In China, a noose is tightening around foreign missionary activity. The Chinese Communist Party has announced sweeping restrictions on all foreign-led religious efforts, citing national security as the justification.

Starting May 1, missionaries will be banned from “establishing religious organizations, preaching without authorization, founding religious schools, producing or selling religious books, accepting religious donations, or recruiting Chinese citizens as religious followers.”

Del Turco of the Family Research Council shared her concern: “This will make it much more dangerous for Christians — especially those in ministry — who seek to travel to China… It might even affect U.S. citizens who simply share their faith on a short visit to China.”

Meanwhile in Australia, prayer itself is becoming criminal. In a move like Daniel faced in ancient Babylon, citizens of New South Wales have been told that some forms of prayer are no longer legal.

Under the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024, praying with someone who seeks help with unwanted sexual desires — even if they personally request it — is now banned. The law declares prayer “unlawful” if the intent is to “change or suppress” someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

This applies to everyone — from pastors and counselors to friends and neighbors. While Australia doesn’t use lions, five years in prison is the modern-day penalty.

A New Jesus Movement Among Young Adults

While governments crack down on faith, a spiritual awakening is quietly gaining ground — especially among the next generation. According to a major new Barna study, nearly 30 million U.S. adults have made a personal commitment to Jesus in the past four years. This is the most significant surge in spiritual commitment Barna has recorded in over a decade.

Even more surprising: the revival is being led by young adults, ages 18 to 40 — the very ones often labeled as spiritually indifferent. Commitment to Jesus has spiked dramatically among young men in particular, challenging the common narrative of fading faith.

“Undeniably, there is renewed interest in Jesus,” said Barna CEO David Kinnaman. He emphasized that this isn’t just lapsed churchgoers returning. “Many of the new followers of Jesus are not just ‘recycled’ believers. We’re seeing interest in Jesus growing among those who do not otherwise describe themselves as Christians.”

Jesus Comes to Hollywood

Even the entertainment world is taking notice.

Big-budget blockbusters packed with woke and LGBTQ+ ideology are flopping. Meanwhile, Christian films and shows are making a surprise breakthrough. Pastor and filmmaker Greg Laurie points to a cultural shift worth celebrating. His biographical film Jesus Revolution outperformed many acclaimed secular films at the box office, and his latest project — House of David, directed by Jon Erwin — just hit #1 on Amazon Prime Video.

Laurie’s takeaway? “While Hollywood stumbles over itself trying to stay relevant, believers are stepping in with eternal truth wrapped in excellent storytelling.” From The Chosen to House of David, these projects aren’t just “good for Christian movies” — they’re good, period. They’re drawing global audiences and stirring spiritual curiosity.

After screenings of Jesus Revolution, audiences spontaneously prayed the sinner’s prayer in theaters alongside the main characters. Baptisms followed — sometimes right outside the cinema. Just recently, over 20,000 people gathered for a baptism event at Pirate’s Cove in Southern California. More than 4,500 were baptized in one day — the largest mass baptism in U.S. history.

The World is Hungry

The world is hurting, hungry, and desperate for truth. World governments are trying to snuff out the light of the gospel, but hearts are open and searching. We have a unique opportunity — and a brief window — to speak boldly, share truth, and give gospel tracts while we still can.

And remember, Chick tracts get read!