Grisly findings in northern Mexico could signal more violence to come

(Cover photo by Pepe Rivera)
 Victims of drug cartels. (Story photo
 footage from Spanish American
 Mission) Typical church construction
 (similar stage to current project).

Mexico (MNN) ― Five heads were found by Mexican police in the city of Torreon over the weekend.

Delivered with the heads were threatening messages that led authorities to believe this was yet another outbreak of drug gang violence. The grisly findings suggest a feud between local gangs, which could increase the scope of the violence.

Since 2007, when President Felipe Calderon launched a crackdown on the cartels, more than 46,000 people have died.

Spanish American Mission President Doug Bytwerk says the upheaval had an initial impact four years ago. "We slowed up our efforts in sending crews from the United States to build [in Mexico]. We have church planters that continue to do the work of leading people to Christ, planting churches in homes, and then, as those churches get up to a critical mass, we'll send a crew down there to build a building for them."

On January 6, Spanish American Mission sent a team of five to the area to help finish the 600-seat Ministry Center in Gomez Palacio, not far from Torreon. Bytwerk quickly added that the killings did not involve anyone on their team. Everyone is safe.

The war doesn't involve their team because "this is the drug world. It doesn't mean it's safe," Bytwerk points out, "but it does mean that if you're staying away from that part of the city, you're staying away from those people, and if you're not involved in the drug world, you're fairly safe."

However, "There are those who have been killed who have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pray that our guys are not there at the wrong place when that type of thing breaks out. Pray that God protects them, that they're able to continue on with their project."

Tony Gomez, SAM's field chairman, noted a recent incident that hit close to home. In his most recent communication he shared:

"There was a recent shooting around the Gomez church, and the bad guys left their guns in a church van, knowing that the police would not look there. The church people knew not to touch the guns. The bad guys came back for the guns and did no harm to the church or to the church people."

There's an interesting twist to the story: the work of the evangelists, church leaders, and church planters has earned believers a reputation in the area. Bytwerk explains, "The cartel people know our mission; they know what we're doing. They know Tony Gomez, who is our field chairman down there. They respect him, (so) pray that they continue to respect him and leave him alone."

At this point, the concrete block walls of the Ministry Center have been completed by the Mexicans. Twelve feet high, these block walls will form the lower portion of the sheet steel walls of the sanctuary that, in total, will be 30 feet high. The team there now will be erecting steel walls to completely enclose the building.

Given the tremors threatening to erupt into a blood bath, Bytwerk says, "Pray that they'll continue to see us as a group that is not interested in what they're doing. We're interested in the proclamation of the Gospel, the building of churches. We're not into politics, we're not into government issues in any way, and we're not into the drug world."

Eurozone pressure comes to bear on Greece

(Photo by Kostastsironis)

Greece (MNN) ― Germany warned this week that further bailout funds won't be coming until Greece restructures its debt.

France added its voice, encouraging Greece to find a way to boost growth and jobs against a backdrop of austerity and mounting funding tensions in the Eurozone.

Tasos Ioannidis with AMG International says time is running short. "The goal of th
e Greek government is to complete the negotiations for the restructuring of the Greek debt by the end of this week."

Austerity measures were wildly unpopular when they were first introduced. However, as the crisis deepened, the hope of a bailout became linked with even further cuts. "The hope is through that restructuring and then through structural reforms taking place, by reducing the size of government and reducing the cost of labor in Greece, this will help the country move forward."

Bankruptcy threatens to tip the first domino of countries in the Eurozone.  As the scope of the crisis became clear, the attitude of Greece's people changed. This week,  the Czech Central Bank Governor suggested Greece withdraw from the Eurozone if they can't get debt under control. However, Ioannidis says, "The overwhelming majority of Greek people do not want to leave the Eurozone. More than 80% want to stay in the Eurozone, and they say they are willing to do what it takes to remain in the Eurozone."

The financial disaster hit AMG's St. Luke's Hospital in Thessaloniki especially hard. Since the government couldn't meet its obligations, the hospital ran into a severe cash flow and credit problem.   

