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N E W S * B Y T E S - November 2008 ***************************************** * A Free Service of OM NEWS & INFORMATION* CONTENTS: 1. AID FOR PAKISTAN'S QUAKE SURVIVORS 2. AFGHAN AID AGENCIES CONSIDER FUTURE AFTER KILLING 3. DEVASTATING FLOODS IN INDIA 4. RUSSIA TO 'LIQUIDATE' 56 FAITH ORGANISATIONS? 5. LINKING LATINOS WITH GLOBAL MISSIONS 6. EVANGELICAL PASTORS UNDER FIRE IN COLOMBIA 7. JOINT EFFORT BY BRAZILIAN CHURCHES 8. MUSLIMS AND CATHOLICS HOLD HISTORIC TALKS 9. PERSECUTION INTENSIFIES AFTER CHINA'S OLYMPICS 10. WOMEN FOR SALE 11. A STAR IN LITHUANIA 12. 'MOST PERSECUTED' LIST 13. SOMALIA: OVERLOOKED & UNDER-REPORTED 14. AFRICA'S MISSIONARIES 15. EUROPE: FROM CROSS TO CRESCENT 16. YEAR OF THE BIBLE 17. EVANGELISTIC THRUST THRU INTERNET, CELL PHONES 18. IN FACT: BLINDNESS RESOURCES: * World AIDS Day * Digital Evangelists * HCJB Prayer Guide * Alternate Gifts 1. AID FOR PAKISTAN'S QUAKE SURVIVORS Christian aid workers are sending additional supplies to survivors of a devastating earthquake on Oct. 29 that killed over 300 people in Pakistan's troubled province of Balochistan (near Afghanistan). The epicenter of the 6.4-magnitude quake is an area northeast of Quetta. Among the dead were women and children, buried beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. There have been concerns in previous disasters that minority Christians were in several cases cut off from aid. All Pakistan Minority Alliance, a Christian political party, has set up two centers in Quetta to ensure distribution of aid to Christian and other families. The tragedy comes 3 years after another Pakistan earthquake killed 80,000 and left 3.5 million homeless. [BosNewsLife, 5 Nov.'08] 2. AFGHAN AID AGENCIES CONSIDER FUTURE AFTER KILLING Aid agencies are reviewing the viability of their presence in Afghanistan following the murder of Christian aid worker Gayle Williams (34) who was killed in Kabul on October 20 in a drive-by shooting. Williams was a UK/RSA volunteer with Serve Afghanistan, managing a community development project focused on disabled people. In August the Taliban killed 3 other foreign women near Kabul. This latest attack has added to the sense of insecurity already felt by in-country foreign aid workers due to the recent escalation in violence by insurgent groups. "[There is] gradually encroaching control by the Taliban of the regions outside of the cities and the roads in between, and now it looks like the ability to operate even inside the cities as well," said Mike Lyth, chairman of Serve Afghanistan, a humanitarian organisation that has worked with Afghanis since the 1970s. [BBC/COMPASS DIRECT NEWS 29 Oct.'08] 3. DEVASTATING FLOODS IN INDIA There have been 70 deaths, 2.5 million people displaced, and the destruction of over 250,000 acres of land and 300,000 homes in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Incessant rains during the monsoon season this year caused a dam to burst in neighboring Nepal. That resulted in two major rivers jumping their banks, and almost every other major river running through the areas adding to the flooding. Christian Aid is among the organizations that hope to lessen the misery as winter comes on, providing basic food and housing. [MISSIONS INSIDER, 11 Nov.'08] 4. RUSSIA TO 'LIQUIDATE' 56 FAITH ORGANISATIONS? On Oct.15 a declaration unexpectedly appeared on the webpage of the Russian Ministry of Justice listing 56 religious organisations scheduled for liquidation. These stem from a number of major world faiths and include Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, and dissident Orthodox groups. At least 35 of the 56 listed qualify as Protestant organisations and include the humanitarian organisation World Vision and Youth with a Mission (YWAM). At least 6 Baptist groups are slated for elimination as well as the Russian branch of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 3 regional districts of the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists (RUECB), the Union of Churches of Presbyterian Christians, Assemblies of God and the Union of Churches of Evangelical Christians. Although the declaration states only that the Justice Department 'plans to file liquidation claims,' leaders say it's a wake-up call. The RUECB is Russia's largest, unified Protestant church, representing approximately 80,000 adult members in 1,750 congregations and groups. [Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists] 5. LINKING LATINOS WITH GLOBAL MISSIONS A Costa Rica-based agency, Cooperación Misionera Iberoamericana Internacional [COMIBAM], sponsored a forum of more than 100 mission and church leaders seeking to integrate Latin Americans into global missions. With a theme of "Connecting Latin America with the Global Missionary Movement," the mid-September conference in Costa Rica drew representatives from 88 missions and 22 countries with the purpose of promoting strategic cooperation. [COMIBAM.ORG] 6. EVANGELICAL PASTORS UNDER FIRE IN COLOMBIA Christians in Colombia are anxious for Pastor William Reyes, missing since Sept. 25, even as 3 other pastors have gone missing. Reyes never arrived at his home in Maicao after leaving a meeting. Family members and fellow ministers fear that illegal armed groups may have murdered him as an area pastors' group has received repeated threats from both the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and right-wing paramilitary units. Abduction is another possibility. In the past month, 3 Christian pastors were reportedly killed in separate incidents in Colombia. According to Pedro Acosta of the Peace Commission of the Evangelical Council of Colombia, 2 ministers died in northern Colombia's Caribbean region and a third in Buenaventura on the Pacific coast. These killings may have been carried out by members of the Colombian armed forces, according to evidence emerging in recent weeks. [COMPASS DIRECT, 4 Nov.'08] 7. JOINT EFFORT BY BRAZILIAN CHURCHES More than 48,000 churches and 850,000 homeowners across South America's largest country have been trained to participate in a program this November 6-8. MY HOPE Brazil is driven by local Christians to reach their community with the message of God's love through prime time TV specials and their own testimonies. 3 nights of TV broadcasts included messages by Billy & Franklin Graham and the BGEA film 'A Vow to Cherish.' Those involved in the outreach, called "Matthews" after the disciple who invited friends to his home to meet Jesus, have invited neighbours, relatives and friends to their homes to watch the programmes and hear the message of hope. After viewing the program, the "Matthews" shared their personal testimonies and then invited their company to accept or rededicate their lives to Jesus. The next MY HOPE project is scheduled to take place in Singapore, December 12-14. [CHRISTIAN NEWSWIRE, 5 Nov.'08] 8. MUSLIMS AND CATHOLICS HOLD HISTORIC TALKS Nearly 60 religious leaders and scholars from across the Muslim and Catholic worlds have met in Rome for an historic summit, with the aim of finding foundations for better understanding between the world's 2 biggest religions. The papal officials and Islamic leaders also want to avoid crises like the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad and the Pope's speech linking Muslims with past violence. Another item on the agenda is 'reciprocity'-the freedom of Christians in the Muslim world to worship with the same ease as Muslims do in the west. Baptised Roman Catholics account for more than half the world's two billion Christians. Islam has 1.3 billion followers. [THE GUARDIAN (UK) 5/11; BBC NEWS 4/11] 9. PERSECUTION INTENSIFIES AFTER CHINA'S OLYMPICS Since the end of the Olympic Games in August, ChinaAid has received reports of intensified religious persecution from across China. In Beijing, Pastor Bike Zhang Mingxuan and his family members were evicted from their home, beaten, arrested and only recently released after an international outcry. In Heilongjiang province, one city called Yichun recently banned all of the house churches. In Yunnan province, some house church members were attacked immediately after the Olympics. In Shandong province, Pastor Zhang Zhongxin was sentenced to 2 years of re-education through labor, and after the Olympics his appeal was denied. ChinaAid has also learned that 29 house church leaders have been serving time in labor camps and prisons in Henan province since July 2007, accused of being "evil cult" members. [CHINA AID, 29 Oct.'08] 10. WOMEN FOR SALE Premier Christian Radio UK's spokesperson for the campaign NOT FOR SALE has called on the Christian press to draw attention to the plight of 10,000 women held against their will and treated as sexual slaves in Britain. Claims Maria Toth, 'Approximately £44 million is spent annually on adult service adverts in newspapers in this country. We want to reduce that figure to zero. It's important to remember studies show 50% of the demand for trafficked women comes from classified ads in local papers. 84% of women in UK brothels are trafficked.' [PREMIER/www.notforsalecampaign.org] 11. A STAR IN LITHUANIA For 3 years children have been tuning in to 'The Little Evening Star' radio programme on Saturday nights in Lithuania. Children from orphanages and blind schools were among the many attending a 3-year birthday party and receiving a CD of the programme's best songs and tales, recorded for the event. In September this year the first issue of 'The Little Evening Star' magazine was published, the first Christian magazine for children in the country. The December issue will include a CD of Bible stories, and will be distributed to every orphanage in Lithuania as well as day-care centres and different other places. Children can also enjoy the programme's website, www.zvaigzdele.lt [TWR InfoSERVE, Vol.13 No.5] 12. 'MOST PERSECUTED' LIST Open Doors' 2008 World Watch List of countries where Christians are most persecuted gives North Korea first place for the sixth year in a row, followed by Saudi Arabia, Iran, Maldives, Bhutan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Laos, Uzbekistan and China in tenth place. This November, many churches are observing an International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. [www.opendoorsusa.org/content/view/432/] 13. SOMALIA: OVERLOOKED & UNDER-REPORTED The situation in Somalia is one of the most forgotten crises in the world. The country has been devastated by civil war, famine, drought, floods, assassinations, and suicide bombings. It has one million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 1.7 million people in need of food. United Nations officials who work in Somalia have stated that the country has higher malnutrition rates, more bloodshed, and fewer aid workers than the Darfur region in Sudan. There are 4 doctors per 100,000 people, and only 29 percent of the population of 8.4 million has access to safe drinking water. Somalia is the only country in the world which has been without a government for the last 17 years. It has no constitution or any legal provision for the protection of religious freedom. Somalia is 99.96 percent Muslim, with just 4000-5000 Christians. Conditions for Christians have continued to deteriorate and there are pockets of believers living in extreme danger. Some converts to Christ from Islam have lost their lives shortly after coming to faith. [LAUSANNE WORLD PULSE, 10/08] 14. AFRICA'S MISSIONARIES An Ethiopian landing on Indian soil as a missionary in 1998 asked himself, "Could this be possible? We always thought only white people could be missionaries." In the following three months, says an article from Joel News International, 1,357 people gave their lives to Christ. After this initial success, his home church in Ethiopia sent 20 more missionaries to India and Pakistan. In the same way, thousands of Africans from across the continent are defying old stereotypes and embarking on the cross-cultural missionary adventure. In Nigeria, missions have been gaining momentum since the mid-70s. NEMA, the Nigerian Evangelical Mission Agency, now has 5,200 missionaries serving in Africa and around the world. In Ethiopia over 3,000 missionaries have moved from one culture to the other to share Jesus Christ. And Zimbabwe's missionary movement started with a movement in the '90's where 10,000 churches were planted. Soon after, the country dove into economic and political turmoil and those 10,000 churches became the seedling bed for a new missions thrust as Zimbabweans left the country to settle in new places, taking their faith with them. [ASSIST, 28 Oct.'08] 15. EUROPE: FROM CROSS TO CRESCENT Fueled by immigration and high birthrates, the number of Muslims on the continent has tripled in the past 30 years, making Islam Europe's fastest growing religion. No one knows exactly how many Muslims call Europe home since most European nations don't track ethnicity or religious affiliation in census data. Guesses put the number around 20 million. France accounts for the highest concentration in the European Union, 5 to 6 million, or about 8 percent of the population. However, evangelical churches have seen slow but steady growth. In France, evangelicals numbered just 60,000 in 1940 but have climbed to nearly 500,000 today. Now about 3,000 evangelical churches worship in France -- more than a third planted in the past 20 years. Immigrants are helping to swell the ranks of these churches, sometimes composing as much as 50 percent of the congregation. [RELIGION TODAY, 5 Nov.'08] 16. YEAR OF THE BIBLE 2008 was the official Year of the Bible in Brazil, where the Bible Society has distributed 60 million Bibles over the last 60 years. This year churches are funding new Bibles with bike rides, concerts, Bible-reading marathons and special services. The Solomon Islands also celebrated their Year of the Bible with the launch of the first Pijin Bible translation. And in 2008 the first Amharic Bible from the Greek Septuagint was made available to Ethiopia's Orthodox Christians, after 14 years of work. [WORD IN ACTION, Winter'08] 17. EVANGELISTIC THRUST THRU INTERNET, CELL PHONES Global Media Outreach (GMO) is launching "Jesus 2020," a strategy to reach the world with the gospel in 11 major languages via the Internet and up to 3.5 billion cell phone users. More than 2 million people per day search the Internet for God to find meaning and hope; 35,000 people a day are coming to one of GMO's 70 websites. Thousands are indicating decisions for Christ through the outreach, and 80,000 people a month are initiating follow-up with a grassroots army of more than 2,000 trained online missionary volunteers. There are now 3.5 billion people in the world who have access either to the Internet or a cell phone. By 2013 that number will increase to 5.5 billion people. "Almost 14,000 decisions for Christ have resulted through our GMO network participation over a 4-year period," said Tim Cleary, a GMO coordinator.. [CHRISTIAN NEWSWIRE, 23 Oct.'08] 18. IN FACT: BLINDNESS An estimated 314 million people worldwide are visually impaired, with 45 million completely blind.