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(Iraq)–We begin today in Iraq where threats against non-governmental organizations are forcing groups to reduce work there. Mark Kelly is with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board[1] . He says these threats are having a direct impact on their work. “The United Nations NGO coordinating council passed along some information that apparently the remnant of Saddam loyalists were planning attacks that would intentionally target NGO personnel. Our workers in Iraq contacted us saying that they felt we needed to delay for at least two weeks sending any volunteers into the country.” However, IMB staffers aren’t leaving Iraq. Kelly says this will be a great testimony to the Iraqi people. “Our folks are planning to stay and keeping a lower profile. That will mean a lot to the locals that they are around when they see that while other foreigners are packing and leaving the country, our workers are staying put.”

(Senegal)–Christians are concerned Islamic law may soon be coming to the African country of Senegal. According to the Barnabas Fund, the Islamic Committee for Family Law Reform published a plan recently called “Personal Statute Code for Muslims.” Many Christians in Senegal worry that they may be witnessing the first indications of the creeping growth of Sharia Law, which has been imposed in an increasing number of countries around the world. They also believe that it could limit evangelism even more in Senegal.

(Russia)–The Russian government is talking about restricting late term abortions in that country. Many people are hailing the news, as abortion is used as contraception there. Buckner Orphan Care[2] helps care for orphans in Russia, and was recently given accreditation for adoptions. Buckner’s Amy Norton says she supports the move, but Christians will have to get more involved. “It means a significant number of children that will be born and that just means that we need to be there and the churches need to be there to support the orphanages in an even more significant way with more children coming in to them.” Norton says sharing the Gospel is their top goal. “That’s the most important and number one thing, is that the Gospel is shared whether it’s in delivery of a pair of shoes, whether in it our staff when they’re in those orphanages, or whether it’s a child being placed in a Christian family.”

(Mexico)–Meanwhile, churches all across North America are struggling in the battle for the hearts of their young people. That’s according to YUGO Ministries[3]

(France)–And, the Association of Christian Schools International’s[4] faculty and staff at College Daniel in France are asking for prayer. Financial circumstances are grave, and have left the teachers without salaries for several months. They would like to increase enrollment by 50 additional students and ask that people pray God would send the students. ACSI enables Christian educators and schools worldwide to effectively prepare students for life.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=IMB [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BOC [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=YUGO [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=ACSI ———————————————————————

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