It grew severe enough last Fall to threaten the hospital's existence. However, the team did manage to free up some funds and keep the doors open. Ioannidis says, "The situation is holding steady, basically. There are no new developments.

The government continues to be slow in paying its obligations for the insurance that it provides for people in Greece. So it's a month-to month struggle to meet our obligations to get the payments from the government."

The crisis in Greece has helped the local believers in three major areas: first, fully trusting God for their lives; second, depending on Him alone for daily needs; and third, becoming more active vehicles of the message of hope with words and deeds among their communities.

Ioannidis says, "As people have gotten more desperate, they are looking for something to bring hope into their lives. The answer to that, from our perspective is Christ. We see a lot more openness from the people who come to St. Luke's to hearing about the Gospel."

A local church, the Greek Evangelical Church in Thessaloniki is feeding more than 400 people every week, and they have exhausted every single local source. They contact AMG asking for help.

AMG's Fotis Romeos writes: "This is true of many local churches all over Greece as they seek to share the Gospel but at the same time serve the urgent needs of people in their communities. "

Ioannidis says not only that, churches are becoming more missions-minded. "A large group went to Tanzania providing gifts for poor children in that African nation. In the midst of the crisis, what we are seeing is that the local church is mobilizing to help people in Greece but also reaching beyond the country of Greece and helping others around the world."

It's the beginning of a year that promises challenges and triumph. "Pray that the churches would have the resources that they need as people come to them asking for help. We need to pray that lives that have been touched through the team that has gone to Tanzania will be impacted for the cause of the Gospel."

2012 brings the promise of change for Medical Teams International

International (MTI/MNN) ― Medical Teams International is gearing up for some big changes in 2012.

Aside from expanding their work with partners, president and chief executive officer (CEO) Bas Vanderzalm is retiring this summer. He will step down as CEO on June 30, 2012, but will stay on as president through June 30, 2013.

As president, Vanderzalm will continue leading teams to the field and spreading the word about the mission of Medical Teams International.   

Although he's been working with Medical Teams International since September 15, 1997,Vanderzalm has worked with other like-minded groups for four decades. With the breadth of his experience, the ministry has grown to be one of the most respected Christian global health agencies in the country.

Each year, more than 2,000 volunteers serve in support of Medical Teams programs, and they've sent more than $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid around the world.

To ensure the organization continues to build, Jeff Pinneo steps in to replace Vanderzalm, effective July 1, 2012. The board members' announcement follows a year-long planning and recruitment process.

Pinneo is the retired CEO and president of Horizon Air and is familiar with the work of Medical Teams International. Together, he and Vanderzalm will smooth the transition into the July 1 effective date.

Medical Teams International has a great history of delivering health solutions through the strength of their staff, partners and volunteers. Pinneo's compassion and skills match the mission of Medical Teams International as they demonstrate the love of Christ to those who are affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world.

Not surprisingly, Pinneo witnessed the impact of the ministry's global health programs through the experiences of his wife, Janey Pinneo. She's served as a volunteer since 2005 with Medical Teams International, providing her skills as a registered nurse on seven different volunteer teams in Uganda (3 teams), Haiti, New Orleans (Hurricane Katrina) and El Salvador.

Pinneo's own history with Medical Teams International stretches back to 2006, when he began volunteering and eventually served on its board in 2008. He retired last year after 29 years with Horizon Air and its sister company, Alaska Airlines.

"The staff and volunteers of Medical Teams International have earned their reputation as one of the world's leading global health and disaster response organizations," Pinneo said. "It will be my privilege to lead and serve them as they further extend their reach and impact to the benefit of the world's most marginalized people."

Churches Fight the Global Water Crisis by Hosting Water Sunday

CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 5, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- For the time it takes you to read this release, three children will die from water-borne illnesses. Three children for every minute of every day. That number is amplified by the dire statistic that 884 million lack access to safe water. This is the global water crisis.

Water Missions International is inviting churches to take a stand against this devastating epidemic by hosting a "Water Sunday" event at their church in March 2012, which is the same month as World Water Day on March 22nd. Water Sunday is an initiative by Water Missions International dedicated to educating churches about the global water crisis. It is the start of a conversation that ties a church community to communities around the world who lack access to safe drinking water. 

