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(Sudan)–Topping the news, marathon talks are at a stalemate between Sudan’s rebels and the Khartoum government. After two decades of civil war, Voice of the Martyrs'[1] Gary Lane says there’s more at stake than the politicization of peace. On a recent South Sudan visit, he saw fresh evidence of the Christian persecution. “It just shows the jihad that is continuing against Christians and animists in the south who refuse to yield to Khartoum’s brand of Islam, and to Sharia law. They’ve been fighting it for 20 years, two million people have been killed, and they say they will continue to fight until they have a just peace.” Lane urges fellow Christians to remember the persecuted church of the Sudan in prayer. “Moses negotiated with Pharaoh. He repeatedly went to Pharaoh and urged him to let the people go. Finally, he did. So, pray that God will change the heart of Omar al-Bashir, the dictator of Sudan, and pray that there will be peace there, a just peace for the people.”

(USA)–Meanwhile, war in Iraq and threats of terrorism didn’t have much of an impact on young people participating in short-term mission trips from the United States. Teen Missions International[2] sent out more than 30 teams around the world. Teen Mission’s Beth Kostner says the 9-11 tragedy prevented many from going to the field last year. “We probably lost 400 kids. We’re about where we were last year. The war in Iraq didn’t effect anything.” Kostner says most of the teams specialize in construction or other special projects, but, “…all of the teams are given opportunities for evangelism. They usually work 5 1/2 days a week and then Saturday afternoons and Sundays are for evangelism. But, we also do have strictly evangelistic teams.” Kostner says these teams are made up of choir and drama teams. She says there are also backpacking and motorcycle teams that are taking the Gospel to hard to reach areas of the world. Last year, more than three-thousand people came to Christ as a result.

(Central America)–Drought and the plummeting price for a Central American crop plunged the region into chaos. The United Nations reports that nearly nine million Central Americans face starvation. Food For The Poor’s[3] Liony Batista explains what caused the sudden rise in both the poverty issues and food security. “The number one product for most of Central America was coffee. There is now a current crisis in the coffee prices because coffee is actually being offered a lot cheaper elsewhere, and so, that is no longer a good crop in Nicaragua, Honduras or Guatemala.” Batista explains how Food For The Poor supports the church. “Our help comes through materially, so that it frees up the pastor, it frees up the little resources that they have so that they can minister to their community.” Batista recently authored a devotional whose proceeds go toward funding the work of the church in Central America.

(India)–Next, since the Dayspring[4] ministry was launched 22 years ago, 850 films have gone throughout India. Last year alone, the ministry launched over one hundred new teams, despite the increase in persecution against believers. By the end of 2003, they hope to have another hundred teams operational. Dayspring’s goal by the end of 2004 is to have over 540 full-time teams showing the all-Indian acted story of Jesus to an estimated 25 million people each year.

(Ethiopia)–And, Compassion International’s[5] Australia office reports they’re stepping in to expand assistance with emergency relief aid. That means they’ll target the nearly 5000 children who live in 20 drought-affected project areas, with additional food and supplemental nutrition. There are instances, such as this drought, when relief is needed as an extension of their long-term spiritual commitment to child development. Please pray for team members as they work to share the love of Christ during this desperate time.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=VOM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=TMI [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=FFP [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=DAY [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CMP ———————————————————————

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