Christians disproportionately targeted in Nigeria violence report

Nigeria (MNN) — A first-of-its-kind report was just released looking at ethnic and religious violence in Northern Nigeria. The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa examined incidents of extreme violence in the region between October 2019 and September 2023.

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Hope remains amid Sudan’s despair

Sudan (MNN) — The United Nations Security Council votes to extend current sanctions against Sudan by another year. The bans include asset freezes, travel restrictions, and an arms embargo.

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Believers pair help and hope in Pakistan flood response

Pakistan (MNN) — Torrential rains in Pakistan trigger displacement and suffering in the same areas devastated by monsoon floods in 2022.

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Persecution continues amid calls for change in Afghanistan

Afghanistan (MNN) — A growing number of religious scholars in Afghanistan are openly challenging the Taliban’s restrictions on female education. Even some clerics working for the government have opposed the ban.

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A Dangerous Walk of Faith to Access God’s Word

Amina (name changed for protection) is a 56-year-old woman whose deepest desire was to study God’s Word and grow in her faith, but she couldn’t read. In her village, no one knew how to read. She prayed for months, asking God to make a way for her to understand the words of the Bible.

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Stories of Impact

From Impossible Places

Victims of Kenya floods include unreached people groups

Victims of Kenya floods include unreached people groups

May 23, 2024 1:25 PM
May 23, 2024 1:25 PM

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Kenya (MNN) — Heavy rainfall continues to plague Kenya. The deluge is causing floods and landslides across 80 percent of the country.

By Katie Hearth | May 23, 2024

Kenya (MNN) — Heavy rainfall continues to plague Kenya. The deluge is causing floods and landslides across 80 percent of the country.

The floods have displaced more than 280,000 people since early April, and at least 277 have lost their lives.

“For the better part of the last couple of decades, so much of Kenya has been in drought,” Unknown Nations’ Greg Kelley says.

 “Anytime you go from the extremes of drought conditions into excessive rains, it’s always going to be traumatic.”

While a large percentage of Kenya’s population knows and follows Christ, there are pockets of unreached people groups – mostly in the refugee community. These groups are affected by the flooding, too.

“It (natural disaster) creates a tremendous opportunity for us, as the body of Christ, to come alongside people and love them in Jesus’s name,” Kelley says, describing efforts to help Kenyan believers affected by the flooding.

“But also, let’s not miss the opportunity to share the Gospel where it’s most needed.”

Pray that responding Christians can identify groups who don’t know the Lord and will share the Gospel as they give out humanitarian aid.

“Unreached people have the same concerns as the Christian community has. They want to provide for their children, have a roof over their heads, clothing, and access to food, just like any other human being,” Kelley says.

“When you are in a disaster situation, that desperation makes you question everything. What better time for the Body of Christ to come alongside and declare the love of Jesus?”

 


Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Hermann Traub/Pixabay.

Original Article Posted Here: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/victims-of-kenya-floods-include-unreached-people-groups/

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Houthis team up with Al-Qaeda in Yemen

Houthis team up with Al-Qaeda in Yemen

May 15, 2024 1:15 PM
May 15, 2024 1:15 PM

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Yemen (MNN) — An unexpected pair poses a new threat to Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthis are working with a feared local branch of Al-Qaeda on several fronts, including prisoner swaps and weapon deliveries.

By Katie Hearth | May 15, 2024

Yemen (MNN) — An unexpected pair poses a new threat to Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthis are working with a feared local branch of Al-Qaeda on several fronts, including prisoner swaps and weapon deliveries.

Unknown Nations’ Greg Kelley says the partnership creates even more danger by adding another layer of chaos to war-torn Yemen. Currently, “you have the Houthis fighting, you have the military involved, and then you have Saudi Arabia and Iran doing a proxy war inside of Yemen,” Kelley says.

The constant instability hinders aid deliveries to people in need. Meanwhile, sanctions hurt the economy and lower the buying power of Yemeni families. As a result, “You have millions and millions of people who are affected and at risk of dying of hunger,” Kelley says.

“Yemen is in the top five percent [of] greatest need from a humanitarian and a spiritual condition.”

Half of Yemen’s population, more than 17 million people, face severe hunger. A more significant percentage desperately needs Jesus, the Bread of Life. “Almost 100 percent of Yemenis are Muslim, and less than one-half of one percent are followers of Jesus,” Kelley says.

“Most of them have never heard the Gospel in their life.”

Christian activity is strictly forbidden in Yemen, so Unknown Nations trains Yemeni Gospel workers in Egypt. Contact Unknown Nations here for more details and ways to help.