"Your church can make a lasting impact in a community that does not have safe water -- both physically and spiritually. The doors are open to share the Gospel as well as equip a pastor with a valuable tool for ministry" says Kevin Herr, Church Engagement Coordinator. "The beauty of Water Sunday is that -- not only are we transforming lives in developing countries, but as people look outside of themselves , the Holy Spirit does a transformational work in their hearts as well. We call it 'lighting fires with water'." 

Water Missions International has compiled all of the necessary collateral materials -- Sermon Notes, Small Group Guide, Promotional Video, and Kid's Activities -- to ensure that it is a fun and life-changing event! Through the efforts of churches across the country, the goal of this initiative is to provide access to safe water to more than 25,000 people.

Churches are invited to host this important day to impact lives both in the pew and around the word. To learn more, visitwww.watermissions.org/watersunday. 

Water Missions International is an engineering relief and development Christian nonprofit. Its engineers, staff and volunteers design and provide sustainable, safe water solutions to disaster victims worldwide and people in 49 developing countries. Since 2001, Water Missions International has responded to the world's largest natural disasters and daily tackles the world's single biggest cause of illness -- lack of safe water and adequate sanitation (U.N. Report, 2005) by providing safe water to more than two million people. Charleston, S.C.-based Water Missions International has received Charity Navigator's top rating five years in a row. To help, visit www.WaterMissions.org.

Medical Teams International launches a busy year

International (MNN) ―Medical Teams Internationalhas wasted no time moving forward in the New Year.

This week, they already have six mission teams on the ground in Cameroon, Cambodia, Guatemala and Uganda.

Teams have also already sent out supply shipments to Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Libya, Pakistan and Sudan. And there are 29 dental clinics scheduled this week in Oregon, Washington and Minnesota, as well as continued response to disasters in East Africa, Haiti, Japan and Libya.

With the amount of work they do, it's no surprise someone has to coordinate it. Medical Teams International has an urgent need for a long-term volunteer in Haiti. This extended term volunteer (ETV) will help the Medical Teams International Haiti field office staff in project planning, reporting, communications, and field support to visiting volunteer teams.

This 12-month volunteer should also know French fluently because he/she will be working on a daily basis with Haiti staff, volunteers, and project beneficiaries in the Canaan Internally Displaced Persons camp, the Beraca Hospital, the La Coma health outpost, and the Advantage Rehabilitation Therapy Clinic. 

Medical Teams International takes groups to communities where health care is unavailable in times of disaster. They are also sent to help improve and expand the capabilities of local health professionals.  Because of the expertise needed, they are looking for physicians, nurses, and assistants who can treat sick and injured people in crisis.

Skilled workers are sent in teams to improve living conditions in situations where people are suffering from lack of water, sanitation, food and other basic necessities. Work teams may do everything from building clinics and latrines, to digging wells, to installing cooking stoves or to addressing other community health construction-related needs.

The teams demonstrate the love of Christ to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty. Their hope is to help build a faith-based global health movement to save lives and transform people through the power of Christ's love. Check our Featured Links section for more details on how you can get involved.

Costa Rican outreach starts 2012 with a bang

Costa Rica (MNN) ― The work of Grace Ministries International in Costa Rica is active and growing. From the well-established church located near San Jose, the field has many goals.

In just five year, since the Grace Bible Institute of Costa Rica was launched, a Great Commission vision seems to be catching on. Sam Vinton with Grace Ministries International says the school started with just 13 students but now enrolls over 40 each trimester.

The goal is to train the next generation of pastors, lay leaders, and missionaries. In the next couple of years under the leadership of Bible institute students, GMI hopes to plant churches. Their team has been praying that the nationals  catch a vision of doing missionary work. God is answering beyond their hopes and imaginations. Vinton says, "I believe this is one of the big things that we're seeing happen in all of Latin America."

A new church was recently planted in Alajuela and just celebrated its first-year anniversary. GMI's Chuck Befus writes: "We are really too large a group for our present church rental with at least an average of 110 each Sunday and growing. We have seen God change the lives of many people and there is excitement waiting to see what God will do next. Please pray with us."

