Displaying items by tag: USA

Donald Trump’s threats to cut aid and launch military strikes against Nigeria over alleged ‘Christian genocide’, while resonating with US evangelicals, might misrepresent and oversimplify the country’s complex crisis. Nigeria’s conflicts, spanning insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes, are not purely religious but deeply rooted in ethnicity, identity, and government failures. Analysts warn that US intervention, whether through sanctions or drone strikes, could devastate civilians already trapped between terrorists and insecurity. History shows that ‘precision’ attacks often result in innocent casualties, worsening humanitarian crises. Arguably, Trump’s decision to freeze most foreign assistance programmes have exacerbated the problem, resulting in job losses for about 28,000 health workers and pushing vulnerable Nigerians deeper into hardship. His threats pose a dilemma for President Tinubu. If he cooperates, he might appear weak, but defying Washington might risk economic and military pain.

The latest US strike on a vessel in the Pacific, ordered by Donald Trump, has drawn renewed condemnation and concern. Two people were killed in what was described as an anti-narcotics operation, bringing the total death toll from similar maritime attacks to at least 67 since September. Despite claims that the vessels targeted were involved in drug trafficking, Washington has yet to provide evidence, prompting accusations of extrajudicial killings. Human rights advocates, including the UN’s Volker Turk, have warned that such actions violate international law and risk killing innocent fishermen. The escalation has drawn condemnation from Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro, who regards Trump’s intensified ‘war on drugs’ as a pretext to topple him from power. With an aircraft carrier about to join other US vessels already in the region, the world watches anxiously, fearing that a campaign meant to stop drugs could instead fuel regional instability and human suffering.

At the World Evangelical Alliance general assembly in Seoul, Asbury University president Kevin Brown reflected on the 2023 Asbury revival, praying it would one day be remembered as a mere 'tremor' before a global Christian awakening. What began as a small chapel meeting became a 16-day outpouring that drew 50,000 people from 287 universities worldwide. Brown believes that since then, spiritual renewal has continued to spread — seen in mass baptisms, worship gatherings like Baptise America and Gather 25, and growing Bible engagement across generations. He cited evidence of rising church attendance in both the USA and Europe, with England and Wales reporting a 50% increase since 2018. At the Lausanne Congress, Brown witnessed thousands from over 200 nations worshipping in unity, sensing a worldwide stirring among youth. He urged believers to pursue true revival, marked not by emotion but by unity - the oneness Jesus prayed for in John 17 - a heart-level allegiance to God reflecting the love between Father and Son.

South Korea stands at a delicate crossroads, balancing its security alliance with the USA and its economic reliance on China. Recent rallies in Seoul captured this tension vividly, with protesters denouncing both Donald Trump and the Chinese Communist Party - reflecting deep divisions over the nation’s direction. President Lee Jae Myung faces immense diplomatic pressure as he hosts both Trump and Xi Jinping on 30 October, hoping to ease trade disputes while maintaining South Korea’s fragile political stability. In August, when Lee visited the USA, things seemed to go well, with Trump reducing tariffs on South Korean goods from 25% to 15%. However, relations soured after immigration officials detained more than 300 workers at the Hyundai plant in Georgia, and Trump has increased his trade demands. Meanwhile, anti-China sentiment has grown, fuelled by old grievances and modern fears of interference. Breaking news: Trump has hailed his meeting with Xi as ‘amazing’, even though it did not result in a formal trade deal: see

After a peace agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October, Donald Trump and senior US officials had expected the immediate release of eighteen Cambodian soldiers captured by Thailand. However, Thailand’s prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has imposed conditions on their release, primarily the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the border. At a bilateral meeting on 28 October, Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia's commitment to the agreement and appealed for the soldiers' release, but Anutin stated that this would start only after significant and speedy progress on the withdrawal of the weapons, a condition agreed upon by both parties. The first phase of the withdrawal has already taken place, with Cambodia moving a number of battle tanks back to their base. The situation underscores the complex diplomatic negotiations involved.

