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The battle rages on in Vietnam’s church. Vietnam (MNN)–We begin today in Vietnam where the oppression of tribal Christians continues. The nation is fourth on Open Doors'[1] continues encouraging the church. We’re told, “The negative reports of persecution are genuine. There’s plenty out there in the media about arrests and persecution, but a lot of that is happening among tribal groups that the government views as insurgency or that the tribal group itself is kind of anti-government.” Our source remains unnamed due to security issues. He insists the story isn’t all bad in Vietnam. “People are coming in from their various Bible studies, and preaching points and outposts to the mother church, and the mother churches are getting larger and they’re really longing for the day when church planting, as we think of it here, can be legalized.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5778

Skateboarders and BMX riders point young people to Christ USA (MNN) — Young people are the focus of a new evangelistic DVd. The Luis Palau Evangelistic Association[3] just completed the editing this week on a project that features actor Steven Baldwin as well 11 professional skateboarders and BMX riders. LPEA’s Kevin Palau says it’s called, “Livin It” which features incredible sports action. “But, just as importantly, all of the behind the scenes and the fun and just seeing the lives of these guys and how much they love the Lord and putting it together as a cool tool that junior and senior high students and college age and others would think as cool enough to give to un-churched friends and youth pastors to use as an outreach.” According to Palau, this DVD could be a great outreach in the United States because.. “More kids skateboard now than play baseball. It’s just a part of youth culture. It’s got great music to it and it has Steven Baldwin and it really is a lot of fun as well as being a way to share the Good News.” ‘Livin’ It’ will be available In stores in May. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5776

Astonishing growth comes to the church in 2003. International (MNN)– Southern Baptist[4] missionaries witnessed huge growth of evangelistic work in 2003. The International Mission Board trustees heard details of last year’s work, highlighted by more than 500,000 baptisms. While more than 5,000 people groups still have little or no access to the Gospel, Southern Baptist missionaries and their overseas partners also opened work among 192 new people groups during 2003. Continue to pray as people respond to Christ in an unprecedented manner. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5777

Business people needed to help take missions to next level International (MNN) — Next, if you’re an entrepreneur and interested in missions, at least one mission organization needs you. While nationals are increasingly doing their own evangelistic and church planting work, many national workers need help in becoming financially self sufficient. The Bridge International’s[5] RK Ulrich says investors are needed. “We’re not only talking money here, we’re talking also talents. They see the resources in what is available and knows how to people with resources to get growth.” That ultimately helps national believers sustain their own ministry by financing evangelism outreach, training and church construction. Ulrich says this is a great way for some Christian business people to feel part of evangelism. “So often the businessman himself, he is never really given a significant place for his gifting within the church,” says Ulrich. She says, “Because he doesn’t necessarily sing in the choir, or preach as well, he’s sort of ignored. There are a lot of people who are burdened for missions, but they simply don’t know what to do.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5779

Ministry in Chile continues to grow. Chile (MNN)–And, ministry teams for Association of Baptist for World Evangelism[6] are gearing up for a church plant in Chile. They have modified a house in Puente Alto to serve as a temporary meeting place, with an official dedication slated for March 21. ABWE’s Chile ministry focus is on church planting, Bible correspondence courses, and education. There is tremendous potential there for reaching people for Christ. The ABWE team is also training future leaders in theology and practical areas of ministry. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5775

[1] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=ODM [2] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=BLG [3] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=LPEA [4] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=IMB [5] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=TBI [6] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=ABWE