As a church and a field, the ministry also has a cross-cultural dream. "The churches in the San Jose area have had a real vision for the last couple of years of taking a team every summer into Nicaragua, which is the country north of Costa Rica."

By what they saw in Nicaragua, planting a church in Nicaragua could be a reality soon. "The responses have been good, and so starting this next month, instead of once a year, we're planning on going probably six times during this coming year."

With each trip, the team further cultivates the soil. There's no church yet, but there are study groups forming. Since the Nicaraguan women tend to be more spiritually inquisitive and sensitive to the things of God, the women members of the team prepared special Bible studies which proved very valuable as they conducted over 20 Bible studies.  

Vinton explains from there, "We're hoping that in another year or two, we'll have an actual Costa Rican family go as missionaries and possibly have an international team of different groups in South America, as well as an American missionary couple."

Already, Vinton says, "We have friends, we have contacts--people who used to be members of our church in Costa Rica who have moved back home to Nicaragua, who are foundational to this ministry."

It's an exciting time for Grace Ministries."Pray that the nationals will catch a vision of doing missionary work. I believe this is one of the big things that we're seeing happen in all of Latin America."

College students learn what how to RADIATE hope for 2012

International (MNN) ― What do you get when you team up college students, a mission, and the Bible?

You get: RADIATE 2011. It's a Bible conference from December 28 through January 1, hosted by Campus Crusade for Christ. Geared specifically for college students, it gives them a concentration of worship, Bible teaching, and discipleship.

The enthusiasm of youth fills the conference center in Baltimore, Maryland for four days, so what do you do with all that energy? You release it. This year's conference theme is "Be Free," and the students are encouraged and challenged to not only live in the freedom of Christ but also to radiate His love to the world.

As part of the conference, there is a day set aside for the participants to put their faith into action. This year, they partnered with Global Aid Network (www.gainusa.org) to assemble and ship vegetable seed packets to over 50,000 flood-affected families in The Gambia, West Africa.

With the help of roughly 1000 college students, 495 letters, 4500 Gospel bead bracelets, 1650 care packages, and 20,650 Harvester packs were prepped for shipping. The impact college students can make through GAiN USA means the ministry can address the needs of the families they've already been helping.

Harvester Packs shipped overseas provides a variety of seeds to plant crops that will yield 4 to 6 months' worth of food. Once the harvest begins, the food will provide meals to save a life, and the surplus food can be sold to provide income for education and healthcare.

In that region, there's growing food insecurity. The government says that upland rice and groundnut farmers are most likely to be affected by the shortages. The poorest households in urban areas will also have trouble due to rising food prices and cost of living. 

Global Aid Network has been working with a Gambian church partner since 2010 to address the needs. Their approach to meeting needs has opened some new Gospel doors in this Islam-dominated country. In some places, the team has been allowed to show the JESUS Film, too. Pray that the Gospel seeds planted take root. 

Christian satellite television ministry interacts with kids online

International (SAT7/MNN) ―SAT-7 began 2012 with a project already rolling.

In mid-December, they launched a new Web site supporting its widely popular Arabic-language children's channel, SAT-7 KIDS, broadcasting via satellite throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

The audience of SAT-7 KIDS is roughly children aged 4-13 years old, and most of these kids are savvy enough to want more interaction with their favorite programs and characters.  

As a result, www.sat7kids.com became an open door for the kids to learn more about the Christian faith. The new Web site features bright colors and child-friendly graphics, speaking images, sound-backed icons, and two significant innovations:  

• A "parents page" where parents can find answers to questions about programming and for help in understanding their family responsibilities, and

• Arabic- or English-access multiplying the number of viewers the Web site may serve.

SAT-7 KIDS, "where your children are safe," airs original dramas, talk shows, educational material, cartoons, music programs, live programs, game shows and other programs produced especially for young viewers. The ministry team works to develop a spirit of love, dialogue, and giving that characterizes a Christian worldview, as well as respect for life and liberty, human rights for all, non-violence and peace.

Is it worth it? Definitely. A recent independent media survey indicated far more adult viewers are watching SAT-7 KIDS than was earlier believed. The data reveals an estimated audience of 9 million.

