Pastor's Release.

Ezra Jin describes harsh prison conditions in first comments since release from China.

By The Christian Post Jul 20, 2026 11:56 EDT 4 mins read

Pastor Ezra Jin has been released from detention in China and reunited with his family in the U.S., his family said Saturday, July 4, 2026. YouTube Screenshot

Days after reuniting with his family for the first time in eight years on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary, Chinese house church Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri has vowed not to rest until he sees the release of eight other church members still behind bars in China, where they are confined to cramped cells and must sleep on floor mats in blistering heat.

Jin, 56, was released from detention last week after 266 days in a Chinese prison. He was detained along with 28 other leaders and members of Beijing Zion Church last October. His release came less than two months after President Donald Trump raised his case with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

In an op-ed published by The Wall Street Journal, the founder of Beijing Zion Church expressed hope that his release might mark a “new chapter for people of faith in China” where “people can freely worship.”

“Such a future might seem impossibly remote, but so did my release,” Jim wrote, after explaining that he thought he was being taken to a trial when guards ushered him into a van last Friday. While he expected a long sentence for leading an underground house church, he was instead freed with all charges dropped.  CD

Ephesians 1:7.

Birdie.

 

Unfit For Purpose.

 See me! Grammar trouble for new Education Secretary who dismissed spelling tests at school as 'ridiculous.'

The Labour deputy leader tweeted that she was 'thrilled the be appointed Education Secretary'.

1 Thessalonians 4 NIV.

Believers Who Have Died:

13) Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14) For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15) According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17) After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18) Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Now There's A Question!

 

Why is the Church of England so afraid of ex-gay testimonies?

Is it really the case that the existence of former homosexuals will not be acknowledged by the Church of England? 

CT.

Haaland's Generosity.

 Erling Haaland buys historic Christian manuscript, donates it to local library.

Professional footballers may be known for their lavish lifestyles - fast cars and big houses - but one footballing superstar decided to use his fortune to give a historic Christian manuscript to his local library.

Norway’s Erling Haaland and his father decided to fork out $134,000 for the Heimskringla, a collection of Viking sagas that dates back to the late 16th century, EWTN reports.

The sagas document the lives of all sections of Norse society in the middle ages and detail the spread of Christianity in Norway.

Haaland himself is widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of the present day, scoring more goals than any other player in the 2025/26 Premier League season. At the recent World Cup he had the fourth highest personal goal tally.

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was also a professional footballer in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Heimskringla is believed to have been created in 1594, however it is also believed to be a copy of a much earlier document produced by an Icelandic scholar in the 13th century.

The original was in Old Norse and tells the story of King Olaf Haraldsson, who converted to Christianity and was later recognised as a saint by the Catholic Church. Over the centuries he has become a symbol of both Norwegian national pride and identity, and its spiritual formation as a Christian country.

The Haalands have donated the manuscript to the public library in their hometown of Bryne.

Erling Haaland told Norwegian media, “I want the book always to lie open so that people can read about those who came from where I come from, from Bryne and Jæren."

He added, “I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dream through football, and I know not everyone gets that chance. Books give so many more people the chance to dream big, see new possibilities and find their own path.”

CT.

I am not often speechless.

 EXCLUSIVELeft-wing MPs invited Hamas-linked activist to address them in Parliament just weeks after he was sanctioned by the US

Saif Hashim Kamel Abukishek was invited to Parliament just weeks after he was sanctioned by US authorities for his alleged links to the Hamas terrorist organisation. DM.

1 Thessalonians 5: Do not try to predict when the Lord Will Return.

The Day of the Lord.

5) Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2) for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3) While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Butterfly.

 

Tyndale.

Celebrating 500 Years of the English New Testament.

A first edition of the Tyndale New Testament is on display at St Paul's Cathedral until February 2027. (Photo: St Paul's Cathedral)

Churches, cathedrals and Christian groups across England are marking the 500th anniversary of the first printed English New Testament. This is the story …

Quincentenary

This year marks the quincentenary, or 500th anniversary, of William Tyndale’s New Testament, which was published in 1526. Not only was it the first time that the New Testament had been translated into English from Greek, but it was also the first time that the New Testament had been printed in English.

