Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has launched a 12-month pilot program called the 10:33 Initiative in Pulaski, Union, and Pope counties. Named after a biblical passage, the project aims to connect residents in crisis with local faith and community partners for practical assistance. The governor describes the effort as providing a hand up rather than a handout, focusing on housing, employment, and childcare. Funded largely through private donations and utilizing Hope Hub technology, the initiative partners with state agencies and the White House Faith Office. Sanders emphasizes that the program supplements, rather than replaces, existing state services by engaging the faith community to support vulnerable citizens.
The World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly concluded in South Korea on Thursday. The Rev. Botrus Mansour was installed as the new secretary general, ending an 18-month vacancy. He pledged to foster unity and reclaim the term Evangelical as bearers of good news. Sri Lankan leader Godfrey Yogarajah was also installed as chair of the International Council, marking the first time both top roles are held by leaders from the global South. Delegates adopted the Seoul Declaration, which addresses gender, war, abortion, and religious freedom. The document affirms traditional biblical views on sexuality and life while calling for compassionate engagement with societal issues.
Kevin Brown, president of Asbury University, spoke at the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly in the US. He expressed hope that the 2023 Asbury revival in Kentucky will be seen as a precursor to a larger global Christian awakening within the next decade. Brown cited recent spiritual trends, including mass baptisms in the US and increased church attendance in England and Wales. He noted that data suggests a slowing decline of Christianity in America and rising Bible readership. Brown emphasized that true biblical unity among believers is a key indicator of genuine revival, pointing to renewed fervor across multiple continents.
Rick Warren addressed the World Evangelical Alliance’s 14th General Assembly at SaRang Church in South Korea. He urged Christian leaders to adopt Jesus’ ministry methods rather than just messages. Warren proposed the PEACE acronym: pass on the good news, equip disciples, alleviate suffering, continually pray, and establish new churches. He argued that following this transcultural approach is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission. Warren contrasted this missional focus with what he described as unhealthy megachurches. He emphasized that believers must actively practice these steps to receive God’s blessing and effectively reach lost people globally.
Samaritan’s Purse reported on Saturday that its newly acquired 767 cargo aircraft delivered over 100,000 pounds of relief supplies to Gaza. The inaugural flight carried more than 290,000 packets of supplemental food, along with solar lights and blankets intended for women and children. The ministry has partnered with the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to facilitate these deliveries. Since the conflict began following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the group claims to have sent over 223 tons of food and treated more than 1,700 patients. The organization also supports medical and community projects in Israel. Edward Graham, the ministry’s chief operating officer, described Gaza as a challenging environment for humanitarian response.
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First Baptist Dallas in Texas has received the Gold Award from Dallas Morning News readers, recognizing it as the best church in the metroplex. Pastor Robert Jeffress announced the honor, noting the congregation's 157-year history and over 16,000 members. The award follows a significant fire in July 2024 that damaged the historic sanctuary. Despite the blaze, which investigators say had an undetermined cause, the church continues to rebuild and expand its ministries. Jeffress also shared that former President Donald Trump offered support after learning of the fire. The church previously won a Silver Award in 2024 and launched a major fundraising campaign to restore its facilities.
A US state senator plans to introduce a resolution condemning the worldwide persecution of Christians, describing it as religious genocide in many cases. Citing Open Doors data, the memo highlights threats facing over 380 million believers, including imprisonment and violence. The resolution specifically cites situations in countries such as Pakistan, China, Haiti, and Nigeria, where Christians face mob attacks, state surveillance, gang violence, and militia killings. The senator urges the US government to recognize this as a human rights crisis and impose sanctions. The measure aims to reaffirm the state’s commitment to religious liberty and support persecuted believers globally. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
U.S. lawmakers and religious freedom advocates are urging the Trump administration to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. A letter signed by approximately three dozen leaders, including prominent public figures, asks the State Department to reverse the Biden administration's 2021 decision. They cite escalating violence against Christians in northern Nigeria and the enforcement of blasphemy laws. A representative previously highlighted NGO data estimating over 7,000 Christian deaths in early 2025. The group argues that the Nigerian government tolerates and facilitates these abuses, making Nigeria the deadliest country for Christians globally according to Open Doors. (Kidok Ilbo)
A Lifeway Research survey of 1,003 Protestant pastors in the United States, conducted in August 2025, reveals that 83 percent of rural clergy consider themselves trusted figures in civic life. Sponsored by Grove City College and other organizations, the study indicates that most pastors feel called to their specific rural congregations. While 66 percent report consistent attendance growth, challenges remain, including lay leadership development and resistance to change. Despite financial constraints, 81 percent believe their churches have sufficient resources for essential ministry. The findings highlight a strong emphasis on personal relationships and community care as drivers of spiritual success in small-town contexts. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
An American missionary pilot was abducted in a city in Niger. The 48-year-old, who works for a humanitarian organization, was seized by three men near a hotel. U.S. officials stated that securing his release is a top priority for the current administration. The aid group has a long history of providing humanitarian support in the region, including water drilling and refugee assistance. The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert citing heightened kidnapping risks following recent political instability. A prominent religious leader urged prayers for the pilot's safe return, noting reports that he may have been taken to areas controlled by an extremist group.
Police in a northern Indian state arrested a pastor and two others under anti-conversion laws. Authorities allege the group used inducements to convert Hindus in a specific district. The arrests occurred shortly after India’s Supreme Court criticized similar prosecutions as harassment lacking credible evidence. Police claim the suspects promised better living conditions to marginalized individuals. Advocacy groups note that this region sees significant persecution of Christians, who make up a small minority. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between local enforcement and higher court rulings on religious freedom.
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Two historic churches in a city in northern Iraq have reopened nearly a decade after being destroyed by ISIS. The Syriac Orthodox Church of Saint Thomas and the Chaldean Catholic Church of Al-Tahira were inaugurated on Wednesday following extensive reconstruction that began in 2022. Local residents, clergy, and international officials attended the ceremony. The Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphaël Sako described the event as a message of peace and hope for the region. According to Zenit, the Christian community in the area has significantly declined since the conflict. The restoration aims to revive cultural heritage and encourage displaced believers to return home.
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An OSCE/ODIHR report presented at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference argues that anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe are frequently minimized by authorities and the public. The document details offenses ranging from property damage to physical assaults, noting that interreligious tensions often drive these incidents. It highlights specific vulnerabilities for Muslim converts to Christianity, citing a 2023 stabbing in the UK and risks of family violence against female converts. The report asserts that political discourse can perpetuate bias and urges states to improve legal protections, expand research, and encourage media to avoid reinforcing discriminatory narratives. (Kidok Ilbo)
The Presbytery of Yukon, a regional arm of the Presbyterian Church (USA), has launched relief efforts for Alaskans affected by a powerful storm that ravaged the state’s western shoreline. The presbytery is coordinating the response to damage from the remnants of Typhoon Halong across remote communities in the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, partnering with PC(USA)’s Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), the Red Cross, and Anchorage officials. The Rev. Elizabeth Schultz, executive presbyter for the Yukon Presbytery, told The Christian Post that the presbytery is “collaborating with local trusted nonprofits that are organizing the response effort.” Alongside field operations, PC(USA) has created a dedicated donation page to direct disaster-relief funds to affected Alaskan areas. The Rev. Kathy Lee-Cornell, PDA’s associate for National Disaster Response, emphasized to PC(USA) News that working closely with local clergy remains essential to their mission. “PDA relies on our faith leaders to connect us with the areas and people where our resources may positively serve impacted individuals and communities, like the Alaskan Natives across Yukon-Kuskokwim,” said Lee-Cornell. “Through their responsiveness, Presbytery of Yukon allows Presbyterians to bear witness to our compassionate kinship with one another during difficult circumstances, and we are honored to support their efforts in the immе
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has urged the state Supreme Court to eliminate a religious tax exemption rather than extend it to Catholic Charities Bureau. This follows a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that allowed the charity to claim the exemption despite its secular services. Kaul argues that removing the exemption avoids discrimination against workers while correcting constitutional issues. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty opposes this move, stating Wisconsin should have raised the issue earlier. The dispute centers on whether the charity qualifies for relief from unemployment insurance requirements under state law.
Thomas Schirrmacher, president of the International Society for Human Rights, stated that conditions for Christians have deteriorated significantly worldwide. Speaking during the launch of 2025 yearbooks, he cited abuses ranging from violence to discriminatory laws. He highlighted regions where groups target believers and where blasphemy laws harm minorities. Schirrmacher identified dictatorial regimes and militant movements as primary drivers of persecution. He also noted suffering in several other nations. Officials emphasized the importance of religious freedom, while representatives condemned repression of Christians in occupied territories.
US evangelical leaders celebrated the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages abducted on October 7, 2023. President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli Knesset, declaring an end to hostilities and praising the defeat of terrorism. Jentezen Franklin, Penny Nance, Tony Perkins, Samuel Rodriguez, and Wendell Vinson issued statements praising Trump’s efforts and describing the event as a miracle. While expressing joy, some leaders warned against complacency and emphasized the need for lasting peace grounded in biblical principles. The releases occurred on Monday, marking a significant turning point after two years of conflict in the Middle East.
The Global Methodist Church (GMC) announced it has reached 6,000 member congregations globally. Launched on May 1, 2022, the denomination serves as a conservative alternative to the United Methodist Church (UMC). The GMC stated this milestone reflects its mission to spread the Gospel across various nations and languages. The new church emerged from long-standing divisions within the UMC regarding same-sex marriage and clergy ordination. Although a separation protocol was proposed in 2020, delays caused by the pandemic led GMC organizers to proceed independently in 2022. Since its founding, thousands of churches have disaffiliated from the UMC, with most joining the GMC due to ongoing debates over LGBT inclusion policies.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association announced that Rev. Franklin Graham will visit Manchester, UK, on October 3, 2026, for the 'God Loves You Tour.' The free event at Co-op Live aims to offer comfort following recent terrorist attacks, including a synagogue shooting and the 2019 arena bombing. Graham previously drew 17,000 people to London in June. The organization deployed chaplains after the synagogue incident. Graham stated the tour brings a message of hope and God's love to the city. This tour has visited eight British cities since 2022.
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