That places SAT-7 KIDS as a unique channel in the Arabic television marketplace -- and the only Christian channel focused on the 100 million children and youth under 16 years of age now living in the Arab world.  The television channel is also experiencing a rapid increase of views on its YouTube® channel--SAT7KIDS.

SAT-7 KIDS is one of five channels produced and operated by SAT-7, which broadcasts throughout 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as some 50 countries in Europe. SAT-7 also maintains a support office in the United States.

For SAT-7 KIDS satellite access:

• Nilesat/AB4 at 7 degrees West, Txp 8, 11,355 GHz, Vertical
• Hot Bird 6 Satellite, 13 East. Frequency 11.642 GHz Horizontal(H) 27.500 Symbols/Sec. FEC ¾

The Constitutional crisis in Nepal provides backdrop for a project launch

(Photo courtesy of BFTW)
Bible Distribution Center

Nepal (MNN) ― A new crisis seems to be looming over Nepal's fragile peace process.

This week, the government and the judiciary locked horns in a question of another extension to the Constituent Assembly term.

The Supreme Court had given three options if the Constituent Assembly failed to draft a new Constitution before May 28, 2012: Take a referendum, conduct fresh polls to elect a new body to draft the constitution, or seek some other alternative.

Apparently fed up with the slow progress, the Courts reject petitions for another extension should a draft fail to emerge in May. In 2008, the legislative body was given two years to draft Nepal's new constitution, but despite four extensions, the task is no closer to completion than it was when the CA was given its mandate.

However, some of the penal codes were re-written, and Christians were alarmed at the wording of anti-conversion legislation that could seriously complicate outreach.

Against that backdrop, Bibles For the World is launching the New Year with a new project: Bibles For Nepal.

BFTW's Mawii Pudaite says despite the ongoing changes in the government and concerns about religious freedom, Christianity remains the fastest-growing religion in the country. "We believe that it is an important time to plant Gospel Seeds in Nepal that will bear much fruit in the years to come."

With a roughly 48% literacy rate, BFTW is directly targeting this demographic for Scripture distribution, evangelism and discipleship. She explains that what often happens is development in the community. "These efforts will also have an indirect-multiplying effect among the illiterate population, as local churches and new believers engage their communities with the Gospel."    

While the window remains open, the ministry is moving ahead with plans for 2012. "We have made contacts with the leaders of these various groups and churches in Nepal, and they enthusiastically are responding to working with us in the distribution and follow-up ministries."

The next step, Pudaite notes, is printing and distributing the resources. "Claiming Nepal for Christ and His Kingdom will take prayer and resources to provide the tools: Bibles, New Testaments, and Gospels to do the job of evangelism, discipleship and church planting." 

Dr. John Stotts was noted for saying, "The Bible is the best tool for evangelism." Change for Nepal can come from within. "Today I am asking you to join me in praying for the people and country of Nepal. Let us claim the nation of Nepal for Christ and His Kingdom."

The pace of the project is dependent on the funding they receive. They're also mobilizing prayer teams to pray for Nepal. Check our Featured Links if you want to explore more with Bibles For The World.

Ministry like teen in growth-spurt

(Photo courtesy of Words of Hope)

International (MNN) ― Like a middle-schooler in a growth-spurt flies through pant sizes,Words of Hope has the unique problem of “too much growth.” But they’re meeting the challenge head-on.

Words of Hope is a radio broadcast ministry proclaiming the Gospel by sound wave in over 30 different languages across the world. Radio is an excellent tool since it can breach closed borders in ways no missionary can.

With such a useful medium for spreading the Word of God, Words of Hope’s outreach is exploding with growth. Their ministry branches all over the world constantly need funding for expansion of projects, buildings, and staff.

They confess that it can be hard to keep up with the multiple demands for expansion funding. But Words of Hope doesn’t feel they’ve reached their limit for what they can do.

To meet various requests for growth projects, Words of Hope has started The Growth Initiative. This single fundraising effort will use the money raised and divide it among different requests to expand the ministry.

With The Growth Initiative, Words of Hope looks to reach their ministry’s impact into four new regions: Indonesia, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. All four of these countries are on the World Watch List because of violent persecution of Christians for their faith.