Up to that point, there was an old fourteenth-century New Testament which had been translated from Latin by Wycliffe and his followers, but it had to be laboriously copied by hand. English had changed so much since it was made about 150 years before that comparing Wycliffe’s translation to Tyndale’s is akin to comparing the English of Chaucer with the English of Shakespeare.

Five hundred years ago, in 1526, England was very different. Henry VIII was on the throne and the Catholic Church held sway. Church services were in Latin, and the Bible in English was illegal. It is hard for us to imagine today, when you can walk into most bookstores and buy a copy of the Bible, but owning an English New Testament was dangerous, and copies had to be smuggled in. CT.

Baptisms.

 Twenty churches unite as 80 people are baptised in public celebration.

More than 80 people publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ as 20 churches from across Rotherham and the surrounding area came together for a landmark public baptism celebration at Manvers Lake on Sunday.

Saint Who?

 The story of St Maughold, patron saint of the Isle of Man.

St Maughold depicted in a stained glass window. (Photo: Rev Ian Faulds)

St Maughold was the patron saint of the Isle of Man. But who was St Maughold, and what do we know about him? This is the story …

The Isle of Man

The Isle of Man lies in the Irish Sea, midway between England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It has its own language, called Manx, which is related to Irish, and a rich spiritual heritage with many Celtic saints. St Maughold is revered across the island, and his story is one of transformation, faith, and devotion.

Origins

According to tradition, Maughold was an Irish bandit from Ulster who was converted to Christianity by St Patrick in the sixth century. His name, Maughold, comes from the Latin forms (Maguilius or Machaldus) of the Irish name, variously spelt as MacCuil, Macfall, Maguil, Magharde and Maghor. He was an unpleasant and evil young man who even tried to fool, discredit and murder St Patrick. After one of his band died as the result of a trick that went wrong, Maughold pleaded with Patrick to bring him back to life. When he saw this happen, Maughold realised the power of God and immediately repented. After being forgiven by St Patrick, he was baptised as a Christian.

Leaving Ireland

Maughold was told by St Patrick that he would have to do penance for his many grievous crimes, including rape and murder. His sentence was an ancient Irish punishment used for serious crimes: to be bound hand and foot and sent out to sea in a currach (a type of ancient Irish boat). Setting out from the coast of what is now Northern Ireland, his fate was left to the judgement of God. Maughold prayed for guidance, and the idea was that, if God looked kindly upon him, he would land somewhere safe, and that would be where he should serve the Lord.

At this time, it was common for Irish saints to travel long distances by currach, linking with monastic communities on islands such as Iona and as far as the Faroe Islands on the western Atlantic edge of Europe. One saint, St Brendan, may even have travelled to America, as described in the book The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin. By comparison, the trip to the Isle of Man was fairly short.

Arriving on the Isle of Man

Sometime around AD 450, Maughold was set adrift and, after some days, washed ashore on the northeast corner of the Isle of Man near Ramsey, feeling quite seasick and exhausted. One early manuscript tells us how his currach was miraculously guided by "a divine rudder". Where he landed is now called Maughold Head, near where there is now a lighthouse. He climbed up the cliff to find a spring of water, which is now known as St Maughold's Well ("Chibbyr Maghal"), and gave thanks for his safe journey across the Irish Sea.

In those days, the people of the Isle of Man were pagan and led by druids, but there were already a few Christians on the island. On his arrival, Maughold was rescued by two missionary bishops called Romulus and Conindrius, who were struggling to convert the island. They educated Maughold in the Christian faith. Maughold grew in his faith and became a hermit, preacher, abbot and then bishop of the island. He is recorded as putting his trust in the Lord, saying that nothing evil can enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Today, in the grounds of Kirk Maughold are the remains of some ancient Celtic "keills", or monastic cells, all that is left of the most important monastic site on the island, similar to Irish monasteries such as Clonmacnoise. This was the base from which the Isle of Man was evangelised by St Maughold and his monks. It was a small part of the great missionary wave that would carry Irish monks to much of northwest Europe, whether St Columba to Iona in Scotland or St Columban to France, Switzerland and Italy. Maughold may also have made missionary journeys to Scotland, Wales and Brittany, but he seems never to have returned to Ireland.