“We’re training leaders; we are sending in solar-powered audio Bibles because the majority of the population in Yemen don’t read,” Kelley says.

Pray believers will have Gospel opportunities as they bring physical help to people who need it most. “Because the humanitarian crisis is so devastating, it’s a tremendous opportunity for the body of Christ, as we deploy aid into that place, to also share the love of Jesus,” Kelley says.

 


Header image depicts an April 2020 bombing in Yemen. (Photo courtesy of Felton Davis/Flickr/CC2.0)

Original Article Posted Here: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/houthis-team-up-with-al-qaeda-in-yemen/

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Heart Transformation Leads to Water Access

Heart Transformation Leads to Water Access

May 1, 2024 1:44 PM
May 1, 2024 1:44 PM

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In an update from our Chadian Indigenous Leader, we were blessed to hear about the impact of Treasure audio Bibles in areas facing significant challenges. Amid growing water shortages, Christians, in particular, can often be overlooked in spiritually antagonistic areas. This was particularly relevant in a region of Chad, until a recent turn of events.

In an update from our Chadian Indigenous Leader, we were blessed to hear about the impact of Treasure audio Bibles in areas facing significant challenges. Amid growing water shortages, Christians, in particular, can often be overlooked in spiritually antagonistic areas. This was particularly relevant in a region of Chad, until a recent turn of events.

Our leader sent a package of Treasure audio Bibles to an indigenous missionary in the East side of the country, where water scarcity was severe. These Treasures were downloaded with the heart languages of several nations in the region. One of these audio Bibles was gifted to the Muslim neighbor of the missionary, whose daily profession involved transporting water to areas affected by shortages. Sadly, because the water supply is a borehole located in a local Islamic Center, Christian families in the area, including the missionary, were often excluded from receiving aid.

As the neighbor listened to the Treasure, something remarkable happened. He returned to the missionary, expressing gratitude for the audio Bible, asking where he got it, and describing it as a “marvelous word.” This encounter marked a turning point. The neighbor’s heart softened, and he began extending kindness to the Christian families in the area where the missionary and other believers resided, giving them access to water.

This transformation is a testament to the power of the Word of God to break down barriers in the face of persecution. As this man’s heart continues to soften, please join us in praying for his courage and boldness to fully embrace Christ and join in sharing the Good News.

We are immensely grateful for your support in bringing the light of Jesus to the darkest corners of the Earth. Together, we are making His presence known and transforming lives!

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Birth of a Church Inside IDP Camp

Birth of a Church Inside IDP Camp

April 1, 2024 1:46 PM
April 1, 2024 1:46 PM

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Greetings from Myanmar. I hope you are doing well by the grace of God. Though we are passing through the most difficult time in our nation, because of the political and economic situation, our faithful God is at work among our people through His Word! We are just instruments for His Kingdom and righteousness.

Greetings from Myanmar. I hope you are doing well by the grace of God. Though we are passing through the most difficult time in our nation, because of the political and economic situation, our faithful God is at work among our people through His Word! We are just instruments for His Kingdom and righteousness.

I would like to share a testimony with you about the birth of a church inside of an IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp by listening to the Treasure audio Bibles. Because of the partial civil war in our country, many people have fled to our region as their houses and villages were totally destroyed. They live on a farm not far from our training center, so we’ve had the privilege of making friends with them and supporting them as much as we can.

During a Christmas outreach two years ago, we gave Treasures to some of their key elders and they began listening together in groups. By listening to the Treasures repeatedly and receiving follow up through our leaders, some of them have begun to believe in Jesus and confess their sins. As of today, we have baptized 47 of them at the center. All of these new believers have a Buddhist background and they have decided to accept Jesus as their Savior and only follow Him all the rest of their lives!

Now one of our leaders pastors this new church and I visit there often. It is still growing by the grace of God and many of these IDPs are still tasting and inquiring more about Jesus. Many listen to the Treasure daily. Hallelujah! These IDPs shared with us that at one time they thought they were the unluckiest people when they had to flee from their villages. Now they feel they are the luckiest people, because they have found eternal life in Jesus by listening to the Treasure, in spite of losing their homes and properties!

Thank you for sending us Treasures and for supporting us in these outreaches and follow up. We are in the harvest! Let’s reap more together.

