James*, a pastor in a war-torn country, went to prison for two years. His crime: sharing his faith. But even imprisonment couldn’t stop him from telling the story that had changed his life. Prison in the area where he lives looks a lot different than it does in the U.S. The government isn’t obligated to give its citizens a fair trial. No legitimate reason is even required for taking a citizen to prison; they can hold someone for as long as they want. If no one from the outside meets … [Read more...]
Evangelical groups to host 1 million hours of prayer during Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO (BP) – Several evangelical organizations, both internationally and in the U.S., are partnering together in an effort to cover Japan with 1 million hours of prayer during the 30 days of the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic games. “Japan1Million,” a movement started by a partnership between the Japan International Sports Partnership and the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association, encourages Christians around the world to sign up for one-hour prayer slots during the Tokyo games. Those … [Read more...]
Christians count the cost and carry their cross
Adam*, a national believer, knew death was coming. He told Jonathan, an International Mission Board worker, he would be killed. His days were numbered, and though he didn’t know the number of days, he knew what God had called him to do. Six months before his death, Adam was in a difficult place in his spiritual life. In one of their Bible studies, Jonathan and Adam read in Luke 14:25-34 how Christians are called to count the cost and carry their crosses. “No one builds a tower without … [Read more...]
Haitian turmoil increases hunger for Gospel, Christian workers say
THOMAZEAU, Haiti (BP) — Near anarchy in Haiti surrounding the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse has escalated the risk of starvation but has also increased a hunger for the Gospel in some areas, according to Christian workers in the country. “Persecution in whatever form typically produces faith. And it’s interesting, with the lack of persecution sometimes faith is a little weak,” said David Vanderpool, a surgeon who leads LiveBeyond, a Gospel, medical and humanitarian group … [Read more...]
IMB joins Japanese Christians for Olympics outreach
TOKYO, Japan (IMB) – Every four years, athletes and spectators descend on the cities hosting the Olympic games. Historically, volunteer teams from U.S. churches have also journeyed to the Olympics and played active roles in both the Summer and Winter Olympics ministry strategies of IMB missionaries and national partners. IMB missionaries in Tokyo, Japan, developed evangelism and outreach plans utilizing both volunteers and Japanese churches and believers. These plans required adapting, … [Read more...]
Missourian urges prayer amid Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO, Japan – For the first time in 20 years, Chesterfield Community Church Connections Pastor Jeff Wells won’t attend the Summer Olympic Games. Ever since the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Wells has ventured across the globe to proclaim the gospel to international crowds gathered for the games. Both in summer and winter, he never missed the games, and the experience drastically changed his life. Not only did it foster a love for missions in his family, but it also expanded … [Read more...]
Indigenous people in Colombia sustained by Send Relief funds
COLOMBIA (IMB) – Through the efforts of Send Relief and the vision of an IMB team, a displaced Indigenous people group in Colombia has found a means of survival and financial stability. Meghan Aranda, an IMB journeyman, serves in Colombia among Indigenous people along the coast, including the Zenu. Toward the beginning of her two-year term, Aranda attended a workshop hosted by Send Relief in Panama. The purpose of the workshop was to provide practical tools to equip or start … [Read more...]
IMB workers in Stockholm to release multimedia Scripture project
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (IMB) – When Eric Haney stepped onto the train platform after a long night of music rehearsal in Stockholm, Sweden, his eyes were drawn to the wall of posters advertising music groups and concerts. It was all black, with what Eric describes as the “saddest looking people I’ve ever seen.” That wall represented the whole reason Eric and his wife, Anissa, came to Stockholm 11 years ago and what has inspired their latest project “Stories of Hope.” Stories of Hope is a … [Read more...]
2020 stats show growth in global mission work, IMB reports
RICHMOND, Va. (IMB) – An International Mission Board report, available to the public, shows growth in global mission work in 2020. “I have to admit that I’ve been a little nervous about that report,” said Paul Chitwood to IMB field personnel and staff last week. Citing the disruptions and unforeseen circumstances of 2020, Chitwood admitted he wondered what statistics would show regarding the progress of mission work. “Honestly, I expected a drop off in the vital statistics we track to … [Read more...]
People group in Congo Basin share Bible stories in heart language
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA (IMB) – International Mission Board missionary couple Jay and Kathy Shafto understand the importance of people hearing the gospel in their own languages. The Shaftos currently serve in the Congo Basin of Sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout this area, a significant number of people groups have yet to hear the gospel presented in their heart language. In partnership with Seed Company, a Bible translation organization, the Shaftos and their partners in the Congo Basin are … [Read more...]
125 Baptist high school students kidnapped in Nigeria
KADUNA, Nigeria (BP) – About 125 students kidnapped from a Baptist church school in northern Nigeria are especially in danger because of their Christianity and the unwillingness of local authorities to pay a ransom, a leading persecution watchdog group told Baptist Press. “There have been many kidnappings of school children over the past few years,” said Nathan Johnson, International Christian Concern’s (ICC) regional manager for Africa. “In this case it is a Baptist school, so most of … [Read more...]
Scattered believers connect to care for those imprisoned and persecuted
The Christians in one Muslim region are working hard in recent days to support their brothers and sisters who have been imprisoned for their faith. Though scattered because of current persecution, they send cryptic messages through social media and text apps and try their best to keep each other informed. Many of these believers live in different cities or even countries. In the last six months, their messages often speak of the rise of persecution and how to care for those in prison. … [Read more...]
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