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Urbana ’03 kicks off with a surprise. USA (MNN) — The openning kick-off to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s Urbana ’03 was a high energy worship experience. However, shortly thereafter the 20,000 in attendance received some bad news about the evening’s speaker and Urbana fixture Doctor John Stott. “Doctor Stott is 82 and a few days ago he suffered a minor stroke,” says Alex Hill President of InterVarsity Christians Fellowship. He’s okay, but it’s a real disappointment. He has spoken at Urbana more often. He’s 82 years old and a real Lion of God.” Hill delivered the news to the largest teen missions conference is the world, but says Stott is expected to make a reasonable recovery. Stott’s message was delivered by close associate Doctor Joshua Wathanga, who encouraged students to battle the prevailing culture of pluralism in order to win others to Christ. Today delegates will hear teaching on proclaiming Jesus across other cultures and faiths. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5510

Indian pastor beaten, but survives India (MNN) — Next, Hindu extremists continue their attacks on Christians in India. One, recently left some questions whether a pastor and church would survive. The incident took place in the state of Tripura in northern India. Bibles for the World’s Rochunga Pudaite. “We have about 60 missionaries working there. And, one of these missionaries had been very successful and started building a church with a little over 100 (in) membership. Non-Christians kept coming and tell him to tear down the church. And, he told them before you tear down and burn my church you’re going to have to burn me first.” Pudaite says they tried to do just that, beating him severely before an attempt to burn him alive failed. The pastor is back in the pulpit and Pudaite says what some meant for evil, God meant it for good. “I think it’s going to excite our church and there’s going to be more converts than I can see. I think the more you go through persecution, the more the church is growing because it brings commitment.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5508

Will Haiti be dedicated to Satan again? Haiti (MNN) — With political tensions and violence on the rise in Haiti, a major celebration is planned. Despite some reports claiming civil war may be on the country’s horizon, Haiti will be celebrating 200 years of freedom beginning January 1st. However, many Christians are concerned. Jim Burdick is with the Evangelical Baptist Missions[1] Bill Evans says they began a world-wide prayer initiative a few months ago. Evans wants that to continue. “Just ask God to claim Haiti as His own and to begin to win people back to Him and ask that God would give us that nation for His glory.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5509

Church leaders arrested in China China (MNN) — Meanwhile, more arrests have been made by Chinese officials against leaders of unregistered churches there. According to Voice of the Martyrs[2] three significant Christian leaders were arrested in Zhejaing (shjay-JANG) Province for gathering information on the government’s activities. These three leaders are well-known to VOM and are part of the mission’s network or contacts across China. VOM says the arrests were made in a continuing effort by authorities to crackdown on the growing house church movement. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5506

Herdboys targets of evangelism in Africa Lesotho (MNN) — And, Herd boys are the targets of evangelistic outreach in Africa’s Lesotho. Many children spend night and day in the fields watching the family’s herd, keeping them from school. Africa Inland Mission[3] has started the “Herd boy Evangelism and Literacy Project”. Under the program, school children volunteer to watch the herd, while the herd boys go to school. In the process they learn to read and write, while learning about God’s love for them. It costs just 40-dollars per child and funding is needed. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5507

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

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