05.11.2024

China This Week: Supernatural growth while jailed

Elder Zhang shares his supernatural growth

OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Protestant woman on trial for Melitopol prayer meeting?

A Protestant in her early fifties has been under arrest by Russian
occupation forces since early 2024, and may already be facing criminal
trial at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Regional Court in occupied
Ukraine.

SAT-7 interviews Christian sheltering in church within Holy Land conflict zone

Around 900 people have been sheltering together in a church building within a conflict zone of the Holy Land — many of them Christians.

USCIRF fails to recommend Taliban as “entity of particular concern.” Why?

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is not letting up on Afghanistan, but there’s a twist.

New leaders, old challenges in Haiti

Haiti’s transitional presidential council has taken one step forward, then two steps back.

As Leah Sharibu turns 21years old, please remember her in prayer

In just a few days’ time, Leah Sharibu will turn 21 years old. Will you stand alongside her and others who share her plight, in prayer? 

Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Attack Catholic School in Nigeria

Security guard shot, wounded at institution in Benue state.

Video Shows Pastoral Couple Kidnapped a Year Ago in Nigeria

Pastor pleads with government, church leaders for rescue.

India’s national election has implications for Christian ministry

They’re halfway there. Over two weeks ago, India kicked off national elections in a seven-phase voting process that will continue till June 1. 

USCIRF News Digest - May 7, 2024

China, Eritrea: Three Imprisoned Christians to Lift Up in Prayer

In nations hostile to Christ, Christians are sentenced to prison for the activity of their faith, where they are often starved, beaten and treated inhumanely.

Hope of a brighter future is a distant memory for Sudanese Christians

Sudan’s army attempts to retake Wad Madani from RSF or paramilitary forces.

Muslims Attack Catholic Students with Knives in Indonesia

Two young women slightly wounded.

Nigeria: Pastor Murdered on Way to Church Conference

Armed “bandits” shot and killed Reverend Manasseh Ibrahim on Tuesday, April 23, in Kaduna state as he traveled to a church conference.

Iranian Authorities Again Charge Active House Church Member

On March 11, Iranian authorities charged house church member Shabeddin “Shahab” Shahi with “propaganda against the Islamic regime.” 

Algerian Pastor’s ‘Unauthorized Worship’ Conviction Upheld

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane of Algeria is facing a year of imprisonment after the Tizi Ouzou Court of Appeals upheld his conviction on Thursday.

Islamists Attempt to Block Church Construction in Upper Egypt

A group of Islamists gathered on Friday, April 26, in the village of Al-Koum Al-Ahmar, Maghagha, Minya, to protest the construction of a church building.

Six Christians Killed, Eight Wounded in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Fulani herdsmen attack at midnight.

Christian Presence in Gaza at Risk of Disappearing

Gaza’s beleaguered Christian community has recently seen several families leave the territory to transit through Egypt to seek a new life elsewhere.

USCIRF Calls for Additional Sanctions Amidst New Harsh Enforcement of Iran’s Mandatory Hijab Law

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls for additional sanctions on Iranian authorities and security officials in light of the increased crackdown on women and girls for “defying” the country’s mandatory hijab laws. 

Anti-foreign sentiment grows in China

If you Google ‘China’ today, you’ll see headlines about uncertain economic growth, issues in the South China Sea, and closer ties with Russia and Iran.

Why the US State Department does not always adopt USCIRF recommendations

The annual 2024 report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) dropped this week. 

Herdsmen Kill 28 Christians in Benue State, Nigeria

Dozens of others wounded, area sources say.