* More than 75% of the world's blindness is preventable or treatable.* Approximately 90% of people with vision impairment live in developing countries. [VISION2020] RESOURCES: WORLD AIDS DAY, December 1: See www.worldaidsday.org/ New 'Guide Network' to help digital evangelists. Offers a wide range of resources and links. www.InternetEvangelismDay.com/guide-network.php HCJB offers new life in over 1 million households in the Arab World weekly via satellite, shortwave and the internet. Download a prayer guide and partner with them through www.onehousehold.org ALTERNATE GIFTS! Do your Christmas/birthday shopping online with unique gifts that contribute to the livelihoods of people in developing countries. Some of the excellent sites: Arab World Ministries www.awmuk.org/christmas Tear Craft www.tearcraft.org Leprosy Mission www.tlmtrading.com Living Generously www.livinggenerously.com Christian Aid www.presentaid.org World Vision www.greatgifts.org A Joint Project: www.afarimports.com/ ************************************************************ NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM International, based in London, England. Material may be freely copied and forwarded. Items do not necessarily reflect OM's position and questions should be directed to the original news source.
N E W S * B Y T E S - October 2008 ****************************************** A Free Service of OM NEWS & INFORMATION* CONTENTS: 1. VIOLENCE AGAINST BELIEVERS IN INDIA SPREADS 2. LAOS: CHRISTIANS ARRESTED, DETAINED 3. RELIGIOUS PROPERTIES DESTROYED IN TAJIKISTAN 4. CHRISTIANS FLEE MOSUL, IRAQ 5. ISRAELI JEWS WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS 6. TURK-7 CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF MINISTRY 7. MISSIONARIES WORK ALONGSIDE LIBERIAN PEOPLE 8. MALI: LAUNCH OF 3 KEY PROJECTS 9. CAMBODIA BROADCASTS PROMOTE CLEAN WATER 10. ROMA CHURCH IN MACEDONIA 11. WALK4BIBLES [Australia] 12. NO COST AUDIO BIBLE DISTRIBUTION A REALITY 13. 100 YEARS FOR GIDEONS 14. THANKS TO MISSIONARY AVIATION 15. IN FACT: Suicide Rate RESOURCES: * DVD "BREAKTHROUGH," Story of James Fraser * International Orality Network * Info & Video Clips about China's treatment of N. Korean refugees 1. VIOLENCE AGAINST BELIEVERS IN INDIA SPREADS Still reeling from violence in eastern India's Orissa state that left 53 dead and 13,000 in relief camps, Christians are suffering major blows in two additional states, southern Karnataka and central Madhya Pradesh. Thousands of houses, churches and institutions have been damaged or destroyed in the attacks that began after members of the World Hindu Council or VHP led a funeral procession of murdered VHP leader Saraswati and four of his disciples on Aug. 23, stirring up anti-Christian sentiment. Maoists have since claimed responsibility for the murders, but the Hindu extremist groups continue to blame Christians. About 50,000 have been displaced. [MISC./COMPASS DIRECT NEWS, 24 Sept.'08] 2. LAOS: CHRISTIANS ARRESTED, DETAINED The Lao authorities have arrested or detained at least 90 Christians in recent weeks following raids on 3 provinces. In one incident, villagers are believed to have killed a Christian by pouring rice wine down his throat until he drowned. The chief of one village called a special community meeting to resolve the "problem" of 8 resident Christian families who have refused to give up their faith. The meeting concluded with plans to expel all 55 Christians from the village. The pastor and several other believers from the village have been held in a police detention cell in handcuffs and wooden foot stocks since their arrest on Aug. 3, causing numbness and infection in their legs and feet due to lack of blood circulation. Authorities have said they will release the men only if they renounce their faith. [CHRISTIAN MONITOR/COMPASS, 25 Sept.'08] 3. RELIGIOUS PROPERTIES DESTROYED IN TAJIKISTAN Worship for religious communities is becoming more difficult in Dushanbe, capital of the Central Asian nation of Tajikistan. Recent city rebuilding plans in summer 2008 caused the demolition of a synagogue and a Protestant church with no compensation. Two other Protestant churches and the Jehovah's Witnesses have been banned. Now the High Economic Court has ruled on in the long-running dispute regarding the property of a further Protestant church, Grace Sunmin, although international observers were barred from the courtroom. Authorities want to confiscate the building despite the fact that the church bought the property legally 10 years ago. "For 9 years we have been working on this place and renovation still continues," one church member said. "But now the authorities think the time has come for them to take a ready building away from us." [FORUM 18 NEWS SERVICE, 1 Sept.'08] 4. CHRISTIANS FLEE MOSUL, IRAQ The worst attacks against Christians in Mosul in 5 years has forced 3000 to flee in only one week this October, to seek shelter at churches, monasteries and relatives' homes. At least 11 Christians were shot in separate attacks, including a doctor, an engineer and handicapped person. Iraq's Christian community is estimated to be about 800,000, or 3% of the population of 28 million, about half what it was before the U.S. invasion in 2003. Islamic extremists have frequently targeted Christians. The government has now ordered increased protection of Christians by Iraqi security forces. [ASSOCIATED PRESS/BosNewsLi08fe 11 Oct.'] 5. ISRAELI JEWS WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS "In Israel a resurgence in the number of Jews who believe in Jesus is getting a lot of attention," said CBN news reporter Wendy Griffith. "Many leaders say it's the strongest growth since the time of Jesus and that the Messianic movement could be on the brink of a great revival. Although Jesus and the early disciples were Jewish, for nearly 2,000 years the gospel has been viewed as a religion mainly for Gentiles. Even the name Jesus or Yeshua has been a forbidden word among many Jews. But in the last few years, Messianic leaders in Israel say something important is happening." Israel is home to 6 million Jews, with an estimated 120 congregations and up to 15,000 believers. 10 years ago there were only about 3,500 Jewish believers and 80 congregations. A recent wave of persecution, including the bombing of a young Jewish believer, has put Messianic Jews on the front page, giving them a chance to explain who they are and what they believe in. [ASSIST NEWS SERVICE, 30 July'08] 6. TURK-7 CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF MINISTRY Christian broadcasting company TURK-7 has maintained a ministry for 5 years, creating the means to encourage the Turkish Christian minority. With the help of SAT-7, the radio has even reached to the wider Turkish community and to neighbouring countries, to help them understand Christianity, says David Harder of SAT-7. The station creates its own programmes and also implements western Christian programmes, like VeggieTales, by using Turkish voicing. The ministry is helping believers grow and stand firm in their faith. [MISSION NETWORK NEWS, 13 Oct.'08] 7. MISSIONARIES WORK ALONGSIDE LIBERIAN PEOPLE Despite Liberia's 14-year-long civil war that ended in 2003, "SIM's missionaries have stood with the Liberian people-encouraging, mentoring and praying with them," says national journalist Success Uchime. Recounting the ordeal of his capture by rebel fighters, SIM's Joe Wankollie explains missionaries continue to work alongside Liberians to train them in sectors such as broadcasting, services and medicine. "They also disciple Liberians, working through a consortium of churches." Progress however, has been slow as the war set everyone back, leaving more than 200,000 people dead and destroying the country's infrastructure. Liberia's electrical system is mostly defunct while just 25% of Liberians having access to running water. Crime is also high, literacy is low and corruption is rampant. [ASSIST, 20 Sept.'08] 8. MALI: LAUNCH OF 3 KEY PROJECTS In a Muslim country where spreading the gospel is not easy, the Bible Society of Mali is focused on three particular projects serving great needs: the "Listening to the Word" project; a literacy project called "Alpha"; and a collaborative venture with Malian Union for the Blind. "Listening to the Word" will help communicate the Bible through speaking, singing, and dancing, while "Alpha" will raise awareness among parents of the value of education and literacy for children, only a minority of which attend school. The third project addresses the significant number of visually-impaired people in the country, teaching Braille and organize Bible reading sessions. [UNITED BIBLE SOCIETY] 9. CAMBODIA BROADCASTS PROMOTE CLEAN WATER In Cambodia, 47 percent of the population doesn't drink clean water simply because the people can't afford filters. Others don't know the importance of clean water, and many suffer from diarrhea and waterborne illnesses. Far East Broadcasting Co. has begun airing radio programs to help people learn more about hygiene, irrigation, the science of wells, and providing clean water for livestock. One program is called "The Well of Life"-a five-minute drama that runs five days a week. The other is a 30-minute informative program. Listeners also hear how water and wells are a symbol of rebirth and life for Christians. [Mission Network News, 24 Sept.'08] 10. ROMA CHURCH IN MACEDONIA Macedonia has the largest settled Roma (gypsy) population in the world, currently around 555,000 people. Under the Ottoman Empire, almost all of them became Muslims. But evangelists are now bringing many to faith in Christ, and the Roma Christian community in Macedonia is growing rapidly even though the country's evangelical believers total only about four hundred out of the 2 million population. The Roma are generally very poor and despised by mainstream society. As converts from Islam, Roma Christians also face rejection by their families and the rest of the Roma community. [BARNABASAID Sept/Oct '08] 11. WALK4BIBLES More than 700 Australian Christians so far this year have taken part in an annual Walk4Bibles event, racking up an impressive 13,942 Bibles for persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. The walks, organised by the Bible League in ten cities, invite Christians to take part in a manageable trek of 7 to14 kilometres. This is the fourth year for one of the young participants, 9-year-old Rachael, said "I counted the Bibles at home and we had ten. There are families that don't have any. It makes me feel sad. I am glad that I can do something by walking." [CHRISTIAN POST, 28 Aug.'08] 12. NO COST AUDIO BIBLE DISTRIBUTION A REALITY Faith Comes By Hearing www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/ (FCBH) has just made it possible to send the Bible around the world instantly and without cost. Bloggers, webmasters, and social network users will now be able to spread the gospel in audio using sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Digg, and Reddit. FCBH has developed an Audio Bible widget which can be placed on websites, blogs, or social networking profiles, allowing visitors to sample any of nearly 300 Audio New Testaments in FCBH's collection. Users can then select and download a free Audio Bible. [faithcomesbyhearing.com] 13. 