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Good news and the persecuted church, from around the world

SermonWave World News

Thursday, November 12, 2026 Updated 9:30 PM Central Time 820 stories

Reported in 한국어

Stories first published in 한국어, summarized in your language.

Good news

Charity group gives transplant funds to kidney failure patient

Christian Today Korea (크리스천투데이) South Korea

The Love Organ Donation Movement Foundation in South Korea has provided 4 million won to Kang Jong-woo, a 43-year-old man who suffered from chronic kidney failure for 11 years. The funds cover part of his recent kidney transplant surgery costs. Kang was diagnosed with diabetes complications at age 19 and underwent regular dialysis until receiving an organ from a brain-dead donor in September. The charity says the donation helps alleviate the financial burden on patients who might otherwise delay treatment. Kang expressed gratitude to the donor's family and supporters, hoping to return to work and enjoy normal life after recovery.

Translated from 한국어

Good news

Hope Cup 2027 Team Departs for International Soccer Tournament in Seoul

Christian Today Korea (크리스천투데이) South Korea

World Vision Korea selected twelve migrant-background children for the 2027 Hope Cup, an international soccer tournament scheduled for May 2027 in Seoul. The team departed on October 30 ahead of the event at Hwacheong Sports Complex. The program aims to help children from ten countries discover their potential through sports. Notably, David, a player from Uzbekistan, recovered from a 2024 injury with sponsor support to join the squad. World Vision Chairman Choi Chang-nam and sponsor Park Jeong-ho emphasized the importance of continued support for these youths to build confidence and pursue broader dreams through the global exchange.

Translated from 한국어

Good news and persecution

Charity Develops Alert System for Christians in Persecuted Region

Kidok Ilbo (기독일보) Nigeria

A humanitarian group led by a prominent radio host is creating an alert system to help Christians in a West African nation escape violence. The leader stated that this region is the organization's most urgent concern. He donated a significant sum to the charity’s fund during an anniversary event in a city in Texas. The group previously evacuated people from Afghanistan in 2021. The alert system aims to provide escape options without forcing communities to abandon their homes to Islamist militants and armed bandits. He warned that religious persecution could eventually impact the United States and urged Americans to support persecuted believers overseas.

Translated from 한국어

Persecuted church

Family honors martyr Tack Myung-hwan at Korean Christian Martyrs Memorial

Kukmin Ilbo Mission (국민일보 미션) South Korea

The family of Tack Myung-hwan, former director of the International Institute for Religious Studies, honors his legacy at the Korean Christian Martyrs Memorial in Yongin, South Korea. His wife, Kim Chun-sim, and their three children visit the site to pay respects. The memorial features a stele inscribed with Isaiah 41:10 and displays his portraits and books. While supporters view him as a martyr who died defending the faith against heresy, critics label him a 'heresy hunter.' His children emphasize his dedication to his family and his belief that only God's evaluation matters, reflecting his calm approach to the threats he faced during his research activities. (Source: Kukmin Ilbo Mission)

Translated from 한국어

Good news

Mongolian Churches in Korea Mark 30 Years of Mission

Kukmin Ilbo Mission (국민일보 미션) South Korea

Mongolian Christian groups in South Korea celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Korean Mongolian Church. Events took place in Seoul from late October to early November, organized by the Korean Mongolian Christian Union and other partners. The movement began in 1996 and now includes 65 congregations in Korea and 25 in Mongolia. A seminar highlighted a shift in mission focus from laborers to students, as the student population grew significantly. Participants emphasized the need to adapt to changing demographics. A commemorative book detailing the history and survey results was also released.

Translated from 한국어

Good news

Mokja Foundation Completes 100th Small Church Renovation in South Korea

Christian Today Korea (크리스천투데이) South Korea

The Mokja Foundation celebrated its 100th small church renovation project on November 4 at Eunhae Church in Nonsan, South Korea. The initiative, led by Chairman Il-rae Jo, aims to support struggling congregations through free construction and volunteer labor. The Jeokdang Missionary Association handled the physical work for the Eunhae Church, which had been neglected by Pastor Myung-sook Shim. This milestone marks seven years since the foundation began its efforts. Jo stated that the organization hopes to eventually renovate 1,000 churches and expand spiritual revival movements globally. The event included worship services and recognition for the volunteers involved in the project.

