News headlines for June 30th 2003 Mission Network News is brought to you in part by MTS TRAVEL and LUFTHANSA, leaders in providing special fare airline tickets for the missions community. To receive a free airfare quote for your short-term missions group or individual missions travel, please visit http://www.mtstravel.com and click MISSION FARE SAMPLER or MTS TRAVEL Offices to contact one of our 11 nationwide Travel Service Centers.
(Liberia)–Topping the news, mediators have suspended ongoing peace talks on Liberia, saying renewed fighting compromises the process. The fighting also forced thousands to find refuge, and created a moving population that makes outreach difficult. Bible Pathway Ministries'[1] Karen Hawkins. “Our daily Bible Pathway had been going out over one of the radio stations in Monrovia. It was also scheduled to go out over a new tower in the north under another ministry. They were able to get their missionary out, but that tower is in danger, and they don’t know about it.” Hawkins says their communication with partners has been spotty, at best; it’s an issue for prayer. “At this point, until we get further communication, we don’t know what is happening. But, we do know that there are a lot of believers and they are asking the rest of the world to pray for a speedy end to this and for life to be able to be restored where they can openly worship.”
(Liberia)–Meanwhile, World Vision[2] faces an increasingly challenging relief effort as fighting erupts in Liberia. The unrest is again forcing massive movements of civilians into a refugee situation. Health staff resumed services to an emergency health program site vacated prior to the recent Monrovia fighting. Believers are working to alleviate the human suffering by providing not only physical help, but also spiritual counsel. Please pray for the Christians working during these difficult conditions.
(Bulgaria)–Church growth could soon explode in Bulgaria, after years of training underground during Communism. SEND International[3] partner, Dr. Nick Nedelchez (ne-DEL-chez) is the president of the Bulgarian Evangelical Theological Institute. Describing training as a priority, Nedelchez says, interest remains high. “God is moving us to put more influence on the satellite-training program. We are developing our three, right now; and, in the future, two or three more satellite centers.” Nedelchez outlines their greatest need. “At the moment, we are facing great, great challenge and opportunities because we see ourselves as a key player in training people for Turkey and the region. We see ourselves not enough prepared to respond and to meet the needs.”
(USA)–Next, as a college student, Esther Hunter is searching for her calling. She thinks she may have found part of the answer through the JAARS[4] “Total it Up” program, a five day course on linguistics and its function in Bible translation. “You just get introductory courses in phonetics and phonology and grammar and language learning and we also take a really interesting course in culture and world-view. We also get a taste of literacy and the importance of scripture in use. There is also language surveying.” For Hunter, the program provides just the right amount of information to whet the appetite. “With these courses it just gives me a greater view of what the whole process is like and I’m able to see where my gifts and talents could fit into it and see just where God might be leading me for the future.” The final course for the summer starts in late July. JAARS speeds Bible translation by providing quality services for Wycliffe Bible Translators and others.
(Zambia)–And, a Grace Ministries[5] missionary team celebrates good news in Zambia. The team held an evangelistic meeting for students in mid-June. They went to a town about 150 kilometers from Kabwe and conducted a specific Gospel campaign, where more than 120 people became new believers. One of the students led 20 to the Lord in house-to-house visitation and witnessing in the market. Please pray for the team as they enter the discipleship phase with the new Christians.
[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BPM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WVI [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=SEND [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=JAARS [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GMI ———————————————————————
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STORIES ABOVE, EMAIL US AT OR CALL OUR RESOURCE LINE AT 800-995-4828!
Mission Network News, a service of Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. http://www.MNNonline.org
SUPPORT MISSION NETWORK NEWS at http://www.MNNonline.org/support or write Mission Network News 1159 E. Beltline NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 USA
To subscribe, e-mail: For additional commands, e-mail:
Visit our Short Term Missions Database at http://www.stmdb.org to find short term opportunities around the world.
— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Discussion
No comments for “Mission Network News – June 30, 2003”