News headlines for January 14th 2003

(Middle East)–We begin today in the Middle East where the turmoil in the Gaza Strip continues to fuel war-like intentions. The hostilities have created openness in the people for the truth of the Gospel. In response, Evangecube International’s[1] Tom Doyle is leading a team to the area to support, encourage and minister to the people trapped in the crossfire. “We have to create a friendship, whether it’s with Jewish people, or with Arabs, and then as we meet the needs, whatever it might be, then we start to introduce to them that we are Christians. They usually are curious, and that’s a great way to go straight into the Evangecube, which is that visual presentation of the Gospel.” Doyle explains the other purpose for their visit. “As everybody knows, we’re ready to enter a pretty difficult period. It looks like war is on the horizon. We hope to go strengthen the church, bring a lot of resources, bless them, pray for them-just be there for them to brace themselves.”

(Congo–Kinshasa)–Elsewhere, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a peace accord has evaporated and a humanitarian crisis appears to be spreading. Medical Ambassadors International’s[2] Paul Calhoun says despite renewed fighting, their work in the area continues. “The essence of Community Health Evangelism is that it will be sustainable, by itself, indigenously, because the projects are really owned by the people of the villages. But this was a test that was rather severe, and we were holding our breath.” Calhoun says their teams report the ministry has expanded to 113 villages, with impact in all areas. He maintains that the future is bright. “We continue to visit and get our headquarters’ people into the area four times a year, but, if that again is thwarted, we still will be able to rely on the fact that this program is community owned, and will not only sustain, but increase.”

(Ukraine)–Although the Ukraine has seen some change in its struggle to rise above unemployment and economic woes, the effect of the troubles are now trickling down to the families, and in turn, the children. However, Bethany Christian Services'[3] Kristen Roeters says they are working to change that, adding a recent visit to their offices in the Ukraine proved to be encouraging. “We were able to meet with a number of families who have been re-united with their kids. That’s an amazing experience in and of itself. This project does work; through sponsorship, these kids can return home, or can be prevented from going into the institution.” Roeters says through their work there, the staff is able to share their faith. “Everybody that is served by Bethany Christian Services, knows that we are a Christian agency, that we base everything that we do on our motto of manifesting the love and compassion of Jesus Christ through protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families through quality social services.”

(Turkey)–Next, Operation Mobilization[4] team members are praying that the seeds that were planted over the holidays will work in the hearts of the people of Istanbul. For the first time in 13 years, authorities permitted a New Testament distribution to take place on the streets of Istanbul during Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Close to 12,000 New Testaments were passed out. Each copy included a letter, follow-up card and a Prayer Hotline phone number.

(Venezuela)–And, CB International’s[5] missionaries in Venezuela say they feel safe for the time being. Since the country’s problems are the result of friction between the government and opposition groups, CBI workers have not felt they were targeted, and continue their work. They are, however, taking normal precautions, such as avoiding large public gatherings and events of a political nature. Like many Venezuelans, they also are “laying low” and venturing out of their homes only when necessary.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ECI [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=MAI [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BCS [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=OMI [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CBI ———————————————————————

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