YouTube Doomed 21-Sep-2009 IRVINE, CA - (BMNS) – Christians around the world post thousands of videos on YouTube. It was also recently reported that in two months, YouTube delivers more content that all the traditional TV since television first hit the airwaves. Despite this, more

Another View of Conservatism 21-Sep-2009 LOS ANGELES, CA (Bully Pulpit News) – In May, Conor Friedersdorf, a twenty-eight-year-old graduate of NYU's Journalism School, decided he was going to save conservative journalism. His manifesto, which appeared under the title "Electric Kool-Ai more

No Pay for Pakistani Christian Janitors 21-Sep-2009 BAHAWALPUR, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- As another sign of bias against minorities in Pakistan, the Christian janitorial workers of Bahawalpur have been denied salaries during the Muslim Eid (Muslim religious festival) whereas the authority ensured disbursement of more

Christian Nurse Ordered to Remove Cross 21-Sep-2009 EXETER, UK (ANS) - In another strange case from the UK, a Christian nurse from Exeter, in the west of England, with nearly 30 years of service, and just eight months to go to her retirement, is being threatened with disciplinary action after refusing to r more

Recession Bites Catholic Charities 21-Sep-2009 IRVINE, CA (BMNS) – Catholic news sources are reporting that the current economic recession has boosted Catholic Charities client rolls by 10 percent. It says that the need for housing services like the St. Margaret of Cortona program as well as emergenc more

Pope: 2010 Middle East Synod 21-Sep-2009 IRVINE, CA (BMS) - Vatican sources are saying that Pope Benedict XVI is preparing to convene a Synod of Bishops for the Middle East to address the trials and tribulations of the Christian population in the region. It is expected to be held in October, 20 more

Money for the New World Order 16-Sep-2009 IRVINE – BNS - Alan Metcalfe, the publisher of Business Missionaries News said today that Christians around the world should be seriously worried about moves to introduce a new global currency to replace the US Dollar. “This move will bring about the gre more

Christians continue to suffer inside Iran 9-Sep-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Christians pay a high price in Iran for their decision to follow Jesus. The Iranian government controls churches and persecutes Muslim Background Believers (MBBs); arresting them as they commit the “crime” of leaving Islam. Presiden more

Police shut down tribal church in India 9-Jun-2009 KARNATAKA, INDIA (ANS) -- A newly built Indian Apostolic church was forcefully locked up by police in a village called Chennagiri, Davanagere District in Karnataka state, India, on Sunday, June 7, 2009. According to news released by the Global Council of more

Homeless shelter forced to turn people away 9-Jun-2009 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- The phone lines at Albuquerque's largest homeless shelter continue to ring at all hours of the day and night. Many times at the other end of the line is a discouraged family or person needing a place to stay. While Joy Junc more

“Welcome the World” tour goes to Mid-West 8-Jun-2009 CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (ANS) -- Bill and Ivy Bray have finalized the dates for their “Welcoming the World” spring mission tour to Illinois and Michigan. Their visits will help promote the upcoming Decade of the International Student starting in 2010, a new t more

ICC orphanage attacked by government forces 8-Jun-2009 WASHINGTON, DC (ANS) -- International Christian Concern (ICC) says that it has just learned that Burmese government forces attacked two internally displaced people's camps along the Thai border last night in a heightened effort to defeat the Karen. A more

Pakistani Muslim forces girl to convert 8-Jun-2009 LAHORE, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- The Christian mother of a 12-year-old girl in Punjab Province who was kidnaped, coerced into converting to Islam and forcibly married to a 37-year-old Muslim hopes to recover her daughter at a court hearing next week. According t more

Consultation held in the House of Commons 8-Jun-2009 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- A consultation entitled “The Persecution of Christians in the United Kingdom” was held in the Attlee room of the House of Commons on June 3, 2009. It was hosted by Dominic Grieve QC, Conservative Member of Parliament for Beaconsfield, more

Minorities convention held in Pakistan 8-Jun-2009 ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- A “Minorities Solidarity Convention” was organized in Islamabad, Pakistan, on May 29, 2009, by the Ministry of Minorities Affairs and attended by religious minority leaders from across the country. The minority leaders pledged more

Global Advance Equipping the Equippers 8-Jun-2009 Dallas, Texas (MNS) – Missionary Jonathan Shibley of the Global Advance ministry, who has just returned from China and Vietnam, said that Global Advance has a ground floor opportunity to equip pastors and business professionals in Vietnam. Pastor Shibley more

London flooded with prayer during Pentecost weekend 2-Jun-2009 WESTMINSTER, LONDON (ANS) -- As the British government deals with the credit crunch and politicians come under continual media scrutiny over expenses claims, Christians across London flooded the city with prayers during Pentecost weekend with a series of more

Moviegoers prefer movies with faith and values 2-Jun-2009 SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO (ANS) -- Dr. Ted Baehr, publisher of Movieguide®, the family guide to movies and entertainment, encouraged screenwriters at the 11th Annual Screenwriting Conference in Santa Fe, N.M. this weekend that family movies with faith and val more

Muslim villagers beat Evangelists in southeastern Bangladesh 2-Jun-2009 FULGAZI, BANGLADESH (ANS) -- Nearly four months after Muslim villagers in a southeastern Bangladesh sub-district violently beat two evangelists for showing the “Jesus Film,” one of them is still receiving treatment for nerve damage to his hip. According t more

Abortion Doctor Shot and Killed 31-May-2009 IRVINE, CA (MNS) – Associated Press has reported that late-term abortion doctor George Tiller, a prominent advocate for abortion rights was been shot and killed on Sunday at a church in Wichita where he was serving as an usher. Dr. Tiller was shot during more

Legalizing Tasmanian Brothels Issue 29-May-2009 Australia-Legalizing brothels in the state of Tasmania in Australia would lead to a massive expansion of the State’s sex trade, with devastating effects for the increased numbers of women and children caught up in the industry, the Australian Christian L more

GFA Missionaries reaching out 29-May-2009 WEST BENGAL, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries are mobilizing to help in the area devastated by Cyclone Aila, which pounded the Bay of Bengal on Monday, even as the fate of its missionaries and their churches is still unknown. “I just more

Vienna bloodshed of Sikh Dalits a symptom of malaise 29-May-2009 LONDON (ANS) -- Several days after the attack on the top leadership of the Ravidass religious sect by orthodox Sikh terrorists in Vienna, world governments and the global human rights and human dignity community has apparently not understood the significa more

Vulnerable Tasmanians at risk 26-May-2009 Australia-The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today called on Tasmanian parliamentarians to reject the euthanasia bill introduced by Greens’ leader Nick McKim today, saying that the trumpeted safeguards have been shown not to work and, if passed, the leg more

ACL backs call for action on protecting kids from porn in milk bars and service stations 26-May-2009 Australia- The Australian Christian Lobby today backed calls by Family First Senator Steve Fielding for action to enforce laws aimed at protecting children from pornography. “The damage to a child’s development from exposure to X and R rated material is more

World Refugee Sunday seeks to raise Global Church Awareness 26-May-2009 UNITED STATES (ANS) -- World Refugee Sunday, a day where the churches are encouraged to focus on refugees and refugee related issues, will be commemorated on June 21st this year. World Refugee Sunday is an annual event, held on two consecutive Sundays and more

North Korea ‘nuclear test’ condemned 26-May-2009 NORTH KOREA (ANS) -- North Korea has once again shocked the world after saying it had successfully conducted a nuclear test. “We have successfully conducted another nuclear test on May 25 as part of the republic's measures to strengthen its nuclear d more

2010 – Year of the Bible? 24-May-2009 MNS - Republican congressman Paul Broun (R-Ga.) is trying to get 2010 declared the Year of the Bible, emulating what Ronald Reagan did in 1983, with Congress’ blessing. However, his congressional resolution isn’t going anywhere in this Congress. more

GFA president calls election results a vote against extremism 21-May-2009 INDIA (ANS) -- “The Indian election has sent a significant message that extremism, especially against minorities, is not going to be accepted in the country,” said Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan after poll results were posted in the world’s larg more

GFA workers reach out to survivors 21-May-2009 SRI LANKA (ANS) -- Sri Lanka’s civil war between the government and the Tamil Tigers rebel group is now over, and it is time to minister to the survivors, says Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan. “While the 26-year-long conflict has come to an end more

Christian leader comments on results 21-May-2009 CARROLLTON, TX (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia’s President, K.P. Yohannan, has said that the Indian election results are “a vote against extremism.” Yohannan said, after the poll results were posted in the world’s largest democracy, “The Indian election has sen more

Severed head of kidnapped Christian found in Philippines 21-May-2009 WASHINGTON D.C. (ANS) -- A human rights group is reporting that on May 17, villagers discovered the severed head of an elderly Christian farmer who had been abducted by Muslim militants in the southern Philippines nearly a month ago. International Christi more

Jordan encounter God as storyteller 19-May-2009 JORDAN-Every storyteller, every reader, indeed every listener knows that a great narrative needs likable characters and a compelling plot. But it also needs a terrific setting.Imagine The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe without Narnia. Or Dorothy withou more

‘Charter rights no wrongs’ campaign launch and referendum call 19-May-2009 AUSTRALIA-In the face of the current push to soften the ground for an Australian charter of rights, the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) will on Thursday launch a campaign which challenges the assumption that this is the best way to protect human rights. more

Intoxicated youths turn violent 19-May-2009 SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- Recently, two Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries were awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of stones hitting the church where they were staying. The two men, Sujit and Goutam, went outside to find a gang of 25 drunk you more

Video expose torture of attorney 19-May-2009 BEIJING, CHINA / WASHINGTON, DC (ANS) -- It has been more than 100 days since Christian human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng has been seen in public. Now two Christian groups, who work for the rights of believers in countries where they face persecution or more

Internet Evangelism 14-May-2009 IRVINE (MNS) – Tony Whittaker of Internet Evangelism says that the group’s Internet Evangelism Day, the fifth since this annual initiative began, was widely covered online, by radio, and in the print media. He said that there were two particularly encour more

Grizzly Adams® announces award winning film 13-May-2009 Loveland, CO—The most honored film in the thirty-five year history of Grizzly Adams Productions is about to enter a whole new dimension, according to Charles E. Sellier, the company's founder and CEO. San Diego-based PassmoreLab, a state-of-the-art f more

Pastor’s life threatened 13-May-2009 SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- When their church sign was destroyed on February 28 and their pastor’s life was verbally threatened, a group of young people in a South Asian village experienced firsthand that taking a stand for Christ can carry a serious price tag. more

Church leader’s trial set after year in jail 12-May-2009 CUBA (ANS) -- A Cuban pastor will finally face trial next week in the city of Camaguey, Cuba, after spending a whole year in prison. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), government prosecutors are asking that Pastor Omar Gude Perez, who was more

Iran releases jailed American journalist 12-May-2009 TEHRAN, IRAN (ANS) -- Jailed US-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi has been freed from Iran's notorious Evin prison and is soon expected to leave with her parents and travel to the US to her home in Fargo, North Dakota. The move came after an Iranian a more

Two film team members missing 12-May-2009 UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Two Gospel for Asia-supported film team members are reported as missing on the mission field. Tanvir Sarin and Gandhik Chopra were traveling to different villages, sharing the love of Jesus by showing a movie about His life. more

Church burned down in Andhra Pradesh State, India 11-May-2009 ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- A group of Hindu radicals allegedly set fire to a church in Siddhapuram village located in Andhra Pradesh state, India, on Tuesday, May 5. According to news released on the website of the All India Christian Council (www.chr more

Leaders issue declaration of Repentance and Reconciliation 11-May-2009 MIDLAND, TEXAS (ANS) -- An unprecedented statement regarding the June 4 1989 massacre at Tiananmen Square has just been released. The document from 80 Chinese Christian leaders calls for forgiveness, repentance, truth, justice and reconciliation. In a new more

Taliban extorts Protection ‘Tax’ 11-May-2009 SWAT VALLEY, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that hundreds of religious minorities, including Sikhs and Christians, fled Swat Valley because the Taliban had imposed the “jizya tax” required by Islamic law on religious m more

Telly awards honors two 7-May-2009 Loveland, CO—The 30th Annual Telly Awards committee has announced that Grizzly Adams® Productions has been honored twice: the full length motion picture—Friends for Life—is the recipient of a Silver Award in the Entertainment category; and, the biblically more

Charter of Rights should not be foisted on Australians 7-May-2009 Australia-Jim Wallace, the director of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) said today that the fact that the Australian Human Rights Commission can get around the constitutional role of the courts by injecting itself into the processes for a charter of r more

Television council awards PTC seal of approval 6-May-2009 Jacksonville, FL-The Parents Television Council awarded Building a Difference its prestigious Entertainment Seal of Approval for the “Page-Bailie Bunch” documentary, a moving story about how a foster family in desperate need was helped by the construction more

Swine in Egypt threatens industry 6-May-2009 CAIRO, EGYPT (ANS) -- Authorities yesterday pressed ahead with the slaughter of Egypt’s pigs – crippling the livelihood of thousands of swine breeders, nearly all Coptic Christians – in spite of World Health Organization (WHO) criticism that the measure more

Arrest of five Pakistani Christians for blasphemy condemned 6-May-2009 HARRAPA, SAHIWAL, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Javaid Sahotra, a Pakistani Christian advocate, has condemned latest arrest of five Pakistani Christians under Pakistan’s disputed blasphemy laws. Map data ©2009 AND, Mapabc, Europa Technologies - Terms of Use more

Taliban-inspired attacks in Pakistan hit Christians 30-Apr-2009 ISTANBUL (ANS) -- As Taliban control hits pockets of Pakistan and threatens the nation’s stability, Christians worry their province could be the next to fall under Islamic law. Compass Direct News reported that violence on April 21-22 near the port city more

Two Pakistani Christians injured in firing die 30-Apr-2009 KARACHI, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Two Christian teenager boys, who had received gunshot wounds from police’s alleged firing on April 22 amid protest of Christians against chalking of church wall with slogans commending Taliban have died from their injuries, ANS more

Missionary’s life threatened; Church construction halted 27-Apr-2009 SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- A Gospel for Asia-supported missionary’s life has been threatened by anti-Christian extremists and a church building project was halted after the same group threatened the missionary who serves as pastor of that church. Several people more

God builds his Church in China 27-Apr-2009 BEIJING, CHINA (ANS) -- While major construction projects in the West have been, for the most part, wound down or interrupted by the economic slowdown no such calm can be seen in the streets and building sites of Beijing, China. Starting from the construc more

Prayer saves a baby’s life 27-Apr-2009 RIVNE, UKRAINE (ANS) -- Grigory Bosy and wife Maria have ten children and still work to help many poor families in their remote northwestern region of Ukraine. “I have been a child sponsorship coordinator with EEO in Ukraine for nine Grigory Bosy with h more

Alcon partners with Mercy Ships to fight blindness 27-Apr-2009 DALLAS, TEXAS (ANS) -- In a major step towards fighting blindness in West Africa, Mercy Ships has announced the receipt of a $50,000 grant from The Alcon Foundation, the philanthropic interest of Alcon, Inc. The grant is earmarked for the expansion of the more

Missionary’s life threatened 23-Apr-2009 SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- A Gospel for Asia-supported missionary’s life has been threatened by anti-Christian extremists and a church building project was halted after the same group threatened the missionary who serves as pastor of that church. more

Pirates attack ship carrying food aid 23-Apr-2009 HORN OF AFRICA (ANS) -- A second ship carrying donated food to Rwanda was attacked last week by pirates off the coast of Somalia. "We’re relieved that no one was hurt in this attack and that the ship was able to continue to its destination," rep more

Pakistani church walls hit with slogans 23-Apr-2009 KARACHI, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- At least three Pakistani Christian men, who were protesting against pro Taliban and Al-Qaeda slogans written on their local churches, have been injured in a gun battle between law enforcement agencies and Pashto-speaking suspect more

Baptists urge South Africans to vote 21-Apr-2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- The Baptist Union of Southern Africa (BUSA) is urging its members to vote in national and provincial elections set for April 22 in South Africa. "Every citizen of South Africa is given an opportunity to vote for the party of more

New life springs from death 20-Apr-2009 SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- When a group of Gospel for Asia-supported Bible college students and a staff member arrived at the home where they had been invited to hold a prayer meeting, they found that the family was remembering a loved one who had died. So the more

Christian leader applauds loosening of Cuba travel ban 20-Apr-2009 UNITED STATES (ANS) -- The Americas Area Director for a global Christian youth organization applauds the opening of Cuba to visits by Americans of Cuban descent and Cubans who are U.S. residents. The new regulations will allow them to travel to Cuba and more

‘Illegal occupation’ of Karachi’s Association hostel condemned 20-Apr-2009 KARACHI, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Hundreds of Christian residents of Pakistan’s metropolitan city of Karachi are planning to stage a protest demonstration against the "illegal occupation" of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) hostel in Karach more

World Vision set to combat Malaria 20-Apr-2009 LITITZ, MOZAMBIQUE (ANS) -- World Vision, the Christian humanitarian organization, is more than ever committed to combating malaria, one of the top killer diseases of children, especially in the developing world. With World Malaria Day coming up on April more

Miss California's Belief Costs USA Crown 20-Apr-2009 IRVINE –MNS - Miss California Carrie Prejean told FoxNews.com that her phone has been ringing off the hook with people offering her support after she took on a question about gay marriage on Sunday night's Miss USA telecast. "I have no regret more

French physicist wins Templeton Prize 19-Apr-2009 LONDON (MNS) - French physicist and philosopher of science Bernard d'Espagnat has won the Templeton Prize for religion for work which acknowledges that science cannot fully explain "the nature of being". He will receive STG1 million ($A2.1 more

Freedom from bondage of witchcraft 16-Apr-2009 SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- Witchcraft is probably not something that would attract people to a new neighborhood. But for Pankaj, a Gospel for Asia-supported pastor, demonic bondage in a village of Dalits (“Untouchables”) drew him to spend his life there bringing more

Local officials' role merges in murders 16-Apr-2009 MALATYA, Turkey, April 15 (Compass Direct News) – Two years after the murder of three Christians in this city in southeastern Turkey, lawyers at a hearing here on Monday (April 13) uncovered important information on the role that local security forces pla more

Coptic church issues first conversion certificate 16-Apr-2009 ISTANBUL, April 14 (Compass Direct News) – In a bold move, Egypt’s Coptic Church has issued its first-ever certificate of conversion to a former Muslim, supporting his petition to have his national identification card denote his Christian faith. Maher Ahm more

Pakistani Christians will celebrate Good Friday 15-Apr-2009 ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- The Pakistan Minister for Minorities, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, has said that Christians will be to able to enjoy a holiday on Good Fridays from next year. He made this statement while talking to ANS on Easter Sunday (March 12). The more

U.S. Embassy Indonesia name speaker to Southeast Asia 15-Apr-2009 COLUMBIA, S.C. (ANS) -- It’s a time of historic change for Indonesia's government James P. LaRose. The U.S. State Department and U.S. Embassy Indonesia will send James P. LaRose to Jakarta, Borneo, and Sumatra to address government officials, corpora more

Converts from Islam struggle to survive 15-Apr-2009 KHARTOUM, Sudan, April 13 (Compass Direct News) – When Halima Bubkier of Sinar town converted from Islam to Christianity last year, initially her husband accepted it without qualms. “After watching the ‘Jesus Film,’ I felt I needed a change in my hopeless more

Obama administration to lift Cuba travel restrictions 14-Apr-2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- President Obama will announce today that he is lifting travel restrictions that block Cuban Americans from traveling to Cuba and will relax the rules governing what items can be sent to the island, a senior White House official s more

GFA worker perseveres 13-Apr-2009 SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia-supported worker Jayesh serves Jesus under the watchful eyes of several anti-Christian extremist groups that are active in his area. Yet even this environment has yielded fertile soil for the Good News to take root, and more

Italy quake survivors mark Easter 13-Apr-2009 Italy (ANS) -- The BBC has reported that hundreds of people made homeless by last Monday's earthquake in the Italian city of L'Aquila have attended Easter Mass. “Survivors used a makeshift altar in a giant tent. Similar services are being held i more

Historic church building demolished 13-Apr-2009 HO CHI MINH CITY, (Compass Direct News) – Just hours after the prime minister’s office assured denominational leaders that there were no plans to destroy their Protestant church building, authorities in Banmethuot last month demolished the historic struct more

Vatican Rejects Caroline Kennedy 13-Apr-2009 LONDON: The Vatican has reportedly blocked Caroline Kennedy's appointment as US Ambassador to the Vatican. Ms. Kennedy is the latest in a growing list of pro-abortion candidates whose nomination has been rejected by the Vatican. The impasse over t more

Vatican Rejects Obama's Pro-Abortion Envoys 10-Apr-2009 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA (MNS) – According to the Washington Times, the Vatican has rejected at least three of President Obama's candidates to serve as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See because they support abortion. The White House is now trying to find an more

