We begin today in northern Ethiopia where this part of the country has seen hunger before. Mission Network News’ Greg Yoder is in the South Gonder region where one-million people died during the 1985 famine. Greg, what’s the situation now? “Peter, this area of the country is suffering from nearly four years of drought, which is causing a massive food shortage in the country. Nearly 600-thousand people in this region alone are malnourished and are in need of assistance to get through this planting season. Food for the Hungry is targeting about 300-thousand of them. Regional program manager, Yohannes Belihu. “People are suffering-lacking food. There was a survey done by the government and these people were separated into three major groups. Those needing assistance for eight months, five months and three months of the year. But, there is no food in the area. They are waiting.” Food for the Hungry is asking people to prayerfully and financially support their food for work program to help avoid a repeat of 1985. Your support does more than help people physically. It opens doors to share the Gospel when they otherwise wouldn’t listen. “And, whenever you go with your Bible to the community, they will not right out accept what you are saying to them. So, there needs to be some mechanism of how to approach the community.” Your gift of 100-dollars will provide a family of five with enough food for five months. Call 1-800-the number two, HUNGER to help. Greg Yoder, Mission Network News, Ethiopia.”
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Emboldened by the Hindu-run government, it appears that terrorists in India are beginning to step up their attacks against Christians. Juliet Thomas, director of women’s ministries for Operation Mobilization says: “Persecution is increasing. It can happen to anyone, at any place, at anytime now. It’s not just one type or particular area, though places like Gujerat has had more and Orissa. But now, things are just happening in just any place at all.” Thomas adds that despite the increased pressure, ministry will not cease. “I think God is pouring out a spirit of prayer. We see things happening among the Christians as we have not seen before. We are seeing people in the hundreds and the thousands turn to God in prayer-the church is giving themselves to prayer and fasting as we have not had before. God is also bringing a unity among the Christians-that need to stand together and face this thing together.”
Elsewhere, missions outreach in China continues, although workers are faced with a growing dilemma. China Partners’ Erik Burklin explains what they faced during their last trip. “We were graciously told that we were not given permission to teach. We were somewhat disappointed, but as a result of that, we just realized that China is still a very volatile country, depending on where you are. There is a little bit of uneasiness by government officials in China.” Burklin says although there’s been a temporary setback in their work, they are trying to find out how they can be most effective for the growing church. However, prayer would be appreciated. “Continue to pray, just for wisdom-I think that’s the main thing for us, right now-that people pray for wisdom for China Partner, for the staff of China Partner, that we would know how to continue. We don’t want to do anything that would be detrimental to the church in China. And so, we need a lot of wisdom right now.”
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.
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.”
