News headlines for January 28th 2003

(Ivory Coast)–We begin today’s newscast in the Ivory Coast where rioting greets a new power-sharing peace deal brokered by France. The unrest tops four months of fighting that forced the evacuation of the International Christian Academy in Bouake. Evangelical Baptist Mission’s[1] Dr. Paul Jackson says they hoped for calm, but, in light of the ongoing situation, the ICA’s board meets this week to make some tough decisions. “I think there is a general sense by everyone that we are praying for the peace process to continue, and for the campus to return to the Ivory Coast; but, I think they’re looking at a point here where they’re going to have to have some kind of direction as to what they’re going to do for 2003.” Jackson explains their need as it relates to their ministry. “We’re just really praying specifically, that God would return peace to this land that will allow this wonderful campus, with the facilities that God has given, to be able to be reopened up and used again in Bouake.”

(India)–Next, a tragedy has struck an evangelical mission organization working in India. Mission India[2] of Grand Rapids, Michigan is reporting that participants in one of their programs were gunned down over the weekend. Mission India’s Dave DeGroot. “Armed police were patrolling the area, looking for extremists, and they opened fire on a group of people. The count was 15; many of these people were in Mission India’s literacy classes.” According to DeGroot they were walking through the jungle to a town where a Sunday morning worship service was to be conducted. “This is a case of mistaken identity. This is not, from everything we’ve heard, this is not another case of ongoing persecution.” Agency President John DeVries is calling it a tragic accident. Christians are urged to pray for safety for believers there, as they share the Gospel in this troubled country.

(USA)–The Gospel will be a part of Spring Break activities in the United States this year. The Luis Palau Evangelistic Association[3] is holding “Beachfest” in Fort Lauderdale, Florida March 22rd and 23th. More than 100-thousand people are expected at the event this year and Palau officials say they need counselors. Training is being held now through February 15th. “Beachfest” features lots of music, skateboard demonstrations, and the Gospel. Officials are also asking Christians to begin praying now for this outreach.

(Middle East)–Meanwhile, God is drawing people to Himself in incredible ways in the Middle East. That’s according to Sat-7[4] , Christian satellite television for Christians in the Middle East and North Africa. Sat-7 officials report that a vision brought a 75-year-old man to faith as he was sitting under a tree. After seeing a cross in the sky, an audible voice told him to find a New Testament. Three years later he found one, read it and now he is a Christian. Sat-7 is helping this man and others grow in their faith. Funding is needed to help this ministry continue.

(Nicaragua)–And, Worldwide Christian Schools[5] recently signed an agreement with an organization in Nicaragua that will enhance their evangelical ministry. Spokesman Dale Dieleman says they are excited about the opportunity to work with the group “Centro Nehemiah.” “It’s a group of several ministries working together for transformational development. First of all in Nicaragua and then they have a variety of services that will be very helpful to Worldwide Christian Schools in the area of Christian education development and Christian school development.” The group will also provide consulting and other direct services for teachers and administrators as well as Biblical principles of interaction. “Biblical principles of understanding the world and how God is using all of us in that world in our own particular calling to advance the Gospel through the way we live.” Dieleman asks for prayer as they continue to help the needy children in Central America come to salvation in Christ.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=EBM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=MNI [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=LPEA [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=SAT7 [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WWCS ———————————————————————

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