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Spring 2024 Update

Spring 2024 Update

March 29, 2024 3:32 PM
March 29, 2024 3:32 PM

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During one of my recent trips, I met the owner of a brick kiln in Pakistan. On the surface, he appeared to be a well respected, successful business leader in his community. Behind the scenes, he exhibited many of the cruelest expressions of humanity.

Dear friend, 

During one of my recent trips, I met the owner of a brick kiln in Pakistan. On the surface, he appeared to be a well respected, successful business leader in his community. Behind the scenes, he exhibited many of the cruelest expressions of humanity.

This kiln owner would beat and sexually abuse the enslaved women for not meeting their daily 1,500 quota for making bricks. He chained men to trees for taking a drink of water at the wrong time of day. And perhaps the most heinous of all, taking children from their parents when they didn’t meet his demands and selling them into the horrors of sex trafficking for a few extra bucks! Can you imagine trying to survive in a scarier environment?

Unfortunately, this experience does not represent the exception, it is the norm for more than 5,000 brick kiln owners across Pakistan.

Yet, in a moment, everything changed for this man and his 2,000 slaves. 

Our team shared the gospel with this man and he fell under conviction of the Holy Spirit and surrendered all to Christ! The change was immediate and dramatic.

The first sign of transformation came when a middle-aged woman hysterically lunged at my feet. I quickly realized that her tears were of complete jubilation. Through her tears, she explained that the 2-year-old daughter she lovingly held in her arms would no longer be sold! Since the child was born, the brick kiln owner had been threatening the mother. He planned to sell the child into trafficking when she turned five, ensuring she would never be seen again.

This mother was the first person the newly-reformed kiln owner saw after receiving Jesus. He promptly told her that the child was safe and that he would never separate the two. Over and over again, the sobbing mother thanked our team. 

Another woman in her mid sixties embraced a member of our team. She was older with health issues and could not make the brick quota. Upon his transformation, the slave owner released her and her family instantly from a bondage they had endured for two generations. She was exuberant!

 

Before we left an hour later word had spread that another four families had been set free. This man was going on a rampage for Jesus! And his first targets of this newfound compassion and love, were those he had oppressed the most. 

When we met with this kiln owner a second time, he told our team how he had seen Jesus. He was committed to becoming a new man transformed in the power of Jesus. Repeatedly he asked us why we hadn’t come earlier and why he hadn’t been informed sooner. He said he would not have done those heinous things if he had only known Jesus! 

This is just the beginning of this incredible testimony. Our team of indigenous missionaries on the ground will continue to walk alongside this man and disciple him. Work must also be done to help the slaves he’s released and those who will become free. We have the ability to assist him in freeing slaves across more than ten kilns under his ownership. 

Would you help us pray for this man and his slaves? Pray that his fire for Jesus continues to grow and govern his actions and that his testimony will spread like wildfire from one kiln owner to the next. 

 

 

This is how the horrific brick kiln culture will be transformed in Pakistan. Owners who control these businesses must come into contact with the gospel and slaves must be set free. That is our mission at Unknown Nations, bringing light into the darkest corners of the Earth - places where Jesus is not yet known. We invite you to join us! 

In the bonds of Calvary, 

Greg Kelley, CEO

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Witch doctor turns to Christ — “I saw them burn up”

Witch doctor turns to Christ — “I saw them burn up”

March 27, 2024 3:49 PM
March 27, 2024 3:49 PM

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Pakistan (MNN) — When Unknown Nations gospel workers entered a slum in Pakistan, a prominent witch doctor thought he was ready for them.

By Katie O'Malley | March 27, 2024

Pakistan (MNN) — When Unknown Nations gospel workers entered a slum in Pakistan, a prominent witch doctor thought he was ready for them.

“These (slums) are places where people are living amongst the trash. These are people groups most of (whom) have never heard the gospel before, and they’re controlled by witch doctors,” says Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations. Human trafficking and human sacrifice are also horrible realities there.

“When the Bible says that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, that is a literal statement in the Bible, and that is real and active in Pakistan.”

The witch doctor summoned two powerful demons to harm the Christians, but things didn’t go as he expected. He later shared with the Christians, “I saw them burn up.”

The man asked them what they had done to make this happen. 

“We said, ‘Sir, we didn’t do anything. But the reason that those demons were burned up is because of Jesus and the power of God.’ So we shared the gospel with him, and this guy gave his life to Christ,” Kelley says.

The man immediately turned away from witchcraft. He has begun to learn God’s Word and be discipled by local Christian leaders Unknown Nations partners with, who take action immediately in situations like this.

This spiritual 180 has angered the people the man was leading.

