World Watch List 2026: Syria among Worst 10 Countries for Christians

Persistent violence and instability have driven Syria back into the top 10 countries where Christians face the next severe persecution to Open Doors 2026 World Watch List, the Christian Daily website reports today (Feb.2, 2026).

Syria broke into the top 10 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian for the first time in nearly a decade in Open  Doors' 2026 World Watch List (WWL) as more than 338 million Christians worldwide faced high levels of persecution or discrimination last year.

"The intensity of persecution and discrimination continues to increase, with more than 338 million Christians worldwide (one in seven) facing high levels of  persecution and discrimination for their faith," the WWL report states. "This accounts for 8 million more people than last year."

Facing at least high levels of persecution or discrimination for their faith  are one in five Christians in Africa; two in five Christians in Asia; and one in 12 in Latin America.

With a surge of anti--Christian violence, Syria vaulted from No. 18 in 2025 to No.6 in the 2026 report.

Church Construction Increases since 2022

New data from the federal government shows that spending on new cnstruction of churches and other houses of worship increased by 17 percent from  June 2022,the Christianity Today website reports today(Jan. 31, 2026).

This is the first serious rebound  in church construction in 20 years. 

Spending went up in 2022, 2023,2024, and 2025.The reasons for the rebound are unclear. Several consultants said that many of the expansions are "multipurposed space," including childcare facilities, coworking spaces, and coffee shops.

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Put God First While You Can

The  will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you, the Christian Daily website reports today (Jan. 29, 2026). 

When you have faith in God you don't have to worry about the future. You just know it's all in His hands. You just go to and do your best.

God will supply every need of yours, according to His riches in glory in Christ.

If you have faith, nothing shall be impossible for you (Matthew 17:28).

Pope Pleads for End to UKRAINE War

 The pope has urged all parties involved in Russia's war in Ukraine to hasten an end to the onflict, the Christian News website reports today (Jan. 27,2026).

As part of the Angelus prayer, he emphasized that ongoing Russian attacks have left civilians exposed to the harsh cold of winter.

"The protracted hostilities have serious implications for civilians," Pope Leo said.

"I urge everyone to intensify their efforts to end this war."

It comes as the first trilateral peace talks betweeen Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. have ended, with no breakthrough. 

The two--day talks held in Abu Dhabi finished while heavy fighting continues.

Ukrainian officials reported that recent air srtrikes targeted the country's  energy infrastructure, killing one person and injuring at least 35 others. 

President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested a second round of talks could be held as early as next week, while  an American official said discusssions are set to resume on  Feb. 1.

Christian Leaders Warn of Threats to Holy Land

 The Senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem, have warned that outside political and ideological interference could be endangering the unity and survival of Christianity in the Holy Land, the Christian Today website reports today (Jan. 23,2026).

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in the refgion said local individuals promoting "damaging

The warning comes amid growing concens among  Palestinian Christians  over Israeli policies, including land confiscation,settlement expansion,and pressure on church--owned property. Church leaders said these measures were accelerating the erosion of one of the world's oldest continuous Christian communities. They claimed that these efforts had received backing from "certain political actors in Israel and beyond" and warned that such support threatened Christian communities across wider Middle East.

The warning followed a recent report by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem , which highlighted "threats to Christian heritage -- particularly  in Jersalem,  rthe West Bank, and Gaza, alongside issues of unjustified taxation -- are the source of ongoing concerns that threaten the  existence of the community and the churches."

Your Purpose by Modeling Jesus

Jesus had a purpose when he walked the earth :to heal and teach about the Kingdom of God,the Ccrossmap website reports today (Jan.19, 2026).

When the disciples did not want to be bothered with feeding the crowds, Jesus was determined, because feeding them was just part of His mission . The main gial was to love people and lead them to follow Him.

After finding five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus prayed over them and asked God to  bless t

Then Jesus took  the five loaves of bread and two fish,  looked up to heaven,and blesseed the food. He broke the loaves apart and kept giving them to the disciples to give to the crowd (Luke 9:16).

Jesus had a plan because He understood His purpose. He instrucrted the disciples tp dhave the people breqak up  into smaller groups.

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Then  He told His disciples , "Have them sit  in groups of about 50 (Luke:9:14).

Then, He broke the bread and fish and had His disciples distribute them. The result was an abundance of food: everyone was fed.and there were leftovers.

All of them ate as much  aS THEY WANTED. When they picked up the leftover pieces, thye filled 12 baskets (Luke 9:17).

Giving a plan to accomplish a goal, brings clarity, peace, and motivation to get started.