Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Church firebombed in Jenin as Christmas celebrations resume

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Arsonists damaged the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin this week, along with attacks on a Christmas tree and the Nativity Grotto in the West Bank city. The Christmas tree was set ablaze by three Palestinians on Monday, drawing sharp condemnation from both local church leaders and Israeli officials.

Father Amer Jubran, pastor of the Holy Redeemer Church, condemned the attack in a Facebook post, describing it as a “deliberate and fabricated act carried out by outlaws.” He emphasized that the violence does not reflect authentic Palestinian or Christian culture, which he said is based on love, tolerance and coexistence. Jubran stressed that the incident does not represent the values of the people of Jenin or undermine communal unity.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded the following day, stating that under the Palestinian Authority there is “growing hostility towards Christians.” The ministry condemned the attacks on Christian sites and symbols, especially ahead of Christmas.

The attacks come as Christmas celebrations in Palestinian Authority-controlled areas have been subdued for the past two years due to the war in Gaza. Following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, the Palestinian Authority allowed fuller Christmas celebrations this year. However, Christian residents of Beit Jala and Nablus are reportedly avoiding public celebrations due to fear of local Muslims.

Christmas in the Shadows: Millions of Christians Celebrate in Secret

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JEFF TURNER

For millions of Canadians, Christmas is a public and joyful time. Streets are filled with lights, churches welcome everyone to services, and families gather freely. Around the world, however, there are Christians who experience Christmas very differently. In many countries, celebrating the birth of Jesus can lead to arrest, prison, or even death. As a result, countless believers are forced to celebrate Christmas in secret, if they can celebrate at all.

Those living in high-persecution areas often keep their Christmas joy hidden. Singing carols, decorating a tree, or attending church can be dangerous. For these believers, faith is something practiced quietly, behind closed doors, where safety comes before celebration.

In some countries, Christmas is completely banned. North Korea is one of the harshest examples. The government sees Christianity as a direct threat to its leadership. All Christmas worship and holiday displays are illegal, and even owning a Bible is considered a serious crime. Since 2016, citizens have been ordered to honour Kim Jong-suk, the dictator’s grandmother, who was born on December 24, instead of celebrating Christmas. Any attempt to recognize the birth of Jesus can result in severe punishment, including forced labour or worse.

In Somalia, public Christmas celebrations have been illegal since 2015. The country’s ministry of religion has instructed police and national security forces to actively stop Christmas events. Christians who attempt to gather openly face danger not only from authorities but also from extremist violence, making Christmas a time of fear rather than joy.

Other countries allow Christmas only under strict legal limits. In Brunei, public Christmas displays have been banned since 2014. The government says the ban is meant to protect Muslims from being influenced away from Islam. Christians are allowed to celebrate privately in homes or churches, but public celebrations are forbidden. Muslims who take part in Christmas activities, such as wearing Santa hats or joining festivities, can face up to five years in prison. It is also illegal for Christians to share their faith with Muslims.

In some places, Christmas is permitted only if the government tightly controls it. In China, celebrations are limited to government-approved churches and groups, and the rules vary by region. People under the age of 18 are legally banned from attending church services, including those held at Christmas. Churches are also pressured to include communist ideology in sermons and worship, reshaping religious messages to match state values.

In Iran, Christmas gatherings are allowed only in registered churches and approved areas. Unregistered house churches, especially those made up of converts from Islam, are often raided. In November 2025, two Christian converts were sentenced to two years in prison after authorities broke up a Christmas planning meeting. Church services are not allowed to be held in Farsi, the country’s main language. Instead, they must use minority languages such as Armenian or Assyrian, a rule designed to limit the spread of Christianity.

In other regions, the main threat comes not from laws but from violence. In northern Nigeria, Christian communities are frequently targeted by ISWAP, an extremist group linked to the Islamic State. Kidnappings and executions are common, especially around major Christian holidays. These attacks create constant fear and make public Christmas worship extremely dangerous.

Despite all of this, many Christians continue to mark Christmas in quiet and personal ways. Some meet secretly in small groups. Others pray alone in their homes. Many remember the meaning of Christmas without decorations, music, or public worship.

For Canadians, these stories are a reminder that freedoms often taken for granted. For millions around the world, Christmas still comes, but it arrives quietly, behind closed doors, and at great personal cost.