“He’s absolutely in danger. I mean, these places are very dark. Any place where there’s human sacrificing going on, the disregard for human life is just, it’s unimaginable,” Kelley says.

Please pray for this new brother in Christ, that the trappings of his old life will have no hold on him whatsoever.

“Pray that (he) continues to keep his heart open to the Lord. Pray that he has the courage to be able to step away from those (former, evil relationships) and into his new, healthy relationships,” Kelley says.

 


Header photo is a representative stock image of a man in Pakistan courtesy of Syed Muazzam Ali Taqi/Unsplash.

Original Article Posted Here: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/witch-doctor-turns-to-christ-i-saw-them-burn-up/

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Pakistan’s 2024 general election came in the wake of violence

Pakistan’s 2024 general election came in the wake of violence

February 8, 2024 3:57 PM
February 8, 2024 3:57 PM

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Pakistan (MNN) — Pakistan’s general election reaches its climax today as people go to the polls for national as well as provincial leaders amid recent tensions. On Wednesday a pair of explosions near the offices of two election candidates in Baluchistan killed more than two dozen people and wounded dozens more.

By Katie O'Malley | February 8, 2024

Pakistan (MNN) — Pakistan’s general election reaches its climax today as people go to the polls for national as well as provincial leaders amid recent tensions. On Wednesday a pair of explosions near the offices of two election candidates in Baluchistan killed more than two dozen people and wounded dozens more.

Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations says, “Our people on the ground are telling us there’s two main parties that are kind of leading the pack, but neither one of them have the energy or the majority, in and of themselves. So there’s probably going to be some form of a coalition.”

One party is the Pakistan Muslim League. “Under their leadership in the past, churches have been burned to the ground, pastors [and] believers have been killed. They really welcome this kind of mob mentality vigilante justice, that there’s no accountability.”

Meanwhile, the People’s Party tends to represent those considered lower class. It also stands for minority groups, which in Pakistan includes Christians.

“When it comes down to the impact on the Kingdom, from a Christian perspective worldview, we are looking at two of the most isolated countries in the world when it comes to the Gospel,” Kelley says of Pakistan and its neighbor Iran.

“God is doing great things in Pakistan as well [as Iran] right now. Anytime that the Gospel is moving, there’s going to be adversarial attempts to diminish that. I think right now Christians are in the crosshairs of everything going on in Pakistan and Iran.”

Pray for new government leaders in Pakistan who will protect the rights of minority groups.

“We need to be praying that anytime there’s transition in countries like this, it’s [an] opportunit[y] for the gospel,” says Kelley.

Click here to learn more about Unknown Nations’ work to reach the ends of the earth with the hope of Christ.

 


Header photo of Election Commission of Pakistan, 2018 courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Original Article Posted Here: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pakistans-2024-general-election-came-in-the-wake-of-violence/

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Testimonies From A Closed Country

Testimonies From A Closed Country

February 1, 2024 1:37 PM
February 1, 2024 1:37 PM

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We received these testimonies from inside a closed country in Asia. God recently opened doors for our indigenous leaders to begin working in this area, and we’ve been so encouraged by the fruit coming from their ministry. They’ve asked us to refrain from mentioning this country’s name in any written communication. Preaching openly about Jesus is grounds for harsh punishment.

We received these testimonies from inside a closed country in Asia. God recently opened doors for our indigenous leaders to begin working in this area, and we’ve been so encouraged by the fruit coming from their ministry. They’ve asked us to refrain from mentioning this country’s name in any written communication. Preaching openly about Jesus is grounds for harsh punishment.

The first testimony involves a young man who had heart disease. He had spent all of his money on doctors and medicine. One day, this young man heard his neighbor playing his Treasure audio Bible and was attracted by the words coming from the device. He went near to listen, and while he stood there for 10 minutes a peace came over his mind.

As he was listening, he learned that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Then he started thinking, I’m dying from heart disease... and there’s a gift of eternal life. So why should I not get behind Jesus Christ? This young man fully gave his life to Jesus. He has also been completely healed from the heart disease. Praise the Lord!

The second testimony came from the man pictured above. He shared through a translator, “When I was unknown to Jesus, my life and my full family’s life was in very bad condition. No way to live, no food, no clothes, and life was fully in sin. When the pastor introduced us to Jesus, he gave us one yellow device. I and my family listened and realized that Jesus is the only way to eternal life and the Prince of Peace. We all family members dedicated ourselves in the hand of Jesus and start following Jesus.”

