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The HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa makes outreach more effective Tanzania (MNN) — Headlining today’s news, thousands of people in Africa are dying every day due to HIV/AIDS. The crisis is allowing the creation of Christian ministry in areas where it typically wouldn’t be allowed. Compassion Ministries, an outreach of the A HREF=”/media/group.php?agencyAb=EFCA”>Evangelical Free Church of America , is helping in Tanzania. Compassion’s Jim Snyder says their Africa director has been invited to teach “True Love Waits” in a Muslim school there. “It’s one that very definitely touches on issues of not just morality, but scriptural principles on why one would wait for marriage in order to have any relationship with the opposite sex. We anticipate a number of schools now, calling, asking us to participate in this.” The program is expected to grow quickly. He says it’s a great opportunity. “As he’s able to teach this (it) offers opportunities to be able to minister through the local church to school leaders, to students.” Funding is needed to help make more of this type of outreach available. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5646

Church leaders look ahead for encouragement in the Middle East. Middle East (MNN)– Meanwhile, the Middle East peace process is in distress, after the most recent bombing. A pastors’ training group hopes plans for a Middle East conference next year will come to pass during a lull in the violence. Global Advance’s[1] David Shibley says they’re making plans to meet in Jordan. “We intend to invite and provide for transportation of literally hundreds of pastors from all around the Middle East to come to that conference. We believe this is right on time in God’s timing and that it will be something to really encourage these men.” Shibley says the conference is important to encourage those in evangelistic ministry. “Some of these men feel very forgotten by the rest of the body of Christ. These are the men who are holding to the Gospel and even advancing the Gospel under some of the severest circumstances, and they need to know that the rest of the body of Christ around the world is with them and encouraging them.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5644

Compassion says faith-based initiatives should expand beyond U.S. International (MNN)–The AIDS pandemic is a perfect reason why faith-based initiatives should be supported outside the United States, so says Compassion International.[2] Compassion’s Ed Anderson says their work is not only effective, but it makes sense to deliver help using those already in place in contact with the needy. He says faith-based groups shouldn’t be feared. “An organization who understands Biblical mandate to help the poor and the needy and do it in the context of their mission beliefs and their faith are very sensitive to the cultures and the people that they work with. They’re not going to proselytize or force people to accept a different faith just to receive food or aid.” Anderson says it’s not an issue of the separation of church and state. “We believe a faith based organization is like a rug woven with different threads that can’t really be separated. You can’t compartmentalize your faith, and in a faith-based organization–we can’t compartmentalize that either.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5645

SIM offers distance-learning theological doctorate in Guatemala. Guatemala (SIM/MNN)–Next, the world’s first program for a distance-learning Doctorate in Theological Education opened in Guatemala last month. SIM[3] missionary Dr. Carlyle Dewey, says the eight men and women who enrolled in the program represent key educational institutions throughout Latin America. All are involved in training leaders for the church in Latin America. They are sent by the various ministries where they serve with the understanding that they will be granted at least half of their time to work on their studies. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5642

Christian school administrators in Romania to benefit from a special conference. Romania (MNN)–And, the Association of Christian Schools International[4] is looking forward to a special directors’ conference in Romania beginning February 16th. Pray for the administrators of the Christian schools in the country as they work on incorporating curriculum, goals and vision. Their challenge is to provide an education consistent with a biblical worldview against the backdrop of grinding poverty. Pray for continued cooperation between the Christian schools throughout Romania. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5643

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=GAM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=CMP [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=SIM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=ACSI

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