News headlines for February 13th 2003

(Yemen)–In today’s headlines, Osama bin Laden’s latest tape message urges Muslims to fight America. He also calls on followers to liberate Arab states from American influence, including Yemen. In light of the recent attack on the Southern Baptist Christian hospital in Yemen, the International Mission Board’s[1] Mike Edens says the threat is not new. “This concern was there before Osama bin laden began his program. They are on an agenda to eliminate all other influences, and they’re trying to enlarge their sphere of influence.” Edens says the strength of their testimony comes into play now. “Christian workers in Yemen feel very protected by their Yemeni friends and associates. There is a sense in which Christian relationships give security to those who would share Christ.” Edens says the IMB hospital has now re-opened with the financial support of the Yemeni government. He asks people to continue to pray for their ministry.

(International)–Meanwhile, possible war in Iraq, HIV/Aids in Africa and poverty are just a few problems facing children around the world. Compassion International[2] is helping 500-thousand children through child sponsorships. Agency President Wess Stafford says helping in this way is Biblical. “Of all the ways Jesus could have described what he expects of us living in a hurting world, he chose the story of the Good Samaritan. He found the man hurting, and took him to a safe place, and said to the innkeeper, ‘You take care of him, but send me the bill’. And, essentially that’s exactly what Compassion is doing for nearly a half a million children, right now.” Stafford says 28-dollars helps local churches share Christ. “What we’ve done for 50-years is enable the church to be salt and light in the lives of a hurting community. And then, having earned the privilege and credibility, to speak the Gospel. This year alone, 61,000 of our children have made first-time decisions for Christ.”…something Stafford says is worth millions.

(Kenya)–Evangelist Sammy Tippit[3] is in Kenya this week joining a team of 50 for a unique outreach. The teams held 15 simultaneous evangelistic meetings throughout Nairobi last week. Also, groups are speaking at hospitals, orphanages, prisons, schools, and lunch meetings. Please be praying for the teams. Pray that many would respond to the hope of salvation and come to Christ. Pray, too, for the other evangelistic meetings taking place through this month.

(USA)–Next, International Messengers'[4] Bob Rassmusson says, in hopes that they can smooth the path to the mission field, they are providing a range of training camps. For example: “We provide a four-month intensive training program and it’s been very effective in preparing people for at least one year of service. In many cases, people decide to stay for two or three years, or even long-term. So, we’re excited about what God is doing, raising up people of all ages.” Rassmusson describes the problems for those considering the mission field as practical rather than visionary. “These days, one of the primary obstacles is just the fear of traveling overseas. I think another issue is often finances. People think, ‘Well, I don’t have the extra money to travel and do this’.” Please pray for those feeling the pull to the field, that they would trust God’s provision.

(France)–And, Evangelical Baptist Mission[5] reports that their work in France is growing so fast that the missionary team is now looking for a larger church facility. Pray too, for a special video teaching that is an extension of the Bible school in Algrange. Several in the church are taking the class on Romans through this seminary level teaching series. This is the first test of the teaching by extension using the videos. The goal is to use them for Bible education in French speaking areas around the globe.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=IMB [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CMP [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=STM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=IMM [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=EBM