News headlines for November 28th 2002

(USA) — We begin today in the United States where millions of families are gathering around tables to celebrate Thanksgiving. However, this holiday may be a little different for some families because they’re using it to share the Gospel. American Tract Society[1] ‘s Mark Brown says they’ve developed a new tract called “Thanksgiving in America”. “It’s written by David Barton and the tract has a wonderful cover of the family sitting down and enjoying a Thanksgiving meal, something that has inspired many, many people throughout the years. But, it leads into the importance of how Thanksgiving, as a tradition, came about. And then, David Barton does a wonderful job of expressing how George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln had told people that this is an inspiring time to be an American and be at home with your family. And, then it leads right into a great Gospel presentation as well.” Pray that many will turn to Christ as a result.

(Turkmenistan) — Meanwhile, more than 43-thousand people are petitioning for more religious freedom in Turkmenistan. A delegation from Christian Solidarity Worldwide presented the petition to the Turkmen Embassy last week. Officials are praying that this will be the beginning of what could be a long road to freedom of worship in Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is one of the most repressive regimes in the world as believers face harassment, detention and torture. Authorities have been known to raid religious gatherings and have bulldozed places of worship.

(Kazakhstan) — Christians in Kazakhstan need prayer as they attempt to reach the lost with the Gospel in that Central Asian nation. Doctor David Shibley of Global Advance[2] just completed a Frontline Shepherds conference there. He says the pastors are ready to see the evangelical church grow. “82 cities were represented. Pastors came from neighboring Uzbekistan and also from the Republic of Russia. They went away with a real vision particularly for planting (churches) among unreached peoples and they have targeted two unreached people groups. The Kakakhs and the Uigurs.” Shibley says evangelizing Kazakhstan is important. “Kazakhstan represents one of the open doors to the Islamic world. There has been at least a measure of freedom from churches to operate. I believe it’s a tremendous time for us to see the Gospel advance throughout that nation and also to use the churches of that nation as a base for the advance of the Gospel throughout the Islamic world.”

(USA/China) — Next, pastors from China were in the United States recently encouraging American Christians to get involved in ministry in that country. Erik Burklin of China Partner[3] hosted the pastors. Burklin says the visit was good for the pastors, but also for American Christians. “I think Christians here were very encouraged. They always hear about how closed and sometimes that things aren’t going so well with the advancement of the Gospel in China, and here they had case in point – some pastors sitting right there in front of them that were sharing with them what God is doing and allowing them to do as long as they’re working legally and within the system. And, that was an eye opener for them and very encouraging for them to see.” Burklin believes this trip will encourage Christians in the United States to take a more active roll in supporting evangelism in China.

(USA) — And finally, this week marks the 62nd annual National Bible Week in the United States. All Americans are encouraged to take a few minutes each day to read God’s word. Bible Pathway Ministries[4] officials hope this will be the start of people reading through the entire Bible in one year. Bible Pathway, published monthly, is daily devotional commentary, designed to all who desire a better understanding of the Word of God. It takes the reader through the Bible in one year, reading just 15 minutes a day.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ATS [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GAM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CPM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BPM ———————————————————————

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