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Rwanda Faces Criticism Over Church Closures

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  • Over 10,000 churches have been closed in Rwanda under a strict 2018 law.
  • Preachers must complete theological training and churches must meet financial, health, and safety requirements.
  • Concerns have been raised that new Evangelical churches are disproportionately targeted.

President Paul Kagame has defended the government’s closure of thousands of churches, describing some as unhelpful to Rwanda’s stability and survival.

Many churches remain shut, even after meeting government standards, leaving Christian communities grieving the loss of their gathering places of worship and service.

“In all the development challenges we are dealing with, the wars, our country’s survival… what is the role of these churches… Are they also providing jobs? Many are just thieving,” President Kagame stated.

Pastors like Sam Rugira argue that the government’s policies misunderstand the role of churches and neglect the support churches offer to families and the needy.

Some Muslim leaders have also spoken out, noting that restrictions affect all faith groups and threaten religious freedoms protected under Rwanda’s constitution.

Standing for faith and freedom requires vigilance and prayer for those whose right to worship is endangered. Let us pray for the faithful in Rwanda and support all who champion religious liberty.

Read the original article at Christian Today

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Faith

Our Calling: God’s Story Continues With Us

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Faith Facts

  • The resurrection marks a powerful new beginning, calling believers into ongoing mission.
  • Jesus’ commission is for all Christians, sending us into the world with the power of the Holy Spirit.
  • Acts of faith—large or small—are multiplied by God as part of His greater story.

The story of Christ is ongoing, calling us to love boldly and serve others beyond mere belief. Christians are instructed to move outward in faith, empowered by God’s Spirit, and to answer His call daily.

As Scripture reveals, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21).

The mission of Christ is not limited to special individuals but is the foundation of every believer’s identity. God equips His people for this calling through forgiveness and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

God’s grace and strength are what sustain and empower missions, not human achievement. Isaiah’s humble response, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8), is only possible after cleansing and forgiveness.

In practical terms, churches across the UK demonstrate how ordinary acts of obedience—such as welcoming refugees or reaching new communities—can transform lives and communities by God’s hand.

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Mission work happens everywhere, not just abroad—wherever God’s people encounter need, kindness and truth bring Christ’s love into the world. Scripture offers guidance to seek the Spirit’s renewal, move toward those in need, and let gospel words and actions combine for God’s glory.

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” declares the Lord (Zechariah 4:6).

Let us prayerfully ask God to send us, trusting that every offering done in His name bears eternal significance. As God’s people, we continue the story of Christ’s hope, healing, and reconciliation in our communities today.

Read the full article at Christian Today

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Faith

Christians Face Persecution at Christmas in India

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Faith Facts

  • A local BJP official in Madhya Pradesh accused a visually impaired woman of converting to Christianity during a Christmas event for blind children.
  • At least 50 attacks against Christians occurred in several Indian states during Advent and Christmas, with churches burned and families forced to flee.
  • Despite police involvement, no protection or justice was given to Christians, and church communities remain shaken by these targeted attacks.

Believers gathered for a peaceful Christmas lunch in Jabalpur, seeking to share the love of Christ through acts of kindness and gifts for visually impaired children. Yet, hostility arose as false accusations and violence disrupted the event, showing the high cost of living out faith in regions hostile to Christianity.

Pastors and church members were subjected to threats and physical harm for simply worshipping and caring for the vulnerable. The lack of response from authorities points to the urgent need for prayer, advocacy, and unity among those who value religious freedom and the dignity of every person.

“The atmosphere has become increasingly polarized and vitiated, making it difficult for us to worship in peace. We are disappointed by the lack of adequate police action to protect our constitutional rights and hold the perpetrators accountable.”

As Christians experience rejection and even violence for their faith, let us stand with them, call for justice, and remember that persecution has always tried to silence truth but cannot extinguish the light of the Gospel. Upholding religious liberty serves not only our brothers and sisters abroad, but sustains the very pillars of faith, family, and freedom in every nation.

Learn more about these events and stand in prayerful solidarity with persecuted believers.

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Faith

Virginia School Board Protects Faith Rights

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Faith Facts

  • Chesapeake Public Schools Board voted 7-2 to prohibit forced use of pronouns contrary to biological sex.
  • The new policy upholds teachers’ and students’ rights not to be compelled to speak against their beliefs.
  • Court settlements in Virginia and Kansas affirmed protections for educators acting on faith convictions.

The Chesapeake Public Schools Board in Virginia has moved to safeguard the freedoms of Christian teachers and students by barring policies that force the use of chosen pronouns conflicting with their God-given sex. Their decision directly protects the right to act according to faith and conscience, honoring biblical truth about gender.

The board clarified that employees may voluntarily use alternative pronouns, but no one can be compelled to do so against their religious or constitutional convictions.

“A person who does not fundamentally agree with the use of alternative pronouns and titles cannot be compelled to use them,” Swygert said.

Resistance came from those promoting progressive gender ideology, but the decision affirms that faith-driven values and constitutional rights take priority over cultural trends.

Similar cases across America, including settlements for teachers disciplined for upholding Christian beliefs, underscore the importance of policies like these in safeguarding religious liberty.

As Christian citizens, we must continue to defend family, faith, and freedom in our schools and communities. Stand for your values and be a light in your local school system.

Read the full report here.

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