News headlines for March 6th 2003

(Democratic Republic of Congo)–In the aftermath of a fierce civil war, there is a remnant of survivors, ghosts of their former selves, and shadows of what were healthy communities. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s plight called hundreds of aid groups in, but the succession of failed peace accords has been taxing. So much so, that a new approach is warranted. Compassion International’s[1] Mark Yeadon. “While we were doing some valid things in the area of relief, we were not able to accomplish what was really core to our ministry, which was reaching children through this development. So, we made the decision to phase out from our individual child sponsorship programs there.” Yeadon says Compassion found a way to meet the children’s physical and spiritual needs. “We have developed an emergency relief response that has been going on these last six months. So, our Congalese staff have been responding in more a relief type mode to the families, to the church partners and to the children themselves.” [2]

(South Asia)–Next, we turn to South Asia, where there’s word of a growing anti-conversion movement. Missionaries are facing an increasingly hostile environment without enough tools. But, Bill Wells, and his wife, Sharon, are working with several Scripture translation projects through The Seed Company[3] . Sharon describes the atmosphere. “Generally, in that part of the world, the main people in power are opposed to Christianity in general, and Bible translation, specifically. It’s both political and religious opposition, with some of the groups being quite militant.” Sharon goes on to ask prayer for the evangelistic teams. “Another area of prayer would be that God would just put a hedge of protection about these people as they translate in a way that is understandable, accessible and really makes sense to the people.”

(Canada)–Evangelical growth slowed in the province of Quebec, Canada despite revival in the 1970’s, with less than one-percent of their population considered evangelical. Trans World Radio[4] this week took steps to further share the Gospel message by airing the French version of “Thru the Bible.” Nearly four million people will be able to hear the program five days a week over TWR stations. Through listener follow-up, new believers can then integrate into local churches.

(USA)–Meanwhile, Christians are being asked to pray for an incredible outreach in the United States. The Luis Palau Evangelistic Association[5] is holding “Beachfest” March 22nd and 23rd. LPEA’s Kevin Palau says thousands will participate. “Based on the number of churches, which is the most we’ve ever had, the number of volunteers and counselors, the most we’ve ever had, we expect it to be the largest U-S festival we’ve ever had. And, up until now in Seattle, Washington last August we had over 150,000 people that came over two days, so I guess our hope would be that we would have more than that.” While the music festival is originating in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Palau says the event will be seen all around the country. “We’re going to be taking that Music Festival all across the country, via about 1,400 radio stations, Trinity Broadcasting will be carrying it that day, and then up to 500 cities will be having their own beach parties via satellite, so it’s really the first time to take this festival all across the nation.”

(USA)–And, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee[6] volunteers are assessing the needs in Corpus Christi, Texas. As a result of storms and flooding, the community endured three federally declared disasters in 2002. Many of the damaged buildings were uninsured or did not qualify for government assistance. CRWRC teams gathered needs information through door-to-door surveys. Local relief groups can then plan their response to the community with God’s love in word and deed.

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

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/03-06-03markyeado n.rm [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=TSC [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=TWR [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=LPEA [6] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CRWRC ———————————————————————

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