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Christian relief groups are poised for work as Hurricane Isabel threatens. USA (MNN)–Topping the news, while a bountiful amount of rain is descending on the back door of Operation Blessing International[1] , they plan to shower needy families with supplies following Hurricane Isabel. OBI’s Deborah Bensen says while the storm is headed their way, they’re not evacuating, they’re preparing. “Currently, with our disaster response team, [we] have a plan in place and have relief supplies staged at different warehouses and points up and down the east coast, the mid-Atlantic coastline, in preparation of Hurricane Isabel coming ashore.” Though the extent of the damage is not fully known, OBI stands ready to help through the love of Christ. “The typical type things that are needed obviously are bottled water, hygiene items, blankets, cleaning supplies in the aftermath, baby supplies and food, as always is an item that is requested quite frequently.” Since its inception, OBI has served more the 168 million people in 96 countries around the world. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5146

Vietnamese widows, pastors suffer hardship. Vietnam (MNN)–Meanwhile,the number of Christian widows continues to climb throughout Vietnam. Christian Aid Mission[2] says they have the names of thirty-six widows who are struggling because their husbands have been killed or captured. That, in turn, has left many congregations and tribal people without a pastor or shepherd. The names are confidential but the stories are similar for these women. Their loved ones were killed because of their love for Christ and their work with anti-government organizations. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5143

More arrested in Eritrea Eritrea(MNN)–While worshipping in a private home, twelve more evangelicals were arrested in Eritrea. Since the young people refused to renounce their faith they were not released and food rations were withheld. These twelve join over 200 other evangelical Christians currently in prison for their faith in Eritrea. Voice of the Martyrs[3] urges prayer for the many others who will face the threat of prison and torture for their faith in Christ. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5145

The price of fast food sometimes comes at the cost of ministry to poor children. USA (MNN)–Next, Americans spend more money on fast food than they do on helping children in poverty, so says the Barna Research Group. The recent report also indicates a majority of people did not help assist the poor. Despite the results, Compassion International’s[4] President and CEO, Wes Stafford maintains an optimistic outlook. “All of those are real disappointments that so many Americans don’t seem to feel the responsibility to help children in poverty. I believe more people would participate if they knew who to trust and if they knew what to do.” Stafford says it’s a matter of education. “Organizations like Compassion have a responsibility to inform people about the opportunities that are available to attack poverty at its very root. Solving poverty one child at a time is the entire premise of Compassion’s ministry.” Stafford explains they work as advocates for children, releasing them from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty through the love of Christ. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5142

Pastors in second and third world nations need Scripture helpls to help churches grow. World (MNN) — And finally, Christian literature is needed in the second and third world church as leaders crave material that can help nurture and lead the national church. David Shibley is with Global Advance[5] . He says many national pastors are asking for these tools wherever they go. “They’ve never seen a commentary, they’ve never seen a Bible dictionary. Based on those appeals the Lord began to speak to our hearts to provide tools in the hands of these some two-million pastors and church leaders who are capable and yet poorly trained and poorly resourced for the Great Commission.” Shibley is asking Christians to get involved financially as a way of having a global impact, without having to leave home. “We have so much, and the church around the world has so little. This is an easy way that we can share of our abundance. We’re trying to narrow that gap and provide for our brothers and sisters around the world, who are in need, of basic Christian material.” Pray that many will respond to this incredible need. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5147

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=OBI [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=CAID [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=VOM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=CMP [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=GAM ———————————————————————

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