Faith Facts

• Activists interrupted a Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, protesting against the involvement of a pastor connected to ICE.
• The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the incident for possible criminal violations of federal law.
• Protesters targeted Pastor David Easterwood, who reportedly leads a local ICE field office.

Our places of worship should remain sanctuaries of peace, free from disruptive protests that hinder Christians from gathering in faith. The Department of Justice is taking these threats to religious liberty seriously and has begun an investigation to ensure that such actions are addressed under the law.

Federal officials affirmed that attacks on churches and the intimidation of believers will not be tolerated. Christians understand the importance of upholding both the rule of law and the freedom to worship without fear.

“A house of worship is not a public forum for your protest! It is a space protected from exactly such acts by federal criminal and civil laws! Nor does the First Amendment protect your pseudo journalism of disrupting a prayer service. You are on notice!”

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon

Senior Pastor Jonathan Parnell emphasized the inappropriateness of disturbing church services, urging respect for the right of Christians to worship freely. Demonstrators’ calls and slogans, aimed at church leadership and law enforcement, reflect broader tensions across America.

“This is unacceptable. It’s shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship. We are here to worship Jesus. That’s why we are here.”

Senior Pastor Jonathan Parnell

American Christians, now more than ever, must stand strong in their faith and rely on God to guide this nation through cultural challenges and efforts to undermine religious freedom. Stay informed, pray for our church leaders, and keep shining a light for faith, family, and freedom.

Read full report at The Christian Post

Faith Facts

• Syria and the Kurdish-led SDF have agreed to a nationwide ceasefire after weeks of deadly conflict.
• The deal will see SDF forces integrated into Syrian state institutions and government control restored over key governorates.
• Concerns remain among Christians and minorities regarding ongoing persecution and lack of genuine protection.

Syria has announced a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led SDF, ending recent fighting and promising a new era of state control in the east.

Despite the agreement, leaders and faith communities express concern that the promises may not translate into protection for Christians and other minorities who have suffered violence and discrimination.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa declared that the arrangement will restore order and reintegrate essential regions back under Damascus’s authority, including vital oil and gas fields.

The Syrian government has pledged to recognize certain Kurdish rights, such as language recognition and cultural celebrations, representing a historic shift.

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi stated his forces accepted the deal to prevent wider bloodshed and will continue to seek security for their people.

“For a longer time, I have been afraid for minorities in Syria — or more accurately, for the different components of Syrian society, including Kurds, Alawites, Druze, and Christians,” a Christian Syrian Kurd refugee said.

The refugee spoke of intensified violence against minorities, referencing attacks against Christian churches, Kurdish neighborhoods, and other vulnerable groups.

He noted that the transfer of prison control has prompted worries about terrorism and the safety of non-Muslim communities.

“Such a development would place all non-Muslims — and even many Muslims — in grave danger,” the refugee warned.

Having recently converted to Christianity, the refugee shared that returning to Syria is not an option due to threats against those who stand for their faith.

The ceasefire includes promises to defend Kurdish culture, but many believe true security will only come when these assurances are matched by action.

Open Doors now ranks Syria as the sixth most dangerous nation for Christians, a sign of deep-rooted challenges and the need for prayer and steadfast faith-based advocacy.

Now more than ever, believers are called to stand firm in prayer, courage, and love as our brothers and sisters in Syria persevere for freedom and the promise of genuine peace.

Read the full story at Christian Daily

Faith Facts

• Modern distractions threaten our devotion and focus on Christ.
• Scripture calls believers to fix their eyes on Jesus and let go of all that hinders spiritual growth.
• Choosing to remove digital distractions can renew our relationship with God and strengthen our faith.

Our attention is under siege in the digital age, quietly pulling us from what matters most: our walk with Christ. Christians must recognize the spiritual battle waged on their minds and hearts each day through excessive screen time and media saturation.

Tim Boxer urges believers to realize the hidden cost of distraction and make 2026 a year to reclaim a Christ-centered life.

Screens, Sin, and Spiritual Formation

Many consider constant device use normal, yet these habits can lead to anxiety, comparison, and weakened connection with God. The subtle danger lies in thinking external actions alone define our spiritual standing, while neglecting the biblical command to love God wholly—heart, soul, and strength.

“I believe that our attention is one of the most valuable things we have.”

Scripture, especially Hebrews 11 and 12, reminds us to cast aside hindrances and sins that entangle us, focusing steadfastly on Jesus. What we choose to look upon transforms our hearts and behaviors, with either life-giving or harmful results.

Tim’s personal experiment of a device-free holiday awakened a deeper connection with God, showing that freedom from screens can invigorate faith and imagination.

Taking Responsibility, Choosing Renewal

Digital technology itself is neutral, but unchecked use can draw us from our calling. True freedom is found by removing what causes us to stumble, aligning with Christ’s teaching to cut off that which leads to sin. Even short breaks from screens can revive our spiritual attentiveness and set our hearts on heavenly things.

This year, choose to refocus your attention on God, embracing faith, family, and freedom above worldly distractions. Let us be diligent in resisting anything that hinders our relationship with Christ and honor Him in all facets of life.

Read the full article here