Category: News

The Last Open Church in El-Fasher

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William Desjardins

In the war-torn Sudanese city of El-Fasher, one Christian sanctuary remains open against all odds. The Rev. Daramali Abudigin, an Anglican priest, has refused to abandon his community despite relentless fighting and a city under siege.

St. Mathew of the Anglican Church of Sudan now stands as the last remaining Christian church in El-Fasher. Abudigin has kept its doors open to all Christians, offering a place of prayer and hope while nearly every other pastor and priest has been forced to flee the violence.

The risks of staying are immense. In May, five church members living with Abudigin were killed when armed men sprayed bullets into the church compound at random. Still, he continues his ministry alongside his wife and three sons, determined to serve the dwindling Christian population that has no other refuge.

El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has been encircled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April of last year. Inside the city, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) continue to fight the RSF in a conflict that has devastated civilian life and displaced countless families.

In the midst of this blockade and violence, Rev. Abudigin and St. Mathew’s Church endure for Christians in a city otherwise darkened by war.

Dr. James Dobson, Influential Christian Leader and Founder of Focus on the Family, Dies at 89

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Dr. James Dobson, one of the most influential Christian leaders of the past half-century and founder of Focus on the Family, died Thursday morning, August 21, 2025, at the age of 89. His passing was announced by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI).

A psychologist by training, Dobson dedicated his life to strengthening marriages, guiding parents, and defending biblical values, championing the family as the cornerstone of society. Through decades of broadcasting, writing, and public advocacy, he became a towering voice in American evangelicalism and a driving force behind the rise of conservative Christian engagement in politics.

Dobson founded Focus on the Family in Arcadia, California, in 1977, before relocating its headquarters to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1991. The move helped establish Colorado Springs as a hub for evangelical ministries and influence. Under his leadership, the organization grew into one of the largest evangelical ministries in the world.

At its height, the Focus on the Family daily radio program aired on more than 4,000 stations across North America and reached audiences in over 160 countries, translated into 27 languages. The show became one of the most widely heard faith-based broadcasts globally.

Dobson’s impact extended beyond the church into the halls of power. A significant figure in the 1980s movement to integrate conservative Christian ideals into American politics, he advised or counseled five U.S. presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. In 1985, he interviewed President Reagan in the Oval Office, and during the Trump administration, he served on the Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.

In addition to Focus on the Family, Dobson helped establish the Family Research Council in the early 1980s, a Christian think tank that remains influential in policy debates on faith and family.

Dobson authored more than 70 books, many of which became staples in Christian homes. His bestsellers included The New Dare to Discipline and When God Doesn’t Make Sense. His work earned him recognition as a New York Times best-selling author and induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Even after stepping away from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson continued his mission through the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI), where he hosted Family Talk. The nationally syndicated program airs on 1,500 stations and reaches more than half a million listeners weekly, ensuring that his voice continued to influence new generations.

Dr. Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, their children Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren.

Church leaders with Grace Community Church say John MacArthur, ‘may be in the presence of the Lord soon’

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

John MacArthur, the well-known California author, speaker and pastor, has been admitted to hospital with pneumonia. The news was shared with the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley during a Sunday morning service. Church leaders spoke openly about the seriousness of his condition, acknowledging that he may soon be called home to be with the Lord. Pastor Tom Patton, a longtime member of the church’s leadership, invited the congregation to pray for MacArthur and his family during this difficult time.

Over the past couple of years, MacArthur’s health has faced ongoing setbacks. In early 2023, he experienced breathing complications shortly after preaching, which led to multiple heart surgeries and a lung procedure. Following an extended hospital stay, he returned home but was unable to resume his regular preaching schedule. Though he remained hopeful and expressed a desire to return to ministry, his physical challenges have kept him from public appearances and key church events throughout 2024.

During the Sunday service, Patton offered a heartfelt prayer, asking for strength and peace for MacArthur’s wife, Patricia, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He spoke of MacArthur’s lifelong faithfulness and devotion to his calling, and prayed for God’s grace to surround the entire family as they walk through this uncertain time. The church community was encouraged to rally in prayer and support for a man whose ministry has shaped lives for generations.

For over five decades, MacArthur has been a significant figure in Evangelical circles, known both for his preaching and his Grace to You broadcast, which reaches audiences worldwide. He has written extensively on theology and Scripture, leaving a lasting legacy through thousands of sermons and published works. In a reflective interview last year, MacArthur acknowledged the realities of aging, saying he was aware he was nearing the final chapter of his earthly journey — a truth he faced with faith and gratitude.

