News headlines for October 31st 2002

(Philippines)–Topping the news, the Philippines’ president is trying to assure the population that while groups of al Qaeda operatives may be present, they do not currently pose a significant threat. While the terrorism risk has not stopped the work of the Gospel, it has interfered. The International Needs Network’s[1] Beth Flores. “The fear is coming in, but, as Christians, we are also praying that God would intervene as well in that aspect. We have church planters and evangelists in the area of the south. And we have churches in that area that are working with the Muslims.” Flores adds that despite the security troubles in the south, they’ve seen the hand of God. “When we started with the church planting before, God gave us a vision of 200 churches by the end of 2000, and God has answered that prayer and that was really tremendous in how God has provided Filipinos who have a vision; Filipinos who are willing to back to their towns and villages to share the good news of Christ.”

(International)–Next, there is some controversy in religious sectors about the need for Jesus among the Jewish people. That’s according to an alarming trend of theological documents being published in the United States. Jews For Jesus’ Susan Perleman says it’s what happens when faith clashes with the politically correct movement. “It doesn’t surprise me at all, because I think it’s a real product of our culture. We live in an age where tolerance and diversity are celebrated and admired and the exclusivity of Christianity is shunned.” Perleman says Jews for Jesus continues to stand by their mission of fulfilling the Great Commission, but they are asking for support. “What we really would hope to hear more of is the evangelical community and evangelical leaders, in particular, coming out and saying, ‘we stand with you’. We believe that Jewish evangelism is an important part of evangelism.”

(Congo-Kinshasa)–Renewed fighting in the Congo is threatening a recent peace accord. A new conflict in the eastern region of the country has sent thousands of refugees fleeing into neighboring Burundi. World Vision’s[2] Nigel March, says the fighting is a clear demonstration of the need for restraint and goodwill by all groups involved and a reminder that this region of the world needs a lot of help in ensuring peace. Please pray that the believers caught in the crossfire will continue to remain true to their faith.

(International)–Meanwhile, it’s being widely reported that the global church is growing, in spite of efforts to suppress Christianity. Global Advance’s[3] David Shibley says as evangelistic work continues, that movement is being met with a desperate request for help. “I believe pastors, particularly in developing nations, are sensing both the momentum of the Holy Spirit, and the urgency of intensified persecution. We sense the urgency with these pastors, that time is short, perhaps, for the advancement of the Gospel, and that some areas that may be open to us now, may not be open to us in the future.” Shibley says it’s important that the church leaders are trained and equipped now, so that they have tools they need in their hands. “In response to their plea, we are moving from 30 conferences this year, to a record 46 Frontline Shepherd’s Conferences in 2003.”

(USA)–And, Bethany Christian Services[4] is honoring three West Michigan pastors for their visionary leadership in promoting the welfare of children through adoption. Church leaders are beginning to follow the example of a Texas pastor who has united his 200-member congregation to find permanent homes for 76 children in their area. That pastor is now traveling across the U-S to encourage other churches to learn more about how Christians can have a long term impact on the lives of orphans.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=INN [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WVI [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GAM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BCS ———————————————————————

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