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A missionary’s verdict is delayed in Nepal. Nepal (MNN)–We begin today in Nepal where there’s been an unprecedented move in the case of a missionary falsely accused of murder. Following the introduction of new evidence, Gospel For Asia’s[1] KP Yohannan says the verdict in Manja Tamang’s case was delayed. “Because of the disagreement with the two judges, one said he was innocent, one said he may still have some doubt, now it goes to the full bench. That means that the highest sitting judges in the country of Nepal, five or more of them, will hear the case in another 60 days’ time.” At that time, the Nepali missionary will either be released or serve the remainder of his 20-year sentence. Yohannan visited Manja in prison, and reports that he continues evangelizing behind bars. He is in good spirits, and he led one man to the Lord, who has already been released from prison. He is now going to Bible School. And, Manja started a Bible study for 24 prisoners that are in prison in Katmandu.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5347 [2]

A Christian relief agency moves to help flood victims in China. China (MNN)–Elsewhere, heavy flooding in China’s north west has left hundreds of thousands homeless. Chinese state media says weeks of heavy rain and floods in the Shaanxi Province have affected more than two million people. The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee[3] began responding to the immediate physical needs since this summer, when the crisis began. For the teams that handed out basic items and food relief, it was an opportunity to show the love and compassion of Christ. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5345

More conflicting reports about China’s Christians surface. China (MNN)–New reports out indicate China denies the existence of a house church movement. The report stirred furor among humanitarian rights groups who accuse the government of denying religious rights. China Partner’s[4] Erik Burklin has a different take. He says they recently dedicated a Bible school in Nanchung, Jiangxi Province. “This new facility will allow them to train up to 160 students. Before this building, they only had a capacity of about 50 students, so this is going to be increasing, three times, to allow them to train future pastors.” As to reports of increasing persecution, Burklin acknowledges an existing tension between an anti-Christian government and believers. However, “…in their constitution, even legally, it is now okay, and legally recognized for people to be Christians, and to go to Bible School, and to go to church, and to be able to have a Bible and so forth, which was not the case 25 years ago.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5346

Poverty in the Caribbean moves believers to action. Haiti (MNN)–More than two out of every five people in the Caribbean live in poverty, a percentage that is unchanged since 1977. With increasing poverty levels, food security is a growing problem. Food For The Poor’s Angel Aloma (ahn-hell aloma) says they’ve taken note of the reports and have stepped up their response. “We are flooding all the countries with a tremendous amount of milk. We are also increasing our shipments of food to all our islands and our Central American countries, particularly in Haiti, which is, of all the countries we serve, it’s by far, the poorest.” Aloma says their humanitarian aid serves as the backdrop to evangelistic ministry. “We work almost exclusively with Christian churches in Haiti. By doing that, we are empowering those churches to be able to spread the Gospel in a more acceptable manner.” Such ministries continue evangelistic work, with an eye cast toward a bi-centennial in Haiti, the coming of which is to be marked by a voodoo dedication. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5349

Thousands may hear the Gospel as they receive gifts during the holidays. Russia (MNN) — Next, children are the focus of evangelistic outreach in and around Russia. Slavic Gospel Association’s[5] Michael Johnson says Russian Christians are taking advantage of the advent season. They’re sharing the Gospel during special celebrations. Johnson says the program is called “Immanuel’s Child” and they’re looking for churches to participate. “For $25 you can provide a wrapped gift, humanitarian aid, a Children’s Bible, hygiene items, plus discipleship materials and a child who has never heard the Gospel before will receive those items at Christmas time.” Johnson says this is the second year for the program. “Last year when we did it over 10,000 unreached children heard the Gospel for the first time. And also, roughly 7,000 family members heard as well. Many of these families now have been followed up throughout the year and many of these children have come to a saving faith in Christ.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5348 [6]

Christians respond to the needs of wildfire victims in California. USA (MNN)–And, the International Bible Society[7] recently responded to spiritual needs in the wake of deadly wildfires in Southern California. IBS sent Scripture booklets, Bibles and New Testaments to Southern California churches and fire department chaplains. The 4,600 Scriptures IBS provided are specifically designed to minister comfort and hope to both victims and workers in disaster situations. Please pray that the seed of the Gospel takes root. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5344

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

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/11-13-0kpyohannan.rm [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=CRWRC [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=CPM [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=SGA [6]

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/11-13-03MichaelJohnson.rm [7] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=IBS ——————————————————————— Mission Network News Daily, a service of Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Questions: (800) 284-9361 or

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