Katie O'Malley
As seen in:
MSN,
MSN Australia,
MSN Canada,
MSN Ireland,
MSN Singapore,
MSN UK,
O Globo,
Yahoo Life,
MSN South Africa,
The Independent (UK)
and
Covers:
Women's lifestyle, fashion, beauty, celebrity interviews, reality television, film & television, news
Site Director @ELLEUK
PPA Live 30 Under 30 2021 Winner
Articles by Katie O'Malley
Strategic prayer points as blackouts and shortages grip the people of Cuba
Cuba (MNN) — After more than six months of a fuel blockade imposed by the United States, people in Cuba faces shortages not only of electricity, food, water, and basic daily supplies, but also of hope. “Everyone is looking for ways to cope with so many power outages, but the vast majority of Cubans are in a state of deep despair because they can’t even afford a little cold water to drink,” says Moisés Pérez Padrón, the director of RTM Cuba, a partner of Trans World Radio.
Venezuelan churches making sure those displaced by the earthquakes are not forgotten
Venezuela (MNN) — Life remains in limbo for many earthquake survivors in Venezuela. Official figures report that more than 17,900 people lost their homes in the two June 24 earthquakes. Annabel Torrealba is the International Director for Latin America and the Caribbean with TWR. She says some people left homeless by the quakes have relocated to live with family or moved to other regions. But many survivors don’t have that option and remain living in tents.
Court keeps investigation into Pastor Raymond Koh’s disappearance on hold amid government appeal
Malaysia (MNN) — A ruling on July 29 by Malaysia’s Court of Appeal means a further delay of justice for the family of Raymond Koh, a pastor missing since 2017. Koh’s wife, Susannah Liew, sued the Malaysian government and police in 2020 concerning his abduction. After years of legal battle, Liew received a breakthrough ruling in November 2025.
RTM Colombia offers biblical hope as deadly earthquake leaves communities in shambles
Less than two months after twin earthquakes devastated northern Venezuela, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck neighboring Colombia on. The August 10 quake has leveled buildings in Cali, Manizales, and Pereira, among other cities and towns. By Tuesday, more than on a civilian website. Colombia’s newly inaugurated president announced the death toll had reached 181 — though that will rise as rescue efforts continue. Estela Ferrucho is the director of RTM Colombia, a Spanish branch of TWR.
Hope and help coming in the hard aftermath of Colombia’s quakes
Colombia (MNN) — The 72-hour “golden window” for rescue efforts closes today in Colombia after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Monday morning. Although the likelihood of finding people alive in the rubble is dropping, the efforts of trained rescue personnel and civilians alike will continue. The number of people who lost their lives is not clear yet, but on Tuesday the death toll had reached at least 227, according to local and regional authorities.
Trial resumes this week for Korean Missionary Park Tae-Yeon
The trial of Korean Missionary Park Tae-Yeon resumes this week in Khabarovsk. According to persecution watchdog Voice of the Martyrs Korea, a verdict was originally expected in the case by August 10. Still, the judge’s rescheduling of the trial dates could mean no verdict until September 24. Missionary Park, who was detained in January one week before she was set to return to Korea for her retirement, is facing a possible seventeen years in prison on three immigration-related charges.
RTM Colombia offers biblical hope as deadly earthquake leaves communities in shambles
Colombia (MNN) — Less than two months after twin earthquakes devastated northern Venezuela, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck neighboring Colombia on. The August 10 quake has leveled buildings in Cali, Manizales, and Pereira, among other cities and towns. By Tuesday, more than on a civilian website. Colombia’s newly inaugurated president announced the death toll had reached 181 — though that will rise as rescue efforts continue.
Trial resumes this week for Korean Missionary Park Tae-Yeon
Russia (VOMK) — The trial of Korean Missionary Park Tae-Yeon resumes this week in Khabarovsk. According to persecution watchdog Voice of the Martyrs Korea, a verdict was originally expected in the case by August 10, but the judge’s rescheduling of the trial dates could mean no verdict until September 24. Missionary Park, who was detained in January one week before she was set to return to Korea for her retirement, is facing a possible seventeen years in prison on three immigration-related charges.
