A missionary reports from Madagascar on their ongoing work at the Akanisoa orphanage and its attached school. The writer describes building stronger relationships with the children and the local team through teaching, homework help, and daily activities. Over recent weeks, trust has grown, making interactions more natural. Simple moments, such as rickshaw rides or market visits, have become meaningful. Familiar faces in the neighborhood contribute to a sense of belonging. The missionary continues to vary school activities to engage students, noting that while some days are easier than others, the routine provides a steady sense of purpose and connection within the community.
Marilyn Hickey, founder of Marilyn Hickey Ministries, has passed away at age 94. According to Regards protestants, her ministry significantly influenced Francophone evangelical communities, particularly in France and Africa. Her teachings on faith and healing were disseminated through television, books, and conferences across 140 countries. The article highlights her impact on Paris Centre Chrétien in La Courneuve, where Pastor Dorothée Rajiah considers Hickey a spiritual mother. Hickey’s practical approach to charismatic Christianity and her role as a female pioneer continue to shape churches in the French-speaking world through her daughter Sarah Bowling and published works.
Laurent Saez, former firefighter and founder of Secours Protestant, explains why his organization provides holistic aid. After 25 years as a firefighter in France, he launched the group in 2003 to address spiritual and psychological needs alongside physical relief. The vision materialized during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where Saez witnessed widespread trauma. Today, the association operates in France, Ukraine, and other regions, offering material support and psychological care. Saez attributes his compassion to his own past suffering and Christian faith, emphasizing that human connection matters more than material goods during crises.
A representative of an organization linked to the Evangelical Church in a North African country shares his thoughts after four months there. This group has worked for over two decades to improve migrants' living conditions through health, education, and food aid. The representative notes his rapid adaptation to the diverse cultural environment and expresses gratitude for the rich experience. He wishes everyone a successful year ahead, attributing the swift passage of time to his busy daily routine and passion for his mission in the region.
The Evangelical Center 2026 event will take place in Créteil, France, from April 15 to 16 at the Espace Grand Paris. According to the Evangelical Information and Action Center (CEIA), approximately 1,000 participants and 130 exhibitors are expected to attend. The gathering focuses on the theme of church unity amidst diversity, aiming to bring evangelical Protestantism together around Jesus Christ. Romain Choisnet, representing the National Council of Evangelicals of France (CNEF), confirmed the scale of the event. The initiative seeks to encourage attendees to value the differences that compose the church while fostering a sense of shared faith and community.
Following coordinated assaults by Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and Tuareg FLA rebels in Mali, military leader General Assimi Goïta declared the situation under control. The attacks targeted several cities, with armed groups declaring a siege on the capital. Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed during the clashes. Despite the violence, Goïta urged national unity while relying on Russian allies after expelling French forces. The African Union condemned the violence, warning of risks to civilians in the West African nation.
According to The New York Times, Americans are increasingly purchasing high-end Bibles with leather bindings and elaborate illustrations, a trend that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collector Blake Musick recently bought his 70th Bible for 200 dollars, arguing that beautiful editions honor the text. Sky Cline, founder of Schuyler Bibles Publishers, describes a sector renaissance, noting a shift away from digital apps like YouVersion toward tangible objects. Sales also rise following global crises, such as tensions in Iran and Ukraine, or significant events involving evangelical figures.
Two foreign teachers detained in Iran for several years have returned to their home country. After being sentenced for alleged espionage, they endured severe conditions in a notorious prison before being placed under house arrest at their nation's embassy. In a recent interview, they described experiencing psychological torture, including isolation, constant lighting, and death threats, which forced them to make televised confessions. They departed the country recently, narrowly avoiding a deadly airstrike on the detention facility. Their home government characterized their treatment as a form of white torture, highlighting the severe human rights abuses faced by detainees in the region.
The Union of Baptist Churches in Benin (UEBB) has prioritized social work in its latest strategic plan to address socio-economic needs. Partnering with SEL, the organization launched an entrepreneurship training program for young graduates in Benin. The initiative aims to help participants develop their own businesses by teaching financial management, savings, client retention, and goal setting. Twenty-five young people completed the course, receiving practical skills and encouragement to persist despite failures. This effort responds to the significant lack of job opportunities for educated youth in the country.
A doctoral candidate recently defended a thesis on the socio-historical identity of Christians in a predominantly Muslim North African country. Supervised by an academic, the research examines the challenges faced by converts to evangelicalism within a postcolonial context where Islam remains a national pillar. The study analyzes religious pluralization and the complex negotiation of identity for believers in this region. This work follows previous academic publications on historical religious figures. The research highlights the delicate balance required for Christians to maintain their faith and identity in a society where religious conversion can lead to significant social and legal pressures.