Global Financial Crisis - How it Started 10-Apr-2009 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA (MNS) - Peter Roff, a Fellow at the Institute for Liberty and a Former Senior Political Writer for United Press International (UPI) has just completed a study into the cause of the current financial crisis. Roff says that it all more

Parliament encourages Christians to declare their faith 9-Apr-2009 LONDON, ENGLAND (ANS) -- A campaign to see 100,000 Christians in the United Kingdom publicly declare their faith online this Easter has received backing from a British Member of Parliament. The 'I am a Christian' campaign launches this week in a more

Baptist leader impressed with Ukrainian Baptist organization 9-Apr-2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- A top Baptist leader has visited the country of Ukraine during the month of March and was impressed with the organizational structure and commitment of Ukrainian Baptists to evangelism and social ministry. According to a media re more

Muslim rioters attack Christian shops 9-Apr-2009 ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT (ANS) -- Hundreds of Muslims have attacked Christian shops and a police station in the Egyptian city of Alexandria on Sunday, April 5, 2009, following rumors that a Muslim man was stabbed and killed by his Christian landlords. According more

Rick Warren interviewed on Larry King 8-Apr-2009 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- In his first TV interview since giving the invocation at Barack Obama's Presidential inauguration, Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Southern California, the number one "New York Times" best-selling auth more

Pastor ’Bike’ Zhang Mingxuan arrested 8-Apr-2009 BEIJING, CHINA (ANS) -- A leading Chinese Christian human rights organization says a prominent House Church leader has been re-arrested, and that another Chinese believer will stand trial this week. ChinaAid (www.ChinaAid.org ) says in two media releases more

Australian State undermines parental authority 8-Apr-2009 Australia- The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today called on the Queensland State Education Minister to withdraw his department’s endorsement of a school sex education website for 10-12 year-olds, saying it clearly crossed the line between educating ch more

Easter Reflections 8-Apr-2009 Dallas, Texas - Global Advance founder and renowned international missionary to the business community of the world, Dr. David Shibley said this week that it is important to reflect during this Holy Week leading up to Easter. In his monthly newsletter, Dr more

Christians celebrate spirit of flood fight 7-Apr-2009 FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA (ANS) -- About 600 people from various Christian denominations helped raise more than $7,000 at a charity event celebrating their faith and community spirit while fighting the recent Red River flooding in their city. According to John more

Easter & Passover time to remember God’s deliverance 7-Apr-2009 JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (ANS) -- Many people in the Middle East feel their societies are in bondage, suffering from the pangs of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, says Salim Munayer, Director of Musalaha, a ministry that seeks to reconcile young people from bo more

Schindler’s list discovered in Australian library 7-Apr-2009 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- An 'Easter find' regarding Jewish survivors of the Nazi Holocaust is causing excitement among library workers in Sydney, Australia. A list of 801 Jews saved during the Holocaust by German businessman Oskar Schindler, l more

Concern for foster children 6-Apr-2009 Australia- The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has called on State and Territory Governments in Australia to examine whether foster parents should be given greater support to uphold the best interests of children in their care. ACL Managing Director Jim more

Extremists try to murder missionary 6-Apr-2009 ASIA (ANS) -- A mob of anti-Christian extremists tried to murder a Gospel for Asia-supported missionary working at a Jesus Well drilling site on Tuesday. The pastor escaped unharmed, but they badly beat a ministry intern and one of the men drilling the we more

Convention nourishes women 6-Apr-2009 ASIA (ANS) -- Heavy showers and winds subsided just in time for 500 women in one part of Asia to enjoy the refreshing rain of the Lord’s presence at a Gospel for Asia Women’s Fellowship convention late last year. The day before the three-day conference wa more

Joy Junction running out of food 6-Apr-2009 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- Capacity crowds have plunged Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, into a food crisis. Joy Junction Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds said the shelter is in urgent need of fruit, red meat, both br more

Four Christians killed in 2 days in Iraq 6-Apr-2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- A Christian human rights organization has learned that four Iraqi Christians were recently killed in Baghdad and Kirkuk. A news release from Christian human rights organization International Christian Concern (ICC) reported that more

Charities need compensation 3-Apr-2009 Australia- The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) is calling on the Australian government to pay compensation to church-based and not-for-profit job agencies that have lost their government contracts and will now be hit with increased costs and loss of inco more

Mark Zoradi to kick off Biola media conference 2009 3-Apr-2009 La Mirada- President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group, Mark Zoradi, will kick off the 14th Annual Biola Media Conference on April 25th at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA. Zoradi oversees the worldwide distribution and marketing of all more

Iran arrests 2 Christian women for practicing Christianity 3-Apr-2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- Iranian security forces have detained two Christian women for practicing Christianity. Iranian officials allege that Marzieh Amairizadeh Esmaeilabad and Maryam Rustampoor are 'anti-government activists.' International C more

British Bishop prays in glass box display 3-Apr-2009 MANCHESTER, UK (ANS) -- An Anglican bishop has taken a leaf out of illusionist David Blaine's book by sealing himself in a glass display. According to the BBC, The Bishop of Middleton, the Rt. Rev. Mark Davies, said prayers today (Thursday, April 02, more

‘Nightmare’ inside N. Korea 2-Apr-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- During the past month North Korea has caught the attention of the world with its threats leading up to the controversial launching of a long-range rocket, which it tentatively plans to carry out in the next few days. The United Stat more

Urgent concern for Uyghur Christian prisoner 2-Apr-2009 XINJIANG, CHINA (ANS) -- Concerns for the health and safety of a Uyghur Christian believer are being raised by the human rights group ChinaAid. According to the group, Uyghur Christian, Alimujiang Yimiti, who has been imprisoned for his faith and held for more

Obama & Medvedev express optimism 2-Apr-2009 LONDON, ENGLAND (ANS) -- According to Anita Deyneka of Russian Ministries, "Many in Russia and the former Soviet Union held their breath when U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met before the G20 summit of world leaders more

Germany hosts ‘For Heaven’s Sake’ Missions Congress 2-Apr-2009 OLDENBURG, GERMANY (ANS) -- Next week it is anticipated 6,000 people from around 40 different nations will gather in Oldenburg, Germany for what organizers promise will be one of the most significant European events devoted to the subject of missions. F more

US reporters face N Korea trial 1-Apr-2009 NORTH KOREA (ANS) -- The BBC has reported that two US reporters held in North Korea earlier this month will be tried for illegal entry and “hostile acts”, the country's state-run news agency says. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said preparatio more

Christian singer Bobby Michaels passes away 1-Apr-2009 THAILAND (ANS) -- Christian singer and recording artist Bobby Michaels, who suffered a severe heart attack while ministering in Cambodia, has passed away in a hospital in Thailand. According to Mission Network News (MNN), Bobby was resting in Thailand, tr more

YWAM responds to criticism 1-Apr-2009 BRAZIL (ANS) -- In a press release from Youth With A Mission, the organization has responded to current media reports produced by Survival International, a non-governmental organization based in London, that has criticized the efforts of the Hakani Projec more

Markets need ‘family values’ says British Prime Minister 1-Apr-2009 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for banks and financial markets to adopt “family values” as world leaders gather in London for Thursday's G20 summit. “Addressing religious leaders at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London o more

Australians support porn filter 31-Mar-2009 Australia- The Australian Christian Lobby has confirmed that it supports the Government’s proposal to introduce Internet Service Providers (ISP) filtering of pornography. "We support the Government’s stated position to require ISP’s to mandatorily more

Bible college heavily damaged by storm 31-Mar-2009 NORTHEAST INDIA (ANS) -- A severe storm destroyed several buildings at a GFA-supported Bible college in Northeast India yesterday. Although most of the buildings on campus were destroyed, all the students and staff are safe today. The storm struck the sch more

Indian government urged to tackle anti-Christian violence 31-Mar-2009 INDIA (ANS) -- Following a year of the most severe anti-Christian violence seen in post-independence India, particularly in Orissa and Karnataka states, a Christian human rights group has published a briefing on the situation. Christian Solidarity Worldwi more

Audio Bible Ministry releases Easter podcast 31-Mar-2009 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- An audio Bible ministry has produced a special Easter podcast titled “Easter: The Story.” From the ministry website, www.FaithComesByHearing.com, listeners can hear this audio Bible story in either .MP3, .wav format, or right f more

U.S. volunteers bring Jesus to eastern Congo 31-Mar-2009 ORLANDO, FL (ANS) -- In the Democratic Republic of Congo, there are people who have never heard about Jesus - until now. This Easter, a group of U.S. volunteers will celebrate the holiday by taking the JESUS film to the Budu-koya, Budu-neta, Lika, Mangbet more

Christians flood Moorhead with prayers 31-Mar-2009 PHOENIX, ARIZONA (ANS) -- Christian churches, ministries and individuals from around the nation are praying for one of the many churches in and around the flooded Fargo-Moorhead area in the Upper Midwest. “A Ready Church knows that prayer is an essential more

Terry Porter to represent Ceyda Asli 30-Mar-2009 FLAT ROCK, INDIANA (ANS) -- Veteran agent Terry Porter announced that renowned Turkish film director Ceyda Asli has signed with his firm, The Terry Porter Agency/Agape Productions. Celebrated as the youngest female film director in Turkey, Ms. Asli has wr more

52 people healed 30-Mar-2009 MYANMAR (ANS) -- The prayers of Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Zaw Chan are turning out to be the healing balm so desperately needed in Myanmar (Burma). Zaw has seen 52 people healed through prayer during an 11-month period. Zaw’s prayers are one of more

Saddleback Church trains 2,400 30-Mar-2009 LAKE FOREST, CA (ANS) -- Dr. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California, trained nearly 2,400 new church members this morning (Saturday, March 28, 2009) representing the largest membership class in the history of Saddleback Church. more

Youth for Christ leads National Liberation Day 30-Mar-2009 PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (ANS) -- Thousands of Christians will celebrate National Liberation Day on Saturday, April 4, in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, by parading throughout the main city with decorated floats, singing prai more

British Bishop stands down 30-Mar-2009 ROCHESTER, KENT, ENGLAND (ANS) -- A British Bishop in the Church of England will retire in September, according to a news report on the BBC website. The BBC said Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, Bishop of Rochester, the Church's first non-white diocesan bishop, more

Larry Mantle gives up ministry for broadcasting 30-Mar-2009 IRVINE, CA (ANS) -- Larry Mantle is without a doubt my favorite radio broadcaster in America. He has been the host of AirTalk on KPCC in Southern California since April 1st, 1985, making it the longest continuously airing daily talk program in the Los Ang more

N Korea said to be ’treating well’ detained US journalists 27-Mar-2009 NORTH KOREA (ANS) -- The United States says it has received assurances from North Korea that two American journalists who were detained there last week will be treated well, according to a story on the BBC website. The BBC said the US has asked Swedish di more

British church opens Book of Remembrance 27-Mar-2009 BUCKHURST HILL, ESSEX, ENGLAND (ANS) -- British reality-TV star Jade Goody's funeral will take place at a church near her home in Essex, southeast England. Goody died March 22 after a battle with cervical cancer. The funeral for Jade Goody will take more

Ellis' honored by national radio/television broadcasters 27-Mar-2009 NASHVILLE, TN (ANS) -- Bill and Kitty Ellis were honored recently by National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) at their annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee, for their 30 years of service as convention volunteer staff members. Bill’s first time to atten more

Equipping suffering Iraqi Christians 26-Mar-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Many Christians in Iraq have left their homes and cities due to the war and the violence targeting Christians. Some have found refuge in northern Iraq and others abroad in countries like Syria and Jordan. Most of them are not able t more

Fears of more violence in Orissa 26-Mar-2009 ORISSA, INDIA (ANS) -- “The murder of a second Hindu fundamentalist leader in Orissa has sparked fears of a fresh wave of violence,” writes Jenna Lyle for the UK-based web site www.christiantoday.com. "The culprits are believed to be Maoist rebels, a more

Jerusalem bishop visits Gaza after being denied entry 26-Mar-2009 GAZA (ANS) -- Matthew Davies, writing for www.episcopalchurch.org, has revealed that Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem Suheil Dawani, Greek Catholic Archbishop Elias Chacour and Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan were granted permission to enter Gaza March 10 to ma more

Christians need to speak in the heart language 26-Mar-2009 GARLAND, TEXAS (ANS) -- A Texas pastor has collected gripping stories and encouraging thoughts from his years as a missionary in France, and as a pastor in numerous churches. They’re all included in a book designed to help Christians worldwide. more

Adventist families killed in plane crash 25-Mar-2009 BUTTE, MONTANA (ANS) -- Three Seventh-day Adventist families were among the 14 victims killed in a March 22 airplane crash in Butte, Montana. Among the dead were a dentist, an ophthalmologist, a dental hygienist and a pediatrician. Besides the seven adult more

Baptist leader endorses Turkey as Christian heritage site 25-Mar-2009 IZMIR, TURKEY (ANS) -- Although Turkey is a secular state, it is a predominantly Muslim country, and much of its Christian heritage has been lost, ignored, or forgotten, that country may soon become a heritage site for Christian pilgrims. These plans were more

Violence against women used as instrument of war 25-Mar-2009 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- Sifa fled from the fields near her village after she heard the sounds of the screaming and commotion. By the time she reached Kiwanja and her mother’s tearful embrace, she had already been raped by soldiers on a dirt road. Comp more

Paganism returns to the Holy Land 25-Mar-2009 JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (ANS) -- “Like many other soldiers who took part in the Gaza operation, Omer, 20, occasionally took a few moments to pray, but he did not pray to the Lord of Israel. Omer considers himself pagan, and has sworn allegiance to three ancient more

More than 120 Baptists baptized in the river Jordan 24-Mar-2009 AMMAN, JORDAN (ANS) -- An estimated 1,700 persons attended the dedication and opening ceremony and more than 120 people were baptized in the Jordan River at a new Baptism Center on Friday, March 20, by pastors from the Jordan Baptist Convention. The bapti more

Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller honored 24-Mar-2009 ATLANTA, GEORGIA (ANS) -- Millard Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity International in 1976 and served in executive roles until 2005. His leadership helped forge Habitat into a worldwide Christian housing ministry. In 1996, former U.S. President Bill Clin more

Ministry seeks support for Natasha Richardson’s family 24-Mar-2009 HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- Christians across America and in the Hollywood entertainment industry are being asked to pray for the family of actress Natasha Richardson, who died last week after suffering a brain injury during a skiing lesson.Karen Covel more

Missionaries evacuated from Madagascar 24-Mar-2009 MADAGASCAR (ANS) -- Assemblies of God World Missions has evacuated its missionaries from troubled Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. Following months of threats and infighting for political position, M more

Families still important in Australia 23-Mar-2009 Sydney, Australia - A New South Wales (NSW) MP’s questioning of whether most Australian children are still brought up by a mother and a father has been laid to rest by Federal Government statistics showing this is still by far the most common family type more

A misunderstanding becomes an opportunity 23-Mar-2009 INDIA (ANS) -- Sharing the love of Jesus in an area heavily populated by shepherds, Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Chandan Dutta has rejoiced to see dozens of people choose to follow Him. But just this past Sunday evening, Chandan faced an interroga more

North Korea reportedly detains U.S. journalists 23-Mar-2009 SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (ANS) -- Two American journalists on a reporting trip to the border between China and North Korea have been detained by the North Korean military, a human rights activist and another source said Thursday. These undated photos show two A more

Four protestants jailed in Uzbekistan 23-Mar-2009 UZBEKISTAN (ANS) -- Three Protestant Christians have each been sentenced to 15 days in prison in the Andijan region of eastern Uzbekistan after police raided a meal in a home where the three were present. Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia, north of A more

Franklin Graham applauds president’s decision 20-Mar-2009 MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY (ANS) -- Evangelist Rev. Franklin Graham has praised President Barack Obama's appointment of a special envoy to Sudan. "I believe President Obama is taking the right action by appointing retired Air Force General Scott Gratio more

Muslim and baptist scholars meet in Jordan 20-Mar-2009 AMMAN, JORDAN (ANS) -- A number of Christian and religious groups were convened by the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) at the Kempinski Hotel in Amman, Jordan, on the morning of Thursday, March 19, to discuss common interests and to review plans surrounding more

Dr. Tran held for sharing the Gospel 20-Mar-2009 HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM (ANS) -- A close friend of Dr. Paul Ai Tran, a much persecuted Vietnamese Christian leader whom the communist authorities grew so frustrated with because of his prolific church planting efforts that they deported him from Vietnam more

425,000 hear Luis Palau during festival 19-Mar-2009 GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA (ANS) -- On the heels of a 10-day, region-wide evangelistic campaign that brought international evangelist Luis Palau face-to-face with Guatemala’s top leadership, the two-day Guatemala Festival at Parque de la Democracia (March more

Former North Korean officer spreads message Of Christ 19-Mar-2009 COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (ANS) -- Kim Sung Min, a former propaganda officer for the North Korean Army, is now fighting for the freedom and faith of his home country. Seoul USA, a ministry based in Colorado Springs, invites local residents on April 2 to more

Insights into courage and faith of troubled Orissa 19-Mar-2009 ORISSA, INDIA (ANS) -- Jossy Chacko is the Founder and International Director of Empart, a global ministry that exists to ignite church planting movements among unreached people. Empart’s primary goal is to plant 100,000 churches among unreached people in more

Eastern European Summit for children at risk 19-Mar-2009 DONETSK, UKRAINE (ANS) -- With 160 delegates gathered for the Eastern European Summit on Orphans and the Church March 17-19, Mikhail Kozitsky an NGO of Christian Foster Families in St Petersburg, Russia challenged the church to step out of their comfort z more

Christian lobby shows tolerance 19-Mar-2009 The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today said that it respected and supported the decision of Aspley (Queensland) MP Bonny Barry to pull out of its ‘Meet Your Candidate Forum’ last night due to concerns over recent threats she had received during the e more

Celebrating independence by serving 18-Mar-2009 INDIA (ANS) -- Students who are preparing to be missionaries celebrated India’s Republic Day on January 24 with a series of community service projects and patriotic programs. “It was a live-action demonstration of our love and the responsibility we feel f more

Mob brutally attacks missionaries 18-Mar-2009 INDIA (ANS) -- A large mob of anti-Christian extremists brutally attacked two Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries on Saturday, March 14. After stripping them naked and beating Murari Jay and Atul Rajesh, the vicious group burned all their belongings, a more

Samaritans Purse UK steps out for World Water Day 18-Mar-2009 NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND (ANS) -- As World Water Day takes place this coming Sunday (March 22), a Samaritans Purse team is walking the entire length of the River Thames in England this week to raise money for their vital water projects. En route the walkers w more

Christian TV host attacked in ‘faith hate’ crime 18-Mar-2009 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- A London-based Christian minister and TV show host has been attacked by Muslims in what police are calling a “faith hate” crime. According to a story written by Charles Boyd and posted on the UK website – www.christiantoday.com -- Paki more

Number of homeless children increasing 18-Mar-2009 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- One of every 50 American children experiences homelessness, according to a new report that says most states have inadequate plans to address the worsening problem. The recent report from the National Center on Family Homelessnes more

Open Doors launching email campaign 17-Mar-2009 SANTA ANA, Calif. (March 11, 2009) – On Nov. 19, 2007, Osman Imin, an Uyghur Christian, was arrested on the charge of “revealing state secrets,” and later sentenced to two years of “re-education through labor.” State officials on Jan. 12, 2008 detained an more

Babies for two men emerging as real concern 17-Mar-2009 The issue of whether two men, two women or single women should be able to acquire a baby through surrogacy is emerging as a real concern for Christians in the Queensland election campaign, the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) said today. ACL managing dire more

Christian ‘Meet Your Candidate Forum’ in key Brisbane seats 17-Mar-2009 In the countdown to the Queensland election, the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) will tomorrow night hold its final ‘Meet Your Candidate Forums’, including a forum in one of the State’s most marginal electorates which is expected to attract a large numbe more

Hank Hanegraaff has strong words for the ‘Faith Teachers’ 17-Mar-2009 NASHVILLE, TN (ANS) -- Dutch-born Hank Hanegraaff serves as president and chairman of the board of the North Carolina-based Christian Research Institute. He is also host of the Bible Answer Man radio program, which is broadcast daily across the United Sta more

College-age missionary volunteers kicked out 16-Mar-2009 UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- Christian ministers and missionaries from the United States traveling to Great Britain to speak or do volunteer work should make sure their paperwork is in order and they have 'all their ducks in a row' lest they fall afo more

Pastor shot in bomb attack on church 16-Mar-2009 NEW DELHI (ANS) -- In an effort to stop conversions to Christianity in the eastern state of Bihar, a 25-year-old ailing man exploded a crude bomb in a church and shot the pastor. Police Inspector Hari Krishna Mandal told Compass Direct News that on Sun. M more

Pioneer producer Dick Ross passes 16-Mar-2009 WESTLAKE, CA (ANS) -- Dick Ross, a pioneer producer of Christian films and television passed away on Saturday, March 14th at a hospice in Westlake, California at the age of 90. Ross led the way for future filmmakers by producing the first Christian featur more

