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TRANSFORMING IRAN VIA MEDIA GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS

Transform Iran has begun workshops in Iran to teach media savvy Christians about television ministry. Pastors, evangelists, children’s workers, and others active in ministry are learning to create, produce and edit TV programs. Lana Silk with Transform Iran says that in a country where it’s illegal to talk about Jesus or the Bible in public it’s important to use the media. She told Mission Network News some people attending the workshops already have media programs underway but are learning to transfer that content to a TV camera. Iranians are desperate for information outside of their borders, Ms Silk says. There are up to 60 million people who want to hear what we have to say. Around 70% of households in Iran have satellite dishes, which are illegal in Iran. Occasionally, the police do a cleanup, but then the satellite dishes just pop up all over again. [Source: Mission Network News]

THE BIBLE GIVEN A PLACE IN EDUCATING CHILDREN

The Texas government has approved a draft curriculum that includes historical references to the Bible. The draft curriculum includes lessons on “the early history of Christianity, with selections from the New Testament books, providing context on beliefs about Jesus of Nazareth.” In addition to explaining its use of both the terms BC/AD and BCE (before the Common Era) and CE (Common Era), the document notes that prior to third grade, students were taught about the civilizations of the Aztecs, Mayas and Incas, along with the “life, tradition, and government” of ancient Greece, including its mythology. In a lesson titled “Christianity and the Roman Empire,” the stated reading objective is for students to “explain how Jesus of Nazareth’s life impacted the Roman Empire.” Teachers are instructed to “tell students ….to find evidence that supports the idea that the life of Jesus of Nazareth impacted the Roman Empire.” 

As can be expected, the draft curriculum has drawn criticism from a number of quarters, including the Texas Teacher’s Union, which has consistently opposed efforts to prohibit boys who identify as trans from entering girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms and  promotes the use of pro-trans literature in schools. [Source: Christian Post]

CHRISTIANITY IN HONG KONG

Despite the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to force Hong Kong into conformity to its policies, churches in Hong Kong continue to uphold the gospel. Radio work also operates reasonably smoothly, and seeks to provide wisdom and ideas for those addressing problems of a financial downturn and increasing unemployment. Children and youth programs aim at reaching the next generation. [Source:FEBC]

16.2M CHRISTIANS FORCED FROM THEIR HOMES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Pastor Barnabas is among millions of Christ-followers living in overcrowded displacement camps in Nigeria after Fulani militants attacked the pastor, his late brother and his brother’s late wife while they were on their farm in 2019.  Armed with guns, machetes and sticks, one of the terrorists broke Barnabas’ hand with a stick, an injury that still impacts him five years later. While he was fortunate enough to escape the onslaught, his brother, Everen, and brother’s wife, Friday, were not. “Everything in my home and village was burnt; I was left with nothing.” 

Open Doors US CEO Ryan Brown said that sub-Saharan Africa is the “most violent place in the world for Christians,” saying faith-related deaths in the region have “outstripped” those of any other region in the annual Open Doors World Watch List report for the last half-decade. Christian communities in the West ought to speak up for their brothers and sisters in Christ and to keep them in prayer. [Source: Christian Post, Open Doors]

VIETNAM: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

In Vietnam many Christians, though not all, face difficulties when they are denied basic documents and therefore cannot get healthcare or schooling. Others are kept under surveillance, intimidated, beaten, imprisoned or summoned to ‘criticism sessions’ where they are criticised publicly to try to make them deny Christ.

However, not all news from Vietnam is negative. Bible teams who minister among persecuted Hmong Christians in isolated mountain areas are helping about 60 communities of poor farming families. They teach the Bible, pray with families, visit the sick, disciple local church leaders, encourage believers in the faith and provide practical assistance. Recent initiatives include providing employment to widows through weaving grass for roofs and baskets and running computing classes to help Christian youth access better job opportunities. [Source: Barnabas Aid]

JIHADISTS IN CONGO

The Islamic terrorist network associated with ISIS has been increasing its attacks in northern Congo, resulting in the deaths of more than 80 Christians and the closure of several churches. With more than 100 jihadist rebel groups creating unrest, there is concern that the persecution of Christians will get worse as radical Islam moves further and further south down the continent of Africa. [Source: Mission Network News]

WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES FACING PRESSURE TO CHOOSE ASSISTED SUICIDE

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) was legalized for those with disabilities or chronic illnesses in Canada in 2021. There have been many instances of people seeking MAiD because of a lack of medical or social support, poverty or housing insecurity, or “intolerable conditions in long term care”. Many have had MAiD suggested to them by medical professionals, sometimes repeatedly. “Eligibility on thSource:  Christian Daily International]

GLOBAL GATHER25

The global Gather25 event will use technology to connect the Global Church to reach the whole world with the Gospel. Gather25 will broadcast globally for 25 hours starting on February 28 and streaming through March 1st next year. The event aims to bring Christians together from every continent and denomination. Jennie Allen, founder of Gather25 says there are 2.5 billion people who follow Jesus. The event will help them see they are part of a big team doing so much good in the world.” She told Faithwire that “Gather25 ‘will be epic’ and “unlike anything you’ve ever seen.” It’s going to come live through technology, YouTube, television, radio, – every format possible, she says. Each continent will host a portion of the event to share what God is doing in their part of the world. Organisers are asking Christians to go to the website gather25.com and click the button ‘I’m in’. [Source: Faithwire]

 compiled by Guido Kettniss