]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:40 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/216735/</guid>
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<title>How a “Freedom of Religion” bill spells trouble for India’s believers </title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-a-freedom-of-religion-bill-spells-trouble-for-indias-believers/</link>
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<![CDATA[
India (MNN) — Christians in India’s Uttarakhand State expect increased punishment for breaking anti-conversion laws, as legislation to expand existing penalties awaits final assent from the region’s governor. Carefully yet deceptively worded, the proposed amendment purports to protect religious minorities while licensing their maltreatment. 
First introduced in 2018, Uttarakhand’s “Freedom of Religion Bill” prohibits religious conversion through misrepresentation, force, coercion, or any fraudulent means. The latest amendment increases penalties to a fine of 1 million Indian Rupees (more than $11,000 USD) and possible life imprisonment. 
On one hand, these measures could be viewed as protection for Christians, as the bill’s title suggests. Notably, in neighboring Pakistan, reports of <a href="https://www.christianpost.com/news/trapped-in-hell-christian-girl-kidnapped-raped-by-muslim-men.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">forced conversions to Islam</a> are increasing; and India’s new restrictions are at best a prophylactic move for the country’s own religious minorities.
On the other hand, the situation could be much more grim: with the law now firmly behind them, persecutors of believers could heavily target Christian evangelistic activity in Uttarakhand. Already, reports from local believers indicate this is the primary scenario unfolding in their region.
<div id="attachment_216684" style="width: 442px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216684" class=" wp-image-216684" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/swastik-arora-leIPv5OnnNQ-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="432" height="288" />Courtesy of Unsplash</div>
Mike Grandy with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/unknown-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unknown Nations</a> recently spoke with a Christian brother there, who explained that homes are now being targeted. 

“If believers are gathering within a home, they’re considering that conversion; and so they’re actually targeting homes where believers are gathering,” Grandy says. 
Governmental tactics to break up church communities in this way are not new.
“They want to preserve the power, the strength of the ruling party. When you look at those who are in control politically and in charge of the largest businesses, it all really comes down to the same things: control, power, and money,” he points out. 
The latest amendment goes as far as to criminalize propaganda on social or digital media, a vague clause that could enable sweeping indictments. In this way, individual Christians become pinpointable targets, and “forceful conversion” becomes anything from sharing a Christian social media post to handing out Bibles on the street. 
But where vague terminology is weaponized, seasoned speech prevails.
<div id="attachment_216683" style="width: 444px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216683" class=" wp-image-216683" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/melissa-di-rocco-UmXdkeKjqe4-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="434" height="289" />Colossians 4:6 (ESV) states: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Image courtesy of Unsplash.</div>
Grandy tells the story of one church community whose pastor was recently imprisoned when officials attributed church growth to his preaching. In the prison cell, he and some friends began singing, worshipping, and praying. 
The guards were uncomfortable. They asked the prisoners if friends and family had bail money to procure their release. When the pastor responded, “No,” and continued to sing, the guards were spiritually disarmed. 
“'We’re going to just let you go,' they said. 'We can’t have you in here singing and worshipping,'” Grandy relates. 
While prison release is not a guaranteed outcome for persecuted believers, believers understand the persecution itself to be a given. Grandy recently spoke with one Christian brother who described his experience of being “slapped around” while preaching the Gospel in public. 
“But that’s not really persecution,” he said. “That just comes with the territory. That’s what we do when we’re called to Christ.” 
Grandy calls on worldwide believers to support the persecuted church in prayer. 
“Pray that the message of the Gospel would take root. Pray for our brave brothers and sisters who are sharing the Gospel: that they would continue, that they’d have boldness and discernment of the Holy Spirit.” 
Please pray also that regardless of what is enacted politically, the Gospel would remain unhindered as Christ’s people in Uttarakhand go forth in faith. 
Learn more about how the ministry of Unknown Nations supports this work <a href="https://www.unknownnations.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Featured image: Believers in West Bengal, India. Courtesy of Pexels. ]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:51 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-a-freedom-of-religion-bill-spells-trouble-for-indias-believers/</guid>
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<title>Radio remains best way to share Gospel in North Korea</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/radio-remains-best-way-to-share-gospel-in-north-korea/</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[
North Korea (MNN) – As technology continues to race ahead, Eric Foley with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/voice-of-the-martyrs-usa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voice of the Martyrs Korea</a> says radio is still the best way to share the Gospel in North Korea. However, even radio has its challenges for the Korean church.
“Listening to shortwave radio broadcasting, listening to any foreign radio broadcasting is illegal and highly punishable,” Foley says.
However, he shares that this doesn’t mean radio is obsolete. “Twenty percent of North Koreans are estimated to possess radios where they can listen to shortwave broadcasts. That's a much higher percentage than any other means of reaching people for the Gospel,” Foley states. “North Koreans are very private. When they hear those things, they don't share them with many people. But when something is heard by North Koreans on the radio that really impacts them, there is that opportunity that they may share with other family members.”
<div id="attachment_216704" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216704" class="size-medium wp-image-216704" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/radio-5045924_1280-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />(Image courtesy of mon18marti via pixabay)</div>
<h2>Likely Increase in Jamming</h2>
Unfortunately, dwindling government broadcasts into North Korea likely mean some of the jamming efforts previously focused on the US and South Korean governments will now be turned to Christian radio broadcasts. The threat is real, but Foley says they are making preparations.
“Outlets in the US have erroneously reported that already the jamming has occurred, or that Christian radio broadcasts have been stopped. And that's simply not true. That's not an accurate statement. Instead, what's accurate is that Christian broadcasters are really aware of it, and we're taking all of the steps we can in order to prepare for the possibility that North Korea may repurpose some of that electricity that they used to use against the US and South Korean government broadcasts to jam ours.”
<h2>Continuing to Share the Gospel</h2>
Despite the challenges, Foley states that VOM Korea is adding another radio broadcast to their daily schedule. Like their other programs, this broadcast will feature sermons from early Korean Christians as well as continuous reading of the Bible. They try to make these broadcasts as practical as possible.
<div id="attachment_212215" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-212215" class="size-medium wp-image-212215" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/yosi-prihantoro-mY0pCBLhfeo-unsplash-300x169.jpg" alt="Unsplash" width="300" height="169" />Man reading Bible (Photo courtesy by Unsplash)</div>
“We started using North Korean announcers, and from the beginning, our broadcast has only had North Korean announcers. And then we found that these sermons from the early Korean Christians really spoke to the hearts of North Korean people today, because their situation is so identical. The South Korean church has changed a lot, as South Korea has become a much more modernized, westernized country. But for North Korea, you can draw a straight line from the early Korean Christians of the 1880s, which is when Protestant Christianity came to the Korean peninsula. Today, North Korean Christians haven't changed. So the sermons from these great beginning first, early Korean Christians really speak to their hearts.”
Foley asks that the Church pray for North Korean Christians. Any Church activity is dangerous, but listening to radio broadcasts can be conducted in a great degree of secrecy. Please pray that any efforts to jam Christian broadcast signals would be thwarted. If you want to learn more about North Korea’s radio broadcasts, <a href="https://vomkorea.com/project/northkorea/radio-broadcasts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>.
 
Header photo courtesy of Roman Harak of Flickr]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:41 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>How do you measure what truly matters in ministry?</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-do-you-measure-what-truly-matters-in-ministry/</link>
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<![CDATA[
MENA (MNN) — Measuring the impact of ministry is never easy. Many factors come into play, but not all carry the same weight. What guiding principles should shape how we assess our work in God’s field?
The Gospel work is an exciting journey of watching God’s will transform lives from emptiness to purpose. Personal and community change follows! Yet the process is sensitive and often hard to measure.
Fadi Sharaiha from the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/mena-leadership-center/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MENA Leadership Center</a> says, “We're not used to measure the impact. And the reason why is because sometimes we are afraid to see that we were not successful in that. It's tricky how to measure and what to measure. How to measure spiritual growth, or if people’s lives have been changed?”
When it comes to measuring impact, purpose matters. “Many organizations measure to approve, not to learn, and there's a difference in that,” explains Sharaiha.
<div id="attachment_216730" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216730" class="size-medium wp-image-216730" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/rodrigo-gonzalez-M8zCQTJZFbU-unsplash-300x190.jpg" alt="Unsplash" width="300" height="190" />How do you measure the impact of the Gospel on a person’s life? (representative photo courtesy of Rodrigo Gonzalez via Unsplash)</div>
“Measuring impact shifts focus from the activity, — he continues, — what we do or what we did — to an outcomes and even transformation to what really changed.”
You can compare the process to working in a lab! “You work with the controlled environment or conditions, and then you change some factors.”
The ability to observe and measure impact guides strategy, fosters learning from past mistakes or successes, and creates a culture of continuous improvement.
“Basically, it would demonstrate really faithful stewardship, because it enables the ministries to show the donor, the stakeholder and the communities they live with that resources are being used wisely and effectively,” says Sharaiha.
This, in turn, builds trust and credibility among workers in God’s harvest field.
In a few weeks, the MENA Leadership Center will host a <a href="https://menaleadershipcenter.com/courses/measuring-what-matters-a-practical-introduction-to-impact-assessment-for-ministry-leaders/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">course on measuring ministry impact</a>. Attendees from the Middle East and North Africa, Pakistan, their diaspora, North America, and beyond will gather to strengthen their work.
“People will be exposed to the different tools and frameworks for measuring impact,” says Sharaiha.
The topics include, but are not limited to, the importance of measuring impact, how to define ministry goals, learning how to work with data, developing good communication with stakeholders, and pursuing ongoing improvement.
Many pastors and Christian leaders who will attend the course live in war zones or areas of political unrest. Pray that they will be able to join and benefit from the program. Pray also for the lecturers.
Visit <a href="https://menaleadershipcenter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MENA Leadership Center</a> to learn more.
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of Atlantic Ambience via Pexels.]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:19 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-do-you-measure-what-truly-matters-in-ministry/</guid>
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<title>Hardship and discipleship meet in the Afghan church</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/hardship-and-discipleship-meet-in-the-afghan-church/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Afghanistan (MNN) — Tragedy struck dozens of Afghan families last month when a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-herat-bus-crash-iran-refugees-6877cd0151f7d8d6e7caa71cfdf05272" target="_blank" rel="noopener">motorbike, truck, and bus crashed</a> in northwestern Afghanistan. The accident and ensuing fire killed at least 79 people. 
Greg Kelley with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/unknown-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unknown Nations</a> says that three of the victims were missionaries discipled for gospel ministry.
“Unknown Nations has been training many Afghans who are inside of Iran who have come to know Jesus, recognizing it's a tremendous opportunity [to launch] these people back into [Afghanistan] equipped [and] trained by seasoned missionaries there,” he says.
<div id="attachment_193415" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-193415" class="size-medium wp-image-193415" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/isaak-alexandre-karslian-oBfOjcoSVY-unsplash-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" />A girl looks on among Afghan women lining up to receive relief assistance during the holy month of Ramadan in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. (Photo by IsaaK Alexandre KaRslian/Unsplash)</div>
The bus was on its way back from Iran, which has expelled <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/29/nx-s1-5468459/afghan-iran-deportations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 1 million Afghan refugees</a> in the past year. The chaotic deportations have left many Afghans with little to nothing.
“We've sent them some resources just to help them get by, but it's going to be a very difficult journey ahead for them, especially in a place like Afghanistan,” says Kelley. “Single moms don't tend to do very well at all. They’re looked down upon.” 
Afghan expatriates describe their home country this way: “There's nothing there for us. We don't have work. We don't have jobs. The Taliban make life incredibly difficult.” 
Yet God uses suffering to draw people to the true hope of Christ. 
“It causes everybody to look at their worldview and to consider what they believe, and that's where the opportunity is to share the gospel,” says Kelley. “That is why Afghanistan is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world as far as receiving the gospel.” 
<a href="https://www.unknownnations.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unknown Nations</a> has trained more than 200 disciple-makers now living inside Afghanistan. Pray for more Afghans to hear and accept the hope of Christ. Ask God for peace and provision for the families of the three missionaries in this loss.
“We just keep our eyes and focus in the midst of the carnage on disciples who make disciples who make disciples. [We focus on] how do you encourage them and stand alongside of them?” says Kelley. 
 