Memorials

Maughold died late in the fifth century. Some say AD 488, while others say AD 518. It is not known where he was buried, but it is likely that the local parish church of Kirk Maughold was built over the cell where he was laid to rest. The old tradition was to bury a saint on the right-hand side of the altar. If this is the case, however, the tomb has long since been lost, probably during the Dissolution. Maughold gave his name to the church, the village, and the parish of Maughold (called "Maghal" in Manx).

Maughold was regarded as a saint, although, like most Celtic saints, he was never formally canonised, and he became a symbol of repentance and forgiveness. Consequently, Kirk Maughold remains a place of pilgrimage and has become known as a "church of second chances".

Maughold's story was told and retold in medieval manuscripts. The Book of Armagh, an early Irish manuscript, tells the story of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, but also devotes a good portion to the story of St Maughold, describing him before his conversion as "depraved in words, intemperate in works, malignant in action, bitter in spirit". Known across Europe, a Belgian monk writing around 1100 compared him with St Paul, St Cyprian and Anthony of Egypt. In medieval times, St Maughold's Well was considered a holy well and became a place of pilgrimage.

Patron Saint of the Isle of Man

St Maughold (known as "Noo Maghal" in Manx) became known as the Protector of the Isle of Man and its patron saint. According to an ancient story, in 1158 the Isle of Man was invaded, and the local women prayed to St Maughold. He appeared to the invading leader, Somerled, in a dream and rebuked him, and his forces fled.

Although saints' days were abolished at the Reformation, St Maughold's Day is still marked, and he is one of the patron saints of the nations of the British Isles, alongside St Patrick of Ireland, St Andrew of Scotland, St David of Wales, St George of England and St Piran of Cornwall. St Maughold is remembered in Maughold parish, where the local church uses water from St Maughold's Well for baptisms, while some other Manx churches commemorate him in stained glass. At Jurby Church there is a fine window showing him being baptised by St Patrick. There are two churches dedicated to him: the Anglican church at Kirk Maughold and the Catholic church in Ramsey, which has a statue of him arriving in a currach.

Evidence of the Isle of Man's long Christian heritage can be seen throughout the island in its standing Celtic crosses, parish churches, and nonconformist (mainly Methodist) chapels. Today, many people come to Kirk Maughold to see its collection of ancient Celtic crosses.

St Maughold's Day

St Maughold is remembered in the Anglican world on 31 July, which is known as St Maughold's Day (called "Laa'l Maghal Toshee" in Manx), and a service is held in his honour at Kirk Maughold on the last Sunday of each July. It is not a national day because, on the Isle of Man, that role is taken by Tynwald Day on 5 July.

Maughold Week

Local churches remember St Maughold with special events during St Maughold Week (called "Shuaghtin yn Noo Maghal" in Manx). This year, in 2026, St Maughold's Week runs from Saturday 25 July to Saturday 1 August. It starts with a pilgrimage walk to Kirk Maughold from Dhoon, and the week includes many events, such as talks, concerts, organ recitals, exhibitions and afternoon teas. On St Maughold's Day there will be a pilgrimage from St Maughold's Church to St Maughold's Well, led by the bishop, followed by afternoon tea, choral evensong with the choir, and ending with a celebration supper. The week concludes with a summer garden party on Saturday 1 August. See the Kirk Maughold Facebook page for more details.

CT.

Salcombe Wreck.

 

Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty

Amy Furr

25 Jul 202682

2:12

A mysterious shipwreck off England’s southern coast near Salcombe, Devon, has finally been identified by researchers who believe they have uncovered its origins and destination.

Researchers with Bournemouth University (BU) said the site was discovered in the mid-1990s but apart from that no one was able to determine much about it except there were hundreds of gold coins, cannons, and anchors on the sea floor, Fox News noted on Friday.

It has since been identified as a Dutch trading vessel, the Dom van Keulen, from 1633.

AOL.

Lepra.

