News headlines for February 17th 2003

(Iraq)–Our newscast begins today word that an attack on Iraq could result in a potentially disastrous and chaotic humanitarian crisis in which millions of people will be displaced. According to World Vision’s[1] Rupen Das, the consequences of war on the Iraqi people will be severe. “The people of Iraq never recovered from the Gulf War, and the sanctions didn’t help. The level of preparedness is even more scary. There’s one month of food supply in the country; medicines at the hospital level, about a couple of weeks.” Das says humanitarian agencies like World Vision have already started to pre-position emergency supplies and staff so they are ready when the emergency breaks. He adds the critical timing of meeting needs leads to open hearts. “There comes a time in emergencies where just the fact that I am present, and expressing the compassion of Christ is probably the greatest testimony that I can have. And then there are times, when people have asked me, in emergency context, ‘So tell me, why are you here?'” [2]

(Indonesia)–Meanwhile, Indonesia’s tensions are not slowing the enthusiasm of evangelistic-minded nationals. Walk Through the Bible’s[3] Terry Sparks says because they had had no communications with their Indonesian team members since before October, they thought the projects had failed. However, upon return from a recent visit, Sparks says, “I found out not only are we not losing it, but it’s now expanded to 21 cities in Indonesia. The leadership there is saying that ‘even though you can’t go as Americans, now is the time to minister in Indonesia, because people are really hungry for this material.” Sparks acknowledges concerns for the believers in Indonesia. “I would just ask for people to pray for their protection, and for a boldness and a wisdom that they would be wise as serpents, harmless as doves…in other words, that they wouldn’t bring any unnecessary attention to themselves, but at the same time, that they would speak for the Lord whenever they have the opportunity.”

(Slovakia)- TransWorld Radio[4] is urgently seeking a maintenance technician for work in Bratislava, Slovakia. The technician will be stationed from March through June at Satellite Program Distribution Center in Slovakia. The Center serves TWR Europe, which includes Europe, North Africa, C.I.S., and the Middle East. Approximately 115 hours of Gospel programs are broadcast daily from this station. The formats vary from Bible-centered teaching, to programs aimed at youth and family, and music.

(Greece)–Next, the Greek government is looking to allay fears of delays in preparations for the 2004 Athens Olympics, saying they are on schedule, with some key sports venues being completed ahead of deadline. AMG International’s[5] Tasos Ioannidis (ee-yoah-nee-dis) says they’re building on the longstanding ministry presence, with a dynamic athletic facility that serves as the frontrunner for AMG’s future work. “We are working in partnership with a number of organizations that are going to be involved in evangelistic activities around the world. Our people in Greece, because of AMG’s history and tradition, are taking a leadership role in that area.” Ioannidis urges prayer for this outreach, simply because of the number of details still to be worked out. “People need to pray that the preparations will continue to go smoothly, that the material that which is going to be distributed for evangelistic purposes is going to be ready, that travel for people who need to travel for evangelistic purposes is going to go smoothly, and for safety for all involved.”

(Canada)–And, Christian Blind Mission’s[6] Canada office is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Their goal is to perform 50,000 cataract surgeries in 2003; that’s one operation every minute. It’s a goal that will translate into more than 50,000 lives transformed and more than 50,000 families given a fighting chance at survival. The mission is simple – God calls believers to help as many impoverished, sick and disabled people as possible to show them God loves them.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WVI [2]

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/2003-02-14rupenda s.rm [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WTTB [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=TWR [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=AMG [6] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CBM ———————————————————————

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