100 YEARS FOR GIDEONS Gideons International, the ministry behind placing Bibles in hotel rooms and in the hands of those around the world, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To date, the organization has placed 1.3 billion Bibles in more than 180 countries (70.7 million in 2007 alone), leaving palm-sized Scriptures in hotels, hospitals, prisons, military bases, schools and colleges. Research from the hotel industry indicates that approximately 25% of travelers read the Bibles in their hotel rooms. The ministry has faced increasing litigation in recent years, but individual members have repeatedly defended their actions based on the First Amendment before court. [CHRISTIAN POST, 25 Sept.'08] 14. THANKS TO MISSIONARY AVIATION Last year, the Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF) fleet of 53 aircraft executed 37,821 flights in 27 countries, logged more than 2.9 million miles, transported 120,350 passengers, and delivered 11.3 million pounds of cargo-all on 1,700 rough, unimproved dirt and grass airstrips, or waterways. These statistics translate to MAF saving 65,991 days of travel time-or 272.7 work years--over the course of 12 months. Redeemed for productive Kingdom work, these 65,991 days exceed the equivalent of 54.5 five-year terms of missionary service! Every hour of flight saves 3 days of travel by foot or slow, arduous ground transportation, greatly maximizing the ministry of missionaries and national evangelists. [www.maf.org] 15. IN FACT: On average, almost 3000 people commit suicide every day. Lithuania has the highest rate in the world. World suicide rates have increased by 60% over the last 50 years. [WHO] RESOURCES: DVD: "BREAKTHROUGH: The Story of James O. Fraser and the Lisu people" A half-hour docudrama about the man who gave up musical fame and a promising career in 1906 to serve with China Inland Mission. Special introductory price of U.S.$9.99 from omfbooks.com (North & South America) or £5 (omf.org/omf/uk/resources/omf_dvds/breakthrough_dvd) Or email bookstore@omf.org INTERNATIONAL ORALITY NETWORK (www.oralbible.com/index.php) is about reaching those who learn by hearing, not reading. The site offers helpful tools like podcasts, training opportunities and books and articles about oral communication. www.runforyourlife.info/ Info and video clips about China's treatment of North Korean refugees, with a petition to express concern ************************************************************ NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM International, based in London, England. Material may be freely copied and forwarded. Items do not necessarily reflect OM's position and questions should be directed to the original news source.
N E W S * B Y T E S - September 2008 ****************************************** A Free Service of OM NEWS & INFORMATION* CONTENTS: 1. HURRICANE ASSISTANCE (CARIBBEAN/U.S.) 2. HOMES, CHURCHES UNDER WATER IN BIHAR, INDIA 3. RENEWED TERROR FOR ORISSA CHRISTIANS (INDIA) 4. HELPING GEORGIAN REFUGEES 5. RSA CHURCHES REACH OUT TO ZIMBABWE REFUGEES 6. ERITREA LOCKS 8 CHRISTIAN STUDENTS INTO CONTAINERS 7. HOPE IN THE FALLOUT OF CYCLONE NARGIS 8. AZERI BELIEVERS GO GLOBAL 9. CHINESE UNI'S ADD CHRISTIAN STUDIES TO CURRICULUM 10. NEW MISSION VESSEL FOR SOLOMONS 11. BRAZIL'S MISSION MOVEMENT 12. JoeMax FOR GERMAN CHILDREN 13. BALATON-NET CONFERENCE IN HUNGARY 14. IRAN VOTES IN FAVOUR OF DEATH PENALTY FOR EX-MUSLIMS 15. WEDDING RINGS FUND WATER PROJECTS 16. BRITAIN'S NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHMEN 17. IN FACT: The World's Youth RESOURCES: * Global Digest * Live School for National Workers * Mission Messages * 10 Ways to Help Kids Love Missions 1. HURRICANE HORROR Hurricane Gustav's assault on Haiti and the Dominican Republic on Aug. 26 killed at least 94 people and displaced thousands. In parts of Haiti, torrential rains destroyed livestock, crops and homes, affecting some 2.3 million people already struggling with severe food shortages. Gustav also hit western Cuba, damaging a reported 90,000 homes but causing no deaths. Following Gustav, Hurricanes Hanna and Ike left further destruction in Haiti, killing another 136 people. In the U.S., Gustav caused significant flooding and damage to homes still being completed after Katrina's destruction 3 years ago, and Ike caused huge destruction in Texas. Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing Intl., TEAR Fund and World Vision are among many Christian organisations providing assistance to victims. [MISC. SOURCES] 2. HOMES, CHURCHES UNDER WATER IN BIHAR, INDIA Devastating floods have displaced some 3 million people and claimed at least 90 lives in northeastern India's Bihar state. Hundreds of churches and homes are under water. The trouble began last month when a dam broke in the Saptakoshi River in Nepal, leading to massive flooding in neighbouring Bihar. Heavy rains continue to raise the water level and there are concerns about a potential outbreak of waterborne and airborne diseases due to the heat, limited supplies of safe drinking water and poor hygiene. Even after the water recedes, missionaries estimate that many people will be living in relief camps for 7 to 8 months before they can return to their villages. [BosNewsLife, 2 Sept.'08] 3. RENEWED TERROR FOR ORISSA CHRISTIANS Recent attacks on Orissa, India's Christian minority have left at least 56 people dead and homes and churches burned by suspected Hindu militants. The violence was sparked by accusations that Christians killed Hindu radical leader Saraswati, even though churches condemned his killing and Maoists claimed responsibility. At least one woman was burned to death, church and official sources said, and others were butchered. The Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted officials as saying at least 558 houses and 17 places of worship were also torched. Some 50,000 have fled their homes and many are still believed to be hiding in jungle areas. The violence in Orissa is the worst in nearly a decade, but police do little and the central government has so far refrained from intervening. [MISC. REPORTS/BosNewsLife, 1 Sept.'08] 4. HELPING GEORGIAN REFUGEES Churches affiliated with the Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) are aiding refugee families from South Ossetia, Georgia, that have flooded north across the Russian border, including North Ossetia. The movement of families follows the violent armed conflict between Russia and the disputed territory of South Ossetia in the Republic of Georgia. The fighting, which began Aug. 7 in South Ossetia, involves hostilities between the Georgian and Russian armies, resulting in about 2,000 civilian deaths and leaving an estimated 100,000 people homeless. "Wounded survivors and homeless refugees are everywhere," said Pastor Sergei Totiev. SGA President Robert Provost added, "It's really difficult to comfort people whose relatives were killed in front of them. All of the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists churches in North Ossetia are sending people to visit the suffering injured in the area hospitals. They are trying to help refugees with food and clothing. And you can be sure that they are seizing every opportunity to share the gospel with them." [ASSIST NEWS SERVICE, 8/08] 5. RSA CHURCHES REACH OUT TO ZIMBABWE REFUGEES With the collapse in neighboring Zimbabwe, Bible League-trained Christians in Assemblies of God churches in South Africa are finding themselves on the front lines of ministry. An estimated 3 million Zimbabweans have fled to South Africa due to social turmoil in their homeland, and South African believers are doing evangelism and discipleship training among the refugees. Complicating ministry in South Africa is the wave of "anti-foreigner" violence against immigrants and refugees from Zimbabwe. Bible League-trained Christians are actively serving in churches, prisons, Bible colleges and on the streets of Johannesburg where many Zimbabwean refugees are living. [BIBLE LEAGUE] 6. ERITREA LOCKS 8 CHRISTIAN STUDENTS INTO CONTAINERS Authorities in the East African nation of Eritrea locked up 8 high school students at a military training school in metal shipping containers on Aug. 5, for objecting to the burning of hundreds of Bibles, local sources said. The 8 male students from the Sawa Defense Training Centre in Sawa were incarcerated after military authorities confiscated more than 1,500 personal Bibles from new students arriving for the academic year. "During the time that the Bibles were set on fire, the chief commander of Sawa, Col. Debesai Ghide, gave a warning to all the students by telling them that Sawa is a place of patriotism, not a place for [Pentecostals]," said one source. Reading the Bible privately, discussing the Christian faith with other students and praying before or after meals alone or in groups is forbidden at the center. [COMPASS DIRECT NEWS, 11 Aug.'08] 7. HOPE IN THE FALLOUT OF CYCLONE NARGIS Three months on from the cyclone that devastated large parts of Burma, stories of hope are beginning to emerge. More than 80,000 people died and 50,000 are still missing - including around 8,000 Christians. But the Bible Society in Burma has been delivering practical aid, Scripture portions and Bibles directly to people in more than 50 villages and 15 towns. According to Revd Saw Mar Gay Gyi, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Burma, 'Christians who have lost everything above all want to have hope. As well as food and shelter, they long for the hope described in the Bible.' [BAPTIST TIMES, 8/08] 8. AZERI BELIEVERS GO GLOBAL A few years ago, missions conferences weren't even considered in Azerbaijan, but in 2004 OM hosted the first one in this small Central Asian country. Over the next five-years the conference generated over 200 short-term teams, reaching within Azerbaijan and to 10 neighboring countries, as well as to far off lands like India. "Since we started the missions conferences, we've seen an increase by Azeri believers to reach out to their neighbors and that's been very exciting," said one of the foreign workers leading the mission conference. Azerbaijan's 8.5 million population is 83% Muslim and only .1% evangelical. [OM Intl., 9/08] 9. CHINESE UNI'S ADD CHRISTIAN STUDIES TO CURRICULUM More than 40 Chinese universities now have Departments of Christian Studies or Religious Studies. Chinese students and religion scholars are thankful to their government for the permission to establish such programs. Further, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a federally-funded entity, includes a Department of Christian Studies in its religious division. With the growing popularity of Christian studies programs, China's universities are eager for Western scholars to teach in their religion departments. [Christian Studies International/LAUSANNE WORLD PULSE 9/08] 10. NEW MISSION VESSEL FOR SOLOMONS On 30th July, after four and half years of preparation, a 55 feet aluminium catamaran called the MV SHINING LIGHT was dedicated and launched for mission work in the Solomon Islands. This vessel will also work in partnership with the Bundaberg City House of Prayer in bringing groups of intercessors from the islands to Queensland, Australia, for an 'Awakening the Nations' event in Bundaberg on October 5-12. This event is an International Prayer and Cultural festival for the indigenous peoples of the South Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Australia. The Shining Light will sail the intercessors home again after their 12 weeks of manning the House of Prayer following the festival. [MELANESIA LINK/awakeningthenations.org.au] 11. BRAZIL'S MISSION MOVEMENT As the third-largest city in the world, Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a strategic location for the base of a new youth mission movement that believes in empowering national students to evangelize their own people. Association of Baptists for World Evangelism's Tim Moody says that national missionaries are not only cost-effective, but they are also more effective overall because they know the culture. "PEPE" outreach teams use vacation Bible schools, sports ministries, and survey evangelism to reach the lost. Brazil has been strategically divided into 5 regions, containing about 2-5 states each. Preparation has already begun to establish a base for regular evangelism in each region and eventually to send outreach teams into other regions and countries. [MISSION NETWORK NEWS, 8//8/08] 12. JoeMax FOR GERMAN CHILDREN Trans World Radio's ERF Germany has successfully brought together children's Christian programming on the internet, radio and TV under the banner name "JoeMax." The JoeMax.de award-winning website replies to children's questions and offers games, fun and good advice. "JoeMax mini" is a daily 10-minute radio programme at 7 pm for ages 5-9 that includes Bible stories, riddles and music. 