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(Iraq)–Iraq tops our news, with military forces facing continued hit and run attacks. However, the aid pipeline sees to it that help goes in, to the tune of nearly one and a half billion dollars. World Concern’s[1] Kelly Miller says Iraq’s post-war needs are too great to face alone. “There are hundreds of thousands of people that are under-fed there. The distribution system is not in place, that being the one that was supported by the Iraqi government prior, to be re-engaged, post-war. So, the ability to provide critical needs to many of the people of Iraq simply is not happening at this point.” With their help, Miller says the local church responds. “It’s very encouraging to know that there is a very vibrant Christian church in Iraq, one that is very integrated into the communities there. So, the food distributions that we’ve been providing through our local partner is through the church there and that’s a huge statement for the Christian church to be able to provide the vitally needed aid.” Pray for the Christians, as they serve the Muslim population in Iraq.

(India)–Next, increased violence toward Christians in India results in the development of seminars in which students are given the tools they need to stand against persecution. Jerry Dykstra with Open Doors USA[2] , says they are trying to help Christian pastors, leaders and other believers by conducting “Standing Strong Through the Storm” seminars in India. The seminars combine Biblical principles with real-life stories of believers who have undergone similar conditions.

(Soviet Union)–Pastors in the former Soviet Union will be receiving training in the privacy of their own homes. According to Jonathon Shibley of Global Advance[3] , their Frontline Shepherd’s conference will be aired on satellite television beginning in August. “We believe this is going to be one of the first-ever telecasts produced especially for pastors in the Russian-speaking world, where every Saturday night pastors and church leaders will be able to tune in and receive an hour of training and encouragement before they go into their churches the following Sunday morning.” Shibley hopes this telecast will encourage more Russians in Great Commission outreach. “The Russian-speaking world could be one of the greatest missionary forces that exists. And, we want them to take ownership in the Great Commission as well. You know, God gave the Great Commission to the global body of Christ, and the Russian-speaking world is a significant part of that force.”

(USA)–Meanwhile, Evangelism Explosion International[4] is touching the hearing-impaired with the Gospel. Even as the deaf EE team held on-the-job training for three new teachers, 36 hearing-impaired people made decisions for Christ. As the team travels to present the Gospel message, lives are being changed and many are professing Christ as Savior. Others expressed interest in getting involved in this unique ministry. The first-ever Deaf EE clinic is slated for September in Texas.

(Philippines)–And finally, part three of series with Gracia Burnham. Gracia and her husband Martin were held captive By Muslim extremists in the Philippines while serving with New Tribes Mission[5] . Gracia tells about Martin’s servanthood attitude during their captivity…in her own words. “Jesus said, ‘If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, be the servant of all.’ And he said, ‘you know Gracia, I think when he said ‘all’, he meant ‘all’. He didn’t mean ‘all but these-really-bad-guys-who’ve-taken-us-hostage.’ And, I watched him be kind to them and I just watched him be a servant and love them. And, I cherish those moments watching Martin. There weren’t that many who spoke English well. Some of the leaders spoke fairly good English and they all heard the Gospel from both of us.” Tomorrow, we’ll hear about the rescue and Martin’s homegoing. [6]

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WCI [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ODM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=GAM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=EEI [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=NTM [6]

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/07-23-03GraciaBurnham.rm ———————————————————————

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