Open Doors USA president speaking at Mission Expo 16-Mar-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Dr. Carl Moeller, Open Doors USA President/CEO, will be one of the featured speakers during Mission EXPO March 20-21 at First Baptist Church in Downey, CA. Moeller will give the main address on Saturday during the evening program s more

Christian lobby welcomes labor and family 13-Mar-2009 The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today welcomed belated moves from Queensland Labor and Family First to provide answers to 12 questions on issues of concern to Christians. ACL Managing Director Jim Wallace said that Labor and Family First’s answers ha more

Parents hunger for the word in Bhutan 13-Mar-2009 BHUTAN (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries Grace Sahare and Charini Mitra serve the Lord in a tiny Bhutanese village surrounded by thick forests and lush tea gardens, where most of the residents work. The people who live in this beautiful corn more

Police officers hear about Jesus 13-Mar-2009 INDIA (ANS) -- Instead of convincing Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Mehul Om to leave their town, several policemen left his house having heard of Jesus’ love for the first time. In November 2008, Mehul and his family moved to a village dominated by more

Missionary’s blood drive pleases community 13-Mar-2009 WEST BENGAL, INDIA (ANS) -- By organizing a simple blood drive, Gospel for Asia missionary Jiva Giri found favor in the eyes of the town where he serves in West Bengal, India. Four doctors were part of the team for the event, which was made possible by th more

Archbishop urges redoubling of peace efforts 12-Mar-2009 NORTHERN IRELAND (ANS) -- The Archbishop of Ireland yesterday called for a redoubling of efforts for peace, as a police officer died following a shooting in Craigavan, County Armagh. According to staff writers on www.ekklesia.co.uk , the Archbishop made h more

Open Doors launching email campaign 12-Mar-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- On Nov. 19, 2007, Osman Imin, an Uyghur Christian, was arrested on the charge of “revealing state secrets,” and later sentenced to two years of “re-education through labor.” State officials on Jan. 12, 2008 detained another Uyghur C more

Franklin Graham calls on Obama to appoint special envoy 12-Mar-2009 BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA (ANS) -- Evangelist Franklin Graham is calling on President Obama to immediately assign a full-time special envoy to the Sudan to avert an escalation of a growing crisis there. According to a media release, upon his return from Afric more

Christian security expert says focus should be on prevention 11-Mar-2009 MARYVILLE, ILLINOIS (ANS) -- An expert in security affairs affecting churches, ministries, schools and missionaries, says the focus of attention following the shooting of Rev. Fred Winters at First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois, should be on preve more

Churches destroyed in wave of violence 11-Mar-2009 BAUCHI, NIGERIA (ANS) -- A wave of violence that has swept Bauchi city in the central Nigeria has resulted to the death of no fewer than 11 people and the destruction of about eight vicarages, while several Christian homes were also destroyed. According more

Developing nations slow to enter new world of communications 11-Mar-2009 LA MIRADA, CA (ANS) -- A groundbreaking survey of people in four developing countries shows that they are decades behind their Western counterparts in the adoption of emerging technologies. Radio remains vital for information they use in their everyday li more

Open Doors makes impact worldwide 10-Mar-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Many North Korean women are living miserable and lonely lives. Thousands of them have experienced human trafficking and are physically, emotionally and mentally drained. But Open Doors is making an impact in some of their lives; giv more

Greg Laurie marks 20 years of outreach 10-Mar-2009 RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- Greg Laurie's Harvest Outreach is marking 20 years of large-scale evangelistic outreach that has touched the lives of millions of people across the U.S. and around the world over the last two decades. The Harvest with G more

Catholics on the move 10-Mar-2009 HARTFORD, CONN. (ANS) -- The Catholic population of the United States has shifted away from the Northeast and towards the Southwest, while secularity continues to grow in strength in all regions of the country, according to a new study by the Program on P more

Thieves stone Christians killing woman 10-Mar-2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- A human rights organization has learned that on March 2 a group of 25 Muslim radicals attacked the women and children of a Christian neighborhood in Pakistan while the male residents were absent, killing one woman and injuring 12 more

Daily diner leaves fortune to Christian college 10-Mar-2009 COSTA MESA, CALIF. (ANS) -- Bruce Lindsay left behind a tip that officials at Vanguard University will always remember. According to a story in the Los Angeles Times, Lindsay, 79, who passed away last month, left his estate to the small Christian school more

Libya tortures four Christian converts from Islam 10-Mar-2009 WASHINGTON, DC (ANS) -- International Christian Concern (ICC), a Christian human rights group, says it has learned that Libyan intelligence officials have detained and tortured four Christians for converting from Islam adding that the Christians have been more

Christian fatally stabbed over Christian-Muslim affair 10-Mar-2009 CAIRO, EGYPT (ANS) -- A 60-year-old Christian man has been stabbed to death in an Egyptian village following a week of sectarian tension surrounding an illicit love affair. According to a story by Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA), local Christian church sou more

Indian Christians Share the Love of Christ at Christmas 9-Mar-2009 UTTAR PRADESH AND GOA, INDIA (ANS) -- Christians in Uttar Pradesh and Goa, India, celebrated the Christmas holiday by reaching out to their communities and sharing Jesus. In Goa, students from six Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope centers produced a Christma more

Yitong Law Firm Closed for Defending Human Rights Cases 9-Mar-2009 BEIJING (ANS) -- On March 3, a hearing was held for the Beijing Yitong Law Firm which is being forced to shut down for six months by the Haidian District Judicial Bureau. According to a news release from ChinaAid, organizational sources say the reason beh more

Gunman opens fire during church service 9-Mar-2009 MARYVILLE, ILLINOIS (ANS) -- The pastor of a Maryville, Illinois, church was shot to death during a service Sunday in front of horrified parishioners who then tackled the gunman, state police said. CNN reports that Rev. Fred Winters, the pastor of the Fir more

Pastor ask to pray for wounded British soldiers 9-Mar-2009 COUNTY ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND (ANS) -- A pastor in Northern Ireland, where two British soldiers were killed and another four people wounded, has asked for prayer for the injured and the families affected by this new episode of violence in the province. more

Mission to persecuted Christian homeschoolers 9-Mar-2009 GERMANY (ANS) -- The Home School Legal Defense Association (www.hslda.org), a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms, h more

Safe Worlds IPTV Market 5-Mar-2009 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - Safe Worlds IPTV is being used to create a global e-marketplace, the Chairman and CEO of Internet Business Systems, the manager of Safe Worlds, Alan Metcalfe said today. "The next phase of rolling out the unique Safe Worlds e-bu more

Missionary standing strong amidst persecution 5-Mar-2009 UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Dhoni Paswan won’t leave, even though he has been threatened. He refuses to let the anti-Christian extremists win. Dhoni is a Gospel for Asia missionary who works in a village in Uttar Pradesh, India. His work has been fruitf more

Don Moen's company launches new radio division 5-Mar-2009 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (ANS) -- Don Moen, the first worship leader with a truly global following, and who is considered by many around the world to be the father of the modern worship movement, has started a new radio division that will produce a Sunday mor more

Franklin Graham meets with Sudanese President 5-Mar-2009 KHARTOUM, SUDAN (ANS) -- Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, met Wednesday, March 4 with President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan. In a statement released to the media, Mr. Graham said: "We more

Send A Bible Today 5-Mar-2009 SANTA ANA, Calif. (March 2, 2009) – "For me, the Bible is as precious as pure gold. Many people like me came to understand God more through His Word. My spiritual life changed as my faith in God grew deeper and stronger." – A Christian from rura more

Russians facing issue of ownership 4-Mar-2009 RUSSIA (ANS) -- Several current cases show how the allocation of historical worship property can prove a minefield for the state. Officials “must think of the consequences of hasty or wrong decisions” when transferring historical worship property from the more

Archbishops launch lent appeal 4-Mar-2009 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- “The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, have launched a Lent appeal for Zimbabwe on Ash Wednesday as Anglicans worldwide join in a day of prayer and fasting for the troubled countr more

'Anti-Conversion' law considered in Karnataka 4-Mar-2009 NEW DELHI, March 2 (Compass Direct News) – The Hindu nationalist government in the southern state of Karnataka, which recorded the second highest number of attacks on Christians last year, is planning to introduce the kind of “anti-conversion” law that ha more

Radio legend Paul Harvey dies at 90 3-Mar-2009 PHOENIX, ARIZ (ANS) -- Paul Harvey, a radio legend, has died at the age of 90, FOX News has confirmed. In a story, FOX News said that ABC Radio Network spokesman Louis Adams said Harvey died Saturday at his winter home in Phoenix, Ariz., surrounded by fa more

Vatican Officials affirm financial crisis may impact children 3-Mar-2009 VATICAN CITY (ANS) -- Nicole Coia, writing for the Catholic News Service (www.catholicnews.com), has affirmed that a Vatican official said the global financial crisis is likely to dramatically impact the world's poor in coming months, depriving child more

Welsh town ends ban on controversial Monty Python film 3-Mar-2009 ABERYSTWYTH, WALES, UK (ANS) -- Two Monty Python stars will attend the first ever screening of their controversial Life of Brian film in a Welsh town which banned it 30 years ago. According to WalesOnline, Michael Palin and Terry Jones will travel to Aber more

Pakistani Christians detained over blasphemy 3-Mar-2009 KASUR, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Two Pakistani Christian men, one of whom is said to be a follower of a deceased Christian man, who practiced necromancy, have been accused of blasphemy after they laid sheets of cloth inscribed with Quranic verses on the grave of more

Benin's president welcomes Mercy Ship 3-Mar-2009 Cotonou, Benin, March 3, 2009 – During the Mercy Ship’s first week of surgeries in their nation, the President of Benin, Dr. Thomas Yayi Boni, and several cabinet ministers visited the Africa Mercy to express hope for increasing access to health care for more

Catholic Relief Services sends aid to 28,000 in Gaza 27-Feb-2009 BALTIMORE, MARYLAND (ANS) -- Two new grants will enable Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to help vulnerable people living in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. With $734,000 in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), CRS will more

NAB thanks Obama for his stand on Fairness Doctrine 27-Feb-2009 UNITED STATES (ANS) -- A national broadcasting group has thanked President Barack Obama for stating his opposition to bringing back the Fairness Doctrine. David Rehr, President of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), wrote President Barack Ob more

Israelis and Palestinians gear up for conferences 27-Feb-2009 JERUSALEM , ISRAEL (ANS) -- "During the Gaza conflict many of our participants, both Israelis and Palestinians, met together to pray for both sides though they were each affected in some way or another," said Salim J. Munayer, Ph.D., director of more

Baptist group hosts banquet on human rights 27-Feb-2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- Tony Campolo, professor emeritus at Eastern University in Pennsylvania, and founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, will be the keynote speaker at a 'Window on the World' banquet on Saturd more

Christians wary as recession unrest hit 27-Feb-2009 BEIJING, February 25 (Compass Direct News) – With China’s central government last December issuing a number of secret documents calling on provincial officials to strive to prevent massive unrest in a rapidly collapsing economy, observers are watching for more

Charges filed against kidnappers 27-Feb-2009 ISTANBUL, February 26 (Compass Direct News) – After months of legal deadlock, lawyers in Pakistan said they have new hope they can restore to her family a 13-year-old Christian girl who was kidnapped and forced to marry a Muslim. Saba Masih might be retur more

Hope lives despite Orissa dangers 26-Feb-2009 ORISSA, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Ojas Ganj can only see out of one eye today. On February 19, four anti-Christian extremists beat him severely, inflicting multiple wounds including an eye injury. This was the second time fanatics attacked more

A ’Who’s Who’ of Christianity enters its final season 26-Feb-2009 UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- At the age of 20, Jackie Pullinger was told that she couldn't be a missionary because she was too young and she felt God's continued leading to be on the mission field. Pullinger booked a ticket on a ship that was going more

Billy Graham organization laying off workers 26-Feb-2009 CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA (ANS) -- The Charlotte, North Carolina-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is laying off 55 employees, about 10 percent of its staff, according to Tim Funk, writing for the Charlotte Observer newspaper. "With the eco more

OM UK empowers Dalits through education 26-Feb-2009 SHROPSHIRE, ENGLAND – Feb 26 – Through OM UK’s educational sponsorship program, India’s Dalits, formerly known as ‘untouchables’ are being empowered to overcome their extreme poverty. “The Dalits were formerly known as the ‘untouchables’ and they make up more

Crackdown on churches in Myanmar 25-Feb-2009 MYANMAR (ANS) -- In a recent crackdown on Christians in Myanmar (Burma), at least 100 churches were ordered to stop holding services. About 50 pastors were forced to sign at least five documents each to cease church services—and warned repeatedly they cou more

Church Army promotes its Doctor Who events on YouTube 25-Feb-2009 SHEFFIELD, UK (ANS) -- You may have heard about the successful “Spirituality and Doctor Who” day hosted by Church Army in Sheffield, United Kingdom, last year. Now you can see footage from it on YouTube, including an in-depth interview with event organize more

National survey shows giving higher than expected 25-Feb-2009 WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (ANS) -- Despite the economic downturn, and while many feared recent economic conditions would negatively impact faith-based nonprofits nationwide, most evangelical parachurch ministries exceeded, met or came very close to their 2008 more

Four Chinese church leaders released in Henan 25-Feb-2009 HENAN, CHINA (ANS) -- Due to media attention, worldwide prayer and other international pressure from ChinaAid readers, as of February 20, four house church leaders who were arrested in Nanyang, Henan province were released. The released church leaders sai more

Olympic flyer Carl Lewis presents Sports Ministry Award 25-Feb-2009 FORT WORTH, TEXAS (ANS) -- Olympian of the Century, Carl Lewis, presented an Australian couple, Mark and Delma Tronson, an international award at a glittering event held the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott ballroom on Monday, February 16. more

OM UK says Go4It on missions 24-Feb-2009 SHROPSHIRE, ENGLAND – Feb 24 – As part of its Go4It initiative, Operation Mobilisation UK is urging Christians from all backgrounds and abilities to take part in one of their life-changing short-term missions trips this year with more than one hundred var more

Open Doors USA Honored 24-Feb-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Open Doors USA captured two prestigious honors this month. The Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) announced today that Open Doors is included in the 2009 list of certified Best Christian Workplaces in the United States. It i more

YWAM Pakistan hosts historic event for women 24-Feb-2009 KARACHI, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Anticipation for Pakistan’s first large Christian Women’s Leadership Conference is building as next week over 5000 women are expected to gather in Karachi for an historic event – a conference for Christian women who want to grow more

New Attacks on Christians in Bauchi 24-Feb-2009 BAUCHI STATE, CENTRAL NIGERIA (ANS) -- Attacks on the Christian community of Bauchi State in Central Nigeria are continuing, despite the declaration of a curfew in the state capital. According to a news release from human rights group Christian Solidarit more

Sanctioned church working with government to persecute 24-Feb-2009 HEILONGJIANG, CHINA (ANS) -- After years of harassment and persecution, a preacher’s house was seized illegally in Jan. 2009 by Chinese officials. They were from China’s officially sanctioned church (the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), the Religio more

Tamara’s log on YWAM's Next Wave ship 23-Feb-2009 KIATO, GREECE – Feb 13 - The crew of YWAM’s sailing ship the Next Wave are on an adventure of biblical proportions as they’re following Paul’s journey through the bible with their next port of call set for Corinth. YWAM England, together with their marit more

British Libraries put Bible on top shelf to appease Muslims 23-Feb-2009 LEICESTER, UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- Librarians in Great Britain are being told to move the Bible to the top shelf to avoid giving offence to followers of Islam. According to an article by Steve Doughty, in the British newspaper The Daily Mail, Muslims have more

Nigerian Christian Newspaper Launches Website 23-Feb-2009 LAGOS, NIGERIA (ANS) -- As part of its first anniversary celebration, the Church Times, a Nigerian Christian newspaper, has just recently launched its website -- www.churchtimesng.com -- in Lagos, Nigeria. Speaking about the website and the activities of more

Baptist pastor Convicted on Weapons Charges in Azerbaijan 23-Feb-2009 AZERBAIJAN (ANS) -- A Baptist pastor in the South Caucasus country of Azerbaijan, has been found guilty of possessing an illegal weapon and was given "a two-year corrective labor sentence." Hamid Shabanov, who pastors a house church of approxi more

Mission president proposes ’Decade of the International Student’ 23-Feb-2009 WASHINGTON, DC (ANS) -- The new president of Overseas Students Mission, Bill Bray, is proposing plans for a global “Decade of the International Student” emphasis from 2010 to 2020. OSM is a pioneer outreach to international students that was started by Dr more

Logos Hope launches into service 20-Feb-2009 MOSBACH, GERMANY (ANS) -- Logos Hope, OM’s newest vessel, launched into ministry service, departing from Køge, Denmark on Thursday, February 19, following a massive project of conversion and outfitting. The ship’s first port of call will be Gothenburg, Sw more

Pakistani Christian students warden terminated over blasphemy 20-Feb-2009 LAHORE, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Two female Christian nursing students and a Christian hostel warden have been terminated from college over a blasphemy accusation that was leveled against the students by their Muslim roommates on February 13. Trouble for the Chr more

Pastor threatened for rape accusations 20-Feb-2009 DHAKA, Bangladesh, February 19 (Compass Direct News) – Christian and human rights advocates said doctors likely fabricated a medical report that falsely concluded there were no signs of rape in the wife of a Bangladeshi pastor whom village Muslims have no more

Former OM dentist says TeenStreet work is painless 19-Feb-2009 SHROPSHIRE, ENGLAND – Feb 17 - Allister Fugill, who joined Operation Mobilisation in the 1980’s as the ship’s dentist onboard the Logos II, says as international director of TeenStreet, he sees today’s young people are the most spiritually excited people more

US Muslim TV Boss Reportedly Beheaded Wife 19-Feb-2009 BUFFALO, NEW YORK (ANS) -- The founder of a US Muslim TV network has been charged with the beheading of his wife, media reports say. The BBC reported that Muzzammil Hassan, 44, is accused of the second degree murder of Aasiya Hassan, whose body was found more

Christians seek justice in Church blast 18-Feb-2009 BANIARCHAR, Bangladesh, (Compass Direct News) – The 55-year-old mother of one of 10 people killed in a church bomb attack here is hoping the new government in Bangladesh will bring justice after an investigation waned under an Islamic-allied g more

Christian bookshop in Adana vandalized 18-Feb-2009 ISTANBUL (Compass Direct News) – Following threats from Muslim nationalists, a Turkish Bible Society bookshop in the southern city of Adana was vandalized for the second time in a week on Thursday (Feb. 12). Security camera footage shows two youths attack more

Joy Junction more than a shelter 17-Feb-2009 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- Joy Junction is typically thought of as being a homeless shelter, a place where needy people can find a place to stay and enjoy a warm, nourishing meal. But its founder and chief executive officer said there is much more than ju more

Ken Wales meets the ‘Flying Scotsman’ and ‘Inspector Clouseau’ 17-Feb-2009 BEVERLY HILLS, CA (ANS) -- Veteran filmmaker Ken Wales, Executive Producer of the critically acclaimed and award-winning CBS Television series Christy, began his drama career playing a juvenile role on a local radio show in Kokomo, Indiana. At age 14 he o more

Human Rights Organization Calls on UN 17-Feb-2009 SURREY, ENGLAND (ANS) -- Following a fact-finding visit to the Thai-Burmese border, a British-based human rights organization is urging the UN Secretary-General to ramp up efforts to facilitate meaningful dialogue between Burma’s military regime, the demo more

The Taliban wins 17-Feb-2009 PAKISTAN (ANS) -- A resident of Pakistan has told ANS that the Taliban already controls 2/3rds of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of the country, and the provincial capital, Peshawar, continues to get “squeezed” from all sides. “If it falls, the r more

Moving for Christ 17-Feb-2009 MOSCOW (ANS) -- After almost a year’s break, the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists (RUECB) Moscow offices is back on the road again with a missionary expedition. According to a RUECB news release, a 10,000-kilometer-expedition entitled “Man more

Pat Boone: still going strong after all these years 17-Feb-2009 BEVERLY HILLS, CA (ANS) -- In the years immediately prior to the British Invasion, only one performer rivaled the chart dominance of Elvis Presley, and that was Pat Boone. With his trademark white buckskin shoes, perfectly combed hair and gleaming smile, more

Susan Stafford reveals how Rock Hudson received Christ 16-Feb-2009 BEVERLY HILLS, CA (ANS) -- Susan Stafford, the original hostess of Wheel of Fortune, has revealed how she was present when a Catholic priest led Rock Hudson in the “sinner’s prayer” to receive Jesus Christ. Stafford, who preceded Vanna White on the popula more

Chuck Norris: A True ‘Kung Fu’ Christian 16-Feb-2009 BEVERLY HILLS, CA (ANS) -- Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris (born March 10, 1940) is an American martial artist, action star and television and film actor who is known for action roles such as Cordell Walker on WALKER, TEXAS RANGER and for his iconically tough i more

