News headlines for February 19th 2003

(USA) — We begin today’s news in the United States where thousands of soldiers prepare for a possible war and possible ministry. Colonel David Kennedy is a senior chaplain in the U-S Army Reserve. “As chaplains our primary role is to encourage all soldiers as U.S. citizens to be able to freely exercise their own religion and for those that are seeking, for those that are interested in learning more, certainly we are always available and interested in talking to soldiers and their families.” Kennedy, a professor at Cornerstone University[1] ‘s Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, describes his ministry as one of counselor, minister and advisor — even extending beyond the soldier. “A very important aspect of our operations is keeping in touch with families, being a point of contact for families, especially family members that have soldiers overseas. We will in all likelihood be the kind of people they will be in contact with stateside.” Kennedy sees this as an opportunity to share God’s love with many people in need.

(Iraq) — Meanwhile, an evangelical organization is gearing up to help the people of Iraq. Operation Mobilization[2] ‘s George Smith says they need to be prepared for two scenarios. “Our organization and many others are putting together contingency plans. If there’s actual fighting, the Christian community needs to be in a position to be able to assist. If there’s a solution outside of war, let’s say a leadership change, then we still would need to respond as quickly as possible.” Smith says their goal is to share Christ in word and deed. He says many in the Middle East seem open. “We have seen an increase of people seeking to know more about Jesus. Of course that varies from country to country. At the same time there is a sense within a smaller portion of the population of increased hostilities and potential persecution.” Pray for believers working in these areas. [3]

(Russia) — A change in Russia’s visa law is making it difficult to be a foreign missionary there. Send International[4] ’s Rex Durham says the government’s only issuing single entry, three-month visas, not the 12-month religious visas they had been receiving. “It means extreme amounts of expense added to the support of each missionary. They can no longer come here for a year. They would have to be here for three months, leave the country, coming back for three months, leave the country again, come back for three months, which we’re not sure how that’s going to work, or If that’s going to work.” Durham doesn’t believe this is an attack on evangelical Christians. “The law states, ‘to keep out all undesirables.’ Undesirables meaning, drug traffickers, AIDS carriers, and I think it may be a safeguard against terrorists.” Durham is asking people to pray that the law is changed. [5]

(Tanzania) — Next, Grace Ministries International[6] is thanking God for allowing them to open a school in Tanzania. The Tatanda High school began operation last month. Pray for the missionary teachers and their Tanzanian colleagues who want to impact these students’ lives educationally and spiritually. As a result of a two month intensive English course currently being taught, teachers are hoping seeds of the Gospel are planted and that many students will profess Christ.

(USA) — And, the International Bible Society[7] is launching a new program to help pastors shepherd their flock. “The Ezra Network” was launched at the Promise Keepers Pastor’s conference this week in Phoenix, Arizona. The goal is to help keep scripture fresh in their daily lives and then teaching the same principles to members of their congregations. A deepening relationship with Christ could result in more people sharing their faith.

[1] http://www.cornerstone.edu [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=OMI [3]

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/02-19-03GeorgeSmi th.rm [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=SEND [5]

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/02-19-03RexDurham .rm [6] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GMI [7] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=IBS