News headlines for February 5th 2003

(India)–We begin today in India as Christians continue to face opposition from radical Hindus, who are gaining political power in that nation. Words of Hope’s[1] Lee DeYoung just returned from India where he describes the oppression facing believers there. “More and more states of India are politically passing anti conversion laws. Our partners, who are involved in working in India, are not finding that their efforts in recent months have been curtailed in any increased way because of the threat of persecution, but I would says they’re more and more careful.” DeYoung traveled to the Hindu holy city of Varanasi where Words of Hope is having an impact through radio. “At least to me there seems to be a real spiritual presence of spiritual darkness, and yet we were very thrilled to hear testimonies from a number people who were listeners to our broadcast in that area, which indicate that their lives have been radically transformed through the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

(Ghana)–Elsewhere, a United Nations’ report warns that the conflict in Ivory Coast will be disastrous to countries in the sub-region, including Ghana, if the crisis is allowed to degenerate into a full-scale war. John Asmah and his wife are slated to begin a new Word of Life outreach in Ghana. He describes the effect. “What is happening now in neighboring countries is sometimes we have to host the refugees coming from Ivory Coast and Liberia. For now, it’s good; it has not been any problem. We are a little bit worried about the future, what is going to happen. But, one way or the other, it’s an open door to reach a lot of people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” However, Asmah says people are open to the Gospel, and are ready to respond. “Pray for open doors so that we can get the schools in, preach the Gospel and also help the local churches over there to broaden their vision, and plant more churches in the interior part of the country.” The Asmah’s are staying at D & D Missionary Homes[2] in Florida while in the United States.

(Angola)– World Vision’s[3] relief leader describes the current situation in Angola as a tragedy. In response, World Vision is ready to begin new relief programs that will enable teams to respond to the desperate needs of the thousands returning home since the end of the civil war. World Vision is an international partnership of Christians whose mission is to follow Christ’s example in working with the poor and oppressed and bear witness to the good news of the Gospel.

(Bl Salvador)–Next, CAM International’s[4] work began in Central America in 1891, but is moving toward evangelizing the world through Spanish-speaking people. Tony Vasquez is a CAM Missionary from El Salvador now serving in Spain mobilizing Latin missionaries to Muslim countries. “We have some similarities. We are not afraid of many of those countries. We also are used to many natural disasters. Even our look is more like them; I mean, we look alike.” Vasquez explains his mission as empowering committed believers in Spanish-speaking areas to reach the world. “The Lord is moving the church in Latin America. We used to believe that a missionary was somebody from western parent countries, or from the United States, Canada. Today, churches in Latin America are growing. They have passion, and they have vision.”

(Poland)–And, the staff of Voice of the Gospel, Back to the Bible’s[5] Polish ministry, is at winter camp this week. Every summer and winter, they take approximately 140 young people to camp. This time is full of skiing and other fun activities as well as Bible studies and teaching. Many of the campers will think about spiritual things for the first time this week. Please pray that many will respond to the hope of the Gospel and come away with a new life in Christ.

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

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