 
Header photo of street scene in Kabul, Afghanistan courtesy of Farid Ershad/Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:52 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/hardship-and-discipleship-meet-in-the-afghan-church/</guid>
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<title>Work against abuse in Guatemala bears fruit</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/work-against-abuse-in-guatemala-bears-fruit/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Guatemala (MNN) – Sexual violence against children in Guatemala is rampant, but <a href="https://www.amginternational.org/">AMG International</a> is working to change this cultural norm and bring restoration for hurting children.
<a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/amg-international/">AMG</a> will soon celebrate 50 years of work in Guatemala. AMG has built schools, medical projects, clinics, and hospitals, responding to others’ needs. Today, it works with a large network of churches and schools in the country.
Over the last ten years, one of the biggest focuses within the country has been combating the <a href="https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/guatemala/">widespread abuse</a>, neglect, and trauma in the lives of children.
Even more alarming are the numbers of children, both girls and boys, suffering at the hands of sexual violence in desperate situations.
The local statistics show that on average <a href="https://www.unicef.org/guatemala/en/stories/if-it-werent-help-i-received-i-wouldnt-be-alive">17 reports of child abuse</a> are filed daily, and numbers are much higher than this because so much goes unreported.
Brian Dennett with AMG says, “Much of the abuse is happening very close to home, with seven out of 10 aggressors being family members.”
Over 10 years ago, AMG partnered with <a href="https://www.ijm.org/">International Justice Mission (IJM)</a> from Washington, DC, to open a child protection facility that works to rescue children, prosecute abusers, and provide Christ-centered counseling for children and their families.
AMG also provides legal support for families by working to put abusers behind bars. 
To be a part of restoration and transformation and really focusing on their dignity and hope for them is such a blessing. 
<div id="attachment_216716" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216716" class="size-medium wp-image-216716" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/juan-carlos-pavon-dBsYvS1kFDQ-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Abuse is especially common in areas of Guatemala City. (Photo by Juan Carlos Pavon via Unsplash)</div>
Dennett says that the organization has seen great results from their work in Guatemala City, and has become a model or test site in how they will combat these issues in other countries as well.
AMG and IJM are also both working to create systemic change within the government.
“Together with IJM,” says Dennett, “We've co-written a groundbreaking law that speeds up the process of child abuse cases and avoids re-victimization of those kids. The law was actually passed by the Guatemalan government, by Congress, and has been a major victory for children's rights.”
<blockquote>
“Our vision to restore these children and build a culture where abuse is not tolerated has been just one of the greatest endeavors that we have undertaken,” says Dennett.
</blockquote>
As AMG seeks to provide the healing of Christ, their work is seeing fruit.
At just 10 years old Camille was being abused by her grandfather. Her world collapsing, her teachers and the AMG team noticed her complete lack of joy.
“She had lost her happiness, her voice, any hope," says Dennett. “But through our child protection program and our team there, she found healing, including her family. She received counsel, legal protection, spiritual care, and really just a lot of love surrounding her.”
Today, Camille is smiling again. She has hope and is dreaming of a future, possibly even helping other girls like her.
<blockquote>
“Her story really represents a lot of children in Guatemala and other countries, where we're able to rescue, heal, and really provide a new life, all wrapped in the joy of the Lord, coming to know Jesus, and who they are in Jesus. And of course, like everything we do, the gospel is at the heart of our work. The love we have for and from Jesus motivates us.”
</blockquote>
Restoration is beyond emotion and the organization uses a spiritually motivated methodology with a child's identity being rooted in Christ.
<blockquote>
“Every child we work with is hearing the truth about who they are and who Jesus is, and that they are loved, they are valuable, and that they are just beautiful masterpieces created by the Lord and never forgotten,” says Dennett.
</blockquote>
AMG is trying to raise around $50,000 to expand its program in Guatemala to provide safe environments, counseling, individual and group therapy, and spiritual formation for children, bringing relief and restoration.
Please join AMG in prayer and advocacy for these victims of abuse and give if led to break the silence and bring hope and justice.
 
 
Header Image by Kaufdex from Pixabay]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:47 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/work-against-abuse-in-guatemala-bears-fruit/</guid>
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<title>Nigerian Christians encounter hope and healing</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/nigerian-christians-encounter-hope-and-healing/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Nigeria (MNN) -- Few places see more Christian deaths each year than Nigeria. Terrorists killed <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/report-shows-thousands-of-christians-killed-in-nigeria-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 7,000 believers</a> in the first seven months of this year alone.
“Nigerian Christians are currently suffering in ways that we can’t even fathom [or] understand,” says Jason Taylor, head of Set Free Global, a division of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/set-free-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Set Free Ministries.</a>
<a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/tag/nigeria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">See our complete coverage of Nigeria here.</a>
Survivors often carry deep trauma, but hope is coming. In partnership with Neil Anderson, Set Free developed “freedom appointments,” a ministry tool that helps believers walk in healing through Christ. <a href="https://setfreemin.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More about that here.</a>
In Nigeria, “Denominational church leaders are inviting us to come in and train them so they can train their people and walk their own people through the freedom steps,” Taylor says.
<blockquote>
Set Free Global has served East Africa for two decades. This year, they’re breaking new ground in Nigeria.
</blockquote>
This month, “We’re completing what I’ll call the ‘first round’ of freedom appointments with seven pastors, and now we’re asking each one to choose a partner, really a disciple of theirs, to also go through the freedom appointment,” Taylor says.
“Once they go through that training, we’ll have two individuals in each church that can start doing freedom appointments with their congregants.”
After establishing the program, Taylor envisions believers taking a new cohort of seven individuals through the freedom appointment process every other month.
Nigeria has the second-largest Christian population in Africa, and the potential impact is enormous. Pray that believers will be empowered to serve Christ boldly, once freed from past traumas. Ask the Lord to bless the work of Set Free Global and its partners, especially Reverend Andaman.
 
 
 
Header image is a representative photo courtesy of TWR. ]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:51 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/nigerian-christians-encounter-hope-and-healing/</guid>
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<title>Christians meet for encouragement as Afghanistan anniversary approaches</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-meet-for-encouragement-as-afghanistan-anniversary-approaches/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Afghanistan (MNN) -- Tomorrow marks four years since Afghanistan shifted to Taliban control following the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/global-catalytic-ministries-keeps-afghan-christians-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chaotic withdrawal</a> of U.S. troops.
Despite international scrutiny, Islamist rule remains entrenched as the Taliban enforces strict Islamic laws, <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/religious-freedom-eradicated-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">erases religious freedom</a>, and shows little intent to ease restrictions. <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-cost-inaction-november-2024#:~:text=THE%20HUMANITARIAN%20SITUATION%20IN%20AFGHANISTAN,in%20need%20of%20humanitarian%20assistance." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nearly half</a> of Afghanistan’s population — around 23 million people — now require humanitarian aid to survive, with widespread food insecurity, poverty, and insufficient resources.
Nehemiah with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/forgotten-missionaries-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FMI</a> says, “Over the last few years, since the Taliban have been in power, the situation has gotten worse in Afghanistan. The situation has fallen apart dramatically.”
FMI receives continual reports from partnering indigenous pastors and Gospel workers in Afghanistan and Pakistan. <a href="https://forgottenmissionaries.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More about that here.</a>
Believers expected more persecution under Taliban rule, but surprisingly, “Taliban are not going after Christian workers in Afghanistan,” Nehemiah reports.
<blockquote>
Instead, “they are hunting down other religious (groups) or sects within Islam. So even Shias are being severely persecuted.”
</blockquote>
However, Gospel workers did confirm that women face severe pressure. “Women are restricted from most employment,” Nehemiah says.
“The girls are banned from secondary schools and universities, depriving them of the opportunity to pursue knowledge and a future career. For many families, this has extinguished hope for generational progress.”
<div id="attachment_209180" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/afghanistan-60641_1280.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-209180" class="size-medium wp-image-209180" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/afghanistan-60641_1280-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Photo is a representative stock image courtesy of ArmyAmber via Pixabay.</div>
<h2>Afghan Christians persevere</h2>
Though they work in secret, FMI walks in lockstep with Afghan pastors. “We support (workers) financially, and we provide them with Bibles in their language, Pashto and Dari Bibles,” Nehemiah says.
“We collaborate with other missionary organizations and [send our partners] evangelistic tools.”
Ten Afghan leaders gathered recently with FMI for updates and fellowship. “It was a wonderful time,” Nehemiah says.
“We spent a few days together, and we [reviewed] the situation, what happened previously, and they named this conference, [the ‘Reemergence] of Ministry in Afghanistan,” he continues.
<blockquote>
“They are re-emerging in Afghanistan, and we have very, very high hopes. We believe that God is going to do a lot of miracles, spiritual miracles.”
</blockquote>
Keep Afghanistan in your prayers. “I would request our listeners to please pray for the Taliban that they find hope and salvation in Jesus Christ, because the only solution for Afghanistan is in Jesus Christ,” Nehemiah says.
“Pray for the leadership of [FMI’s] Afghan team and the people who work there, that they can lead their pastors and the ministry in a very positive way.”
<a href="https://forgottenmissionaries.org/donate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Help Afghan Christians through FMI here.</a>
 
