In Asia, Tara, a young woman who had abandoned Islam, was evangelized by missionaries Sophia and Maryam from the International Mission Board. After meeting in a park in a predominantly Muslim city, Tara shared her disillusionment with her previous faith. The missionaries introduced her to Christianity, leading to her conversion and baptism within a local congregation of about 40 members. Tara now shares her faith with university students, including one who is preparing for baptism. The mission board notes that while Tara faces potential persecution, she remains committed to her new beliefs and continues to witness to others.
Isaltino Roque dos Santos, a former Pai de Santo in Matinha, Bahia, converted to Christianity in January 1980 after Christians shared the Gospel with him. Despite initial resistance, he accepted Jesus and established the first evangelical church in his community, the Assembleia de Deus de Mantinha. His granddaughter, Natália Santos, shared his testimony on Instagram, highlighting his transformation from a feared spiritual leader to a church planter. The congregation remains active today, serving as a testament to his lasting faith and the impact of his conversion story in the region of Serrinha.
An evangelist in Pakistan reported that a four-year-old boy took his first steps during a prayer gathering. The child had never walked before. The evangelist prayed for the boy's spiritual well-being and then focused on his leg. The mother held the child, who began to tremble. The evangelist explained this reaction as a confrontation with illness. The boy then stood and walked. Witnesses observed the event. The evangelist shared the story on social media, calling it a miracle. He cited a Bible passage about healing. The mother cried with joy. Christians at the event praised God for the reported event.
A North Korean defector embraced Christianity after first hearing about Jesus while imprisoned in China. Her husband, who had previously shared his faith in North Korea, was detained and likely died in a labor camp. The woman also endured imprisonment before fleeing to China. Inside a Chinese prison, a cellmate wrote 'Jesus Christ' on the wall and explained the faith to her. According to Voz dos Mártires, she eventually reached South Korea, where she received support and plans to study theology to continue her husband's legacy.
YouVersion has launched the YouVersion Platform, providing free infrastructure for churches and developers to create Bible-based applications. This move removes technological and licensing barriers, allowing users to access multiple Bible translations via a unified reader. The initiative is particularly significant in Brazil, where the main app approaches 100 million installations. Early adopters include BibleProject and Come and See, while local developers like Bible Play have already seen increased engagement. Founder Bobby Gruenewald describes the decision as stewardship, aiming to multiply resources for the global church rather than protecting proprietary assets. The platform supports web, iOS, Android, and React Native development for non-commercial use.
Three actors from the series The Chosen visited the Carol S. Vance Unit in Richmond, Texas, in late September. They met with approximately 200 inmates participating in the Prison Fellowship Academy program. The group watched the first episode of the sixth season and discussed life transformation with the prisoners. Actors Noah James, Abe Bueno-Jallad, and George H. Xanthis spoke about Jesus and personal change. The event was organized by Prison Fellowship and Come and See. Since 2023, the partnership has allowed the series to be shown in over 300 US prisons. Prisoners shared testimonies of strengthened faith during the visit.
A theological seminary in Lebanon released five volumes of Arabic biblical commentaries. Partnering with a local publisher, the project translates works from established English series. The new books cover Genesis, Psalms, Galatians, and Ephesians. Organizers state this addresses a long-standing shortage of deep theological resources for Arab pastors and students. Contributors from Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt collaborated on the translation. Leaders emphasize that these tools aim to strengthen local churches and improve biblical understanding beyond academic settings, supporting believers in their faith journey.
Christians in the Netherlands have launched a petition against a Halloween party planned for the historic Sint-Laurenskerk in Rotterdam. The event, organized by an event promoter, marks the first time the 1525 building, which no longer hosts regular worship services, will be used for such a celebration. The Protestants of the Netherlands association collected over 26,000 signatures, arguing that a Christian temple is unsuitable for a pagan-themed event. Despite the backlash, the managing foundation stated the party will proceed due to a signed contract. In response, Christian groups plan to hold an outdoor worship service outside the church on October 31 to preach the Gospel while the party occurs inside.
Ukraine has recorded over 13,000 baptisms and the establishment of 106 new evangelical churches since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Igor Bandura, vice president of the Ukrainian Baptist Union, stated that this growth continues despite the ongoing conflict. Pastors and chaplains report increased interest in faith among soldiers on the front lines, with many requesting religious literature. Churches have also transformed into humanitarian centers providing food and shelter. A 2026 Razumkov Center survey indicated that 25% of Ukrainians became more religious after the war started, highlighting the role of faith as a source of hope and community support during the crisis.
Believers in Iran, enduring severe religious persecution and economic hardship, are increasingly relying on clandestine online worship for spiritual sustenance. A representative from a Christian satellite broadcaster notes that the ministry leverages television and internet platforms to reach hidden congregations. Weekly live sessions attract dozens of participants for Bible study and prayer, with many more accessing daily digital resources. The ongoing geopolitical tensions are reportedly driving individuals toward faith despite significant risks. These virtual gatherings serve as crucial sources of comfort and renewal, highlighting the community's spiritual resilience over mere technological convenience.
The Núcleo da Fé Noroeste church in Brasília, Brazil, was vandalized with offensive graffiti targeting Christian faith following the second round of elections. Pastor Wilber Batista reported the incident on social media, stating that messages such as “God is gay” and “fascists” were painted on the temple walls. The congregation has filed a police report to investigate the attack, which Batista described as persecution and hatred toward Christianity. He emphasized that the church will not respond with violence but will pursue legal accountability. Despite the damage, the pastor affirmed that the congregation will continue its religious activities and community service, citing biblical passages to encourage perseverance.
In India, a pastor has secretly distributed Bibles to thousands of people in remote villages across a northern region. Despite facing death threats and attacks from Hindu extremists, he continues to share Christian scriptures with communities where the faith is largely unknown. According to Global Christian Relief, the pastor carries Bibles in worn bags, often hiding them to avoid detection. Recipients, some of whom have never owned a Bible, are encouraged to read daily. The mission faces significant danger, with reports of homes being ransacked and believers assaulted. Nevertheless, the pastor remains committed to spreading hope and faith amidst the persecution.
Approximately 60,000 people gathered at the National Stadium in Costa Rica on October 17 for the Hope Crusade, an event organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Evangelical Alliance Federation of Costa Rica. The free event featured worship music by artists including Tercer Cielo and Averly Morillo, along with preaching by Nigerian pastor Enoch Adeboye. According to organizers, thousands of attendees responded to the gospel message and committed their lives to Jesus. The gathering was described as a day of faith and hope, with participants expressing deep emotional engagement throughout the service.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church reports that more than 60 Christians were killed in recent attacks in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. The violence occurred in specific districts, resulting in the deaths of believers. Witnesses stated that children were among the victims, and over 20 homes were burned. The regional government blames the Oromo Liberation Army, while rebel sources accuse local authorities. The church condemned the violence, noting a rise in attacks against Christians despite prior warnings to officials.
A pastor in Bihar, India, notes growing openness to Christianity in a region historically hostile to missionaries. More individuals are converting without cost. The state, India's second most populous, has roughly 45,000 villages, with churches in about a third. The ministry aims to reach all villages by 2033. However, the pastor expresses concern over rising political pressure from the ruling BJP party and caste-based barriers. There is fear that persecution will increase as churches challenge existing social structures, despite the current trend of acceptance. (Source: Mission Network News via Guiame)
The Más que Vencedores church in Paraguay baptized 350 people on Saturday, October 17. The ceremony, led by pastors Emilio Agüero Esgaib and Liliam Medina, gathered new converts and community members in Asunción. According to the church's social media, the event celebrated public declarations of faith in Jesus. This marks the second large-scale baptism of the year, following over 300 baptisms in March. The total for 2026 now exceeds 650. The church, founded in 2001, prioritizes evangelism and spiritual discipleship. The event highlights the congregation's ongoing growth and commitment to sharing the Gospel within the region.
During recent protests in Paris, France, evangelists Victor Otavio Serpa Martins and Adriano do Nascimento from the Presence Revival ministry preached on the streets. They cited John 3:16 and urged French citizens to find hope and justice in Jesus. The action took place amid demonstrations against the cost of living and public service issues, which drew hundreds of thousands of participants. Authorities deployed significant security forces to manage the crowds and prevent vandalism. The evangelists stated their goal was to show God's love in the heart of the city while the nation faced social unrest.
Athletes from Ohio State University organized a worship night on October 19, following a football victory over Indiana. Approximately one thousand students and athletes attended the 'Fall Kickoff' event, where 35 individuals were baptized. Participants, including players Beau Atkinson and TJ Alford, shared testimonies of their faith in Jesus Christ. The event, now in its third year, aims to spread the Gospel on campus. Former athletes and current students helped organize the gathering, which has grown significantly since its inception in 2024.
In Rome, Italy, Luca, a former atheist, now evangelizes his neighborhood where only one evangelical church serves approximately 130,000 residents. He and his wife, Elena, converted after meeting missionaries Jason and Lizzy Davis. The couple, who faced marital crisis, now actively serve in the small congregation. The church offers community support, including children's programs and homework help. Missionaries note the area's spiritual darkness and the need to share the Gospel, contrasting local religious practices with Christian teachings on grace. Despite challenges, the team remains committed to reaching locals with the message of forgiveness through Jesus.
Translated from Português
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