The unseen cost facing many Christian couples
Syria (MNN) — For those who have converted to Christianity living in Muslim-majority nations, their new and sometimes secret faith carries legal consequences that aren’t always visible. Yet these consequences reach into the most personal areas of life. Meet a Syrian husband and wife whom we’ll call Hani and Mariam. Hani is a Christian, and Mariam is a former devout Muslim who put her faith in Jesus. They met each other years ago and eventually found a church that would marry them.
“You first” Israel and Hamas tell each other in peace plan impasse
Israel (MNN) — Late last week, Hamas agreed to a deal that could bring the Gaza Strip closer to civilian governance. The deal mediated by Egypt, Turkiye, the US, and Qatar calls for Hamas to hand over its weapons in stages and for Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza. It’s the latest attempt to implement the remainder of the Twenty-Point Plan that Israel and Hamas signed in October 2025. But a familiar impasse remains: neither side wants to be the first to shift position.
Political challenges face India’s Gen Z Cockroach Janta Party
India (MNN) — Protests led by the self-named Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have brought Hindus, Muslims, and Christians together over the past several months. Led by young adults, the CJP has demanded government accountability after yet another national exam leak scandal devastated about 2 million test takers in May. “They’re not a party. They’re not a political entity. It’s just a Gen Z movement,” says a man we’ll call Peter, who works as a leadership coach in places in South Asia.
Pastor detained in Syria under false charges
Syria (MNN) — Nihad Hassan, a Syrian Kurdish pastor based in Lebanon, knew the dangers of traveling back into Syria. But he has been following God’s call on his life for nearly 20 years, and that call is greater than any fear. However, the risk of danger has become a reality. Last week, while Pastor Nihad was on a trip in northern Syria, he was detained at the Afrin Central Civil Prison.
New restrictions from Iranian government put viewers of Christian media channels at greater risk
Iran (MNN) — The Iranian regime recently labeled several evangelical Christian satellite TV channels as “hostile” media organizations. These include Mohabat TV, SAT-7’s Persian channel SAT-7 PARS, Nejat, and Seven. “These are the [organizations] who have been on air for such a long time, and they need to be credited for the spread of Christianity,” says Edwin Abnous, Heart4Iran’s executive director. Mohabat TV is the media branch of Heart4Iran.
Equipping leaders in the MENA for disciple-making in a digital world
Middle East/North Africa (MNN) —When Jesus called His disciples to be fishers of men, He was leading them to seek people, build relationships, and point others to Him. Today, that mission happens in more places than just face-to-face. It also happens online, creating opportunities and challenges for Christians. “Today, people spend a huge part of their lives online.
Calls for strategic prayer as US-Iran conflict deepens across the Middle East
Iran (MNN) — The renewed strikes between the United States and Iran that started earlier this month have increasingly complex domino effects. And neither side looks like it will back down anytime soon. One recent development comes from Yemen, where the Iran-backed Houthis have threatened to blockade Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea shipping route.
Covering a new gap in children’s discipleship in Russia
Russia (MNN) —Discipling children in Russia has become an even more pressing mission. That’s after Russia’s government placed Child Evangelism Fellowship on its list of “undesirable organizations” earlier this month. “This basically means they cannot function in the country,” says Greg Yoder with Keys for Kids Ministries. “It’s placed a designation that basically says, ‘You’re anti-Russian. You’re anti-everything that we are, and so you can’t organize, you can’t be here.
Russia declares Child Evangelism Fellowship “undesirable,” plus an update on Missionary Park Tae Yeon
Russia (MNN) — Earlier this month, the Russian Federation added Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to its list of “undesirable organizations.” It gave no explanations for the decision, which essentially shuts down all organizational operations. “[The designation] also means that even individual churches or Christians, bookstores, libraries can’t even carry a single copy of their materials. If they do, they’ll be subject to criminal penalties,” says Eric Foley with Voice of the Martyrs Korea.
Almost a month after Venezuela’s earthquakes, recovery and radio teams press forward
Venezuela (MNN) — It’s been nearly a month since twin earthquakes devastated northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026. The death toll crossed the 5,200 mark over the past weekend, and that number will keep rising. But the work of recovery is increasingly grim. “Many of the deceased are being buried in unmarked, mass graves because they haven’t been identified for any family member,” says Annabel Torrealba, the International Director of Latin America and the Caribbean Hispanic Ministry for TWR.
Threats from Yemen’s Houthis, and a glimpse of the local Church
Yemen (MNN) — The Yemen-based political and militant group known as the Houthis fired missiles at Saudi Arabia July 13, breaking a four-year, informal truce. The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Sanaa airport, which is under Houthi control. Yemen’s exiled and largely powerless government claimed the Sanaa attack, but the Houthis have continued to specify Saudi Arabia in their public messages.
