Christianity Today announced its annual CT Compassion Awards, recognizing five organizations for their work in 2026. The winners include PAWKids in Atlanta, Cradle of Hope in Philadelphia, Settled in Minnesota, the Orange County Rescue Mission in California, and Chogoria Hospital in Kenya. The outlet highlights how these groups support vulnerable populations, such as homeless individuals, former drug users, and sick children. Marvin Olasky, the retired editor in chief, introduced the series. The awards include a $2,000 grant for each ministry. The publication consulted ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer for financial data on the honorees.
In St. Paul, Minnesota, Mosaic Christian Community has established a settlement of six tiny homes for homeless individuals through the nonprofit Settled. Founder Gabrielle Clowdus developed the model to provide permanent housing rather than temporary aid. The project faced local opposition, prompting nearby Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove to plan a similar 12-home site by 2027. Lead pastor Dave Brickey argues that such initiatives purify the church and foster genuine community. Residents undergo background checks and contribute to maintenance, aiming for long-term stability and friendship within the neighborhood.
Klaus Krogh, cofounder of 2K/Denmark, died on October 6 in Denmark at age 74. He spent over four decades designing typefaces to improve Bible readability and accessibility. His fonts, including Bible Sans and the dyslexia-friendly Grace typeface, were used in Bibles across more than 43 countries. Krogh believed that aesthetic improvements encouraged deeper engagement with Scripture. Industry leaders praised his legacy in making God’s Word more accessible to all readers, including those with dyslexia. His family and company stated they would continue his mission to produce high-quality Bible designs.
In South Korea, emerging churches like Knock Church and Newsong Church are abandoning traditional liturgical structures to retain young members. Pastors Park Chan-yeol and Nam Bin report that rigid formats and a focus on prohibitions have driven many youth away. These new congregations prioritize personal relationships, casual environments, and digital accessibility to address the challenges of academic and career pressures. According to a 2026 report, many students identify as believers but do not attend church. By fostering community through small groups and flexible services, these leaders aim to help young people develop a personal faith rather than merely maintaining attendance numbers.
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In western Kenya, volunteers from Young Life HOPE are providing emotional and spiritual support to teenagers battling life-threatening illnesses like sickle cell anemia. Demitilla Namagembe, a 14-year-old student in Kakamega, faces bullying and isolation due to her condition. Social worker Truphena Weche and other volunteers visit hospitals and homes to offer counseling and biblical encouragement, countering community stigma that often views sick children as worthless or cursed. The initiative aims to affirm the dignity of these youths, helping them find hope and purpose despite severe health challenges and social marginalization in the region.
During France's hottest summer on record, French evangelicals are exploring ways to assist vulnerable community members facing extreme heat. While some churches provided cooling spaces or practical aid, many remain unprepared for the increasing frequency of heat waves. Groups like A Rocha France and Eglise Verte are working to educate believers and reduce eco-anxiety. The crisis has highlighted disparities, as poorer districts suffer higher temperatures and mortality rates. Religious leaders emphasize biblical stewardship and neighborly love, urging Christians to offer both material support and emotional comfort in response to climate challenges.
Michael Cassidy, a 90-year-old evangelist based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is reflecting on his six-decade career of uniting black and white Christians during the apartheid era. The founder of African Enterprise facilitated dialogue between political leaders and church groups, including meetings at Kolobe Game Park before the 1994 elections. Although he believes the government now needs to hear from black Christian voices, Cassidy continues to pray for national issues. Colleagues describe him as a relational figure who remains committed to evangelism even while recovering from pneumonia in a hospital. His work emphasized combining personal faith with social justice.
Wei-Leong Goh, a physician and elder in Singapore, established Halton Hideaway, a free guesthouse on Halton Road. Opened in August 2021, the retreat offers rest and reconciliation to diverse guests, including migrant workers and homeless individuals. Goh, named Singaporean of the Year in 2017 for founding HealthServe, draws on his childhood experiences of hospitality. The facility aims to provide a space for weary people to find peace. Goh continues to operate the house using his own funds, encouraging guests to pay kindness forward after their stay. The initiative reflects his lifelong commitment to serving others through medical and spiritual support in Singapore.
The Business Hub of Binghampton Development Corporation in Memphis, US, employs residents facing addiction, homelessness, and criminal records. Founded by Christ Methodist Church, the nonprofit processes large recycling items like streetlights and mattresses. Director Andy Kizzee and staff provide paid training and support to help workers gain stability. The program aims to restore dignity through meaningful labor, echoing historical calls for respect in Memphis. Participants receive counseling and assistance with legal and housing challenges, fostering community renewal in a neighborhood with high unemployment.