20 minutes of JoeMax Radio for ages 9-12 follow with tips on CDs and books, Bible facts and interviews. And JoeMax.TV is Germany's first televised Christian quiz show for children, once a week. More than 3,000 pupils have been guests at ERF for the tapings. JoeMax on Tour is a travelling children's show presented in churches, schools and conferences. [InfoServe, vol.13 No,4] 13. BALATON-NET CONFERENCE IN HUNGARY Last year saw the first ever Interdenominational Christian Conference for Hungary, in partnership with Keswick Convention out of England, and the Hungarian Evangelical Alliance and with world renowned Christian speaker Luis Palau. This year 'Balaton-NET' on 20-25 August welcomed almost 1000 Christians from all over the region plus German and English speakers for 5 days of teaching, encouragement and fellowship on the shores of Lake Balaton. The UK's Ian Coffee spoke on the theme 'Message from the Frontline,' reminding listeners that 'God is there in the tough times'. Throughout the day there were various seminar options as well as a Mission Expo, with OM's 'Bus4Life' parked alongside as a visual example of missions on the move. [OM Intl., 9/08] 14. IRAN VOTES IN FAVOUR OF DEATH PENALTY FOR EX-MUSLIMS Iran's parliament has accepted a law proposal stipulating the death penalty for "apostasy," adding to concerns about jailed Christians from Muslim backgrounds, according to rights watchers. The controversial proposal was approved in a 196-7 vote with two abstentions, according to reports. The U.K.-based religious rights group Christian Solidarity Worldwide calls this "a significant backwards step for human rights in Iran." Last week 2 Christians from Muslim backgrounds, 53 and 40 years old, were charged with apostasy at the Public and Revolutionary Court in the town of Shiraz. Prosecutors have already demanded the death penalty for these men, who have been in detention since May 15. [BosNewsLife, 11 Sept.'08] 15. WEDDING RINGS FUND WATER PROJECTS Divorces are not uncommon in the USA's Orange County, California, but wedding rings may soon be leaving local residents' fingers for an entirely different reason. Orange County Gives Back is a fund-raising event coordinated by "With This Ring" to raise money to drill 20 deep water wells in Yendi, Ghana, by year's end. Founder Ali Eastburn launched the ministry by selling her own wedding ring with proceeds used to dig the first clean-water well in Yendi, a village she had previously visited. Since With This Ring's establishment in 2007, more than 30 women have donated their wedding rings to assist in the completion of 3 deep water wells, and several more are planned. [CHRISTIAN NEWSWIRE, 4 Sept.'08] 16. BRITAIN'S NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHMEN "Neighbourhood Watchmen" was established out of a burning desire to see God move in the United Kingdom and transform the nation, one neighbourhood at a time. Over a thousand watchmen have already covenanted to pray diligently for their street, neighbourhood or community for 5 minutes per day or half an hour per week for one year minimum, whether they are in the shops, at home, on the streets or even while they're biking. Coordinator Barry Brown was challenged to launch this grassroots movement by the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14. www.neighbourhoodwatchmen.co.uk 17. IN FACT: Over 3 billion people in the world are under the age of 25. Over 1.8 billion of them are under the age of 15. Of about 24,000 people who die every day from hunger or hunger-related causes, three-fourths are children under the age of 5. [The HUNGER SITE] RESOURCES Just a reminder that the excellent Global Prayer Digest can be downloaded free: www.global-prayer-digest.org Affordable mission training for national workers: the Live School Curriculum. See www.liveschool.org/index.htm Stuck for a good mission message? Go to www.sermonindex.net 10 Ways to Help Kids Love Missions: www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1164_10_ways_to_help_kids_love_mission ************************************************************ NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM International, based in London, England. Material may be freely copied and forwarded. Items do not necessarily reflect OM's position and questions should be directed to the original news source.
N E W S * B Y T E S - July 2008 ****************************************** A Free Service of OM NEWS & INFORMATION*CONTENTS: 1. SUDANESE PRESIDENT CHARGED WITH GENOCIDE 2. BURMA CHRISTIANS DENIED AID 3. TYPHOON HITS PHILIPPINES 4. REACHING ORAL COMMUNICATORS IN CHINA 5. ARRESTS IN YEMEN 6. EGYPT FORCES RETURN OF ERITREAN REFUGEES 7. CHURCH CLOSURES IN COLOMBIA 8. LEADERS REJECT ZIMBABWE PRESIDENT'S RE-ELECTION 9. KENYA: WOMEN KILLED FOR WITCHCRAFT 10. CHURCH IN TURKEY BATTLES TO STAY OPEN 11. SERIOUS TIMES FOR SRI LANKAN CHRISTIANS 12. GHANA RISES TO THE CHALLENGE 13. WYCLIFFE LAUNCHES OPERATION CLEAN WATER 14. POPE TO ENCOURAGE BIBLE READING IN ITALY 15. DETERMINATION WINS (Solomon Islands) 16. AFRICA-LED CHRISTIANITY IN EUROPE 17. WORLD'S YOUTH MORE RELIGIOUS THAN BELIEVED 18. IN FACT: Blindness RESOURCES: * Downloadable Bibles & study tools * Miniature Earth video 1. SUDANESE PRESIDENT CHARGED WITH GENOCIDE The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court requested an arrest warrant July 14 for the president of Sudan's militant Islamic regime, Omar Hassan al-Bashier, charging him with responsibility for a campaign of extermination in Darfur that the U.N. says has claimed 300,000 lives and driven 2.5 million people from their homes. During the last 5 years the western region of Sudan has been the scene of a grave humanitarian crisis since 2003, when government-sponsored militias, known as Janjaweed, began mass killings in response to rebel attacks on government bases. Sudan's regime has denied the charges. Meanwhile, the suffering of the people in Darfur contines. [BAPTIST PRESS, 15 July '08/MSNBC] 2. BURMA CHRISTIANS DENIED AID Release International's partners have been bringing food to ethnic Karen survivors of Cyclone Nargis, who say they have been denied aid by the military regime. "There are many Christian villages in the worst-hit area," says a pastor. "In one township all 17 villages have been totally wiped out. Only a few people survive. When international aid arrived the authorities discriminated against Christians. Those with the 'C-Virus' - Christians - don't get aid. So the churches are doing their best to help." The death toll is reported to be over 125,000 and the UN has put the number who are at risk at over 2 million. Although the government says the relief phase is over, agencies know that it's anything but. [RELEASE INTERNATIONAL, July '08] 3. TYPHOON HITS PHILIPPINES Typhoon Fengshen hit the Philippines in late June, displacing thousands as flood waters engulfed entire villages. Food for the Hungry (FH) was among those affected. A spokesperson said that its offices were without electricity, homes were washed away, and others lost their roofs or flooring. Child development programs were directly affected. Reports indicate many areas have been unreachable with emergency assistance; 800 people were feared drowned after a ferry capsized. The Philippines receive up to 20 typhoons a year, and Food for the Hungry will be helping with housing, rebuilding and immediate needs such as food, water and other aid. FH has been working in the region for years with child development needs through child sponsorships and community development through micro-finance and vocational training. [MISSION NETWORK NEWS, 26 June'08] 4. REACHING ORAL COMMUNICATORS IN CHINA TWR-Asia is reaching China's ethnic minorities who have a low literacy rate with 5 hours of shortwave evangelistic programs and portable audio players. Broadcasts in the heart languages of the Amdo Tibetan, Hui, Nosu Yi and Yughur groups could reach a potential audience of over 22.6 million people. 10 million Hui are China's largest ethnic group of Muslims, and there are few who know Christ. Communicating God's Word in a culturally appropriate way means using stories, poetry, and music. Feedback has been encouraging. One Amdo Tibetan believer wrote, "We have passed on the radios to many peasants and herdsmen. Over here, information is restricted and some places have no electricity, so radios are very important. We listen every day. Thank you!" [TWR InfoServe] 5. ARRESTS IN YEMEN Yemeni news source Al Sahwa reported that Yemeni political security forces in Hodiada province arrested a "missionary cell" of seven people on 18 June, charging them with promoting Christianity and distributing the Bible. One of those arrested, Hadni Dohni, stands accused of converting to Christianity. The suspects were transferred to Sana'a for investigation and are believed to be still in detention, at risk of mistreatment at the hands of authorities. The arrests follow Islamic media accusations of growing missionary work in the country. Yemen adheres to Shari'a law, which forbids conversions from Islam on pain of death. [ASSIST NEWS SERVICE, 14 July 2008] 6. EGYPT FORCES RETURN OF ERITREAN REFUGEES Egypt has begun the forcible repatriation of more than 1,000 Eritrean refugees being held in several prisons. The deportations, which are in violation of Egypt's obligations under international law, began June 11 despite a U.N. High Commission for Human Rights non-return advisory for Eritrean refugees. Said Stuart Windsor, national director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, "We are deeply disappointed by this appalling mistreatment of vulnerable people who were merely seeking refuge from repression, and our prayers are with those who have been returned." [CHRISTIAN SOLIDARITY WORLDWIDE/HCJB 13 June'08] 7. CHURCH CLOSURES IN COLOMBIA Open Doors International recently met with Colombian left-wing rebels to discuss the closure of more than 130 churches in the country, as well as death threats against Colombian Christians. Both left-wing rebels and right-wing paramilitaries which control large parts of the country have forced church closures, according to Open Doors, an organization devoted to helping persecuted Christians. Commanders of the left-wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) can order Christians put to death for violating rebel orders. FARC rules prohibit preaching against violence. Ongoing conflict in Colombia has killed an estimated forty thousand people in the last decade alone. Some believe rebel forces have weakened with several top leaders killed and one commander deserting in the past year.[BosNewsLife, 6/08] 8. LEADERS REJECT ZIMBABWE PRESIDENT'S RE-ELECTION In a statement obtained by Reuters, the heads of all the churches in the predominantly Christian country of Zimbabwe rejected President Robert Mugabe's re-election last month as marred by the worst violence since independence in 1980. Earlier reports saying that churches in Zimbabwe have been prevented from offering worship, while other services have been 'violently dispersed', have been highlighted by the World Council of Churches and the World Student Christian Federation. All NGOs were also ordered to cease operations, including those giving food aid. Many Christian groups are affected.[CHRISTIAN TODAY, 25 June &16 July '08 & Field Reports] 9. KENYA: WOMEN KILLED FOR WITCHCRAFT In May a mob of about 100 people in western Kenya burned alive 15 women accused of witchcraft. The mob also torched about 50 houses in the local village of Nyakeo. Said Pastor Enoch Obero, "I can't believe my wife of many years would be killed so brutally by people who cannot prove their case even before God." [RELIGION TODAY, 23 May'08] 10. CHURCH IN TURKEY BATTLES TO STAY OPEN International Christian Concern (ICC), a human rights group, reported that the Turkish government has forced a church in the capital of Ankara to close its doors. Batikent Protestant Church has been legally recognized in Turkey after winning a series of precedent-setting court cases, but has now received notice that it is meeting in a building unapproved as a place of worship. The founding pastor, Daniel Wickwire, has served as a missionary in Turkey for 23 years and has been involved in 15 court cases in the last 6 years in order to keep the church doors open. ICC reported that Wickwire has now asked his attorneys to initiate a legal challenge against the police notice. "It's high time for the international community to speak out against such overt, blatant and continual harassment and persecution of the church," he said. [RELIGION TODAY, 12 June'08] 11. SERIOUS TIMES FOR SRI LANKAN CHRISTIANS On 6th July a Calvary Church near Colombo was mostly destroyed by a mob led by monks, and the pastor and 5 workers were severely beaten by clubs and rods. Early on July 3rd the home of a pastor in Hambanthota (south coast) who has been threatened for weeks was attacked by arsonists while the family was sleeping; however, they managed to put out the fire without injuries. In June a Methodist pastor in Ampara (east coast) was attacked by off-duty police officers and is still hospitalized. Add to the persecution of Christians is Sri Lanka's ongoing civil war with escalating bus bombs and attacks on civilians all over the island. [WORLD EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE, 7 July '08/CHRISTIAN SOLIDARITY WORLDWIDE, 24/6/08] 12. GHANA RISES TO THE CHALLENGE A 1997 national church survey in Ghana revealed there was not a single Ghanaian missionary working among any of the 37 unreached groups in the north of the country. All the ministry was being done