Originally published in Faith Wire The ancient ruins of a Christian refuge or early church dating as far back as the first centuries of the Roman Empire were recently discovered in Manbij, Syria. The area, which was formerly under ISIS control, managed to escape the attention of the terror group […]
Middle East
Israel’s 70th Birthday: A miracle amid thanks and threats
Originally published in CBN News Israel opened its 70th anniversary festivities yesterday with song, dance and fireworks, albeit under the shadow of an Iranian threat. Israel’s national celebration wove a theme of technological progress and survival through seven decades of its modern history. They told the story of the Jewish […]
Trump speaks out for Pastor Andrew Brunson after ‘disturbing’ trial twist
Originally published in CBN News President Donald Trump is speaking out for captive American Pastor Andrew Brunson who’s being held in a Turkish prison. Tuesday night the president tweeted: “Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the United States, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey […]
‘Multitude’ of Egyptians coming to Christ despite persecution from Muslim extremists
Originally published in The Gospel Herald Despite continued persecution from Muslim extremists, Christians in Egypt remain unwavering in their faith, compelling a “multitude” to come to Christ, church leaders have revealed. The Rev Sameh Hanna, associate pastor at the Evangelical Church in Cairo, told Premier on Monday that the “mood […]
Saudi textbooks still teaching hate, says US Commission
Originally published in CBN News Despite a highly publicised reform movement in Saudi Arabia, Saudi school textbooks still include violent and intolerant content, according to a new study. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) found passages praising jihad against non-Muslims, calling for the execution of apostates and those […]
Archaeological discoveries suggest Mary Magdalene could have been wealthy, influential woman
Mary Magdalene may not have been a poor prostitute on the street but rather a woman of wealth and influence, suggest scholars in the light of research and archaeological discoveries in her hometown, first century Magdala. These finds give insight into the environment and common life during Jesus´ period, but […]
Turkey calls for life imprisonment of US pastor
Originally published in Christian Headlines Turkish prosecutors demanded life imprisonment for jailed US pastor Andrew Brunson in an official indictment presented to Izmir’s 2nd Criminal Court on Tuesday March 13. Arrested without bail since October 2016, Brunson is accused of being “a member and executive” of the Islamic movement led […]
Sweden tries to ‘starve’ out Christian asylum seeker
Originally published in CBN News Aideen Strandsson is a woman without a country. She may live in Sweden, but she is a stateless person, with no passport, no citizenship and no way to get a job. She lives every day with the knowledge she could be deported to her native […]
Jerusalem suspends tax plan that shuttered Church of Holy Sepulchre
Originally published in Charisma News Israel on Tuesday suspended a tax plan and proposed property legislation that had prompted the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revered as the site of Jesus’s crucifixion and burial, to be closed in protest since Sunday. After receiving a statement from the office of Israeli […]
Israelis welcome downpour as water levels fall dangerously low
Originally published in CBN News Four consecutive winters of below-average rainfall are taking their toll on the Sea of Galilee — Israel’s main source of fresh water. Mekorot, the nation’s national water authority, expects it to reach the lowest level ever recorded. The coastal aquifers are also at dangerously low […]