Israel and Lebanon discuss pilot zone process, but no timeline set yet
Lebanon (MNN) — Representatives from Lebanon and Israel met this week at the United States Embassy in Rome. At the end of the two-day gathering, they had agreed on further details about a “pilot zone” process. The timeline for when this pilot zone process would start has not been agreed upon yet. However, under the plan, Israel would soon withdraw from two small areas in southern Lebanon. Then the Lebanese army would step in to establish control (“sovereignty”) regarding Hezbollah.
What’s the truth about violence against Christians in Nigeria?
Nigeria (MNN) — Is violence against Christians in Nigeria random, or is it targeted? A new study from the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) has brought in more data. The six-year study of nearly 80,000 killings in Nigeria found that Christians are disproportionately targeted by violent groups. Between 2020 and 2025, about twice as many Christians were killed as Muslims. That’s not all.
Iran leverages regional influence in war with US
Middle East (MNN) — Renewed strikes between Iran and the United States continue to place other Middle Eastern states in the crosshairs. Over the weekend, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz to be closed indefinitely. But on Monday, the US said that it plans to reinstate its naval blockade on Iran to keep the international waterway open, calling for a 20% reimbursement fee on cargo that passes through.
Strikes expose goals of Iranian regime and a people longing for breakthrough
Iran (MNN) —The June memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran appears to be over after the US reimposed oil sanctions and the two nations resumed an exchange of regional strikes this week. Tuesday’s reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil by the US were a response to recent strikes on three tankers in or near the Strait of Hormuz. US officials believe those strikes came from Iran, which has insisted that it will not give up control over the international waterway.
Equipping Christian leaders for biblical conflict resolution
Middle East/North Africa (MNN) — It’s no secret that life on earth is full of conflict, in both public and private spheres. That’s not because of the modern day we live in: it’s been a fact for all but the first few days of human history. “Most probably, either you are now in a conflict, or entering a conflict, or leaving a conflict, or part of a conflict that you are trying to solve,” says Fadi Sharaiha with the MENA Leadership Center.
Venezuela earthquake survivors still in shock
Venezuela (MNN) — Nearly two weeks after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela’s capital region, survivors have entered a second phase of crisis. More than 17,000 people are homeless — living on the streets, parks, or in temporary shelters. Annabel Torrealba with TWR says, “They need a place to live.
Hardline threats and the need for wisdom in South Africa’s immigration situation
South Africa (MNN) — “Leave now, or else.” That’s the basic message that anti-immigrant groups in South Africa have sent to undocumented migrants in recent months. Some protest groups declared June 30 as a deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country or face potential consequences. “It is not an official deadline. It’s imposed by these groups that have threatened these folk that if they don’t leave, they might have harm come to them,” says Anthony Barkhuizen with TWR.
Hoping for miracles as Venezuela quake response presses forward
Venezuela (MNN) — Families in Venezuela grapple with both losses and unflagging hope a week after two massive earthquakes struck the country’s coastal region. By June 30, the death toll had reached at least 1,943 people. But estimates of what the final losses could be are much higher. The United Nations says it is ordering 10,000 body bags for Venezuela. More than 40,000 people are still reported missing after the quakes, according to a website promoted by Venezuela’s political opposition.
Aftershocks and fear continue across Venezuela as relief teams meet physical and spiritual needs
This article has been corrected from its broadcast to update the number of buildings badly damaged or destroyed from 774 to 855, according to Monday information from Venezuelan government authorities. Venezuela (MNN) —The death toll from Venezuela’s twin June 24 earthquakes rose to more than 1,700 people on Monday. Although rescue stories continue, hope for finding more people alive is dwindling.
Hope and help from faith-based team already on the ground in Venezuela
Venezuela (MNN) —Acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24. The quakes leveled hundreds of buildings, including many in Caracas and the neighboring port city of La Guaira. As of Sunday, at least 1,450 people lost their lives, with tens of thousands reported missing. And the danger is not over yet.
