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IN Network staff person shot in Bangladesh. Bangladesh (MNN)–We begin today in Bangladesh, where an IN Network staff member was robbed and critically wounded outside a bank recently. IN Network’s[1] Rody Rodeheaver says their team believes the incident was isolated, but admits there is reason for concern. “There are violent episodes against workers. It’s happening more frequently, but we want to be very careful with this because we don’t want to see terrorism under every bush, or persecution under every bush.” Rodeheaver says as tensions rise, and believers begin to feel the pressure, they need prayer support from the body of Christ. “Pray for our people in these overseas settings that they will be reminded of the sovereignty of God and that God is in control, that they will become more determined to share the love of Christ to their neighbors, to their co-workers, to the people that they are there to share the Gospel with.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5802

A Chinese house church member released from prison China (MNN) — Meanwhile, Christians around the world are thanking God for answered prayer in connection with a Chinese house church member. Deborah Xu was arrested January 25th in Nanyang, Henan Province. Paul, with Asia Harvest, says they just received word that Xu has been released from prison and is now under house arrest. It’s unclear how long she’ll be under house arrest. As the unregistered house church movement grows, many believe more arrests could be made. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5804

Water will be the tool to help plant churches in Togo As much of Togo’s population is without access to clean safe drinking water, Living Water International[2] is doing something to help. Living Water’s Jerry Wyles just returned from Togo where he participated in a pastor’s conference. Wyles says 12 denominations are working together for Vision 2010. “It’s a strategy to take the Gospel to every home and plant a church in every village where there’s not already one in the whole country of Togo by the year 2010. What they want to do is add a clean water component to that to provide clean water along with the Gospel.” Many of Togo’s six million people still practice Voodoo and animistic rituals. So, Wyles says the need to reach them is great. He needs your help. “We need lots of prayer. We invite those who would like to be involved hands on with mission trips in other ways to volunteer as well as the financial resources.” Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5803

God opens doors for Congo ministry. Congo-Kinshasa (MNN)–Elsewhere, post-war Congo is creating hardship for agencies evangelizing new people groups. Tribes fleeing unrest can be disruptive to the traditional approaches. Hope Builders International’s[3] Johan Gous says their teams saw a recent breakthrough in the rainforest. But, he says, to reach this people group, it first had to be found. “The Babongu people have receded way into the forest–that’s why it took us seven days to walk in to get to the chief’s village.” Gous says as a result of that first outreach, there is not only a church, but a missions vision. “We’re getting ourselves geared up to return to the Congo in September. By then, the first leaders will have started their training, we’re getting the materials there to get the buildings built by then and the two training centers that will form the heart of the work to go out into an area.” Hope Builders supports the body of Christ through local discipleship, national partnerships and international support of indigenous missions. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5801

Planting gardens in Burkina Faso plants seeds for the Gospel. Burkina Faso (MNN)–And, Operation Blessing[4] completed a major humanitarian project in Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso is faced with a severe lack of clean and fresh water supplies. Operation Blessing combined their Hope Works and Living Waters programs for this project. The team designed a garden project that would use the water from the well and also provide jobs and food. By alleviating human need and suffering in this area, teams demonstrate God’s love and are able to share their faith. Full Story: http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/5800

[1] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=INN [2] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=LWI [3] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=HBI [4] http://mnn.gospelcom.net/media/group.php?agencyAb=OBI

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