SRI LANKAN CHRISTIANS UNDER ATTACK
Morning Star News reports that attacks and other actions against Christians in Sri Lanka have escalated this year, with Hindu extremism beginning to take root along with long-time Buddhist aggression. 67 incidents against Christians in Sri Lanka were reported from January through to September.

BIBLES RELEASED IN SUDAN
In a surprise move, Sudan has released shipments of Bibles long held in port, including one detained nearly six years ago, according to the head of the Bible Society in Sudan. The estimated 2 million Christians in Sudan have had to endure a critical shortage of Arabic-language Bibles.

‘FESTIVAL OF LIFE’ IN UK
According to Premier News, an estimated 40,000 Christians recently crammed into London’s Excel Centre for the Festival of Life. The annual event run by the Redeemed Christian Church of God is the largest single gathering of believers in the UK. Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu was just one of those invited to preach during the 8 hour service.

CRACKDOWN ON INDIAN CHRISTIANS
At least 10 pastors have been arrested with their families as they worshipped in church services across the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, a leading persecution watchdog has reported. Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a United Nations’ accredited NGO that serves in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, reports that authorities in the Indian state are continuing their crackdowns on Christians.

RELIGIOUS REVISIONISM IN CHINA
The Christian Post reports that the Chinese government is supervising a five-year plan to make Christianity more compatible with socialism in which there will be a “rewrite” of the Bible. Rev. Bob Fu, a prominent religious freedom activist, has told the United States Congress that the revision of China’s religious regulations is to actively guide religion to “adapt to socialist society.”

POP SINGER CRIES OUT TO GOD
Pop singer Avril Lavigne has re-emerged after a five-year hiatus with a powerful song that reveals her cry to God after encountering a near-death experience. Lavigne has been battling Lyme disease since 2014, and her new single, “Head Above Water,” reveals just how difficult that fight has been. In the song’s chorus, she sings “God keep my head above water / Don’t let me drown / It gets harder / I’ll meet you there at the altar / As I fall down to my knees / Don’t let me drown / Don’t let me drown.”