News headlines for March 17th 2003

(Saudi Arabia)–Saudi Arabia headlines today’s news as a huge military build up continues there in preparation for war with Iraq. However, reports are filtering in that the number of Christians is growing. Saudi Arabia is one of the most anti-Christian nations in the world, but as Words of Hope’s[1] Lee DeYoung tell us that’s not stopping church growth. “We have been noting an increased response from listeners who seem to be if not seekers, actually profess faith in Christ who are writing from within Saudi Arabia, especially women. There are even some fellowships in Mecca itself, which is a place where Christians aren’t even supposed to enter.” DeYoung can only guess why. “God’s spirit is at work there. Even though it’s a place that’s outwardly very hostile to anything that is not consistent with Islam. Radio is obviously one of the only ways we know of that there could be any ongoing contact.” Words of Hope broadcasts into the region through Trans World Radio.

(Jordan/Iraq)–Next, Christians in the Middle East are preparing to reach out to the physical and spiritual needs of Iraqi war victims. World Concern’s[2] Kelly Miller says they’re partnering with churches in Jordan to help meet the needs of expected refugees once war breaks out. “The national church is actually leading this effort. We’re here to provide key staff as needed. To provide funding as needed. But, the local church has a lot of experience in relief response in that region in the last number of years. So, our roll is really one of a supportive roll and one in we can collectively really build up the national church there so they have a much improved profile.” Miller believes this is a great time for Christians in the West to have an impact. “Right now, we’re projecting about 60,000 people to come into one particular camp that we’re working in that’s just inside Jordan, just inside the border from Iraq. So, people can help us with that. It’s just about $51 to provide enough food for one family for one month.”

(India)–Sociologists predict India will gradually abandon its austere ways and restrictions as its youth come into their own. Their generation is the product of change, wrought by socio-economic, political and religious liberalization in India. Mission Evangelism’s[3] Adrian Jones describes what’s happening as a ‘cultural revolution’. “What I’ve seen coming down the pike in time, is that this rebellion is taking place against Hinduism, and other kinds of religions, similar to that, that is [are] not lasting and satisfying.” Jones believes the change in mindset may open hearts, in the long run, to the Gospel. He says that means believers need to be ready. “It is going to help us, I think, from a Christian point of view. The rebellion is against something that they dislike over there, and have disliked obviously, for a long time. They’re turning now, more and more to Christianity, and more to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”

(International)–Meanwhile, the partners in the Bible translation group JAARS look for opportunities to go global with God. JAARS[4] provides technical and other services in partnership with Wycliffe Bible Translators and others so that all people will have God’s Word in their own language. As one of their cooperative efforts, Wycliffe Association construction teams are involved in projects in Cameroon, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Texas and Florida. Please pray for their safety and success.

(International)–And, 2002 was a year of transitions and growth for The Seed Company[5] . God brought them a new CEO, the board decided to relocate their headquarters, and they continue to see the development of multi-agency partnerships around the world. In a year’s time they’ve seen an increase of 48 more sponsored translation projects and 225 effected cumulative languages. The group is networking with God’s people around the world to translate the Word of God into every language.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WOH [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WCI [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=MEV [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=JAARS [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=TSC ———————————————————————

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STORIES ABOVE, EMAIL US AT OR CALL OUR RESOURCE LINE AT 800-995-4828!

Mission Network News, a service of Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. http://www.MNNonline.org

SUPPORT MISSION NETWORK NEWS at http://www.MNNonline.org/support or write Mission Network News 1159 E. Beltline NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 USA

Visit our Short Term Missions Database at http://www.stmdb.org to find short term opportunities around the world.

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).