A global theological training initiative, with its African hub in South Africa, recently held its first graduation in Nigeria for students from a northern region. Founded in 2019 by a prominent theologian, the program addresses the worldwide shortage of formally trained pastors. The ministry director noted that thousands of groups across nearly a hundred countries are participating. The movement offers free, competency-based training certified by a major evangelical alliance. With only a small percentage of global pastors holding formal qualifications, the organization aims to fill this leadership gap through local facilitators, supporting believers in regions facing significant challenges.
Zaineb, a resident of Malawi's Machinga District, found faith in Jesus during a sports coaching training organized by Operation Mobilization. She now uses netball and soccer to disciple communities across twenty villages that lack church buildings. To overcome cultural barriers separating boys and girls, she integrates Scripture discussion with sports activities. Zaineb employs oral storytelling and audio Bibles to share her faith discreetly, adopting an underground approach due to local sensitivities. Community leaders have begun recognizing the positive behavioral changes among youth, inviting her to expand her ministry. Her work aims to affirm dignity and transform social perceptions through these combined efforts. (Source: Gateway News)
Lawmakers from twenty African nations met in Accra, Ghana, from June 3 to 6 to discuss a proposed Family Values Charter. Eighteen countries endorsed the document, which aims to protect traditional family structures and resist external social pressures. South Africa and Mozambique abstained. Zandile Majozi, leading the South African delegation, stated the charter contradicts the national Constitution and international human rights laws. Human rights groups criticized the proposal as retrogressive, arguing it undermines protections for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Supporters claim the initiative preserves cultural sovereignty against foreign influence on domestic policy.
Activists in several international cities are protesting near Nigerian embassies ahead of a UN day against sexual violence in conflict. The campaign highlights the long-term captivity of a girl kidnapped in 2018, who remains the last of over a hundred abducted. Reports indicate hundreds of Christian women and girls were kidnapped in Nigeria recently. UN experts have expressed alarm over the deteriorating security situation and violence against religious minorities in northern Nigeria. Advocates are urging Nigerian officials to ensure safe releases and investigate these abuses.
New Covenant Fellowship International Church in Rustenburg, South Africa, is hosting its annual Unashamed Youth Conference (UCON) to provide young people with mentorship and spiritual guidance. Organizers aim to attract 1,000 attendees this year, offering a faith-filled alternative to post-school holiday risks. The event features biblical teaching, skills development, and counseling support led by pastors such as Ezra Mokgope, Gift Maseko, and Israel Phiri. According to the outlet, the initiative seeks to equip youth with life skills and purpose through discipleship and community engagement, addressing challenges like unemployment and identity pressures in the region.
Nigeria’s Supreme Court postponed a hearing for a Sufi Muslim musician sentenced to death for allegedly blasphemous WhatsApp lyrics. The delay follows a directive prioritizing earlier-filed cases, according to a legal group. The musician has been imprisoned since March 2020 in a northern state. His lawyers argue the blasphemy law violates constitutional rights. International bodies, including the UN and European Parliament, have previously called for his release, citing human rights violations. The outcome could impact blasphemy statutes in northern Nigeria.
Christian relief organization Operation Blessing is sending a disaster response team to Venezuela following twin earthquakes that killed at least 188 people and damaged hundreds of buildings. The 7.5-magnitude quake, the strongest in the country since 1900, struck La Guaira state near Caracas on June 25. The group’s team, led by Diego Traverso, includes medical and logistics experts to assist with rescue efforts. Authorities fear the death toll could rise significantly, with thousands missing. The disaster has exacerbated existing humanitarian crises in the region, prompting international aid offers from the US and UN.
Freedom of Religion South Africa warns that the CRL Section 22 Committee is advancing a legislative framework for registering religious leaders and institutions. Executive director Michael Swain argues this state regulation threatens constitutional religious freedom, asserting that existing laws should address abuse instead. The committee is currently holding provincial consultations, with KwaZulu-Natal sessions scheduled for June 2026 in Durban. Swain urges churches and individuals to submit comments via the DearSouthAfrica platform or attend meetings to oppose the proposed licensing requirements. The group states that such measures would turn a fundamental right into a state-managed privilege.
Pastor Matthew Olson of First Baptist Church in Sharon, Mississippi, set a Guinness World Record by preaching the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation over 96 hours. The marathon sermon began on May 30 and concluded on June 4. According to church leaders, the idea originated from a missionary training exercise where Olson lacked access to a physical Bible. Administrative pastor Jonathan Strickler and discipleship pastor Rich Gray stated that the experience inspired Olson to deliver an uninterrupted sermon. The event was livestreamed online, and Olson's voice recovered after initial strain. Church officials rejected claims that the attempt was merely a stunt.