Sound Street’s Uplifting New Release ‘I’m So Blessed’

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AMY TURNER

Sound Street continues to make an impact in 2025 with their latest release, “I’m So Blessed.” The trio, made up of Jarrod Vanderslice, his daughter Jaylie Vanderslice, and family friend Ryan Bilby, has already seen success with their debut album, Good Seed, under Sonlite Records. Their music has maintained a presence on Southern Gospel airplay charts, and their momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Sound Street recently released their version of “I’m So Blessed,” a song originally recorded by the Christian group Cain. Producer Roger Talley helped shape this new rendition, adapting the song to fit within the Southern Gospel style. The track begins with an energetic guitar introduction that leads into Jaylie Vanderslice’s lead vocals and a chorus that carries a clear and uplifting message:

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative I’m So Blessed · Sound Street I’m So Blessed ℗ 2025 Sonlite Records Released on: 2025-03-28 Main Artist: Sound Street Producer: Roger Talley Composer: Logan Bryant Cain Lyricist: Logan Bryant Cain Composer: Madison Caitlyn Cain Lyricist: Madison Caitlyn Cain Composer: Matz Taylor Cain Lyricist: Matz Taylor Cain Composer: Jonathan L Smith Lyricist: Jonathan L Smith Composer: Matthew J West Lyricist: Matthew J West Music Publisher: All Essential Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Be Essential Songs (BMI) Music Publisher: Cashagamblejet Music (BMI) Music Publisher: Combustion Five Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Logan Cain Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Madison Cain Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Taylor Cain Music (ASCAP) Music Publisher: Third Story House Music (ASCAP)

On my best day, I’m a child of God
On my worst day, I’m a child of God
Oh, every day is a good day
And You’re the reason why
I’m so blessed, I’m so blessed
Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn’t matter about the rest
If I’ve got You, Lord, I’m so blessed

The arrangement features strong harmonies and a spirited instrumental backing. A unique aspect of this version comes midway through the song when Jarrod and Jaylie’s 9-year-old daughter, Johanna, adds a special vocal moment. This unexpected feature brings a fresh element to the song and reinforces its message of faith and gratitude.

Sound Street has been active since 2020, gaining recognition in the Southern Gospel community. The group was chosen from the Regional Artist Showcase to perform on the Main Stage at the National Quartet Convention in 2021. They were also nominated for the Top 10 Favorite New Artist category in the 2022 Singing News Fan Awards. Their previous singles have received radio success, with “I’ll Take The Old Highway” reaching #34 on SGNScoops Magazine’s Top 100 and “The Old Story” debuting at #67 on Singing News’ chart in March 2022.

Performing more than 80 concerts each year, Sound Street continues to share their message of faith through music.

India: Arunachal Pradesh to Enforce Religious Conversion Law Amid Rising Concerns

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh plan to enforce a decades-old law restricting religious conversions, following a court directive requiring its implementation by March. The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, passed in 1978, was originally intended to prevent conversions by force or fraudulent means. However, strong opposition from local legislators and Christian organizations had previously prevented the law from being enforced. The recent decision to implement the law has raised concerns among religious groups about potential restrictions on religious freedom.

Christianity has grown significantly in Arunachal Pradesh since the late 1960s, despite past instances of persecution. Between 1968 and 1974, government actions included arrests, destruction of churches, and restrictions on religious gatherings. By the 1970s, Christianity had expanded enough to prompt legal and social opposition, including violent crackdowns and new laws aimed at limiting conversions. Despite these measures, the number of Christians in the state continued to rise, making it one of the largest religious groups in the region today.

The enforcement of the conversion law comes as Hindutva organizations have gained influence in the region. These groups have worked to formalize and promote indigenous faiths, framing them as cultural alternatives to Christianity. Schools, prayer centers, and religious texts have been introduced to reinforce traditional beliefs, and there have been reports of Christian gatherings being disrupted. The government, which had previously considered repealing the law, has now shifted toward enforcing it, in line with the growing influence of nationalist groups.

Legal and religious organizations have raised concerns that the enforcement of the law could lead to renewed restrictions on religious activities. Past incidents in the region have included government scrutiny of religious practices, as well as limitations on the construction of new places of worship. Reports indicate that religious gatherings have already faced opposition in certain areas, suggesting that implementation of the law may result in increased monitoring and regulation of religious activities.

Christian groups in the state are organizing protests and legal challenges in response to the decision. A demonstration is planned for early March, coinciding with discussions on the law in the state assembly. Organizations advocating for religious freedom argue that the enforcement of the law could lead to further restrictions, despite constitutional protections guaranteeing the right to practice and propagate religion. The outcome of these legal and political efforts remains uncertain as the deadline for enforcement approaches.