by Western missionaries and their converts. This proved to be a wake-up call. Denominations in the south began to focus on cross cultural ministry to the north. As a result, at least 4,000 new churches have been planted in the last 15 years. And every single one of the 37 people groups have been penetrated with growing church-planting movements. [MISSIONS CATALYST NEWS BRIEFS, 16 July '08] 13. WYCLIFFE LAUNCHES OPERATION CLEAN WATER An estimated 200 million people worldwide do not have clean water, and research shows that a child dies every 15 seconds in developing countries due to unsafe water and a lack of sanitation. In response, Wycliffe Associates (WA) has launched Operation Clean Water, investing mission funds and using volunteer help to install filtration systems and assist people where sanitation and water supplies are extremely compromised. WA President Bruce Smith said that clean water is on the top-10 urgent needs listed by the U.N. and other health organisations. He also explained that it affects Bible translation teams. "Firstly, because it impacts the health and welfare of the people that they're serving, and secondly, it creates difficulty for the translators themselves to survive without good, clean water." During 2007, some 1,341 Wycliffe Associates volunteers served in 35 countries as part of the worldwide Bible translation team. [WYCLIFFE 26 June'08] 14. POPE TO ENCOURAGE BIBLE READING IN ITALY The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI will take part in a Bible reading marathon on Italian television in October. The Pope, who will launch the event with the first chapter of Genesis, wants the Catholic Church to go back to studying and deepening its knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, said Monsignor Gianfranco Ravasi. The marathon, organised by Italian state broadcaster Rai, will last for 6 days and 6 nights with a wide variety of people reading, including students, sports stars, academics, factory workers and soldiers. [BBC NEWS] 15. DETERMINATION WINS An ordinary working man in the Solomon Islands spent 10 years translating the New Testament into his own Wala language. Pio Osifera dedicated every spare hour translating the Scripture and last spring, the 7,000-strong Wala community received the Bible Society's New Testament for the first time. Wala is just one of 70 livingi languages in the Solomon Islands. Translation continues in about a dozen of them. [WORD IN ACTION, Summer '08] 16. AFRICA-LED CHRISTIANITY IN EUROPE "Today some of the largest congregations in Europe-Western and Eastern-are either founded by Africans or are led by people of African descent," says researcher Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu. But some African-led churches have entirely European membership. A Kiev, Ukraine, church founded some 14 years ago has a membership of approximately 25,000 adults. "Neo-Pentecostal churches that have burgeoned in Europe include A.A. Adeboye's Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and many other charismatic churches that are completely transforming the European religious landscape," he writes. In the UK the RCCG has around 50 West African churches of varying sizes with about 200,000 members, mostly in London and the Midlands.An estimated 15,000 Nigerians live in Ireland, and Dublin's African Pentecostal churches are some of the largest churches in the country. [LAUSANNE WORLD PULSE, July '08 & MISC. Reports] 17. WORLD'S YOUTH MORE RELIGIOUS THAN BELIEVED The majority of teenagers and young adults in most parts of the world are religious, according to a massive 21-country study conducted by the German think-tank Bertelsmann Stiftung. Worldwide, more than four out of five young adults (85 percent) are religious, and almost half (44 percent) are deeply religious. Only 13% say they are not interested in God or faith in general. 80% of all young Protestants outside of Europe were found to be deeply religious, in stark contrast to just 7% of young European Protestants in Europe; 25% say they are nominal members of their church. While relatively few young people in Europe pray daily - only 9% in France, 8% in Russia, and 7% in Austria - 57% of young Americans say they pray daily. And 90% of Nigerian and Guatemalan youth pray at least once a day. 3 out of 4 of the respondents in other countries like India, Morocco and Turkey do likewise. [CHRISTIAN POST, 15 July '08] 18. IN FACT: Somewhere in the world, someone goes blind every five seconds.80% of all blindness is preventable or curable. Worldwide some 180 million people are blind or visually disabled-the equivalent of two-thirds of the entire U.S. population. [EYE CARE AMERICA] RESOURCES Download Bibles, study tools and commentaries, free! http://www.e-sword.net/ Powerful video in 5 languages for mission presentations! "The Miniature Earth." If the world were reduced to 100 people it would look like this. http://www.miniature-earth.com/ ************************************************************ NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM International, based in London, England. Material may be freely copied and forwarded. Items do not necessarily reflect OM's position and questions should be directed to the original news source.
N E W S * B Y T E S - June 2008 ****************************************** A Free Service of OM NEWS & INFORMATION*CONTENTS: 1. CHRISTIANS RESPOND AS MONSOON HITS SRI LANKA 2. FUND TO HELP COUNTRIES WITH FOOD CRISIS 3. ZIMBABWE RIOT POLICE RAID CHURCH OFFICE 4. JO'BURG 'ANARCHY' PROMPTS URGENT APPEALS 5. THOUSANDS ATTEND ROMANIA OUTREACH 6. INDIA: CHRISTIANS HOMELESS SINCE CHRISTMAS 7. KOREAN MISSION 8. LONDON MAYOR PRAISES STREET PASTORS 9. CHURCHES FOR 40 UKRAINIAN CITIES 10. P.E.A.C.E. COALITION OF 1,700 PASTORS 11. CHRISTIAN COMICS MAKE AN IMPACT 12. RADIO REACHES EGYPTIANS 13. VIETNAM: CHURCHES PERSEVERE 14. UZBEKISTAN OPPOSES RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 15. KAZAKHSTAN PASSES STRICTER RELIGION LAWS 16. HINDU BRITAIN 17. WANT TO SEND A 'POST-RAPTURE' EVANGELISTIC E-MAIL? 18. IN FACT: Children in the Sex Industry RESOURCES: * For MAF Day of Prayer * Business As Mission Website * Mission Videos * Downloadable Spoken English Course 1. CHRISTIANS RESPOND AS MONSOON HITS SRI LANKA Over 300,000 people have been affected and some are dying as monsoon rains hit the island nation of Sri Lanka. Hundreds of homes have been damaged, adding to the crisis in this country which suffers from an ongoing civil war and is one of the global hunger hotspots. Christians have faced increasing persecution in recent months, but the disaster has opened doors to share the gospel. "In the midst of suffering and huge problems, people seem to listen," said Gospel for Asia (GFA) President K.P. Yohannan. GFA has a Bible college and about 100 congregations in Sri Lanka. GFA workers have also been affected by the flooding as believers' houses and churches have been damaged, and many need to be rebuilt. [RELIEF WEB/MISSION NETWORK NEWS, 6 June'08] 2. FUND TO HELP COUNTRIES WITH FOOD CRISIS Compassion International has created a Global Food Crisis Fund to help combat what U.N. officials have called a "tsunami" that could plunge an additional 100 million people into hunger. More than 800 million people around the world are at risk of starvation and food prices have risen as much as 50 percent since 2006. "This is an urgent situation that Compassion is committed to seeing through to the end," said Mark Hanlon, senior vice president of Compassion in the U.S. As one of the world's largest Christian child development organizations, Compassion's focus is on the immediate needs of children. The money raised through the Global Food Crisis Fund will be available for all Compassion countries. Already, countries such as Haiti and Bangladesh have requested help. [EVANGELICAL NEWS, 30 May'08] 3. ZIMBABWE RIOT POLICE RAID CHURCH OFFICE The Harare offices of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) were raided by riot police on June 9 and five staff members were taken to the Harare Central Police station for questioning. It is reported that at least one staff member was assaulted in the raid. Useni Sibanda, national coordinator for the ZCA, said, "This is pure harassment of church organisations. We are just doing our usual work and we don't understand why we should be attacked by riot police like this." The police confiscated papers including the March edition of the ZCA newsletter. It is understood that no charges have yet been brought. A lawyer from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights is in Harare to represent those detained. This raid follows the regime's increased intimidation of civil society groups. ZCA is a partner of the U.K. relief agency TearFund. [TEARFUND/HCJB, 10 June'08] 4. JO'BURG 'ANARCHY' PROMPTS URGENT APPEALS South African church leaders have urged township residents to stop the violence that has claimed the lives of over 20 immigrants and driven thousands to take shelter in churches and police stations. 'Please stop. Stop the violence now,' Archbishop Desmond Tutu has urged, saying other African nations had given shelter to South Africans during the apartheid era. 'We can't repay them by killing their children.' Some 5 million African immigrants, including 3 million from Zimbabwe, are believed to be living in the country. [CHURCH OF ENGLAND NEWSPAPER & CHURCH TIMES, 23 May '08/] 5. THOUSANDS ATTEND ROMANIA OUTREACH In Bucharest evangelical churches are considered to be "cults," and the tensions are seen as a leftover of decades of communism. Luis Palau initially came to Romania in 1990 and became the first evangelist to openly share the gospel. During a 10-day campaign by Palau's son Andrew, which ended June 1, 14,500 people heard the gospel with "more than 1,750 documented decisions for Christ." The event combined "family-friendly entertainment with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ," including extreme sports demonstrations, activities for children and concerts. From small gatherings in schools, churches, prisons and senior centers to a large outdoor concert, Andrew shared the gospel in a way that targeted Romania's contemporary lifestyle and culture. [BosNewsLife, 2 June '08] 6. INDIA: CHRISTIANS HOMELESS SINCE CHRISTMAS Christians are still homeless in India's Orissa state following violence that erupted 6 months ago during last year's Christmas season. During those attacks, Hindu nationalists burned 730 houses and 95 churches to the ground. Christians were not being allowed to celebrate the holiday in their churches and were not being allowed to be in the main streets. Victims of the attack are still waiting in relief camps until they can rebuild. However, it is report that malaria is running rampant in the camp and many people are sick. [MISSION NETWORK NEWS, 13 June'08] 7. KOREAN MISSION 2008 Mission Korea from the 4th-8th August is the biggest mission mobilising event in Korea, similar to Urbana in the U.S., and held every second year. Pre-registration has been down this year compared to 2006 as a result, it is believed, of the 2007 South Korean hostage crisis in Afghanistan. Also, support for Chistian President Lee Myung-bak's new government has dropped to under 20% due to controversy over imports of U.S. beef. The Korea church has been praying for the president, who is a church elder. [FIELD REPORT] 8. LONDON MAYOR PRAISES STREET PASTORS London's new Mayor Boris Johnson has praised the groups of volunteer Christian 'street pastors' who now offer support to late night revellers in 70 areas of the country. Mr. Johnson spoke of the 'extraordinary and inspiring movement' which he sees playing an important role in reducing street crime. Previously, Conservative Party leader David Cameron lauded the 'absolutely fantastic job the street pastors are doing' in complementing the work of police in tackling antisocial behaviour. Backing has also come from police, who are freed up to concentrate on more serious incidents. Begun in Brixton in 2003, the movement has spread rapidly to other cities, towns and suburbs. Teams take to the streets on Friday and Saturday nights to help worse-for-wear and vulnerable club-goers. Their services range from having a chat to issuing night-bus timetables to help people get home. [SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, 1 June'08] 9. CHURCHES FOR 40 UKRAINIAN CITIES In the first phase of an outreach called Project 125 a total of 40 ministry teams, 20 from the U.S. and 20 from Ukraine, will participate in a series of week-long, city-wide evangelistic campaigns in 40 key Ukrainian cities that don't yet have an evangelical church. A major focus will be on youth. Participating churches are raising money to buy basic school supplies and clothing for children in need. The objective is to plant a church on the final day. About 40 trained church planters in Ukraine are ready to move with their families to one of these cities to help, and enroll new converts in an eight-week discipleship program. Additional teams are being recruited to go next year, reaching a total of 125 cities. The Ukrainian Baptist Union and Southern Baptist's International Mission Board (IMB) are helping train the church planters and will set up an accountability structure to report to the Baptist Union, IMB, the supporting church and the Don Betts Evangelistic Association, which has conducted similar crusades across Ukraine in the past 18 years. [Don Betts Evangelistic Association/HCJB 5 June '08] 10. P.E.A.C.E. COALITION OF 1,700 PASTORS Christian leaders from 39 countries have gathered to create a P.E.A.C.E. Coalition, a new international alliance of churches and other Christian institutions. P.E.A.C.E. is an acronym for Promote reconciliation, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation. Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in California engineered the coalition to help reach the dire social needs of the world. "For followers of Jesus, one of the most important words in our vocabulary is the word 'Go!,'" Warren said. "Jesus repeatedly commanded every believer to go; you can't spell 'gospel' or 'good news' without 'go'--ours is an active, not passive, faith." [christiantoday.com, 26 May'08] 11. CHRISTIAN COMICS MAKE AN IMPACT The top comic in Japan has a circulation of 3.2 million copies per week and comics are the world's most widely read form of popular literature. They also communicate Gospel truths with an understandable directness to specific people groups, and are comparatively inexpensive to produce. One example is Chick cartoon tracts, which have sold over 500 million tracts worldwide for 43 years and are available in nearly 100 languages. Christian comics made an impact at this year's EXPOLIT in Miami, Florida; an annual international Christian literature conference for the Spanish-speaking world. Comix35 http://comix35.gospelcom.net is a non-profit nondenominational ministry which has been giving international Christian comics training and consulting since 1996. http://www.christiancomicsinternational.org/cci_news.html 12. RADIO REACHES EGYPTIANS 2-3 million Egyptian Muslims listen to Radio Monte Carlo's hourly newscasts and other secular programmes according to a report in May. It is estimated that one third of them continue to listen to the gospel broadcasts aired afterwards every evening. Teams of trained Egyptian believers follow up one-to-one the serious listeners who respond to these broadcasts. [MIDDLE EAST REFORMED FELLOWSHIP] 13. VIETNAM: CHURCHES PERSEVERE 35 years after the end of the Vietnam War, Vietnam is still a Communist country and ranks 6th on lists of countries with the most persecution of Christians. Vietnam's government essentially controls all religious activity, so more than half of all Vietnamese Protestants attend illegal, unregistered house churches. Christian converts often face disinheritance and the loss of their families when they refuse to worship their ancestors. Church planters travel miles by foot every day and receive only the equivalent of $75 per month at best. However their dedication is bearing fruit and thousands of Vietnamese are trusting in Jesus Christ. "IN Network" supports churches which visit leprosy camps or bring food and medicine to patients in hospitals. Locally based ministries work well in Vietnam, where the government prohibits its citizens from having contact with overseas Christians. [MNN, 20 May '08] 14. UZBEKISTAN OPPOSES RELIGIOUS MINORITIES Church raids, fines and literature confiscations against religious minorities across the Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan continues, along with using state-run mass media to incite intolerance of religious freedom. In the latest national television coverage, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, Presbyterians and Methodists were all described as conducting unspecified "illegal missionary activities." This was described as "a global problem, along with religious dogmatism, fundamentalism, terrorism and drug addiction." Video footage showed scenes of police raids on worship services. A member of a religious minority stated that some people are now "afraid to go out on the street where they live for fear of being persecuted." [FORUM 18 NEWS SERVICE/HCJB, 23 May'08] 15. KAZAKHSTAN PASSES STRICTER RELIGION LAWS Kazakhstan's lower chamber of parliament has passed new laws creating greater restrictions on foreign missionaries and evangelical churches. Among other concerns, the new law: imposes quotas of missionaries allowed in Kazakhstan, strictly limits the distribution of religious material, and prohibits the acceptance of anonymous or foreign donations by religious organizations in the country. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev must approve the legislation for it to become law. [ASSIST NEWS, 29 April '08] 16. HINDU BRITAIN Out of Britain's 57 million population, 41 million (71.8%) identify themselves as Christian, 1.6 million (2.8%) as Muslim and 0.6 million (1%) as Hindu. They are the country's 3rd largest religious group, as they are in the world, and make up 18.3% of the non-Christian religious population. They are the least likely of religious groups to have been born in the UK. 30% were born in the UK, another 30% in India, 6% in Sri Lanka, 10% in Kenya and 4% in Uganda. Most UK Hindus would rather be called Hindus than Asians. Their place of worship in northwest London is the largest Hindu temple outside India. The country's first Hindu state school is scheduled to open this year. [statistics.gov.uk, guardian.co.uk, bbc.co.uk] 17. WANT TO SEND A 'POST-RAPTURE' EVANGELISTIC E-MAIL? A new "You've Been Left Behind" online service is offering Christians a last chance to send e-mail messages to unsaved loved ones after the rapture. For 26 Euros per year (10% donated to charity), clients can upload and edit all e-mail addresses and documents at any time and send messages to 62 e-mail addresses. The site operates on a "dead man's switch" which automatically sends out the e-mails in the event of the rapture. [CHRISTIAN NEWSWIRE, 26 May '08, www.youvebeenleftbehind.com] 18. IN FACT: 10 million children worldwide are engaged in some facet of the sex industry. Each year, one million children become prostitutes. RESOURCES: Materials for UK individuals or churches joining the MAF Day of Prayer, 5 Oct. '08: www.maf-uk.org/dayofprayer News, resources and tools for those who want to use business in ministry: www.businessasmissionnetwork.com High-quality video content with missions themes and other teaching material is at www.bluefishtv.com. Watch any of the videos that interest you, make your selection, then download the files to use in your presentation. Most videos are 4-6 minutes long and typically cost US$1.99 or E1.29. Also check out free videos on http://Godtube.com DOWNLOADABLE SPOKEN ENGLISH COURSE. Excellent free evangelistic spoken English language course for students coming to an English instruction Bible college or Seminary. A Bible college, Seminary, or individual may download the entire course from www.FreeEnglishNow.com/help14.html ************************************************************ NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM International, based in London, England. Material may be freely copied and forwarded. Items do not necessarily reflect OM's position and questions should be directed to the original news source. N E W S * B Y T E S - May 2008 ****************************************** A Free Service of OM NEWS & INFORMATION*
CONTENTS: 1. BURMA CYCLONE RELIEF 2. CHINA EARTHQUAKE 3. WORLD'S LARGEST PRAYER MEETING 4. THOUSANDS OF TURKS REQUESTING LITERATURE 5. SATELLITE MINISTRY SEES GROWTH AS IRAN CRACKS DOWN 6. LARGEST FAITH CELEBRATION IN SOUTH AMERICA 7. 'BISHOP OF POOR' ELECTED AS PARAGUAY'S PRESIDENT 8. 40 DAYS FOR RWANDA 9. 7 NEW LANGUAGES ON AUDIO BIBLE RECORDINGS 10. BHUTAN'S ELECTION: MORE FREEDOM AHEAD? 11. MONGOLIA MAKES SPIRITUAL INROADS 12. INDONESIAN CHRISTIANS USE MALLS TO PRAY 13. UK BOY SCOUTS UNDER FIRE 14. FRANCE UNABLE TO SAVE THOUSANDS OF CRUMBLING CHURCHES 15. AMAZON PEOPLES REMAIN UNREACHED 16. VOLUNTEERS BRING MEDICAL CARE TO JAMAICA 17. IN FACT: BIBLE STARVATION RESOURCES: * Kids Mission Activity Pages * Free Church Missions Software * Free China Resources 1. BURMA CYCLONE RELIEF Aid continues to trickle into Burma (Myanmar) in response to Cyclone Nargis, which struck on May 3. Efforts have been hampered by government obstacles; the regime has also been accused of hoarding some of the incoming aid for itself. Many people are still missing and the UN suggests that as many as 100,000 may have died. Hundreds of thousands are homeless, due to the 12-foot storm surge that swept away entire towns and villages. Outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and illnesses such as diarrhea are feared because of dirty water and poor sanitation. Trans World Radio (TWR) is planning special radio programs offering critically needed health and social care information, emotional support and spiritual care for the hurting and hopeless. According to the 2008 Open Doors' World Watch List, Myanmar ranks 25th among the world's worst persecutors of believers. A police state, it is approximately 90%t Buddhist and 4% Christian. Most of the country's Christians belong to ethnic minorities. [MISC. REPORTS] 2. CHINA EARTHQUAKE On May 12, the day after Franklin Graham delivered an historic message in China's largest church, Hangzhou, the west of the country was shaken by its biggest earthquake in three decades. Measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale, the quake left at least 15,000 identified dead but thousands more still lie under the rubble. About 3.5 million in Sichuan Province are homeless. The shaking was felt as far away as Vietnam and Thailand, and has caused power outages, no running water, lack of telephone communication, and evacuation of hospitals, offices and housing. Landslides have caused roadblocks, slowing the rescue effort. Christian Aid and its partner Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have commended the 'quick and decisive' response by the Chinese government and their welcome of aid from other countries. Action by Churches Together member, Amity Foundation, expects to insure 16,000 of the most vulnerable individuals have sufficient food to tide them over the immediate emergency period of food shortage. [RELIEF NET/MISC. REPORTS] 3. WORLD'S LARGEST PRAYER MEETING May 11, Pentecost Sunday, God's church without walls united for a fourth annual Global Day of Prayer. Millions of Christians participated from at least 201 registered countries. Many also took part in the "10 Days of Prayer" leading up to the event; others are committed to praying through the "90 Days of Blessing" Guide following the event, as they focus on reaching their communities. 4. THOUSANDS OF TURKS REQUESTING LITERATURE 19,617 people in Turkey requested free literature from the Bible Correspondence Course (BCC) during 2007-the biggest year ever in terms of requests. 85% of them came through internet advertising (internet ads were shown over 127 million times in 2007, and clicked on over 500,000 times). However, a spokesperson says they have seen a steady decrease in the percentage of people actually doing correspondence courses (that is, filling out the answer sheets for the courses sent to them), partly because they need to promote their online course system and make it more user-friendly. www.bccturkey.org/newsite/index.php 5. SATELLITE MINISTRY SEES GROWTH AS IRAN CRACKS DOWN Iran's government has been implementing a public security plan in the past year that has been used to arrest thousands of women and youth for violating sharia (Islamic law). The length and severity of the crackdown has been unprecedented in the Islamic republic in recent years, leading to growing political instability within the country. However, it's also opening doors for the gospel, especially among the youth who are growingly disillusioned with the economy, with the government, and with the religious system. That's where the work of SAT-7 PARS--a Farsi-language, Christian satellite TV channel--can be most effective. They provide continuous 24-hour broadcasts to viewers in Iran and Afghanistan and nearby areas where Farsi is widely spoken. [MISSION NETWORK NEWS, 25 April '08] 6. LARGEST FAITH CELEBRATION IN SOUTH AMERICA Over 800,000 people recently filled Buenos Aires' famed Ave. 9 de Julio for global evangelist Luis Palau's Si A La Vida [YES TO LIFE] festival, which lasted 2 days. It was the largest faith celebration ever seen in South America. The media coverage surpassed any experienced by the Palau ministry in over four decades of outreach. More than 23,000 trained "Friends of the Festival" provided personal counseling to the thousands who responded to Palau's invitation to follow a life of faith in Christ. More than 16,000 decision cards were collected, with officials anticipating thousands more as festival follow-up continues. [ASSIST NEWS SERVICE, 21/4/08] 7. 