Additionally, The Growth Initiative will fund building projects in Sudan, Niger, and India, as well as expand Words of Hope’s ministries in the Middle East, India, Iran, and Uganda.

This is a huge undertaking since The Growth Initiative will only consist of funds beyond their normal yearly budget. The initiative needs outside funding, and Words of Hope needs help growing it.

Christians who want to make a difference in the lives of fellow believers in developing countries as well as help spread the Gospel have a great opportunity to do so. You can go towww.woh.org and contact their ministry to find out how you can support a project in The Growth Initiative.

Typhoon response mounted in Philippines

(Photo by Earth Observatory, NASA.gov)

Philippines (BGR/MNN) ―More than 1,000 people are dead, and that number is likely to rise in the wake of a typhoon that slammed the southern Philippines on December 17.

The government warns that tens of thousands of flood victims could be stuck in tent cities for up to half a year waiting for the government construct temporary housing to free up schools that are now serving as refugee camps.

The United Nation is calling for about $US28 million in funding to help those affected by Typhoon Washi. Southern Baptists are also mounting a relief effort through Baptist Global Response and local partners in the Philippines.

"Typhoon Washi brought heavy rains, strong winds, and a large number of flash floods to the area," said Pat Melancon, BGR's managing director of disaster response and training. "The government has reported around 10,000 homes damaged or destroyed, and estimates are that 335,000 people have been affected."

In the evacuation centers aid workers were providing food, clothes, blankets, bottled water and hygiene kits. A lack of running water was still a major concern. Many shelters have poor sanitation which brings a high risk of waterborne disease.

BGR released funds to meet the immediate needs for food, shelter, and water and sanitation needs. The initial rapid response also will include assessment of longer-term response needs in the area.

"Storms regularly occur in the Philippines," Melancon noted. "However, Typhoon Washi struck the southern part of the country, where these types of tropical storms are not as frequent and people are not as prepared to deal with them. BGR has worked in the past with flooding situations in the Philippines and continues to partner in providing assistance in this event as well."

BGR was created to help believers become more effective and efficient in responding to global crises and their partnership allows Christians on the ground to be the hands and feet of Christ. Catastrophe often opens doors for deeper spiritual questions, so pray for both Gospel opportunity and wisdom for the team.

Ministry brings on new leadership in Latvia

Latvia (ORO) ― The Day Center in Karosta, Latvia, began as a pastor's dream long before its official opening in 2007. Sergey Garkusa, pastor of Russian Baptist Church "Light of the Gospel," invited children from the church to come during the week for instruction, activities, and one warm meal.

"We started with two teachers and about 15-20 kids from Karosta, or "Naval Port" as we call it," said Dace Rence, new Orphan Outreach director of programs in Latvia.

"Right now we are in a process of moving into a separate building given to us for rent by the local municipality. In the new building we will be able to separate children into smaller groups by ages and languages (we have a Russian and a Latvian group of kids)."

Currently about 50 children come to the Day Center, where they receive one hot meal--which is often the only one they eat each day--as well as educational activities, games, mentoring, and a chance to hear the Gospel.

When Orphan Outreach President Mike Douris heard that the Day Center might close because of financial problems, he decided to act. He had been instrumental in establishing an after-school program some years ago in Leiapia, Latvia, where he met and developed a deep admiration for Sergey Garkusa.

"The children in this community are at significant risk, and Sergey has a clear call from the Lord to minister to the children," Douris said. "Our hope is to be a blessing to this ministry and to walk alongside the church to meet the basic needs of the children, as well as assist in their education to provide hope for their future. The church provides spiritual guidance and discipleship so critical to their development. The staff members love the children unconditionally and help them face difficult challenges on a daily basis. Dace is a committed Christian and so passionate about orphan care. The kids love her, and she has such a heart for them."

It costs about $36 a month to give one child all that the Latvia Day Center offers. Twenty children have already been sponsored, and Orphan Outreach is urgently seeking more sponsors to care for the remaining 30 children.