Church leaders in South Africa argue that recent anti-migrant violence stems from deeper governance failures rather than immigration itself. During a June 10 webinar by the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, participants highlighted how unemployment and poor service delivery are being misdirected toward foreign nationals. Representatives from refugee networks reported intimidation, business closures, and school disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal and Durban. Human rights activist Sharon Ekambaram described a humanitarian crisis affecting migrant children and families. President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the xenophobic attacks, while local churches in KwaZulu-Natal are providing emergency aid and organizing dialogue to ease tensions between residents and migrants.
The Joy Employment and Skills Upliftment Club in Gqeberha, South Africa, celebrated its fifth anniversary this month. Based at Joy to the Nations Church, the initiative assists unemployed individuals, particularly youth from Walmer Township. Since its inception, the club has registered 1,543 job seekers and placed 131 people in full-time employment. Glenn Weiss, the church leader and club visionary, highlighted various training programs including sewing and work readiness. The organization also supports small businesses and provides spiritual guidance. A potential new sponsorship could further expand their efforts to help more people secure jobs and improve their livelihoods.
British missionary Duncan Dyason faced a life-threatening situation in Guatemala City when a gang member pointed a gun at him. Dyason requested one minute to share his faith, which reportedly calmed the attacker. The gunman later admitted that the weapon had jammed during previous violent attempts, attributing the failure to divine protection. Dyason, who works with street children in the region, stated that this incident confirmed his belief in God's safeguarding presence. The account is featured in Simon Guillebaud’s new book, highlighting Dyason’s long-term ministry in Central America aimed at helping vulnerable youth.
At least a dozen Christians were killed and a historic church was destroyed in a region of Ethiopia on May 30. Local sources report that armed men targeted residents, forcing more than 280 people to flee their homes. Religious authorities stated that victims were singled out solely because of their faith, with their property looted and houses burned. Persecution watchdogs noted that violence against Christians in this predominantly Muslim region has intensified since 2020, following similar deadly incidents in March and October 2025.
Evangelist Reini Coetzee is continuing his Crosswalk Africa trek through Malawi, accompanied by local supporters including Pastor Bernard Frera Mlombwa and Bishop Amin Mwamulima. The group entered from Mozambique on April 22 and is currently in the Chikangawa area. Pastor Mlombwa reports that the cross attracts many people to faith, while Bishop Mwamulima praises the mission's vision. The Evangelical Association of Malawi provides logistical support. Coetzee notes the warmth of the Malawian people and mentions that preparations for the next stage into Tanzania are already underway.
Jenni Pretorius Hill reports that Amanda, an American missionary in South Africa, experienced a spiritual event in Duncan Village near East London. During a Zulu sermon, Amanda prayed for understanding and claimed to grasp the message about Christ's crucifixion without translation. She later confirmed the accuracy of her interpretation with the preacher. The columnist states this event prepared Amanda to encourage a youth group in Puerto Rico facing language barriers. The group reportedly experienced intense spiritual moments, including visions of angels and personal peace, during the outreach trip. The story highlights themes of divine intervention and overcoming natural limitations in ministry.
Jews for Jesus released a five-year vision report titled The Nets are Breaking, citing unprecedented spiritual hunger among Jewish people worldwide. The organization reports a 130% increase in conversions in Israel during 2025. CEO Aaron Abramson states the group believes the Gospel is the only true hope for their community. The ministry has expanded outreach through digital channels, reaching millions of views, and established centers in Tel Aviv and New York. Significant inroads were made into the Haredi community, with over a thousand new contacts. The report also highlights support provided to victims of recent tragedies in Australia and the United States, noting a global openness to the message despite a shortage of resources.
Christians in Sudan endure severe persecution and displacement amid the civil war between national forces and paramilitary groups. The country ranks among the worst globally for Christian persecution, with attacks intensifying in urban centers. Reports indicate numerous places of worship have been damaged or destroyed. A deacon recounted being shot during an attack on a church in the capital. While the prime minister denies religious intolerance, church leaders allege systematic targeting. Humanitarian organizations continue aid efforts despite the ongoing crisis and widespread destruction.
The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals & Federations (SACOFF) released a statement addressing rising tensions and hostility toward foreign nationals in South Africa. The group rejects violence and xenophobia but argues that community frustrations regarding unemployment, crime, and poor service delivery must be acknowledged. SACOFF asserts that migration issues expose deeper governance failures rather than causing them. The organization calls for stronger border security, consistent law enforcement, and economic reforms. It urges the government to restore public trust and directs churches to provide support while promoting peace and justice.
A 30-year-old Egyptian man faces trial in a terrorism court for converting from Islam to Christianity, risking life imprisonment or execution. His fiancée urges media attention on state-sanctioned religious persecution. International observers recognize him as a prisoner of conscience. After fleeing to Russia, he was deported back to Egypt. Campaigners allege he endured torture to force him to renounce his faith. The case highlights concerns about Egypt’s use of anti-terrorism laws against religious minorities. This situation underscores the severe risks faced by converts in the region, where legal frameworks are often weaponized against those changing their religion. The ongoing legal battle draws global concern regarding religious freedom and human rights abuses in the country.
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