A Sense of Belonging

Vulnerable Gulf Migrants Offered ‘God’s Karuna’ in Bible Society Outreach

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on May 29, 2020. There is no social distancing in a labor camp. Living in cramped conditions, sometimes 10 to a room, migrant workers in the Gulf are widely considered among the international communities most vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Seeking a share of the region’s petrodollars … Continue reading →

GOD TV Dispute Has Israel Talking About Messianic Jews

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on May 22, 2020, in cooperation with the Associated Press. I contributed some additional reporting. The Messianic movement, which emerged in its modern form in the 1970s, incorporates Jewish symbols and practices—including referring to Jesus by his Hebrew name, Yeshua—but is widely seen as a form of … Continue reading →

Meet the ‘Gang Pastor’ Behind Cape Town’s Viral Coronavirus Cooperation

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on May 21, 2020. Somehow, an Australian-born investment banker in England went to South Africa and got mixed up with the “Americans.” The gang, that is, in one of Cape Town’s most dangerous shantytowns. And with them, the Hard Livings and Clever Kidz. Called by God into … Continue reading →

Why We Opened a Christian University in Iraq Amid ISIS’ Genocide

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on May 7, 2020. For 25 years, Stephen Rasche was a “bare knuckles” international lawyer. But in 2010, he offered his services to the Chaldean Catholic Church of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan and has increasingly dedicated his life to the preservation of this ancient community. Under the … Continue reading →

Report: ‘Tremendous Progress’ Ahead for Religious Freedom Worldwide

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on April 28, 2020. A new report aims to “unflinchingly criticize the records of US allies and adversaries alike” on religious freedom. And there’s a lot to report, with more headlines each month confirming the Pew Research Center’s 10-year analysis that government restrictions and social hostilities involving … Continue reading →

Cleared of Landmines for Easter, Jesus’ Baptism Site Now Closed by COVID-19

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on April 17, 2020. For over 50 years, Jesus’ baptismal site was a casualty of war. Now, it is a casualty of the new coronavirus. Last week in time for Easter, the UK-based demining specialist HALO Trust group exploded in chain reaction the final 500 landmines at … Continue reading →

The Holy Fire Must Go On

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on April 10, 2020. With the new coronavirus canceling Holy Week services around the globe, one of the most severe blows will be felt by Orthodox Christians. On the Saturday before Easter, which the Orthodox will observe on April 19 this year, thousands of pilgrims flock to … Continue reading →

Arab Christians Have Lost Easter Before. Here’s What They Learned.

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on April 3, 2020. Christians around the world are about to lose their usual Easter celebration—the highlight of most congregations’ annual life together. Yes, there will be a livestream. Their pastor will likely call them. They may even chat on Zoom with friends and family. But it … Continue reading →

When You Can’t Return Home

We had just prepared our letter to loved ones in America. Corona is spreading everywhere, I wrote, but we are on lockdown, and perhaps safer here than we would be in the States. We have money, food, and good relations with neighbors. We plan to stick it out here. And then the announcement was issued … Continue reading →

Iran Releases a Third of Christian Prisoners Due to Coronavirus Concerns

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on March 23, 2020. Forced by the new coronavirus, Iran took the tiniest of steps to placate global advocacy for religious freedom. A temporary release of about 85,000 prisoners to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease included Ramiel Bet Tamraz, an Assyrian Christian serving a four-month sentence … Continue reading →

Despite a Murder and Visa Denials, Christians Persevere in Turkey

This article was first published in the March print edition of Christianity Today. Five days after her husband’s murder, Jung Kyung-In named her newborn daughter “God’s Goodness”—in Turkish, not Korean. Jung moved to Turkey with her husband, Kim Jin-Wook, in 2015. The Korean Christian couple found a place to live in an impoverished district of … Continue reading →

Nigeria’s Government Agrees: Islamist Terrorists Target Christians

This article was first published at Christianity Today on March 2, 2020. The Nigerian government now agrees with what church leaders have been complaining for years: Christians are the target of jihadist terrorism. “In the wake of a renewed onslaught by our tireless military against Boko Haram and their ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) … Continue reading →

Christians Defend Cultural Heritage in Muslim-Majority Countries

This article was first published in the November 2019 print edition of Christianity Today. Dozens of men with sledgehammers pound slabs of stone in an otherwise empty mountainous field. Filmed in 2005 by the prelate of northern Iran’s Armenian church, Bishop Nshan Topouzian, the clip purports to show the destruction of khachkars, ornately carved headstones … Continue reading →

Closing the Bible Gap in the Gulf

This article first published at Christianity Today, on February 5, 2020. Joining 80 leaders from 24 countries in Washington, DC, last September, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) announced 2020 to be the Global Year of the Bible. “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ,” said WEA general secretary Ephraim Tendero. “In contrast to the sacred … Continue reading →

Religious Freedom Comes to Europe’s Second-Newest Nation. But Christians Are Concerned.

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on February 4, 2020. Deep within the Orthodox heartlands of the Balkans, one might expect local evangelicals to celebrate the passage of Montenegro’s first religious freedom law. Instead, as tens of thousands fill the streets to protest against it, the relative handful of believers find themselves on … Continue reading →

Nigerian Christians Marched Sunday to Protest Persecution

This article was first published at Christianity Today on February 3, 2020. Having finished his Sunday sermon from Psalm 18 on God as a stronghold who delivers his people from their enemies, Enoch Adeboye then led them to a cemetery. It was an ironic yet appropriate choice. Wearing a bright green tuxedo, the General Overseer … Continue reading →

13 Christian Takes on Trump’s Peace Plan for Israel and Palestine

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on January 28, 2020. After three years of anticipation—and dread—President Trump announced the launch of his “Deal of the Century” to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his side, he outlined details for a proposal that would recognize a Palestinian … Continue reading →

Soleimani’s Death Doesn’t End Iran’s Influence on Middle East Christians

This article was first published at Christianity Today, on January 28, 2020. Middle East Christians might shrug their shoulders. They might even fret and worry. But perhaps Qassem Soleimani got what he deserved. “We regret what happened. We do not want anyone to die, because Christianity wants the good of all,” said Ashty Bahro, former … Continue reading →

This Minnesota Monk Saves Middle East Manuscripts and Testifies to God’s Providence

This article was first published in the December print edition of Christianity Today. The shooting started right away. Columba Stewart had just touched down in Timbuktu when Islamist militants launched another attack. The fighters were trying to retake control of Mali, after United Nations forces had pushed them back. As Stewart made his way through … Continue reading →

The Top 50 Countries Where its Hardest to be a Christian

This article was first published at Christianity Today on January 15, 2020. Every day, 8 Christians worldwide are killed because of their faith. Every week, 182 churches or Christian buildings are attacked. And every month, 309 Christians are imprisoned unjustly. So reports the 2020 World Watch List (WWL), the latest annual accounting from Open Doors … Continue reading →