os.yahoo.com/rlgmediaau”>http://au.photos.yahoo.com/rlgmediaau http://community.webshots.com/user/ramon_williams ——————————————————————- Telling others, what others are doing for the Lord.

News headlines for February 18th 2003

(North Korea)–Topping the news, the United Nations says North Korea is in breach of nuclear accords. Imposed sanctions are the next step, pushed by the United States, but North Korea calls it a declaration of war. With anti-American sentiment rising, those associated with the West and Christianity suffer. While not new, Open Doors'[1] founder, Brother Andrew says it could worsen for believers. “I would say most of them are in prison camps, tens of thousands of Christians. Those we cannot reach, but we know of them, and regularly, Open Doors teams go there to gather information and to let them know we are praying and asking, ‘what can we do for you?’ in very concrete terms.” Brother Andrew urges prayer for the church’s freedom in North Korea. “Just enough liberty of conscience and in speech and maybe Christian education, Christian family. We don’t need permission to build big churches and Christian radio, TV stations, I mean, that’s way beyond what we should ask for…but [pray] that the church can function.”

(Venezuela)–Next, Venezuela’s seven-week-old strike has crippled the country’s economy and has had an impact on ministry. Mission Network News’ Ruth Bliss reports. “The office of the Bible League[2] in Caracas has been forced to close each day by noon, due to the problems in the country. One Bible League staff member, who was attending evangelism training when the strike began, was unable to return home for several weeks. Nationwide fuel shortages have also hindered work and travel. The economic turmoil and rising unemployment is underscored by violent street clashes between Chavez allies and enemies that have left seven dead and scores injured since December. After three months of fruitless negotiations, Chavez has refused to bend to opposition demands for early elections. Despite the difficult environment, God is using the Bible League. Recent results showed that 73-percent of all new contacts participated in Bible studies with believers from local churches. Pray that this results in many turning to Christ. For Mission Network News, I’m Ruth Bliss.”

(USA)–An exciting new way to share the Gospel is close to reality. That’s the word from Book of Hope’s[3] Rob Hoskins. The project is called “Godman” and it’s targeting the youth of the world. “‘Godman’, which is our animated Book of Hope, is 48 minutes of photo-realistic, 3D animation, just the latest technology coming out and it’s bee two years in the process. And, it’ll be completed in April 2003 and we’re very excited about that.” According to Hoskins “Godman” is needed to reach children who can’t read. “33-percent of the children in the world are illiterate. You have the preliterate where children’s values are being formed at a younger and younger age and in many of these countries children aren’t functionally literate until they’re 9 or 10 years old. So, we really wanted to get something visual that presented the life of Christ in the simplest and powerful way possible.” 300-thousand dollars is still needed to finish the project, which will initially be translated into nine different versions.

(Honduras)–Elsewhere, Operation Blessing[4] recently shipped a 20-foot container filled with a generous donation of medical supplies to the people of Honduras. These basic health care items, general pain-relievers and antibiotics will help local medical professionals in San Pedro Sula as well as the Cortes region in treating their patients suffering from infections, and common diseases. OBI demonstrates God’s love by alleviating human need and suffering in the United States and around the world.

(USA)–And, talks continue between Rutgers University and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship[5] in an effort to resolve their impasse. Last fall, Rutgers University suspended InterVarsity, claiming that the chapter’s constitution violated anti-discrimination policies, based on religion. After months of unproductive meetings, the chapter filed a federal court complaint asking that Rutgers be required to recognize the chapter. Please pray for those involved in InterVarsity’s ministry there.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ODM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BLG [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BOH [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=OBI [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ICF ———————————————————————

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