Lepra recently became a proud partner of the Sasakawa Leprosy Initiative Young Scholar Programme, a leadership and development scheme for 18-35-year-olds affected by leprosy. The two-year programme will support participants from Bangladesh’s Bogura District in developing their leadership skills, gaining financial autonomy and becoming pivotal players in shaping solutions within their communities.  Nurturing a community-led  approach to healthcare and holistic support, is a vital step in creating more  sustainable and resilient services within endemic areas. Out of 44 potential candidates, following a rigorous selection process, five young scholars were chosen for the programme. Let’s meet them… Yousuf plays an active role in his community, visiting households to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of leprosy. He aims to advocate for the rights of people affected by leprosy, promote inclusion, and help create a society free from stigma and discrimination. Shompa actively participates in community activities and raises awareness about leprosy. She wants to promote inclusion and respect for people affected by the disease. A volunteer for leprosy community awareness programmes, Lalon promotes early diagnosis, treatment, and stigma reduction. The experience has strengthened his commitment to advocating for the rights and inclusion of people affected by leprosy. Taslima leads a community group of people affected by leprosy and is committed to supporting people affected by the disease and advocating for their rights. Since her recovery, Riya has been committed to educating others that leprosy is curable. Her goal is to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and ensure that people affected by leprosy receive timely treatment and support. Lepra Bangladesh will oversee the programme’s delivery and provide ongoing support and guidance to the young scholars. Read more about the Sasakawa Young Scholar Initiative Programme.

We look forward to sharing the journey of the young scholars with you. You can keep up to date with the latest updates on our website and social media channels. With your kindness and generosity, Lepra can help create more opportunities for people affected to overcome their diagnosis and play a greater role in shaping the future of healthcare and support. Thank you,

I am chilled to the very core of my being!

Dear All, Do you remember being 13? Long summer afternoons. Laughing with friends. Dreaming about who you might become. The small, ordinary freedoms that fill a childhood. Maria Shahbaz is 13 years old. But her life looks nothing like that. Last year, she was abducted from her Christian family in Pakistan by Shehryar Ahmad, a man more than twice her age. After making her renounce her faith, Shehryar then forced Maria to marry him. Since then, she has suffered abuse and exploitation that no child should ever endure. In February, Maria's case reached Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court. At this point, her parents were hoping that the courts would step in and protect their little girl. Instead, the court sent her back to her abductor. Even more shockingly, this was done without confirming Maria’s age, which is a clear violation of Pakistani law. A previous investigation had already found she was a minor and that the marriage certificate used against her was forged. Fortunately, this story isn’t over yet. Today, with support from ADF International, Maria’s family petitioned Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court again. The court accepted the plea for a review, issuing notices to the abductor, the attorney general, and the Punjab advocate general to appear for trial after the summer holidays. The outcome could go on to establish a precedent with stronger protections against child marriage in Pakistan.   Tehmina Arora, ADF International's Director of Advocacy for Asia, said: “This case is a crucial moment in the movement to protect young girls from the crisis of forced marriage in Pakistan. We hope that Pakistan’s highest court will reconsider the evidence that was previously relied upon by the lower courts. Maria must be freed and safely returned to her family, where she will be safe from harm and able to practice her Christian faith.”     Please join us in support and prayer for Maria.   Sadly, Maria's case is not an isolated one. More than 1,000 underage girls are abducted, forcibly converted, and married off in Pakistan every single year. ADF International is calling for an end to forced marriage and conversion in Pakistan, so children like Maria can experience the small, ordinary freedoms many of us have enjoyed. We need your help to keep going. Will you make a gift today to support our work? GIVE TODAY ADF International has supported dozens of girls who have suffered these abuses - like Reeha Saleem, abducted at 16 and forcibly married to one of her captors, who was denied police protection until her marriage was finally annulled in 2024; and 14-year-old Maira, forcibly converted and married, then brutalised and blackmailed by her abductor, before ADF International helped to secure her freedom and return her safely to her family. Every contribution funds the legal work, the advocates on the ground, and the systems we build to make sure girls like Maria are not left to face injustice alone. Thank you for standing with us. With gratitude, ADF International (UK)

Poem: Jesus loves all people with a deep, unfailing grace

 A quiet light walks through the shifting crowd,

And seeks the weary, heavy-laden soul,
To whisper peace where stormy winds are loud,
And touch the wounded spirit - making whole.

He asks no-weighted coin or perfect past,
But opens wide a gentle, healing hand,
A steady anchor holding fast and last,
A grace the human heart can understand.

Through every tear and shadow in the night,
His quiet mercy moves without a bound,
To turn our darkest winter into light,
And lift the fallen where His love is found.

No mortal measure gauges such regard.