ISIS’s legacy of death
What is left of the Caliphate? Not much by ways of organisation and a geographical power base. But they left a legacy behind that the country of Iraq is only beginning to come to terms with. More than 200 mass graves have been identified in provinces formerly held by ISIS, and nobody knows how many more there are. Some graves
Continue ReadingWhen women suffer
Last Friday, Human Rights Watch published a report on sexual violence against women in North Korea. The report painted a picture of near complete lawlessness when it comes to the way women are treated by those in power. Detainees in labour camps could be singled out at any time for abuse or rape and sexual violence was common during interrogations.
Continue ReadingIndonesia: The gospel in a disaster zone
The press moves on to the next big thing, but people in Sulawesi are still in deep mourning and trying to survive in what is left of their villages. Back to Jerusalem partners are there too, providing more than aid alone. When disaster strikes, the need for water, food and shelter is immediate. But men cannot live by bread alone.
Continue ReadingAsia Bibi death sentence overturned! Update: Unrest in Pakistan
After eight years of unjust imprisonment, we rejoice to hear Asia Bibi is no longer on death row but free to leave prison. Under immense pressure of mobs calling for her death and threatening riots, the judge did what his office demanded, overturn a sentence in a case where there was no evidence and procedures had not been followed. However,
Continue ReadingA long awaited release: Time to rejoice! And pray…
We rejoice that after two years of captivity, pastor Andrew Brunson has been released. This summer he went from prison to house arrest, but now he has been able to travel back to the United States. Political and economic pressure on Turkey has been key in securing the release of pastor Andrew. However, behind these diplomatic efforts, there have been
Continue ReadingIndonesia up-date: Supplies being distributed
To all those who have already given to our Indonesia emergency fund, THANK YOU! With your help the following supplies have been sent: 250 boxes of instant noodles (48 packs each) 100 tents 700 solar cell lights Hundreds of sarong (these are used both as traditional clothing and as cover for the night) 400 boxes of milk 50 milk bottles
Continue ReadingIndonesia: Emergency fund open!
It is still unclear what the scale is of the disaster that has struck the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi. Thousands are still missing, and many communities can barely be reached. What is clear is that with widespread destruction and governments focussing on finding survivors and burying bodies, there is a massive need for emergency aid. Our partners have boots on
Continue ReadingHistoric summit on Magic Mountain
The leaders of South and North Korea finished their summit with a meeting on top of a volcano. Why is that such a big deal? And can symbolic acts like this help secure a safer future for the Korean peninsula? Paektusan, or mount Paektu on the Chinese-North Korean border is truly an impressive place, even if there are no world
Continue ReadingPator Abel released!
On Tuesday we received the joyful news that pastor Abel Yang (Yang Hwa) was freed from prison. He spent two and a half years behind bars, facing torture, threats to his family and severe health issues. He is now back with his wife and son, although physically he is in a bad condition. In December 2015 pastor Abel Yang was
Continue ReadingHype and hope from the Trump-Kim summit
Now that the first excitement died down a little, how do we evaluate the Trump-Kim summit? What gains can be made for the kingdom? What are the risks? These are some personal thoughts, as someone who has lived and worked in the region for many years. Firstly, as Christians we never should get so caught up in the politics of
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