 
 
Header image depicts Afghan Christians who escaped to Pakistan with help from FMI in 2021. (Photo courtesy of FMI)]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:00:47 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/christians-meet-for-encouragement-as-afghanistan-anniversary-approaches/</guid>
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<title>Israeli church giving immigrant kids a solid start to the school year</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/israeli-church-giving-immigrant-kids-a-solid-start-to-the-school-year/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Israel (MNN) -- If you’re a parent, you know the back-to-school season comes with long shopping lists, new shoes, and the excitement (or nerves) of a fresh year.
Now imagine sending your child to school for the first time in a brand-new country — in the middle of a war.
<div id="attachment_216697" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216697" class="size-medium wp-image-216697" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-28-212303-300x161.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="161" />Beit Hallel Congregation's Back to School Project (Screenshot courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation)</div>
That’s the reality for thousands of Jewish immigrant families in Israel this fall.
<a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/beit-hallel-congregation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beit Hallel Congregation in Ashdod</a> recently ran its annual Back to School Project, which helps immigrants and low-income families who are struggling to afford the basics.
Pastor Israel Pochtar with Beit Hallel Congregation says, “For those who are new in Israel and not well established...they struggle financially to send their kids to school. The needs are bigger than in a normal year when there’s peace.”
The church distributed backpacks and school supplies, turning the project into a celebration. Pochtar says, “We had an opportunity to tell every family and every kid that the help comes from Christians. You’re not alone in this world, but you have Christian friends. You have people who pray for you, stand with you, [and] give.
<blockquote>
"This practical help, it’s such an expression of the love of God, and love of Christians who help you in the name of God and the name of Jesus.”
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_216699" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216699" class="size-medium wp-image-216699" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-28-212541-300x160.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="160" />Beit Hallel Congregation's Back to School Project (Screenshot courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation)</div>
Nearly all the families who benefit are Jewish immigrants from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Ethiopia.
“They are not Christians; they’re Jewish. But they hear about us, they hear about our organization and our congregation. They know we are helping people unconditionally, and they come to receive help, and they’re grateful to learn more about that.”
Beyond physical needs, Beit Hallel Congregation seeks to calm fears and encourage children.
<blockquote>
“We see kids are nervous. Kids are under stress. So we’re talking to them, encouraging them, telling them stories of others who’ve been in the same situation. It really encourages them and makes it easier for them," says Pochtar.
</blockquote>
Although the main distribution is complete, the project continues in smaller ways as new immigrant families arrive daily. Neighboring cities like Ashkelon and Beersheba have even asked for help after seeing Beit Hallel Congregation’s efforts online.
<div id="attachment_216698" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216698" class="size-medium wp-image-216698" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-28-212330-300x161.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="161" />Beit Hallel Congregation's Back to School Project (Screenshot courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation)</div>
“If there are friends who want to help, they are welcome to join,” Pochtar says. “There’s still opportunity!”
<a href="https://www.beithallel-israel.org/our-projects/back-to-school-project/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donate to Beit Hallel Congregation's Back to School Project.</a>
Above all, he asks for prayer. “Pray for us. Pray for Israel. Pray for Jewish people and our team in Israel who are working hard to be a blessing and a light.”


Header photo: Beit Hallel Congregation's Back to School Project (Screenshot courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation)]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:00:05 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/israeli-church-giving-immigrant-kids-a-solid-start-to-the-school-year/</guid>
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<title>In a broken world, Jesus’ family stands united</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/in-a-broken-world-jesus-family-stands-united/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Iran (MNN)—In a world where conflict between nations is the norm, how are we as Christians to respond? Tom Doyle of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/uncharted-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uncharted Ministries</a> recently shared a story from ten years ago, involving his friend Amir from Iran, that can help answer that question. 
Doyle's friendship with Amir first began when Amir reached out to him online. 
"I started sharing the gospel with him, and gloriously over the internet, he came to faith in Christ. It was beautiful,” says Doyle. “And he was reading some of the books that I've been privileged to write, and asking questions, and grew up Muslim, but just so drawn to Jesus.”
While about to go on stage and preach at a Jewish Messianic church in Tel Aviv, Israel, Doyle received a text from Amir.
“He's calling me from Iran,” says Doyle, “and I said, ‘Amir, I have to go up and preach right now. But would you like to say something to the people in Israel?' I'm going up to a live microphone. ‘What do you think?’ I'm whispering it to him. He said, ‘I would love to.’ I went up and said to the congregation, ‘We don't normally start this way, but I have on the phone Amir from Iran. He loves Jesus, and he has a message for you.’”
Amir proceeded to remind Doyle, and the congregation he was preaching to, of an important truth—that no matter where we’re from, all Christ followers are united as brothers and sisters in the family of God.
“He said, ‘Brothers and sisters, we want you to know the majority of Iranians don't hate you. It's exactly the opposite. We love you. And for me, as a believer in Jesus, I want you to know I'm praying for you. Please pray for us here. And one day we're going to get together, Iranian believers in Jesus and Jewish believers in Jesus, and we're going to worship together. Maybe it'll be in Jerusalem, maybe it'll be in Tehran together, but we look forward to that because we both love Jesus, and that's what keeps us together.’”
According to Doyle, “The people were stunned—and then, it just broke into this standing ovation. I mean, where are you going to hear that message?
“It just reinforces that's the answer to all this," continues Doyle. "Jesus has no boundaries. Jesus has no borders. Jesus’ family is of all nations. He's the one that brings peace and reconciliation between people. War won't do it. United Nations won't do it. Government won't. Only Jesus can.”
 
Header photo courtesy of Uncharted Ministries.]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:00:31 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/in-a-broken-world-jesus-family-stands-united/</guid>
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<title>Guerilla warfare and Gospel hope in the Israel-Hamas conflict</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/guerilla-warfare-and-gospel-hope-in-the-israel-hamas-conflict/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Israel/Gaza (MNN) -- Israel has launched its ground incursion into Gaza City, calling up 60,000 reservists to join the fight against Hamas.
Already, Palestinians are anticipating a new civil administration after the dust settles. The Center for Peace Communications and the We Want to Live movement report that Gazans -- including teachers, lawyers, and activists -- are leading a <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/grassroots-push-for-freedom-grows-in-gaza-as-hamas-tightens-its-deadly-grip/ar-AA1KGmZU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grassroots resistance</a> to Hamas influence.
But for now, Pastor Israel Pochtar with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/beit-hallel-congregation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beit Hallel Congregation in Ashdod</a> says there are significant challenges.
<blockquote>
"It's Israel getting into guerrilla war. When we study history, the guerrilla war is the most challenging one. Even big countries struggle with the guerrilla war and the fighters -- in our case, terrorists -- hiding among civilians. You never know who is the soldier and who is just a peaceful person. It's very complicated."
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_208670" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-208670" class="size-medium wp-image-208670" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/unnamed-36-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />(Photo courtesy of Pastor Konstantin Tsivin/Beit Hallel Congregation)</div>
Beit Hallel Congregation sees the toll this war has taken, particularly on soldiers and their families.
“There is a lot of PTSD for soldiers," says Pochtar. "When they go out of Gaza, they come to just normal life. The coffee places are open, the restaurants are open. Israel learned how to live peacefully even in the midst of the war, when war is just around the corner. But for soldiers who come out and see that, see kids and family -- and then go back to fire, to danger and friends dying and waiting for hostages to be released, it is very difficult.”
In moments like this, Scripture brings encouragement. “So the words of the Bible, when it says, 'Comfort, comfort, my people says the Lord,' it really makes sense now even more, because the nation really needs comfort.”
Pochtar urges believers worldwide to pray for both sides of the conflict. "I want to ask all the friends to pray for Gaza -- not only for peace, but also for freedom for the Gospel.... And praise the Lord, we have many friends who are waiting for this day and ready to go, ready to bless, help, but also preach the Gospel."
Ultimately, the conflict is pushing people in Israel and Gaza to search for hope beyond politics.
<blockquote>
"Now it's the time to comfort and to preach Jesus because He's the only solution for Israel. He's the only solution for Gaza. It's the only hope. There are no political solutions. At least, I believe there's no political solutions during this situation. Only God can change and do miracles."
</blockquote>
 
 
 
