News headlines for December 30th 2002

(Congo–Kinshasa)–Topping today’s news, rebels blame renewed fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo on the Kinshasa government, despite a much-touted power sharing accord. Back to the Bible’s[1] Mark Blowers says they have been watching the situation, knowing that trouble could upset their work, and making preparations to counter disruptions. “We always welcome any peace initiatives, but at the same time, we have to temper that with realism that there have been at least 100 peace initiatives already, and most of them fail. So, we continue to carry on as best we can under the circumstances.” While instability can interrupt training and outreach, that’s where help comes in the form of the agency’s international scholarship fund. Blowers shares how it saved a training facility in Congo. “Back to the Bible has some schools right in Congo, not just Kenya. We are helping students there, and in one case, I know that the scholarship assistance we sent, was the means by which the school was able to remain open.”

(India)–Meanwhile, Voice of the Martyrs[2] reports that a mob of armed men attacked a church near the Indian-Pakistan border Christmas Day. There were 1200 worshippers inside the church attending services. The attackers set off several bombs, then grabbed valuables from the congregation and raided a church safe before fleeing. Thankfully no one is reported killed in the attack, but several were injured. Pray that the Christians’ faith will stand strong and that their work continue.

(International)–The maintenance of old planes is causing one missions agency to look toward new solutions and a bright future. JAARS'[3] Arthur Lightbody explains that the change has been long in coming. He also shares why they’re exploring a new technology. “We have to continually look for parts for the certain types of short take-off/landing airplanes that we have. Our primary concern is the high cost of AV-gas, the unavailability of AV-gas-there are many times the pilots have a difficult time getting from here to there.” So, Lightbody says they’re looking at replacing the AV-gas fueled planes with jet-fueled planes to assure that they will be able to continue the support of Bible translation worldwide. “The new technology will allow us to use jet fuel, which is readily available worldwide. There’s a cost to it, but the lives of those people are priceless that we’re bringing God’s word to-to be able to do the same kinds of things we were able to do before, but able to keep doing it.”

(International)–Next, the Bible League[4] reports that the downturn in the American economy and threat of war has created a significant shortfall in funding. As a result, the League was not able to fill a third of the requests made for Scriptures. Yet, in spite of the lack of materials, their work goes on. Over the last year, more than 350-thousand people trained to go out and share the message of salvation in Jesus Christ with their friends and neighbors.

(Albania)–And, a radio outreach is growing again, with the help of a local church. Words of Hope’s[5] Lee DeYoung says believers are building relationships once again in the Balkans. As a result, “Our Albanian programs are now on the air on two different brand new local radio FM stations in Albania. One, in the town of Korce, near the Greek border in southern Albania that is closely connected with Immanuel church, Radio Immanuel, and they’re also carrying a gypsy broadcast, in the Balkan-Romani language.” DeYoung says they are excited about the potential for ministry. “Daily programs are also being heard twice a day in each case, five days a week in Tirana, the capital of Albania over a new radio station called ‘Radio-7’. So, we’re grateful for this increased impact we believe will come from a better coverage on FM.”

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BTTB [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=VOM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=JAARS [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BLG [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WOH ———————————————————————

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