Dr. Michael Cassidy, founder of African Enterprise, addressed a gathering at Joy to the Nations Church in Gqeberha, South Africa, during his Legacy Tour. The 90-year-old evangelist called for a transformational revival that extends beyond church walls to reform society. He urged congregants to hold evangelistic missions and emphasized the need for strong Christian families and moral education. Cassidy referenced historical revivals in England to illustrate how preaching can lead to social change, including the abolition of slavery. He stated that widespread individual participation, rather than a single leader, is required to heal the nation's wounds and improve the workplace and community life. (Gateway News)
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Antonio Araujo on UnsplashPersecuted church
Clive Johnston, a 78-year-old retired pastor in Northern Ireland, will appeal his conviction for breaching abortion buffer zone laws. He was fined £450 in May after holding an outdoor service near a hospital in July 2024. Johnston’s legal team, supported by The Christian Institute, argues the judge failed to protect his rights to freedom of speech and religion under the European Convention. Johnston states he did not mention abortion during the sermon, which focused on biblical verses. The Court of Appeal in Belfast will hear the case on October 15 to determine if peaceful worship constitutes a criminal offense under the current legislation. (Source: Gateway News)
Dr Zweli Mkhize, chairperson of the COGTA parliamentary portfolio committee, will deliver the keynote address at a religious freedom imbizo in Cape Town on Saturday. Hosted by the All-African Reformed Transitional Liberation Council under Bishop Templeton Mbekwa, the event takes place at the Castle of Good Hope. The gathering aims to allow religious leaders to engage with Parliament regarding the CRL Rights Commission’s Section 22 process. Bishop Thom Thamaga and Bishop Mbekwa oppose state regulation of religion. Freedom of Religion South Africa plans to make a submission at the event, noting that COGTA secretary Shereen Cassiem has confirmed future engagement with the religious sector.
Filming for the seventh and final season of the series The Chosen has concluded in Midlothian, Texas, after eight years of production. Creator Dallas Jenkins announced the wrap on Saturday, marking the end of a project that began as a crowdfunded pilot and now boasts over 300 million global viewers. Season 6, covering the Crucifixion, streams on Prime Video on November 15, while Season 7, depicting the Resurrection, is currently in post-production. Jenkins expressed gratitude to his team and audience, noting that the show’s intimate portrayal of Jesus deepened his own faith. The cast and crew will take a break before potentially returning to film a series based on the Book of Acts.
Legal representatives have petitioned the Supreme Court of Nigeria to schedule a hearing for the appeal of an imprisoned musician. The case challenges the nation's blasphemy laws after the individual was detained for sharing song lyrics deemed offensive in a northern region. Although a lower court overturned an initial death sentence, the musician remains incarcerated pending a final ruling. Lawyers argue that continued delays undermine constitutional protections and religious freedom. International organizations, including the UN and ECOWAS, have previously criticized the proceedings, urging authorities to prioritize the hearing and safeguard the rights of religious minorities within the country.
Operation Mobilisation hosted the annual Love Africa conference in Kabwe, Zambia, from August 20 to 23. More than 900 attendees from 49 nations gathered at the OM base for worship, workshops, and sessions focused on the theme 'God’s Mission, Our Collaboration.' Pastor Melvin Chiombe, the OM Africa Area Leader, addressed the crowd alongside ten guest speakers. Participants highlighted the value of networking and learning about global missions. The event aimed to equip believers for ministry and foster cooperation across the continent. Organizers announced that the next conference is scheduled for August 2027.
Attendees at a Religious Freedom Imbizo in Cape Town, South Africa, last Saturday expect a follow-up meeting with Dr. Zweli Mkhize, chair of the Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Bishop Templeton Mbekwa stated that Mkhize listened to objections regarding the CRL Rights Commission’s Section 22 Committee process. Participants oppose government regulation of religion, citing constitutional concerns about the committee’s formation and funding. While Michael Swain of FOR SA acknowledged Mkhize’s candid responses, he demanded written confirmation of assurances and a pause on hearings until legal advice is received. The group insists existing faith community codes should remain the starting point without statutory licensing powers.
Wycliffe Bible Translators announced that the complete Bible is now available in 807 languages, reaching approximately 6.2 billion people. The organization’s latest report, released on September 30, highlights the launch of 28 complete Bibles and 70 New Testaments over the past year. Executive director James Poole described the progress as remarkable but emphasized that the goal is transforming communities through access to Scripture. Significant work continues in regions like Kenya, Cameroon, and Nigeria, though challenges remain for deaf communities and areas affected by conflict. The group states that 20% of the global population still lacks full Bible access in their native language.
Church leaders gathered at Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday for a National Day of Prayer and Repentance. Organized by the Awakening South Africa Prayer and Repentance Movement, the event aimed to address national divisions ahead of the November 4 local elections. Speakers, including Rachel Kalidass and Dr. Fransi van Wyk, called for a revival marked by tangible social change rather than mere emotion. The gathering coincided with the Feast of Tabernacles and included messages from state leaders via proxies. The initiative is part of a 50-day prayer campaign urging congregations to intercede for candidates and the Independent Electoral Commission until November 3.
