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Christians move in Liberia to help get life back to normal. Liberia (MNN)–We begin today in Liberia fighting mars peacekeeping and disarmament efforts. Christian Reformed World Relief Committee[1] spokesman Jacob Kramer says the situation is made desperate by a lack of food stores. The test of their work comes in the effort to help get life back to normal for the war survivors. “For CRWRC, it’s the challenge to work towards the demobilization of these people. Particularly, quickly be ready to go into a resettlement program–getting the people out of the camps, back to the villages, or what’s remaining of that, and seeing that agriculture is restarted again.” Kramer explains that the hope of the Gospel can be read through their actions. “Churches are everywhere in Liberia. They’re well aware of the saving grace; they have a problem connecting it to a deed and a value system. Through our presence there, and in our meetings with them, we were able to bring that connection between the Gospel and everyday living.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5451

Hug therapy goes a long way to outreach in Central Asia. Central Asia (MNN)–Central Asia’s orphanages face dismal circumstances due to shortage in funds and staff. Interserve’s[2] Steve Grant is looking to assist the homes in one crucial area. “They basically can just provide the physical care for the kids, but they really don’t have the staff to be able to give the individualized care, the love. I’ve nicknamed the teams that I take in there ‘hug teams’ because that’s really what we’re doing is the supplemental care, and providing something that these kids, who don’t have moms and dads, need. Grant says they can’t evangelize openly because they’re working in a government-run orphanage. “”We have to share mostly with the love that God has put in our hearts by expressing that love. We cannot be directly, outwardly proselytizing.” The next ‘hug teams’ are going to Central Asia in January, along with supplies and funds for the orphanages. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5452

Russia may be headling back to its old dictatorial ways. Russia (MNN) — Meanwhile, evangelical Christian groups are concerned the Russian government may be heading back to their old dictatorial ways. Victory in the recent election by those loyal to President Vladimir Putin means Russia’s major voices of democracy will be absent from the next parliament. Russian Ministries[3] Surgey Rakhuba says this concerns him. “He controls the Parliament at the same time he has an unlimited executive power in Russia today. It gives him a chance to change (the) constitution and take further action in this regard.” Rakhuba is concerned that could mean an end to foreign missionary work in Russia. “Our main goal (is) to train nationals to do this ministry, if anything happens. And, if, let’s say, the door for foreign ministry would close in Russia, then we are able to say that we’ve trained enough national leaders that would be able to carry this ministry further.” Pray that many Russia believers will step forward. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5453

A unique gift can help orphans overseas. International (MNN) — And finally, Buckner Orphan Care International[4] is making it possible for you to help orphans overseas without leaving your home. Through their “Distant Dreams” on-line catalog at HelpOrphans.org you can support a child in a physical way. “What it allows people to do is buy much needed items for an orphan child. Then, we send a notification to your loved one, or in honor of someone here at Christmas time, letting them know that a new coat, formula, medicine — something very important has been (purchased) for an orphan child.” Buckner’sTiffany Taylor says distribution by local Christians gives them a chance to share Christ. “Because we come in an meet the physical needs of these child, the orphanages open the door wide for our evangelistic ministry team to be able to come in and really present the word of God every week to these same children.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5454 [5]

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=CRWRC [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=ISV [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=RMI [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=BOC [5]

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