Source: INcontext International, December 6, 2023
In Ukraine, despite warfare continuing throughout 2023, there were reports of people being the hands and feet of Jesus by remaining in danger zones to hand out food parcels, provide shelter to those whose homes were destroyed, and preach the gospel to those without hope in times of suffering and uncertainty.
For the citizens who have chosen to stay in Ukraine, there have been reports of a thriving and multiplying Church.
The hope that is brought by the Ukrainian Church, through relief efforts in such a difficult season, has seen people turning to Christ where hope is difficult to find.
Note: This is an excerpt from a lengthy, year-in-review piece from INcontext exploring how 2023’s crises and challenges have helped the global church continue to grow and mature. Read and be encouraged by ways God is at work amid wars, humanitarian crises, global migration, coups, and geopolitical shifts.
See also the music video You Reign, updated annually to provide a look back on the year’s events through the lens of God’s love and sovereignty (Prayercast).
Source: International Christian Concern, December 12, 2023
An Indonesian official called for regional governments to support Christians who are having difficulty carrying out Christmas services this year.
[The Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhajir Effendy] emphasized that he wants to prevent discrimination, saying, “Everyone must receive the same service; there must be no discrimination. If you cannot carry out your worship because of difficulties, there are no facilities, the government must provide them under the Ministry of Religion offices in each region.”
Please join us in praying for a safe Christmas for Christians across Indonesia gathering to celebrate our Savior’s birth.
Another recent story from ICC reports that authorities in Mauritania have arrested many Christian leaders and their families following calls for punishment by Muslims outraged over a baptism video.
Christians in other places may also have “difficulties” gathering, particularly to celebrate Christmas. In Iran, Christmas is a time of terror when believers are frequently arrested (Back to Jerusalem).
Source: Global Christian Relief, December 8, 2023
Mizoram is a Christian-majority state in northeast India [and] 90% of its 1.2 million people identify as Christian. The state shares a 300-mile border with Myanmar [formerly Burma], a country that has been under a strict military regime since 2021. Fleeing the constant violence, many from Myanmar had nowhere to turn. That is until the people of Mizoram opened their borders and welcomed them.
The civil war in Myanmar has been ruthless, with over 30,000 killed and another 2 million displaced. To make matters worse, churches have become soft targets, with 70 being destroyed in one state alone. Citizens had nowhere to escape the violence. But now Mizoram is a sanctuary for refugees.
A local Indian official says an overwhelming majority of the refugees are ethnic Chin Christians.
See also a video about a revival taking place in Myanmar (Asia Harvest) and read about a Burmese church in the U.S. sending out its first missionaries (IMB).
Source: Mission Network News, December 6, 2023
Denominational splits in the global Church cover everything from minor to primary theological and Church life issues. Often groups can struggle to work hand in hand post-split. However, recent efforts in Uganda brought together members of diverse churches with the single goal of Bible translation.
Lindsay Olesberg with Wycliffe USA says, “For example, in a group of eight that would come from a particular language community, they would be from multiple villages and from multiple denominations. So you’d have an Anglican next to a Catholic, next to a Pentecostal—all working together on translating the Scripture for their community.”
This collaboration benefits translations through additional workers and also helps build the unity of the global Church as a whole. Believers have the opportunity to work with members of other churches to accomplish the Great Commission as a team.
“I think the Bible is the great unifier—that all Christians have confidence that it’s through God’s Word that we know who God is. So regardless of the denomination, people can rally together around, ‘We want the Bible in our own language, so that the pastors within our denominations and church members, they’re able to really understand it.’”
Read the full story.
Also: YouVersion reports that Bible engagement accelerated worldwide this year with record-breaking app installs and daily use. Good news.
Source: God Reports, December 14, 2023
Young-Ae and her brother-in-law’s family decided to cross the river from North Korea into China. To their consternation, it was a night with a bright full moon. To make the situation worse, she could see the guard post along the riverside. Young-Ae caught her breath in fear.
Without knowing who God is, she began to call on His mighty power in heaven, “If you exist, please Supreme Power in Heaven, save me!”
Suddenly dark clouds covered the moon, making it pitch black. It seemed like an answer to her prayer! Was heaven really listening?
After the whole family safely crossed the river, the clouds lifted, and the bright moonlight shone on the river. Young-Ae and her party quickly ran up a nearby mountain to hide.
She recounted the rest of her journey to Cornerstone Ministries International.
Read the full story from God Reports (we looked for the source video on CMI channels but didn’t find it).
See also a new documentary about a Presbyterian pastor who has smuggled 1,000 people out of North Korea. Watch the official trailer of Beyond Utopia or read about it in a story from Religion News Service. Stream it from Amazon Prime or Apple TV.