Yet More Abductions, Murders, as U.S. Delegation Arrives in Nigeria

On Sunday morning, December 7, gunmen attacked Christians preparing for worship at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Isiokwe, Anambra state. They murdered a priest’s wife and another Christian, injured many others, abducted the Rev. Venerable Obies, and set fire to the church, vehicles, homes and other Christians’ property. (Christian Daily International-Morning Star News, December 9)Continue reading “Yet More Abductions, Murders, as U.S. Delegation Arrives in Nigeria”

Where Knowing Christ Is Forbidden

Christmas takes on a whole new meaning when you live in a place like North Korea, where even one decoration in your home could get you arrested. Where telling the story of Jesus is against the law, and Bibles are forbidden. Where being a Christian could cost you your livelihood, your freedom, your family, orContinue reading “Where Knowing Christ Is Forbidden”

Floods in Indonesia & Sri Lanka, Conflict in Afghanistan, Sudan, South Africa

ASIA: Continued rain has complicated rescues, as the death toll from floods and storms rose past 1,750, with hundreds still missing. In INDONESIA, 908 have died and 410 are missing, with 800,000 displaced. Rescue teams wade through waste-high mud to find survivors, and starvation has become a real threat. Many communities have been wiped outContinue reading “Floods in Indonesia & Sri Lanka, Conflict in Afghanistan, Sudan, South Africa”

Covering for the Persecuted, Savior for the Persecutors

As we pray for believers in danger throughout the world this Christmas, I have been thinking on Mary and Joseph’s escape to Egypt in Matthew 2:13-15, when Herod set out to murder Jesus. What a threat to satan’s purposes of killing, stealing and destroying is this One who came to give us abundant life. JohnContinue reading “Covering for the Persecuted, Savior for the Persecutors”

Prayers for Suffering Christians This Christmas

As we gather with loved ones this Christmas and worship God freely in our churches, let’s take a moment to pray together as a family for persecuted Christians throughout the world who don’t have that freedom. Let’s also pray for God’s provision and protection over the 3.5 million Christians displaced from their homes in NigeriaContinue reading “Prayers for Suffering Christians This Christmas”

Nearly 1,500 Dead in Asia Floods

The death toll from last week’s devastating floods in several Asian countries has more than doubled, as rescue teams race against time to find and rescue thousands missing amid mud and debris. At least 753 have died in Indonesia, 465 in Sri Lanka, 185 in Thailand and up to 34 in Malaysia. While Thailand andContinue reading “Nearly 1,500 Dead in Asia Floods”

Nigeria: Christian Abduction, Persecution Update

Two parents have died while awaiting the rescue of their children, held captive with hundreds abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state. Father of three of the victims Anthony Musa suffered a heart attack due to anxiety and hypertension. Details on the woman have not yet been released. An abducted pastor we prayedContinue reading “Nigeria: Christian Abduction, Persecution Update”

Mass Shootings Thanksgiving Week

A gunman from Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, shot two members of the US National Guard in Washington DC on Wednesday. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died. Andrew Wolfe, 24, is in critical condition. Also in mass shootings last week, at least four died, including three children, and ten were wounded at a child’s birthday party in Stockton,Continue reading “Mass Shootings Thanksgiving Week”

Loving the Hard-to-Love

Did you face conflicts over the last few days? Today’s prayer is from Romans 12:9-21: Lord, make our love sincere. Teach us to hate what is evil; and cling to what is good. Make us devoted to one another in love, honoring others above ourselves. Don’t let us lack in zeal, but fuel our spiritualContinue reading “Loving the Hard-to-Love”

666 Die in Asia Storms, 128 in Hong Kong Fire

A cyclone, tropical storm and devastating floods have affected millions in Southeast Asia. At least 303 have died in Sumatra, INDONESIA, with 279 still missing; 34 died in MALAYSIA; 170 in THAILAND; and 159 in SRI LANKA, where 130 are still missing. An apartment block fire in HONG KONG on Wednesday killed 146, with 78Continue reading “666 Die in Asia Storms, 128 in Hong Kong Fire”