In Romania, deaf Christians are engaging with the Gospel through sign language Bible videos. One woman, Emma, participated in translating and filming these resources, finding personal spiritual renewal when viewing them during worship. Additionally, a pastor adopted a deaf boy who struggled with traditional Romanian text but responded positively to sign language depictions of Jesus calming the storm. This approach highlights that written Bibles do not always suffice for those with sign language as their first language. The article notes that deaf individuals are active contributors to church building, not just recipients of aid, and emphasizes the need to remove language barriers to share the faith effectively.
In Seville, Spain, Irene overcame emotional emptiness after connecting with ECMI missionaries Henk and Hanneke. The couple welcomed her into their home for regular meals and conversations. Through this consistent hospitality, Irene came to believe in Christ and was baptized. She continues to receive discipleship training to support her new faith. The report highlights how listening to seekers and offering welcome can lead to spiritual growth, citing Hebrews 13:2. It notes Spain's religious demographics, with Catholics comprising the majority. The story illustrates the importance of patient, relational evangelism in reaching those with spiritual thirst.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Lisa Forkner on UnsplashPersecuted church
Believers in a North African nation face significant dangers due to the absence of a unified central government. Although Open Doors lowered the country’s persecution ranking due to fewer recorded violent incidents, Christians remain under threat. Converts from Islam endure pressure from families and communities, while foreign migrants risk kidnapping and exploitation. Since recent arrests, online church activities have faced increased surveillance. The outlet emphasizes that public worship remains impossible, forcing believers to hide their faith to ensure safety.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Aditya Vyas on UnsplashPersecuted church
Twelve Catholic bishops expressed regret after photos and videos of them praying for President Donald Trump in the Oval Office were released. Some bishops claimed they were misled about the publicity, stating they were told images would remain private. The incident occurred shortly before the November 3 midterm elections, leading to accusations that the prayer was a political endorsement. Bishops Jeffrey Grob and William Joensen issued statements apologizing for being used. The USCCB clarified it did not organize the meeting, which was arranged by the Heritage Foundation. Polls show Catholic voters are nearly evenly split between Democratic and Republican candidates.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Chris Barbalis on UnsplashGood news
Twenty-three Christian leaders gathered near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for a Bible study retreat from August 13 to 15. Pastors from Singapore’s Zion Bishan Presbyterian Church facilitated the sessions, which focused on scripture, shared burdens, and prayer. The outlet reports that participants deepened their fellowship, with some reconciling after conflicts. The event emphasized that leaders need support to hear God’s word and restore relationships. This gathering aims to ensure that the learned teachings and renewed bonds continue to guide daily decisions and support isolated servants back in their home churches.
The Japan Evangelistic Alliance has released materials for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Citing Open Doors data, the organization urges Christians to pray for believers in Syria, Iran, and Iraq. These regions face severe violence and displacement, with millions fleeing since 2000. The materials highlight specific stories, such as a family surviving an ISIS-linked bombing in a Middle Eastern city. The JEA emphasizes that despite high persecution levels, remaining communities maintain their faith. The organization encourages churches to use the provided resources for prayer and reflection on these global challenges.
Walter Kim of the National Association of Evangelicals and Bishop Brendan Cahill of the USCCB released a joint statement on March 13 advocating for humane immigration policies. The document outlines three biblical principles: human dignity, family protection, and government responsibility. While acknowledging the state's duty to secure borders, the leaders argue current enforcement often violates these values. They urge Congress to create legal pathways for long-term residents and limit the detention of non-violent families. The statement highlights that many immigrants face deportation risks and calls for balanced, compassionate measures that respect due process.
A gospel team from Bethel Gospel Assembly in New York will perform in Osaka on November 7 for the Orange Gospel 2026 event. Organized by the executive committee, the concert aims to raise awareness for child abuse prevention through music. The event is held at the Korean Christian Church in Osaka. Founder Kyoko Uchiki will deliver a message on supporting parents to prevent isolation. The performance features ten singers from the US church, including Bobby Sobelow, alongside Japanese artists. The concert is co-hosted by the National Network for Child Abuse Prevention and supported by the Osaka Prefecture government.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Salah Darwish on UnsplashGood news
In 1975, five-year-old Sam Anderson prayed for the people of Easter Island, a territory of Chile, to receive the Bible in their native language. Although no translation project existed at the time, his prayers coincided with the arrival of missionaries Bob and Nancy Weber. After over forty years of work, a New Testament in Rapa Nui was completed and presented to Anderson in 2019. The story illustrates how distant prayers and financial support contribute to global missionary efforts, emphasizing that faithfulness in small acts can lead to significant spiritual outcomes for isolated communities.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Mayur More on UnsplashGood news
According to the Evangelical aid group Samaritan's Purse, the organization has upgraded water infrastructure at the Monrovia Central Prison in Liberia. The project installed solar-powered pumps and storage tanks to reduce wait times for inmates during the dry season. A prisoner named Prince received training to maintain the equipment, gaining skills for his future release. Through this service, he also joined Bible study sessions led by local pastors. Prince eventually converted to Christianity, finding peace he previously lacked. The report highlights how practical aid and spiritual support are combined to assist those incarcerated in Liberia. The article concludes with a call to prayer for the inmates and the aid workers.
