News headlines for December 31st 2003

Half population dead in Iran

Iran (MNN) — We begin today in Iran where the death toll may reach 50-thousand after a powerful earthquake rocked the city of Bam last week. Food For the Hungry’s[1] President Ben Homan says they have a man on the ground and relief supplies on their way. Homan says FHI typically works with the local church, but that may not be possible. “In emergency situations lives are at stake and the church is not a major force in Iran. But, people are made in the image of God and they have value and we communicate powerfully when we go into places where the church isn’t. We say we love you and greet you with supplies, and we do so in the name of Christ.” Funding is needed to help FHI open a door to help change lives. “The wonderful ways that we can communicate God’s love in situations is in a disaster type of setting. People are so willing and open to be helped. This is such an opportunity to extend an olive branch of peace and to care for people with the love of Christ.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5519 [2]

World Vision overwhelmed by New Zealand response to Iran quake.

Iran (MNN)–Meanwhile, World Vision[3] New Zealand says response is overwhelming in support of humanitarian aid to quake-ravaged Iran. They’re getting the funding together to mount a large-scale relief effort as well as gathering supplies from their warehouse in Italy. Agency teams are in Tehran clarifying with local authorities the most immediate needs. This week, the first airlift of relief supplies goes in. The aid comes with the hope of being an example of the love of Christ during this time. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5517

BJP gains threatens evangelism in India

India (MNN) — India’s December elections could bring trouble for mission groups. Gospel For Asia’s[4] KP Yohannan says the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s kitty now includes seven more states, three of which are major. “If this trend continues, they’ll get a majority from all over India, then they will have the power to change the constitution, which is the most dreadful thing to happen for the future, especially when we think about the work of the Lord.” Yohannan urges prayer for God’s intervention, as the situation proves hostile in these major areas. “Each of the states are going to pass the anti-conversion law. What this means is that when our missionaries, or any church or mission group baptizes non-Christians (new converts), unless they file the legal papers, get permission from the magistrate, the person who baptizes and the person who got baptized, they both end up in jail.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5520 [5]

The final day at Urbana ’03.

USA (MNN) — Next, in the United States, it’s the final day at Urbana ’03, the largest teen missions conference in the world. Joel Hill is at the conference and says Muslim outreach was the focus of one of the sessions. Jim Tebbe, an expert in the Muslim world told delegates at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s Urbana ’03 there are three ways to reach out to an ever growing population. “Way number one – friendship. The second best way to reach Muslims is, friendship. And then, there’s the third way, the third best way of sharing your faith with a Muslim. Can you guess what it is? Tell me, friendship, that’s right.” Tebbe says building long term relationships with Muslims can be a catalyst in reaching every persons innate desire for spiritual desire for spiritual truth and eventually sharing the Gospel of salvation. The conference ends tonight with a communion service. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5521

A Scripture translation agency celebrates a milestone in Indonesia.

Indonesia (MNN)–And, the World Bible Translation Center[6] just released its Easy-to-Read Indonesian New Testament in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city. Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim nation. Copies of the initial printing of the New Testament went to Indonesian church leaders all over the country. A much larger printing should follow in early 2004. The Center’s Indonesian Old Testament is well underway. Pray for a favorable reception as it is read and studied over the next several weeks. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5518

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

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/12-31-03BenHoman.rm [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=WVI [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=GFA [5]

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/12-31-03KPYohanna n.rm [6] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=WBTC ——————————————————————— Mission Network News Daily, a service of Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Questions: (800) 284-9361 or