Translated from 한국어

Illustrative photo: a young boy standing in a muddy field
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by SANDY HIBBARD on Unsplash
Good news

Bucheon Sejong Hospital Performs Heart Surgeries on Three Cambodian Children

Kukmin Ilbo Mission (국민일보 미션) Cambodia

Bucheon Sejong Hospital in South Korea successfully treated three Cambodian children with congenital heart defects through a medical aid initiative. The hospital announced on November 5 that doctors performed tailored surgeries on patients aged two, nine, and fourteen. The medical team, supported by the Salvation Army Korea and hospital donations, addressed conditions including pulmonary stenosis and septal defects. The children have recovered and returned home. Hospital director Myeong-muk Lee stated the facility will continue providing specialized care to overseas patients who lack access to treatment in their home countries. This effort highlights cross-border healthcare cooperation between South Korea and Cambodia.

Translated from 한국어

Persecuted church

South Korean President Urges Strict Enforcement at Love World Church Site

Kukmin Ilbo Mission (국민일보 미션) South Korea

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a redevelopment site in Seoul's Seongbuk District on November 4, demanding strict legal enforcement against Love World Church. The church has delayed the Jangwi Zone 10 project for years by resisting eviction despite court orders. The president stated that breaking the law does not grant immunity. He instructed local officials to execute the law firmly, emphasizing that no one is above legal authority. The visit also highlighted the government's push to accelerate public redevelopment projects to increase housing supply and reduce corruption risks associated with private development delays.

Translated from 한국어

Persecuted church

Church Media Group Says Schools Cannot Restrict Student Religious Freedom

Christian Today Korea (크리스천투데이) South Korea

The Korean Church Media Council issued a statement on November 4 regarding an incident at a primary school in Daejeon. A teacher stopped a student from reading the Bible during break time, citing religious neutrality. The group argues that schools lack the authority to limit individual religious freedom, noting the student did not disrupt classes or force beliefs on others. They cite constitutional protections and education laws to assert that neutrality applies to the institution, not the student. The Council urges the Ministry of Education to investigate the violation of basic rights and establish clear guidelines to prevent similar overreach in the future.

Translated from 한국어

Good news

Conflict Resolution Christian Alliance launches headquarters in Seoul

Christian Today Korea (크리스천투데이) South Korea

The Conflict Resolution Christian Alliance has officially launched its general headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, to address deepening social divisions. The group aims to promote national unity and church reconciliation amid rising political polarization and generational conflict. According to recent polls, a large majority of citizens view these divisions as severe, with the Korea Development Institute estimating significant economic costs. The launch ceremony took place on the 4th at Jungang Sungkyol Church in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Attendees displayed stickers promoting unity and participated in worship services led by various church leaders to demonstrate their commitment to healing societal rifts.

Translated from 한국어

Persecuted church

Daejeon elementary school apologizes for stopping Bible reading

Christian Today Korea (크리스천투데이) South Korea

S Elementary School in Daejeon, South Korea, has apologized to a parent after a teacher intervened during a break to stop students from reading the Bible together. The school's vice principal stated on November 3 that the principal and he met with the parent to apologize and promised to prevent future incidents. The school also conducted internal training for staff on political and religious neutrality. The vice principal emphasized that students should be allowed to discuss faith during free time and described the incident as a positive opportunity to reinforce the importance of religious freedom and basic rights for both parents and teachers.

Translated from 한국어

Good news

Love Shelter Church Wins Award for 27 Years of Free Meals

Kukmin Ilbo Mission (국민일보 미션) South Korea

Love Shelter Church in Seoul, South Korea, has received the first Community Mission Service Award from the Holy Holy Church denomination. Founded in 1999 by Pastor Geun-soo Lee, the small congregation has provided meals to approximately 500,000 people over 27 years. The church primarily serves isolated elderly residents through on-site dining and delivery services. Despite personal health challenges and the pandemic, the ministry has continued its outreach. The award recognizes the church's consistent dedication to social welfare and community care in the Gangseo district.

