News headlines for February 11th 2003

(International)–Topping the news, millions of Muslim pilgrims have made their way to Mecca, to observe religious rites as the shadow of war looms. It is under these conditions that The Bible League’s[1] Dave Stravers reveals their ministry goals this year. While focused on regions of conflict, he says their work isn’t likely to have large adjustments because: “The people we serve are the ones who are right in the middle of the battle, so for us, the change in temperature is not as radical, because actually, there have been conflicts with Muslims, anti-Christian elements in these societies for a long time.” Stravers says conflict is a way of life for some believers. He adds that the oppression does little to dampen their fervor. However: “Many people hear the Gospel and they like what they hear about Jesus, but they don’t have the Bible, and they don’t know ‘what’s Jesus’ will for my life?’, so they say, ‘Pray that everyone touched by the Spirit will find a way to know the will of God’ , and that means Bibles.”

(Latin America)–Meanwhile, anti-U.S. sentiment is running high in the Muslim world because of the threat of war against Iraq and American policies. CAM International’s[2] Tony Vasquez mobilizes Latin missionaries to Muslim countries. In light of the global security issues, Vasquez observes an interesting response to the Gospel message. “I travel a lot in many of those countries, and the openness is just unbelievable. According to statistics, in the last 12 years, we have seen more people in those places coming to know the Lord like never before.” CAM’s mission is producing and empowering committed followers of Jesus Christ in Spanish-speaking areas to reach the world. Vasquez shares the urgency pushing the teams. “It seems to me like it’s a unique time in those places, harvest time-and the opportunities is now; we’ve got to be ready and willing to go and share the Gospel with them.”

(India)–Christian broadcasters are hearing about persecution at the National Religious Broadcasters convention. Mission Network News’ Greg Yoder reports. ” Bibles
for the World’s[3] is telling broadcasters about the 600-million Dalits who
are renouncing Hinduism. He’s also telling them about attempts to hamper evangelistic
efforts. He says Many states are passing anti-conversion laws. “Everywhere now, they’re trying to prohibit conversion, but according to the constitution, it’s not illegal. It is constitutionally right for anyone to change his religion. These persecutions are happening every day. Last year alone, we’re told that 395 India pastors and evangelists were put in prison.” Despite the problems, money is being raised to distribute Gospels of John with the hopes of seeing many turn to Christ. Greg Yoder, Mission Network News, Nashville, Tennessee.”

(India)-Next, Christian Aid Mission’s[4] prison ministry in Northeastern India continues to touch the lives of some of the country’s most hard-core criminals. Last summer, a group of church leaders and mothers began sharing the Gospel message in area prisons. Most inmates had never heard the story of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The group also distributed basic necessities to the prisoners as well as Gospel tracts and evangelistic books. More than 360 have since become believers.

(Middle East)–And, with a goal of serving 500 churches a year over seven years, SAT-7[5] works at helping fellow Christians deepen their belief and walk with Christ. Teams have started a new project to help those churches ministering to the poor across the Middle East and North Africa. They are providing satellite television and recording equipment so these churches can receive Christian programming in the Arabic language and in turn share the Gospel message to those living in slums and rural settings.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BLG [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CAM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BFTW [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CAID [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=SAT7