Missionary Pilot Released, IDF Protects West Bank Christian Village, 11 Indicted in Marriage Fraud

Top headlines for Monday, August 17, 2026

Adults now make up the majority of Southern Baptist baptisms, marking a generational shift. Missionary pilot Kevin Rideout is free after nine months of captivity in West Africa. Israeli forces seal off Taybeh, the West Bank's only all-Christian village. Plus, Mel Gibson reveals new details on The Resurrection of the Christ.

0:11 Adults accounted for more than half of SBC baptisms last year
1:00 Trump, mission org. confirm release of kidnapped missionary
1:45 Christian village in West Bank closed off by IDF to protect it
2:36 Eric Metaxas: The US is 'living on fumes' after abandoning Bible
3:26 Authorities probe decades-old deaths of pastor's wives
4:16 Decades-long marriage fraud ring dismantled, 11 charged: report
5:06 Mel Gibson reveals 'Passion of the Christ' sequels are in English

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Links to the News

• Adults accounted for more than half of SBC baptisms last year | Church & Ministries
• Trump, mission org. confirm release of kidnapped missionary | Church & Ministries
• Christian village in West Bank closed off by IDF to protect it | World
• Eric Metaxas: The US is ‘living on fumes’ after abandoning Bible
• Authorities probe decades-old deaths of pastor's wives | U.S.
• Decades-long marriage fraud ring dismantled, 11 charged: report | U.S.
• Mel Gibson reveals 'Passion of the Christ' sequels are in English | Entertainment