Story number 1 for 5 Oct 2000

We begin today’s newscast in the Middle East, where sporadic clashes have left five dozen dead. Israelis and Palestinians have called for an end to the fighting before peace talks resume. Christian Broadcasting Network’s Michael Patrick says the violence has taken its toll. “Right now we are heading toward a much more full-scale conflict there. I believe that it can be headed off. I don’t believe we’re going to see any kind of immediate peace treaty. I do believe that there’s all kinds of reasons to believe that the UN will take a stronger role in the region, and that’s not necessarily a good idea, either…but it seems to be the direction we’re heading.” Patrick says although tension has been on the rise, there is hope. “I believe that there’s an opportunity right now for the Gospel to move forward. It is going to be the work of the church ministering to hurting people in the Holy Land, both Palestinians and Jews that will be recognized, through the love of the Lord, to these people, that they will say “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!””