'BISHOP OF POOR' ELECTED AS PARAGUAY'S PRESIDENT Fernando Lugo, a former Roman Catholic bishop and missionary, has been elected as Paraguay's first left-wing president. After 61 years of rule by the Colorado Party, Mr Lugo received 41% of the vote. Comparing himself to David fighting 'a monstrous Goliath', he succeeded in welding together trade unions, indigenous people and poor farmers into his Patriotic Alliance for Change. As Bishop of San Pedro, his support for landless peasants previously earnt him the nickname 'Bishop of the Poor'. The election represents a dilemma for the Vatican, however. Under church law, priests are unable to serve in political parties or labour unions. Although Pope Benedict XVl has signalled a willingness to work with Mr Lugo, he may be forced to reduce him to lay status. [THE TIMES, LONDON, 23 April'08] 8. 40 DAYS FOR RWANDA For the first time, an entire country is taking part in Purpose Driven Ministries' Forty Days of Purpose, an evangelism and discipleship effort. The movement is tied to the church-based P.E.A.C.E. plan projects going on in individual churches. (P.E.A.C.E. stands for promoting reconciliation, equipping servant leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick, and educating the next generation.) Forty Days of Purpose kicked off in Rwanda with a traditional celebration. Rwanda's President Kagame. Kagame praised the P.E.A.C.E. plan which helps bring together the talents of the public, private, and faith communities. He also commented on the strength of Saddleback Church's Western Rwanda HIV/AIDS Healthcare Initiative which uses churches as medical clinics. "This model can be replicated in other parts of our country. More importantly, more Rwandans of faith need to adopt this mindset." The Forty Days of Purpose will overlap with Rwanda's yearly observance of the 100 days of genocide that began on April 6, 1994. [MNN, 23 April '08] 9. 7 NEW LANGUAGES ON AUDIO BIBLE RECORDINGS Oral peoples make up to two-thirds of the world's population. The audio Bible ministry "Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH)" recently announced the availability of 7 audio New Testament recordings in Afrikaans, Chuj San Mateo Ixtatan, Javanese Caribbean, Kirghiz, Kuranko, Otomi Mezquital, and Thai. Individuals can download these new recordings, as well as other MP3 Bibles, for free at their website, www.faithcomesbyhearing.com. The ministry also distributes to oral learners "The Proclaimer," a self-powered, digital playback device that has an audio New Testament preloaded on an embedded microchip. These new recordings, which represent an audience of more than 105 million people on 4 continents, bring the total number of audio scriptures available to 341 recordings in 287 languages. FCBH's goal is to record audio Bibles in 2,000 languages by the year 2016, reaching 97% of the world's population. [FAITH COMES BY HEARING.COM, 3/08] 10. BHUTAN'S ELECTION: MORE FREEDOM AHEAD? The world's only Buddhist kingdom conducted its first democratic elections 25 March 2008. 2.3 million residents cast their votes for parliamentary representation after living under the rule of the Wangchuk hereditary dynasty since 1907. The newly elected officials will form the National Council, which will set in motion the creation of a constitution and the platform for a democratic government. Will the yet-to-be created government allow true freedom of religion? It is illegal to share the gospel in Bhutan, and missionaries are limited to supplying humanitarian aid, as long as they do not talk about their faith. Less than one percent of Bhutan's population professes to follow Christ. Believers can be expelled from the country and stripped of their citizenship if their new faith is discovered. [GOSPEL FOR ASIA, 3/08] 11. MONGOLIA MAKES SPIRITUAL INROADS In Mongolia, a country of 2.6 million steeped in atheism, Buddhism and shamanism, Far East Broadcasting Co.(FEBC) has been working with local partner station Wind FM since 2000 to broadcast Christian radio programs. Today there are more than 40,000 Christians and 400 churches in the country. But Wind FM Director Bat Tuvshintsengel said this creates an obvious challenge. "The church has been wide in evangelism, but in terms of discipleship we're lacking a lot of capacity like leadership," he explained. "That's why the churches have a goal to make 10 percent of our population disciples of Jesus Christ by the year 2020." Wind FM has plans to be on the air in all 21 provinces in Mongolia. But the vision doesn't end there. "We have 6 million Mongolians living in China who have no chance of exposure to the gospel," Tuvshintsengel said. "So we want to reach out to these people via shortwave. Today shortwave is still very, very prominent." [MNN, 2 May '08] 12. INDONESIAN CHRISTIANS USE MALLS TO PRAY Empty shopping malls in West Java are now home to a growing number of Christian congregations. According to church groups, reported the BBC, more than 100 churches that have faced attack or intimidation by Muslim groups in the past 2 years are using the malls for worship before opening hours. In one mall there are 10 such groups. Some churches even use hospitals. The head of the Islamic Defenders Front told the BBC that the reason churches were closing was not about religion, it was just that some were not following the rules. However, to get an official permit congregations must get 90 signatures of support from their non-Christian neighbours. In some areas, that is not easy to do. [BBC NEWS, 28 April '08] 13. UK BOY SCOUTS UNDER FIRE The British Humanist Association and National Secular Society are jointly accusing the Scout Association, with its half-million members, of excluding atheists. The two groups say that the Scouts refuse to have non-believing adults in leadership positions. They also object that Scouts must promise to "do their duty to God and to the Queen". Insisting that Britain is moving towards a more secular society, they say the Scout policy harms boys who don't want to give the above oath, especially those from deprived areas where there are no alternative youth groups available. [TELEGRAPH.CO.UK, 19/4/08] 14. FRANCE UNABLE TO SAVE THOUSANDS OF CRUMBLING CHURCHES The dilemma of what to do with tens of thousands of churches that have fallen out of favor--and into disrepair--is facing towns and villages across France and other European countries, reported the Associated Press. Some have converted old churches into housing while other churches deemed too expensive to maintain were torn down. In France, less than 5 percent of the nation's 62 million people attend mass every week, down from 27 percent a half-century ago. One village, at a cost of $2.13 million (less than half the cost of a restoration) is building a new church built around the bell tower of the existing structure. Even in communities where there is still a churchgoing presence, the old cathedrals are too large and lack intimacy. "It's five times too big for the congregation that usually comes. People prefer a more modern church that's more cheerful and warm, instead of a huge one where they get lost in all the space," said one mayor. Famous cathedrals that are viewed as jewels of religious architecture are not in danger as they have funding from the national government. [CHRISTIAN POST, 18 April '08] 15. AMAZON PEOPLES REMAIN UNREACHED More than 400 people groups--roughly 26 million people--live in the Amazon Basin, an area about the size of the USA. Of that number, 270 people groups are less than 2% evangelical. About 85 of the people groups survive completely isolated without airstrips or roads, deep in the jungle. Some of the groups have been spotted only by satellite. Two key factors keep them unreached by the Gospel: The government prohibits missionaries from having access to them. And, most of these groups live in areas considered too dangerous for outsiders, including guerilla fighters, hostile tribes, poor flying conditions, crumbling or nonexistent roads and unpredictable waters. Some indigenous believers endure persecution to share their faith among their people. Remember men like Pablo*, who leads a church among his Kogi people, working with a missionary to translate portions of the Bible into his language. Christian workers estimate there are only 100 believers among the 11,000 Kogi, who are located in remote areas of Colombia. [BAPTIST PRESS, 9 May '08] 16. VOLUNTEERS BRING MEDICAL CARE TO JAMAICA About $5 million worth of medical equipment and supplies were delivered free of charge to the people of Jamaica at the end of April by 80 medical volunteers from the U.S.-based Christian agency "Miles Ahead." Team members, including specialists, pediatricians, surgeons and dentists, donated their services to local communities, serving at four mobile clinics in collaboration with Jamaica's Ministry of Health. An additional 200 volunteers worked with local churches and community organisations to conduct sports clinics, deaf education workshops and school assemblies and rebuilding local elementary schools. An unusual feature of the outreach is the team's mobile pathology laboratory that can test a tissue sample for cancer and return the results in 24 hours. [CHRISTIAN NEWSWIRE May '08] 17. IN FACT: BIBLE STARVATION For a billion people, the Bible is a 'luxury' they cannot afford. 4,500 languages still wait for even one book of the Bible. Someone goes blind every five seconds worldwide, but the Bible in Braille exists in only 30 languages. [BIBLE SOCIETY] RESOURCES: Free downloadable kids' activity pages about Asia from OM New Zealand: www.omnz.org.nz/kids FREE CHURCH MISSIONS SOFTWARE -- Compu-Books of Glendale, AZ is offering their Church Missions 3.0 software free to Christian churches and Mission organizations. This solution tracks church mission projects with missionary information, contribution records, communication log and reports. They give you a free single-user version - a contribution receipt for the donation is requested in return ($99 value). It's available for Mac and Windows. Visit their website 'products' page to request your free copy: www.compu-books.com/products.html Free Resources about China from Southern Baptist's International Mission Board www.imb.org/main/searchresults.asp 1. City China Guide. Free mini-magazine describing opportunities to minister or support outreach to China's cities. 2. Reflections from China: 30 Days of Devotions. Free booklet with 30 stories of people living, working, and witnessing in Asia. 3. A Time for China: Journals of the Lost. Free 8-page brochure with first-hand stories of people in six unreached groups in China. 4. The Way to the World: China 2008. Free brochure on Olympics opportunities. ************************************************************ NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM International, based in London, England. Material may be freely copied and forwarded. Items do not necessarily reflect OM's position and questions should be directed to the original news source.
N E W S * B Y T E S - April 2008 ****************************************** A Free Service of OM NEWS & INFORMATION*CONTENTS: 1. PROTESTANT CHURCH CLOSURES IN ALGERIA CLIMB TO 19 2. NEPAL’S VIOLENT CAMPAIGN ENDS WITH PEACEFUL ELECTIONS 3. ATTACK ON ETHIOPIAN WORSHIPERS 4. JW’s & MORMONS FASTEST-GROWING CHURCHES IN U.S. 5. UN REPORT: OVER HALF OF BRITISH HAVE NO RELIGION 6. CONFERENCE FOR RUSSIAN YOUTH LEADERS 7. 110 CHURCHES CLOSED IN INDONESIA 8. UNIQUE WORSHIP EVENT DESIGNED TO FOCUS SOLELY ON JESUS 9. HAITI: SURVIVING ON “DIRT COOKIES” 10. BUDDHIST MONKS IN BURMA TURNING TO CHRIST 11. CHINA: MASS SENTENCING OF HOUSE CHURCH LEADERS 12. CROWDS FLOCK TO EVANGELISTIC EVENT IN POLAND 13. MAF PLANES GROUNDED BECAUSE OF FUEL SHORTAGE 14. OVER 4 MILLION BIBLES & NTs GIVEN OUT 15. THE CHANGING FACE OF CHRISTIANITY 16. IN FACT: The World RESOURCES: * China info * Kids of Courage website * Global Day of Prayer 1. PROTESTANT CHURCH CLOSURES IN ALGERIA CLIMB TO 19 Police issued written orders for 3 Algerian churches to cease activity in late March, bringing to 19 the number of congregations told to shut down since November, an Algerian Protestant leader said. In addition to the 3 churches, registered under the Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA), two independent congregations were verbally ordered to close their doors, said EPA President Mustapha Krim. The church closures come amid a flurry of antagonistic media articles warning of campaigns by Protestants to “Christianize” Algeria. Religious Affairs Minister Bu’Abdallah Ghoulamullah called on Christian groups in Algeria to re-register according to Algeria’s associations law, but Algerian Christians have claimed that the government has blocked them from carrying out the required re-registration. On March 21, police detained 2 Algerian Christians traveling by public bus for carrying 11 Bibles. [COMPASS DIRECT NEWS, 28 March ‘08] 2. NEPAL’S VIOLENT CAMPAIGN ENDS WITH PEACEFUL ELECTIONS An often violent political campaign was capped by a surprisingly peaceful election day in Nepal on April 9, the country’s first elections since 1999. Results are pointing towards a surprise victory for the Maoist party. Christians in Nepal are now turning their attention to the newly elected officials who are charged with turning the country into a true democracy. They will rewrite the country’s constitution and work out the details of how to abolish the monarchy. The candidates have said that the new Nepal will be a secular nation with guaranteed freedom of religion. Nepal has been an official Hindu country for more than 200 years. At least 4 Christian candidates ran in the election; it is not yet known if any of them won their respective seats in Nepal’s constituent assembly. [ABC/ASSIST NEWS SERVICE, 11 April’08] 3. ATTACK ON ETHIOPIAN WORSHIPERS Eight Muslims wielding razor-sharp machetes and knives broke into 2 village churches in southern Ethiopia on March 2, barred exits, and began wounding worshipers. Tulu Mosisa of Kale Hiwot church died instantly after a machete blow nearly beheaded him, according to an eyewitness. Another 2 church members in the remote village of Nensebo Chebi both lost a hand each in the attacks, and a 5-year-old boy is still hospitalized after his arm was slashed to the bone. A total of 23 Christians from the two congregations sustained wounds to necks, hands, legs, arms, backs and foreheads before local militia officers drove off the attackers, after what one observer called “a seemingly well-planned,” simultaneous assault midway through Sunday worship services. Witnesses say that each time the attackers struck someone they shouted “Allah Akbar!”