South Africa faces a severe literacy crisis among children, with most grade four learners unable to read for meaning. David Durance from TeachBeyond says:

“When children are not provided that opportunity to break out, to have an opportunity to learn, and even the basic things, like literacy, when that’s missed, suddenly we recognize the last impact it is for this generation and for the next generation.”

The challenges don’t stop with reading.

Rural schools often lack reliable electricity and internet, leaving students behind in technology. Hundreds of public schools no longer offer mathematics. And overcrowded classes of forty to fifty-plus learners push teachers into crowd control instead of inspiring learning.

Clothes hanging out to dry in Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa (Photo courtesy of Satish Ajodha via Unsplash)

Durance explains, “We have to recognize that from an educational environment there’s a lasting impact on how these children will learn.”

TeachBeyond is finding creative ways to build healthy learning spaces. Durance points to an approach in their open schools project in South Africa that helps children shift into a learning mindset.

“You walk into that classroom and the way they introduce themselves to each other is about play. It’s not writing your name on some name tag and slapping it on your desk,” he says.

This playful kind of approach creates space for teachers to address serious topics and for children to engage more fully in the classroom. It also helps them understand, in their own language and way, who God is as the Author of their lives and even the Author of their play.

Walk alongside educators from TeachBeyond with prayer, action, and contribution. To learn about their trauma-informed education approach, visit this link.

“We think God’s prepared us for this moment to provide not only just any education, but transformational education, education that introduces the Gospel to the communities that most need it, because for many of them, they’ve never heard the good news,” says Durance.

Header photo: Kid in Bo Kaap, South Africa (Photo courtesy of Savannah Koomen via Unsplash).

God desires His children to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Yet many children around the world still lack access to education. And even when schooling is available, the “ABCs” need to be taught in playful, personal ways that fit each child’s context.

During this day, people are encouraged to take part in “a Minute of Loudness” to highlight what matters most to kids. For TeachBeyond, that focus is education.

Children play (Photo courtesy of Burcu via Unsplash)

David Durance explains, “If we have God’s ear for His world, we’re going to hear the cry of those that are being ignored by the rest of society.”

Children who are often ignored are those born into war, poverty, crisis, or asylum. Many of them cannot keep up with regular school. Stress and the constant struggle for family survival leave them unable to focus. Survival — and sometimes the need to find work — becomes their priority instead of personal growth.

Durance adds, “There are tens and even hundreds of millions of children that live in very hard situations.”

Without education, many remain trapped in generational poverty. The Great Commission calls believers to step in and help break this cycle with Christ’s healing and hope.

“We have to intervene and be a part of that solution in those kinds of communities,” encourages Durance.

Malnourished children in Idlib, Syria.
(Photo courtesy of Ahmed Akacha/Pexels)

One solution is trauma-informed education. Durance explains, “We really want to address the issues they faced in childhood and be part of the solution that brings long-term healing for these kids.”

Another key aspect highlighted by World Children’s Day is every child’s right to play. Durance recalls seeing how play strengthens the learning process:

“Play, interestingly enough, helps us not only enjoy the moment but also process the things that have been difficult. It’s amazing how God uses play to do that.”

TeachBeyond uses strategies like Open Schools Worldwide and Beyond Borders. These programs are designed for children who have no access to schooling.

Pray that transformative education will accomplish God’s will around the world. See how God is changing lives through transformative learning at TeachBeyond.

“We are providing education that introduces, ultimately, the hope of the Gospel,” says Durance.

Header photo: Children playing in the old tank, Kabul (photo courtesy of M.A Sarwari via Unplash).

Near the biblical city of Sidon, Christians are building a new ministry center to serve local Lebanese in a predominantly Muslim area.

Camille Melki of Heart for Lebanon says, “For the first time in modern Lebanese history, a Christian community is buying property from Muslims to build a church on it!”

Sidon Sea Castle, Lebanon (Photo courtesy of Haytham Dalank via Usplash)

In an area largely populated by Shia and Sunni Muslims, this development became possible only after nearly 20 years of consistent presence, practical help, and genuine love. Over time, the ministry earned the community’s trust.

“How did we get to purchase a property from a Muslim community? Right now, my only answer is by God’s grace,” adds Melki.

The Hope Ministry Center stands in southern Lebanon, a region home to many refugees and displaced families. Despite the ceasefire, drones still buzz overhead as Hezbollah activity continues. Years of conflict with Israel, coupled with the nation’s economic collapse, have left parents unable to educate their children and businesses struggling to survive.

“A lot of the problems that this country has been experiencing are because it is spiritually poor, where the Gospel is not reaching the masses,” Melki explains.

But change is happening!

Lebanese children (photo courtesy of Hussein Haidar Salman via Pexels)

Alongside biblical teaching, the Hope Ministry Center takes a holistic approach — offering education, healthcare, and discipleship training.

