News headlines for January 28th 2004 Mission Network News is brought to you in part by MTS TRAVEL. MTS TRAVEL announces a new money saving program for the closest supporters of missionaries on the field. Deeply discounted FAMILY, FRIENDS & PARTNER airfares make it easier for families to reunite, and for friends and partners to see missionary work with their own eyes. Simply enter your email address, and the location of the missionary you wish to visit. MTS TRAVEL sends notifcation when there are special airfares to that destination. For more information, or to sign up for this special service, please click on: http://www.mtstravel.com/familyfriendsandpartners/

Fears of war between Eritrea and Ethiopia do little to stop ministry. Ethiopia (MNN)–Topping the news, the United States is concerned about a possible renewal of hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Such a conflict would have dire consequences for the people of the two countries in relations and programs with the United States. In spite of that, Global Advance’s[1] David Shibley says their Frontline Shepherds’ Conference was an encouragement. “563 pastors from over twenty different denominations convened together. It was the first ever interdenominational training conference for pastors and there was tremendous response.” Shibley says the persecution of believers in Ethiopia and Eritrea is growing. However, “there is a strong fraternity among pastors in Ethiopia and Eritrea. There are cultural challenges and sometimes, tribal challenges, yet at the same time, there’s a bond in Jesus Christ that they not only affirm, but live out day by day.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5619

Trouble follows the church in Laos. Laos (MNN)–Next, Christian Aid Mission[2] says they have yet another report showing that believers in Laos’s Attapue province are being told they must renounce their faith in Christ or face terrible consequences. Confidential sources in the region said believers are being told if they refuse to renounce, they must leave their villages, or face being beaten to death. Laos reject charges of denying religious freedom, however, the US State Department included Laos on a worst offenders list of totalitarian states that view religions as a threat. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5617

A partnership is helping orphans in Guatemala Guatemala (MNN) — A partnership between two organizations could meet a pressing need in Gualemala. Buckner Orphan Care International ,/a>and Family Life Today are teaming up to help orphans worldwide. Buckner’s Amy Norton says a team from both organizations just returned from their first combined trip to Guatemala. “Family Life has just begun a new part of their ministry called ‘Hope For Orphans’ and their goal is to teach churches about starting orphan ministry as well as how members of the congregation can adopt orphan children and that they should look into that.” Buckner is facilitating the effort. On this trip they distributed shoes as part of Buckner’s ‘Shoes For Orphan Souls’ program. Norton says that part of the program alone is effective. “The wonderful thing is that taking the saying we have shoes to give to the children automatically opens the doors for us to get into many, especially these government orphanages and even private homes where we haven’t been before.” (BROOKS :04) Norton says they were able to meet with Guatemala’s First Lady and they have her support. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5620

Middle Schoolers targets of out reach in US USA (MNN) — Meanwhile, it’s the Junior High branch of Young Life[4] , and it’s having a huge impact on meeting the spiritual needs of an age group wide open to the Gospel. It’s called, WyldLife, and it’s their attempt to reach unreached adolescents with the Gospel. WyldLife’s Director Rick Beckwith. “All of the statistics point towards 86-percent of Americans and stuff are making their professions of faith now by the age of 15, with 13 being the year of most decisions. So, if kids aren’t exposed to the Gospel it becomes so hardened by the time they get to high school and college that they’re much less open. “Beckwith says prayer is needed as they reach out to this particular age group. “In every area we need people. We’re trying to develop this in every community across the country and around the world in the countries we’re working in, and we need to step up and take ownership in this work.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5621 [5]

The Gospel message is reaching Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea (MNN)–And, HCJB World Radio[6] continues to expand and improve their ministry as they prepare to move to a new location in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Radio Light is developing a nationwide radio network where they will share the Gospel of Christ with even more people. HCJB World Radio partners with several other ministries to broadcast the Gospel in various languages. They ask for prayer as team members take part in this weekend’s Missions Fest in British Colombia. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5618

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=GAM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=CAID [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=BOC [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=YLF [5]

http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/01-28-04rickBeckwith.rm [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