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Mission teams follow Liberian refugees. Liberia (MNN)–We begin today in Liberia, where security remains tenuous, despite the growing presence of peacekeepers. The fighting forced hundreds of thousands over the border into Sierra Leone. “I expect this is going to cause quite a bit of conflict, just for those people who are there simply to survive, but now, they’ve been displaced again. We really don’t know the future of these people. Some will be trying to go back to Liberia, according to our people that are there, but many have just planned to stay, they have no other options.” Audio Scripture Ministries'[1] Tom Dudenhoffer just received word their teams followed the people over, and began ministering in the refugee camps. They began a distribution program using ASM’s Tape-Talk2 players. Dudenhoffer asks people to pray. “Pray that God would work powerfully as His Word is presented, and, that in the midst of these really tough times, physically, people will see the real significance of knowing Jesus Christ, and be willing to trust Him.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5226

A conversion rally in India gets attention. India (MNN)–Next, word of a Buddhist conversion rally in India’s Gujarat state led to questions on the full enforcement of their anti-conversion law. The motive for the law may have been a political one, and Gospel For Asia’s[2] KP Yohannan agrees to an extent. “There are political interests with so many groups that are seeking to get these Dalits converted from their situation with the Hindu caste system to Buddhism or anything so that, eventually they can use this thing to get power.” However, Yohannan says the Dalits are responding to the Gospel. He adds they take precautions to fend off political accusations. “We first make sure that their confession is correct, and then we have to sign an affidavit and have it filed with the local magistrate so that it is legal. That’s how we’ve been doing it. Once you do that, they can not come after us. They’re saying this conversion is done by fraudulent means.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5227

Ministry vehicles confiscated in Afghanistan. Afghanistan (MNN) — Christians are experiencing problems in their quest to help the Noor Eye Hospital’s rural outreach. A team from Interserve International, an organization that serves people in central and eastern Asia, is driving Landrovers to Kabul. Joanna Smith is with Interserve International[3] and says the team ran into problems as they crossed over into Afghanistan. “Unfortunately they crossed over having to leave their Landrovers at the border, because they were impounded by the authorities. They also, along the way, had some sickness and the vehicles had two flat tires and a broken window.” The vehicles have since been returned and they’re back on their way. Smith says serving in rural areas can’t help but have an influence. “Because the people from Noor Eye Hospital are so willing to come and help people, they really show the love of Christ to the people in the remote locations who really desperately need this care.” Pray for the team’s safety, and that these vehicles will point many to the Good News. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5228 [4]

Plight of the world’s children focus of national forum. USA (MNN) — Children will be the focus of the annual World Vision[5] forum later this month. The program, called, “Precious in His Sight” will be held in California October 24th and 25th. During the two day event those involved will talk about the effects of HIV/AIDS, sexual exploitation, war, hunger and poverty on children around the world. World Vision’s President Richard Stearns says children are precious to God, but people with the means to help, don’t. He hopes this forum will change that. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5225

VOM Expands Short-term Opportunities for 2004 International (MNN)–And, Voice Of The Martyrs[6] is expanding their short-term ministry options for 2004. For the past several months, staff have been making arrangements to send teams of volunteers in the coming year to Mozambique, south India and southeast Asia. Aside from the cost of the trip, applicants must be over 19. VOM says the only other requirement is a willingness to go and share the love of Christ with a servant’s heart. Teams are open to believers from across North America Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5224

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=ASM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=GFA [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=ISV [4]

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/10-10-03JoannaSmith.rm [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=WVI [6] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=VOM ———————————————————————

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