News headlines for April 2nd 2003

(India) — We begin today in India as mission organizations continue to weigh the ramifications of the newest anti-conversion law in the state of Gujarat. It passed despite a huge outcry from Christians. Dayspring International[1] ‘s John Gilman is concerned. “If you even offer to show someone a free film, like we do, and come and see our movie or any other kind of thing that would be considered an allurement and part of the anti-conversion movement and a person could go to jail for several years (and) be fined.” Dayspring shares the love of Christ through an Indian acted film on the life of Christ. Gilman says it has a huge impact on the lives of low-caste Dalits. “That message is profound for a Dalit person who has been told all of his life that God hates you and you are despised. They are truly moved deep in their hearts and the door is open for them to find Christ.” Gilman isn’t sure what this will mean for Dayspring’s work, but he’s asking people to pray. [2]

(Kenya) — Meanwhile, the war in Iraq has mission organizations on alert abroad. Africa is just one example. Grace Ministries International[3] Sam Vinton says they’re thankful that, so far, their ministry in Kenya has felt only minor affects. “It has caused missionaries to be very careful where they go and being in groups. We do know that Rift Valley Academy, a children’s school in Nairobi, closed a week early and with the war they felt it would be good to have the children back with their parents.” Vinton is asking Christians to pray. “Pray to the Lord to strengthen our missionaries, strengthen the Christians in that area and for them to be a great testimony of love as well as those who are doing relief work, Christian groups in Jordan and other places that they will be able to show the love of Christ since most of the people have very, very negative feelings about us because that’s all they’ve ever heard.” Grace Ministries uses health care, education and evangelism to facilitate church planting around the world.

(International) — Opportunities abound for short-term missions worldwide. Nathan Sheets with Evangecube[4] Global Ministries says they still have some spots open. “We have a number of different short term mission trips ranging anywhere from one month which we call “Torch Projects” all the way to a seven to ten to twelve day mission trips. Those trips range anywhere from India to Africa up into Russia to Southeast Asia and even one here in the United State up in New York.” Sheets says the simplicity of the Evangecube allows the presentation of the gospel to cross cultural and language barriers. “As a presenter, I also have the confidence to be able to present the message of Jesus Christ because I can simply look down at the pictures and be able to understand what’s next and what part of the Gospel presentation I’m making.” Evangecube uses a seven-panel cube to share the gospel. Their goal is to evangelize one billion people by 2010.

(USA) — Hundreds of young people are expected at Dare 2 Share[5] ’s Last Chance Tour April 11th and 12th at the First Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. It’s a part of Dare 2 Share’s desire to encourage American teens to reach their friends for Christ before it’s too late. The Friday session focuses on evangelism and by the time the event is over students are on the street putting what they’ve learned into practice. They’re also holding a food drive to benefit Open Door Mission, which will facilitate evangelistic outreach door to door.

(USA) — And finally, a radio station in the United States is having an impact on the Muslim world. WMIT Radio teamed up with Equip Ministries to sponsor pastors and leaders for training in the Middle East and North Africa. It’s part of their Million Leader Mandate – to develop one million international church leaders by 2008. Last week WMIT listeners contributed more than 135-thousand dollars. That money will eventually be responsible for training more 175-thousand Christian leaders in world evangelism.

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

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/04-02-03johngilma n.rm [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GMI [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ECI [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=D2S ———————————————————————

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