Update: Extreme Weather in China Gives Bad Omen
We have reported recently here and here about extreme weather and floods in China. The situation is not letting up and we want to ask you to continue to keep this in your prayers. The Three Gorges Dam has held so far, for which we are thankful. The government has, however, opened the dam’s emergency floodwater spillways, which has led
Continue ReadingExtreme flooding in China, prayers asked
Very heavy rainfall has led to the first code red flood warning in 80 years. The Qijiang river is bursting its banks in many places. At the moment it is unclear how serious the situation is because communication has been lost in some areas. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated already, as water levels are expected to reach
Continue ReadingWandering the streets of North Korea
Homelessness is on the rise in North Korea, according to a report from Daily NK, (a media outlet run by North Korean defectors). An interview with two people, one living inside North Korea and one recently defected, explores the reasons for this. Homelessness among children is a long-standing problem in North Korea. There is even a specific term for them
Continue ReadingIranian brothers begin prison sentence
The organisation Middle East Concern, reports that four Iranian brothers have gone to prison after their appeal was denied at the beginning of this year. Hossein Kadivar, Khalil Dehghanpour, Kamal Naamanian and Mohammed Vafadar were arrested last year for ‘endangering state security and promoting Zionism’. They began their 5 year sentences on the 2nd of June. Three of our brothers
Continue ReadingFood and face masks in India
We received encouraging news from our partners in India today. Like the rest of the world, the pandemic has a great impact in India, but they testify how God had already prepared them for it although they were unaware. In the past few years, they had done a lot of training in sustainable farming and aquaponics. Many villages had been
Continue ReadingAgility in battle: lockdown changes and challenges
In every country in which we are working, our teams have to deal with the constantly changing reality of pandemic restrictions and supply issues. Fortunately, we have had some practice at this. Back to Jerusalem is used to working in volatile regions, where we always have to be ready to quickly change our plans. However, this situation also poses some
Continue ReadingPrioritizing the Great Commission in a time of lock down
Times change but our call never does. More than ever is the world in need of hope, of comfort, of good news. Many doors close as we speak. Our traditional ways of evangelising will not be possible for a time. But we have the Spirit of God. His power in us will enable us to find new ways. In times
Continue ReadingGood news from China
As many nations move into a dark season of lockdown, fear and economic uncertainty, we would like to share some good news with you. In China, life is slowly returning to normal. Our contacts in different parts of China tell us that shops and restaurants are opening, they are able to leave their homes, and from the far West of
Continue ReadingThe Middle East is heating up; an emergency prayer guide
Many people are glued to their screens, following developments in Iran and surrounding nations. For Christians every crisis is a call to prayer. We have the privilege of interceding for the world with the God who holds all nations in His hands. Below is a guide with some suggestions. Pray that political leaders, military leaders and media will exercise restraint,
Continue ReadingHard knocks for the Chinese Church
We have seen with great joy how in recent months God has continued to use Chinese missionaries all throughout the 10/40 window. However, things in China are changing fast. And BtJ’s work is facing major challenges as president Xi’s anti-Christian policies are being implemented more widely and consistently. Although it was quite clear from the start of president Xi’s rule
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