And finally, while China’s economic reforms were in the spotlight this past week, evangelist Luis Palau was given an unprecedented welcome to China–evidence that religious reforms are also on the horizon. The Shanghai Christian Council invited Palau to preach in Shanghai. He also met privately with leaders from both the registered and unregistered churches. He says one of the greatest needs is for more trained pastors and leaders.
News Archives
We begin today looking at the turmoil in Peru. Fraud and corruption were two charges overshadowing the political process in the days lead up to and following polling action. There were violent clashes between police and demonstrators protesting alleged government deception. In the midst of this, Sammy Tippit Ministries held an evangelistic crusade in the country. He says the response to the Gospel was unlike anything he’d ever seen. “People are divided throughout the nation, and it’s just a real time of nervousness and fear and anxiety among the people. Because of the unrest, people say “Oh, God, we need you.” ” Tippit says even though the ministry team has gone, the body of Christ is expectantly continuing the work. He adds that he has this prayer for the country: “My hope, my desire is to that this will bring the Peruvian church to the place where they will seek God with all of their hearts, for a mighty outpouring of His spirit that would result in a revival and a transformation, spiritually and morally within the nation.”
Elsewhere, despite the recent violence in Nigeria the Gospel is still being shared. Last week’s riots in Kaduna, sparked by Islamic leaders calling for implemention of Islamic law, left some 200 people dead. David Jacobs with Evangelical Baptist Mission says while Christians are in the minority, God remains faithful. “We’ve always found wherever there are persecutions, to Christians, God always uses as a means of propagating. Persecution of Christians has enhanced more. We found that a couple of Muslims have turned out and accepted Christ as their Savior.” Jacobs says one of those is the son of the Head of the Islamic states. A number of attempts have been made on his life, but God has protected him. Jacobs says pray for the faith of Christians to remain strong in the face of persecution. Also pray for President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is a believer and must deal justly with both Christians and Muslims.
News sources are reporting Australian missionary Edward Walter Smith has been released unharmed by Colombian guerrillas. Smith was abducted during a church service three weeks ago. He and his family have since left the area and are being cared for at a safe haven pending withdrawal from the country. Smith, a Christian Brethren missionary worked for 14 years in Colombia. Please pray for the healing for the family and their return to service.
Next, mission groups continue to help Hondurans recover from the effects of Hurricane Mitch. JAARS’ teams have been working to repair homes and lives in La Ceiba. Nearly 80-percent of the agriculture was destroyed and almost a quarter of the population was left homeless from the 1998 hurricane. As they reach out to rebuild a country set back a half century from the storm, they are also able to share the Gospel. So far, 11 homes have been completed and with another eight finished by this summer.
Topping today’s news, the rapid Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon as a springboard for peace is getting mixed reviews. Christians for Israel’s Willem Glashouwer says: “I sometimes think the whole peace process from the Arab point of view, is another way of waging war against Israel. By negotiations and international political pressure, getting what you otherwise would not get in warfare. So, I’m not that thrilled by the withdrawal.” CFI is a non-political movement of Christians who stand in solidarity with the Jewish people. Glashouwer says a special North America tour by the Holland Choir helps reveal the plight of Israel. “Israel has not many friends. The Jewish people do not have many friends-and they need them desperately, right now, in the light of all that we’re seeing around us. We should pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Right now, they need the support more than ever.”
Next, government rations aren’t enough to keep the victims of famine from starving in Ethiopia. Mission Network News’ Greg Yoder reports if Christians around the world refuse to help, people will starve. “Food for the Hungry and SIM International have formed a partnership to help feed the Somali people of Ethiopia. While persecution of Christians is common in this Muslim area of the country, Christian workers are using it to share Christ’s love. SIM International has a lot of work in many areas of Ethiopia. One SIM Missionary says they need to be involved with aid because the government rations simply aren’t enough. She shares what one woman, and all these victims, really need. “What she needs is general foods distribution, and also maize, oil, milk and different grains-not only maize. She needs maize and beans because she needs a high protein diet.” SIM workers say this is the key to reaching these people with the Gospel. SIM and Food for the Hungry will be opening a feeding center as soon as funds are available. You’re gift is needed now, not only to help physically, but spiritually. Call 1-800, the number 2-HUNGER to help. Greg Yoder, Mission Network News, Ethiopia.”
Meanwhile, Operation Mobilization’s “Doulos” continues to plant seeds of the Gospel in Hong Kong and is readying for a month-long visit next month in Japan. Thousands visited the Doulos during their time in Hong Kong. Souvenir booklets that include a clear Gospel presentation, were produced especially for their visit. Over 30,000 copies in both English and Chinese were distributed. Doulos team members also presented a short Gospel program to medium security inmates in Hong Kong.
And finally, Shelter Now is reporting that a tribe of refugees from the Western Saharan wars 26 years ago, are involved in an exciting student exchange program. Shelter Now’s Jeff Johnstone explains what’s happening. “It’s a war zone-like a lot of places that we go to minister the love Christ…there is a war that is ongoing-has been ongoing for 26 years. There are a little less than 180 thousand that are still living in tents. We’ve been involved for a couple of years now and we’re bringing 22 children from the middle of the dessert over here to Wisconsin as an exchange program.” Johnstone says the program is used as a reward for good academics. He adds, the program has been another way to reach people with the love of Christ. “This is a Muslim culture, and so it’s interesting for us to bring the children over here-we do place them in Christian homes, just to show them the love of God. We have had great opportunities to go into the camps; the doors are open, especially for SNI right now. This is a forgotten people-pray for them.”
We begin today in the hardest-hit, drought-affected area of Ethiopia where the famine victims are finally getting the help they need. MNN’s Greg Yoder is in Ethiopia and files this report. “It’s a tense area when it comes to Christianity because of this Muslim culture, but Food for the Hungry is now able to begin their work among the Somali people near Jijiga. FH is partnering with SIM International and another local humanitarian group. Food for the Hungry’s Roe Ann Wood says this agreement will allow them to open a feeding center. “These are nomadic herders and they are extremely malnourished, starving people, so they’re very susceptible to disease right now. So, what we would like to do is open this feeding center to start feeding them and stabilize the situation.” According to Food for the Hungry’s Ethiopia Country Director Thomas Stocker, this will allow them to continue their goal of feeding physical and spiritual needs. “In the area of Jijiga, as you know, it’s predominately Muslim. But, we will make sure that the staff that we bring have a commitment to a holistic ministry.” Plans are also in place for long term assistance as they prepare to restock cattle, sheep, and camels. Greg Yoder, Mission Network News, Ethiopia.” Your gift of 100 dollars will provide a family of five with food for five months. Call 1-800-the number two, HUNGER.
