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Christians laud a court’s verdict in India. India (MNN)–Our newscast begins in India, where Christians of Orissa State hail a court’s verdict in the 1999 murder case of an Australian missionary and his sons. The court this week convicted 13 in connection with the deaths. Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India’s[1] John DeVries says the verdict sends a message of tremendous encouragement to the church. “The court system of India is upholding the constitution, and the wanton acts of terrorism that have been occurring so much are going to be treated fairly.” Orissa State, where the Staines murder occurred, is openly hostile to Christians. DeVries describes how believers may see the verdict effecting ministry. “I wouldn’t dare to predict what would come, except that it is a positive thing. It is an encouragement to those who are struggling of saying, ‘There is hope that the laws of India still will be upheld.'” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5136

Open Doors gets ready for a new leader at the helm. International (MNN)–Meanwhile, a new President and CEO has been appointed to help direct the ministry of Open Doors USA.[2] Carl A. Moeller of California, comes with a unique blend of academic knowledge, worldwide field experience, development skills and pastoral care. Moeller says he is excited to work at expanding the organization as it continues to help millions of Christians who are being persecuted for their faith. Open Doors with Brother Andrew, will be celebrating 50 years of ministry in 2005. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5135

Two-thirds world Christians are having an incredible impact on evangelism. USA (MNN) — A new trend in missions is surprising many missions minded churches in the United States. It’s called the globalization of missions, as the churches of Latin America, Africa, and Asia are reaching out in their own countries, but also in other countries. SIM International’s[3] Steve Straus. “We have incredible movements of Latin Americans to the Muslim world, an other parts of the world. Ethiopians going to different parts of South Asia. Chinese Christians getting a vision for moving on westward into Central Asia and back to Jerusalem. This is one of the most exciting movements in the church today.” Straus is hoping this ends churches in the United States from only sending missionaries to the 10/40 Window. “If that same church were to send a missionary trainer say to Bolivia, or Brazil or Nigeria or Ethiopia that person might help mobilize teams of missionaries that could then penetrate into the 10/40 Window.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5129

Russia’s church moblizes for community outreach. Russia (MNN)–Next, Russia continues her struggle to throw off the weight of oppression, but the grip of substance abuse insures slow recovery. Russian Ministries'[4] Sergey Rakhuba, speaking from Moscow, says because of the problems, children suffer the most. It’s a clarion call to the church. “Among children, because of drugs, the death rate increased 42-times. We’re trying to mobilize national community to become more active, to go out, to reach those kids especially over Christmastime, with the Gospel of Christ.” Rakhuba is mobilizing a summit where he’s showing believers one tool for outreach. “About 120 people, representing different national organizations, denominations, will come together for a consultation in order to learn how to use this wonderful project, that known ‘Operation Christmas Child’, those shoeboxes that millions of American families are packing.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5133

Water wells lead to the water of life in Thailand. Thailand (MNN)–And, Operation Blessing International[5] began drilling 16 fresh water wells last month in northeastern Thailand, benefiting nearly five thousand people. By drilling wells to uncontaminated water sources and building cisterns men, women and children around the world experience a new way of life as they have easy access to life-giving water. In addition, the teams demonstrate God’s love by meeting critical physical needs and sharing about the faith that led them to reach out. Pray that the seeds planted through this project bear fruit. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5132

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=ODM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=ODM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=SIM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=RMN [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=OBI ———————————————————————

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