Translated from 한국어Also reported by 1 other outlet

Good news

Oh Jeong-hyun Elected International President of World Reformed Fellowship

Kukmin Ilbo Mission (국민일보 미션) South Korea

Oh Jeong-hyun, pastor of Love Church in South Korea, has been elected as the international president of the World Reformed Fellowship (WRF). The appointment was announced on November 4 during the organization's seventh Seoul General Assembly. This marks the first time a Korean pastor has held such a prominent leadership role within the global body. Oh expressed his commitment to helping the Korean church renew its focus on scripture and to inspire global Reformed churches to restore their passion for God. WRF President Robert Norris highlighted the significance of this election, noting the shift of Christian dynamism to the Global South and expressing hope for positive change worldwide through the Korean church.

Translated from 한국어

Good news

Holy Seeds Church Donates 70 Million Won to Veterans' Families in Seoul

Kukmin Ilbo Mission (국민일보 미션) South Korea

Holy Seeds Church in Seoul donated 70 million won to support vulnerable veterans' families. The donation, presented on November 2 at the Seoul Regional Veterans Affairs Office, included 20 million won in scholarships for children of national merit and 50 million won worth of care packages. Pastor Seo Dae-cheon and HSS students delivered the funds raised from a recent charity bazaar. Seoul Regional Veterans Affairs Office Director Lee Seung-woo thanked the church for its support. The church continues its community service through annual visits to war memorials and local aid efforts.

Translated from 한국어

Good news

Pastor Jeong Seok-yong to speak at Daniel Prayer Meeting in Seoul

Christian Today Korea (크리스천투데이) South Korea

Pastor Jeong Seok-yong of Saeil Methodist Church will deliver a testimony at the fourth day of the 2026 Daniel Prayer Meeting on November 4 in Seoul, South Korea. The event, held at Oryun Church in Gangdong-gu, features prayers for the Daejeon region, including spiritual unity among churches and economic growth. The gathering also includes intercessory prayers against cults and false teachings. The meeting runs from November 1 to 21 and is broadcast live on YouTube to a global audience. The next day, Pastor Kwon Jun of Seattle Brothers Church will speak on enduring difficult times.

Translated from 한국어

Good news

Korean-Mongolian Church Marks 30 Years with Seoul Conference

Kukmin Ilbo Mission (국민일보 미션) South Korea

Representatives from Korean-Mongolian Christian groups gathered in Seoul from late October to early November to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Korean-Mongolian Church. The event, hosted by the Korean-Mongolian Christian Federation and MOSTA, included seminars and worship services at Chunghyeon Church and Total Theological Seminary. While the community has grown to 65 congregations in Korea and 25 in Mongolia, leaders noted that the number of believers remains around 1,000. Attendees emphasized shifting focus toward the increasing population of Mongolian students and discipleship rather than mere church growth.

Translated from 한국어

Good news

Japan Korea YMCA marks 120th anniversary with peace declaration

Kukmin Ilbo Mission (국민일보 미션) Japan

The Japan Korea YMCA is celebrating its 120th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony in Tokyo on November 5. Organized by the Seoul YMCA, the event honors the organization's history of supporting Korean students and advocating for independence, including its role in the 1919 February 8th Declaration. The group also released a future declaration and a commemorative photo album to highlight its ongoing commitment to youth development, Korean diaspora rights, and fostering reconciliation and peace between Japan and South Korea.

Translated from 한국어

Persecuted church

Pakistan blasphemy cases drop but Christians remain vulnerable

Christian Today Korea (크리스천투데이) Pakistan

Pakistan reported only 13 blasphemy allegations this year, a notable drop from previous years, according to International Christian Concern. This decline is attributed to military crackdowns on hardline Islamist groups, which also reduced related violence. However, ICC warns that underlying laws remain unchanged, leaving religious minorities, particularly Christians, at risk of false accusations and mob attacks. A recent incident in a city in Pakistan involved a Christian family targeted by a mob, though police intervened. Despite fewer cases, experts caution that the legal framework enabling such abuses persists, leaving vulnerable communities at continued risk.

Translated from 한국어

Good news and persecution

UNHCR Reports 5.8 Million Refugee Children Out of School in 2025

Christian Today Korea (크리스천투데이) United States

The UN Refugee Agency announced that 5.8 million refugee children of school age were unable to attend school in 2025, representing 44 percent of the global total. While higher education enrollment saw a historic rise to 11 percent, access remains critically low in low-income and conflict-affected regions, where only 2 percent of refugee students enroll in higher education. UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih urged nations to invest in educational systems to help these children contribute to society. The agency plans to collaborate with partners to expand university access and vocational training by 2030.

Translated from 한국어

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