News headlines for November 26th 2002

(India) –We begin today in India where an Indian pastor along with team members from Operation Mobilization, were savagely beaten in the State of Goa. The team had just shown the DaySpring International[1] film on the life of Christ when some 30 people attacked them. The film’s director, John Gilman says the movie reflects the life of Christ filmed in the Indian context and it has had a huge impact on those who view it. “Dramatically demonstrating the story of Jesus and his love really is a seed that is planted in the hearts of the people and they never forget seeing Jesus crucified and what that means.” Gilman says they won’t stop showing the film. “I think we have a challenge to bring the Gospel to these people as a seed. Someone said don’t bring it to us as a potted plant, bring it to us as a seed and often Western Christians are tempted to have already grown something and bring it with their own flavor.” Meanwhile, the victims of the assault are recovering and police encouraged them to file a formal complaint.

(India) — Next, December 6th could be a significant day spiritually for the people in Tamil Nadu, India. Gospel For Asia[2] reports that thousands of Dalits are expected to gather for a mass conversion on that day. This group of “untouchables” of the Indian society has suffered discrimination for hundreds of years and now Dalit leaders are calling their people to leave the Hindu-based caste system. The event could create a huge opportunity for groups to reach these people with the Gospel. Already many Dalits across India have turned to Christ.

(Dominican Republic) — As the number of people diagnosed with HIV is on the increase, World Vision[3] continues to look for ways to help. Vice-President Steve Haas recently returned from the Dominican Republic and said the situation there has continued to deteriorate. “The numbers there are truly startling from the perspective of the number of people who have the disease, we’re talking right now 130,000 people with HIV aids and those numbers are going up.” Haas visited local public hospitals and looked at early prevention programming that World Vision is doing. He also says there are things Christians and the church can do to help. “They’ve got to become aware. For us it’s more than just understanding what the disease is, it’s also becoming active with our government and letting them know there needs to be more aids funding for awareness and prevention as well as activity. Getting involved with organizations that are doing the job.”

(Poland) — Meanwhile, church planters in Poland continue to work at establishing churches in a nation where most believe in God but few have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible League[4] ‘s Waldmar (vuhd-ihmar) Kurz, says most Poles believe good works are the key. “They are good church attenders and they feel that their relationship with God is good. They go to church and they think that they don’t need God and so they are not really open to a relationship with Jesus Christ.” Many local people don’t understand church planters and some have been persecuted. The Bible League has 20 church planters and they’re beginning to see results. “Through those people who have started the ministry about a year and a half ago about 145 people that have already accepted the Lord through their ministry. They have organized about 40 small Bible study groups and so I would just encourage our listeners to pray for those church planters because sometimes it is very difficult for them.”

(Ivory Coast) — And, A Northeast Ohio missionary family longs to return to the war-torn Ivory Coast. The Bob Mach family was one of several American families that were forced to return to the states in late September, following turmoil in the West African nation. The family has ministered the Gospel through Baptist International Missions Incorporated since 1995. The Mach’s and other families are waiting patiently, but are anxious to continue their ministry. Pray the peace will come to the Ivory Coast so the work can continue.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=DAY [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GFA [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WVI [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BLG ———————————————————————

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