Faith Facts

• The majority of churches in America dedicate around 10% of their budget to missions work.
• Some faithful congregations have reached or surpassed the 50% benchmark for mission-focused giving.
• Over half of the world’s population remains unreached by the message of Jesus Christ.

Early followers of Jesus boldly proclaimed His works, setting a high standard for modern churches to fulfill the Great Commission. Today, the call to share the Gospel worldwide still stands as a charge for believers to embrace wholeheartedly.

“Now the crowd that was with him [Jesus] when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word…So the Pharisees said to one another, ‘See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him [Jesus]!’” (John 12: 17-19; NIV)

Recent decades have seen a decline in Christian affiliation in America, making intentional missions giving even more critical. Many churches are called to move beyond comfort and make missional giving a visible priority.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19-20; NIV)

While typical congregations allocate only a fraction of resources to missions, testimonies from both church leaders and missions directors show that dedicating 50% is possible and spiritually fruitful. Fulfilling the biblical mandate requires faith, generosity, and accountability to serve both near and far.

“Of every dollar given to a [US] Protestant church, the average amount that goes to overseas missions is two cents… In contrast, of every dollar Antioch Presbyterian Church in Chonju, Korea, takes in, 70 cents goes to missions…”

May churches across America rediscover their missional purpose, using their blessings to reach the unreached and testify to the mighty works of God in every nation. Let us strive toward budgets that reflect hearts on fire for the Gospel, to the glory of Christ.

Read the full article at Christian Daily

Faith Facts

• Rev Trevor Gribben will step down as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland due to significant safeguarding failings.
• These shortcomings in protection occurred between 2009 and 2022, leading to harm and risk for several individuals.
• The Church is committed to offering support and expressing regret to those affected, seeking to uphold Christian responsibility for the vulnerable.

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland faces a crucial moment.

Rev Trevor Gribben resigns from leadership following revelations of past safeguarding shortcomings.

The failings within the Church’s central safeguarding functions placed individuals at risk.

The leadership has offered an unreserved apology.

“Following an internal investigation and report, it has become clear that there have been serious and significant failings in the central safeguarding functions of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland,” Rev Gribben stated.

“As a result of this, people have been placed at risk. We are aware of a number of people who have been harmed, and we believe there may well be others as yet unknown to us.”

“We apologise unreservedly for this.”

The Church emphasizes its Christian duty to care for and protect those most vulnerable.

It is demonstrating repentance and a commitment to accountability.

Stay informed and prayerful for those affected.

Hold Christian leaders to a high standard of care rooted in Biblical principles.

Read the full report

Faith Facts

• Three churches in Far Rockaway, Queens, were vandalized early on October 5th.
• The suspect displayed anti-Christian messages and defaced religious statues while carrying an LGBT pride flag.
• Authorities are continuing their investigation as faith communities call for prayer and religious tolerance.

Police in New York City are searching for a masked individual responsible for vandalizing multiple churches in Queens in the early hours of October 5th.

The person painted anti-Christian statements and defaced sacred statues, actions caught on video as the assailant carried a pride flag and wore rainbow colors.

“The Diocese of Brooklyn is grateful to the NYPD for their continued diligence and investigation in this matter.”

The Diocese expressed sorrow at the desecration and encouraged prayers for the perpetrator and for religious tolerance.

“Absolutely disgraceful.”

Last year, the Family Research Council reported over 400 acts of hostility toward churches nationwide, showing a troubling rise in attacks against houses of worship.

Respect for sacred spaces is foundational to our nation’s liberty, and Christians are reminded to stand strong in faith, praying for restoration and unity within our communities.

Full story at The Christian Post