Israeli authorities have confirmed and condemned an incident in which a soldier damaged a statue of Christ in the Lebanese village of Debel. The image, published by journalist Younis Tirawi on April 19, shows a soldier striking the head of the religious figure with a hammer. The Israeli military stated it is investigating the event and promised sanctions against the responsible individual. Local municipal president Aql Naddaf noted that officials cannot currently access the site due to the ongoing Israeli military presence in the region. This event has drawn international attention, potentially overshadowing the broader context of military operations aimed at displacing Hezbollah forces from southern Lebanon.
On April 2, NASA launched the Artemis II mission to the Moon, marking the first crewed lunar flight since 1972. Among the four astronauts aboard is Victor Glover, a Christian who has publicly integrated his faith into his professional duties. According to Evangelical Focus, Glover thanked and prayed to God for the mission's success during a press conference on April 3, 2023. He stated he hoped the mission would inspire cooperation and peace. Additionally, he told Christianity Today that he places God at the center of his life and seeks to act according to divine will.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Despite a general decline in religious affiliation, Catholic baptisms have increased significantly in Switzerland and France during the Easter season. According to the Catholic Church in France, adult baptisms rose by 28% and adolescent baptisms by 10% compared to last year. In Switzerland, data from 24 heures indicates a 26% increase in baptisms. The growth is particularly notable among young adults aged 16 to 35 in French-speaking Switzerland. This surge has prompted parishes to recruit additional support staff to manage the higher volume of conversions and baptisms.
Two French teachers have returned to France after spending three and a half years detained in Iran. President Emmanuel Macron announced their release on April 7, and the couple arrived in France the following morning. They had been arrested in May 2022 during a tourist trip and sentenced to prison terms for alleged espionage. After serving time in a detention facility, they were placed under conditional release and surveillance in the capital. Their return followed diplomatic negotiations involving Oman and other intermediaries. Upon arrival, they were received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reunited with family. This event marks the end of French hostages being held in Iran.
Approximately 8,000 Christians gathered in Seoul, South Korea, on April 4 for the 2026 Easter Parade. Organized by the United Christian Churches of Korea, the event took place at Gwanghwamun Square and Sejong-daero. Gam Kyung-cheol, president of Christian TV, delivered the opening speech, expressing hope that the parade would become a global Christian cultural festival witnessing to resurrection life beyond denominational lines. The mayor of Seoul also supported the initiative, hoping the march would serve as a path of hope to overcome divisions. The event's theme focused on facing the future through faith in the living Lord.
Around 500 Christians will distribute Gospels in approximately 50 French cities, including Paris, Toulouse, and Lyon, on Saturday, April 4. The initiative, called Bible Impact, draws inspiration from Mark 16:15 and aims to unite churches across the country to share their faith in Jesus. Pastor Samuel Mabboux, the project's coordinator, stated that the message conveys hope, love, and peace. This year, organizers purchased the Gospels directly to fund future evangelization campaigns. Each copy includes a QR code linking recipients to local churches listed by the CNEF and a link to order a Bible.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has fined Serbian club FK Crvena Zvezda 40,000 euros. The penalty follows a match against LOSC Lille in Belgrade, Serbia, on February 26. Supporters displayed a large tifo featuring Jesus with the slogan “Let our faith lead us to victory.” UEFA deemed the display a non-sporting message inappropriate for the event. German politician Tobias Teich criticized the decision, calling it intolerance toward public Christian expression. The club is based in Serbia, while the opposing team is from France. The fine highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious symbols in European football stadiums.
In a city in northern Iraq, the renovation of churches highlights the commitment and steadfast faith of Christians who have returned to the area. Between 2014 and 2017, this location served as the capital of the Islamic State. The ongoing restoration efforts demonstrate the resilience of the local Christian community as they rebuild their places of worship in the region. This development marks a significant step in the area's recovery and the reestablishment of religious life following the conflict.
A major organization will host a rally in a European city to highlight the plight of persecuted Christians. The event aims to affirm religious freedom in a region known for human rights. Hundreds of believers from various denominations, including Catholics, Orthodox, Armenian, and Evangelical communities, are expected to attend. According to the organizer, hundreds of millions of Christians worldwide face severe persecution. A Christian from a country on the World Watch List will share his testimony regarding the situation in his nation. Religious leaders and a regional representative will also speak at the gathering.
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