Please pray for these new believers as they are still very young in the Lord. Pray that the Holy Spirit would keep them safe and strengthen them day by day. Please also lift up our indigenous leaders who are risking their lives to share the gospel in this closed country. Ask God for supernatural boldness and protection as they walk forward in their ministry.

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Little outcry for Christmas massacre in central Nigeria

Little outcry for Christmas massacre in central Nigeria

January 5, 2024 4:04 PM
January 5, 2024 4:04 PM

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Nigeria (MNN) — As Christians around the world prepared to celebrate Christmas, the day turned into a nightmare for over 32 Christian villages in central Nigeria.

By Lyndsey Koh | January 5, 2024

Nigeria (MNN) — As Christians around the world prepared to celebrate Christmas, the day turned into a nightmare for over 32 Christian villages in central Nigeria.

On Christmas Eve, Muslim extremists went on a killing spree that lasted into the following Christmas Day — largely targeting believers, pastors, and their families.

At least 160 people were killed; mostly women, children, and elderly.  Greg Kelley, CEO of Unknown Nations (formerly World Mission), says the death toll could be closer to 300.

However, from both the Nigerian government and the international community, there has been very little outcry.

Kelley says in Nigeria, “There’s been one administration elected after another who these atrocities are falling on deaf ears, and the frustration that is mounting within the Christian community is almost indescribable because these terrorists are attacking ruthlessly these communities.

“I mean, they’re not just killing people. They’re torturing people. They’re taking children from their parents. They’re killing the elderly. They’re taking people’s homes and possessions and just occupying them. It is living hell for these people.”

In 2021, the Biden Administration in the United States removed Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, despite the strong recommendation by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and ongoing bipartisan appeals.

The Biden Administration’s failure to reconsider Nigeria as a CPC means less international pressure on these human rights violations and attacks on Nigerian Christians.

“One of the ways you can put pressure is you put them on these terrorist lists and call it out,” says Kelley. “That affects foreign funding, that affects aid that’s coming in, that affects these meetings that Secretary of State levels are having. In the absence of that, it allows the perpetrators to run scot-free.”

Unknown Nations works with over 150 local missionaries in this area of Nigeria. Kelley says, “We’re constantly having to relocate them when the attacks happen. They’re running for their lives as well along with all the other civilians. So we’re constantly having to move missionaries from place to place.

The astounding thing is, “They’re trying to save their lives and that of their families, but they are as bold and courageous as anyone we’ve ever met. So they will go back in there and they’re happy to share the Gospel in these areas, but it’s the constant disruption. It makes it very difficult for Gospel activity.”

These disciples of Christ are passionately sharing God’s Word in North Eastern Nigeria.

Unknown Nations is currently in touch with Nigerian Christians affected by the Christmas massacre, and offering tangible biblical support.

“There is a ton of trauma that we are dealing with right now for the missionaries and the survivors. So we are really mobilizing into having trauma healing training for those survivors to help them navigate this and to go through a journey in a biblical way.”

Pray for justice, comfort, and deep healing from the trauma. Pray also for the attackers to have profound encounters with Jesus Christ, that they would know God’s forgiveness and grace, and take the Gospel to their own communities.

Pray for the Church and the world to wake up to what is happening to our Nigerian Christian brothers and sisters.

 

 


Header photo courtesy of Tope A Asokere/Unsplash.

Original Article Posted Here: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/little-outcry-for-christmas-massacre-in-central-nigeria/

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How do anti-conversion laws and blasphemy laws differ, and why does it matter?

How do anti-conversion laws and blasphemy laws differ, and why does it matter?

January 3, 2024 10:29 AM
January 3, 2024 10:29 AM

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International (MNN) — Do you know the difference between anti-conversion and blasphemy laws?

Greg Kelley of Unknown Nations, formerly World Mission, explains, “Anti-conversion laws boil down to proselytizing. Blasphemy is where people are thrown in jail over what somebody said they heard.”

By Katey Hearth | January 3, 2024

International (MNN) — Do you know the difference between anti-conversion and blasphemy laws?

Greg Kelley of Unknown Nations, formerly World Mission, explains, “Anti-conversion laws boil down to proselytizing. Blasphemy is where people are thrown in jail over what somebody said they heard.”

For example, in the case of blasphemy laws, “There will be third-party accusations that have no merit, yet [they become] actionable,” Kelley says.

“[Believers are] thrown in jail, or beaten, or mobs show up and burn your house down.”