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Kenyan churches are addressing a growing crisis of abandonment and suicide among older men, driven by economic shifts and family breakdowns. In Trans-Nzoia County, Victor Wanjala attempted suicide after losing his job and facing spousal abandonment, but church members intervened to provide care and counseling. Reports indicate that spousal abandonment and loss of income are key factors in this trend across Kenya. Religious groups, including The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ Ministry, are filling gaps left by traditional family support systems. They offer practical assistance, such as food and medical transport, while helping elderly men regain purpose through ministry roles and community inclusion.
Flash floods in Nepal have killed over 1,100 people, with thousands still missing. The disaster destroyed homes, schools, and churches across several districts. Christian leaders report significant losses, including the disappearance of a pastor and his congregation in a remote village. Relief efforts are hindered by ongoing flood warnings and government restrictions. A local aid organization emphasizes that recovery will take years, requiring both material assistance and trauma counseling for affected communities. The scale of the devastation highlights the urgent need for sustained support for survivors in the region.
Former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry, now a Christian minister, discusses his ministry work and personal journey of forgiveness. The 64-year-old visits prisons, hospitals, and churches to share his message of redemption. Strawberry overcame past struggles with addiction and legal issues, including a tax evasion conviction pardoned by President Donald Trump. He emphasizes that his transformation was driven by faith and his mother's prayers. Strawberry also recounts reconciling with his abusive father, stating that he found true freedom through God's love rather than earthly achievements. His wife Tracy, also a minister, supports his outreach efforts.
Metrolina Christian Academy in Indian Trail, North Carolina, is experiencing significant growth. According to head of school Kacey Chambers, the institution has welcomed 250 new students, including many with special needs, over the past two years. To support this expansion, the school constructed a new special education building, launched a track-and-field program, and installed smart whiteboards in every classroom. This development highlights how some Christian schools in the US are capitalizing on current educational trends to increase their capacity and resources. The outlet reports these improvements as part of a broader opportunity for such institutions to serve more families.
Pennsylvania has awarded $10.8 million in grants to 190 organizations to enhance security at religious sites and nonprofits. The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, initiated after the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, helps groups install cameras and access controls. Funds support Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities amid rising hate crime reports. Recipients like Living Word Community Church and Philly House shelter are using the money for surveillance and safety upgrades. The initiative aims to balance security measures with hospitality for vulnerable populations.
Jordan Bach, a 21-year-old team attendant for the Portland Trail Blazers, shared the Christian gospel with NBA superstar LeBron James. The encounter took place at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, during a game between the Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Bach, who had experience working with high-profile athletes, recognized the opportunity to evangelize James as he warmed up on the court. The incident was reported by Christianity Today, highlighting how Bach utilized his role as a ball boy to engage with one of basketball's most famous figures in the United States.
More than 650 foreign guests from 17 countries attended Ukraine’s third National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv on August 23. The event included former US Vice President Mike Pence and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke about the ongoing war. Attendees observed a minute of silence for war victims and prayed for soldiers and civilians. The gathering coincided with Ukraine’s Independence Day. Oleg Gavrysh, an adviser to Zelensky, highlighted the critical shortage of air defense interceptors needed to protect cities from Russian attacks. The event drew international attention to Ukraine’s resilience and the need for continued support as the conflict nears its fifth anniversary.
Virginia voters will decide on Question 3, a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore voting and other civic rights to people with felony convictions upon release from incarceration. Currently, only the governor can restore these rights, a process that has faced criticism for being inconsistent. Christian advocates, including Prison Fellowship and the Virginia Catholic Conference, support the measure, arguing that full civic participation aids reintegration and reflects theological beliefs in redemption. The issue has drawn bipartisan support and legal challenges, with a recent court ruling affecting some disenfranchised residents. The outcome will determine if Virginia permanently bars felons from voting or allows automatic restoration.
Bryant Myers, a prominent figure in Christian relief and development, died on August 15 in the US. He served World Vision International for over 30 years and later became a senior professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. Myers is best known for his influential book, Walking with the Poor, which advocates for a holistic approach to poverty that respects the dignity and agency of communities. According to colleagues, his work bridged academic theology and practical field experience, emphasizing that transformation requires mutual change between practitioners and those they serve. His legacy includes shaping how Christian organizations view justice and spiritual witness.
Southern Baptist Convention congregations baptized 263,075 people in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth. According to Lifeway Research analysis of the Annual Church Profile, adults aged 30 and older accounted for 33% of these baptisms, the highest share among all age groups. This demographic shift contrasts with a 50-year low in overall denomination membership. Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, notes that while the raw number of child baptisms has declined due to smaller youth populations in the U.S., the rate of baptisms per 1,000 children remains the highest among all demographics. The data highlights a significant change in who is entering the faith compared to previous decades.
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