Christian prayer room at Pakistan Nursing School closed 16-Feb-2009 LAHORE, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- In a rare development, a Christian hostel warden of a Nursing School located at the premises of the Children’s Hospital in the Pakistan city of Lahore, locked the door of a room that was formerly used as a mosque by Muslim nursin more

Court frees Nigerian Christian imprisoned for blasphemy 16-Feb-2009 KANO, NIGERIA (ANS) -- Sani Kibili, 55, a Nigerian Christian who was earlier sentenced to three years imprisonment by a Shariah court in the northern town of Kano, has been freed. In a statement by Open Doors UK, Kibili’s released was secured after series more

YWAM Australia staff care for refugees 16-Feb-2009 AUSTRALIA – Feb 16 - With huge tracts of land still smoldering and fires still raging, YWAM workers in southern Australia are on the frontlines caring for survivors of fires that have taken nearly 200 lives and left thousands homeless in what is being des more

UN investigator upholds civil rights for Dalits of all faiths 13-Feb-2009 GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO (ANS) -- Two Christian human rights watchdog groups are welcoming the newly-released report of the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ms Asma Jahangir, on her fact-finding mission to India in 2008. Ms Jahan more

Romanian TV ministry coming into its own after fifteen years 13-Feb-2009 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (ANS) -- Fifteen years ago, at the beginning of the Alfa Omega TV ministry in Timisoara, a city in western Romania with a population of 300,000, the fledgling broadcast outreach was involved in distributing pre-packaged video programm more

Over 2,000 Filipinos celebrate International Night 13-Feb-2009 CEBU, PHILIPPINES (ANS) -- It was a night of celebration and joy at the MV Doulos International night as over two thousand Filipino Christians gathered at the Mandaue Sports Complex, Cebu on Tuesday February 9, 2009 to witness the great event. more

Mercy Ships arrives in Benin 12-Feb-2009 COTONOU, BENIN, WEST AFRICA, February 12, 2009: The world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, arrived in Cotounou, Benin, this week to begin 10 months of specialized partnership with the nation’s Ministry of Health. The hospital s more

Winners announced at the 17th Annual Movieguide® Faith and Values Awards Gala 12-Feb-2009 BEVERLY HILLS, CA (ANS) -- The stars came out in record numbers tonight (Wednesday, February 11, 2009) for the 17th Annual Movieguide® Faith and Values Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Cali more

The Boat the Vatican Sought 12-Feb-2009 ALBUQUERQUE, NM (ANS) -- In 1986, two brothers, Moshe and Yuval Lufan, found something beyond all expectations. According to Pastor Skip Heitzig, who has recently finished filming a documentary on the find, the brothers felt that they would discover somet more

British MP’s concerned over church closures 11-Feb-2009 NEW MALDEN, SURREY (ANS) -- At least 33 British Members of Parliament have expressed serious concerns over recent forcible church closures in Rangoon. According to a news release from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a British-based human rights grou more

‘Standing Room Only’ for 17th Movieguide® Awards 11-Feb-2009 BEVERLY HILLS, CA (ANS) -- Dr. Ted Baehr, chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission and publisher of Movieguide®, has told ANS that it will be “standing room only” for tomorrow evenings 17th Annual Movieguide® Faith and Values Awards Gala and more

Chastised evangelicals end broadcaster’s convention 11-Feb-2009 NASHVILLE, TN (ANS) -- Sober and pensive, the leaders of America’s evangelical broadcasting elite ended five days of penance and soul-searching tonight (Tuesday, February 10, 2009) at their huge annual convention held in Nashville, Tennessee. Although sev more

OM launching largest ever ministry ship 11-Feb-2009 SHROPSHIRE, UK – Feb 11 - While the charity sector is being hard-hit by the credit crunch Operation Mobilisation UK, who are set to launch their largest ever missions ship the Logos Hope, say they’re weathering the financial storm and so far haven’t had more

Churches turn to ash in Victoria’s fires 10-Feb-2009 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- While churches continue to disappear in the onslaught of the Victorian bushfires, Ruth Close of the ESA (Evangelisation Society Association) Board has updated our earlier report on the camp center at Marysville (97km/60 miles NE more

Tearfund’s Global Poverty Call to Prayer 10-Feb-2009 LONDON, ENGLAND – Feb 10 – Relief and development charity Tearfund is calling on thousands of Christians to join them in prayer this month (23 February to 1 March), to see real change around the world.Tearfund’s Global Poverty Prayer Week is a call to th more

Mission Network News garners two awards 10-Feb-2009 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (ANS) -- Mission Network News (MNN), a daily radio program from Cornerstone University highlighting the work of missions organizations around the globe in an easily-digested format, has won two awards for its news programming at the N more

New TWR president seeks to recruit next generation 10-Feb-2009 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (ANS) -- Lauren Libby, the new president of Trans World Radio, headquartered near Raleigh, North Carolina, has three requests for those interested in praying for the ministry broadcasting to a hundred and sixty-five countries in two-h more

Nepali missionaries, believers share the Christ of Christmas 9-Feb-2009 NEPAL (ANS) -- Christmas 2008 was special for Christians in Nepal, because it was the first year the government of the mountainous nation made the day an official holiday. As Christians around the world celebrated Christmas, Gospel for Asia missionaries l more

New HCJB president wants to reach 9-Feb-2009 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (ANS) -- Wayne Pederson, the new HCJB Global President, has reaffirmed the mission’s priority of bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ via media and healthcare ministries to those who have never heard during his inauguration ceremony t more

Pro-God buses for London streets 9-Feb-2009 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- Three separate pro-God advert campaigns on the sides of London buses are set to hit city streets in the British capital. The BBC has reported that buses adorned with the slogan “There definitely is a God” are from the Christian Party, more

Muslim Pilgrims Beat Bible Student 9-Feb-2009 DHAKA, Bangladesh, February 5 (Compass Direct News) – Pilgrims to a massive Islamic conference near this capital city on Sunday (Feb. 1) beat and threatened to kill a Bible school student as he distributed Christian literature. Rajen Murmo, 20, a student more

Mercy Ships keeping it all in the family 6-Feb-2009 SANTA CRUZ, TENERIFE – Feb 6 – As the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest non-governmental ship is expected to arrive in Benin, West Africa next week, many of the crew members are taking along their young families with them in tow. During Mercy Ships field more

Michael Longinow inspires students to combine faith with profession 6-Feb-2009 LA MIRADA, CA (ANS) -- Biola University Professor Michael Longinow is a rare individual in journalism in Christian higher education, according to Robert Case, founder and Director of World Journalism Institute (WJI). Longinow, chair of Biola's Depart more

Victory for British Christian Nurse 6-Feb-2009 SOMERSET, UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- In what was widely regarded as a 'political correctness gone wrong' decision, Caroline Petrie, the nurse from Weston-super-Mare who was suspended without pay for asking a patient whether she would like to be pra more

Blasphemy accusation forces family to go into hiding 6-Feb-2009 NAROWAL, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- A Pakistani Christian family has gone into hiding after a grade 9 student was accused of blasphemy by his Muslim classmate last week, ANS has learned. The Trouble began for Naveed Aziz, 14, a resident of Tariqabad colony in Bado more

Ethiopia brings criminal charges against Islamic Group 5-Feb-2009 ETHIOPIA (ANS) -- Ethiopian officials have brought criminal charges against 18 members of a radical Islamic group known as Kwarej. Ethiopian authorities indicated that the 18 people violated article 539(1)A of the Ethiopian Penal Code by organizing Musli more

Nominees announced for 17th Annual MOVIEGUIDE 5-Feb-2009 HOLLYWOOD, CA (ANS) -- Dr. Ted Baehr, founder of the MOVIEGUIDE® family guide to movies and entertainment, announced today (Wednesday, February 04, 2009) in a Hollywood online press conference the nominees for the $100,000 Epiphany Prize for Most Inspirin more

Pakistani Christian man accused of blasphemy sent to jail 5-Feb-2009 RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Hector Aleem, a Pakistani Christian activist who last month was accused of committing blasphemy, has been sent to the district jail in Rawalpindi, a city near Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Pakistan’s controversial blasp more

YWAM workers care for Georgian war refugees 5-Feb-2009 YWAM GEORGIA – Feb 5 - As last summer’s war between Russia and Georgia is no longer in the spotlight, YWAM workers are caring for ethnic Georgian refugees who were forced to flee villages along the South Ossetian border during the fighting. They’re reach more

Christian Center supports Baptist Christian nurse suspended for prayer offer 4-Feb-2009 SOMERSET, UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- A Christian nurse from western England has been suspended from her work for offering to pray for an elderly patient. Caroline Petrie, a community nurse and devout Christian, is facing dismissal for an alleged breach of he more

Daughter pleas for help for father suffering in prison 4-Feb-2009 GUANGDONG, CHINA (ANS) -- As Christian democracy activist Wang Bingzhang endures his seventh year in prison in solitary confinement, his family reports he is deteriorating physically and mentally. His daughter, Ti-Anna Wang, wrote a letter to ChinaAid ap more

Africans serve their own continent 4-Feb-2009 SANTA CRUZ, TENERIFE – Feb 4 - As the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship is set to arrive in Benin, West Africa next week for it’s next field service, it will be particularly poignant for 40 crew members who will be returning to their own cont more

New Children’s Novel Attempts to give the Answers to Life 3-Feb-2009 SHEFFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- What do a day in the life of spotty teenager Ben Goodfellow, with Frosties, skateboards and yodeling...and an encounter with a pink elephant called Melvyn that will change the world forever, have in common? If that isn’t more

Museum in Geneva ’Reintroduces’ John Calvin 3-Feb-2009 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (ANS) -- Geneva’s International Museum of the Reformation this year celebrates the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth with "A Day in the Life of John Calvin" -- a temporary exhibition which features contextualized 3-D s more

How muslim terrorist kidnap attempts led to a book 3-Feb-2009 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- In 2001 Australian John Edmiston was a missionary working in General Santos City in Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. “Gensan,” as it was known, had just experienced a major armed conflict between Muslims and Christians and more

George Beverly Shea celebrates his 100th 3-Feb-2009 ASHEVILLE, NC (ANS) -- A warm gathering of friends, family and loved ones celebrated the latest achievement of one of Christian music’s most beloved ministers Monday night (February 2, 2009(, as legendary Gospel soloist George Beverly Shea marked his 100t more

Christians launch seven days of prayer 2-Feb-2009 LONDON, ENGLAND – Feb 2 - More than 100 Christians from all denominations and traditions are gathering for seven nights in Croydon, South London, to bring revival to the capital. The prayer nights that conclude this week mark the launch of Global Day of P more

Anti-Conversion law likely in Sri Lanka 2-Feb-2009 SRI LANKA (ANS) -- Sri Lanka’s Parliament is expected to pass the country’s first anti-conversion law next month. The proposed legislation, titled “Bill for Prohibition of Forcible Conversions,” was presented a second time to members of Parliament in Jan more

Metropolitan Kirill elected as Russia’s new patriarch 2-Feb-2009 MOSCOW (ANS) -- Russian Baptist leadership believes the Jan. 27 election of Metropolitan Kirill as “Patriarch of Moscow and All of Russia” can be interpreted as a clear vote for openness and dialogue. The Russian Orthodox Church - Moscow Patriarchate (ROC more

SIM sends 3,000 orphans back to school in Zimbabwe 2-Feb-2009 HARARE, ZIMBABWE (ANS) -- Hope is coming alive for over 3, 000 orphans and other vulnerable children in Zimbabwe as Serving In Mission (SIM), plans to enable 3,000 of them to go back to school by paying their school fees, purchasing school uniforms for 15 more

Thousands enjoy a ’Daily Encounter’ with Dick Innes 30-Jan-2009 ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, Dick Innes is a former builder who now lives in Orange County, California, and runs ACTS International, a daily e-mail devotional which is 'building' the Word of God into more

Pastor in Saudi Arabia Flees Death Threats 30-Jan-2009 LOS ANGELES, January 30 (Compass Direct News) – A prominent foreign pastor in Saudi Arabia has fled Riyadh after a member of the mutawwa’in, or religious police, and others threatened him three times in one week. Two of the incidents included threats to more

Conference planned to train missionaries 29-Jan-2009 BARTLESVILLE, OKLAHOMA (ANS) -- Ever wondered what it is like to spend time in a refugee camp? Now you can have that experience and gain valuable tools and knowledge on working in some of the world's hotspots, areas where there is war, disaster or pe more

Saudi Authorities Arrest Christian Convert 29-Jan-2009 LOS ANGELES, January 28 (Compass Direct News) – Five months after the daughter of a member of Saudi Arabia’s religious police was killed for writing online about her faith in Christ, Saudi authorities have reportedly arrested a 28-year-old Christian man f more

DR Congo mums receive aid from partner 29-Jan-2009 DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO- TEARFUND-A Tearfund partner in the Democratic Republic of Congo is targeting aid at pregnant women and babies in the wake of greater access to a conflict-affected area. It’s an area where there are thousands of refugees, ma more

Mercy Ships doctor never tires of changing lives 29-Jan-2009 SANTA CRUZ, TENERIFE – Jan 29 – Speaking onboard the Africa Mercy, currently docked in Tenerife before for sailing for Benin, West Africa this weekend, Dr Gary Parker says he never grows weary of seeing so many life-changing miracles after performing coun more

Mercy Ships avoiding pirates on voyage 28-Jan-2009 SANTA CRUZ, TENERIFE – Jan 28 – The crew onboard the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship is busy preparing to set sail this weekend on a marathon 9 day voyage to Benin in West Africa, which will include taking a wide detour to more

Egyptian Judge desires to kill Christian convert 28-Jan-2009 ISTANBUL (ANS) -- After her arrest at Cairo’s airport on Dec. 13 while attempting to flee anti-Christian hostilities in Egypt, convert Martha Samuel Makkar was granted bail on Jan. 24, but not before a judge took her aside and said he would like to kill h more

A 24-Year Wait for Justice in Peru 28-Jan-2009 SURREY, ENGLAND (ANS) -- The military officer thought to be responsible for a 1984 massacre in Peru has been summoned to appear in court at the end of this week. According to a news release from human rights organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CS more

Terrorists control large portions of Pakistani territory 28-Jan-2009 PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Serious charges about security in Pakistan have been provided to ANS by a reliable source in Pakistan speaking on condition of anonymity. The anonymous source said in an e-mail that Pakistan’s government needs to make clear its real inte more

Unprecedented motion filed by Chinese house church leader 27-Jan-2009 HENAN, CHINA (ANS) -- ChinaAid has revealed that the wife of Tong Houyong recently filed a motion to dismiss the Chief Justice of Chuanhui District People’s Court of Zhoukou Municipality on behalf of her husband, Tong Houyong, along with two other Christi more

Thieves rape Christian girl 27-Jan-2009 PUNJAB PROVINCE, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) -- www.persecution.org -- says that it has just learned that six unidentified men went on a robbing spree in a rural village in Pakistan o more

Sri Lankan parliament to vote on Anti-Conversion Laws 27-Jan-2009 COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, January 26 (Compass Direct News) – The Sri Lankan Parliament may soon enact laws designed to restrict religious conversions. A standing committee assigned to consider a draft “Bill for the Prohibition of Forcible Conversions” presented more

GFA missionary released from jail 26-Jan-2009 MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih is out of jail and facing a trial on charges that he tried to force people to convert to Christianity. Yashpal was released after spending all day in a Madhya Pradesh, India, ja more

Pakistani Christians Acquitted in "Blasphemy" Case 26-Jan-2009 ISTANBUL (ANS) -- Five Christians charged with “blasphemy” against Islam during April 2007 religious holidays were released on Jan. 19 after reconciliation meetings between Christian and Islamic leaders – the first verdict to have resulted from such effor more

Christian Charity to Send Bible to Barack 26-Jan-2009 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- The Evangelical Alliance UK is sending President Barack Obama a new Bible after reports that one was mysteriously absent from his second swearing in. Dr Krish Kandiah, Director of Churches in Mission for the Evangelical Alliance, will more

Pope receives robe and stole 26-Jan-2009 VATICAN CITY (ANS) -- AsiaNews (www.asianews.it) has reported that the Iraqi Chaldean bishops presented Benedict XVI the liturgical robe of Archbishop Paul Faraj Rahho and the stole belonging to Fr. Ragheed Ganni. Both men were killed in Mosul, Archbishop more

Singapore hosts the International G12 Conference 2009 26-Jan-2009 CHAI CHEE, SINGAPORE (ANS) -- Chai Chee, a neighborhood within Bedok New Town in Singapore, will witness a beehive of activities come March 12 to 14, 2009 as it hosts the world in this year’s International G12 Conference 2009. In a statement the organiz more

Activist booked under blasphemy laws 26-Jan-2009 ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Pakistani police have arrested a Christian human rights activist after a member of militant Islamic organization accused him of sending a blasphemous text message from his cell phone. Hector Aleem, 55, the director of a non-go more

Film-maker appears at 'The China Experience' 23-Jan-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Iranian-born filmmaker Joseph Hovsepian, who along with his brother Andre, has produced an award-winning documentary called “A Cry from Iran” paid a surprise visit to the opening of The China Experience at Open Doors USA offices on more

Atheist bus ads launch in Spain, Italy is next, Australia balks 23-Jan-2009 SPAIN (ANS) -- The anti-God bus ad campaign which started in UK has now spread to the primarily Catholic nation of Spain and was also scheduled to start appearing in Italy next month. According to Ethan Cole, writing for the Christian Post, buses started more

Human Rights Group requests rardon for imprisoned couple 23-Jan-2009 WASHINGTON D.C. (ANS) -- A human rights group has learned that a missionary couple from the United Kingdom have been sentenced to one year of imprisonment with hard labor in the West African country of The Gambia. According to a news release from Internat more

Ancient Monastery in Turkey Threatened 23-Jan-2009 ISTANBUL, January 22 (Compass Direct News) – Syriac Christians in southeastern Turkey say a land dispute over the historic Mor Gabriel Monastery is part of a larger system of discrimination against the religious minority in this overwhelmingly Islamic cou more

Former gangster helps Open Doors USA 22-Jan-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- It has been quite a journey for Hong Kong-born Johnny Li, who has gone from being a gangster with the infamous Triads to showing people around during a unique guided tour of Open Doors USA’s Heritage Room emphasizing Open Doors’ wor more

Christian Deaths Mount in Eritrean Prisons 22-Jan-2009 LOS ANGELES (ANS) -- Three Christians incarcerated in military prisons for their faith have died in the past four months in Eritrea, including the Jan. 16 death of a 42-year-old man in solitary confinement, according to a Christian support organization. more

Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church chooses pastor 22-Jan-2009 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (ANS) -- William Graham Tullian Tchividjian, the grandson of Billy Graham is in line to become the senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Tchividjian will be only the second senior pastor the Fort more

Mother of Co-founder of He Intends Victory passes away 21-Jan-2009 GARDEN GROVE, CA (ANS) -- Lois Hall, the 82-year-old mother of the Rev. Herb Hall, a tireless HIV/AIDS campaigner and a co-founder of He Intends Victory, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2009, in her Garden Grove, California home, following a suspecte more

Church in Philippines celebrates Sinulog 21-Jan-2009 CEBU, PHILIPPINES (ANS) -- The entire city of Cebu, Philippines last Saturday and Sunday, witnessed what may be termed by many as the most celebrated festival after Christmas, when the entire Roman Catholic Church trooped out in their thousands to celebra more

Lord’s Resistance Army rebels 21-Jan-2009 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (ANS) -- Uganda's rebel Lord's Resistance Army has reportedly torched a church crowded with worshippers holding a prayer vigil in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The BBC said the reported attack was the group more

Two More Christians Die in Mitire Military Confinement 21-Jan-2009 Eritrea, January 20, (Compass Direct News) - January marks a dark month for the Church in Eritrea with the death of two Christians under the harsh conditions in the Mitire Military Confinement. Early January Open Doors learned of the death of Mogos Hagos more

Gazans confront shattered lives 20-Jan-2009 GAZA STRIP (ANS) -- All day, thousands of Gazans have been rushing back to their neighborhoods to see what is left after Israel's campaign of bombing and shelling. According to a story written by Hamada Abu Qammar and Heather Sharp for the BBC, gap more

The China Experience comes to America 20-Jan-2009 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- American Christians, especially those in Southern California, can now tour The China Experience and learn what it is like to be a Christian in the world’s largest nation. At the launch of the exhibit on Monday, January 12, 2009, C more

Young Pakistani Sisters Abducted 20-Jan-2009 ISTANBUL, January 19 (Compass Direct News) – The ordeal of two teenage Christian sisters in Pakistan is over after Muslims allegedly abducted and raped them and forced them to convert to Islam, but they fear a future of societal rejection. Parvisha Masi more

Lord’s Resistance Army rebels ’torch crowded church’ 20-Jan-2009 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (ANS) -- Uganda's rebel Lord's Resistance Army has reportedly torched a church crowded with worshippers holding a prayer vigil in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The BBC said the reported attack was the group' more

