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(India)–We begin today in India where persecution against Christians is now having an impact on ministry. That’s the word from the Bible League’s[1] Jay Kumar. Kumar says an anti-conversion law in the state of Tamil Nadu has scared churches. “When the ordinance was passed of course a lot of churches kind of canceled their programs with us. The church kind of had to regroup and figure out what they had to do to advance the Gospel. A lot of them are still moving forward and preaching the Gospel and I think there’s only been one reported case where they’re actually trying to enforce the law.” However, Kumar says the news isn’t all bad. “The church across India is determined to have the Gospel spread and I don’t think the government would be so opposed to it if there wasn’t some progress to the Gospel. So, opposition often signals to us that we’re making some forward progress.” Kumar says there are still 500-thousand villages without an evangelical church. He’s praying that will change soon.

(Sudan)–Next, U-S sanctions against Sudan will be lifted because Sudan has cooperated with the efforts aiming at an end to the conflict with the rebels in the south. While some praise the move, Voice of the Martyrs'[2] Todd Nettleton is unconvinced. He says their sources report little has changed for the Christians. “When a country with such an atrocious record on human rights and a government that has literally attacked its own people, when that government can be told, ‘You know what? You guys are doing okay’, I think obviously, that raises some serious questions about the U-N’s ability to manage and motivate human rights.” Nettleton urges vigilance for Christian workers. “Pray for the Christian people in south Sudan. They are worshipping, they are growing in their faith, their churches are growing. I think also we need to pray for the groups and the workers who are working in south Sudan, for their safety. Pray that humanitarian and spiritual aid can get to the people that need it most.”

(North Korea)–The food shortage in North Korea is far worse than originally thought, so say reports from the United Nations. In partnership with other groups, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee[3] sent more than 20 million dollars’ worth of food to North Korea. They are also helping local farmers get items needed to increase future food production. The CRWRC is a relief and development arm of the Christian Reformed Church working to create permanent, positive change in Christ’s name.

(International)–Meanwhile, funding is needed for a ministry that helps meet the financial needs of churches in 20 countries. Farms International[4] provides low interest loans to help people earn a living through micro-enterprise. Farms’ Joe Richter says these programs ultimately help in evangelism. “Our requirement is that out of the profits of any project the project holder will agree to tithe to the local church. The church that has increased tithes and offerings also is able to do outreach evangelism and church planting on its own.” Farms receives requests each week to add programs, but Richter says it’s limited because of funding. He’s appealing to churches to help. “We have churches that are committing $3,000 to $5,000 a year to a specific program. And, by the end of the 3rd year or so, you’ll be helping about 100 families.”

(Indonesia)–And, after seven years of preparation, New Tribes[5] missionaries launched a series of evangelistic Bible lessons in Central Indonesia. Many people who had not attended all the evangelical Bible lessons showed up for the final lesson Sunday. So missionaries are doing more teaching, and following up one-on-one, to be sure the Gospel is clear. Pray that those who have believed will grow in their faith, and that many others will follow. The team also plans to begin evangelistic Bible lessons in another Buru village about 35 miles away soon.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BLG [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=VOM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CRWRC [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=FARMS [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=NTM ———————————————————————

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