‘Learning Poverty’ Negatively Impacts Children Worldwide
A majority of the children living in low- and middle-income nations are experiencing “learning poverty,” according to a World Bank report published Oct. 17.
ISIS Kills 9, Injures 71 in Syrian Christian Attacks
SYRIA, (BP) -- The Islamic State (ISIS) is claiming responsibility for two attacks on Christians in northeast Syria that killed nine and wounded 71, as Christians continue to flee villages just outside a proposed safe zone at the Syria-Turkey border.
Pope: Economic Inequality Largely Unchanged Since Biblical Times
In his address for World Day of the Poor 2019, Pope Francis said the inequalities and social imbalances described in the Bible are largely unchanged today.
A Look Back: The Fall of the Berlin Wall
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) -- When the Berlin Wall went up in 1961, a barrier 103 miles long and 13 feet high enclosed West Berlin. It cut off some people from jobs, churches, families and friends. Several Baptist churches in West Berlin lost hundreds of members, some half their membership.
U.S. Pastor Stranded in India Awaiting Hearing
NEW DELHI, India (BP) -- A U.S. pastor attending a Sunday School conference in India could be stranded there until December after being arrested for failing to report money he was carrying.
World Vision Tinkers With Its 70-Year-Old Child Sponsorship Model
(The Conversation) World Vision, among the largest Christian humanitarian agencies on Earth, is now flipping the script on child sponsorship. Instead of donors always getting to choose children, children are beginning to choose donors.
China Frees Christian Prisoner Amid Ongoing Persecution
CHINA (BP) -- China has freed an imprisoned Christian but continues a reign of persecution including church demolitions and restrictions barring foreign students from worship, religious liberty advocates reported.
Kenyans See ‘Hand of God’ in Kipchoge’s Record-Breaking Marathon Run
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — As Eliud Kipchoge arrived back home in Nairobi on Wednesday (Oct. 16), citizens of his country pointed at a “hand of God” in his record-breaking, sub-two-hour run on Saturday in Vienna.
As Fewer Refugees Enter the US, One Chicago Group Decides to Go to Them
CHICAGO (RNS) — A woman dressed in beautifully designed fabrics had invited guests into her home and taken great care to show them hospitality. But the refugee's home was a tent made from tarps, insulated against the crisp air as best as possible.
Ukrainian Believers: ‘Standing on Our Knees’
KHARKOV, Ukraine (BP) -- What compels Ukrainian believers to get up daily and kneel in the snow? Why is it so important to meet together when they could whisper a prayer from the warmth of their beds?