Story number 1 for 15 Feb 2000

We begin today’s newscast in Chechnya where Russian troops are pushing their way into the southern part of that rebel republic. The fighting has left thousands homeless and separated from their homeland. Russian Ministries’ Sergei Rakhuba just returned from the region. “There are over 250,000 refugees. I saw lots of people who were just begging from help. Not just for financial or material help, for food for clothing for medical help, that’s needed there. But, there were also begging for spiritual help.” Rakhuba says Russian Christians are ministering to the Chechens, who are predominately Muslim people. “Despite their Muslim roots they need help. We work through our original evangelist/church planting centers in the area. And, there’s great opportunity for ministry for these people. Despite their Muslim roots, again, they’re open to Christianity.”