News headlines for November 8th 2002

(Ecuador)–Headlining today’s news a volcanic eruption in Ecuador has had a significant impact on a missionary radio outreach there. HCJB World Radio’s[1] Jim Ferrier says the Reventador volcano began erupting November 3rd layering Quito with ash. Ferrier tells us how it affected them. “Our hydro-electric plants had to be shut down. We had to go to our backup diesel generators at the transmitter sites to try to stay on the air. Then we also sustained antenna damage and two our our 100,000 watt transmitters were damaged.” Ferrier says it’s times like these that makes ministry more effective. “Our folks that are broadcasting locally in particular have tried to help bring calm and to be an example of peace in a tough situation. And, people pay attention to that and we have seen people come to Christ.” Ferrier says HCJB is operating normally, but funding is needed to help recover repair costs.

(Philippines)–Next, Christian Aid Mission[2] reports that an indigenous Philippine mission agency is seeing evangelistic progress in the midst of terrorist attacks and other hardships. The leader of a mission located on Mindanao Island says nearly five-thousand people have professed faith in Christ as the result of a massive outreach effort. Missionaries are also conducting Bible lessons in 81 public school classes. Please pray for the testimony and safety of those involved with evangelistic work in the Philippines.

(Russia)– Far East Broadcasting Company[3] has been broadcasting the Gospel in Russia since the late 1940s. Working with Russian believers, FEBC’s staff supports the outreach of the church. The success of that partnership was highlighted at the most recent listener rally in Moscow, attended by 12-hundred listeners. FEBC’s Viktor Akhterov says it was a success in many ways. “The point of the rally was actually not to evangelize them, but to get them connected to the local church. That’s why we had so many pastors there.” Ahkterov says they hope many of the current listeners will also serve as local ambassadors for their broadcast work. More importantly, FEBC is looking to expand. “Our Moscow station was a real success. We have 14 different centers in Russia, but our Moscow project is really successful in terms of bringing people to church. What we are trying to do now is to have the same in St. Petersburg.”

(USA)–Meanwhile, Christians in the United States are being encouraged to help families in need in the U-S during the Thanksgiving holiday. Here’s Life Inner City’s[4] National Director Ted Gandy says they have a program called “A Box of Love” that needs funding. He describes the program. “The box of love is the classic holiday trimmings the ham, the stuffing, potatoes, canned vegetables, bread, juice, dessert, the works. It’s also a chance then, because there are materials in that box as well as the food to share Christ and begin a relationship with that family that will continue throughout the year.” This year Here’s Life wants to distribute 26-thousand boxes. Gandy says they have a long way to go. “We’re actually in the process of getting all 26,000 of those boxes funded. And, the cost of one of those boxes is $36.71. Right now, we’re at about 3,000, so, we have a long way to go.”

(USA)–And finally, Life Action Revival Ministries[5] continues to see hearts turn to Christ as a result of local church revival meetings. The goal is to see the local church body repent of their sin and see a revival fire lit in their congregations. Conference speaker Steve Canfield says a man confessed his anger problem at home to his family and his 8th grade son turned his heart to Christ last week. His invited guest also came to Christ. Three conferences are scheduled in Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania beginning November 11th.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=HCJB [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CAID [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=FEBC [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=HLIC [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=LARM