Challenging Year Ahead for Russian Ministries 19-Jan-2009 RUSSIA/UKRAINE – Jan 16 - Despite their successful Christmas outreach, with 30,000 gift filled shoeboxes distributed to children across the former Soviet Union, a challenging year lies ahead for Russian Ministries on a number of fronts, including the Russ more

GFA workers proclaim Christ’s love 19-Jan-2009 INDIA (ANS) -- AIDS is a growing epidemic in every part of Asia. An estimated 2.4 million people in India alone suffered with HIV during 2007, according to the Epidemiological Fact Sheets on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections published by the Un more

Hamas claim victory 19-Jan-2009 GAZA STRIP (ANS) -- Israel and Hamas are both claiming victory in the 22-day conflict in the Gaza Strip that left more than 1,300 Palestinians and 13 Israelis dead. According to a story by Jonathan Ferziger and Daniel Williams and published on Bloomberg more

Catholic middle school math teacher is honored 16-Jan-2009 CHASKA, MINNESOTA (ANS) -- For one small Minnesota community, accolades for one of its own couldn't come at a better time. This Twin Cities suburban town's local Catholic school's enrollment has been in decline due to the economic downturn, more

Human Rights Group Condemns Crackdown on Churches 16-Jan-2009 RANGOON, BURMA (ANS) -- A serious crackdown on churches in Rangoon, the former capital of Burma, is taking place with local authorities in the city ordering at least 100 churches to stop holding worship services, according to the Mizzima new agency. Chris more

Blasphemy laws ‘will be abolished' 16-Jan-2009 ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- The Federal Minister for Minorities, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, has said that Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws 'will be abolished.' Talking to ANS by phone the minister said he was struggling to ensure religious free more

Catholic Relief Services responds to crisis in Gaza 15-Jan-2009 BALTIMORE, MARYLAND (ANS) -- As the conflict in Gaza and Southern Israel continues, a Catholic relief agency will provide 500 war-affected families in Gaza with desperately needed food and other humanitarian relief supplies. With a $250,000 grant from the more

UNICEF says humanitarian situation in Gaza is ’unacceptable’ 15-Jan-2009 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (ANS) -- More than 300 children have been killed and more than 1,500 wounded, since the beginning of the Gaza crisis on December 27, 2008[1]. "Each day more children are being hurt, their small bodies wounded, their young more

Lives transformed by literacy project 15-Jan-2009 TEARFUND-NEPAL-`Before the reading class I was like the blind man, if I see a book I know nothing. But now since these classes my eyes are open.’ This testament to the transforming power of learning comes from a Nepalese woman called Anarkali Tharu. She’s more

Legal Victory For House Churches In Karnataka 14-Jan-2009 KARNATAKA, INDIA (ANS) -- Over four months after government authorities closed several house churches in Karnataka, India, the Karnataka High Court said they should reopen and can hold worship services. This followed the action of several pastors and Chri more

Russia/Ukraine conflict affects outreach 14-Jan-2009 RUSSIA/UKRAINE – Jan 15 - As the Russia/Ukraine gas pipeline controversy still hasn't been resolved there are concerns the conflict could effect ministry work taking place there. The pipeline to Ukraine was shut down New Years Eve, and both sides are more

Christians to walk the Great Wall 14-Jan-2009 BEIJING, CHINA (ANS) -- Release International, a British ministry that serves the Persecuted Church, is putting together a program that will enable Christians all over the world to have a first-hand experience of the Great Wall of China later this year. T more

Christian youth prepare for Cyber-Missions trip 13-Jan-2009 ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA (ANS) -- Dozens of churches around the world are planning to participate in a special missions trip that involves bringing Christ and His message to a huge community where the Gospel is not the most popular subject. So far, according more

One Million Souls for Christ 13-Jan-2009 PARIS - France - Dear Friend, Since its birth in 2005, the evangelistic website (developed by the Top Chretien Team in France), ConnaitreDieu.com (LookingForGod.com In English) has been launched in 13 languages: French, Chinese, Arabic, Italian, Portugues more

Evangelical Group writes letter regarding conflict in Gaza 13-Jan-2009 RICHMOND, B.C. (ANS) -- An appeal for peace in war-torn Gaza has been issued by the leadership of the World Evangelical Alliance. The WEA made the appeal on behalf of all those affected by the conflict, both Israeli and Gazan residents alike. In it, the more

Troubled times linger on for Christians 12-Jan-2009 ORISSA, INDIA (ANS) -- “The Supreme Court of India’s ‘Quit if you can’t protect the minorities’ admonition to the Government of Orissa seems not to be taken too seriously by the Biju Janata Dal- Bharatiya Janata Party Coalition ministry in Bhubaneswar and more

European churches told to challenge racism 12-Jan-2009 ENGLAND – Jan 12-MNS- With concerns that the current financial crisis could trigger a wave of racist-based policies and even new race riots across Europe the church has been challenged to speak out against racism.The challenge comes as UK Prime Minister G more

Thousands of Jews Rally in London against Hamas 12-Jan-2009 LONDON (ANS) -- The sign taped to the front of 10-month-old Ezra Wiesenberg read, “The IDF don't hide behind me! Stop Hamas abuse of children shields.” A story by Audrey Gillan in Britain’s Guardian newspaper reported that strapped to his mother Ann& more

Isreali Military Achievements 11-Jan-2009 JERUSELEM – ISRAEL - The achievements of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) after two weeks of operation “Cast Lead” are demonstrated on several different levels says a report in the Jerusalem Post. a) Nearly all Hamas government facilities, including the more

A Letter from Israel 10-Jan-2009 The following is from Eddie and Jackie Santoro living in Israel. This is Israel's 15th day of warfare in Gaza. The nation continues to be on "level 8" status, Israel's highest war time standing. The call up of reserve soldiers continu more

Iranian Suicide Bombers Ready 10-Jan-2009 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – While Egypt is hosting talks aimed at defusing the current Middle East crisis between Israel and Hamas, Associated Press (AP) is reporting that hard line Iranian student groups have asked the Iranian government to authorize volunteers more

Zimbabwe Issuing $50 Billion Note 10-Jan-2009 HARARE, Zimbabwe – While President Robert Mugabe's critics blame his policies for wrecking his country’s economy; Mugabe continues to blame "the West", which he says is sabotaging his efforts. An indication of just how bad things are, Zimb more

A man receives a new heart 9-Jan-2009 MAHARASHTRA, INDIA (ANS) -- In the course of a day, a Gospel for Asia missionary in Maharashtra, India, helped a heart attack victim get a new heart and brought two teen boys back from rebellion. Before leading a group of young people in a time of outrea more

Baptist group helping victims in Gaza 9-Jan-2009 GAZA (ANS) -- An international group of Baptists, through its relief and development arm, is assisting persons suffering from the crisis in Gaza. A BWAid Rescue24 team, operated by Hungarian Baptist Aid (HBAid) which is part of the Baptist World Alliance more

Christian Ironmen Conference held March 6-7 2009 9-Jan-2009 OAK GLEN, CA (ANS) -- Men are invited to this two day conference that will reshape your life in the experience of the Heavenly Father-earthly man relationship. This conference is designed to re-ignite the Christian men in all churches to a higher spiritua more

Church of England’s credit crunch prayers 8-Jan-2009 ENGLAND, MNS/ANS – Jan 8 - With the first week of the new year already dealing some heavy blows to the business world, the Church of England has published prayers to comfort people affected by redundancy.Marks and Spencer became the latest high street fix more

GFA Missionary Arrested in India 8-Jan-2009 MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Yashpal Bhuta Masih was arrested Monday, January 5, in Madhya Pradesh, India. The police charged him with attempting to force three people to convert to Christianity. The police claim that three more

Israel bombs Gaza into the night 8-Jan-2009 GAZA STRIP (ANS) -- Israeli air attacks on the Gaza Strip have resumed after a three-hour truce to allow in humanitarian aid, with border tunnels apparently the main target. According to a BBC story, Israeli planes dropped flyers on southern Gaza by day, more

Broadcasting prayers of peace for the Middle East 8-Jan-2009 NICOSIA, CYPRUS (ANS) -- For more than a week, as bombs have fallen in Gaza and Israel tragically taking innocent lives, Christian Television service SAT-7 has encouraged its viewers to pray for peace. According to a news release obtained by ANS, shortly more

To be or not to be for Shakespeare’s church 7-Jan-2009 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, ENGLAND, MNS – January 6 – ‘To be or not to be’, that is the question for the church in Stratford-upon-Avon where William Shakespeare was baptised and buried, as it needs to stave off closure by gathering at least £2.5 million to car more

The Manga Messiah is publishe 7-Jan-2009 JAPAN – MNS/ANS – Jan 7 - Operation Mobilisation workers in Japan have a new dynamic comic-book resource they believe will enable them overcome the daunting challenge of unlocking the Gospel message to the country’s 127 million population. Published by Ne more

Celebrating the Good in Hollywood 7-Jan-2009 HOLLYWOOD, CA (ANS) -- With top actors and actresses as emcees, and a music and entertainment extravaganza, the 17th Annual MOVIEGUIDE® Faith & Values Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry will be held Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Beverly Hilt more

Baptism Center in Jordan to open in March 7-Jan-2009 JORDAN (ANS) -- A service of dedication for the new Baptism Center in Jordan will be carried out by leaders of a prominent Baptist organization at its official opening on March 20, 2009. The Center is located on the bank of the River Jordan on land closel more

More than 40 Gazans killed in blast 7-Jan-2009 GAZA STRIP (ANS) -- The ongoing conflict in Gaza has exacted the bloodiest toll of civilian lives yet, when the bombing of housing, and United Nations schools being used as refugee centers, killed more than 50 people, including an entire family of seven y more

Missionary Arrested on Christmas Eve 6-Jan-2009 HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionary Nebu Sein was arrested on Christmas Eve as he celebrated the holiday with several people from his congregation. Nebu was taken to the police station and later released. He has since been forced more

A Surprisingly Peaceful Christmas in Orissa 6-Jan-2009 ORISSA, INDIA (ANS) -- Despite months of ongoing attacks and dire threats that Christmas would be disrupted by violence, Christians in Orissa, India, were able to peacefully celebrate Christ’s birth. Gospel for Asia leaders in Orissa report that both the more

Israeli Troops Reach the Edge of Gaza City 5-Jan-2009 GAZA STRIP (ANS) -- Israeli tanks and infantry battalions swept to the edges of Gaza City today, battling die-hard Hamas fighters and sealing off the bomb-scarred capital city from the rest of the coastal territory. James Hider and Azmi Keshawi in a story more

Latin America Mission appoints president 5-Jan-2009 MIAMI, FL (ANS) -- A California pastor with missionary experience in Argentina has been appointed as the new president of the Latin America Mission. Steven (Steve) Rayford Johnson, 55, will take office in early February, succeeding the interim president, more

Open Doors calls on Christians to Pray 5-Jan-2009 GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- As an estimated 10,000 Israeli ground troops invaded Gaza today (Jan.3), the small community of Christians in the area are drawing strength from their faith in God. Last week’s attacks left more than 400 dead and 2,000 in more

Islamists attack two Churches in Pakistan 4-Jan-2009 KARACHI, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Islamist fundamentalists in the Pakistani city of Karachi in the Pakistani province of Sindh attacked two churches on the eve of New Year. Unidentified militants forcibly entered in Christ Awami Church located in Rasool Shah Co more

Humanitarian group assists with Gaza 4-Jan-2009 EGYPT (ANS) -- The UK branch of a Colorado-based international humanitarian group is supporting a team of medical doctors that have deployed to help the victims of the conflict in Gaza. Humanitarian International Services Group (www.HISG.org ) says state more

Aussie Grammy Winner's Book is 'Pure' 3-Jan-2009 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (ANS) – Australian-born, Grammy Award winning Christian singer, Rebecca St. James, closed 2008 with a successful new book added to her list of impressive credits, and she is looking forward to the New Year with anticipation. The book more

17th "Christian Oscars" in February 2-Jan-2009 HOLLYWOOD, CA (ANS) -- Hollywood is gearing up for the 17th Annual MOVIEGUIDE® Faith & Values Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry on February 11, 2009 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Often called the "Chris more

"Escape from Hamas" on Saturday 2-Jan-2009 Irvine, California – As the fighting rages in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas, FoxNews will air an important documentary, “Escape from Hamas” hosted by Bill Hemmer at 10.00 pm on Saturday evening, January 3. The documentary features Mosab Hassan more

A Year for Life, Marriage and Freedom 2-Jan-2009 Irvine, California - In the editorial for 2009, Deacon Keith Fournier for “Catholic Online” (www.catholic.org) Says that this is not the first time that the great ideas informed by faith have been under siege. He says that “our struggle has just begun. Le more

Freedom of Religion and Belief Study in Australia 2-Jan-2009 Brisbane, Australia - The National Alliance of Christian Leaders in Australia (NACL) says that the Australian Government’s Human Rights Commission has commissioned the Australian Multicultural Foundation, (AMF) in association with RMIT University and more

Mason Weaver back on IP Radio 1-Jan-2009 Irvine, California – If you are tired of the never-ending racial debate that seems to have only one agenda: to divide black and white people irreconcilably, and you would like to hear another a positive view of the world from a highly intelligent and more

European Union pushes for Gaza cease-fire 31-Dec-2008 GAZA STRIP (ANS) -- European Union foreign ministers pushed for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip to allow in aid and support a diplomatic process to end the conflict, as Israel stepped up its attack on the Islamic Hamas movement. Bloomberg News reported in more

Extremists Halt Church Construction 31-Dec-2008 UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) -- Religious extremists from a popular radical Hindu activist group have brought a church construction project to a halt. They have set up a tent outside the unfinished building to conduct rituals to their gods. The extremists more

Ugandan LRA involved in massacre 30-Dec-2008 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (ANS) -- Uganda's army is accusing rebels of the Lord's Resistance Army of hacking to death 45 civilians in a Catholic church in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A story on the BBC website quotes Ugandan Army Capt C more

Cuban church leader on trial over ‘offensive behavior’ 30-Dec-2008 HAVANA, CUBA (ANS) -- A prominent church leader was put on trial on Monday (December 29, 2008) in what members of his organisation say is a government campaign to silence and discredit him. Rev. Robert Rodriguez, pastor of the Los Pinos Nuevos de Sagua more

Israel Pounds Gaza for Fourth Day 30-Dec-2008 GAZA STRIP (ANS) -- Israeli jets have attacked the Gaza Strip for a fourth day, with raids on a number of Hamas government buildings and security installations. The BBC reported that according to medical officials, air strikes early on Tuesday killed at more

Israel bombs University in Gaza 29-Dec-2008 GAZA STRIP (ANS) -- Israeli air force jets have bombed the Islamic University in the Gaza Strip, a significant cultural symbol for Hamas. A BBC News story reported that warplanes also struck Hamas government offices as air raids aimed at forcing Palestin more

Body of Assyrian girl found in North Iraq 29-Dec-2008 NAHLA, IRAQ (ANS) -- The body of an Assyrian teenager was found in a river in the area of Nahla on Dec. 24. According to a story by the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), Marlene Awimalek Aziz, 19, disappeared on Dec. 15. There have been conflict more

Joy Junction shelter van patrolling streets 29-Dec-2008 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- Albuquerque’s homeless can now get a ride to safety any time of the day or night. Since Dec.18, the Joy Junction Homeless Shelter van has been available to Albuquerque’s homeless and needy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That more

Massive pro-family rally floods Spain 29-Dec-2008 MADRID, SPAIN – Dec 29 – As part of a huge public outcry a pro-life Mass drew hundreds of thousands of people to central Madrid on Sunday to hear the case for the traditional family. The Mass was joined by the Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio Maria Rouco Var more

Russian Christmas not too late to help needy 29-Dec-2008 RUSSIA – Russian Ministries says it’s not too late to support their Christmas appeal, despite the fact that much of the world already celebrated the birth of Christ this past week. While many celebrated Christmas day last Thursday, Russia and many of the more

UK Bishops attack Leftist Labour 28-Dec-2008 LONDON, ENGLAND – Stirring the debate between those who believe that Governments can spend their way out of recession and those who disagree, the BBC is reporting that five Anglican bishops have attacked the leftist British Labour Government by calling more

China Raids Churches at Christmas 26-Dec-2008 CHINA (ANS) -- ChinaAid has reported to ANS that the Chinese government has targeted Christians in Henan province, Anhui province, and Xinjiang Autonomous Region between December 21 and December 24. A ChinaAid spokesperson said that on Christmas Eve in He more

Ahmadinejad's View ‘causes offence’ 26-Dec-2008 LONDON, UK (ANS) – A huge row has broken out in Britain over the BBC’s Channel 4 Alternative Christmas Message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The decision angered some British MPs, who branded him a “dangerous fanatic” with anti-Semitic view more

Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas Message 25-Dec-2008 London, England - The following is the full text of Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas Day message: One of the features of growing old is a heightened awareness of change. To remember what happened 50 years ago means that it is possible to appreciate wh more

Pope Benedict's Christmas Message 25-Dec-2008 The Vatican, Rome - Last night we heard once more the Angel’s message to the shepherds, and we experienced anew the atmosphere of that holy Night, Bethlehem Night, when the Son of God became man, was born in a lowly stable and dwelt among us. On this sole more

Australian Archbishop Jenson's Message 25-Dec-2008 Sydney, Australia - When Jesus Christ chose to save the world he came as a baby into a human family. Even the maker of this whole universe became the most dependent of all human beings. He shared a home with a mother and father and brothers and sisters. more

Jerusalem Patriarch's Christmas Message 25-Dec-2008 Bethlehem - Here is the text of the Christmas message from Archbishop Fouad Twal, the patriarch of Jerusalem. "O Infant of Bethlehem ... Plant in Our Hearts a Love for Peace" The Nativity Church bells ring again, singing with the Angels the et more

Alexios of Atlanta's Message 25-Dec-2008 Atlanta, Georgia - My dearly beloved in the Lord - At this blessed season of anticipation and hope, I greet you with love and joy in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The message of the angels continues to remind us, as people of faith, to more

Bethlehem pilgrims mark Christmas 25-Dec-2008 BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK (ANS) -- Thousands of pilgrims have been celebrating Christmas with a mass in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, amid tight security. They include about 200 Christians from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, whom Israel granted permission more

Policeman tortures, paralyzes Christian 24-Dec-2008 FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Compass Direct News is reporting that a Pakistani Christian boy’s quarrel with a Muslim policeman’s son has led to his father’s imprisonment, torture, paralysis, and five-year prison sentence. more

Church of the Nativity Wired for Live Christmas Webcast 23-Dec-2008 JERUSALEM (ANS) -- As over a billion people turn their eyes towards the Church of the Nativity this time of year, the holy site in Bethlehem is ready to go online via live streaming video in time for the holidays. more

Pakistani Prime Minister announces increase 23-Dec-2008 ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Addressing a ceremony at the Pakistan National Council Auditorium in Islamabad which was staged by the Ministry of Minorities Affairs the Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on December 16 made some historic an more

Iraqi Christians flee gunmen for sanctuary 22-Dec-2008 IRBIL, IRAQ (ANS) -- “In peaceful times, the cool mountain air and breathtaking views afforded by the ancient monastery of Mar Matti provided a congenial day trip for the local people. Clinging to the upper slopes of a steep escarpment, its ancient stone more

Rebuilding a shattered nation in Liberia 22-Dec-2008 LIBERIA-TEARFUND- The time has come for our relief teams in Liberia to hand over to our partner organisations. more

Most Britons don’t believe Nativity 21-Dec-2008 UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- A survey in the United Kingdom suggest the majority of Britons do not believe in the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus. Of 1,000 people questioned, 70 percent doubted the account, according to the British Market Research Bureau more

Jesus - a Light in Dark Times 21-Dec-2008 JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (ANS) -- Even though it may appear that there are more problems than solutions in the world today, the leaders of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem are reminding the faithful that Jesus is a light that “never goes out.” So said a sto more

Grammy Winning Rocker Supports Rick 21-Dec-2008 Los Angeles, California – Former rock group Ambrosia leader and Saddleback church member David Pack who has worked on several initiatives including Saddleback AIDS conferences, and the global PEACE initiative; and worked with top artists ranging from more

Pakistan - Demolishing Christian Homes 21-Dec-2008 WASHINGTON D.C. (ANS) -- The human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) is reporting that a powerful Muslim village elder and his nephews evicted about 30 impoverished Christian families from their homes in order to make way for a stable fo more

Christian Convert Tortured, Raped in Egypt 21-Dec-2008 CAIRO, EGYPT (ANS) -- Martha Samuel, an Egyptian Muslim who converted to Christianity five years ago, was arrested at Cairo airport on Wednesday as she, her husband and two sons (four and two years old) were leaving for Russia. Her name was on a list of more

Marxism in Christian Clothing 20-Dec-2008 Irvine, California - Christian Post is reporting that best-selling author, social activist and Saddleback megachurch pastor Rick Warren has described the social gospel supported by many mainline churches as “Marxism in Christian clothing”. In an more

