The coronavirus was introduced to the Bethlehem area by Christians on a pilgrimage from South Korea. The situation in the West Bank comes just as we had begun a diaper program at a nursing home for very elderly Christians who are in need of constant medical aid.
Fear is more contagious than any virus could ever be, and the media has really fed the fear factor for the coronavirus. Here are my frustrations and concerns with how the coronavirus has been handled in the US thus far.
New Islamic terror attacks in Nigeria – Trump issues travel ban / Islamic terror attacks west of our orphanage in Plateau State / Stop Nigerian oil exports until Muslim President protects Christians! / Work on Capitol Hill does make a difference / New needs in diaper program
The travel ban proclaimed by President Trump, and the addition of Nigeria to the “Special Watch List” of nations that violate religious freedom are both steps forward to confront the Sunni Muslim president of Nigeria who allows the attacks on Christians and actively suppresses the Shia Muslim minority. Still, much harsher action is needed by the American government.
As president of the Religious Freedom Coalition I make sure that we sponsor special events held by the IRF such as the meeting held on February 4th. The results of the February 4th meeting we sponsored were made very clear the next day when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the launching of the International Religious Freedom Alliance (IRF Alliance).
Christmas events held in Nigeria orphanage / Planning for food and farm / Every child at the Nigeria orphanage sent us a thank you card / Christmas for Refugees events in Jordan and the West Bank bring smiles / Christian refugees live in the shadow of great wealth in Jordan and Lebanon
The Religious Freedom Coalition signed a petition addressed to U.S. Ambassador Kelly Craft, urging her to bring the wrongful imprisonment of Pastor Wang Yi to the attention of the United Nations. Read the official letter here.
The Christmas program in 2019 was the third we have held at the orphanage in Nigeria. Just as was done for Christmas in 2017 all the children received shoes again in 2019. The day long Christmas celebration included puppet shows and each age group performed in a celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Demonstrations in Lebanon and strikes in Paris hamper Christmas programs / Some children attending were raised as Muslim but now confess Jesus
New: Visits to some of the first Christmas programs in Lebanon in 2019 / Iraq Christmas programs remind children of Jesus’ love for them / Watch the next issue of the Chairman’s Report for Jordan and the West Bank
Although nationwide demonstrations shut down streets in Lebanon, every event was still able to be held. The Christmas events were a blessing to the children who attended and a blessing for Nancy and me to participate in.