News headlines for October 17th 2002

(Indonesia)–Topping the news, Indonesia’s leaders are facing increasing international pressure to combat terrorism. Between the government response and the ensuing crackdown, the Laskar Jihad abruptly disbanded. Walk Through The Bible’s[1] Terry Sparks says because of the security issues though, some of their work was interrupted. “We’re monitoring the situation on a daily basis. And, rather than sending people into Indonesia at this time, we’re thinking that it might be advisable to bring the leaders from Indonesia out.” Sparks continues that their workers are not intimidated, but adds that this is a dangerous time for Christians in Indonesia. “We need to pray for our people who are in-country to be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. In other words, they don’t want to give up their Christian witness, but at the same time, they don’t want to unnecessarily draw attention to themselves, so they’re in a real difficult spot.”

(Brazil)–Elsewhere, Brazil could be one of the countries that could have a huge compact on evangelizing the Muslim world. Doctor David Shibley with Global Advance[2] just returned from the latest Frontline Shepherds’ Conference in Manaus, Brazil. He says more than one-thousand people attended. “What was particularly thrilling to me was to see the literal hundreds upon hundreds of pastors who committed to plant at least one new church within the next 12 months, and also the hundreds of young Brazilian pastors and church leaders who committed themselves as cross cultural missionaries.” Because of cultural similarities, Shibley says Brazilians could be the key to reaching the Arab world. “They laughingly joke about even their skin type being similar to that of many of the Arab speaking peoples. So, I believe there are some natural parallels that the Brazilian church has that makes them prime candidates to be missionaries to the Islamic world.”

(USA)– The Baptist World Alliance[3] is praising a Baptist leader for winning the Nobel Peace Prize last week. BWA’s General Secretary Denton Lotz thanked former President Jimmy Carter for his commitment and dedication to carrying out the Christian principles of justice and righteousness, which means so much to those who are suffering from religious persecution. Lotz thanked Carter for not being ashamed of the Gospel. Carter was the first recipient of the BWA Human Rights Ward in 1995.

(USA)–Meanwhile, this week, the American Tract Society[4] began printing their latest tract entitled “So Help Me, God”. ATS’s Mark Brown says they are specifically targeting the military because the phrase is based on an oath. “It’s actually a phrase that was started by George Washington. It was an oath and at the very end of the oath he said, “So help me, God.” And, we’ve come out with a tract that talks about: what is an oath, and why do you say that…and it’s targeted for the military.” The tract is taken from a book of the same name that asks its readers to re-evaluate those words. “On one of the most important days of your life, it says, you asked God to help you when you took your military oath. If you have not entrusted your life to Him, you are neglecting the ultimate source of help available; and it goes on and talks about how you can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” ATS is hoping to use the relationships they have with legislators, chaplains, and Christian bookstores, to get the tract into the hands of the military.

(USA)–And finally, Christians around the world are being asked to pray for the next “Last Chance Conference” this weekend in the Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s a part of Dare 2 Share’s[5] desire to encourage American teens to reach their friends for Christ before it’s too late. Dare 2 Share’s Greg Stier says there’s a strong call to evangelism and sharing your faith on Friday. Then by the time the weekend’s over he says students are on the street putting what they’ve learned into practice. Pray that many will respond to this call.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WTTB [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GAM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BWA [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ATS [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=D2S