Header photo: The fighters of the Multi-Dimensional Unit maneuver on the ground in the Gaza Strip in the Iron Swords War.
(<a class="extiw" title="w:en:IDF Spokesperson's Unit" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:IDF_Spokesperson%27s_Unit">IDF Spokesperson's Unit</a>/Wikimedia Commons)]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:00:26 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/guerilla-warfare-and-gospel-hope-in-the-israel-hamas-conflict/</guid>
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<title>Armenians celebrate trilateral agreement but look beyond for peace</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/armenians-celebrate-trilateral-agreement-but-look-beyond-for-peace/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Armenia (MNN) — Armenian pastors have met for a conference this week. Eric Mock with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/slavic-gospel-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Slavic Gospel Association</a> says the focus is on exhorting one another to preach the hope of the Gospel in unpredictable days. 
“These pastors are gathering together to be encouraged and refreshed,” Mock says. “Together we see that the best we can do in our world today is declare the eternal hope that we have in God, which has been afforded to us through Jesus Christ.” 
The conference comes as Armenia and Azerbaijan sign a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/armenia-azerbaijan-peace-deal-187833bead280ee0c9ace5ea1fa246a2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US-brokered peace deal</a> aimed at resolving conflict rooted in a regional dispute ongoing since the collapse of the Soviet Union. 
Historically Armenian but officially recognized as part of Azerbaijan, the mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh has been fought for and ruled by ethnic Armenian forces for decades. Azerbaijan regained full control of the area in a 2023 offensive. Since then, Mock says SGA has been supporting Armenian churches as they minister to refugees fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh.
“We have seen a constant tension: the fear of sending young men to war, the fear of losing men, the fear of losing more cities and towns and villages,” he says.
<div id="attachment_216611" style="width: 441px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216611" class=" wp-image-216611" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/vaghinak-vardanyan-Norf1w4T3-k-unsplash-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="431" height="323" />Mountains in Nagorno-Karabakh. Courtesy of Unsplash.</div>
For this reason, the peace agreement has brought easier breathing to many families on both sides of the conflict. The 99-year lease involves a 27-mile stretch of land within Nagorno-Karabakh, known as the Zangezur Corridor, which will be developed as a trade route for oil, natural gas, and commodities. 
“What is established now is a roadmap for commerce and prosperity for both nations,” Mock says. “What you have is a situation where now everyone is a winner, including Europe, as they are now securing access to oil, natural gas, and commodities coming through Central Asia and Asia itself."
Relief from decades of fighting, however, does not dissolve centuries of ethnic and religious tensions. The conflict in this region dates back to the fourth century, when Armenia recognized Christianity as its national religion. 
“As Islam grew and Armenians were seen as dissidents, the war of religious differences grew,” Mock says. During WWI, the Ottoman Empire carried out a mass genocide of Armenians. Armenia was then ruled by the Soviet Union until gaining independence at its collapse. 
All the while, Mock says churches have continued declaring hope to the hopeless in the form of salvation through grace alone.
“Whether there is a war going or there is a ceasefire, they continue to do the work that God has raised them up to do," Mock says. “And so there is the political scene: there is the tragic reality of both the genocide and the pressure that exists between these nations, but in the middle of it there is the freedom that we have in Christ.” 
Praise the Lord for the cessation of fighting, and please pray for the continued work of the church in Armenia. Pray for pastors as they remind their congregations of the brevity of life and the assurance of a savior, and pray for believers as they hold grow in the knowledge and grace of their savior, Jesus Christ. 
Beyond historical losses and present gains, Mock points out: “Our hope is in Jesus.” 
Read more about Armenia’s history <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/armenian/initiatives/resources-on-karabakh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. 
<div id="attachment_216610" style="width: 546px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216610" class=" wp-image-216610" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2014_Prowincja_Tawusz_Dilidzan_Minibus_na_przystanku_przy_drodze_M-4-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="536" height="357" />Bus stop in Armenia. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.</div>
Featured image: President Trump brokers peace deal with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister 
Nikol Pashinyan. Screenshot courtesy of the White House.]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:00:21 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/armenians-celebrate-trilateral-agreement-but-look-beyond-for-peace/</guid>
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<title>“Three open” prayers: a key to effective evangelism</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/three-open-prayers-a-key-to-effective-evangelism/</link>
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International (MNN) — Are you feeling discouraged because your prayers for loved ones seem to go unanswered? This is where Ron Hutchcraft with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/ron-hutchcraft-ministries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hutchcraft Ministries</a> shares his "three open" prayer approach.
The "three open" prayer is inspired by Paul’s request to God in Colossians 4:3-4:
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”
There are three doors that can be opened before a person receives the good news of Jesus Christ:
1. Lord, open a door of opportunity. "That's a natural opportunity for me to bring up my relationship with Jesus," explains Hutchcraft. "So, Lord, open the door. He'll do that."
2. Open their heart. "If You're putting them on my heart to talk to them, would You get their heart ready for when I do? Open their heart."
3. Open my mouth. "Give me the courage. Give me the words when it's the time. Give me the tone."
<div id="attachment_216654" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216654" class="size-medium wp-image-216654" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-harrisonhaines-2869565-300x200.jpg" alt="Pexels" width="300" height="200" />Open door (photo courtesy of Harrison Haines via Pexels)</div>
When those three doors open, it is a time to share your testimony with honesty and vulnerability. Authenticity is key, as it helps to break down defenses and opens hearts.
If you doubt whether your testimony is interesting enough, Hutchcraft recommends writing a few thoughts on this subject: If it weren't for Jesus, _____.
"Tell me about your lonely times, with no Jesus. Tell me about your depressing times, and there's no Jesus. Your world's falling apart, a relationship is broken. Tell me about bad news from the doctor, and there's no Jesus, and there's how about the funeral, and there's no Jesus," he says.
"Just begin to think: If it weren’t for Jesus, what difference is He making in your everyday life? That’s your story. That is your hope story!"
Once you’ve shared your testimony, you’re leading your friend or family to the One who changed you — Jesus! It’s His love in dying for your sins and His power in rising from the grave to transform your life.
But what if they aren’t moved? Hutchcraft says it’s not your burden to persuade, but to pray and share truth. God alone leads the rescue from beginning to end. Hutchcraft compares our teamwork with God to a glove:
<blockquote>
"You are just the glove. He is the hand! Gloves can't do anything unless they have a hand in them, and He will put His hand into the glove of your life, and your relationship, and your personality and deliver the good news of Jesus through you!"
</blockquote>
To learn more about reaching out to others, visit <a href="https://hutchcraft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hutchcraft Ministries</a>.
 
 
 
Girl holding an "Open" sign (Photo courtesy od Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels)
 ]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:00:39 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/three-open-prayers-a-key-to-effective-evangelism/</guid>
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<title>Palestinian Christian advocates appeal to US believers</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/palestinian-christian-advocates-appeal-to-us-believers/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Gaza (MNN) -- More Palestinian families <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/families-leave-gaza-city-after-night-bombardment-israelis-protest-2025-08-26/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flee Gaza City</a> as Israel prepares to launch a new offensive, targeting what it describes as Hamas’s last stronghold.
Israel <a href="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250826_17/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">faced international pushback</a> earlier this week for its military attack on a Gaza hospital. Known as a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-08-26-2025-0f1be1b4e3231e0cbec54ce837cc6af9?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-08-26-Breaking+News" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“double tap”</a> for its back-to-back strikes, the attack killed more than 20 people, including several journalists.
Protests took place in Israel yesterday as the families of hostages still held by Hamas <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/world/israel/israeli-protesters-hold-day-disruption-demand-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-d-rcna227171" target="_blank" rel="noopener">demanded their release</a> and called for an end to the war. Vowing to eradicate Hamas’s stronghold in Gaza, Israel is moving forward with <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-demonstrate-block-roads-at-start-of-nationwide-day-of-protests-for-hostages/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plans to conquer Gaza City.</a>
<div id="attachment_216627" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BBC_mass-at-Saint-Porphyrios-Orthodox-Church.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216627" class="size-medium wp-image-216627" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BBC_mass-at-Saint-Porphyrios-Orthodox-Church-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>A recent photograph taken during a mass at Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church. (Photo, caption courtesy of Bethlehem Bible College)</div>
Meanwhile, clergy and nuns from the Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches in Gaza City <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/residents-flee-as-palestinians-report-overnight-idf-shelling-of-gaza-city-outskirts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have made a bold decision</a>: they will stay within their church compounds, refusing to evacuate ahead of the looming offensive. Their mission is clear — to stand alongside and care for those who cannot escape.
Hundreds of Palestinian Christians are <a href="https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/qa-with-a-christian-still-in-gaza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">still sheltering in churches</a> they fled to at the start of the war in Gaza; it’s <a href="https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/dont-forget-pray-christians-gaza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">too difficult and dangerous</a> to leave. Advocates will soon speak on their behalf, and for Palestinian Christians in general, at an Illinois event organized by <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/bethlehem-bible-college/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bethlehem Bible College.</a>
Pastor and professor Munther Isaac says these advocates will talk to U.S. believers.
“We want to challenge them, ‘Do you care to listen to Palestinian Christians [about] our plights, our suffering, our perspective?’ This is our beginning point,” Isaac says.
<blockquote>
“Listen to Palestinian Christians because you’re talking about our livelihood.”
</blockquote>
The college is moving its annual conference from Bethlehem to the U.S. because of the war in Gaza. Typically, the event is called “Christ at the Checkpoint,” but this year’s shift in location and audience has it labeled <a href="https://churchatthecrossroads.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Church at the Crossroads.”</a>
Staff at Bethlehem Bible College – located just an hour’s drive from Gaza – have <a href="https://bethbc.edu/blog/2024/09/27/gazas-christians-in-the-face-of-war/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">firsthand connections</a> with Christians in the warzone.
“Bethlehem Bible College is a Palestinian Christian higher education theological institute that specializes in training leaders for ministry in the Palestinian context,” Isaac says.
“We believe this is an important role of our calling as an institution in Palestine, in Bethlehem, to advocate for justice and to challenge the approach of many Christians in the West about the land, about Palestinians, about Gaza, about Israel.”
<div id="attachment_216630" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BethBC.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216630" class="size-medium wp-image-216630" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BethBC-300x183.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="183" /></a>(Photo courtesy of Bethlehem Bible College)</div>
“Church at the Crossroads” will be held September 11-13 at Parkview Community Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. <a href="https://churchatthecrossroads.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more and register here.</a>
“I hope we have a good and honest conversation at that conference because the situation is urgent in Palestine,” Isaac says. “More importantly, we need to have an appropriate, urgent response to the crisis that is unfolding.”
 
 
 
Header image depicts a photo from the Gaza Strip courtesy Jaber Jehad Badwan via Wikimedia Commons. <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Forced_Displacement_of_Gaza_Strip_Residents_During_the_Gaza-Israel_War_23-25.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CC BY-SA 4.0)</a>]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:13 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/palestinian-christian-advocates-appeal-to-us-believers/</guid>
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<title>Gospel reaches Iranian homes through satellite TV – find out how!</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gospel-reaches-iranian-homes-through-satellite-tv-find-out-how/</link>
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Iran (MNN) — Despite government restrictions on media, Sama TV continues to broadcast in Iran.
State-run television in Iran has long been a tool of the government. Channels are filled with both open and subtle messages — Islamic future is the best for Iran, obey your leaders, and fear foreign influence. Yet amid the propaganda, a thin, bubbling stream of clean water flows: Christian satellite TV, offering the hope of the Gospel.
<div id="attachment_216645" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216645" class="size-medium wp-image-216645" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-ron-lach-9807277-300x200.jpg" alt="Pexels" width="300" height="200" />Photo courtesy of Ron Lach via Pexels</div>
Lana Silk from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/transform-iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transform Iran</a> says, “The only tool that seems to circumvent all these difficulties, and has done so for years, is satellite TV — a sure way to communicate uninterrupted with the masses in Iran, allowing people to access it without the government being able to stop them in any way.”
Sama TV has served as a media voice in Iran <a href="https://transformiran.com/our-work/media/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">since 2001</a>, producing over 5,000 programs broadcast daily via Mohabat TV on Hotbird 13A and E7B satellites. More than 16 million people are estimated to be watching. Click <a href="https://sama.tv/tag/%da%a9%d8%b4%db%8c%d8%b4-%d9%85%da%af%db%8c-%db%8c%d9%82%d9%86%d8%b8%d8%b1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here </a>to visit the Sama TV website!
The team also hopes to reach people in positions of power: “We put out some programs earlier this year that really challenged the government and said, ‘Look, the path that you are on is going to lead to this kind of war,’” explains Silk.
As Iranians face increasing persecution, Sama TV’s new program meets the people’s current spiritual needs. Silk says, “They're called ‘War or Peace, Win or Lose,’ and they really talk about what it looks like to be a Christian living in a wartime environment.”
“We identified that Iranians have many questions right now and a strong need for encouragement, guidance, and solid biblical teaching on how to navigate their current situation,” adds Silk.
The program addresses pressing questions: How should believers think and pray about their leaders and country? How can they face urgent needs while responding biblically to enemies, peace, and peacemaking? In a complex situation, they seek to discern what it means to live in a godly way.
Pray for the listeners and team — or sponsor a program! Visit <a href="https://transformiran.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transform Iran</a> to learn how.
<blockquote>
“The story is unfolding right before our eyes. And as Christians, we are called in the Word of God to be discerning of the times, to understand what God is doing, and to jump on board!” says Silk.
</blockquote>
 
 
 
Header representative photo (courtesy of cottonbro studio via Pexels)]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:28 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/gospel-reaches-iranian-homes-through-satellite-tv-find-out-how/</guid>
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<title>Church planter chooses 100% Muslim mission field</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/church-planter-chooses-100-muslim-mission-field/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Indonesia (MNN) — Who has God called you to bring the news of Jesus to? 
Church planters in Muslim-majority Indonesia have their work cut out for them. This is especially true in Aceh Province, located in northern Sumatra. The region is nearly 100% Muslim and has been governed under Sharia law for decades.
But right where it’s hardest to live for Christ is right where one Christian and his family have gone. Brian Dennett with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/amg-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AMG International</a> shares the story of a man we’ll call Dodi.
<div id="attachment_102414" style="width: 211px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-102414" class=" wp-image-102414" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/amgindonesiaNWsharingScriptures%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="280" />(Photo courtesy AMG International)</div>
“Dodi is not from Aceh. He’s from a different province, and he was blessed to be born into a Christian family. But prior to really coming to the Lord himself, he ran off to the big city of Jakarta,” Dennett says.
“Through many disappointments and really coming to recognize a profound emptiness in his life, he eventually fully accepted Jesus as his Savior, started going to church, and now has a passion for reaching his people with the gospel — eliminating that same emptiness that he had.”
Through his church, Dodi learned about AMG and a Bible school that they operate in Indonesia. He went through that Bible training and has been sent out along with his wife and family. 
<blockquote>
“He chose <a href="https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10144/ID" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Aceh people</a> because of that distinction of being so devoutly Muslim and [having] so few Christians. That became a burning challenge and passion for him,” says Dennett.
</blockquote>
Dodi and his wife have dedicated themselves to this mission. "They're planning and praying to open a house church in every village of the province of Aceh.”
It’s no small task. Aceh has a population of 5 million, Dennett says. Would you pray for more gospel workers like Dodi to go among the Aceh? Then pray about supporting gospel workers like them with AMG. 
Not all church planters in the region come from a Christian background like Dodi. But that can be a strength! “The effectiveness of using Muslim-background, local Christians to reach their own people just cannot be underestimated," says Dennett. "This works, and when approached with love and humility, many are open to hearing about Jesus.”
Find out the difference your gift can make in AMG’s Church Planting 2025 initiative <a href="https://amginternational.org/project/church-planting-0725" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. 
 
Header photo courtesy of AMG International. ]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:01 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/church-planter-chooses-100-muslim-mission-field/</guid>
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<title>Voice of the Martyrs Korea to add fifth daily broadcast to North Korea</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/voice-of-the-martyrs-korea-to-add-fifth-daily-broadcast-to-north-korea/</link>
<description>
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North Korea (VOMK) -- Voice of the Martyrs Korea announced that it is adding a fifth daily 30-minute broadcast to North Korea. That move comes as most government-sponsored broadcasts into the country by the United States and South Korea have been discontinued. Voice of the Martyrs Korea says that the new broadcast will consist of the sermons of early Korean Christians and an uninterrupted reading of the Bible.
Details about the new broadcast’s time, radio frequency, and launch date are being withheld for security reasons.
Voice of the Martyrs Korea CEO, Pastor Eric Foley, says that listening to Christian radio broadcasts is the most common religious activity among North Korean Christians.
“Based on our own religious experiences, we often assume that the most common religious activities of North Korean Christians would be things like gathering together for underground worship services or reading the Bible privately or praying,” said Pastor Foley. “But these kinds of activities are easily detectable by onlookers, because they are distinctly Christian activities. Even prayer is typically done in a certain posture, where the person sits a certain way, holds their hands a certain way, moves a certain way, and concentrates and whispers. On the other hand, listening to foreign radio broadcasts is also illegal, but it’s a far more common activity which is less obviously ‘Christian’ to onlookers, including other family members who may not be Christian.”
<div id="attachment_216584" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Volunteer-2-768x1024-1.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216584" class="wp-image-216584" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Volunteer-2-768x1024-1-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="400" /></a>NK defectors and South Korean volunteers record our shortwave radio broadcasts. (Photo, caption courtesy of VOM Korea)</div>
According to Pastor Foley, between 14 and 20 percent of North Koreans listen to foreign broadcasts through headphone radios purchased on the gray and black markets. He explains that because listening to such broadcasts can be done overnight in the dark in silence, it remains the primary way that North Koreans are able to access Christian content.
“Each time we meet North Koreans who are new to South Korea, about 30 percent of them have had some previous exposure to Christianity. The primary two means of that exposure cited by North Koreans are Christian radio broadcasts and Christian content sent by balloon,” says Pastor Foley. Foley says that meeting Christian workers during defection is also frequently cited as a source of Christian contact, but it is often less favorably regarded by North Koreans. “Often that kind of contact does not happen by choice but by necessity,” says Pastor Foley. “A North Korean may need a place to stay while trying to make money in China or may need help defecting. They meet a Christian broker or discipleship base leader, and they are then required to participate in certain religious activities in exchange for receiving the help they need. It’s very different than choosing to tune in a Christian radio broadcast or choosing to keep a Bible they find on the ground from a balloon launch.”
Pastor Foley says that when he and his wife, Voice of the Martyrs Korea Representative Dr Hyun Sook Foley, began their ministry 20 years ago, North Korean underground Christians made two requests of the couple.
“They asked us, ‘Please send Bibles by balloon, and please broadcast programs that help North Korean Christians understand Christian persecution biblically,” says Pastor Foley. He notes that balloons and radio have typically been used to send political messages or general news and information rather than content tailored for North Korean underground Christians.
“North Korean underground Christians expressed concern to us that much of the Christian radio broadcasting into North Korea is either the re-broadcasting of the regular preaching of South Korean pastors, which is difficult for them to understand both linguistically and conceptually, or it is content that says they are being persecuted because they have not repented of the idolatry of their ancestors,” says Pastor Foley.
He says that is why the ministry decided to broadcast the sermons of early Korean Christians, as recorded by Voice of the Martyrs Korea volunteers and students of its North Korean “Underground University” missionary training program for North Korean defectors.
“The life of the early Korean Christians is very similar to the life of underground North Korean Christians today,” says Pastor Foley. “The sermons of the early Korean Christians explain biblically that persecution is the result of faithful witness, not punishment for the actions of ancestors.”
<div id="attachment_216585" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/radio.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216585" class="size-medium wp-image-216585" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/radio-300x186.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="186" /></a>(Photo courtesy of VOM Korea)</div>
Pastor Foley says the sermons are broadcast Monday through Thursday, and the weekend broadcasts are readings of the whole Bible. “This enables North Korean Christians to make their own copies of the Bible by writing down what they hear, or simply to have a way to regularly hear the Bible. Very few broadcasts into North Korea contain only Bible reading, uninterrupted by sermons or teaching or other content.”
Pastor Foley says he believes the cessation of the government broadcasts to North Korea shows the difference in motivation of government and Christian broadcasters.
“For governments, sending information into countries changes as their strategic interests change,” says Foley. “Information is sometimes seen as a political tool for regime change or for applying pressure on human rights issues. For Christian broadcasters, the motivation is what the Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:2: ‘Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season’. Voice of the Martyrs Korea never broadcasts news, information, or politics. We simply preach the word. The cancellation of the government broadcasts means that more North Koreans than ever are likely to be exposed to the gospel, as fewer other options are now available for listening. That is why we are adding a fifth broadcast.”
Pastor Foley says his organization formerly aired five daily broadcasts but was forced to cut one due to a decrease in sponsorship. “Voice of the Martyrs Korea neither receives or accepts funds from governments or government-funded sources, but a drop in sponsorship a year ago led us to have to cancel one of our broadcasts,” says Pastor Foley. “We believe the time is right to add the broadcast back in, and we are trusting the Lord to continue to provide the funding resources.”
Individuals interested in hearing the Voice of the Martyrs Korea daily radio broadcasts into North Korea can <a href="http://www.podbbang.com/ch/1768188" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listen online here.</a> More information about Voice of the Martyrs Korea’s North Korea radio broadcasts is available <a href="http://www.vomkorea.com/radio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>
 
 
 
Header and story images courtesy of VOM Korea. ]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:40 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Clashes between protesters and police grip Serbia, derail academic year</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/clashes-between-protesters-and-police-grip-serbia-derail-academic-year/</link>
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Serbia (MNN) — Clashes between protesters and police<a href="https://apnews.com/article/serbia-protest-clashes-students-vucic-dacic-8efecd3866357f9a86bc1cb43f46cb78" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> continue to rock</a> the eastern European country of Serbia. Nationwide protests started last November after a subway roof collapsed in the city of Novi Sad, <a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/03/21/death-toll-from-serbia-s-station-roof-collapse-in-november-rises-to-16_6739387_4.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killing 16 people</a>.
Andre Marotto is the national director at <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/teachbeyond/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeachBeyond Serbia</a>. He says the subway tragedy ignited a backlog of frustration over increasing government control.
“Being a former socialist [country], the majority of telecommunication institutions, TV channels, have been still kind of controlled by the state,” he said. “The government has worked at length to secure their sphere of influence within major state-owned companies. The level of dissatisfaction, especially among business people, [with] the way the government has been working had been growing for many years.”
<div id="attachment_216596" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216596" class="size-medium wp-image-216596" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1620px-Protest_walk_in_Cacak_54322025116-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />February 2025 protest walk in Čačak, Serbia (Photo courtesy of Dejan Krsmanovic via Wikimedia Commons, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CC BY 2.0</a>)</div>
At first, demonstrations were politically neutral and peaceful. Marotto says that out of almost 200 cities in Serbia, 80 to 90% of the cities have joined those protests.
"We had probably the largest protest in Serbia in March, with <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2g8v32q30o">about 350,000 people</a>," Marotto said. Now in August, the number of daily protesters has decreased, "but it's still sizeable," he said.
“So many of the kind of good tricks in the ‘school book’ of how governments should handle protests have been tried and used,” Marotto explained. “In the last couple of months, the government has been more active in terms of <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/serbia-violent-anti-government-clashes-belgrade/a-73686153" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repressing</a> with some level of brutality, trying to dissuade people from coming to the streets.”
Students continue to protest at a high personal cost. Marotto explained that universities and schools have been on strike since November last year, since most of the protests are led by students. “Thousands of students have missed a whole or at least half of an academic year," he said.
Since Serbia’s constitution does not allow for religious schools, TeachBeyond Serbia can offer Christ-centered education only through informal projects. These projects might involve English camps or other activities connected to language learning, working alongside local partners.
“We've had a few partners that we have been working [with] faithfully. That's just good to see that God is opening doors for us to serve the local Christian community,” said Marotto. 
In the protests, pray for peaceful political change, but most importantly pray for revival! 
“We are also within a particular context, which is southeastern Europe and eastern Europe. [In] the whole European context, Christianity has been largely on decline in this continent,” Marotto said. 
Learn more about TeachBeyond <a href="https://teachbeyond.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. 
 
 
Header photo: Belgrade on the eve of the March 15, 2025 protest (Photo courtesy of Emilija Knezevic via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:54 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Deaf Christians equipped to reach Deaf communities</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/deaf-christians-equipped-to-reach-deaf-communities/</link>
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International (MNN) -- <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/deaf-educators-reverse-controversial-1880-decision/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yesterday’s report</a> highlighted the Milan Congress of 1880 and its harmful impact on Deaf education. Decisions made at Milan removed access to sign language, which stopped Deaf students from learning.
“Deaf friends of mine have talked about the experiences they had in Deaf schools where their hands were tied behind their backs, and their hands were beaten so that the children were not allowed to sign in class,” Rob Myers of <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/door-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DOOR International</a> says.
“Thankfully, that’s changed significantly, but the (Deaf) community is still reaping the repercussions of over 100 years of that happening within their community.”
Similarly, Deaf communities today are cut off from the Gospel because it’s not available in the language they understand best.
“Access to sign language means access to information,” Myers explains.
<blockquote>
“You have to have access to information in order to have access to the Gospel and to understand who Jesus is.”
</blockquote>
DOOR International meets this need by training Deaf missionaries and translating Scripture into sign languages. <a href="https://doorinternational.org/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More about that here.</a> As a Deaf-led organization, DOOR creates Gospel access by the Deaf, for the Deaf.
“DOOR has about 230 staff globally, and 85 percent of our staff are Deaf,” Myers says.
<div id="attachment_216590" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Burundi-teaching.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216590" class="size-medium wp-image-216590" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Burundi-teaching-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>A Deaf Gospel worker and Deaf students in Burundi. (Photo courtesy of DOOR International)</div>
Instead of imposing methods that work best in a hearing context, Deaf leaders at DOOR International teach other Deaf Christians how to share the Gospel in a Deaf way.
“We as hearing people have thought that Deaf people, because they can see, can read easily. Therefore, we just need to give them a written Bible for them to have access,” Myers says.
“[Instead,] they need access to God’s Word in their heart language, in sign language. They need somebody who is Deaf, who is trained to share the Gospel in a way that meets their language, culture, and context perfectly.”
<a href="https://doorinternational.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit DOOR’s website</a> to learn more about the needs of the global Deaf community, and consider partnering with DOOR International.
“There’s some great information from Deaf leaders in the field about how to effectively share the Gospel with Deaf people. There’s access to Scripture that’s been translated in case you run across a Deaf person and want to allow them to see Scripture in their own heart language,” Myers says.
“Deaf leaders across our organization would love for you to come alongside and partner with them in this amazing, effective work that they’re doing in over 30 countries.”
 
 
 
Header and story images courtesy of DOOR International. ]]>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:25 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>34 years of independence of Ukraine and its religious freedom</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/34-years-of-independence-of-ukraine-and-its-religious-freedom/</link>
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Ukraine (MNN) — Once called “opium for the people” by Soviets, Christianity became the strength that helped independent Ukraine endure.
On August 24, Ukraine marked 34 years of independence. These years have been a gradual rebuilding of national identity, language, and culture. Freedom came not only politically, but also spiritually, as the church — long persecuted under the USSR — was finally free. Vladimir Lenin’s famous line, “Religion is opium for the people,” had been the guiding philosophy behind decades of oppression.
When the Iron Curtain fell in 1991, the church could finally spread its wings.
Eric Mock from <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/slavic-gospel-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Slavic Gospel Association</a> says, “Ukraine, for the most part, was the Bible Belt of all the former Soviet Union countries [after 1991]. So, they were not only growing in their own country, but they were sending missionaries all over the world. And so, the church was thriving.”
<div id="attachment_216574" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216574" class="size-medium wp-image-216574" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-zvolskiy-11805519-300x200.jpg" alt="Pexels" width="300" height="200" />Ukrainian couple reunites during war (photo courtesy of Dmitry Zvolskiy via Pexels)</div>
The Ukrainian church, like the nation itself, entered a season of transformation. The collective trauma of persecution took time to heal, but the spread of the Gospel and sound teaching brought freedom to individuals and communities alike.
When war struck — first in 2014, then in 2022 — the churches reshaped their ministry to meet the need. “They did not flee,” says Mock, “but actually pushed towards the battle lines because people were needing hope.”
Slavic Gospel Association stood alongside Ukrainian Baptist churches. “[SGA] helped equip them with resources so they could minister to the people who had all hope ripped away from them, refugees or internally displaced people,” adds Mock.
Through practical aid and immediate relief, churches also shared the news that overshadowed every piece of bad news people could hear that day: the Gospel.
<blockquote>
“So in the midst of fighting for their independence, people were finding their independence in Christ,” he adds.
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_205769" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-205769" class="size-medium wp-image-205769" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/221227-SGA-Ukraine-War-Stories-12_17-Social-Post-1-WordPress-Preview-v1-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Slavic Gospel Association)</div>
Mock recalls asking one pastor in Chernihiv why he stayed. The pastor replied, “My people are here, therefore I will not go.” This kind of courage reflects biblical "love to one's neighbor", that shaped the role of many Ukrainian churches both before and after acquiring independence. Visit the <a href="https://www.sga.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Slavic Gospel Association</a> to learn more stories like this!
"As the Ukrainian people celebrate their Independence Day, Ukrainian believers — and all believers — can celebrate their independence from the shackles of this world, looking forward with hope and being united in the hardest of times by the hope we have in Jesus, knowing the best is yet to come," he adds.
Pray for the churches to find their place in Ukraine’s modern history and to be a beacon of hope for those desperate for good news.
 
 
Photo courtesy of Anastasiia Krutota via Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:38 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Battling for the true gospel in South Africa</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/battling-for-the-true-gospel-in-south-africa/</link>
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South Africa (MNN) — Countries just like people have reputations. But whether they’re known for good or bad, there’s always hope because God is always doing something behind the scenes. 
Take South Africa. In early 2025 it had <a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/top-10-african-countries-with-the-highest-crime-index-at-the-start-of-2025/92pzmft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the highest crime index</a> in all of Africa. Amid economic and poverty issues, the church is also battling the prosperity gospel, says Unathi Sithole with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/trans-world-radio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trans World Radio</a> Global.
“It doesn't teach the joy of, the privilege of, perhaps even sometimes the difficulties of suffering that we will experience in Christ Jesus,” she says.
<div id="attachment_215238" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-215238" class="size-medium wp-image-215238" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/m66team-300x225.jpg" alt="TWR, Trans World Radio, John-Paul Davies, Unathi Sithole" width="300" height="225" />The Mission 66 team (Photo courtesy of TWR)</div>
“People then come into contact with suffering. Suddenly, ‘Life isn't as I thought it would be. I don't have health, I don't have wealth, I don't have prosperity, I don't have all these things that I was told I was going to have because I've given my life to Jesus.’" Sometimes these people will turn away from following Christ. 
Yet there are churches in South Africa actively preaching the pure gospel, Sithole says. “We need to understand the gospel from the right perspective, and not just from the perspective of getting something from God, but that it also comes with offering up our lives to Him.”
In addition to faith-filled churches, God is using a new radio program called Mission 66 to spread His Word in South Africa. This conversational, <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/meet-mission-66-a-new-bible-study-radio-program/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chapter-by-chapter Bible study</a> is co-hosted by Sithole.
“We want people to really see that the Word of God is our source. It's our daily bread. It transforms our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit," she says. 
<h2>Find your place in the story</h2>
Please pray for believers and seekers in South Africa that the truth of the Word of God would prevail. Pray that people will not be led astray after promises of physical prosperity. 
Pray for listeners of Mission 66 to be drawn to the program and discover the TRUE eternal prosperity of knowing Christ. Ask God to prepare their hearts. 
“[I pray that] wherever they are in their lives, regardless of what they believe in at this time… [that] they would be able to hear the message of hope through the gospel,” says Sithole, “and that they’d be changed, that they would leave their old ways and come to know Jesus Christ, because He does have good plans for them.”
<a href="https://twr.org/programs/mission-66-global" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tune in here to listen to Mission 66 for yourself</a>. 
 
 
Header photo: The Regina Mundi Church in Soweto, South Africa (Photo courtesy of Asher Pardey via Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:55 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Deaf educators reverse controversial 1880 decision</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/deaf-educators-reverse-controversial-1880-decision/</link>
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International (MNN) -- Orchestrated by the International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED), the Milan Congress of 1880 caused massive damage to the global Deaf community.
Instead of using the sign language that was most natural to them, Deaf children were forced to learn using oral methods.
“Oral education is the idea of using lip reading and speech therapy rather than sign language,” <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/door-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DOOR International</a>’s Rob Myers explains,
“There were only one or two Deaf people out of hundreds of delegates in the room. The [Congress] decided that sign language education needed to be stopped and oral-only education needed to be emphasized. That destroyed the access to language and information for Deaf people,” he continues.
“Over about 40 years, from 1880 to 1920, about 80 percent of Deaf schools shifted from having sign language and oral education to just oral education only.”
The decision paralyzed Deaf education for generations. Think of gaining knowledge like a chain reaction, where one event sets off a sequence of similar events, much like how tipping over the first domino in a line causes all the others to fall.
<div id="attachment_216545" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bradyn-trollip-pxVOztBa6mY-unsplash.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216545" class="size-medium wp-image-216545" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bradyn-trollip-pxVOztBa6mY-unsplash-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /></a>(Photo courtesy of Bradyn Trollip/Unsplash)</div>
“In order to know anything, you need access to information. And in order to get access to information, you need access to language. That language domino for Deaf people comes from a Deaf school; it doesn’t come from their families,” Myers says.
<blockquote>
“Education in sign language is the key domino.”
</blockquote>
Because the Milan Congress removed the sign language domino, none of the other dominoes could fall. Deaf students couldn’t learn because they couldn’t get access to information.
Thankfully, teachers met this summer in Rome to reverse the 1880 decision. <a href="https://wfdeaf.org/24th-international-congress-on-the-education-of-the-deaf-iced/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More about that here.</a> It was a “very, very different meeting with many, many Deaf people present,” Myers says.
“Their emphasis was ‘We need to stop oral-only education, and recognize – as the United Nations has done, and as over 40 percent of the world’s countries have done – that sign language is the language of Deaf people, and they need access to it to have access to information.’”
We’ll explain the connection to Gospel work in tomorrow’s report.
“Many of us, as hearing people, want to see the Gospel come to everyone. We can make some great plans, thinking that we understand the needs of a community, when, in fact, we’re missing some of the basic needs. That’s unfortunately been true for the Deaf community for thousands of years,” Myers says.
 
 
 
Header image is a representative photo courtesy of DOOR International.]]>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:51 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Report shows thousands of Christians killed in Nigeria this year</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/report-shows-thousands-of-christians-killed-in-nigeria-this-year/</link>
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Nigeria (MNN) -- A new <a href="https://www.christianpost.com/news/over-7k-christians-killed-in-nigeria-so-far-in-2025-watchdog.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> reveals over 7,000 Nigerian Christians have been killed by Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen Islamists in the first 220 days of 2025.
The report was released by The Anambra-based International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), led by Christian criminologist Emeka Umeagbalasi. It also estimated "no fewer than 7,800 others were violently seized and abducted for being Christians."
<div id="attachment_172420" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-172420" class="size-medium wp-image-172420" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/vomTEENVICTIMSINNIGERIA-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />(Photo courtesy Voice of the Martyrs USA)</div>
<a href="https://cfaithinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christian Faith Ministries</a> serves in Benue, a state in North Central Nigeria. In early July, four of their members were tragically killed in an attack.
Ruth Hodge, who co-founded Christian Faith Ministries with her husband Kent, discussed the persecution facing Nigerian believers in a podcast interview with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/voice-of-the-martyrs-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Voice of the Martyrs Canada’s</a> Greg Musselman.
Ruth explains that many Christian villagers in Northern Nigeria have fled their homes and sought refuge in an old IDP (internally displaced people) camp. "That camp is occupied...but there's no aid going there. Mostly, the men are staying in the villages to protect them, to try to drive out the Fulani when they attack, and to try to continue farming."
Benue State is known as the food basket of Nigeria. "It's the most fertile state of the whole nation," says Ruth. "A lot of food is produced in Benue every year."
<blockquote>
However, violence and instability have devastated food production. "At the moment, nothing is coming out of Benue State. Very little food is coming out. The roads aren't safe. People are being kidnapped on the roads. Trucks -- if they're going out with the produce -- they're looted, they're stolen. The Fulani are well armed, full of ammunition, and the military is doing very little."
</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_171910" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-171910" class="size-medium wp-image-171910" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/vomnigeria-300x257.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="257" />(Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs USA)</div>
Even in the face of persecution, Nigerian Christians long for their attackers to hear the Gospel -- that even those who kill them might find salvation in Jesus Christ.
The provost of Christian Faith Ministries’ Bible school is ethnically Fulani, and Ruth notes, "We have about 50 Fulani students in our Bible school -- that's the ones I can think of immediately."
These Fulani believers are reaching their own people with the Good News of Jesus.
Please pray with them for Fulani Muslims to turn from violence to the forgiveness and joy of Christ. Ask God to give persecuted believers in Northern Nigeria wisdom and protection as they care for their villages and families. Pray for the Church to be a bold witness of faith in the fire.
 
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada.]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:00:33 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Mentorship modeled by Christ shapes the next generation of leaders in the MENA</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/mentorship-modeled-by-christ-shapes-the-next-generation-of-leaders-in-the-mena/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Middle East/North Africa (MNN) — According to studies done of Fortune 500 companies over the years, the majority of the most successful US businesses <a href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescommunicationscouncil/2022/05/19/does-mentoring-still-matter-for-fortune-500-companies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have mentorship programs.</a> Mentorship is baked into God’s success plan for the Church, too.
Fadi Sharaiha serves with the <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/mena-leadership-center/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MENA Leadership Center</a>. This fall, their Emerging Leaders Program has made strong mentor-mentee pairings for Christians from the Middle East and North Africa seeking to grow.
“[A] mentor is someone who has been in the field for some time with a track record of spiritual maturity, achievement, and professional conduct,” Sharaiha said. 
One such match is for an Arabic-speaking church plant in Europe.
<div id="attachment_198937" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-198937" class="size-medium wp-image-198937" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/MLC_header-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />(Photo courtesy of MENA Leadership Center)</div>
“They are trying to figure out what to do, what’s next for them, how to conduct the ministry in different levels,” Sharaiha said. “For them, we have someone who has been a pastor [and] who took care of pastors in Europe as well.”
Mentorship isn’t just for leaders. Jesus modeled personal discipleship in His earthly ministry, choosing twelve men and then three even more personally. That means investing spiritually in others is a call for every Christian, in big or small ways. 
“It's an open invitation from God Himself to us as people of the Church to be more aligned with His purposes and to be more aligned with His heart,” said Sharaiha. 
Sharaiha invites you to dive into both giving and receiving mentorship as part of the Body of Christ! 
“How are you using your time, gifts, and the history, the experience that you have? Are you using it for the glory of God — through mentorship as an example?” Sharaiha said. “The reason I think that the Lord created the whole Church as one body is that we help each other. We are there for each other.”
Interested to take discipleship a step further? <a href="https://menaleadershipcenter.com/partner-with-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reach out</a> to the MENA Leadership Center if you might be able to offer mentorship to a leader in the Middle East and North Africa. Or consider partnering with this ministry financially to <a href="https://menaleadershipcenter.com/partner-with-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sponsor</a> a life-giving mentorship already taking place.
 
 
 
Header photo courtesy of HIVAN ARVIZU @soyhivan/Unsplash.]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:00:38 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>New initiative trains teachers in life skills</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/new-initiative-trains-teachers-in-life-skills/</link>
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International (MNN) — <a href="https://setfreemin.org/">Set Free Global’s</a> ministries are growing. Over the next two weeks, a new initiative will take regenerative farming and use it as a tool for prosperity and gospel service.
The organization currently oversees 11 different schools in an East African country, attended by 5,000 students, many of whom have been orphaned in some way.
Jason Taylor, the new director at <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/set-free-ministries/">Set Free Global,</a> says, “We want to basically train the teachers and the staff on how to build a sustainable ministry.”
Working in the Kabakyala area, the new Kabakyala Farming Initiative will give teachers and students the skills to provide for themselves.
Set Free is sending two experts, Carl and Gene from Michigan and Colorado, to join two National experts, Martin and Julius, in leading a two-week conference for teachers.
<div id="attachment_216558" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216558" class="wp-image-216558 size-medium" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/m-abnodey-yli2L4uoiV8-unsplash-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />Teachers in East Africa will learn about regenerative farming. Photo by M abnodey on Unsplash.</div>
All four have decades of experience in regenerative farming and will teach from a biblical worldview.
The teachers will learn to grow plants and food, creating a year-round supply to keep ministry costs down. The main reason, however, is to empower students to provide for themselves.
“We're training the teachers so that they can pass it down to the students that they are responsible for,” says Taylor. “That way, as our students go through our schools, say they graduate from our vocational high school, when they leave that school, they will at least have the basic training on how to live an independent life and feed themselves.”
“We're building less dependency on the United States and organizations, " says Taylor.
Though ministries will continue to support the work, they want people to be able to care for themselves.
“In this case,” says Taylor, “Teach them how to grow plants and food that will feed them and keep them physically healthy and ultimately spiritually healthy as they learn the biblical principles behind why we're doing this.
Please pray for the four men leading this training for safe flights and that the Lord would use their words to teach clearly. Pray that this new initiative will be a blessing for school staff in the short term and will bless the children in the long term.
(Photo courtesy of Set Free) ]]>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:00:57 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Attacks leave Druze, Christian minorities vulnerable in Syria</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/attacks-leave-druze-christian-minorities-vulnerable-in-syria/</link>
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Syria (MNN) -- Tensions in Syria are rising, and the Druze – one of the country’s smallest minorities – are caught in the middle.
The Druze are both an ethnic people group and a religious offshoot of Islam. There are also ethnically Druze Christians.
Reports say about 1,000 Druze were <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/07/26/world-news/terrified-druze-christians-speak-out-after-deadly-violence-in-syria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">massacred</a> recently. But Pierre Houssney with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/horizons-international/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Horizons International</a> says, according to his local Druze sources, "It was really more like 3,000 people that were killed in clashes between the extremist factions that claim to be government and the Arab Bedouins and the Druze.
<blockquote>
"There's a lot of ethnic tension right now, and definitely minorities throughout Syria are feeling very vulnerable."
</blockquote>
Why now? Houssney says a lot of the tension comes in the wake of the latest government transition after former President Bashar al-Assad's ouster. In the chaos, extremist groups see an opportunity for power through violence.
<div id="attachment_216533" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216533" class="size-medium wp-image-216533" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/mahmoud-sulaiman-3N3O8YBdYKs-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />A gathering of the people and residents of Daraa city in Al-Karama and Al-Hurriya Square after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. (Caption, photo courtesy of Mahmoud Sulaiman/Unsplash)</div>
Houssney shares from Druze Christians, "They are not confident that this new leader of Syria is actually walking the walk that he's talking. So he's saying that Syria is for everyone [and] Syrian Christians should be protected and all of that, and all the minority groups will be just fine. But at the same time, he's not protecting them."
The Druze militia has taken a defensive stance against their attackers, and there are even talks of seeking independence.
Houssney says, "The Druze are currently arming themselves, organizing themselves, and bracing to repel any attack or encroachment. One Druze leader that I'm in touch with actually said that there's no way that the Druze community is going to accept being part of the new Syria that emerges after all this."
Please pray for an end to the violence, and for Druze and Syrian Christians to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel amidst unrest. Pray for believers to point the Druze people ultimately to spiritual freedom in Christ.
"My hope is to share those personal connections and what I'm hearing from Druze people on the ground, especially the believers, and just pass that on to the world, because news that you can trust these days is very difficult to find." Houssney adds, "That's part of why I appreciate Mission Network News."
 