Authorities often use these laws as tools to persecute Christ-followers around the world. Vigilante mobs accuse Christians of breaking these laws and then use the supposed violation as an excuse to attack believers.

“The biggest issue is that there’s no accountability; the government doesn’t do anything to hold these people accountable,” Kelley says.

In one location where Unknown Nations trains Christian leaders, “They (assailants) were attacking a group of Christians in their home,” Kelley says.

“The mob is outside chanting, ‘Death to Christians’ and dragging people out of this home, beating them.”

A recent United States Commission on International Religious Freedom report found that nearly one in four countries has a national anti-conversion law on the books. Often, these countries are home to unreached people groups, or communities without access to the Gospel.

Partner with Unknown Nations to help change this reality.

Unknown Nations is “distributing Bibles, training leaders, doing strategic humanitarian projects” in strategic locations, Kelley says.

“99 percent of our resources, our dollars, are going into places where the Gospel is already established. We need to begin prioritizing places that have never heard of Jesus.”

 


Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Christine Roy/Unsplash.

Original Article Posted Here: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-do-anti-conversion-laws-and-blasphemy-laws-differ-and-why-does-it-matter/

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Overflowing Attendance Inside Refugee Camp

Overflowing Attendance Inside Refugee Camp

January 1, 2024 10:31 AM
January 1, 2024 10:31 AM

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Inside the Rohingya refugee camp, our indigenous leader hand selected several Rohingya believers to distribute Treasure audio Bibles among their people. Fazal (name changed for protection), is one of those indigenous missionaries. He came to know Christ and was baptized in 2018, shortly after fleeing Myanmar with his family.

Inside the Rohingya refugee camp, our indigenous leader hand selected several Rohingya believers to distribute Treasure audio Bibles among their people. Fazal (name changed for protection), is one of those indigenous missionaries. He came to know Christ and was baptized in 2018, shortly after fleeing Myanmar with his family.

Fazal has been working with our team for the past year and a half. He is a faithful follower of Christ, risking his life to share the gospel. Our leader shared, “It is hard for them to do this job. Very risky. But they go around every day distributing Treasures. They get their bag, put Treasures in, and go from camp to camp praying for open doors.”

Fazal hosts a weekly get together for his home church. The numbers of this group were steadily growing until a recent political uprising surrounding the upcoming election when the attendance sharply dropped. Our leader has regular check-ins with Fazal and they prayed together over the group and for the attendance to grow.

The following week, Fazal was gathered with the other believers during their regular meeting time when a group showed up. Due to the fierce persecution that many Christians face from Muslims inside of the camp, Fazal and the others thought they were under attack. Before they were able to run away, the group showed them their Treasures that they had previously received. The newcomers told them that they wanted to learn more about the gospel and asked if they could join! 

It was a beautiful answer to prayer! What started as a home church with dwindling numbers became a room overflowing with participants hungry to hear the Good News. For the past month, this group has continued to fill the meeting space.

Join us in prayer for the Rohingya refugees. Pray for good health, amidst the challenging living conditions in the camp. Additionally, please lift up Fazal and his home church, praying for their safety, the continual opening of doors, and an enduring boldness to share their faith.

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Extremists massacre Nigerian Christians

Extremists massacre Nigerian Christians

December 27, 2023 10:25 AM
December 27, 2023 10:25 AM

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Nigeria (MNN) — Massacres have become legitimate daily threats for Christians in Nigeria.

That’s a horrifying reality, but it is reality. Again and again, religious extremists such as the Fulani herdsmen slaughter civilians. They frequently target Christians for their faith. The cost of following Christ for Nigerians is often death.

By Alex Anhalt | December 27, 2023

Nigeria (MNN) — Massacres have become legitimate daily threats for Christians in Nigeria.

That’s a horrifying reality, but it is reality. Again and again, religious extremists such as the Fulani herdsmen slaughter civilians. They frequently target Christians for their faith. The cost of following Christ for Nigerians is often death.

But according to Greg Kelley of Unknown Nations, the vicious and bloodthirsty dogma driving these attacks is leaving locals with questions. “In a lot of places like Nigeria, Afghanistan, Somalia, when the radicalization of Islam is front and center, I think even moderate Muslims start looking at that,” Kelley says. “Their worldview is challenged to the core.”

For example, the way these extremists treat women is often horrific. “People with daughters. when they see how atrocious women and females are treated, they don’t want their daughters to live in that,” Kelley says.

This leads to open minds which are ripe for sowing the Gospel. “The gospel is presented to them. [They] become very open to the message of love and peace and reconciliation. It doesn’t matter who you are, you would have an appetite for that and desire that of your family.”

