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The road to peace is long in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Congo (MNN)–We begin today in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tribal fighters in the northeast have agreed to demobilize their fighters and give up their weapons. This follows a rough transition from wartime to peace for the thousands of soldiers. A similar transition is taking place in Congo’s churches. Baptist World Aid’s[1] Paul Montecute explains his observations from a recent visit. “Somebody who is a child soldier needs so much from us as well as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. People who are hungry, people who have been abused in all kinds of ways need a great deal of help. So it was encouraging to see the way the churches and the church leaders were reaching out to people.” Montecute says Christian leaders were warned that the price of peace in Africa will be high. “The price of war was high, but the price of peace is going to be high as well because there’s a lot of uncertainty which has got to be resolved there, and that is obviously going to take time. There’s going to be a lot of effort, a lot of energy put to bringing about peace in that country.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5758

Christians are concerned about elections in Russia Russia (MNN) — Meanwhile, just about everyone is predicting a landslide victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin in the March 14th elections. However, many Christian organizations are concerned the country may be heading back to its old ways. Russian Ministries'[2] Sergey Rakhuba. “The concern is that unfortunately, he doesn’t have any competitors in this election. He’s showing signs of a dictatorial leadership. We have concern about evangelical groups and democracy, and then the free choice of religion and faith in Russia.” Rakhuba says Russian Ministries is preparing for any possible interference of religious freedom. “We’re trying to mobilize the national church, that young people, young leaders, to challenge younger church leaders and take the baton and lead the Russian evangelical church further, to encourage them to be more effective in reaching out to the young generation.” Pray for their 25 regional training centers that they’ll be effective in this quest. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5759

A set back for children’s ministry in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan (MNN) — We have an update on a story that aired Wednesday. Bible Mission International[3] says their children’s ministry program in Kazakhstan is again in jeopardy. BMI’s Mark Reimschisel says the charges and rulings had been thrown out of court. However, that situation has changed as the defense attorney in the case filed a protest. He’s demanding a retrial. Now the case goes to the state court for consideration. Pray that God will intervene in the process so ministry can continue. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5757

A special conference serves as a catalyst for Great Commission vision. USA (MNN)–Next, it’s a catalyst for vision of the Great Commission. In a nutshell, that’s the goal of ‘Missions Fest Southern California’, a free regional missions conference slated for November 12-14 this year. YUGO Ministries'[4] Wayne Freeland is among the exhibitors. He sees the value of the gathering saying, “Most people in the local church, especially in cultures like Southern California, are so busy with so many things, they really do not realize how much God is accomplishing around the world through various mission programs.” Freeland says its three-fold purpose is to inform, celebrate, and challenge believers into action. “God has equipped each of us individually and uniquely for some area of ministry and that particular gift set can be used to encourage and effectively enhance the ministry of some mission agency around the world.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5755

The Gospel will be shared with Mexico’s poorest Mexico (MNN)–And, one of the poorest areas of Mexico will be getting the gospel message. Audio Scripture Ministries[5] will be sending a missionary to work with the rural peple of Oaxaca, Mexico. His work will include helping others to provide non-print media in sharing the Gospel to non-readers. Those working with this poor group of people are hoping relationships can be devleoped and lives will be changed after hearing and understanding the Gospel message. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5754

[1] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=BWA [2] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=RMI [3] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=BMN [4] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=YUGO [5] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=ASM

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