Good news and the persecuted church, from around the world
Friday, November 13, 2026 Updated 7:30 PM Central Time 957 stories
Stories first published in 한국어, summarized in your language.
Reports indicate North Korean hackers stole billions in cryptocurrency, funding weapons programs, while forced laborers in Russia face exploitation. In South Korea, a North Korean defounder died alone, highlighting support gaps. Meanwhile, US authorities investigate non-citizen voting in elections. These issues raise concerns about security, human rights, and democratic integrity.
The Korean team for the 2027 Hope Cup departed on November 2, according to Kukmin Ilbo. The Hope Cup is a global youth development program launched by the NGO Hope Bridge (Kiagdaek) in 2016. It uses soccer and cultural exchange to help children discover their potential. The upcoming tournament, the fourth edition, will take place in South Korea in April 2027. Participants include children from ten countries, such as Nepal, Ghana, and Thailand. The Korean squad consists of 12 children with migrant backgrounds. Matches are scheduled for May 13 to 15 at Hyochang Stadium in Seoul. The organization hopes the event provides a chance for children to experience a broader world.
In South Korea, researcher Tak Myeong-hwan suffered serious injuries after being stabbed by unidentified assailants in October 1992. The attack occurred shortly after he publicly debunked the false rapture claims of a doomsday group that had caused widespread social disruption. According to the Kukmin Ilbo Mission, Tak had been a target of repeated threats and violence from extremist groups since the 1980s. Despite his injuries, he recovered in time to attend his son's wedding. The incident highlights the dangers faced by those exposing harmful religious movements in the region.
Jang Jong-hyun, founder of Baekseok Academy, explains in his new memoir that the institution blends revival spirituality with Reformed theology. He credits youth revival meetings led by Pastor Kim Young-chul at Seonggeo Mountain for his spiritual awakening. Later, he studied Reformed theology at Daehan Theological Seminary under professors Choi Soon-jik and Kim Jun-sam. The two traditions merged when these professors joined the new school in 1981. The article highlights how these influences shaped the academy's founding principles and educational mission in South Korea.
The Center for Global Impact held its 50th World Church Growth Conference in Seoul, South Korea, on November 31. The event, also marking Hansaegyeo’s 73rd anniversary, featured sermons by CGI President Lee Young-hoon and Colombian pastor John Milton Rodriguez. Approximately 6,000 attendees filled the Jamsil Students’ Gymnasium, while over 20,000 joined via broadcast from Yeouido Yoido Full Gospel Church. President Lee Jae-myung sent a congratulatory message praising the organization’s growth. The gathering emphasized spiritual renewal and global church expansion, with future conferences scheduled for Colombia and Indonesia.
Pro-life organizations, including ProLife and the Catholic Bishops' Conference, held a rally on October 31 in Seoul to oppose the government's plan to introduce abortion pills. The government aims to roll out the medication by early 2027 for pregnancies under nine weeks. Organizers argue the drug ends fetal life and criticize the move as rushed. Speakers, including doctors and religious leaders, emphasized protecting both women and fetuses. They demanded the government halt the introduction, ensure transparent safety data, and provide better support for pregnant women instead.
Baekseok University in Cheonan, South Korea, celebrated its 50th anniversary on November 30. Students recited a declaration affirming that true life comes from Jesus. The institution grew from a small 1976 seminary in Seoul to a major university system. Leaders emphasized preserving its Christian mission while leading ethical AI innovation. Founders and officials highlighted the school's impact on youth and its enduring faith-based educational values.
World Vision, an international relief NGO, hosted a worship concert with the praise team Gifted on November 31 at Dongshung Church in Seoul, South Korea. The event aimed to share God's love and raise awareness for children in need globally. Attendees participated in praise, sermons, and interactive booths highlighting issues like child marriage. The organization emphasized collaboration with the Korean church to promote child protection and compassion through cultural and religious activities. This initiative seeks to encourage believers to engage with global humanitarian efforts and support vulnerable children through prayer and understanding. The event featured educational displays and message boards to foster empathy and action among participants.
The 2026 Daniel Prayer Meeting opened on November 1 at Oryun Church in Seoul, South Korea. Pastor Kim Eun-ho delivered the opening message, while the event will run for 21 days with daily evening services. Organizers aim to pray for spiritual revival in Korean churches and regional development in Seoul. The meeting features various speakers, including missionaries and community leaders, and is broadcast globally via YouTube. Last year, the event involved thousands of churches worldwide and raised significant funds for charitable causes.
Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, concluded a three-day visit to Ukraine on October 30. Accompanied by Vatican diplomats, he toured facilities in Kyiv and Pastavy serving refugees, the disabled, and families of missing soldiers. The visit highlighted humanitarian aid efforts by religious orders and volunteers providing food, shelter, and psychological support. The Archbishop met with victims of the ongoing conflict, witnessing the resilience of those affected by missile attacks and the destruction of infrastructure. This mission underscores the Vatican’s commitment to delivering direct support to vulnerable populations in the war-torn region.
A parent in Daejeon, South Korea, claims a fourth-grade student was prohibited from reading the Bible with classmates during break time. The teacher reportedly cited religious neutrality, allowing solo reading but forbidding group engagement. The mother questions this distinction and has requested an investigation from the Daejeon Office of Education. The dispute highlights tensions between school neutrality and students' freedom of expression. The parent also alleges past restrictions on singing hymns. While the school cites legal precedents for neutrality, the parent seeks clarification from the National Human Rights Commission regarding potential rights violations.
Churches in South Korea are increasingly opening their facilities to local residents during weekdays. At Skywind Church in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, Pastor Jeon Seung-hak removed barriers to allow community use of spaces for performances and meetings. Similarly, in Seoul's Gangdong District, Pastor Ku Jae-won of First Church opened the First Arke Hall for cultural events. These initiatives aim to lower barriers and foster community trust. The churches view sharing space as a form of mission work, collaborating with local welfare centers and establishing non-profit organizations to address social needs and support vulnerable groups.
Over 26,000 people attended the World Church Growth Conference in Seoul on October 31 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Church Growth International. The event, held at Jamsil Students' Gymnasium and broadcast from Yeouido Full Gospel Church, featured messages from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Leaders from 60 countries prayed for global peace, an end to conflicts in Ukraine and Russia, and the revival of the church. CGI President Lee Young-hoon emphasized faith and positivity, continuing the legacy of founder Cho Yong-gi. The gathering aimed to foster unity and spiritual growth across generations.
In Seoul, South Korea, tenor Ha Seong-jae became emotional while singing at Saemunan Church, inspiring fellow congregants to join in. Meanwhile, the Blue House addressed a DMZ mine incident involving a South Korean soldier, citing North Korean violations. Additionally, firefighter union leader Lee Chang-seok highlighted severe pay disparities and safety concerns, noting that regional budget differences leave some officers unable to afford essential gear. These stories reflect ongoing social and security challenges in the country.
Approximately 6,000 attendees, including 3,000 foreign pastors, gathered at the Jamsil Students' Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea, on October 31 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Church Growth Institute (CGI) and the 73rd anniversary of Hansung University. The event featured sermons from leaders such as James Marocco, John Milton Rodriguez, and Dag Heward-Mills, alongside messages from CGI President Young Hoon Lee. Political figures, including President Yoon Suk Yeol and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, offered congratulations. The gathering emphasized passing faith to the next generation and spreading the gospel globally, concluding with prayers for peace and church unity.
A Seoul-based running group called '1day 1running give crew' held its monthly gathering on October 9 near Banpo Hangang Park. Led by Park Ji-hye of the Greenwave cooperative, approximately 70 members participate in daily runs and donate money based on their distance. The group collected over 50 million won in cumulative donations over seven years. This year, they plan to support youth aging out of care through the Hanmaum Foundation. The initiative combines fitness with charitable giving, aiming to help others while promoting mental and physical health.
A member of Oryun Church in Seoul recently donated winter padding jackets to the congregation. The church plans to collect these donations and deliver them to the Daniel Mission Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, on November 1. The initiative aims to provide warmth to homeless individuals and elderly people living alone. According to the report, the campaign is organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Daniel Mission Center, led by Pastor Lee Eun-tae. This effort highlights community support during the approaching winter season.
Baekseok Academic Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 30 in Cheonan, South Korea. The institution, which began in a tiny 3-pyeong office in Seoul in 1976, has grown into a major university complex with over 32,500 students. The commemoration included a ceremony at Baekseok University where students recited a declaration of faith. Founder Pastor Jang Jong-hyun and other leaders emphasized the school's Christian mission and future vision. The event also honored early contributors and inaugurated a small traditional chapel to honor the foundation's humble origins.
Thousands of attendees gathered in Paju, South Korea, for the 50th anniversary of the International Church Growth Institute. Speakers from Indonesia, Panama, and the Philippines stressed that church growth relies on prayer and obedience rather than marketing strategies. Indonesian pastor Timothy Arifin Tedjasukmana shared how he established 470 churches through spiritual dedication. Panamanian minister Edwin Alvarez credited prayer for his ministry expansion into Italy. Filipino pastor David Samsul warned against relying on techniques, urging leaders to focus on their relationship with God. Participants from various nations expressed deep appreciation for the local prayer culture and its potential for global revival.
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