News headlines for April 8th 2003

(Nepal) — Headlining today’s news, Nepal’s King Gyanendra is calling on the country to support planned peace talks between the government and Maoist rebels. Those talks could bring about a multi-party democracy. World Help[1] ‘s Eric Vass is hoping this helps church planting goals. “World Help has an exciting opportunity right now, with our Nepali partners, helping to birth new church planting movements in every one of the five regions of Nepal. We’re looking for North American partners to impact this world for Jesus Christ.” Vass says while the ever-increasing Christian population faces oppression from Maoists and Hindus, Great Commission outreach is moving forward. “The church in Nepal is not adopting a ‘let’s hunker down and wait for the difficulties to pass and then when things get easier we’ll fulfill the Great Commission.’ The church in Nepal is gaining a legitimacy that says, ‘we’re going to take this kingdom of God into all the kingdom of Nepal.'” Funding is needed for this outreach.

(Central African Republic) — Next, MAF[2] is reporting bad news from their vacant facilities in the Central African Republic. According to eyewitness reports, missionary homes, truck garage, print shop, bookstore and all storage areas have been completely pillaged. MAF also reports their airplane hanger and fuel storage areas were completely emptied of what little was left. Officials are praising God that none of their national workers were injured and their homes are safe.

(Sri Lanka) Harassment from local Buddhists is increasing in rural Sri Lanka. According to Voice of the Martyrs[3] , the Apostolic Church in a Buddhist stronghold was set on fire recently and was completely destroyed. The fire was preceded by a rally against the church a few weeks ago by local Buddhists demanding the church be closed. The area attracts Buddhists from around the world. Pray for wisdom, protection and boldness as this group of believers continue sharing the Gospel.

(Indonesia) — Meanwhile, despite Christian-Muslim violence in Indonesia in recent years, Back to the Bible[4] has opened a ministry office in that country. The effort actually began two years ago with a partnership with Far East Broadcasting Company. Back to the Bible’s David Hansen says this new office will allow the ministry to reach more people. He says this should also be positive for security issues. “When your total front is seen as national and not seen as a U-S corporation or a U-S ministry, it has less potential of violence. Now, it doesn’t mean that Indonesian Christians don’t have any difficulties because they do.” Hansen is encouraging Christians to help financially support this ministry. “We are projecting a cost of about $25,000 a year to do this, which is relatively cheap when you think of the size of audience that you can reach for that investment.”

(South Africa) And, South Africa continues to see the benefits of growth with new country leadership. Brent Bartlett is director public relations for Trans World Radio[5] Africa. He says new leadership might mean a break in the absence of Christian radio stations inside the country. Right now, the restrictions on broadcasting are stringent; yet leave the door open to introduce the Gospel. “You have to have news content, you have to have religious content, you have to have music content, sport content and community content on the radio.” Adding that they are running programming a few hours daily, Bartlett feels optimism about the changes and building on the foundation they’ve laid. “It’s a new government, it’s a new democracy, but I think the time will come when things will open up more than what they are now. In the meantime, an organization like Trans World Radio works through the community stations and helps fill that religious quota with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Ruth Bliss, Mission Network News, Johannesburg, South Africa.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WHP [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=MAF [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=VOM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BTTB [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=TWR ———————————————————————

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