News headlines for December 4th 2002

(Ivory Coast)–We begin today in the Ivory Coast where more rebel violence has claimed another evangelistic outreach opportunity there. Michael Cassidy of African Enterprise[1] says they were hoping to hold a citywide mission this week in Abidjan, but it just wasn’t possible. “Both the local churches and the various embassies all advised that this wasn’t the time to go ahead. People were too preoccupied with the crisis. The churches couldn’t think about something like the citywide mission because they were coping with refugees. Therefore, with very, very great regrets, we were asked to put the mission on hold.” Cassidy says the cancellation came at a pretty large financial cost. “Missions of that kind cost in the region of 60,000 some dollars. I wouldn’t say we lost our shirt completely on it, but we’re going to have to “re-find” the funding to go back in there. So, just to end the year in the black is a tremendous challenge to us.”

(Kenya)–We turn next to Kenya, where the threat to security continues following last week’s deadly attacks. Grace Ministries'[2] Sam Vinton explains that although the terrorism was aimed at Israel, they’re concerned. “Underlying all of this, there is a hatred of Christianity and a hatred of Jews that is sort of tied together in this. They will be there and the nationals have to live with that. I think of Pakistan and those countries where Christians are carrying on the work, but they [Christians] actually live in very dangerous situations. They have to be taught in what would be called ‘theology of suffering’, which is something very, very strange and different for us as Americans.” Vinton says in a way, the crisis is forcing the national church to take ownership of their ministry. He attributes it to a change in mindset. “You’re concerned, but you’re not going to just stay home. I see this as a tendency that’s going to crop up here and there as part of the world. I think this is just part of what we can expect from now on as what’s happening around the world.”

(Malawi)–More than 14.4 million people living in the Southern Africa region are considered at risk for starving over the next few months. In light of that, Food for the Hungry[3] will be distributing seeds to 9,000 of the neediest people in Malawi. Working through a church body in Lilongwe, Food for the Hungry is targeting those who are most susceptible to famine. With the help of the believers, spiritual needs will be met and families will have the ability to feed themselves when traditional aid comes to an end.

(International)–Next, Habitat for Humanity International[4] announced it will begin building homes in Russia, Cambodia, Panama and the Republic of Ireland, expanding the organization’s global mission to end poverty housing to a total of 87 countries. By 2005, Habitat for Humanity International hopes to be building homes with people in need of simple, decent housing in 100 nations. Through that ministry, they hope to share the love of Christ with the poor.

(International)–And, the JESUS Film Project[5] has adapted for ministry to children. Within that context, the possibilities for worldwide outreach are endless. So says the JESUS film’s Flip Amon (AY-mon). “A lot of the audiences internationally at the showing of the JESUS film were, in fact, children. Sometimes a two-hour version was a bit much for them to sit through and other were looking for something with maybe a little bit more explanation. Since the original film is the Gospel of Luke on film, there’s no explanation included.” Amon says this presented a new need. “We have just started with the children’s version. It is in 29 languages at the present time with over 100 in process. But, we do covet prayers for just the translation process; getting it translated, getting it recorded to make the film available in the language of the children of the various countries of the world.” For more information: [6]

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=AEI [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GMI [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=FFH [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=HFHI [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=JFP [6] http://www.jesusforchildren.org ———————————————————————

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