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Missionaries needed for Iraq, so is money. Iraq (MNN) — We begin today in Iraq where violence continues against American soldiers. Despite the violence missionaries are needed. But, that need is being met with the reality of the lack of funding and volunteers. The Southern Baptist International Mission Board’s[1] Mike Creswell says 150 workers are needed in Iraq. “We’ve been asking and praying for years for God to open the doors into Iraq so we can do something. And, now that it’s happened we just have a handful of workers. And, we’re scrapping for money to be able to really take advantage of the opportunity there.” According to Creswell, IMB officials are praying for a good Lottie Moon missions offering this month from churches. “If Southern Baptists are going to do something significant, if they haven’t been giving very much in recent years to the offering, now is the time to do that because there are so many opportunities around the world where people are responding. We really need to send more people.” Pray that the response will be overwhelming. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5439

Peace talks in Sudan pave the way for ministry growth. Sudan (MNN)–Next, Sudan’s rebel team is making an historic peace visit to Khartoum. It’s a major step towards an accord that may stop the frequent bombing of the Christians in the South. Words of Hope’s[2] Lee DeYoung just returned, greatly encouraged, from his visit. “So, at least in Khartoum, I think at the moment, things are pretty easy. There has been a cessation of violence between the Khartoum government and the soldiers in the south, as these peace negotiations have gotten very serious, and a lot of people are cautiously hopeful that they will ultimately lead to a real treaty.” DeYoung says the Khartoum government may soon be increasing the free air-time devoted to evangelical content. “So, if that happens, how can quality programming, that would be interesting to people and worthy of the Gospel, be put on the air quickly? That is another part of what we were helping with some training and anticipating that this looks possible enough, that we’re beginning to help them gear up.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5436

Church leaders meet in Cyprus to study the impact of their work. Middle East (MNN)–Church leaders recently gathered in Cyprus to study the impact of television on contemporary Arab society. SAT 7’s[3] Glen Hartson says they wanted to see the effect on the life, work and witness of the church throughout the Middle East. “This year, in particular, we were centering around the strengthening of the church throughout the Middle East and north Africa. We had a number of indigenous leaders from the region that were talking about how God’s Word is now being proclaimed, in many cases, for the first time.” Hartson says the persecution of Christians is prevalent in some areas. That’s what makes SAT-7’s work vital to the church. “Through the medium of satellite television, words of encouragement and teaching can be broadcast without fear of persecution or censorship throughout the region to indigenous Christians that may not have the means, otherwise, to get the words of encouragement and teaching that is so desperately needed.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5437

Seminary to Launch Interfaith Ethics Code USA (MNN)–Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports Fuller Theological Seminary launched a controversial initiative aimed at practical peacemaking practices for Christians and Muslims. The school is using a one million dollar Justice Department grant to launch the program. Through an interfaith code of ethics, members of both faiths are asked to refrain from making offensive statements about the other, affirm a mutual belief in one God and refrain from proselytizing over the two-year span of the project. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5438

Prayer is needed for outreach in Thailand. Thailand (MNN) — And finally, Christian broadcasters are getting ready for a special Christmas outreach in Thailand December 19th. The staff of Far East Broadcasting Company[4] will be singing ‘carols form the heart’ on the main interchange station of the Bangkok elevated train system. According to FEBC some of the carols are traditional, sharing the true meaning of the season, while others are Thai carols. FEBC staff will be playing instruments and performing some traditional Thai dances. Pray that many respond to this seasonal outreach. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5440

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=IMB [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=WOH [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=SAT7 [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=FEBC ——————————————————————— Mission Network News Daily, a service of Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Questions: (800) 284-9361 or

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