The Perrys welcome new lead singer Joseph Reed

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The Perrys have announced some big changes to their lineup. Lead vocalist Dayton Gay is leaving the group to explore new opportunities, and Joseph Reed will be taking over as the new lead singer. The announcement was made on December 23, 2025, from the group’s base in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Libbi Perry Stuffle spoke about the change with grace and optimism. She quoted Ecclesiastes 3:1, which says there is a time and season for everything in life. She thanked Dayton Gay, along with his family members Katie and Seth, for their time with the group and wished them well as they move forward. The Perrys are sending their prayers and best wishes to the Gay family as they begin this new chapter.

The group is excited to bring Joseph Reed on board as their new lead vocalist. Reed is no stranger to gospel music, having spent many years performing in the genre. Libbi Perry Stuffle praised his talent and his deep commitment to Southern Gospel music. She mentioned that Reed has actually filled in for the group several times before, so he’s already familiar with their style and approach. The Perrys believe that Reed’s voice and passion will connect with audiences and help them continue their mission of sharing their Christian faith through music.

Joseph Reed also shared his thoughts about joining the group. He said he feels deeply honoured to become part of The Perrys, describing them as one of the legendary groups that inspired his own love of Southern Gospel music over the years. He considers Libbi, Jared, and Jason to be friends who are truly dedicated to their ministry. Reed is looking forward to performing some of the group’s classic hits that have meant so much to him personally. He also noted that he will continue in his role as General Manager of Singing News Radio, but will hand over the music programming duties to a committee chosen by Singing News.

Fans won’t have to wait long to hear Reed perform with The Perrys. His first concert with the group will take place on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, in Frenchburg, Kentucky. It will be a special way to ring in the new year with fresh energy and the group’s timeless messages of hope and faith.

The Perrys now consist of Libbi Perry Stuffle singing alto, Jared Stuffle on bass, Jason Gordon as baritone, and Joseph Reed as the lead vocalist. The group has been performing for 55 years.

Karen Peck Gooch sings at White House prayer service

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AMY TURNER

Karen Peck Gooch shared her experience singing at a special prayer service held at the White House in Washington, D.C. Gooch was invited by Pastor Jentezen Franklin to perform at a Christmas prayer service for White House staff. She performed alongside other gospel artists Geron Davis and Jonathan Ernstly Etienne.

In a social media post, Gooch expressed her gratitude for the experience. “I will forever cherish this day,” she wrote, adding that her “heart is full of gratitude for the opportunity to worship the Lord with these incredibly talented friends.”

She later described it in an interview saying, “”I had the honor of flying to Washington, D .C., with Pastor Jensen Franklin, their worship pastor there at Free Chapel, Jonathan, and songwriter Jaron Davis, and we sang Silent Night, and, oh, come, let us adore him. And we sang, we are standing on Holy Ground, the song that Jaron Davis wrote, and it was such a surreal moment to look out the window and have the view of the White House right next door. I will never forget this day as long as I live. It was a surreal experience for me. It was a day experience. I flew in that morning to D .C.
and back home that afternoon. But it is a day that I will always cherish and I’ll always remember in my heart and mind.””

The Faith Office Christmas Service included prayer, worship music, and communion. Pastor Franklin, who also spoke at the event, described it as a meaningful gathering. A highlight of the service was the performance of “We Are Standing On Holy Ground,” a song written by Geron Davis. Franklin called it “a powerful moment.”

The event was organized by Paula White-Cain, who works in the White House’s Faith Office. Franklin thanked both White-Cain and President Donald Trump for hosting the religious service.

The prayer service represents one of the faith-based events held at the White House, bringing together religious leaders and musicians for worship and prayer.

Standing Firm Through Life’s Challenges as a Christian

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FLOYD ROGERS

Some people believe that becoming a Christian will make life easier, but Scripture shows that is not always the case. There will be times when challenges and hardship arise, even for those who follow Christ. These difficulties are not meaningless; they are part of God’s plan to shape believers to be more like Jesus.

Christians may face mistreatment or opposition, but these struggles are part of the spiritual battle that comes with faith. Rather than expecting an easy path, believers are called to stay strong, stand firm, and endure when trials come.

Followers of Christ can face life’s challenges with courage and confidence, knowing that victory is certain because of their identity in Him.

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters;

Romans 8:29