34 years of independence of Ukraine and its religious freedom
Once called “opium for the people” by Soviets, Christianity became the strength that helped independent Ukraine endure.
On August 24, Ukraine marked 34 years of independence. These years have been a gradual rebuilding of national identity, language, and culture. Freedom came not only politically, but also spiritually, as the church — long persecuted under the USSR — was finally free. Vladimir Lenin’s famous line, “Religion is opium for the people,” had been the guiding philosophy behind decades of oppression.
Haiti’s gangs: 'Beyond the reach of law, not the reach of the Gospel'
Recently, an Irish missionary and eight others — including a three-year-old child — were kidnapped from an orphanage compound. As believers around the world pray for their release from captivity, here are a few testimonies to encourage your prayers.
The wave of systematic kidnappings in Haiti reveals an ongoing power struggle for gang domination.
In the shadow of war, Ukrainian children find joy at summer camps
A chance to give hope to children hurt by war is too precious to miss.
“Their children often will panic; some will wet themselves. They struggle with sleeplessness and emotions every time the siren goes off…”
Eric Mock from Slavic Gospel Assosiation recounts conversations he had with Ukrainian families and children about how they endure the war. The situation is grim, as Russian attacks intensify, wiping out families and stealing nights’ rest.
Six missionaries detained for attempting to send Bibles to North Korea
Six Americans were detained after attempting to send bottles filled with Bibles, USBs, money, and rice by sea to North Korea.
Though well-meaning, their actions violated South Korean ordinances banning balloon and sea-based launches to the North, ordinances aimed at reducing tensions. These types of efforts have long been common, but the group appears to have acted without consulting local organizations experienced in such work.
Bible translation breakthrough! 25 new languages may hear of Jesus’ love
For God so loved the world… but over seven hundred languages have never heard the Gospel. That’s about to change — starting with twenty-five new translations.
One of the most beautiful sounds to the human ear is the sound of one’s own name, especially when called by the Creator and Savior. But many truth-seekers in South Asia have never known this joy because their language has not yet welcomed Jesus. Without Scripture in their heart language, they remain disconnected from the greatest story ever told.