A missionary reports from Antsirabe, Madagascar, describing her initial days at the Akanisoa orphanage. She notes being welcomed warmly by the community, which integrates faith into daily routines through morning worship and evening prayers. The writer observes strong bonds among residents, particularly when helping children with homework after school. The outlet highlights the mutual care and gratitude that define life at the facility, emphasizing the emotional impact of this supportive environment on the new staff member.
More than 15,000 young Christians gathered in Paris, France, for the Taizé European meetings. Hosted at the Paris City Hall, the event aimed to embody a Europe built on human relationships and hope. Christian Krieger, president of the Protestant Federation of France, stated that Europe is constructed through mutual understanding and reconciliation, not just treaties. The initiative acts as a fraternity-based Erasmus program, allowing youth from diverse cultures and confessions to build lasting bonds. In a context of European tensions, the gathering highlights the hope for a peaceful and free Europe among young people.
In Nice, France, Lutheran and Reformed communities have formalized their union within the United Protestant Church of France. Pastor Paolo Morlacchetti describes this as the culmination of years of fraternal cooperation between congregations located just hundreds of meters apart. The initiative aims to create a more open and vibrant church that welcomes individuals in their uniqueness. The arrival of the JEEPP mission has further energized the project by engaging youth. The historic Lutheran Church of the Transfiguration, established in 1866, now serves as a central part of this unified effort, reflecting a shared commitment to diversity and spiritual unity.
The 48th European Youth Meeting organized by the Taizé Community is taking place in Paris, France. Three co-presidents of the Council of Christian Churches in France issued a message welcoming young participants. They expressed confidence that believers and people of goodwill will open their homes to attendees. This annual event, held for over five decades in major European cities, has involved Protestant federation leaders from the beginning. The gathering aims to foster hospitality and spiritual connection among youth across the continent.
In Mbetite, a village in Senegal's Fatick region, a new water project has failed to provide fresh drinking water. The local parish, comprising eight congregations, launched a mini-drilling initiative to address water scarcity and support agro-pastoral activities. However, the 24-meter borehole yields saline water, making it unsuitable for consumption or agriculture. This outcome complicates efforts to sustain the community, which faces financial strain following the withdrawal of Finnish mission support and the local assumption of pastoral salaries. While infrastructure such as reservoirs and fencing was completed, the water quality issue limits the project's immediate impact on rural development.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Claude Laprise on UnsplashPersecuted church
Christian leaders and observers in Canada are expressing concern over a proposed hate speech bill. According to Christian Today, the legislation may remove legal protections that previously allowed individuals to quote religious texts, such as the Bible, without facing criminal prosecution. The changes would eliminate the defense of acting in good faith based on religious belief. Consequently, authorities could examine biblical statements to determine if they constitute hate speech. Furthermore, the bill would simplify the process for launching legal actions by removing the requirement for prior approval from the provincial attorney general. This shift raises fears that citing scripture could lead to new legal risks for believers in Canada.
Evangelical preacher Shane Claiborne founded RAWtools Philadelphia to recycle donated firearms into useful tools. Located in the Kensington neighborhood, the organization addresses the high levels of gun violence in Philadelphia, which holds the record for the highest concentration of shootings in the United States. Claiborne argues that prayers alone are insufficient to combat armed violence, citing recent tragedies in his community. The nonprofit aims to transform metal from weapons into life-giving objects, reflecting Claiborne's pacifist beliefs and commitment to social justice. This initiative seeks to change both the community and the purpose of the materials involved.
Open Doors, an NGO based in France, is preparing its 33rd edition of the World Watch List, which tracks persecution against Christians. Guillaume Guennec, co-director of the organization, explained that the index ranks countries where Christians face the most hostility. The study period covers October 2024 to September 2025. The data aims to help the global church identify where to focus aid and prayer. It also serves as an expert document for media and policymakers. The index includes all Christian denominations and relies on a network built over 70 years to report facts on violence, discrimination, and oppression.
The Office of Development of Evangelical Churches in Burkina Faso has doubled its annual budget to two billion CFA francs. The executive secretary states that these funds support agricultural projects and aid people displaced by terrorism. Operating in most of the country's regions, the organization focuses on food security and community resilience. The office was recently honored by the president with the Order of the Star. The secretary notes that their humanitarian work primarily benefits Muslims and Christians alike, emphasizing the need for greater visibility and local resource autonomy.
In Burkina Faso, a Pentecostal pastor promotes a missionary sovereignty model through his organization. Based in the capital, the group has established over 1,400 local churches across Africa and abroad since 1987. The movement emphasizes local autonomy, reducing dependence on Western missions, and integrates social aid with evangelism. Recent activities include distributing food to displaced persons and visiting hospitals. The pastor, who turned 78 in 2025, is preparing for a leadership transition to his wife, a pastor, ensuring the mission's long-term sustainability.