The Awakening South Africa movement is organizing a National Day of Prayer and Repentance at the Nieuwmeester Dome in Cape Town on September 25. The event, running from 11 am to 3 pm, invites faith leaders, public representatives, and civic guests to gather for reflection and unity. Rachel Kalidass states the gathering aims to seek divine guidance and pray for the nation's future beyond political differences. The initiative coincides with the City Connect campaign ahead of the November local government elections. Livestream links are available via Facebook and YouTube for those unable to attend in person.
YouVersion, the creator of the world’s most downloaded Bible app, reports significant growth in South Africa, where daily engagement ranks fourth globally. In 2026, Sub-Saharan Africa saw a 63% rise in app usage, with South Africans frequently searching for terms like anxiety, hope, and healing. The ministry is preparing for Global Bible Month in November, featuring a 30-Day Challenge. Bobby Gruenewald, YouVersion’s CEO, and Mari Joubert, partnerships manager for the South Africa Hub, highlight the increasing digital access to Scripture. The organization supports local churches through its Cape Town hub and regional networks across Africa.
The annual Malelane Youth Conference took place in Schulzendal, South Africa, from September 24 to 27. Organized by the KwaSizabantu Mission, the event registered 645 children and several adults under the theme “Guard your heart.” Attendees included local pastors, volunteers, and dignitaries such as Prince Mguqiso from Eswatini. The mission team previously visited schools to invite learners, while buses transported participants from surrounding towns. Services featured testimonies and sporting activities. Organizers reported that many young people committed their lives to God during the event, highlighting the mission's 50-year legacy of youth development and spiritual transformation in the region.
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, has returned to Israel after his son, IDF reservist Neria Leiter, was critically injured in a car ramming attack at the Maccabim checkpoint in Samaria. The attacker, identified as Mahmoud Mohammad Sliman from Beit Ur al-Tahta, was killed by Israeli forces. Neria Leiter underwent emergency brain surgery at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, where doctors state his life remains in danger. This incident follows the death of Neria’s older brother, Moshe, in Gaza in 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the family before departing for the UN General Assembly. The ambassador highlighted the family's resilience amid ongoing conflict.
The 'Africa Back to God in a Bible Way' campaign launched in Akasia, Tshwane, South Africa, on September 18 and 19. Apostle Patrick Madikiza led the event, which featured prophetic actions and prayers aimed at reviving a message originally given to Pastor Nicholas Bhengu in 1950. Apostle Linda Gobodo reported that descendants of revival pioneers received prayer shawls and batons. The gathering included symbolic acts such as redeeming the land using soil from all nine provinces and identifying twelve 'gateway cities' for spiritual focus. The next launch is scheduled for Durban on October 17.
More than 5,500 people gathered at Mount Beula Park in Edenvale, Johannesburg, on Saturday for a prayer assembly organized by the South African Friends of Israel. The event aimed to demonstrate solidarity with Israel and oppose antisemitism, challenging the African National Congress government's stance on the matter. Israel’s Deputy Head of Mission, Hen Feder, attended the gathering, which also featured speakers like Bafana Modise and Pearl Kupe. Organizers emphasized that this public expression of faith reflects a significant segment of South African opinion distinct from official government policy, highlighting continued trade and people-to-people ties despite diplomatic tensions. The assembly called for peace in Jerusalem and safety for women in South Africa.
The Maluti Mighty Men Conference will host its seventh and final event from October 9 to 11, 2026, at Ionia Cherry Farm in South Africa's Eastern Free State. Organizers state the gathering marks the end of an eight-year movement that began in 2018. The event, associated with evangelist Angus Buchan’s broader initiative, aims to encourage men to strengthen family ties and community responsibility. Werner Maree, chairman of the organizing committee, emphasizes that the conference focuses on practical faith and fellowship. The final weekend will include worship, preaching, and a family service, concluding a journey that started with a small group of friends.
Crosswalk Africa evangelist Reini Coetzee has reached the 4,000-kilometer mark of his journey from Cape Town to Jerusalem while traveling through Tanzania. He arrived at Zakayo Lodge in Chimala, where he shared a Rosh Hashana meal with the lodge owners. Coetzee stated that coinciding with the Hebrew New Year was significant to him. He is accompanied by volunteer driver David Noah Malamboma and interpreter Isaya Mwainyekule. The team faces hot weather and immigration delays but remains in good rhythm. Coetzee still has 1,000 kilometers to walk before reaching the Namanga border post with Kenya. A new team member, Dylan Nightingale, is preparing to join them in Tanzania.
A self-taught crochet artist in Nigeria has designed a unique ladies' top featuring a crocheted QR code. Scanning this code directs users to the YouVersion Bible app. The design incorporates the app's logo on the front and the functional code on the back. The artist spent three years developing this concept, which has garnered over five million views on social media. Some observers suggest the invention could be worthy of a Guinness World Record. The creator states her work aims to advance the Kingdom of God and share the Bible in innovative ways, reaching believers in a country where Christians face severe persecution.
Boko Haram terrorists abducted two Christians from different churches in a village in northern Cameroon. The Far North Region remains a hotspot for jihadist attacks, including kidnappings, church burnings, and forced conversions. Open Doors and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom report that violence is intensifying, with local fighters aiding groups like ISWAP and JAS. These militants exploit weak state presence and cross-border trade to sustain operations, creating an existential threat for Christian communities in the area.
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