"The staff are prepared to work long hours during the winter," Amy Norton, director of programs, said. "Many of the children end up [at the Latvia Day Center] for large parts of the day because it is so cold outside. We are so thankful that, due to a generous donor, we are able to provide a Christmas party and gifts to all the children and staff."

"The thing I remember most about that mission trip is the laughter of the children in that little room. Their home life was often abusive, hunger was constant, and parents with drug and/or alcohol problems all contributed to their unstable environment. But for these few hours each day they could eat, feel safe, laugh and play. Thirty members of the mission trip left in tears, but we knew Pastor Sergey and his workers cared for the children the best they could," said Joelene Key about her first trip to the Latvia Day Center.

An active member of First Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, Joelene has since rallied her Sunday School Class to support the Latvia Day Center with a monthly contribution for the past four years.

"I have been blessed in so many ways from my Latvian trips," Joelene said, "but a really wonderful blessing is seeing the ladies in my Sunday School Class get involved in missions. At my age, I can now help the Center better by staying home and helping the younger people go and serve Him." (Her 18-year-old granddaughter now is following in her footsteps, regularly traveling to Latvia).

Dace, a 31-year-old wife and mother, welcomes more people such as Joelene to come to the Latvia Day Center. Born and raised in Jelgava, Latvia, Dace graduated from Concordia International University Estonia with a Bachelor of Arts in media and public relations. She is a member of a non-denominational church in Jurmala, Latvia.

"Above all," she said of orphan care, "this is a spiritual battle for their souls and eternity. With God's help and strength we are trying to show the children a different path of life that they can take, radically different to the ones their parents and grandparents have taken-a life without abuse, drugs, and alcohol, but filled with hope, peace, and love."

Congo president insists election is legitimate

Joseph Kabila (Photo courtesy
 Wikipedia)

Congo-Kinshasa (MNN) ―The Democratic Republic of Congo is quiet in the wake of election results, but the feeling is that it's a nervous calm.

The Carter Center--an election watchdog--issued a report four days ago that questioned the integrity of the election. 

According to their research, there were tens of thousands of missing votes and unrealistically-high percentages for Kabila. In districts favoring the incumbent, Joseph Kabila, he allegedly won virtually 100% of the vote.

Kabila, meanwhile, shot back this week saying there was no reason to doubt that he had been fairly re-elected. In light of the questionable results, the leading opponent, Etienne Tshisekedi, has also declared himself president.

"The credibility of these elections cannot be put in doubt," Kabila said, adding that he was "definitely not concerned" about findings by the Carter Center that in some districts he had won virtually 100% of the vote.

There are growing doubts about the honesty of the November 28 elections, now that the Carter Center says it can't vouch for "the degree to which they (results) reflect the will of the Congolese people."

Kabila, in power since 2001, seems undeterred. There are concerns that the sporadic violence that accompanied the result announcements in Kinshasa could spread. Sam Vinton with Grace Ministries International says their team has been keeping a close eye on what's been going on. "So far, at least in the area where Grace Ministries International is working (from Bukavu down into the Kindu, Maniema area), there has not been any kind of real (what I would call) 'repercussions'--protesting or fighting--although further north, where one of the candidates was from, there's been trouble."

Still, the Gospel is advancing despite the uncertainties. An evangelism team in the Congo has been going into villages giving out tracts, witnessing house-to-house, and showing the 'GodMan' video in evening meetings. From March through June, they saw the Lord work in the hearts of 4,906 people who trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.

An outburst of violence would prevent teams from traveling. Vinton can't rule it out. He says, "There's been a lot of feeling that the majority of people felt they voted against the President, and yet he has turned out the winner. Fortunately right now, I have not heard anything from our people that there have been any dangerous situations, but it remains to be seen."

Because of the uncertainty, the ministry isn't acting on contingency plans. In fact, now is a good time to present the hope of Christ. Vinton says that people feel like their voices have been ignored, which makes them feel powerless. "I sort of sense that that's there to say: 'Here we are. We're just the common people. We'll never win anyway. They're the ones that have the guns, and they're the ones with all the lawyers in charge of making laws.'"

Vinton goes on to say, "Those people are able to live on, in spite of the problems, and we're able to still share the Gospel and see churches growing. So that part is something we can pray will continue."