When Christians are being actively hunted for their faith, there are drastic consequences for curiosity into Christianity, let alone conversion. “They realize if they’re exposed, if the proselytization of individuals sharing the gospel is exposed, there will be great consequences and they will be targeted,” Kelley says. “[And yet] they’re willing to pay that price and accept it for what they believe is a much brighter future.”

There are other obstacles to sharing Christ’s message, including illiteracy. One solution to several of those issues is audio bibles. Unknown Nations distributes thousands of solar-powered audio Bibles in localized languages. If you want to support Unknown Nations’ projects, you can do so right here.

In the meantime, pray that the radical compassion of the Gospel overcomes rampant violence in Nigeria. In the words of Kelley: “The message of Jesus is very different. It’s one of love, even for your fiercest, most aggressive enemy. Jesus called us to pray for them. And when they see that, quite honestly, it shocks and opens up their heart to the message of the Gospel.

“The key is getting into where the flames are the hottest, rushing in there, and ensuring the salvation message of Jesus.”

 


Header photo courtesy of Unsplash.

Original Article Posted Here: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/extremists-massacre-nigerian-christians/

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How much does the Gospel cost in South Asia?

How much does the Gospel cost in South Asia?

December 12, 2023 9:47 AM
December 12, 2023 9:47 AM

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South Asia (MNN) — Pakistan arrested 19 young people on blasphemy charges in 2023, according to a story circulating on several India-based news outlets. The allegations claim six kids were formally charged with blasphemy.

By Katey Hearth | December 12, 2023

South Asia (MNN) — Pakistan arrested 19 young people on blasphemy charges in 2023, according to a story circulating on several India-based news outlets. The allegations claim six kids were formally charged with blasphemy.

MNN could not verify the story, but blasphemy convictions are common in Pakistan. This summer, blasphemy accusations led to significant mob violence against a predominantly Christian neighborhood in Pakistan’s third-largest city.

Whether the recent claim by Legal Awareness Watch is valid or not, “The shock value when people see 19 children held accountable and punished over this [is compelling]; every family that is non-Muslim [is] going to be terrified,” Unknown Nations’ Greg Kelley says.

“They don’t want their children to be thrown in jail. So, it changes behavior, and that is the ultimate objective of these laws – to change the behavior and terrorize minority religions.”

Blasphemy laws provide legal grounds to persecute Christians in Pakistan. Across the border, India’s anti-conversion laws target believers. More about that here.

“They’re trying to suppress the sharing of the Gospel” in South Asia, Kelley says.

“They don’t want their children to be thrown in jail. So, it changes behavior, and that is the ultimate objective of these laws – to change the behavior and terrorize minority religions.”

Blasphemy laws provide legal grounds to persecute Christians in Pakistan. Across the border, India’s anti-conversion laws target believers. More about that here.

“They’re trying to suppress the sharing of the Gospel” in South Asia, Kelley says.

Church planters and indigenous missionaries press on despite the danger. “They’re driven by something far greater than what their eyes can see,” Kelley says.

“They’re driven by the eternal destiny of these individuals [who do not know] Jesus. When we hear about places like India and Pakistan, we need to be mindful that a lot of work needs to happen from the church’s standpoint. There are twice as many unreached people groups in India than there are in the continent of Africa.”

The Great Commission calls every believer to sacrifice. “Going” and “making disciples” could cost a believer their comfort and financial security. Or, the task could cost a Christ-follower’s life.

“Every month, we hear of one of our leaders who was killed. We don’t understand it here in America, yet it’s the reality in the places where the Gospel has not been,” Kelley says.

What can you give today? “The greatest resource is prayer. It’s not something said by different guests on Mission Network News because it sounds nice and religious,” Kelley says.

“It is a war, and the greatest weapon we have in our possession as followers of Jesus is to call down the powers of heaven, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the presence of Jesus Christ, to infuse these areas with Good News.”

Original Article Posted Here: https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-much-does-the-gospel-cost-in-south-asia/

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God Makes Himself Known to T & S

God Makes Himself Known to T & S

December 1, 2023 10:24 AM
December 1, 2023 10:24 AM

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T and S are neighbors. After the Taliban seized control, the situation in their village rapidly worsened. Six months ago, T’s husband went to a bigger city to find work and never returned home. Her neighbor, S, is a widow. As women living under the Taliban’s control, they are not allowed to work or leave their homes. If they do, they could face severe punishment. 