The Hope Ministry Center will provide education for children and adults, along with a sanctuary for Arabic- and Kurdish-speaking congregations, a leadership training hub, a safe playground, and medical clinics meeting physical needs while pointing people to spiritual hope.

Each weekend, over eight hundred people already join the ministry’s spiritual programs. “This new Ministry Center,” says Melki, “will add at least 30 to 40 percent capacity, and so we can imagine how many more people will be blessed.”

It’s a season of transformation, as the Gospel brings hope to weary hearts across Lebanon. Pray for Heart for Lebanon as they continue to demonstrate Christ’s love in practical ways. Ask God to make local churches grow and multiply with joy, despite hardship.

“We’re so grateful for what God has done in our midst, and by faith we look for amazing things this center will accomplish, all by God’s goodness and provision,” Melki says.

Representative header photo: Lala, Lebanon (photo courtesy of Ibrahim Zada via Unsplash).

“When you have a program in Dari, it really turns heads,” he says, pointing out that heart languages allow for greater depth of communication than do regional languages. 

Willey says the programming is particularly important in Afghanistan, where girls are strictly banned from secondary or higher education. 

“Really the way that girls or women in the country will be able to access any education is through a madrasa, or a religious center, but of course this is not from a Christian worldview,” Willey says. 

In contrast, SAT-7’s programming is always grounded in a Biblical worldview, one that also celebrates literacy and a broader education. Beyond that, Willey says the content is culturally sensitive.

Photo is a representative stock image courtesy of ArmyAmber via Pixabay.

“SAT-7 is Christian content in the Middle East created by Middle Eastern Christians for the people of the Middle East, so the context is there, the understanding is there,” he says. 

Satellite TV remains ubiquitous in Afghanistan, allowing SAT-7 to cast a wide net in search of an audience. Even as the country makes headlines for internet restrictions, Willey says SAT-7 can work around the shutdowns.

“SAT-7 has other ways that we can deliver the great content, but it just may be digital content via satellite, which is virtually uncensorable,” he says. 

Please pray that this programming would serve as an open door for God’s Word to prick the hearts of women and girls across Afghanistan. Willey says it’s paramount for them to understand the Gospel. 

“But also, what Scripture has to say about their worth.” 

Would you ask the Lord to work in the hearts of Afghan women? Please pray that those viewing SAT-7’s programs would understand the value they have in the eyes of their Maker.

Featured photo courtesy of SAT-7.

David Durance, president of TeachBeyond, says those barriers begin early.

“Families are already saying to their young girls that they need to provide economically for the family. And then there’s the other side of that, which is a real social pressure to be married very young…. They’re married off at the age of 13, 14, and many by 15.”

(Photo courtesy of TeachBeyond)

Plan International’s 2025 State of the World’s Girls report shows how devastating that cycle can be. Across 15 countries, researchers spoke with 251 girls who married before age 18. Sixty-three percent were no longer in school, training, or work after marriage. More than one in three dropped out of school because of marriage — and only a few were able to continue learning afterward.

“If we were to map the two issues together – literacy issues combined with kids that don’t complete K to 12 education – then we’d see that this is actually a huge issue that needs to be addressed,” says Durance.

TeachBeyond is tackling that issue by offering girls high-quality education and free meals.

“When there is high-quality, affordable education…the equation changes for these parents,” Durance says. “It’s now saying there’s a practical invitation where my daughter might actually have an opportunity to have a different pathway forward in her life.”

(Photo courtesy of TeachBeyond via Facebook)

Educators with TeachBeyond are local believers who can serve as role models for their students. These Christian teachers point girls to Jesus, who calls them valuable, worthy, and loved.

Durance says, “We actually see this as, obviously a crisis, but a huge opportunity where – from the ground up, from the child up – we can pray for a whole society to receive the Gospel and be transformed by the power of the Gospel. “

Pray for young girls to access education, and for families to see daughters as valuable and capable. Thank the Lord for mentors inspiring girls toward Christ-centered leadership. Pray, ultimately, for Gospel transformation in communities trapped by poverty and tradition.

Learn more about TeachBeyond.

Header photo courtesy of TeachBeyond.

Though the ministry began as a way to reach single moms, grandmothers raising their grandchildren need support too and are often dealing with challenges that are new compared to when they raised their own children.

“We have meetings with the grannies and speak into their lives, helping them with parenting skills now that some of them are in their 80s and raising their grandchildren. [We are] just sharing the Gospel with them and giving them tools that they can use to raise their grandchildren,” says Greg Yoder with CWO.

The response has been positive, as the grannies are grateful for the meetings and excited that somebody is coming alongside them to share the support they need to raise their grandchildren.

Some of these families also have physical needs, and CWO is partnering with other organizations to meet those needs through food, clothing, and other essential items.

Recently, CWO was able to help several grannies get scales so that they can weigh their products and sell them for a fair price at the market.

“[It’s] been exciting to come alongside them in that way, and the donations that people have given have helped in a physical as well as a spiritual way,” Yoder says.

Through this ministry, the grandmothers are not the only ones being supported. The children raised by their grandmothers are able to live more stable lives.

“These kids are hurting,” Yoder says. “If they’re being raised by a granny who’s generations older than them, it can be difficult for both of them, and looking at your grandmother raising you can be really difficult.”

This ministry also helps boys go to camp to learn from male mentors. And for married grandmothers, some of the grandfathers are coming alongside them to help raise these children.

As many of the grandmothers are believers, it’s exciting to see them pass their faith to their grandchildren. As CWO helps them invest in these young people physically and spiritually, they are passing on a positive legacy.

“We’re just excited about what’s happening in South Africa with this ministry,” Yoder says. [There is an] excitement that these ladies have when they come together, being able to share their stories with each other, and ultimately receiving the healing that they need, that really comes from God’s love and what he can do in their lives.”

Men Molding Men camp helps boys learn from male mentors (Photo courtesy of CWO)

Please pray for workers and volunteers as CWO continues to find new groups that want to meet. Pray that the information shared will be valuable and transformative for these grandmothers and their grandchildren.

For those who want to give to this ministry, donations can go to the general fund so that CWO can do things like buy scales for grannies, help boys go to camp, support other ministries like Healing Hearts and Men Around the Fire, and continue the many programs that serve children being raised by a single parent.

Header Photo Provided by Single Moms Raising Sons, a ministry of Christian World Outreach

Meanwhile, the people wait in limbo. Heart for Lebanon’s Camille Melki says, “The majority of those (people) are living now in makeshift homes still in southern Lebanon, waiting for their towns and villages to be rebuilt.”

Lebanon’s Next Generation is especially at risk. Roughly half of Lebanon’s public schools were converted into shelters at the end of 2024 due to the war between Hezbollah and Israel.

“A lot of children count on ministries to provide aid to survive the hardship or education, and Heart for Lebanon provides both,” Melki says.

“We provide fun activities and educational material, and we help children deal with trauma, fears, and challenges.”

Heart for Lebanon’s holistic approach to education turns despair into hope. Learn more about that here.

“We offer counseling support, spiritual support, and we are always ready to answer this ‘Why?’ question: Why do you care? Why do you provide this aid for us? Why are you still working in southern Lebanon, where most agencies have left?” Melki says.

“The answer is always, ‘We are here to show you the love of Jesus Christ in meaningful and tangible ways.’”

(Photo courtesy of Heart for Lebanon)

Classroom lessons, chapel sessions, and afternoon Bible studies point to Christ, while the playground provides opportunities for children to live out what they’ve learned.

“We build biblical stories into our curriculum to address many character traits that we find in Scripture, such as forgiveness, encouragement, generosity, fairness, and equality,” Melki says.

“We also have fun activities geared toward using games and fun in a way that honors Christ,” he continues, “so even as children are playing in the playground or participating in a sports activity, we use the character traits to emphasize proper behaviors, like attitude towards others, winning or losing, and to play fair and have fun.”

Find out how you can partner with Heart for Lebanon here.

“Pray for the students we serve. Pray for their families, because the challenges are huge and prayers are essential for us,” Melki says.

“Also, you can sponsor a student and help provide financial support to our schools in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa, or our scholarship program.”

Header and story images courtesy of Heart for Lebanon.

President Yoweri Museveni has held office for nearly 40 years. Ever since he seized power in 1986, Uganda has been “comparatively stable, but increasingly authoritarian,” according to a 2025 report from the U.S.-based Congressional Research Service. Uganda has never had a democratic transition of power.

Whether or not Museveni receives a seventh term in office will be determined in the January general elections. But Uganda’s 2021 elections were marred by a number of killings, enforced disappearances and other human rights abuses. Months ahead of the elections, David Durance with TeachBeyond said local staff are starting to see more of the same.

(Photo courtesy of TeachBeyond Uganda)

“[They tell us] that this is much more intense than it has been before, that there’s already pressure and even violence,” he said. 

As in most cases, the outcome of national government elections will affect ministry. Durance says there are two dimensions that TeachBeyond is mindful of and praying about. The first layer is that education policy changes can change the landscape. 

“[For example,] we spent years working on a school project that’s now open and really flourishing. But one swipe of a pen in Kampala could wipe that away,” Durance said.

The second layer that TeachBeyond is praying about is practical. Political unrest can prevent students from attending school or even make parents hesitant to send kids to a Christian school. 

“There’s all these [underlying] tensions that happen that impact our ability to really reach the communities that we’re trying to reach,” Durance said in summary. 

