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A Shariah law decision has Nigerian believers wary. Nigeria (MNN)–Topping the news, Christians in Nigeria are still nervous despite a recent ruling for a defendant in a Sharia law case. The case involving a woman sentenced to die for adultery drew world-wide attention and has now been overturned. Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs[1] . “It’s a very tense situation for Christians to see how the Sharia law will be implemented. It is fundamentally unfair to say to Christians you have to live by Muslim law, and yet that’s what’s being done in many places of Northern Nigeria.” Nettleton says the case also provides opportunities that may not have existed before. “It does have an effect and it’s a negative effect on Christian ministry there but the Lord is faithful and even where persecution exists the church is growing. So, we know that there will be growth in the church and we know this will produce stronger and more fervent Christians. But obviously it’s a costly road and a costly path to be on.” The region recently adopted Muslim law, as have 11 of the countries 36 states. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5176

Germany is considered a ‘new’ mission field by national believers. Germany (MNN) — Next, reports indicate churches in Germany consider their country a ‘new’ mission field. The issue is two fold; East Germans were kept away from the Gospel during communism, and young people have a desire to return to traditional values. Greater Europe Mission’s[2] Jeffrey Robinson works in Germany. He explains why young people feel this way. “The youth are looking for some stability. They’re seeing the world in an unstable place and they’re looking at what they’re calling here the ‘old fashion’ values, (or) what Christians would maybe (call) Christian values. Perhaps, if this is truly a trend, this will also give us as a church an opportunity.” Robinson is praying this trend is true because it could change another development which isn’t as encouraging. “We’re also facing by the year 2020 that Islam could eventually become the majority religion here in Germany.” Robinson says that’s why more workers are needed for this ‘new’ mission field. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5170

A meeting of the minds in Panama may determine the course of partnerships for the church in Latin America. Panama (MNN/LAM)–A consultation of Latin American Christian leaders and North American mission personnel has reached some innovative conclusions about the future of expatriate mission work in that region. Latin America Mission’s[3] Ken MacHarg reports. “The nearly one hundred missionaries and church leaders who met in Panama cautioned that differing perspectives between North and Latin Americans are the main barriers to cooperative missionary effort. Participants agreed that church and mission leaders need to stop thinking in terms of North Americans and Latin Americans with separate roles, but as co-participants in the mission given by God. Latin pastors and leaders emphasized the continuing opportunities for mission work in the region, and affirmed that the need of the Latin church is for missionaries to work in specialized ministry areas with an attitude of mutual respect and teamwork.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5175

Mission teams raise awareness for the Arab world. International (MNN)–Meanwhile, Operation Mobilization’s[4] Arab World Presentation Team is in Australia this month. They are presenting the challenge of mission work in the Arab World. Two Arabic churches in Sydney showed great interest in sending out people to the area where many had originally come from. Please pray for the people who are now thinking about being involved after seeing the presentation. Pray for the seeds that have been sown to bear lasting fruit. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5173

A missions group slates an international conference of indigenous missions. USA (MNN)–And, the year 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of Christian Aid Mission[5] in the U.S. and Canada. To commemorate this milestone, Christian Aid of Canada will host an International Conference of Indigenous Missions in Niagara Falls, Ontario called simply Gateways. The October conference will be a unique missions conference, the first of its kind to be held in North America. The meetings will focus on indigenous missionary movements around the world and North America as a multicultural missions field at home. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5174

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=VOM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=GEM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=LAM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=OMI [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=CAID ———————————————————————

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