Venezuela earthquake survivors see God’s providence, with prayer greatly needed
Venezuela (MNN) — Two earthquakes struck northern Venezuela Wednesday night within a minute of each other, at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The second quake was the most severe to hit Venezuela since 1900. By mid-Thursday the death toll rose to 188 people, with thousands reported missing. Damages are especially heavy in the coastal region north of Caracas. Annabel Torrealba serves as the International Director for Latin America and the Caribbean for TWR.
Newly passed Bill C-9 disappoints believers and free speech advocates
Canada (MNN) — After a more than nine-month legal journey, Canada’s Bill C-9 (or the Combatting Hatred Act) passed in Parliament on June 17, 2026, just two days before the governing body’s summer recess. It will go into effect June 30. In previous reports this year, we’ve covered Bill C-9‘s potential risks, ways Christians could respond prayerfully, and the bill’s significance in a broader global context, including developments in Finland.
Graduates re-enter dangerous national realities with new skills and faith Original
Burkina Faso (MNN) — Themilitary junta under Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso has been in power since late 2022. It runs a fierce campaign to control dissenting voices and project a narrative about its own success. But the facts on the ground are grim. Islamic insurgents control large portions of the country. Clashes between armed groups and the Burkinabé army catch civilians in the crosshairs.
Cartel members, or gospel recipients? Christian broadcasters share hope in the midst of struggle
Mexico (MNN) — For the team at Radio Encuentro Internacional, prayer and gospel broadcasting are how they engage with deep societal and cultural challenges in Mexico. A report from CSW in May 2026 presents a sobering picture of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Mexico. A combination of pressures from indigenous community leaders, organized criminal activity, and overall government silence has created a world where citizens endure systemic violations of religious freedom.
Pastoral training helps the gospel stand firm in Africa
Kenya (MNN) — The Western, English-speaking world is jam-packed with Christian resources. But not every part of the global Church has that same defense line. Take Kenya, for example. Brian Dennett with AMG International says, “Especially in rural areas, these pastors often have limited access to really sound education resources, books, or mentoring, so it really leaves the church vulnerable to false teaching.” Syncretism and the prosperity gospel are present dangers in the Kenyan Church.
Iran presses for leverage in Lebanon, but Christians pray for a true peace
Lebanon (MNN) — Iran has said that Israel’s continued occupation of southern Lebanon would violate the tentative US-Iran deal. But it’s another bid for power, not peace. Nuna with Triumphant Mercy Lebanon points out that Israel’s target in Lebanon is Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy group. “They’re putting Lebanon inside that peace deal to keep Lebanon under Iran control,” Nuna says.
Peace, poverty, and pressure: a deal without immediate relief
The tentative deal between the United States and Iran is set to be formally signed Friday, June 19. But one thing is sure: the economic fallout of the war won’t disappear anytime soon, either at gas pumps around the world or within the economy of Iran itself. The pressures aren’t due only to the past three-and-a-half months of conflict, or even the past year since the 12-day war in June 2025 between Iran and Israel and the United States.
Peace, poverty, and pressure: a deal without immediate relief
Iran (MNN) — The tentative deal between the United States and Iran is set to be formally signed Friday, June 19. But one thing is sure: the economic fallout of the war won’t disappear anytime soon, either at gas pumps around the world or within the economy of Iran itself. The pressures aren’t due only to the past three-and-a-half months of conflict, or even the past year since the 12-day war in June 2025 between Iran and Israel and the United States.
Taliban arrests lead to an unexpected protest in western Afghanistan
India (MNN) — At least 30 women in western Afghanistan were between June 6 and 7 for allegedly violating hijab dress code. The arrests aren’t a surprise under Afghanistan’s de-facto authorities, the Taliban. Many women were subsequently released, the United Nations reports. But what happened after the arrests was unusual. On June 9, dozens of people in the city of Herat protested on the streets on behalf of the detained women.
Amended sacrilege law is a new reality for believers in Punjab State
India (MNN) — New legislation in India’s Punjab State has Christians concerned that persecution against them will increase. Punjab’s population is majority Sikh, a monotheistic religion that reveres its holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. A recent amendment to Punjab’s sacrilege law has increased the consequences for anyone accused of desecrating their holy book. Joe Handley with A3 explains that the new legislation was sparked by someone tearing up a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Freedom for some, continued struggles for many in Nigeria
Nigeria (MNN) — A moment of gladness came to Nigeria in the form of what we’ll call a jailbreak. The army reported over the weekend of June 6–7, 2026 that it rescued 360 hostages from a Boko Haram stronghold in northeast Nigeria. Circumstances surrounding the freeing of the hostages are disputed by local leaders, who say months of locally-led negotiations led to their release.