Yet in Uganda’s turbulence, Christians carry the gospel as the answer. One Sunday, Durance visited a Ugandan church where half of the worship songs were prayers for their nation. “It was amazing to see how this community of believers recognized that it was their responsibility as followers of Jesus to be praying for their country and that they want to be the active agents of having the gospel heard,” he said. 

“I thought what was interesting was not that they were actually praying for some sort of political revolution or even change. They were praying that people would turn to Christ, knowing that all those other things will fall into place.”

Pray with TeachBeyond for political favor for ministry and for the next generation of Ugandans to be grounded in the Lord.

(Photo courtesy of TeachBeyond Uganda)

Header photo from Iganga, Uganda courtesy of Zach Wear via Unsplash.

While the practice of bonded labor in the country has been illegal since the 1990s, it is not commonly enforced. Debts carry on to children so the slavery is cyclical and inescapable. Entire generations are being born into slavery as families work for years to pay off their initially small loans. 

These factories, which require the laborious and exhaustive work of adults and children, are known to cause severe health issues and do not report back to families on how much debt is owed or what the interest rates are.

Brian Dennett with AMG International says, “These [kilns] are all over Pakistan and [slaves] make bricks one by one, by hand. This has been going on for years and years. It’s a long-held practice in Pakistan. People are forced to toil from dawn to dusk with quotas of what they have to produce.”

(Photo courtesy of Muhammad Muzamil via Unsplash)

Thanks to AMG and its supporters, Rasul and his three children were rescued from slavery in a brick kiln. 

“This was [his] daily nightmare,” says Dennett. “Working conditions where your lungs are filled with dust all day long. [Spending] hours in the hot sun, sunburns, [with] his own young children working right alongside him stacking bricks instead of learning to read and write.”

“Many of these families are Christians, our brothers and sisters [who are] highly discriminated against in the workplace anywhere else in Pakistan. It drives them into these terrible situations.”

The AMG team in Pakistan works with legal professionals to try and rescue these families and stop this cycle. Last year they began to raise money for a school so that the children of slaves will have an opportunity to escape the cycle.

Set to open in the next couple of months, Dennett says, “We’re going to have a beautiful, safe facility within walking distance of the brick kilns in that area. This is going to provide many children the opportunity to study in a Christian environment where the gospel is shared [and] where hope is shared. We’re just excited for this to grow and to see more and more families get out of slavery like Rasul was able to.”

The school will share the gospel and hope of Jesus and will welcome the children of slaves from all faith backgrounds. 

The school will be operated using child sponsorship funding but has a remaining need of roughly $40,000 for final startup expenses, like school supplies and furnishings and welcomes funding for this project and in general. 

Please pray for the team working in this area as the gospel is not always welcomed in Pakistan. Pray that God’s hand will be on the school and a step toward ending this labor. Pray that the resources and support for this ministry will be strong and empower the team to do good work. 

Header photo of man in Lahore, Pakistan courtesy of Lumensoft Technologies via Unsplash.

Public schools aren’t the only ones gaining attention these days. Greg Yoder with Christian World Outreach says parents in Sri Lanka are increasingly drawn to their after-school tutoring program. 

At first, “parents are a little leery that we’re trying to just convert their children, but then they learn that that’s not what we’re doing,” Yoder says. “They’ve grown to love what we do and [are] open to hearing that Jesus loves them, and wants nothing more than [for] them to love Him.” 

Run by volunteers, the program offers tutoring in math and English. “They use Bible stories and songs to share Christ, as well as giving them education,” says Yoder.

Ministry in Sri Lanka. (Photo courtesy of Christian World Outreach)

However, not everyone in the community wants to hear the Good News. 

“There is some resistance to the Gospel [due to] Sri Lanka being mostly Hindu and Buddhist.” 

CWO works with dedicated local leaders in Sri Lanka who live out the Gospel while meeting educational and physical needs. Pray for one CWO partner facing persecution. 

“The Buddhist priest is trying to force this homeowner to stop renting to one of our leaders [who] has a house church,” says Yoder. “We’re working to help him find another place, if he does get kicked out.”

Yoder asks that you also pray for wisdom for CWO as they connect with local gospel workers. 

“Word is being spread that we’re coming alongside ministry leaders,” he says. “They’re coming to us and saying, ‘Hey, can we partner with you?’ So that’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity.”

CWO’s vision for gospel-centered ministry goes beyond mere financial partnership.

“We are encouraging them to find funds in-country. Some of them are doing that,” says Yoder. “They’re looking to their churches and saying, ‘Hey, we need to step up. If we want to share the gospel with our community, we need to invest in that.’”

CWO partners with ministry leaders who want to share the gospel, whether they’re doing a church plant, house church, or any kind of evangelism in their communities. Learn more about their mission and how you can be part of it here.

Header photo from Galle, Sri Lanka courtesy of Fredrik Öhlander via Unsplash. Cropped from original version.