Today’s Headlines:

MAF GATHERS GLOBAL MISSIONS TO DISCUSS STRATEGY OF 5-YEAR STUDY

ISRAEL NAZARENES HAVE CLOSE CALL WITH MISSILE DURING SUNDAY SERVICE

2 AUSTRALIAN PASTORS FACE JAIL TIME FOR INCITING ‘FEAR AND HATRED’

MINISTRY CONTINUES DESPITE RENEWED VIOLENCE IN DEM. REP. OF CONGO

CHRISTIAN SPANISH RADIO NETWORK SURPASSES 200-STATION MILESTONE

Today’s Top Stories:

MAF GATHERS GLOBAL MISSIONS TO DISCUSS STRATEGY OF 5-YEAR STUDY

Key leaders from international missions organizations around the world will gather at the new headquarters of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in Nampa, Idaho, Oct. 18-19, to determine how to effectively use the results of MAF’s landmark global missions study called “Operation ACCESS!”. The five-year study outlines the groups of people around the world that have significant transportation, communication and technology barriers that prevent or impede their access to the gospel. “The conference will be a ‘working meeting’ of key decision-makers from missions organizations, denominations and Christian non-governmental organizations from around the world,” said Dave Bochman, MAF’s chief operating officer and conference organizer. “MAF’s aim to partner with other organizations to use the study data to overcome barriers and reach the lost,” he added. “But we also want to facilitate other organizations working together and the development of collaborative strategies.” Operation ACCESS promises to shape global mission strategy for the next 20 years. (Mission Aviation Fellowship)

ISRAEL NAZARENES HAVE CLOSE CALL WITH MISSILE DURING SUNDAY SERVICE

A Nazarene church in Haifa, Israel, experienced a fearful moment during services on Sunday, Aug. 6, as an exploding Hezbollah missile landed just 400 yards from the church. People began to cry and scream, and one person fainted as the blast shook the building. Worshipers rushed home to see if their families and friends were safe. Two of the three deaths recorded that night resulted from the nearby explosion, although none were church members. The congregation had decided to meet despite the fighting because the previous week’s service had been a great encouragement to all. The church continues to help distribute food, toiletries and medical supplies in the tumultuous region. (Evangelical News)

2 AUSTRALIAN PASTORS FACE JAIL TIME FOR INCITING ‘FEAR AND HATRED’

Two evangelical pastors in Australia could face jail sentences for vilifying Muslims if a current appeal fails. Pakistani Pastor Daniel Scot and event organizer Danny Nalliah of Catch the Fire Ministries were convicted 20 months ago of inciting “hatred against, serious contempt for, or revulsion or severe ridicule of” Muslims under Australia’s newly implemented Racial and Religious Tolerance Act. In the aftermath of 9/11, Christians in the region were invited to attend a seminar to learn more about Islam. A regional Islamic organization covertly sent members to monitor the event and later filed a complaint that the seminar incited “fear and hatred” toward Muslims. They were convicted in December of 2004 and ordered to apologize in June 2005. The pastors vowed to ignore the court directives, saying they would rather go to jail. (Religion Today)

MINISTRY CONTINUES DESPITE RENEWED VIOLENCE IN DEM. REP. OF CONGO

U.N. and European peacekeepers have evacuated foreign diplomats from the Democratic Republic of Congo following unrest related to the country’s recent indecisive presidential elections. Violence erupted between competing sides as neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, requiring a runoff election. Grace Ministries International (GMI), which has ministries across the country, continues to operate despite the trickle-down effects of the violence in the capital city of Kinshasa. GMI’s Sam Vinton says Christians can have a profound impact during uncertain times. “We know the Lord is still in control,” he says. “This is His world. And that can be a force of encouragement and courage.” As they wait to see if civil war breaks out again, ministers of the gospel are faced with a difficult task. GMI is seeking additional funding to purchase motorcycles that will allow outreach and discipleship ministries to continue in the country despite poor road conditions. (Mission Network News)

CHRISTIAN SPANISH RADIO NETWORK SURPASSES 200-STATION MILESTONE

CVC-La Voz (The Voice), a Christian Spanish radio network, is celebrating the addition of affiliate stations in Chile, bringing the number of stations that carry the network’s programming to more than 200. CVC-La Voz is a Spanish-language programming service originating in Florida. Programs produced in its Miami Lakes studios are distributed via satellite to stations throughout Latin America and Spain as well as a growing number of stations in the U.S. A full range of programming including news, sports and music, all available 24 hours per day. The service includes a daily mini-program called “A Minute with Marcos” by popular singer Marcos Witt who grew up in Mexico as the child of missionaries. The addition of Chilean radio networks Conquista (Conquest) and Alas de Aguilas (Wings of Eagles)

make CVC-La Voz programs available across South America. (Missionary Journalist)