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(Romania)– We begin today in Romania where the country is polishing its image in an effort to gain entry into the European Union. As part of that, new child welfare legislation is in the works, but the adoption freeze remains in place, and may be extended into June. Bethany Christian Service’s[1] Carmen Dumitrache (doomee-TRAHkay) says that leaves thousands at risk. “As a result of the moratorium, we couldn’t go forward with the international adoptions. However, being so concerned about so many children’s situations, we tried to develop focus on domestic adoptions, but they didn’t solve the situation.” Dumitrache says in spite of the challenges their staff faces, the Christian testimony stands strong in the country. The needs of the children and their families, she adds, are especially important in their ministry. “Pray that in our country, we’ll come sooner to a final decision regarding the solutions that will be available for our children.”

(Bulgaria)–Meanwhile, children are the focus of outreach in Bulgaria. The International Bible Society[2] has been producing ‘My First Bible’ in that country for about ten years, but now it’s being offered in the public schools. Tonia Georgieva is with IBS, Bulgaria. “It’s a textbook for religious classes in the public schools. At the beginning of the school year, each one receives a free copy of ‘My First Bible’ and they ask questions. They want to know more about Jesus.” Georgieva says they were able to distribute 20-thousand Bibles last year, but funding is needed to help do more. “We don’t make people pay for ‘My First Bible’. We give it free to the kids. Although we try to cover the whole country, 20-thousand is not so much. It’s not enough for the whole country.” It costs a little more than a dollar to produce the Bible.

(Afghanistan)–While the conflict in Iraq continues, World Concern[3] is helping the country of Afghanistan rebuild after years of drought and war. Because food is scarce, World Concern, with the help of a local partner, is sharing God’s love by introducing ‘Superflour’, a tasty, nutritious breakfast porridge made from chickpeas, rice and corn. As economic opportunities are limited, World Concern is turning production over to locals – giving them an opportunity to own and operate their own small business.

(Philippines)–Meanwhile, media is another tool being used to help people understand the message of the Gospel. Henry Knecht is a vernacular media specialist with JAARS,[4] an organization speeding up Bible translation by providing quality services for Wycliffe Bible Translators and others. He tells us that media is important in tribal outreach. “Some of these groups are oral societies. Therefore it’s important to give them the Scriptures in a form that fits to their culture. After they understand this message listening to cassettes or radio, or watching a video in their language, they get interested in attending reading classes.” Knecht is helping missionaries learn how to do this in a three-month training session at the JAARS Center in North Carolina. “Right now, we have 15 students here. Ten are Americans. Four are from an Asian country, and one from Africa. “

(Uganda)–And, Global Advance Ministries[5] is headed this week for one of their largest Frontline Shepherds Conferences in the history of their work. The team heads for Kampala, Uganda to equip over four thousand pastors and church leaders for evangelistic outreach. Please pray for the team as they travel, and that the end result is not only new missionary vision, but also a surge of growth for the church throughout Uganda and East Africa.

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

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