Elder Caleb Martin, a 21-year-old missionary serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep, prompting condolences from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
During his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis urged the faithful to draw closer to Christ by shedding unnecessary baggage and embracing a sober lifestyle. He emphasized the importance of community, sharing resources, and maintaining sobriety in thoughts and actions to fully experience God's joy and love. The Pope also called for prayers for maritime workers and peace in conflict regions.
The story of John Allen Chau, an American evangelical Christian missionary who was killed by the North Sentinelese, one of the last remaining "uncontacted" tribes in the world, has been turned into a film called "The Mission." Chau believed he was on a mission from God to convert the island's inhabitants, but the tribe aggressively defends their remote island and killed him on his second approach. The film explores the complexities of faith, anthropology, and the allure of remoteness. It also sheds light on the history of the Andaman Islands and the controversial practice of missionary work among isolated communities.
The documentary "The Mission" explores the story of John Chau, an American evangelical who attempted to convert the remote Sentinelese tribe on North Sentinel Island to Christianity and was killed in the process. The film delves into the complex motivations behind Chau's mission, examining the cultural influences and religious fervor that drove him. It also raises questions about the arrogance of missionary endeavors and the clash between different worldviews. The documentary provides a critical examination of Chau's actions and the broader implications of missionary work.
HBO's docuseries "Savior Complex" explores the story of Renee Bach, a white missionary with no medical experience, who set up a malnutrition rehabilitation center in Uganda and took on the treatment of children herself. Despite facing criticism and legal action, Bach remained defiant. The documentary delves into issues of colonialism, medical ethics, religious fervor, and the limits of activism. The official tally of severely malnourished children who died under Bach's care is 105. The documentary raises questions about the justification of actions in the name of God and the exploitation of Africa by the West.
Sister Taylor Erin Maw, a 20-year-old missionary from Snoqualmie, Washington, serving in the Philippines Angeles Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away after being hospitalized with an undetermined illness. The church expressed their condolences to her family, friends, and fellow missionaries, and highlighted her faithful service.
A 20-year-old sister missionary from the Seattle area, Sister Taylor Erin Maw, has passed away in a hospital in the Philippines after being hospitalized for an undetermined illness. She had been serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since June 2022. The church expressed their condolences to her family, friends, and fellow missionaries, and prayed for their comfort and peace during this time.
A missionary from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has died in the Philippines after being hospitalized with an undetermined medical illness.
Sister Taylor Erin Maw, a 20-year-old missionary serving in the Philippines for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away in the hospital on September 17, 2023, following an undetermined illness. The church expressed their condolences to her family, friends, and fellow missionaries, and prayed for their comfort and peace during this time.
Actor Liam Neeson revealed in a clip for Conan O'Brien's podcast that he stopped going to confession after a scolding from a traveling missionary over masturbation. Neeson recounted how he honestly confessed to the act during his teenage years, only to be met with a loud and dramatic reaction from the missionary. The incident left such an impression on Neeson that he never went to confession again. The full conversation will be released on Monday.
Pope Francis addresses young pilgrims at the World Youth Day Vigil in Lisbon, portraying the Blessed Virgin Mary as a "missionary of joy" and urging Christians to train their hearts to love God and their neighbor. He emphasizes the importance of bringing joy to others and acknowledges the roots of joy in our lives, encouraging pilgrims to recall those who have impacted them. The Pope highlights the need to search for joy and train ourselves to be joyful, even in difficult times. He concludes by reminding pilgrims of their duty to help each other up when they fall and to walk fearlessly with hope and love.
A man from Georgia, who claimed to be a missionary, has been indicted for allegedly diverting $30 million from Christians who believed they were purchasing Bibles for China. Instead, the accused used the funds for personal expenses, including online gambling, buying diamonds and gold, and making payments to his family farm. The man, who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2016, is considered a fugitive, and warrants have been issued for his arrest. He faces charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
A local pastor, Dean Elliott, was killed in a wrong-way crash on US-131 while on his way to preach. Elliott was a former interim pastor at Fennville Assembly of God Church and a traveling missionary who had served in various countries. The number of wrong-way traffic crashes hit a five-year high in 2021, with 421 reported, and 40 people have died as a result of such crashes from 2017-2021. The family of a victim from a previous wrong-way crash is calling for better road safety measures and increased education on the dangers of driving under the influence.