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(Burundi)–We begin today in the African country of Burundi where rebels have vowed to intensify attacks to secure a place in a transitional government. However, the mortars and fighting are only hurting civilians and crippling ministry. International Bible Society’s[1] Alexis Harvyarimana (hahv-YAHR-nee-MAH-nah)works in Bujumbura and describes the violence. “Bombs come from the mountains. It is very difficult for us to move from a place to another. You have problems whenever you want to reach people, because they are sometime reluctant to receive the message because they are expecting us to help them materially.” Harvyarimana says it’s not all bad news however. He says the Gospel has become a source of hope to a surprising group of people. “Many of the intellectuals now are open to the Gospel, even the high leadership. There are many people who are now responding to the Gospel, which was not the case before the war.” Funding is needed to help get Scripture into their hands.

(USA)–Meanwhile, the White House says it won’t interfere with proselytizing by Christian aid groups in Iraq. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has objected that some Christian groups plan to use aid deliveries to evangelize Muslims. White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer says U-S government programs aren’t allowed to proselytize. But he says private groups have the right to practice their religion as they see fit.

(Ukraine)–Talks on Ukraine’s entry into the World Trade Organization, which have been underway since 1994, have entered their final stage. In the process, changes in the child welfare system were among the many seen as the country buffed its image. Bible Mission International’s[2] Mark Reimschisel says that works to their benefit, too. He details their plans to continue developing the next generation. “We are working in some orphanages there in some very hands-on ways with a lot of kids and it’s just exciting to see the openness and the hunger for the Gospel.” Reimschisel says reaching the children means community exposure to the Gospel. “We share the love of Christ with children, and as a result of caring for the kids, the whole community wants to know why we’re there and it gives us a great opportunity specifically it gives our missionaries that are there an opportunity to share the gospel with them.” Please pray that discipleship programs will be ready to help new believers.

(USA)–Next, meeting someone you’ve helped but have never seen creates an indescribable joy. So says Compassion International’s[3] Michael Hinhckfoot, a Senior Tour Program Specialist for the organization that partners children in poorer countries with sponsors around the world. “We encourage our sponsors to visit their sponsored child. We know that in their development if they can meet the person that’s praying for them, that’s financially supporting them, that’s been writing to them, if we can bring the two face to face, its going to be a huge blessing.” Hinhckfoot says they visit creates an excitement in the child that goes beyond words. “They’re seeing someone that is their encourager, the person that is behind the scenes, that does not have to do this. And that child knows that their person is cheering them on that is encouraging them that is saying, ‘you know there is a future there is hope.” Hinhckfoot says the meetings helps create a spiritual excitement that can lead to a young child accepting Christ.

(USA)–And finally, a conference in the United States will help missions minded be more effective in the Great Commission. The Finishers Project[4] for more information)

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=IBS [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BMN [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CMP [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=FNP ———————————————————————

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