A Kenyan high court in Mombasa convicted 29 leaders of the Good News International Ministries sect for the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children. Judge Diana Kabaza Mochache ruled that the group forced followers, especially children, to starve to death through isolation and control. Over 400 bodies were found in the Shakohola forest near Malindi. The court rejected claims that victims were not forced to fast, citing evidence of a hierarchy of death. Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, while the defense plans to appeal the verdict. The case highlights the dangers of extreme religious doctrines in Kenya.
A South Korean court sentenced Hwaseung Church founder Jeong Myung-seok to 33 years in prison for sexual assaults against 16 female followers. The Daejeon District Court handed down the sentence on the 19th, exceeding the prosecution's request of 27 years. The court found that Jeong abused his religious authority to commit approximately 80 incidents between 2018 and 2022. This is a first-instance verdict; if finalized, it will be added to his existing 17-year sentence, totaling 50 years. The court also ordered electronic monitoring for 15 years. Other church officials received prison terms for their roles in the crimes.
Missionaries from Japan held a major gathering in India to celebrate a local church's anniversary. Despite travel disruptions, the event drew significant attendance. Reports indicate numerous faith commitments and healings occurred. Leaders from regions facing persecution shared their struggles, yet the mission proceeded successfully. Organizers attribute these positive outcomes to divine intervention and the power of faith to overcome obstacles, highlighting the resilience of believers in challenging environments.
Missionaries from Sierra Leone have established a church in Marseille, France, reversing historical evangelization trends. Desmond Bell and Aruna Bangla, who were influenced by American missionary Alvin Smith in Freetown during the 1989 civil war, moved to France to reach secularized Europeans. The group says their faith grew intensely due to past poverty and conflict. Their ministry, which expanded from Freetown to eight West African nations, now focuses on planting communities in Western Europe. This initiative aims to bring spiritual renewal to France, marking a significant shift in global missionary dynamics.
Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) in South Korea held a 70th anniversary ceremony in Seoul on the 16th. The Protestant radio station began broadcasting in Incheon in 1956 and has shared Christian messages with former communist countries, including North Korea and China. Former US President George W. Bush and former Vice President Mike Pence sent video messages praising the organization's work. Former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also offered congratulations. The event highlighted the station's long history of evangelism in the region. (Source: Christian Today Japan)
Since recent conflicts erupted, Iran has intensified persecution of Christians, ranking tenth on Open Doors' World Watch List. Authorities view believers as Western threats, targeting converts with house raids, arrests, and coercive interrogations. The government passed a broad spy law allowing the death penalty for dissent. Following tensions with the US and Israel, officials publicly accuse Christians of espionage. In at least 21 cities, 54 believers were arrested and labeled as foreign agents. Despite severe pressure to recant, some Christians maintain their faith. The situation places underground church members at unprecedented risk of imprisonment and economic ruin.
A Serbian couple, Ninislav and Irina, moved from Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina to follow their faith. Leaving behind a comfortable life, they opened a small gallery and coffee shop in a Bosnian town. The space attracts locals who might not visit traditional churches, allowing the couple to build relationships through art and conversation. According to the report, this approach serves as a bridge for sharing the Gospel. The couple emphasizes patience and trust in God while establishing a new community in the region.
Religious leaders from twelve countries gathered in Chiba, Japan, for the fourth Peace Roundtable Conference on October 13 and 14. Organized by the World Council of Religions for Peace, the event included participants from conflict zones such as Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Palestine, and Iran. Attendees engaged in dialogue sessions and adopted a statement condemning aggression and calling for immediate negotiations. The group also met with Japanese lawmakers to discuss peace efforts. This year marked Iran's first participation, and organizers noted increased youth involvement and improved trust among delegates compared to previous years.
The US Department of Defense announced plans to livestream the firing squad execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, a former army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009. The event is scheduled for December 3 at the base. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from major Christian leaders, including USCCB President Archbishop Paul Coakley and NAE President Walter Kim, who argue it promotes a culture of death. However, some pastors, such as Douglas Wilson and Robert Jeffress, support the public nature of the execution as a biblical precedent. The execution marks the first US military death penalty since 1961.
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