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Canada prepares to enforce Islamic law. Canada (MNN)–We begin today in Canada, where judges may soon be enforcing Sharia law for the country’s Muslim population. A 30-member council was established less than two months ago to decide disputes, but the move could pave the way to criminal punishments. Voice of the Martyrs[1] is watching events, bearing in mind a similar situation in Nigeria. VOM’s Todd Nettleton. “In a country like Canada, where you’ve always had the rule of law, and the courts make a final decision, now, you’re bringing in a new court and is their decision final or not final? It really undermines the judicial system and the court system that has been established.” Nettleton says it’s still too early to predict the effect on evangelistic outreach. Their concern, though, is more for the church body who may be affected by the change. “We need to pray for our brothers and sisters who are there, regardless of what happens with the legal system. There is a need for witnesses for Christ and we can pray that Canadians will stand up and be counted for Him.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5419

A new tribe in South America has yet to hear the Gospel. Venezuela (MNN) — Next, while many South American Christians are looking into cross cultural missions, there’s at least one tribe that’s never heard the Gospel before. But, that’s going to change. Greg Sanford is with New Tribes Mission[2] . Sanford just returned from Venezuela where two couples are breaking new ground with a tribe called the Yanoma (YAH-no-mah). “Through a number of circumstances we’re able to be invited into one of the villages of the Yonoma people. And so, we have two young missionary couples living in tents right now trying to build an air strip to be able to start to live among the Yanoma people and start (trying) to learn the Yanoma language.” Sanford finds it amazing there is still a group of people that have never heard the Gospel message. “We’re pretty excited about that as we think of the year 2003. We’re celebrating Christmas. Remembering again the birth of the Savior and yet the Yanoma people still haven’t even heard for the first time.” Funding is needed for this start-up outreach. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5420 [3]

A Bible study program goes global. Russia (MNN)– Bible Mission International[4] reports a building anticipation for their training ministry. Their teams are finalizing the launch of the Independent Bible Correspondence School courses in Russian. The new venture will now be offered by Internet. In January, the first students will be logging on around the world to use new technology to study timeless truth. Additionally BMI correspondence courses are being offered in four new languages, Kazak, Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5417

A film ministry looks at the future of outreach in India. India (MNN)–Elsewhere, India’s people are responding heartily to a message of hope. That, in spite of anti-conversion laws sprouting up across the country. The shift means outreaches have to think about the next step. Dayspring International’s[5] John Gilman says their ministry doesn’t stop with the showing of their all-Indian acted film on the life of Christ. The next question is, “what’s next?” “They often ask us, ‘What can we do to be His disciple?’, and there are many opportunities there to bring someone in to teach them and show them the Scriptures and open up God’s word to them so they can have a better understanding of the power of Christ in their life to meet all of their needs.” Gilman says their work requires the indigenous church to be ready. “Discipleship becomes a component of our ministry that is key and fundamental. We want to see Christ groups established in every village where possible.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5413

Believers celebrate a new Christian radio station in Madagascar. Madagascar (MNN)–And, Madagascar has a tradition steeped in witchcraft and ancestor worship. However, HCJB World Radio[6] handed an evangelistic tool to the local churches. The area’s first Christian radio station is now on the air and broadcasting to nearly half a million people. Most of the programming is in the Bara dialect, spoken by the region’s main tribe. Through the programming, the churches can now use the radio station to reach these people with the Gospel. The team is considering raising another station near the capital. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5418

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=VOM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=NTM [3]

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/12-03-03GregSanford.rm [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=BNI [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=DAY [6] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=HCJB ——————————————————————— Mission Network News Daily, a service of Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Questions: (800) 284-9361 or

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