Overwhelming response to historic Ukraine missions forum 19-Dec-2008 IRPEN, UKRAINE – MNS/ANS - An historic missions conference in Irpen, Ukraine had such an overwhelming response that people had to be turned away from participating in the two-day Forum, with more than 220 people from 20 different countries in attendance, more

Many arrested, some sentenced, and Pastor escorted 19-Dec-2008 HENAN, CHINA (ANS) -- More than 40 Christians were detained at a Christian leaders’ gathering in Taoling village, Pushan town, Nanyang city, Henan Province on December 16, 2008. more

Episcopal Church Splits over Gays 19-Dec-2008 Fairfax, Virginia - Conservative, Episcopal Church congregations in Virginia have won a lawsuit to split from the U.S. Episcopal Church in a dispute over theology and homosexuality. A Fairfax County judge gave his final rulings today. He said the more

Ted Haggard Documentary on HBO 19-Dec-2008 Colorado Springs, Colorado — Associated Press is reporting that disgraced evangelical leader Ted Haggard says in a new documentary that he is still struggling with his sexuality although he is committed to his marriage for the sake of his children. more

Buddhist Clerics in Bangladesh take Christians captive 19-Dec-2008 DHAKA, BANGLADESH (ANS) -- Buddhist clerics and local council officials are holding 13 newly converted Christians captive in a pagoda in a southeastern mountainous district of Bangladesh in an attempt to forcibly return them to Buddhism. more

Conservative leader Paul Weyrich passes 19-Dec-2008 WASHINGTON, DC (ANS) -- Paul Weyrich, a Conservative activist, who coined the phrase “moral majority” and helped turn social conservatives into a powerful force in the Republican Party, died on Thursday (December 18) at the age of 66. more

Christmas violence fears continues in Orissa 19-Dec-2008 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- Fears are continuing to escalate in Orissa state, India, over the possibility of further anti-Christian violence taking place on Christmas Day. more

MOVIEGUIDE® and founder are attacked 18-Dec-2008 HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- In recent weeks, numerous Christian groups, churches and supporters of California’s Prop. 8 in favor of traditional marriage have experienced vicious attacks and hate mail, including death threats, from homosexual, left-wing more

Hindus ban Christmas in Orissa 18-Dec-2008 ORISSA, INDIA (YWAM)- An extremist Hindu nationalist organization is determined to prevent the celebration of Christmas in Orissa, India next week. more

Poor leave empty handed as climate summit closes 18-Dec-2008 TEARFUND- Lack of ambition and commitment phobia from industrialised nations has dominated a lack-lustre UN climate summit, which will leave the poor to go home empty handed as two weeks of negotiations come to an end. more

Australia’s Telstra Asked to Help Stop Porn 18-Dec-2008 Sydney, Australia - The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today encouraged the Australian telecom giant Telstra to reconsider participating in the upcoming ISP filtering trials aimed at controlling violence and pornography, saying it is important for the more

Tragic death leads to patroling 24/7 17-Dec-2008 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- Albuquerque’s homeless can now get a ride to safety any time of the day or night. more

Bangladesh: pivotal elections amidst Islamic threats 17-Dec-2008 AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- On 14 August 1947 predominantly Hindu India was partitioned and the Muslim-majority regions of Punjab in the west and Bengal in the east became the independent Muslim state of Pakistan. Power was concentrated in West Pakistan which was more

Mercy Ships sails from Liberia 17-Dec-2008 Monrovia Liberia (MERCY SHIPS)-- The Africa Mercy pulled out of the Free Port of Monrovia, Liberia, this past weekend, wrapping up four years of assistance by Mercy Ships in the rebuilding of Liberia’s infrastructure. The first visit of a Mercy Ship to th more

Dan Wooding featured in documentary 16-Dec-2008 HOLLYWOOD, CA (ANS) -- Dan Wooding, founder of the ASSIST News Service (ANS), and US Bureau Chief for the Missionaries News Service (MNS), is featured in a new Hollywood documentary called HOLLYWOOD ON FIRE, along with such luminaries as Chuck Norris, Jan more

Open Doors Launches Fax Campaign 16-Dec-2008 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- On Dec. 22, 1997, 45 Tzotzil Indians were killed in an armed confrontation in the village of Acteal, Chiapas State, Mexico. more

Land grab threatens YWAM Ukraine 16-Dec-2008 KIEV, UKRAINE – MNS/ANS - The future of Youth With A Mission’s work in Ukraine is under threat as the missionary group has fallen victim to a landgrab move that’s become a common practice in Eastern Europe. more

Lord Taylor’s Christmas message of hope 15-Dec-2008 LONDON, ENGLAND – MNS/ANS – During the current financial crisis, Lord John Taylor, the first ever black peer in the House of Lords, is urging Christians to share a message of hope this Christmas. more

Four Christians missing since November 15-Dec-2008 HUBEI, CHINA (ANS) -- Four Christians are missing and many more have been persecuted in Hubei province during the month of November 2008 according to the South China Church house church network. more

Thousands attempt again to attack copts 15-Dec-2008 EGYPT (ANS) -- Thousands of Muslims, who were angered by Copts celebrating mass in the Zagazig Diocese's Hospitality Hall on Wednesday, December 10, gathered in the village of Kafr Farag Guirgis, in an attempt to attack the building. more

Sarah Palin's Church Burned 15-Dec-2008 ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (MNS) - Sarah Palin's home church in Wasilla, Alaska was severely burned over the weekend, and there is a good chance it was arson. No one was injured in the fire, which was intentionally set while people, including two children, w more

Congress passes Anti-Trafficking Bill 14-Dec-2008 Irvine, California (MNS) - On December 10, both the House and Senate passed the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2008. This Bill aims to strengthen the U.S Government's tools for combating human more

Australia Tests Porn Filtering 14-Dec-2008 Sydney, Australia - Today’s rallies in Australia against Internet filtering of pornography are based on a mischievous and alarmist scare campaign driven by groups with vested interests and a stake in propagating misinformation, the Australian Christian more

Prison fellowship founder recognized for dedication 12-Dec-2008 LANSDOWNE, VIRGINIA / SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN (ANS) -- Prison Fellowship Founder Chuck Colson has received the Presidential Citizens Medal from outgoing US President George W. Bush in an Oval Office ceremony at the White House. more

Eight Million Gifts of Hope 12-Dec-2008 SAMARITAN'S PURSE- Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham is encouraging prayer for the millions of children who soon will begin receiving shoe box gifts from Operation Christmas Child. more

Helping Victims of War 12-Dec-2008 SAMARITAN'S PURSE- Listen to John Dallmann's report from Goma, where Samaritan’s Purse is helping thousands with emergency aid and medical care. more

Peace found after tragedy 12-Dec-2008 DENVER, COLORADO – MNS- One year on from the night of shootings on the YWAM Denver campus, which left two young people dead and two injured, a celebration service took place this week. more

Maluku, Eastern Indonesia: "blasphemy" triggers Reaction 12-Dec-2008 AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- On Tuesday 9 December, Muslims rioted in response to rumours that Welhelmina Holle, a Christian teacher at SD Masohi elementary school, had insulted Islam in a comment he made while tutoring a sixth grade student. Masohi is about 120km more

Snow White in Serbia 11-Dec-2008 BELGRADE, SERBIA - MNS/ANS – This is “Snow White’s” story. We met this lady while in Serbia this week with Samaritans Purse (UK) distributing Christmas shoeboxes to needy children in Belgrade. The lady’s name is actually Snezana Kasic, which translates more

To Romas with Love in a Box 11-Dec-2008 BELGRADE, SERBIA - MNS/ANS - A Samaritans Purse team from the UK distributed shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts to 3,000 children in Belgrade, Serbia this week, in some of the city’s most marginalized communities, including five Roma settlements and a more

Millions fear death as climate change depletes water 11-Dec-2008 TEARFUND- Unless major changes are made to water management strategies, climate change will threaten the lives of millions of people as soaring temperatures deplete water supplies. more

Internet Evangelism Expands Worldwide Discipleship Access 10-Dec-2008 LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- In the 21st Century, whenever people look for information, they look to the Internet. more

World Vision Distributes 500 cholera kits 10-Dec-2008 BEITBRIDGE, ZIMBABWE (ANS) -- Following the recent outbreak of Cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe, the World Vision is at present distributing 500 cholera kits to help protect its staff and other members of the communities that were affected. more

Court Declines Pastor "Bike" Zhang’s Case 10-Dec-2008 BEIJING, CHINA (ANS) -- On December 4, 2008 Pastor "Bike" Zhang Mingxuan attempted to file an "Administrative Statement of Complaint" against the government decision to abolish the Chinese House Church Alliance, but the No. 2 Intermedi more

China’s Mixed Message to House Churches 10-Dec-2008 DUBLIN (ANS) -- In recent months Chinese officials have attempted to build bridges with the Protestant house church movement. more

Terrorism in Mumbai bringing attention 9-Dec-2008 INDIA (ANS) -- The world’s eyes have been focused on Mumbai, India, during the last few weeks. The news was filled with frightening images of the carnage from a well-planned terrorist attack in which nearly 200 people died. But the attacks in Mumbai aren’ more

Showing Arab children the true meaning of Christmas 9-Dec-2008 NICOSIA, CYPRUS (ANS) -- SAT-7® KIDS, the first and only Arabic Christian satellite TV channel dedicated exclusively to the children of the Middle East and North Africa, celebrates its first anniversary on December 10, 2008. more

Terror in Nigeria 8-Dec-2008 JOS, NIGERIA (ANS) -- Nigerian born social worker Helen Bako didn't expect to be right in the middle of post-election violence in the central Nigerian city of Jos, where she was just visiting. The violence, which broke out on Nov. 28 and left hundre more

Archbishop urges Mugabe overthrow 8-Dec-2008 YORK, UK (ANS) -- The BBC has reported that the Ugandan-born Archbishop of York has said that Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe should be forced out of office. more

The agony and joy of Greg Laurie 8-Dec-2008 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Thursday, July 24, 2008 was the most devastating day of Greg Laurie’s life. The unimaginable happened when his son Christopher, 33, was killed in a tragic car accident on the 91 freeway on his way to work as art director of Harvest more

Moving forward, never forgetting 8-Dec-2008 YWAM NEWS-The lives of hundreds of YWAM Denver staff and students changed in an instant at 12:30 a.m. one late-night last December when a young man entered a dormitory on the YWAM Denver campus and began firing shots. Two young missionaries were killed, a more

Russian Orthodox Head Dies after Illness 6-Dec-2008 MOSCOW, RUSSIA (ANS) -- The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Alexiy II, has died at the age of 79, according to the BBC. There is no word on the cause of his death at his residence outside Moscow, but he had been sick for some time. No more

The ABC is now in French 6-Dec-2008 ABIDJAN, CÔTE D'IVOIRE (ANS) -- It was a historic moment when the launch of the French edition of the Africa Bible Commentary (“ABC”) - the Commentaire Biblique Contemporain - took place on the November 19, 2008. According to a news release from the more

Warning for Non-Profits in Russia 5-Dec-2008 WHEATON, IL (ANS) -- Following the news that a Youth with a Mission leader had delivered a "bombshell" to Western missionary organization working in Russia that their church or ministry could "liquidated", ANS has received another side more

Christmas Appeal for Russian Children 5-Dec-2008 RUSSIA – MNS - Russian Ministries is urgently appealing for Christians around the world to support an ambitious Christmas project that aims to impact 30,000 children across the former Soviet Union. more

Sam Now at the Helm of Mercy Ships 4-Dec-2008 Tyler, Texas - Mercy Ships announced today the unanimous confirmation of Sam Smith as the new Chief Executive Officer of the international global charity, following a decision made by the Executive Committee of the International Board of Directors on more

Tearfund Launches ’Alive’ Appeal 4-Dec-2008 TEDDINGTON, UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- Around 33.2 million people across the world are currently living with HIV. Of these, 22.5 million live in sub-Saharan Africa. more

’Inaccurate Reporting’ Causes Resentment 4-Dec-2008 JOS, NIGERIA (ANS) -- Although tension has eased in Jos, Plateau State, following a weekend of deadly violence, there is increasing resentment in the Christian community at “biased and inaccurate reporting of events” by the international media. more

Mercy Ships at Work in Africa 4-Dec-2008 GARDEN VALLEY, TX (ANS) -- Mercy Ships Recognizes International Day of Persons with Disabilities by telling the story of eleven-year-old Liberian youngster, Benedict Menkoah. Benedict has always stood on his own two feet - even though they used to point more

Standing on his own Two Feet 4-Dec-2008 GARDEN VALLEY, TX (ANS) -- Eleven-year-old Benedict Menkoah has always stood on his own two feet — even though they pointed backwards. more

A Church Supplies Need for AIDS Relief 4-Dec-2008 ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (ANS) -- “It’s amazing to me how the church responded,” Tim said. “Not only did we get enough food for Thanksgiving, but Christmas and Easter as well. I was absolutely blown away!” more

Millions of Christmas Smiles Locked in Shoe Boxes 4-Dec-2008 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Franklin Graham, the CEO of Samaritan’s Purse said in Santa Ana, California this week that there will be 8 million Shoe Box gifts packed with tiny treasures going to 110 countries this year, and each Shoe Box will be prayed over. Th more

Now an Ice Age is Coming 4-Dec-2008 Irvine, California – Reuters News Service is reporting that scientists based in Britain and Canada are now saying that the now-vilified greenhouse gases that are being blamed for “Global Warming” might actually help in future to avert a chill that could more

Open Doors Rep Targeted in Nigerian Violence 4-Dec-2008 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Hundreds have been killed and thousands have been forced to flee after attacks on Christians in the Nigerian Plateau State capital of Jos. The home of “Isaac” (not his real name), an Open Doors representative, was looted and burnt d more

Noah's Ark Opens in Holland 4-Dec-2008 Schagen, Netherlands - Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers has built what he says is an exact replica of Noah’s Ark, as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible. The Ark in Schagen, Netherlands has been opened to the public. more

Rescuing the Perishing 3-Dec-2008 WEST BENGAL, INDIA (ANS) -- With feeble, painstaking steps, Kalpana Adler walks back to her home. The open sores and mangled toes on her left foot—and the total absence of her right foot—make the short journey extremely difficult. Kalpana leans heavily on more

Six wives of Henry VIII to performe live 3-Dec-2008 HAMPTON COURT, UK (ANS) -- In 1972, rock keyboard legend Rick Wakeman released one of the most iconic albums of all time, The Six Wives of Henry VIII. The album was a massive success all over the world and to date has sold more than 15,000,000 copies on b more

Rising from the ashes in Mumbai 3-Dec-2008 A YWAM worker who was in Mumbai during the tragic events of last week sent us this report. On Saturday morning, after around a 62-hour gun battle and stand off between the National Security Agency of India an more

President Bush receives “International Medal of Peace” 2-Dec-2008 WASHINGTON D.C. (ANS) -- President George W. Bush was honored on the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day with the “International Medal of Peace, ”given by Pastor Rick Warren on behalf of the Global PEACE Coalition during the Saddleback Church Civil Forum o more

MFI President reveals the heartbreak of an accident 2-Dec-2008 BEVERLY HILLS, CA (ANS) -- It was with a heavy heart that Pastor Bob Rieth, the president of Media Fellowship International, and his wife Marion, went ahead with their recent 10th MFI Annual Praise Brunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif more

Messianic Jewish Leader Says Islam is a Threat 2-Dec-2008 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- One of the founders of the Jewish Messianic movement has openly identified Islam as being a threat to the world. more

All India Christian Council Statement on Mumbai 2-Dec-2008 HYDERABAD AND NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS) -- The leadership and members of the All India Christian Council (AICC) stands in solidarity with their fellow Indian citizens and the people of the many nations affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai. more

North Korea Returns to Isolation 2-Dec-2008 AUSTRALIA (ANS) – Despite every effort being taken to encourage reconciliation and re-unification between North and South Korea, sadly, virtually all the positive steps listed in that posting have now been reversed. North Korea has returned to isolation. more

Christmas Gifts of Hope 1-Dec-2008 RUSSIA – (MNS/ANS) – Despite the current credit crunch, Russian Ministries has set an ambitious target to provide 30,000 Gifts of Hope for street children in the former soviet union this Christmas. Vice President of Russian Ministries Sergey Rakhuba says more

Warning delivered months before attacks 1-Dec-2008 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- An Islamic terror group known as the Indian Mujahideen, which took responsibility for bombings in Delhi in September, warned two months ago that its next target would be Mumbai. more

World AIDS Day challenge to overcome prejudices 1-Dec-2008 CHESTER, ENGLAND – MNS/ANS - If churches are to play an effective role in the fight against HIV and Aids, they need to first tackle their own taboos, says Christian HIV and Aids charity ACET.As World Aids Day takes place today December 1, ACET UK’s Chief more

Nigeria: Christian-Muslim Riot kills Hundreds 30-Nov-2008 JOS, NIGERIA (ANS) -- Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed in central Nigeria after Christians and Muslims clashed over the result of a local election. According to the BBC, a Muslim charity in the town of Jos, the capital of Plateau State, more

Russian “Liquidation”: Bombshell or Dud? 30-Nov-2008 MOSCOW, RUSSIA (ANS) -- Following the report that a Youth with a Mission (YWAM) leader had delivered a “bombshell” to Western missionary organization working in Russia that their church or ministry could be “liquidated”, ANS has received another side to more

Mumbai Warned 2 Months Ago 30-Nov-2008 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- An Islamic terror group known as the Indian Mujahideen, which took responsibility for bombings in Delhi in September, warned two months ago that its next target would be Mumbai. The almost 60-hour siege in Mumbai left nearly more

"Bike" Zhang Mingxuan Back in Jail 30-Nov-2008 NANYANG, HENAN, CHINA (ANS) -- China Aid Association (CAA) says that at 7 a.m. on November 28, 2008, Pastor Zhang Mingxuan, head of the Chinese House Church Alliance, was forcibly taken by four plain-clothed Chinese government officers from the Henan more

Mumbai siege ends, forces kill last militants 29-Nov-2008 MUMBAI, INDIA (ANS) -- Indian officials have brought a terrorist attack on the city of Mumbai to an end, killing the last militants inside a luxury hotel that was the final battleground of a terrorist siege. more

Team sets up for service project 29-Nov-2008 EAGAN, MN (ANS) -- Each year Faithful Shepherd Catholic School (in Eagan, MN) initiates an Advent season service project to give young students the opportunity of service to the less fortunate. more

George Docherty “Under God” Dies 29-Nov-2008 ALEXANDRIA, Pa. - A church official at the Huntingdon Presbyterian Church says that the Rev. George M. Docherty, who is credited with helping to push Congress to insert the phrase "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance has died in Alexandria, more

Russia to "liquidate" 56 religious groups 28-Nov-2008 SALEM, OREGON (ANS) -- A Youth with a Mission leader has delivered a bombshell to Western missionary organizations working in Russia: You may be 'liquidated'. Al Akimoff, Director of Youth With A Mission Slavic Ministries International, says th more

Church leaders shocked over attacks 28-Nov-2008 LONDON (ANS) -- Church leaders from around the world have expressed their shock and outrage at the atrocities in Mumbai. more

Tearfund campaigners lobby British government 28-Nov-2008 LONDON, ENGLAND (ANS) -- Campaigners from Christian aid agency Tearfund in Teddington, England, yesterday handed a 10,000-strong petition to the British government urging them to help poor people in the developing world adapt to the effects of climate ch more

AUSTRALIA Movie – Christian Bashing 27-Nov-2008 HOLLYWOOD, CA (ANS) -- For several decades now, the mass media has promoted the Rousseauian myth conception of the "noble savage." This is the false idea that the non-European, pagan cultures and indigenous people in North and South America, Afr more

K.P. Yohannan on Mumbai Terrorists 27-Nov-2008 MUMBAI, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia (GFA) President K.P. Yohannan today lamented the terrorist attacks on India's financial capital of Mumbai that have left some 80 people dead and more than 200 wounded. He says however that he has serious questi more

Liberia’s Thanksgiving for Mercy Ships 26-Nov-2008 MONROVIA, LIBERIA (MNS) – As America prepares to celebrate thanksgiving this week, hundreds of residents and community leaders in the Liberian town of Tenegar in Africa, gave thanks for the vital support of Mercy Ships, as Her Excellency Madame President more

FROM ONE ORPHAN TO ANOTHER 26-Nov-2008 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI (ANS) -- Many children across America may not realize that not every child around the world gets brightly-wrapped gifts at Christmas. Russian teenager, Tanya Poteet was a youngster who spent her early childhood in a Russian orphanage a more

Pastor 'Bike' Zhang in trouble in China 26-Nov-2008 BEIJING, CHINA (ANS) -- A Chinese House Church leader is in trouble with Chinese authorities for giving out free silicon prayer bands that remind people to 'Bless China.' more