Keeping focus on God’s Kingdom in complex geopolitical divisions
Middle East (MNN) — Imagine a map of the world, with a small fire hovering over every country where active conflict is happening. There would be many fires to track, wouldn’t there? People in the Middle East today live in the midst of conflicts that are anything but simple. Roots go deep, and history runs back for centuries or millennia. Different perspectives abound on people’s rights and responsibilities in these conflicts, even among followers of Christ.
Faith in action: a glimpse of church leaders in Moldova
Moldova (MNN) —Meet some of the heroes of the Christian faith: pastors’ wives in Moldova. Eric Mock with Slavic Gospel Association was recently in Moldova with his wife, Christy. Together, they led a conference to strengthen local pastors and their wives. “These ladies are central to the body life of the church, central to investing in families, central to caring for the heart of these men as they serve and preach and teach in their churches,” says Mock.
Christian parents in Iran know that following Christ means sacrifice and suffering
Iran (MNN) —Talk of a deal between the United States and Iran remains in confusing limbo, tied to the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which shows no sign of abating either. Contrary to projections that it would end swiftly, the US-Israeli war on Iran is in its fourth month. John Cergnilia with SAT-7 remarks, “To be frank about it, I don’t hear Iranian colleagues talking about this being short-lived.” SAT-7 is a satellite TV ministry to the Middle East and North Africa.
Evacuation orders in southern Lebanon mean a change of plans for summer outreach
Lebanon (MNN) — Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel hit close to home this week for a ministry in Lebanon. On Monday, Israel ordered the residents of seven villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate. Two of the villages are a mere 20-minute drive from Heart for Lebanon’s Hope Center. “We still can operate from our center, we still can reach out to people, but you could tell the fear that it can become another battleground,” says Heart for Lebanon’s Camille Melki.
Ukraine’s next generation shares messages for the West as capital endures more strikes
Ukraine (MNN) — Monday night, June 1, Russia struck Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine with more than 70 missiles and over 650 drones. It was the third heavy assault on Kyiv in less than a month. Previous strikes on May 13–14 and 23–24 in Kyiv and other locations were just as devastating, if not more so. This time, at least 22 people were killed, and more than 130 were wounded. Eric Mock with Slavic Gospel Association was in Ukraine at the time but departed a few hours after the assault began.
MENA displacement crises make refugee ministry training critical
Middle East/North Africa (MNN) —Forced displacement is a too-well-known reality across the Middle East and Southeast Asia today. Since February 28, the joint United States-Israel war with Iran and other conflicts have only worsened the situation.The United Nations Refugee Agency reports that between March 1 and May 19, 2026, more than 4.3 million people have been displaced across Iran, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Three years later, ethnic violence still troubles Manipur State
India (MNN) — Consequences from the May 2023 ethnic violence in India’s Manipur State continue. A surge of kidnappings, attacks, and killings over the past two months has shaken the region yet again. The clashes first came between the chiefly Hindu Meiteis in political power and the primarily Christian Kuki-Zo people groups. But today, a third people group is also entangled: the Nagas. On May 13, for example, three Kuki-Zo church leaders were killed in an ambush.
Determination and grit persist in the middle of Burkina Faso’s insecurity
Burkina Faso (MNN) — Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended over 900 civil society groups and non-governmental organizations since April. The West African country has been fighting Islamic insurgencies for over a decade. The junta’s suspensions are an attempt to stop foreign funds that it suspects could be fueling terrorism. But these actions also tighten the junta’s control over the nation, critics say.
Cuba’s power shortages hinder but don’t stop Christian radio team Original
Cuba (MNN) — Cuba’s humanitarian crisis is deepening. The island nation ran out of oil this month, under a United States fuel blockade that started in January. The fuel blockade is part of the current US administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign regarding the Communist nation. US leaders claim national security concerns and a desire to see political and economic change in Cuba. But as usual, everyday people pay the heaviest price.
Internet connectivity flickers in Iran
Iran (MNN) — Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian announced this week that internet access will soon be restored to Iran. The news comes after nearly three straight months of a government-imposed blackout, according to internet monitor NetBlocks. An Iranian court has suspended the presidential order for further judicial review, but shifts have already begun.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Katie
Contact Katie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack