Today’s Headlines:

BIBLE SOCIETY IN AUSTRALIA, IBS SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

SRI LANKAN CHRISTIANS CRY FOR HELP AS VIOLENCE INCREASES

UNCERTAINTY IN ISRAEL OPENS OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVANGELISM

U.S. DROPS VIETNAM FROM RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE LIST

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD AIMS TO COLLECT 8 MILLION SHOEBOXES

An actor handpicked by Chairman Mao’s wife to star in several Chinese movies in the 1970s is the featured guest on the weekly program, “World Radio,” produced by HCJB World Radio-Australia. The actor later became a Christian, and now he and his wife lead a thriving church in Beijing. Podcast or listen online by checking the following link: http://www.hcjb.org/worldwide/australia/world_radio_programme.html

BIBLE SOCIETY IN AUSTRALIA, IBS SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

The Bible Society in Australia (BSA) and the International Bible Society (IBS) signed a partnership agreement in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Nov. 11. The agreement enables the publishing of the New International Version of the Bible in various formats for distribution in Australia, New Zealand and across the South Pacific as well as affiliates of the United Bible Societies throughout Africa and South Asia. P.L.N. Murthy, IBS group vice president for Australia, Micronesia, Africa, South Asia and Israel, spoke of the need for fellowship between Bible producers and the use of resources available among member bodies. He said the challenge is to reach people with God’s Word, resulting in changed lives. (Assist News Service)

SRI LANKAN CHRISTIANS CRY FOR HELP AS VIOLENCE INCREASES

In a worsening climate of impunity as Sri Lanka falls into civil war, Buddhist militants have continued their campaign against Christianity, attacking churches and threatening Christian schools. Christians in Sri Lanka are calling for help from the international community following a rapid deterioration of law and order in the past week. The plea follows an attack on Wednesday, Nov. 8, by the Sri Lankan armed forces on refugees sheltered at a school in Kathiraveli, a coastal town in the eastern district of Batticaloa. Protestant and Roman Catholic schools in the Colombo area have received letters demanding that they cancel all Christmas programs, and a mob of around 50 people led by four Buddhist monks arrived at an Assembly of God church in Yakkala, Gampaha, and demanded that the pastor cease the service and all future ones. (Compass Direct News)

UNCERTAINTY IN ISRAEL OPENS OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVANGELISM

Israel is on high alert as Palestinian militants threaten to avenge the Israeli artillery strike in the Gaza Strip last week. However, uncertainty surrounding Israel, Gaza and the West Bank may be boosting outreach in the Holy Land, said Tom Doyle of E3 Partners who is in Israel. “This is the first time that so many Jewish people are asking questions. They’re open. They’re listening. They feel very threatened right now, so there’s kind of a sense of despair and gloom and that’s always very good for the gospel.” On Sunday, Nov. 12, Doyle was part of the dedication of the Gaza Baptist Church. He said Muslims and terrorists are turning to Christ. “There’s a frustration with Islam,” he explained. “The majority of Muslims don’t want to do jihad and take over the world. They’d just be happy to be able to feed their families. Muslims are talking about this and how many people have been turning away from Islam and looking at Christianity.” (Mission Network News)

U.S. DROPS VIETNAM FROM RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE LIST

The U.S. on Monday dropped Vietnam from its list of nations that severely violate religious freedom ahead of a visit by President George W. Bush, citing improvement in its tolerance for religious expression. The State Department also reported that it added Uzbekistan to the list of “Countries of Particular Concern” on religious freedom which includes nations such as Iran, China, Saudi Arabia and North Korea. Vietnam was added to the list in 2004 and is the first country ever to be removed from it.

Vietnamese government spokesman Le Dung praised the country’s removal from the list is the “right decision that accurately reflects reality in Vietnam. Vietnam’s consistent policy is to respect and guarantee the right to freedom of belief and religion and the right to freedom of non-belief.”

John Hanford, the U.S. ambassador at large for religious freedom, told reporters that “Vietnam has made significant improvements toward advancing religious freedom.” He cited the release of dozens of religious prisoners, the reopening of hundreds of churches and an end to the practice of forcing tens of thousands of people — chiefly Protestants — to renounce their faith.

London-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), however, expressed concerns at the removal of Vietnam from the list. The organization pointed to a leaked Vietnamese government document released Monday that formally mandates and instructs local officials to force members of less well-established Protestant congregations in the northern highlands to surrender their faith and return to their “traditional beliefs.”

“We are deeply disappointed that Vietnam has not been redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern,” said CSW Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas.” The improvements cited are insufficiently great to justify the removal of Vietnam from the list.” (WorldWide Religious News/Reuters/DPA/Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD AIMS TO COLLECT 8 MILLION SHOEBOXES

A massive volunteer effort is underway as kids nationwide pack millions of gift-filled shoeboxes, helping to bring joy to struggling children overseas who may be opening the first Christmas gifts they’ve ever received. Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, aims to distribute 8 million of the gift boxes in some 90 countries. “It’s a little symbol of hope that touches the lives of so many people, bringing joy to hurting children in other parts of the world while also giving kids here in the U.S. a wonderful opportunity to learn about generosity and compassion,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. This is “collection week” as shoeboxes are being dropped off at locations across the U.S. and in 10 other countries. The boxes are filled with carefully chosen gifts such as toys, school supplies, toiletry items, books, clothes and handwritten notes of encouragement. The gifts help bring hope to children who are suffering from natural disaster, war, terrorism, disease, poverty, and famine. (Samaritan’s Purse)