News headlines for January 9th 2003

(North Korea)–We begin today in North Korea where tensions continue to build with the threat of war. In addition, there is a growing food crisis. Food for the Hungry’s[1] Beth Allen says they are in the process of determining the extent of their response. “Over 20-percent of the population is in dire need of food aid this year. The political situation there combined with some really bad weather conditions, drought and even flooding in the last couple of years, have left people in the population vulnerable. We’re particularly concerned with children under the age of five and the elderly.” Allen says getting humanitarian aid into North Korea is a challenge, but one that can be met by the love of Christ. “These are people who are absolutely powerless in the world. They have absolutely nothing to do with the policies of their government, and those are the kinds of people that we want to help, particularly, are those people who have no other resource. We are very strongly commanded by the Bible, particularly, to help those who are helpless.”

(Southeast Asia)–Meanwhile, one of the toughest places in the world for Christians to live out their faith at the start of this new year includes Southeast Asia. Brother Andrew, founder of Open Doors[2] , says new persecution has erupted against Christians in countries like Vietnam, Laos, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. In spite of the difficult times, pastors in Vietnam report that the intense suffering has built up the Body of Christ. Some 160 people recently made decisions to become Christians.

(Venezuela)– Mission Aviation Fellowship[3] operations in Venezuela continue to face the threat of interruption. The group has operated in the country since 1958, but with the political instability, many missionaries evacuated. Even through the risk of kidnappings by rebels remains high, MAF staff members are working cautiously. However, the lack of missionary influence may force MAF to cut back their work, which could limit successful village-to-village evangelism.

(Russia)–Elsewhere, encouraging pastors and church leaders to follow their calling will be part of the focus of a series of Frontline Shepherd’s Conferences this month in both Russia and Ecuador. Global Advance’s[4] David Shibley explains what they’re hoping for in the first round. “There’ll be two conferences this month in different areas of Russia. Those combined conferences should draw several hundred, if not even a couple thousand, pastors and church leaders.” Shibley says the timing is critical because: “This comes at a time when there are increasing restrictions on evangelicals in Russia. We believe that God is going to use these conferences, not only to encourage these pastors, many of whom are feeling the very heavy hand of government restriction, but also to challenge them again for evangelism and church planting.” Global Advance’s mission is to empower national church leaders to evangelize and disciple their own and surrounding nations.

(USA)–And, it’s winter now, but one missions group is planning its summer break. International Messengers'[5] Bob Rasmusson says it’s never too soon to start planning the next step in global evangelism. He adds, for many, that step comes in the form of a short-term missions trip. “I think now is a good time for local churches to be thinking about what they’re going to do to promote missions’ vision in their church. I think one of the best ways to do that is by sending teams from the church to a location to do ministry.” Rasmusson says that ministry takes the form of teaching in an English camp. “We run these camps with a team from a church, alongside one of our staff, in Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union, and they’re able to have hands on, one-to-one, small group kinds of evangelistic opportunities.”

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=FFH [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ODM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=MAF [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GAM [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=IMM ———————————————————————

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