Saddleback Forum to Honor President George Bush 26-Nov-2008 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- President George W. Bush will next week be recognized for his unprecedented contribution to fighting HIV/AIDS and other diseases during a special ceremony on World Aids Day, Dec.1. more

London Buses Declare the Good News 26-Nov-2008 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- MEMO, a ministry dedicated to spreading the Good News on public transport networks in the UK for 125 years, has launched a new advertising campaign on London buses reassuring commuters of God's comfort in the midst of the global c more

RUSSIAN ANALYST PREDICTS FAILURE OF USA 26-Nov-2008 Drudge Report - A leading Russian political analyst has said the economic turmoil in the United States has confirmed his long-held view that the country is heading for collapse, and will divide into separate parts. Igor Panarin a professor at the Diplomat more

Focus on the Family laying off 200 26-Nov-2008 Irvine, California – After steadfastly supporting Proposition 8 in the recent California elections, Dr. James Dobson’s Focus on the Family is now under fire from its detractors as it is forced to make layoffs from its Colorado operations. more

20,000 Muslims trap 1000 Christians in Cairo Church 26-Nov-2008 CAIRO, EGYPT (ANS) -- One thousand Christians were today trapped inside the Coptic Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in West Ain Shams, Cairo, after more than twenty thousand Muslims attacked them with stones and butane gas cylinders. The Church's p more

$250 to Kill a Pastor in India 26-Nov-2008 JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (ANS) -- Hindu extremist groups are offering money, food and alcohol to anyone who murders Christians and destroys their homes. According to For Zion's Sake Ministries (www.forzion.com) the violence is nothing new in Orissa, India, more

Let Freedom Reign 25-Nov-2008 MNS/ANS – Birmingham, England - With open ears and open minds, crowds of thousands attended ‘The STAND’ on November 8th at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England. Organised by Hope for Justice, this day-long multimedia spectacle featured keynote human righ more

Vietnamese Authorities Pressure New Christians to Recant 25-Nov-2008 HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM (ANS) -- Authorities in Lao Cai Province in Vietnam’s far north are pressuring new Christians among the Hmong minority to recant their faith and to re-establish ancestral altars, according to area church leaders, in violation of more

“It’s Not Over...!” 25-Nov-2008 IRVINE, CA (ANS) -- A leading Christian HIV/AIDS activist has proclaimed as World AIDS Day 2008 approaches on Monday, December 1, 2008, that “It’s not over.” more

Rick Wakeman awarded professorship 24-Nov-2008 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- Rock legend Rick Wakeman has been awarded an honorary professorship by the London College of Music at a ceremony at Wembley Stadium for his contribution to music, according to story on www.dissmercury.co.uk. more

YWAM Mercy Team Brings Hope 24-Nov-2008 Dhaka, Bangladesh (MNS)- In the slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh a small but dedicated team of Youth With A Mission workers is tackling extreme poverty head on through their vital work. more

Three shot, one dead inside New Jersey church 24-Nov-2008 CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY (ANS) -- A man shot and killed his estranged wife in a Clifton, New Jersey church just before noon Sunday, and opened fire on two other people before fleeing in a Jeep, police said. more

Britan churches urged to remember Asia 24-Nov-2008 LONDON (ANS) -- Churches across Britain are being encouraged to mark this year's World Aids Day, and an Asian worship service is being distributed for use in local congregations. The liturgy is endorsed by the Christian Conference of Asia. more

Jordan’s King says 'Humanitarian crisis is looming' 24-Nov-2008 AMMAN, JORDAN (ANS) -- Jordan’s King Abdullah on Sunday urged the international community to act immediately to end the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, warning that a humanitarian crisis with a devastating impact is looming. more

Rick and Readers Digest do a Deal 24-Nov-2008 Irvine, California -The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., and Dr. Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Valley Community Church and the author of the worldwide best seller, "The Purpose Driven Life," today announced a partnership to produce an more

Flood Relief Reaching Bihar 23-Nov-2008 BIHAR, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionaries are reaching out to survivors of the massive floods in Bihar, India, with food and clothing. All missionaries in the state went to Purnia, Bihar’s capital city, to organize the distribution. more

Voting Missionary Chased Down 23-Nov-2008 CHHATTISGARH, INDIA (ANS) -- When he went back to his home village to vote in India’s recent elections, Gospel for Asia missionary Jadesh Kour faced an array of opposition and never got to cast his ballot. more

Terror Texts: Rape, Murder, War in Iowa 22-Nov-2008 DES MOINES, Iowa — Students at Northwestern Christian College in Orange City, Iowa, are playing in an Old Testament based musical called “Terror Texts” that features cannibalism, rape, and a bear that mauls children, causing some to ask: Is this the more

Church in Philippines feeds hundreds weekly 21-Nov-2008 CEBU, PHILIPPINES (ANS) -- In an effort to rid the streets of the Philippines of destitute children, the Church of Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines is helping to feed over three hundred street children weekly. more

Two Churches Destroyed in Bauchi State 21-Nov-2008 YELWA, NIGERIA (ANS) -- Tension is rising in the northern Nigerian town of Yelwa, Bauchi State after two churches were attacked and destroyed within a three-day period. more

Wycliffe pushes to translate remaining languages 21-Nov-2008 ORLANDO, FL (ANS) -- Wycliffe Bible Translators, the world's largest Bible translation organization, is to launch a major 17-year project to translate the Bible into the last remaining languages. more

Alternative Gifts of Mercy 21-Nov-2008 MNS- Mercy Ships founder Don Stephens is urging people to dig deep this Christmas, despite the economic turmoil, to make a difference for the world’s poor.Inspired by the needs and perseverance of the patients they serve in the midst of West Africa’s poli more

Children suffering in Congo conflict 21-Nov-2008 MNS-World Vision reports unrelenting fighting between the rebel force loyal to Laurent Nkunda and the pro-government militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to renewed calls for more humanitarian aid and UN peacekeeping troops this week.Ai more

New Testament now Complete in Lote 20-Nov-2008 EAST NEW BRITAIN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (ANS) -- The Lote (pronounced LO-tay) New Testament will soon be available for the first time in the mother tongue of the 6,000 Lote speakers who live in scattered, remote villages on the south coast of East New more

Doulos Docks in East Timor 20-Nov-2008 DILI, EAST TIMOR (ANS) -- The world’s oldest missions ship, Operation Mobilization’s Doulos, has brought blessing to Asia’s newest country, East Timor, when the missionary crew used the opportunity to share God’s love with the community of the needy city more

Prayer for Persecuted Christians 20-Nov-2008 LAHORE, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) was observed in Pakistani city of Lahore on Nov. 9. more

Mercy Ships Ensures Technicians Can "Fix It" 20-Nov-2008 MONROVIA, LIBERIA - One of the biggest challenges to providing increased access to health care for Liberia’s citizens is the availability of functional medical equipment. Although Liberia is in the process of rebuilding, much of the country’s infrastruct more

OM responds to Cyclone Nargis 20-Nov-2008 "56,000 missing and 78,000 confirmed dead, with an estimated 2.4 million people needing food, shelter or medical care": those were the casualty statistics after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar on Saturday, 3rd May, causing a huge tidal surge to sweep more

The Needy Continue to Be Served 19-Nov-2008 JINJA, UGANDA (ANS) -- Pastor Paul Bulenzi, founder of Beam of Hope for the Disadvantaged (BEHOD) based in Jinja, Uganda, relies on donations and volunteers to keep his mission operating. A patient man by nature, he waited five months for a shipment of co more

Videographer’s Dramatic Flight from Jordan 19-Nov-2008 BELGRADE/LONDON (MNS) -- After a life-changing Holy sites tour of Jordan, Missionaries News Service Senior Videographer Clayton Metcalfe found himself in an emergency situation onboard his flight back to London, England, when the plane lost cabin pressure more

Children bullied as a result of religious faith 19-Nov-2008 LONDON, UK (ANS) -- Beatbullying (www.beatbullying.org), a bullying prevention organization based in London, published a report indicating that one in four young persons in the UK from across all religious faiths are being bullied because of their beliefs more

German Churches Launch Prayer Projects 19-Nov-2008 HANOVER (ANS) -- Two prayer projects are being launched by Protestant churches in Germany. more

Frogs Learn as Embryos 18-Nov-2008 IRVINE (MNS) – When human life actually begins may be “beyond the pay scale” of President elect Obama; and scientists in favor of human embryo abortion may say that the human embryos are worthless before they are born; however, a study by Alicia Mathis of more

UN Sec. General encouraged to release prisoners 18-Nov-2008 SURREY, ENGLAND (ANS) -- A human rights organization is calling on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to go ahead with his planned visit to Burma next month. The call comes in light of the recent prison sentences passed on pro-democracy activists and the co more

Dan Baptizes Clayton in River Jordan 17-Nov-2008 BETHANY BEYOND THE JORDAN, JORDAN (ANS) -- Missionaries News Service (MNS) chief videographer, Australian, Clayton Metcalfe, was baptized on Thursday, November 13, 2008, in the River Jordan, close to where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist more more

Opposing Christian Zionism 17-Nov-2008 Los Angeles - Before the year is up, nearly 45 million people will get more than a sermon at their churches – they'll get a brochure titled "Why We Should Be Concerned About Christian Zionism." more

Saying No to Abstinence Education 17-Nov-2008 US (Newsweek) - If you took a drive last spring down the farm-to-market roads that wind through the piney woods of east Texas, you may have admired a lovely crew of teen beauty queens. They all but radiated from the billboard above you, in sparkling tiar more

Missionaries Needed in France 17-Nov-2008 FRANCE (MNS)-The International Mission Board reports that missionaries are desperately needed in France as the Muslim population, is growing at a dramatic rate.The number of Muslims in France has risen exponentially over the past 30 years, now peaking at more

Christians struggle to reach Congo refugees 17-Nov-2008 Congo (MNS)- Mission Aviation Fellowship says its efforts to reach thousands of refugees in Congo is being seriously hampered by rebel fighting and almost non-existent road networks in some parts of the country. more

Agreement after “Remarkable” Talks 16-Nov-2008 WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush underscored the seriousness of the current economic crisis today when he told world leaders assembled in Washington today for a summit on the world financial crisis that he had agreed to a $700 billion rescue plan for more

Elderly Woman Attached at Gay Rights Rally 16-Nov-2008 Irvine (MNS) - An elderly woman carrying a cross to voice her support of the California ban on gay marriage says she was attacked by demonstrators who attended a recent gay rights protest in Palm Springs. Palm Springs Police Department spokesman Sgt. more

Reverend Jailed for Cursing Judge 16-Nov-2008 DETROIT — A Michigan minister who ran as a Greens Party candidate in the recent US elections, has been sent to prison for warning that a judge could be tortured by God. Reverend Pinkney is now in a state prison in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan. more

Obama Gains Christian Support 16-Nov-2008 USA Elections - President-elect Barack Obama succeeded in chiseling off small but significant chunks of white evangelical voters who have been the foundation of the Republican Party for decades, a close look at recent voting patterns reveals. The change more

“Doulos” Docks in East Timor 14-Nov-2008 Chester, UK (MNS) - The world’s oldest ship, Operation Mobilization’s (“OM’s”) “Doulos”, has brought blessing to Asia’s newest city East Timor, when the missionary crew used the opportunity to share God’s love with the community of this needy city. more

Rev. Alexander Hamilton & Choir Celebrate 35 Years 14-Nov-2008 IRVINE, CA. (MNS) - Rev. Alexander Hamilton and the Voices of Inspiration Community Choir will celebrate 35 years of continuous music ministry on Sunday, November 23rd, at 3:30pm at Double Rock Baptist Church of Compton, California where they formed in 19 more

The World loves Obama--and Hates Christ 14-Nov-2008 San Diego, CA - All I heard the day after the election was, "It's historical, it's historical!" But all I was thinking was. "It's hysterical, it's hysterical!" Which one is it; historical because the first black man more

American imprisoned by militant Muslims 14-Nov-2008 Houston, TX – November 14, 2008 - Frank Romano was a young Californian living in Paris, studying philosophy during the 70’s and searching for the ideals of a universal religion that believed in peace, tolerance and freedom. He had no idea that his next t more

Rick Warren on Wealth Redistribution 14-Nov-2008 California - The man sometimes dubbed "America's Pastor" said he disagrees with letting the government be responsible for distributing citizens' tax dollars to the needy and would, instead, like to see Americans learn to give away thei more

Don Stephens of Mercy Ships Comments on Crisis 13-Nov-2008 Mercy Ships Founder/ President, Don Stephens said in Texas on Monday that he was confident that Mercy Ships operation would not be adversely affected in the short term by the Global Financial Crisis. He is however concerned about what affect the Crisis c more

“Vast, Echoing and God-like” 13-Nov-2008 WADI RUM, JORDAN (ANS) – T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”) once described Wadi Rum as “vast, echoing and god-like.” He was not tasting the local alcohol, but describing the maze of monolithic rockscapes rising up from the desert floor; imposing, toweri more

Dalit People Find Worth in Christ 13-Nov-2008 INDIA (ANS) -- It is amazing what the Lord is doing among the Dalit people group in India, who after centuries of being in bondage, are now finding acceptance with God and realizing their worth and feeling hope for their future for the very first time. more

Text Messages Deliver Life-Changing Bible Passages 13-Nov-2008 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- Look around...everywhere you go, people are on their cell phones, chatting with others, playing video games and texting their friends. more

Congo conflict hits aid response hard 13-Nov-2008 UK-MNS-UK charity Tearfund says Aid agencies are struggling to get access to hundreds of thousands of people displaced in the recent escalation of conflict in Congo’s Democratic Republic (DRC). more

“Barack Obama” gazes into the Promised Land 12-Nov-2008 MOUNT NEBO, JORDAN (ANS) – I visited Mount Nebo today and as I looked around and surveyed my surroundings, I could not help but ask the question: Was that Barack Obama gazing into the Promised Land from the top of Mount Nebo in Jordan with me? more

Brazilian churches conducted largest Evangelistic efforts 12-Nov-2008 SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- Hundreds of Thousands of Brazilian Christians reached out to friends and neighbors during “My Hope World Evangelism Through Television” project, November 6-8, according to a late report from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Associati more

Church reaches out to help those in poverty 12-Nov-2008 ON LOCATION IN AMMAN, JORDAN (ANS) -- The Presentation of the Lord Greek Orthodox Church in Amman, Jordan takes seriously the Biblical command to help the poor -- regardless of who they are. more

Haiti‘s school collapse is sign of nation‘s instability 12-Nov-2008 PETIONVILLE, HAITI (ANS) -- As the search for survivor's in Haiti's worst building collapse in recent memory, hope grows dim for finding any more alive. This horrific event is a reminder that Haiti's political and economic stability is very more

Umm Qais is Must See in Jordan 11-Nov-2008 Irvine – MNS – Dan Wooding, our chief reporter and cameraman, Clayton Metcalfe are in the Kingdom of Jordan, at the invitation of the Jordanian Government, to see Biblical sites that the Jordanian government is developing and protecting. Below are a cou more

World Vision helping Iraqi Refugees 11-Nov-2008 Irvine – MNS – Dan Wooding, our chief reporter and cameraman, Clayton Metcalfe are in the Kingdom of Jordan, at the invitation of the Jordanian Government, to see Biblical sites that the Jordanian government is developing and protecting. Below are a cou more

Dan at possible Birthplace of Christianity 11-Nov-2008 Irvine – MNS – Dan Wooding, our chief reporter and cameraman, Clayton Metcalfe are in the Kingdom of Jordan, at the invitation of the Jordanian Government, to see Biblical sites that the Jordanian government is developing and protecting. Below are a cou more

Nigerian Christian paper marks 14th Anniversary 10-Nov-2008 LAGOS, NIGERIA (ANS) -- One of the foremost and dynamic Christian newspapers in Nigeria, Praise the Lord News (PTL News), is set to mark its 14th anniversary in Lagos , Nigeria. more

President hailed for inducting Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti 10-Nov-2008 ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Minority legislators from all the four provinces have praised President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani for giving Pakistani religious minorities a voice in cabinet by installing member more

Pakistan Alliance efforts lead to release of Pakistan ’blasphemer’ 10-Nov-2008 ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- A Pakistani court has acquitted a homeopathic doctor who was accused of passing derogatory remarks against the beard of Prophet Muhammad in May this year. more

Christian Journalist and Author Passes Away 10-Nov-2008 UNITED STATES (ANS) -- Dr. Sherwood Eliot Wirt, a former newspaperman who was founding editor of Decision magazine and the author of 42 books including 'Billy: A Personal Look at Billy Graham,' passed away in his sleep Nov.8. more

Christians pray for persecuted Church 10-Nov-2008 Christians worldwide are praying for the persecuted church this Sunday with special emphasis this year on Christians in India and Iraq. As part of the annual International Day of Prayer, hundreds of thousands of Christians expected to participate and wil more

Campaigners tell Brown to call time on global greed 10-Nov-2008 Christian Post - Campaigners representing church groups and NGOs will today urge Brown to call time on the global greed they say is behind the worst financial crisis in history. Protesters are also planning to gather outside the Guildhall with alarm cloc more

Christians Brawl at Holy Sepulcher 9-Nov-2008 Irvine (MNS) – While MNS head reporter Dan Wooding is in Jordan this week, at the invitation of the Jordanian Government, visiting holy sites, including the place where Jesus was baptized, Israeli police were called to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher more

Help For The Suffering 7-Nov-2008 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- Open Doors has responded quickly to support Christian victims of Hindu extremist violence in the state of Orissa , India, while also putting together a long-term plan through 2009. more

Building Bridges with Boxes 7-Nov-2008 Shoe boxes gifts help Philippine Christians demonstrate God’s love to skeptical communities. When 13-year-old Mijhan Batasan lifted the lid of his neatly wrapped shoe box, he found an array of toys and school supplies. But before the boy reached for the more

Food fears rise after Honduras flood chaos 6-Nov-2008 The number of people affected by severe flooding in Honduras has risen to 280,000 and fears are increasing of food shortages after storm damage to crops. more

“A DEFINING MOMENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY” 6-Nov-2008 CHESTER (MNS) - Black Christian leaders in the UK have hailed the election of Barack Obama to the role of US President as a defining moment in the history of most powerful nation in the world. The Black Christian Leaders Forum, formed of key Black Chur more

EEO’s Good Works in Chernobyl 6-Nov-2008 CHESTER (MNS) – Just thirty kilometers from the Chernobyl radiation zone in Ukraine is the Vovchkiv orphanage. Children at this orphanage would feel completely forgotten by the rest of the world, if it wasn’t for the support of Eastern European Outreach more

OM Changing Lives in Argentina 6-Nov-2008 CHESTER (MNS) - Operation Mobilisation (OM) is providing a safe haven for teenagers caught up in a storm of crime, drug abuse and poverty in Cordoba, Argentina. more

Christian Issues – Yesterday’s Ballot Results 5-Nov-2008 IRVINE (MNS) - Voters in yesterday’s historic US elections that saw Barack Obama become the first African American president also rejected two state proposals to limit abortion rights. Florida and Arizona banned same-sex marriage and Arkansas has passed more

Burma Army kills four and hundreds flee 5-Nov-2008 BURMA (MYANMAR) (ANS) -- 250 Karen villagers have been forcibly displaced and three others have been killed along with a Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) soldier, following attacks by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Burma Army in D more

Mission receives ’Passion Award’ at leadership celebration 5-Nov-2008 OVERLAND, KANSAS (ANS) -- MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) was awarded a 2008 "Passion Award" by the Servant Christian Community Foundation (SCCF) last evening for its outstanding commitment to furthering the Gospel. more

YWAM workers assist Christians attacked in India 5-Nov-2008 As the persecution of Indian Christians by Hindu radicals continues in the state of Orissa, YWAM India is working to assist believers who have fled the violence, leaving behind homes and livelihoods. more

Crisis in the Congo 5-Nov-2008 Fierce battles between the Congolese Armed Forces and rebel troops commanded by Laurent Nkunda are adding new fuel to a 10-year struggle that has claimed more than five million lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, creating a crisis for people seekin more

Vera Bondarenko’s Return to the Ukraine 5-Nov-2008 IRVINE – (MNS) – Vera Bondarenko, daughter of Christian dissident, Joseph Bondarenko, returned to the Ukraine recently to attend the Russian Ministries Forum in Kiev as a special representative of Safe Worlds IPTV and the Missionaries News Service. Vera more

Pastor Kidnapped, Tortured, Released in Mexico 4-Nov-2008 SAN DIEGO, CA (ANS) -- Pastor Manual Jesus Tec is home with his family in San Diego after a harrowing 11 days in the hands of kidnappers who tortured him and, in the end, tried to kill him, according to his son Johnny Tec. Speaking to Rich Buhler on his more

Reunion of the Heart 4-Nov-2008 CHESTER, UK (MNS) – Peter Wooding, the UK Bureau Chief for The Missionaries News Service and AssistNews.net, and Missionaries News Service cameraman/producer, Clayton Metcalfe, recently returned to the “Hearts of Love” special needs children centre in Kon more

