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Relief efforts somewhat effective in Iran Iran (MNN) — Iran headlines today’s news as the Bam earthquake has had a mixed affect on outreach in that Muslim nation. Trans World Radio’s[1] Iranian program producer says only a fraction of foreign government money donated to help, made it to the Iranian people. However, private money going to local believers for outreach has been successful. “They are still going there every day and they are able to share the Gospel. Giving the money and the help and (they) say, ‘this is in the name of Christ that we give to you.’ And, many of these people for the very first time they hear that Christians are helping them.” Since radio is still the most effective way to penetrate society with the Gospel TWR says Iran is poised for change. “Iran is the center of Islamic propaganda. The people of Iran have turned away from Islam, but there is a small group around the country and the money they are still running it. I believe if Iran changes the whole Muslim world will be shaken.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5712 [2]

A new tool for evangelism and discipleship comes in a time of need for Iranian believers. Iran (MNN)–Next, Iran’s Islamic hardliners tightened their grip on the country’s parliament in Friday’s elections. The power grab adds the legislature to political and security bodies already controlled by the 25-year-old Islamic republic. That may make things unpredictable for believers, but Evangelist Sammy Tippit[3] says they’ve found a way to encourage the underground church. “We are planning to initiate a weekly broadcast into the country. Now, this is going in primetime Iranian time into the country. We will begin that broadcast in April.” Following the success of this week’s Gospel broadcasts into Iran, Tippit says there is obvious spiritual hunger. “So many people are becoming Christians. They cannot identify themselves in a public church, [because] it’s too dangerous. So, they’re in small home groups. We need to pray for leaders for these cell churches that are cropping up, and we need to pray that God will just bless them and use them. We need to mobilize a prayer movement for Iran.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5711

Former communist youth camps are being used for Christian outreach Russia (MNN) — As hundreds of communist youth camps have gone vacant since the fall of communism in Russia, these camps are making a come-back. However, it’s not fostering communism, but a relationship with Jesus Christ. OC International’s[4] Bob Rasmussen says Russia’s youth are facing difficult times. “A lot of disillusionment, a lot of drug use — a lot of drug use. (There’s) a lot of alcohol abuse and gang activity as well. It’s a very responsive age group. (They’re) very open to the Gospel at that age. It’s a tremendous harvest field.” OCI will be heading to Russia six or seven times this year, training 35 to 40 people in Christian camping each visit. Rasmussen says that means OCI will be responsible for many camps this summer. “There is the potential for hundreds of camps, which brings the potential for thousands of Russian young people to be brought under the claims of Christ.” Help is needed with travel expenses, camp maintenance and program materials and equipment. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5713

Progress made in the Old Testament work in the Philippines. Philippines (MNN)–Meanwhile, The Seed Company[5] reports progress on the T’boli project in the Philippines. The translation committee just reviewed the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, with Daniel still in translation. Team members hope to finish the ten minor prophets by April. In the meantime, the missionaries are also publishing a book describing the history and use of traditional music and instruments within the culture. Pray that hearts will open to the Gospel as a result of these efforts. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5710

A new printing of the Spanish New Testament encourages church leaders. International (MNN)–And, along with the explosion of growth in Spanish-speaking churches around the world, comes an increasing demand from church leaders for tools. In response, the World Bible Translation Center[6] announces that 335-thousand Spanish New Testaments are soon to be printed. Some two million of the Center’s Spanish New Testament are already in print. The Spanish Bible is also nearing completion, hopefully this year. Ask God to speed this process so that thousands more can be printed to meet growing ministry demands. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5709

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=TWR [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/ramhurl?f=/mnn/interviews/02-23-04TWR.ra [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=STM [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=OCI [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=TSC [6] http://www.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=WBTC

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