T and S are neighbors. After the Taliban seized control, the situation in their village rapidly worsened. Six months ago, T’s husband went to a bigger city to find work and never returned home. Her neighbor, S, is a widow. As women living under the Taliban’s control, they are not allowed to work or leave their homes. If they do, they could face severe punishment. 

At one point, these women went three days without any food. They lost all hope and decided to take their own lives and the lives of their children. At the same time, a member from our indigenous leader’s team had a dream. In this dream, God spoke to him and told him to go to a village that was over 100 miles away. He also gave him the names of two woman in that village who needed food because they intended to end their lives. Then God said, “Tell them I love them and I have bigger plans for them.”

This team member faithfully responded to the directions God gave him and went to the village with bags of food. With the help of some locals, he reached T’s house and knocked on her door. When she answered, the team member said, “Here is a food packet for you and I have one more for a woman named S.”

After they had received their food, the team member shared with T and S who had sent him. They both answered, “We don’t know who this Jesus is, we’ve never heard about Him.” And in this beautiful moment, doors opened for these women to hear the gospel message and about a God who loves them. Both T and S repented and surrendered their lives to Jesus. They were also given audio Bibles in their heart language to continue learning and growing in the Lord.

While we can’t share the full details of this story due to security reasons, we can’t help but be humbled by the amazing ways God is moving to make His name known. T and S’s story has only begun, please join us in praying for these brand new believers! Pray that as they listen to God’s Word, He will reveal Himself more fully and strengthen their faith as they discover the big plans that God has for their lives.

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Baptism Miracle

Baptism Miracle

October 26, 2023 4:41 PM
October 26, 2023 4:41 PM

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Many new believers are coming out of the Pashtun Nation, Pakistan’s largest people group and Afghanistan’s second largest. With well over 39 million Pashtun spanning across Southern and Central Asia, less than 0.01% have decided to follow Jesus. These new brothers and sisters in Christ are making waves and will drastically affect this statistic! 

Many new believers are coming out of the Pashtun Nation, Pakistan’s largest people group and Afghanistan’s second largest. With well over 39 million Pashtun spanning across Southern and Central Asia, less than 0.01% have decided to follow Jesus. These new brothers and sisters in Christ are making waves and will drastically affect this statistic! 

Indigenous Leader Field Update:

We had chosen a small village with a tube well to baptize 151 new believers, several of whom were Pashtun. For three days, many small villages in Pakistan had no electricity. Some of the team members informed us that there was no electricity in this village, making the water pump useless and resulting in an empty tank. The electric company said that it would take at least five days for the electricity to be restored. We were asked to postpone our visit, but we simply could not due to previous commitments. After much discussion, we decided to step out in faith and lean on Jesus completely. We kept everything as is and said, “Jesus will provide us with water for the baptisms!” 

When we arrived at this village, it was beautiful, special and powerful. Our team and the new believers gathered around the tube well and began praising and worshiping. Everyone was looking at the empty well and no one had any idea of how we could fill it with water. The Holy Spirit placed on our hearts, “Bend on your knees and pray for electricity to be restored now in Jesus’ name!” 

We responded to His voice and everyone, including the new believers, bent on our knees and prayed for electricity to be restored in Jesus’ name, but nothing happened. We prayed again and nothing happened. We prayed for the third time, but this time we prayed for electricity to be restored NOW in Jesus’ name! Guess what happened next? Electricity was restored and the tube well began working immediately. Everyone was rejoicing and thanking God for this beautiful miracle! 

Without wasting a moment, we began our water baptisms. It was unbelievable to witness the power of our living God, He touched everyone and gave them new lives.

Brother F, who had severe chest pain, received miraculous healing when he came out of the water. Sister A, who had sores on her body, received healing when she came out of the water! The Spirit was moving massively and we witnessed many more miracles. 

After we completed our water baptisms, the electricity went off again! We believe that heaven is rejoicing and celebrating right now as more souls are added to the Kingdom of God! Each of these newly baptized believers are excited to grow in the Lord and many will be trained in our newly built discipleship training center. They are eager to take the gospel to those who do not yet know Jesus, even at the risk of their own lives. 

"Unstoppable revival is breaking out in Pakistan! Jesus is changing this Islamic land into a land of believers. We gave 151 water baptisms to new believers including extremists, brothel heads, slum mafia chiefs, and drug sellers! Truth is breaking the shackles of darkness and setting many free from the bondage of Satan."

- Unknown Nations Director of Ministry Pakistan and Afghanistan

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