Molly Jenson Makes Her TV Debut 4-Nov-2008 IRVINE (MNS) – Singer/songwriter Molly Jenson, daughter of author, missionary and America's life coach, Dr. Ron Jenson, who recently teamed up with Mark Joseph of Bully! Pulpit Records got a big break recently when her latest song, "Wait for You more

Disaster Victims Isolated from Aid 3-Nov-2008 ASSAM, INDIA (ANS) -- Disasters splattered across the state of Assam, India, this week leaving dozens dead and thousands cut off from aid or relief. more

World Vision Staff Evacuate to Rwanda 3-Nov-2008 GOMA, CONGO (ANS) -- The British and French foreign ministers have said urgent action is needed to ease the current crisis in the Democratic Republic of Con more

Gay Marriage – Yes or No? 2-Nov-2008 IRVINE – MNS – Internationally acclaimed pastor Rick Warren, author of the New York Times bestselling book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” has come out strongly in favor of Proposition 8, California’s Protect Marriage Act. “For 5,000 years, every culture and more

Columnist Michael Malone Looks at Slanted Election Coverage 31-Oct-2008 The traditional media are playing a very, very dangerous game -- with their readers, with the Constitution and with their own fates. more

Robert A. Schuller’s Removal - a Board Decision. 31-Oct-2008 GARDEN GROVE – Crystal Cathedral founder Robert H. Schuller’s son, who was removed from the church’s weekly “Hour of Power” syndicated TV broadcast, said Monday that he is “very sad” not to be a part of the Orange County mega church’s popular program any more

Church in the Philippines to Stop Reproductive Health Bill 31-Oct-2008 MANILA, PHILIPPINES (ANS) -- The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is not relenting on its decision to put to a stop the passage of the controversial Reproductive Health Bill before the House of Representatives. more

World Vision Launches Bold Initiative for Elimination of Malaria 31-Oct-2008 USA (ANS) -- The humanitarian agency World Vision, in an effort to reduce infant mortality, has taken a bold initiative for a worldwide elimination of malaria. more

Holy God Television in Paris attacked 30-Oct-2008 SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (ANS) -- A former homeless man who lived on the streets of Paris for more than three years after fleeing the violence in his native Sri Lanka, has revealed that Holy God Television, which he began on July 7, 2005, has been attacked. more

Catholic Priest dies from Anti-Christian Violence 30-Oct-2008 ORISSA, INDIA (ANS) -- The first Roman Catholic priest to be killed as the result of violence sparked by the death of a Hindu Swami, died last night, October 28, 2008, in Chennai, India. more

Napster Goes to Church 30-Oct-2008 Los Angeles, CA– Courtesy of music sharing websites like Napster, millions of young people have come to think that music should be free and artists have begun to adapt accordingly. The band Radiohead offered its most recent album as a download online for more

170 killed as strong quake hits Pakistan 29-Oct-2008 QUETTA, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- At least 170 people have been reportedly killed after a powerful earthquake hit south-west Pakistan, leaving thousands homeless. The death toll is expected to rise. more

MUST READ: The World Economy 29-Oct-2008 What went wrong and, rather more importantly for the future, what did not! One hundred and sixty five years ago, a Scottish businessman set out his plans for a newspaper. James Wilson’s starting point was “a melancholy reflection”: “while wealth and more

World Evagelical Alliance in Poverty and Religious Liberty 29-Oct-2008 PATTAYA, THAILAND (ANS) -- The World Evangelical Alliance has commissioned two new leaders to take forward its work in the areas of poverty and religious liberty. more

Officials imprison Church members 29-Oct-2008 WASHINGTON, DC (ANS) -- The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) -- www.persecution.org – says that it has learned that Eritrean officials imprisoned about 20 Christians belonging to the underground Faith Missions more

Christian Aid Worker Beheaded for Converting to Islam 29-Oct-2008 NAIROBI, KENYA (ANS) -- Among at least 24 aid workers killed in Somalia this year was one who was beheaded last month specifically for converting from Islam to Christianity, among other charges, according to an eyewitness. more

Christian Beheaded in Somalia for Converting from Islam 29-Oct-2008 By Jeremy Reynalds Correspondent for ASSIST News Service Wednesday, October 29, 2008 NAIROBI, KENYA (ANS) -- Anti-Christian violence is spilling into Kenya as Somali Muslims attack in Nairobi. Among at least 24 aid workers killed in Somalia this yea more

Convention Discusses ’The Idea of India’ 28-Oct-2008 NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS) -- Nearly a thousand delegates from different religions and secular civil societies from different parts of the country attended a recent two-day national convention on the problems facing Indian society. more

Persecution “Way of Life” in India 28-Oct-2008 UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA; DELHI, INDIA; MAHARASHTRA, INDIA (ANS) -- Every day, Gospel for Asia missionaries and Bible college students make a calculated choice to serve Jesus, knowing that they could be beaten or even face martyrdom for their Christian faith. more

Protestant Bishop Deported from Belarus 28-Oct-2008 BELARUS (ANS) -- The Ukrainian founder of one of Minsk's largest charismatic churches said he believes his Oct. 16 deportation from Belarus was due to his continued active participation in the local Protestant community. more

Christian prisoners to have a Church in jail 27-Oct-2008 RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- As a result of concerted efforts by the Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan (SLMP) aimed at seeking approval of a church at the premises of Adiala Jail in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi, near Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, more

UK TV channel’s bid to address Muslim notions 27-Oct-2008 SLOUGH, UK (ANS) -- A Pakistani Christian man, who has been living in the UK for some years now, has been asked to apologize over hosting a program on Venus TV on October 3 in which an Australia based Pakistani Christian evangelist, Daniel Scott, attempte more

Jesus Christ Television continues to broadcast 27-Oct-2008 SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (ANS) -- Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the sixth most populous country in the world and the second largest Muslim country, has its own Christian cable television channel that continues to broadcast the Good News more

Vote if you love your country 27-Oct-2008 SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- Our forefathers dreamed of creating a nation based on the eternal truths of God’s Word. For more than 200 years we spoke of the United States as being a Christian nation with religious freedom for all its citizens, even the freedo more

‘Go See Fireproof!’ 27-Oct-2008 HOLLYWOOD, CA (ANS) -- Dr. Ted Baehr, Christian film critic and founder of the Christian Film & Christian Television Commission and Movieguide®: A Family Guide to Movies, is encouraging everyone to see the movie “Fireproof” before it leaves theaters. more

Cuba sees opening of its first Russian Orthodox Cathedral 27-Oct-2008 HAVANA, CUBA (ANS) -- In the latest signs of warming relations between Russia and Cuba, President Raul Castro has attended the consecration of Cuba's first Russian Orthodox church, and Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, who led the Russ more

Historic Ukraine Missions Forum 26-Oct-2008 MNS - Irpen, Ukraine - During extremely challenging times in Eastern Europe, both politically and with the financial crisis, more than 100 delegates from across Ukraine and the former Soviet Union gathered for the International Evangelical Missions Forum more

Letter issued to Rice Urging Advocacy 24-Oct-2008 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- In response to the recent abuses committed by the Chinese Government against Zhang Mingxuan, the President of the 250,000-member Chinese House Church Alliance, two Congressional leaders have co-written a letter to Secretary of St more

Christian Rights Group on Indian Bomb Blast 24-Oct-2008 IMPHAL, MANIPUR STATE INDIA (ANS) -- A terror strike in the state capital of the north eastern India state of Manipur on Tuesday, left 17 dead and 30 injured, creating panic and added havoc in the trouble-torn state. more

Bishop Condemns Mosul Violence 23-Oct-2008 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN (ANS) -- According to the Assyrian International News Agency (www.aina.org), the Archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Scandinavia, His eminence Gallo Shabo, has condemned the recent killings of Assyrians in Mosul and renewed his c more

Trans World Radio Announces New President 23-Oct-2008 CARY, NORTH CAROLINA (ANS) -- International Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio (TWR) officially announced yesterday the selection of Lauren Libby as its new president and CEO. more

2,000 Families Flee Mosul 22-Oct-2008 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- “At this time 10,000 Christians have left Mosul because of the escalating terrorism specifically targeting Christians,” says Olaf, Iraq country coordinator for Open Doors. A local contact of Open Doors says that the number of famil more

Church responds to Ethiopia hunger 22-Oct-2008 Just days ago, the UN warned that up to six million Ethiopians are now in need of emergency food aid to stay alive. Add in another eight million people being supported by the Ethiopian’s government safety net scheme and the total number of people in need more

Behind the lines 22-Oct-2008 YWAM Tbilisi is going where aid organizations are unable to go in the war-torn provinces of rural Georgia, some two months after Russia invaded Georgia. Huge aid organizations are meeting the needs of Georgian war victims, but those currently most vulnera more

'The Heavenly Man’s' extraordinary story 22-Oct-2008 IRVINE, CA (ANS) -- Chinese Christian Brother Yun, whose book, The Heavenly Man, has been a worldwide bestseller just ended a visit to the US during which he said that Chinese leader Mao Zedong was wrong when he proclaimed that “we have moved Christianity more

Life in Heaven 22-Oct-2008 FRANKFURT (ANS) -- What will life be like in heaven? A retired German Baptist theologian has been studying the relevant bible passages and added his own thoughts. Heaven, in Gunter Wieske's opinion, will not be a place of idleness and boredom. Billi more

MAF Pilot Missing in North Australia 22-Oct-2008 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- On Thursday, October 16, a MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) pilot, Hadleigh Smith (23) of Sydney was reported overdue on a delivery flight in Australia’s Northern Territory. He was flying a Cessna GA8 Airvan aircraft, for the M more

Rick Warren’s Family Health Crisis 21-Oct-2008 LAKE FOREST, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- Pastor Rick Warren, author of the Purpose Driven Life and leader of the 20,000-member Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, has gone public with the source of some personal and private pain. more

British Charity Worker Killed in Kabul 21-Oct-2008 KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (ANS) -- A woman working for a UK-registered charity has been shot dead near Kabul University in the Afghan capital. more

Death Penalty received for Dalit Deaths 21-Oct-2008 INDIA (ANS) -- Six people have received the death penalty for the murder of four members of a Dalit (“Untouchable”) family. The unusual sentence—the first time the death penalty has been invoked for the murder of a Dalit since Indian independence in 1947— more

“We will make our district like Orissa” 21-Oct-2008 JHARKHAND, INDIA (ANS) -- Mohan Girji, a Gospel for Asia missionary in Jharkhand, India, was badly beaten by anti-Christian extremists on Friday. The next day, a large group of fanatics gathered with the purpose of bringing Orissa’s persecution rampage t more

Pastor appeals to Hugo Chavez to ‘recommit’ his life 20-Oct-2008 SEOUL, KOREA (ANS) -- One of New York’s most well-known pastors, Dr. Ricardo Reyes, has issued an appeal to Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chavez, to give his life back to Jesus Christ and take his country in a new “Jesus direction.” more

15,000 Assyrians Flee Mosul 20-Oct-2008 MOSUL, IRAQ (ANS) -- Officials in Mosul have told the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA) that the number of Assyrians driven out of Mosul in the past two weeks has risen to 15,000, or about 2500 families. more

UN - Crisis will Cost 20M jobs 20-Oct-2008 MNS – Irvine - The United Nations says that the financial crisis will cost the world economy 20 million jobs. This will bring the estimate of the world's unemployed to 210 million by the end of next year, the U.N. labor agency said on Monday. It wi more

Pastor Bike Zhang’s Son Beaten 17-Oct-2008 BEIJING, CHINA (ANS) -- China Aid Association (CAA) says that it has learned that Zhang Jian, the elder son of Pastor "Bike" Zhang Mingxuan, was severely beaten by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials while at home with his mother, Xie Fenglan more

Action needed now to save Assyrian Christians 16-Oct-2008 NORTHERN IRAQ (ANS) -- A British Member of Parliament is calling on Great Britain and the United States to step in to protect the Assyrian Christians of Iraq, giving them their own province, and warning Kurdish rebels not to encroach on their freedoms. more

Christians facing persecution send messages for help 16-Oct-2008 NICOSIA, CYPRUS (ANS) -- A Christian satellite TV station that broadcasts into the Middle East and North Africa is receiving urgent text messages from Iraqi believers requesting immediate and sustained prayer as persecution in the northern city of Mosul c more

TEARfund Climate Change Victory 16-Oct-2008 MNS – UK - The international aid agency, Tearfund claimed a victory today in the debate over climate change saying that actions were finally speaking louder than words as the UK government committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the middle of more

Tamara's Next Wave Diary 15-Oct-2008 MNS; UK - Tamara Stoyanoff is a YWAMer from the State of Washington in the United States is set to launch a video diary series for the Missionaries News Service on Safe Worlds IPTV on what life is like as a crew member on the Next Wave. more

Russia’s Internal Problems 15-Oct-2008 MNS – IRVINE – As Christian leaders from all over the former Soviet Union and the world prepare to gather in Kiev, Ukraine, next week, to discuss the status of Eastern Europe following Russia’s surprise attack on Georgia in August, the Washington Post is more

Rock Hudson received Christ 14-Oct-2008 BEVERLY HILLS, CA (ANS) – Former Wheel of Fortune host, Susan Stafford said at the recent Movie Guide Awards that she was present when a Catholic priest led Rock Hudson in the "sinner's prayer" to receive Jesus Christ into his life just hou more

Pray For Christians In Mosul 14-Oct-2008 SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- News and information is coming in about a huge increase in violence taking place in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq. According to an Associated Press report, a Christian music store owner was shot to death in Mosul today. Also, i more

Moody Broadcasting VP Wayne Pederson Named New President of HCJB Global 14-Oct-2008 COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (ANS) -- Wayne Pederson, vice president of Moody Broadcasting, will become HCJB Global's new president Nov. 1, the international mission's organization announced today. more

Africa Prize Shortlist of Civil Society Leaders Announced 14-Oct-2008 NEW YORK (ANS) -- Leaders of civil society from 17 African countries have been nominated for The Hunger Project's 2008 Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger. This year's Africa Prize celebrates the feats accomplished by more

Pope Benedict XVI condemns persecution of Christians in India and Iraq 14-Oct-2008 VATICAN CITY (ANS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has spoken in condemnation against the violence of Christians in India and Iraq, The Times of India reported, Sunday. more

Iraqi Prime Minister Pledges to Protect Christians 13-Oct-2008 LONDON (ANS) -- Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki has vowed to protect Christians in Mosul after 1,000 police were deployed in the wake of sectarian attacks in the northern city. more

Former Bowling Alley Sees its Lanes Turn into Church Aisles 12-Oct-2008 LONDON, ENGLAND (ANS) -- A former Hollywood Bowl bowling alley has seen its well-used lanes become the aisles of a new black-led church in east London. more

We Will No Longer Worship the Kosi River 12-Oct-2008 BIHAR, INDIA (ANS) -- The Kosi River is considered a goddess by some and a curse by others. Retired school teacher Nitish Yadav has now seen the worst the river has to offer and has come to an important conclusion. more

SEAMOBILE PROVIDES FOXNEWS TO MERCY SHIPS 10-Oct-2008 SeaMobile Enterprises, the premier global provider of communications services to remote locations, announced today that it has donated access to the FoxNews channel via satellite to Mercy Ships onboard the global charity’s flagship, the Africa Mercy. The more

First Evangelical Institution granted University Status 10-Oct-2008 GIESSEN (ANS) -- An evangelical theological institution in Germany has been granted university status. more

Christian Leaders Meeting in Ukraine 9-Oct-2008 MNS - At a time when tensions continue throughout the former Soviet Union, Russian Ministries is hosting an International Evangelical Missions Forum in Irpen, Ukraine on October 24-25 to discuss the situation. more

Manipur Christians Rally for Peace 9-Oct-2008 MANIPUR, INDIA (ANS) -- Gospel for Asia missionaries and Bible college students joined 10,000 people in Manipur, India, on September 17 to protest the ongoing violence against Christians. In spite of a long history of struggle in their own state, they cam more

Mason Weaver Questions Crisis 9-Oct-2008 MNS – Irvine, California, October 9 - Christian political activist, Mason Weaver says that people need to be “calm, cool, and collected about the multi-billion dollar questions arising out of the current financial crisis”. He questions how less than 5% o more

Violence in Catholic Girls’ School 8-Oct-2008 PAKISTAN (ANS) -- A Catholic-run girls’ school in Swat, North-West Frontier Province, was bombed yesterday (October 7) by Pakistani Taliban. more

Hope comes to the poor in Vanuatu 8-Oct-2008 Through the maze of grass as high as people our bus navigates the bumpy dirt road in between the squatter communities of Black Sands, Vanuatu. We pass a local pick-up soccer match on a makeshift field which has two enormous trees in the middle providin more

Churches Respond to Weakening Economy by Closing Their Doors 7-Oct-2008 GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (ANS) -- As the worsening economy continues to make life difficult for families across the country, churches are putting their faith into action by closing their doors to help serve their neighbors in need. more

International Day of Prayer Encourages Christians to Pray 6-Oct-2008 WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- With the theme "Refined by Fire," Christians around the world are being asked to remember their brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith on the thirteenth annual International Day of Prayer to b more

Indian Christians Living in Fear 6-Oct-2008 HYDERABAD, INDIA (ANS) -- A two-day tour of rural Christian churches in the forested hill villages and plantations of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India, makes it clear that Christians in areas outside the metropolitan areas of Bangalore and Ma more

Orissa violence continues as Police neglect duties 5-Oct-2008 NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS) -- Despite the deployment of thousands of central and state law enforcement troops, the violence in Orissa continues to inflict daily casualties and massive damage to Christian properties. more

Franklin Graham's Hope in North Korea 4-Oct-2008 MNS - Franklin Graham says that prayers offered at a military checkpoint in 1975 are today being answered in North Korea. He said on his return from a recent trip to North Korea, that in 1975, while on a trip to Hong Kong, he and his traveling party stop more

US Episcopal Church Split 4-Oct-2008 MNS, October 4, 2008 – The Associated Press is reporting that Clergy and lay members of the theologically conservative Pittsburgh diocese voted overwhelmingly Saturday to break from the liberal Episcopal Church, with which it differs on issues ranging more

Is Islamic TV in English a threat to America? 3-Oct-2008 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- The founder of Alkarma TV, America’s first 24/7 Arabic Christian television channel, says he is concerned about the growth of English Islamic TV channels that are being broadcast in the United States. more

Shandong House Church Raided 2-Oct-2008 SHANDONG PROVINCE, CHINA (ANS) -- China Aid Association (CAA) reports that on September 20, 2008 at 9:30 a.m., about 20 plainclothes officers raided City Glory Gospel Church in Yantai, Shandong province. more

Lord Taylor to Marry Charis Angel 1-Oct-2008 BEVERLY HILLS, CA (ANS) – Lord Taylor of Warwick, one of Britain’s most prominent Christians, says he has found his ‘angel’, Ms. Charis Angel of London, and they will married in the House of Lords in June next year. Lord Taylor said he proposed to Ms. An more

Teens find refuge in Las Violetas 30-Sep-2008 The teens fondly refer to it as El Refugio. Located in a neighbourhood called Las Violetas (The Violets) in Córdoba, Argentina, the light blue, single-story house has four rooms that overflow with tables, chairs, and oftentimes people. The large cracks in more

More commitment needed from UN 30-Sep-2008 World leaders, businesses and NGOs met at the UN High Level Event in New York this week to discuss progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). more

Azerbaijan Pastor Still in Jail 30-Sep-2008 LOVES PARK, ILLINOIS (ANS) -- Authorities in Azerbaijan have opened a new investigation into the June 22 arrest of a Baptist pastor, according to Rev. Ilya Zenchenko, president of the Azerbaijan Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists. more

Vietnam belligerence against Catholics 30-Sep-2008 AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- Twelve months ago the world's media was transfixed by the sight of thousands of courageous, marching, anti-junta Buddhist monks in Rangoon, Burma. It has been both astounding therefore and sad that the largest public demonstrations more

West Must Insist on Human Rights 30-Sep-2008 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- A leading expert on Israel has given ASSIST News an interview in which he talks about the hot topics of the day that involve Israel, Christians in the West, and also his views on Christians being persecuted in that state. more

Release International Celebrates 40 Years of Ministry 29-Sep-2008 UK-based Release International (RI) is getting ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The organization which was founded in 1968, when it was known as Christian Mission to the Communist World, is to celebrate a special Saturday evening events in London, more

Africa Mercy is First to Benefit from Special Diesel Fuel 29-Sep-2008 COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (ANS) -- While the general public is cutting back at the pump and looking for ways to save fuel and maintenance costs, Mercy Ships, which operates the world's largest charity hospital ship, is no exception. more

MERCY SHIPS FINDS SAVINGS WITH FUELSAVER 26-Sep-2008 COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, September 26, 2008: While the general public is cutting back at the pump and looking for ways to save fuel and maintenance costs, Mercy Ships, which operates the world’s largest charity hospital ship, is no exception. more