In the worst of times God is at work. There’s proof of that with the refugee crisis. Hundreds of thousands have poured into Europe, legally and illegally, some to opened arms to the persecuted, some to closed gates. ‘All sorts of churches and ministries are reaching out,’ says Helen Williams of World Missionary Press. Churches, even in unwelcoming countries, are opening arms, accepting refugees and providing for them. In Hungary several churches went to train stations to give out food, clothing and the Gospel in Hungarian and translated languages to the flood of refugees. Other church groups and a Bible college are also ministering to refugees with the gospel. One of their favourite booklets to give is How to Know God, which was written specifically for Muslims. Almost every person that they gave it to received it gladly. So far they have given away 12,000 Scripture booklets in 10 different languages.

Al-Qaeda-linked fighters in Syria abducted an Italian priest known for his peace activism and who has expressed his opinion championing the anti-government uprising in Syria on Vatican Radio. He has now been freed. While reasons for Father Jacques Mourad’s release are unknown, a source told AFP that he said Mass yesterday for the first time since his abduction. He has ministered to Qaryatayn's Syriac Catholic community for 12 years. 2,000 Christians lived there before the war, none remain now, but the Priest works to promote Christian/Muslim dialogue and his ministry has been fruitful. Priests are fully aware of the risks they run, but they remain alongside the Syrian people, both Christians and Muslims. Often they are the only ones people have to turn to. When asked if he was intending to leave the area he said that he would do so only if forced - otherwise he would remain with his people. See also: http://www.sconews.co.uk/news/30317/italian-jesuit-priest-and-peace-activist-kidnapped-in-syria/