 
Header photo: Ein Al-Asad, a Druze locality on a hillside. (Photo courtesy of Levi Meir Clancy/Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:00:40 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>A translated Bible that led an Iranian Kurdish man to Christ</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/a-translated-bible-that-led-an-iranian-kurdish-man-to-christ/</link>
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Iran (MNN) — Kurds make up to <a href="https://minorityrights.org/communities/kurds-4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 per cent</a> of Iran’s population, which means there’s a good chance you’ll meet a Kurd in ten strangers on the street. Yet, despite this vibrant culture, the regime treats them as unwanted.
Nazanin Baghestani from <a href="https://www.heart4iran.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heart4Iran</a> highlights the stark contrast between the way Persians and the government treat Kurds. “The people are so welcoming. You know, the Persians welcome all ethnicities, but the government is really against the Kurds, because some are Sunnis,” she explains, noting that the government is Shia.
<div id="attachment_216520" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-216520" class="size-medium wp-image-216520" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-peyvandpezeshki-28375099-300x200.jpg" alt="Pexels" width="300" height="200" />Kurdistan Province, Iran (photo courtesy of Peyvand Pezeshki via Pexels)</div>
Consequently, Kurds face systematic abuse. “There's so much poverty among them, unemployment and even lack of services, lack of health insurances and they have to suffer through all this,” she adds.
Christian Kurds face a double threat: both for their ethnicity and their conversion from Islam. Baghestani recalls tragic events affecting some believers: “The ones who smuggled Bibles through the border inside the country get shot by the secret police.”
Yet, there is a plentiful harvest among Kurds.
Heart4Iran provides a way for Iranians to contact them and ask burning questions. Nazanin says that out of 3,000–4,000 calls, 100 are from Kurds. Of those, 70 per cent give their heart to Christ!
Their testimonies help shape outreach events, tailored to the needs of Kurds living in a stateless, rights-deprived environment. But the surest way to capture a Kurd’s attention from the first word is to speak in their language.
Take this man, for example:
<blockquote>
“He came to Christ because he read a Kurdish Gospel, and he was so surprised that the Gospel was translated to Kurdish language, and he felt at home.” 
</blockquote>
He felt important, cared for, and valued — because someone had taken the time to translate the Gospel into his language.
“It was heartwarming to see how happy he was to read the Gospel in his own language,” Baghestani adds.
As Heart4Iran engages with many Iranians, you can support them by visiting their <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/heart4iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website </a>or reading their news to know how to pray.
One of Baghestani’s biggest requests is for more local workers: “Pray for those Pauls and Peters to come out of the Kurdish people, and they will go and preach the Gospel to their own people.”
 
 
 
 
Representative header photo of a Kurd courtesy of Dastan Khdir via Pexels.]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:00:31 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Wanted: Disciple-makers within and outside of prisons</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/wanted-disciple-makers-within-and-outside-of-prisons/</link>
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United States (MNN) — A disciple-making movement is underway in one eastern Washington State prison facility. Its leaders are not volunteers but inmates!
Kathleen Retan with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/prisoners-for-christ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prisoners for Christ</a> (PFC) says that a few years ago, an inmate named Darryl was receiving discipleship from multiple ministries, including PFC. He decided it was time to take responsibility for gospel ministry in his facility. 
Today, Darryl and a group of fellow believers call themselves Table Time Ministries. The name is a riff on a well-known prison reality in which s the tables in shared spaces are staked out by different people.
<div id="attachment_212792" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-212792" class="size-medium wp-image-212792" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250112_213244-200x300.jpg" alt="Pexels" width="200" height="300" />(Photo courtesy of Ivan Samkov via Pexels)</div>
“Their emphasis is very much on being models within the prison, models of the way Jesus Christ would want them to act and to live,” said Retan. “This is not just to other inmates, but specifically for staff to see that too.” 
The men in Table Time meet for three hours on Saturdays, sponsored by PFC. Volunteers with PFC lead one hour, but a full two hours are for Table Time's cell-to-cell outreach planning, Bible study, community, and more.
<blockquote>
“When you have the inmate-initiated discipleship, you're able to tap into a passion for other inmates as well as a shared cultural experience that volunteers can’t match either,” said Retan. “That gives me a lot of hope for what the Holy Spirit's going to do in this work.” 
</blockquote>
This good news is a call to action! Inmates around the world need discipleship before they can become disciplers themselves. That often means a fellow Christian must come to serve them first. 
“So many of us think of the work of the church [as if] it should be done by the pastors and the elders, the deacons, and we sit in the pews,” said Retan. “Well, the inmates can be the same way. They need to have it awakened to them that they need to be the ‘inside church’ themselves and not leave ministry up to the organizations, the volunteers alone.” 
Think God might be calling you to prison ministry? Prisoners for Christ is dedicated to taking the gospel into jails, prisons, and juvenile institutions in more than 30 countries worldwide, including the US. <a href="https://www.prisonersforchrist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact PFC</a> today to learn more and find resources about this work wherever you are. 
 
 
The header photo is courtesy of Donald Tong/Pexels.]]>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:00:25 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Look for spiritual not political change in Iran</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/look-for-spiritual-not-political-change-in-iran/</link>
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<![CDATA[
Iran (MNN) — It’s been nearly two months since the Israel-Iran ceasefire took effect. Iran’s regime is fragile but has not collapsed. Instead, crackdowns have brought <a href="https://iranhumanrights.org/2025/07/iran-political-death-sentences-surge-in-brutal-crackdown-on-minorities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mass arrests and even executions</a>.
<div id="attachment_206879" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-206879" class="size-medium wp-image-206879" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/hamid-mohammad-hossein-zadeh-hashemi-LrO_cnq7aJQ-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="stock photo, Unsplash, Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran September 22, 2020" width="300" height="200" />Photo of Tehran, Iran courtesy of Hamid Mohammad Hossein Zadeh Hashemi via Unsplash.</div>
According to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, <a href="https://articleeighteen.com/news/16285/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 50 Christians</a> are among those who have been arrested since the June 24 ceasefire.
Nazanin Baghestani with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/heart4iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heart4Iran</a> says the regime’s strategy of fear is working.
“People are afraid to call. People are afraid to talk to us. All their phone calls, all their apps are being tapped. Everything is monitored, and people inside the country have lost their hope.” 
Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/news/the-regime-the-prince-and-freedom-for-iran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">led public dialogue</a> on what a democratic Iran could look like. But Baghestani says politics are not the real frontline for the Church.
“Even if Reza Pahlavi comes on the scene, it doesn't mean that the root of Islam is broken. It's still there, and the persecution and the hardships will still be there,” she said. 
<blockquote>
“We should pray that in spite of all this darkness, people will see the Lord.” 
</blockquote>
Heart4Iran broadcasts Christian satellite TV into Iran, a medium that the Iranian government can’t so easily control. It’s a lifeline for isolated believers. So is the work of Heart4Iran’s call center team. They are carefully reaching out to Iranians. 
One man they connected with told them, “I see this as a sign from God that He still loves me.” 
One woman was overjoyed and said, “This is the first time I'm speaking to a Christian. We don't know any Christians here, but we [have been] watching your channels for four years, and this is the first time I've called. I am so happy that I'm talking with a Christian.”
They are also seeing God do miracles! One widow reached out to the Heart4Iran team in desperate need of money and daily provisions.
<div id="attachment_192252" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-192252" class="size-medium wp-image-192252" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/H4I_story-image-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />(Photo courtesy of Heart4Iran)</div>
“Of course, we cannot help her from here. We prayed for her. We encouraged her to believe in the Lord,” said Baghestani. “Unexpectedly, she received money from [a] far relative who owed her [late] husband. He paid the amount that he owed out of nowhere.”
Praise God for sending hope to His people. Pray for great spiritual awakening in Iran. Pray for protection for Iranian Christians, that they will not be discovered by authorities. 
“[We are] praying for hope, courage, strength, that in spite of all their disappointments, all their hardships, the inflation, the arrests, the tensions, the fear…that they will have hope and they will press on,” says Baghestani. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Header photo is an image capture courtesy of Heart4Iran.
 
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:54 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/look-for-spiritual-not-political-change-in-iran/</guid>
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<title>Prayers for India while awaiting the CPC list</title>
<link>https://www.mnnonline.org/news/prayers-for-india-while-awaiting-the-cpc-list/</link>
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India (MNN) — Despite the <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/publications/indias-state-level-anti-conversion-laws" target="_blank" rel="noopener">creation and execution of oppressive anti-conversion</a> laws being established in India over the last two years, the U.S. State Department has not added India to its <a href="https://www.state.gov/countries-of-particular-concern-special-watch-list-countries-entities-of-particular-concern/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Countries of Particular Concern list</a>.
The Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) is a list for which the U.S. president is required to annually review the status of religious freedom in every country in the world and designate each country where the government has engaged in or tolerated “particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”
The State Department's Religious Freedom Report was not updated last year and has yet to be updated in 2025. The latest CPC list from 2023 excludes India; however, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) includes India on its recommended <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/countries/2025-recommendations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) and Special Watch List (SWL)</a>.
With the rise of anti-conversion laws in several Indian states, attacks against Christians have climbed to an average of twice a day. 
<a href="https://www.biblesfortheworld.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bibles For The World (BFTW)</a> had hoped that the new U.S. administration would revive work on religious freedom issues. It remains their prayer that the U.S. government will bring these human rights issues into focus and deal with this religious persecution and loss of religious freedom.
John Pudaite with <a href="https://www.mnnonline.org/mission_groups/bibles-for-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BFTW</a> says, “We're seeing that from some of our partners, where before they were very willing to take large amounts of scripture from us, whether the gospel of John, (or) New Testaments for New Believers, (we’re) starting to see them lowering their orders or requests. Some of them are just saying, ‘We can't do this right now.’ And that's that's pretty shocking, because most of these were pretty bold in their faith and their outreach and evangelism.”
Pudaite said these Christians are on the front lines.
<div id="attachment_211642" style="width: 282px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-211642" class=" wp-image-211642" src="https://www.mnnonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/441462466_754206130227206_1948133650253004549_n-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="272" height="272" />There is an openness to the gospel in India. (Photo courtesy of Bibles for the World)</div>
“We're just hoping and praying that under the Trump administration this will shift back toward bringing (India) into focus as a country that really needs to live by its constitution, which guarantees religious freedom for all of its citizens,” says Pudaite.
While Christians face religious persecution in the country, there is also new openness to the Gospel. Pudaite says that people see the regime in power is not reaching down to them and considering them.
Instead, “They're responding to what they see: The love of Christ coming through the Christians there in India,” says Pudaite.
Please pray for the protection of Christians in India. Pray that they will continue to be strong in their faith, outreach, and in their ministries. Pray that as God opens the hearts of Indians to the Gospel, He will guide world leaders to advocate for minorities in India.
 
(Photo by Naveed Ahmed on Unsplash)]]>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:51 -0400</pubDate>
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