US President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping new sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, after shelving plans for peace talks with Vladimir Putin. The move marks a major policy shift, as Trump had previously resisted sanctions while urging Europe to end purchases of Russian oil. Frustrated by Moscow’s failure to negotiate, he said his conversations with Putin “don’t go anywhere,” calling the sanctions “tremendous” and expressing hope they could be lifted if Russia agrees to halt its war in Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures target the Kremlin’s “war machine,” which is heavily funded by oil exports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the action as a “good signal,” urging continued global pressure. The sanctions follow similar steps by the UK and EU, which also banned Russian liquefied gas imports by 2028. Despite economic pressure, Russia insists it remains “immune” and continues airstrikes across Ukraine, where civilian casualties—including children—remain high.

Christian singer and songwriter Forrest Frank has announced he will no longer attend awards shows, including the Dove Awards and Grammys, saying he already holds 'the greatest award of all time' — salvation in Christ. In a video on TikTok, Frank explained his conviction that he should not receive trophies for something created 'from Jesus and for Jesus.' He said he wrestled with this decision last year and has now chosen 'a stance of nonparticipation’, preferring to model humility rather than seek recognition. Frank clarified that he is not refusing to shine as a light in dark places but to avoid stages that glorify human achievement. Though nominated in several top categories, he declared that his real prize is having his 'name written in the Book of Life’. His statement challenges Christian artists to reconsider the tension between cultural acclaim and eternal reward, reminding believers that earthly fame will fade, but the name of Jesus endures for ever.

The US government shutdown has entered its second week as the Senate again failed to pass competing bills to restore funding, deepening the political stalemate. Democrats and Republicans remain divided over whether to pair any funding bill with healthcare measures, particularly an extension of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits set to expire at the end of the year. The lapse in funding has forced federal offices, national parks, and agencies to close, with mounting pressure from unpaid workers and disruptions at airports and air traffic control centres (see) House speaker Mike Johnson insists the GOP’s short-term funding bill is sufficient, while a top Democrat has accused Republicans of refusing to negotiate. Donald Trump continues to urge Democrats to accept the Republican plan, though some within the GOP have hinted at compromise. Without agreement, hundreds of thousands of military and civilian personnel will soon miss paychecks, further straining families and testing public patience with political gridlock.

At the age of nine, John O’Leary suffered burns over his entire body in a gasoline explosion, losing all his fingers and facing little chance of survival. His remarkable journey of recovery, faith, and purpose is now portrayed in Sony’s upcoming film ‘Soul on Fire’. Directed by Sean McNamara, the film depicts how O’Leary transformed tragedy into triumph, discovering hope in Christ and encouragement through others. Legendary baseball announcer Jack Buck became a key supporter, visiting John in hospital and later welcoming him to the Cardinals. John’s family, especially his mother and sister, modelled sacrificial love, urging him to cling to God and fight for life. Today, O’Leary speaks globally, teaching gratitude as essential, even in prison cells or painful trials. He insists God redeems all suffering for good, turning victims into victors. Based on his bestselling book ‘On Fire’, the film shows how faith, love, and gratitude can ignite resilience, inspiring countless lives worldwide.

Joe and Nancy’s journey to Christ began amid the hippie counterculture of Southern California. They first met in 1969 at a friend’s home during a police drug raid, and their instant connection led them into a shared search for meaning. Drawn into the psychedelic scene, they explored Eastern mysticism, following gurus like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Meher Baba. Yet, when Meher Baba died without fulfilling his promise of a world-changing word, their spiritual hunger deepened. Living in Hawaii, they discovered Christian literature and later, through Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Nancy encountered the Gospel powerfully. Desperate for truth, she accepted Christ and was soon baptised. Joe initially resisted but was later moved to repentance and baptised the same day. Married in 1970, they have remained in church fellowship ever since. Now celebrating 55 years together, their enduring testimony shows how God redeems searching hearts with lasting love and truth.