--“Allah is greater.” Muslims constitute 45% of the population in Ethiopia, where a traditionally tolerant version of Islam has been practiced until recent “external Wahhabi [extremist] influence” on Ethiopia’s Muslims from Saudi Arabia. [COMPASS, 13 March ‘08] 4. JW’s & MORMONS FASTEST-GROWING CHURCHES IN U.S. Jehovah's Witnesses and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [Mormons], largely considered to be cults by evangelical Christians, reported the largest membership increases in a year, according to the National Council of Churches' 2008 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. Although Jehovah's Witnesses currently rank 25th in size with over 1.06 million members, they reported a 2.25 percent increase in membership since the publication of the 2007 Yearbook. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, grew 1.56 percent and is the fourth largest church body. [CHRISTIAN POST, 20 Feb.’08] 5. UN REPORT: OVER HALF OF BRITISH HAVE NO RELIGION More than half of British people admitted they have no religious adherence according to a new U.N. report published at the end of February. The poll stands in contrast to the 2001 National Census which said nearly 72 percent of the British population is Christian. The 23-page U.N. report, published Thursday, Feb. 21, showed that two-thirds of the population claims no religious affiliation. The report by U.N. special reporter on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir, then called for the disestablishment of the Church of England because it no longer reflected “the religious demography of the country and the rising proportion of other Christian denominations.” Jahangir contends the role and privileges of the Church of England should be challenged given the new statistics on the state of religion in the United Kingdom. [TIMES ONLINE, 21 Feb.’08] 6. CONFERENCE FOR RUSSIAN YOUTH LEADERS A February youth conference in Moscow partially sponsored by the Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) with the help of Eugene Bakhmutsky, national youth director for the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists, brought together some 400 local church youth leaders from 61 of Russia’s 88 states and also from other countries including Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Moldova and Israel. SGA President Robert Provost said, “This great and zealous youth movement now under way involves more than 20,000 young men and women blessing their churches and impacting their communities for Christ all across Russia, and their influence for the gospel is spilling over into neighboring countries.” The theme of the conference was “Be Strong,” based on 1 John 2:14. SGA has been working in the former Soviet Union since 1934. [ANS, 18 March ‘08] 7. 110 CHURCHES CLOSED IN INDONESIA Islamic extremist groups and local governments in Indonesia closed 110 churches from 2004 to 2007, according to religious and human rights organizations. The Wahid Institute, a moderate Muslim non-governmental organisation, along with church associations and the Indonesian Human Rights Commission reported that discrimination and violence against churches was most common in the provinces of West Java, Banten, Central Java, South Sulawesi and Bengkulu. Radical Muslim groups coerced local governments to send letters to churches prohibiting any activities. When churches did not comply, they would be burned or otherwise damaged, as happened last December to Jakarta Baptist Christian Church in Sepatan, Tangerang province. Muslim extremists from the Islamic Defender Front kicked out the windows and doors of the pastor’s home and threw out his belongings. Since the ‘60’s, the official total number of churches closed or destroyed in Indonesia is 1,025. [COMPASS, 2 April ‘08] 8. UNIQUE WORSHIP EVENT DESIGNED TO FOCUS SOLELY ON JESUS Thousands of high school and college students from around the U.S. will gather in the middle of the nation from sunrise to sunset on May 25 for PARADISE, a unique worship experience that will feature no publicized bands, speakers or products. In the 600-acre remote field of La Cygne, a quiet, rural town approximately 40 miles south of Kansas City, Kansas, students will spend the day solely focused on the worship of Jesus Christ in music, prayer, Scripture reading and unity with others. No products like T-shirts, CDs or even food will be sold or advertised during the day. Organiser Richard Ross noted, “PARADISE is not about fame, money or causes. It is about bringing together this generation to experience God, stand in awe of His majesty, and perhaps awaken this nation back to Him.” [ANS, 2 Feb. ‘08] 9. HAITI: SURVIVING ON “DIRT COOKIES” With food prices out of control and staples scarce, Haitians who live on under $2 a day are taking desperate measures to trick hunger. Pregnant women in Haiti initially created cookies made from edible clay as an antacid and a source of calcium. Yet a constant diet of these will cause severe malnutrition, intestinal distress and other harmful effects, particularly for nursing women. Bright Hope International will send a sample of these dirt cookies in return for donations that will go toward food aid and startup funds for vegetable garden micro-loans. This mission has partnered with local churches internationally for 40 years to bring the love of Christ to despairing places. Through their partnership with a network of 23 churches in Pignon, Haiti, they have identified the most-needy families in their communities. [MISSION NETWORK NEWS, 10 April ’08, www.brighthope.org 10. BUDDHIST MONKS IN BURMA TURNING TO CHRIST Over the past few years Burma’s Buddhist monks and nuns have begun to invite Christian missionaries to come and share the gospel in the privacy of their monasteries. The majority of these monks are from the dominant Bama people, normally very resistant to the gospel. A ministry supported by Christian Aid have now report that several thousand Buddhist monks have been led to Christ. “It appears that the Holy Spirit had urged these monks and nuns to call our evangelists to come and share the gospel of hope and love. After several intense discussions, close to 80 percent of the monks present in each of the monasteries raised their hands to accept Christ, and then kneeled down to pray and receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. Baptisms are being done discreetly, no more than three at a time for the sake of the safety of the converts as well as our workers." [MISSIONS INSIDER, 18 March ‘08] 11. CHINA: MASS SENTENCING OF HOUSE CHURCH LEADERS Twenty-one prominent Christian leaders have been sentenced to “re-education” through labour in what China Aid Association describes as the largest mass sentencing of house church leaders in China in 25 years. The Linyi City Re-education through Labour Commission in Shandong Province sentenced 17 male and 4 female church leaders to re-education through labour for 15 months to 3 years. The 21 were detained during a mass arrest of 270 Christian leaders on 7 December 2007 in Hedeng District, Linyi City, as they gathered for leadership training. The others detained with them were fined and released in the intervening period. The leaders were accused of holding an “illegal religious gathering” and labeled as members of an “evil cult,” a term which Chinese authorities arbitrarily apply to unregistered religious groups. [CHRISTIAN SOLIDARITY WORLDWIDE, Feb.’08] 12. CROWDS FLOCK TO EVANGELISTIC EVENT IN POLAND Response to the evangelistic campaign ProChrist in Poland has overwhelmed the organisers. Roughly 80,000 took part in the April 6 – 13 event, and approximately 20,000 made decisions to begin a new life in Christ. Programs were transmitted via TV satellite from Katowice in Southern Poland to 103 venues in the whole country. More than 26,700 persons flocked to the sports arena “Spondek” in Katowice to witness the Polish programs and roughly 10,600 decisions for Christ were registered in that venue alone. German evangelist Ulrich Parzany evangelist praised the cooperation among churches in Katowice as 52 local churches in the city of 320,000 will offer spiritual follow-up courses to the new believers. ProChrist in Poland was a joint venture of Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist churches in cooperation with the regional Ecumenical Council as well as the Catholic Fokolar Movement and the initiative, “Light and Life.” [ANS/HCJB 15 April ‘08] 13. MAF PLANES GROUNDED BECAUSE OF FUEL SHORTAGE A shortage of aviation fuel or "av gas" has grounded missionary pilots of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), a faith-based, non- profit ministry that serves missions and isolated people around the world. Because of the shortage, some 150 air strips currently are without service, according to John Boyd, president of MAF. In response to the crisis, MAF is embarking on an aggressive 10-year plan to acquire 20 of the new Kodiak 100 aircraft, which uses the more readily available and cheaper jet fuel. The plane is also larger, flies faster and can still get in and out of small air strips. A recent MAF study showed that most unreached peoples around the globe are unreached because they lack transportation, communications or technology. With a fleet of 52 aircraft, MAF pilots fly approximately 40,000 flights a year, serving more than 800 Christian and non-profit agencies in remote areas, as well as thousands of isolated people in Africa, Asia, Eurasia and Latin America. [CHRISTIAN NEWSWIRE, 2 April ‘08] 14. OVER 4 MILLION BIBLES & NTs GIVEN OUT Bible League workers handed out more than 4 million Bibles and New Testaments in 2007 to millions of people worldwide. This included people from 20 different minority language groups who received God’s Word in their heart language as a result of a long-standing partnership between Bible League and Wycliffe Bible Translators. These newly-translated Scriptures were placed in the hands of specific people groups throughout Ghana, Kenya, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and the Philippines—people who never before had the written Word of God in their language. Additionally, Bible League-trained Christians established 5,766 new worshiping congregations in previously churchless communities. [BIBLE LEAGUE] 15. THE CHANGING FACE OF CHRISTIANITY Christianity has long been stereotyped as a Western, white man's religion, but prominent theologian Dr. Kwok Pui Lan told an American audience that "the new face of Christianity will be the black woman." Kwok, a professor at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, explained that as of last year, Europe still had the largest number of Christians in the world - 532 million. It is followed by Latin America with 525 million and then Africa at 417 million. But by 2025, Africa is projected to shoot up to 634.6 million Christians, followed closely by Latin America at 634.1 million, while Europe will fall to 531 million. Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, the first African general secretary of the World Council of Churches, said late last year that Christianity is not seen as a "part-time" occupation in Africa in comparison to the USA, but rather "permeates the whole life." [CHRISTIAN POST, 28 March’08] 16. IN FACT: 90% of the world’s people, if they have an internet café and the funds, can hear the gospel in a language they understand. Only 3% of the world’s people speak a language that does not yet have a gospel recording. [JOSHUA PROJECT] RESOURCES: ChinasMillions.org supplies key information to help you pray for China. “Kids of Courage” website by Voice of the Martyrs for kids, parents and teachers, has lots of stories and practical projects, free downloadable activity books: www.persecution.com/link/ Global Day of Prayer (May 11th) website: Learn what’s happening & get resources! www.globaldayofprayer.com/ ************************************************************ NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM International, based in London, England. Material may be freely copied and forwarded. Items do not necessarily reflect OM’s position and questions should be directed to the original news source.