One year after the fall of the former president, Christians in a city in Syria continue to face significant difficulties despite the new regime's promises to protect minorities. The outlet reports that while the government, led by former jihadists, claims to safeguard all groups, many Christians feel compelled to stay hidden or have emigrated. This situation reflects the broader instability affecting Christian communities in the Middle East and North Africa, where historical roots coexist with complex religious identities and ongoing conflicts.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Fons Heijnsbroek on UnsplashPersecuted church
A major fire destroyed the historic Vondel Church in Amsterdam, Netherlands, during the night of January 1. Authorities report that flames spread rapidly from the tower, causing its collapse and forcing local evacuations. Police and fire services are investigating the cause, with fireworks suspected due to New Year's celebrations. Marco de Leeuw stated no one was inside. The building, previously damaged in 1904, had a reconstructed tower. This event highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding fireworks in the region.
The French Court of Cassation has definitively rejected the appeal filed by Marine Le Pen regarding a defamation conviction. The far-right leader had accused the Cimade, a Protestant migrant aid association, of organizing clandestine immigration routes from the Comoros in 2022. Le Pen was previously fined 500 euros with a suspended sentence, a penalty confirmed by the appeals court in September 2024. The Cimade welcomed the final decision on December 16, stating it had never doubted the outcome. The case highlights tensions between political rhetoric and humanitarian organizations in France.
The Salvation Army has deployed its traditional Christmas kettles across Paris and approximately fifteen other cities in France until December 24. According to the organization, donations collected through these kettles, as well as online contributions, will fund meals and festive activities for isolated or vulnerable individuals. The group aims to spread hope during the Advent season by providing welcoming support and kind words to those in need. Funds raised will also support various solidarity actions, including shared Christmas dinners, distribution of festive packages, home visits, and services held at local posts. This initiative highlights the group's commitment to aiding the most precarious members of society during the holidays.
Mykhaïlo, a 51-year-old missionary from the Holy Trinity Church in Ukraine, was mobilized to monitor drone video feeds. According to his interview with Evangélical Focus, he relies on his pastor’s messages and his congregation’s prayers to cope with the dangers of bombardment and isolation from non-believing officers. He cites Isaiah 41:8-11 as a key source of encouragement, believing God strengthens him to serve as a spiritual example. Despite the harsh conditions, he maintains that his faith remains solid and provides daily resilience during the ongoing conflict.
The International Christian Fellowship church in Munich, Germany, hosted a contemporary Christmas performance titled 'The Christmas Experience' on December 6 and 7. The event attracted 14,000 attendees, with 6,000 present in person and 8,000 watching remotely. The production combined theater, dance, and live music to retell the nativity story with modern twists, featuring a Joseph who initially avoids responsibility and a Mary facing a surprising medical diagnosis. Pastor Tobias Teichen, who initiated the project, used the finale to address the audience. The outlet reports that the spectacle aimed to connect the biblical narrative with contemporary urban life.
The French Protestant Alliance (Defap) sent a delegation to Djibouti to review its collaboration with the Djibouti Evangelical Protestant Church (EPED). The mission aimed to meet local actors, including Pastor Bernard Folly, and assess ongoing projects. Defap expressed gratitude to Djiboutian authorities while reaffirming EPED's ties to French Protestantism. Discussions covered initiatives such as graphic design training for people with disabilities, French language support, and sewing sessions for young girls. This visit marked the first discovery of the country for the Defap Secretary General, highlighting the church's social and worship activities.
The European Evangelical Alliance has invited Christians to observe the Universal Prayer Week from January 11 to 18, 2026. The theme focuses on God's faithfulness to His people. Evangelical groups in Switzerland and France are now equipped with resources for this mobilization. In Switzerland, the Swiss Evangelical Network (RES) leads the initiative and provides a brochure with daily meditative texts. These materials aim to encourage intercession and reflection on divine fidelity. The event continues a tradition dating back to the mid-19th century, urging believers to gather in groups or churches for meditation and celebration across the region.
French scout groups travel to Austria annually to retrieve the Bethlehem Peace Light, a tradition started in 2003. The 2025 theme focuses on meeting to build peace, inspired by the Emmaus disciples. A delegation of twenty young people from France attends an international celebration in Austria, gathering youth from across Europe and beyond. The event features ecumenical participation by Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican clergy. Participants exchange languages and scout symbols, fostering dialogue and hope. The French delegation then returns to France to continue promoting peace initiatives within their communities.
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