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Nigeria stands at the verge of restoration. Nigeria (MNN)–We begin today in Nigeria where, on the 43rd anniversary of the nation’s Independence, President Olusegun Obasanjo says the foundation is laid for restoration. In his second term, his plans to reform socio-economic policies are a step on the path for hope in the embattled country. A returning missionary couple looks forward to a brighter future. “We’re glad he’s in office. He’s a good Christian man, and it’s hard to take a country that’s been plagued by corruption for so long and make everything go well, but he’s trying and that’s the important thing. We’re much more comfortable with him in office then with some of the people that were opposing him.” Josh and Mandy Sharda serve with Christian Reformed World Missions. Because President Obasanjo is a Christian, their work could bear more fruit. “Some of the people that were opposing him are very opposed to the gospel and they’re opposed to missionaries and the one claimed that if he was made president he would have all missionaries kicked out of the country. Our future is a lot brighter with Obasanjo in office.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5211

Drought in Sudan creates a need for church response. Sudan (MNN)–Elsewhere, severe drought is in Southern Sudan once again. The lack of water causes thousands in the area to be without adequate food supply. The Evangelical Free Church[1] of Sudan two months ago sent out a shipment of grain into the Lopit Mountain region. Relief provided in 1998 brought amazing results. Seeing the demonstration of compassion by people in the EFCS, hundreds of nonchurched people began attending Free Churches. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5210

Arab outreach is the United States is being encouraged. USA (MNN) — While many missionaries are in the Middle East sharing Christ, Christians in the United States are being encouraged to make Arab outreach a top priority at home. “Kate”, a missionary working in the Middle East with Operation Mobilization[2] , says hospitality can be a great tool to share the Gospel. “Hospitality is part of their culture. And, what my hope would be is that when there are people in colleges or universities around the country that American Christians would take that opportunity to welcome people into their homes and share their family life with them and just get to know one another and build up a friendship.” This type of outreach, says Kate, prepares the hearts of these students upon their return home. “That makes my job, in many respects, easier because you’re not digging the soil, taking away the stones, and then attempting to plant something. You know the stones have already been removed. You can start from a very different standpoint in your conversations about the Lord.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5212 [3]

Food plays key role in Caribbean ministry. Caribbean (MNN)–And, food is a key element in Food For The Poor’s[4] ministry in the Caribbean. In numerous schools there, children hunger to learn, but deprived of food, they are unable to concentrate. Food For The Poor recently began supporting the school lunch program. Now, many parents send their children to school just because they know they will be fed there. Pray for the teachers and staff at the schools in these areas as they share the compassion and love of Christ with the community. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5209

Church planting and orphan outreach is the focus of a mission couple heading to Russia. Russia (MNN) — And finally, a couple from the United States is combining orphan outreach with church planting. Heather Fox and her husband plan to travel to Vladimir, Russia at the end of the year to assist with both of these growing needs. Fox says, in her experience with short term trips, she see the need for these combined outreaches. “People would come to know the Lord, and then we would leave, and there’s no presence at all. And so, God’s heart is to make His name known in those cold dark places way out in the middle of nowhere and most times there are orphanages in those towns. And, we’re just really excited about what God’s doing over there.” The Fox family is staying at D & D Missionary Homes[5] in Florida while raising support. Fox says orphans appear hungry for the Gospel. “The real young ones, they’re really excited. As they get older they get more hardened.” Fox says her prayer is that they would be able to come along side the Russians to strengthen their churches so that they can minister to their own. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5213

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=EFCA [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=OMI [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/10-07-03Kate.rm [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=FFP [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=DAD ———————————————————————

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