The header photo shows Christians in Laos who had their houses torn down by local authorities. (Photo courtesy of A3)

Laos (MNN) — A pastor in Laos has been released after spending a year in prison. He was convicted of “creating disorder” after holding church services without permission.

Read More

In header image, protesters rally against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 9, 2021. (Wikimedia Commons)

Myanmar (MNN) — Civil war threats loom large in Myanmar. This weekend’s military crackdown on civilian protestors led to the highest death toll since the February 1 coup.

The U.S. cut all trade agreements with Myanmar over the bloodshed. Meanwhile, protestors and armed ethnic groups called for unity against the military junta.

Read More

The header photo shows cherry blossoms in Japan. (Photo courtesy of Kanenori on Pixabay)

Japan (MNN) — As cherry blossoms bloom across Japan, the country has barred international spectators from the rescheduled 2021 Summer Olympics due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. 600,000 people bought tickets to watch the games in-person.

Read More

The header photo shows a radiation hotspot near Fukushima in 2012. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

Japan (MNN) — Nearly ten years ago, a powerful 8.9 magnitude earthquake unleashed a massive tsunami near Fukushima, Japan. 20,000 people died and over 100,000 evacuated after three nuclear reactors suffered damage and melted down, releasing radioactive materials into the environment. Read more about the ongoing effects of the catastrophe here.

Read More

Header image courtesy of Gavin Yeates on Flickr https://bit.ly/3aWb9wu

Nepal (MNN) — In the face of anti-conversion laws that have targeted Christians for many years, Nepalese believers hold tight to the Gospel.

Read More

 An armored car patrolling Myanmar after the coup. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

Myanmar (MNN) — Governments around the world have condemned the Myanmar coup. The military took control of the country on Monday, disregarding the democratic process. Now, police have charged the elected leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, as a justification for holding her. The charge? Illegally possessing and importing walkie talkies.

Read More

Myanmar (MNN) — The military of Myanmar has staged a coup, detaining several senior politicians. Internet, phone, and television access were blocked around the capital of Naypyitaw.

Read More

Middle East North Africa (MNN) — The Middle East and North Africa region is a critical ground for the hope of Jesus. According to the Pew Research Center, Christians comprise less than four percent of the region’s population, whereas 93-percent of the population follows Islam.

Read More

hakan-nural-16bsoiasxh0-unsplash

Japan (MNN) — The world’s most populous city is now under a state of emergency thanks to soaring COVID-19 infections. Japan reported 6,100 new cases on Thursday, with roughly half coming from Tokyo. The emergency declaration began Friday and will end on February 7.“

Over the Christmas into New Year’s holidays, we couldn’t change the trend of steep [infection] increases, especially in the bigger cities. Hokkaido and Osaka requested ‘state of emergency’-type restrictions; however, Tokyo never went into that stage,” Takeshi Takazawa explains.

Read More

Header image depicts Super Typhoon Goni, which made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 310 kilometers (195 miles) per hour near its center. (Photo credit: NASA)Philippines (MNN) — Super Typhoon Goni is on its way to Vietnam today after leaving the Philippines in pieces. Forecasters expect Goni to make landfall tomorrow in central Vietnam. Herman Moldez of A3 says the Lord intervened. “In the forecast, metro Manila [was] part of the direct hit of the typhoon. But somehow it changed for us,” he describes...

Read More

cambodia, unsplashCambodia (MNN) — Cambodia has faced widespread flooding throughout the month of October, and as the water recedes, the country must find ways to cope with the destruction. Tens of thousands of households have been affected by this disaster, leaving homes and property severely damaged. Joe Handley of A3 says those connected with the ministry have reported a great deal of destruction.“ I’m hearing firsthand reports [from] alumni of A3. I’ve seen pictures of them floating in the water, with rivers going down a normal street where the water [was] so high, it would be above the level of a normal motorcycle...

Read More

A protest at Thammasat Rangsit campus on August 10. (Photo credit: Milktea2020/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0)Thailand (MNN) — Conditions are ripe for another military takeover in Thailand. According to the Thai Enquirer, there have been 13 coups since the start of the 20th century. Today, any conflict between pro-democracy demonstrators and monarchy supporters could give the military an excuse to take control. Led by students, ongoing pro-democracy protests have been largely peaceful. Demonstrators want the current Prime Minister to resign, and they’re calling for constitutional reform. Protestors appealed to Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday after marching to the German embassy in Bangkok. Supporters of the Thai kingdom criticize this youthful movement...

Read More