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A church leader training conference heads for Sri Lanka, despite an anti-conversion movement. Sri Lanka (MNN)–We begin today in Sri Lanka, where the issue of conversions to Christianity is snowballing. Buddhists are demanding that the government ban all nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in what they call ‘anti-Buddhist’ activities. Global Advance’s[1] David Shibley, undaunted by the trouble, describes the atmosphere church leaders work in. “The sentiment seems to be that they are trying to incite a religiously inspired warfare, so to speak, between even the Hindus, Muslims and Christians, in order that an anti-conversion law might be passed.” Shibley says they’re planning a Frontline Shepherd’s Conference for February 24th through the 26th. “We believe we’re going at a very opportune time. It is a volatile situation, but we’re confident that the hand of the Lord is with us and that we’re going to encourage these wonderful pastors who are standing in the very heat of persecution.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5681

Christian program aimed at slave girls is changing Ghana GHANA- Fetish slavery is alive and well in Ghana, West Africa. Young girls are given to the local fetish priests to atone for the crimes of others. International Needs Network filmed some of the girls’ stories to get the word out to the Christian community. “We wanted to get in there with a professional video crew so we can tell the story so that people in the United States can see not only the plight of the Trokosi but also the hope that comes in their lives when they are rescued.” IN-Network’s Rody Rodeheaver says their rescue of the girls is both physical and spiritual. “These girls are both taught to read and write in their own dialect. They are given skills training. They are given health care, emotional counseling for all the trauma they’ve been through and we also take care and educate their children.” IN-Network says 95% of these women become Christians and make an impact in their communitites, thus changing their community. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5687

Non-traditional Bible training helps boost ministry in France. France (EBM)–Bible training in France takes place via the non-traditional classroom. Evangelical Baptist Mission[2] has a teacher in place heading up a ministry of video recording classes taught at the Pastoral Bible institute in Algrange, France. Over 50 students are now enrolled in the Romans course. Pray much for this exciting work of helping French nationals to prepare to lead or help in their national churches. Pray too, for the teacher as he is currently editing another video extension program. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5686

Trans World Radio celebrates 50th Anniversary of first broadcast Latin America (MNN)–Next, as international Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio[3] approaches its 50th anniversary this month, the ministry continues expanding outreach by announcing its strategic City Lights project. Trans World Radio’s Jim Munger. “The City Lights project is a concentration of our effort in the Americas region on key cities in Latin America. The trend in Latin America is for the people to move towards the cities, so there are many, many cities of over a million people.” Many of the areas they are targeting are rife with corruption and poverty. However, Munger says their plan is to reach 50 spiritually needy Latin American cities in the next several years. “If you don’t address the spiritual root of the problems that are in Latin America, it’s just not going to make a difference. So, we want to bring the light of God’s Word, particularly to these large concentrations of population to the cities of Latin America.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5682

A Christian couple looks to grow ministry opportunity in the Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic (MNN)–And, the International Mission Board[4] says opportunities for ministry are developing in the Dominican Republic. A new believer and his wife just purchased a home in an elite neighborhood in Santiago. They desire to open their home for Bible study. Please pray for this opportunity, that they will be blessed through this step of faith and grow in their commitment to share Christ, that friends and neighbors will be interested in participating, and that God will be glorified mightily. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5685

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=GAM [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=EBM [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=TWR [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=IMB

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