The Kama Pastors School is in session with 14 students. Each student is a graduate of one of GMI's 14 three-year Bible Schools and has served in a church for at least three years. Pray for these men and their wives as they further their studies in this three-year program.

Continue to pray for this ministry in the Congo. "Pray that there will be no destructive elements coming in and making people live in worse situations than they're already in," says Vinton, adding that "the big thing for us, of course, is that the Gospel will still go forward."

Newspaper evangelism makes inroads for hope in Nepal

Nepal (MNN) ― In Nepal, Christians are approximately four percent of the population. 

Recent upheaval in the country has been disruptive for ministries, especially in light of changed penal codes, and failed efforts to draft a new Constitution.

However, AMG Internationalhas found one way to present the hope of truth to people, in spite of what chaos might be wreaking havoc in Nepal: Newspaper evangelism.

This method is particularly effective in predominantly Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist countries. A newspaper enters many homes where Christians might never be allowed to enter. By placing Gospel messages as paid advertisements in local newspapers around the world, the ministry can give the good news of the Gospel to hundreds of thousands of people who may have no other opportunity to learn about Christ.

In other countries, where such ads would not be allowed, AMG often places a more general message such as: "Would you like to know real peace?" or "Are you lonely? Let us tell you about a friend who will never leave you."

To those who respond to the ads, AMG's team sends a Bible and Bible correspondence courses. They also encourage respondents to begin attending church and to continue to study the Bible.

AMG's ad appeared in a magazine with a circulation of 45,000 copies. There were 775 responses over a seven-month period, and through the correspondence and follow up, 233 people made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. More than half of those are now engaged in further Bible study.

People are the same everywhere. They all occasionally suffer from loneliness, anger, fear, and grief. In countries where the love of Christ is not known, these hurting people need a friend who will guide them to Christ and comfort them and give eternal hope. This is the goal of newspaper evangelism and the follow-up ministry.

Ministry releases new translations of audio Bible

International (FCBH/MNN) ―Faith Comes By Hearing has provided Scriptures to more than 478,000 people in their heart language.

Now the ministry has actually added nine new language recordings to their catalog of Audio Scriptures. The new releases are:

• Avokaya - South Sudan
• Kapsiki - Cameroon
• Konso - Ethiopia
• Latin - Vatican City State
• Luwo - South Sudan
• Ndogo - South Sudan
• Palauan - Palau
• Takia - Papua New Guinea
• Tuwali Ifugao - Philippines

These recordings are possible because of dedicated translation work by Wycliffe Bible Translators, The Bible League, United Bible Societies, and the Bible Societies of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, and Sudan.

Faith Comes By Hearing plans to release a second Portuguese recording this month to better reach the more than 177 million people who share Portuguese as their heart language.

FCBH is also making use of communications technology, offering free access to Audio Bibles through streaming and podcasts. For the smart phone users, there is the Bible.is app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices providing access to written Bibles in more than 600 languages.

They still provide Audio New Testaments on solar-poweredProclaimers for listening groups for those who don't have internet access. September's report indicates that there are more than 290,000 Proclaimers proclaiming God's Word around the world.

In 2012, Faith Comes By Hearing will celebrate its 40th year in ministry, continuing to focus on their mission to record and provide Audio New Testaments in every translated language, making the fulfillment of the Great Commission a reality.

Ministry team sees revival starting in India

India (STM) ― Sammy Tippit Ministries recently concluded evangelistic meetings, a pastors' conference, and student discipleship in the northwestern state of Punjab. Sammy Tippit preached in the evangelistic meetings and taught in the pastors' conference, while Dave Tippit led the student discipleship through his ministry, Eternal Concepts.

The evangelistic meetings were the largest that Tippit has ever held in the region. Each evening, many people responded to the message on "victory in life." The crowds increased nightly, and the response to the message also grew. Nearly half of those in attendance responded on the final evening.

Tippit noted, "God is doing something wonderful here in the Punjab. People are open. They are responding to the Gospel. Many Sikhs have come to Christ in the Punjab. It's exciting to see God at work." Pastor Nazir Masih agreed, stating, "The people of the Punjab are hungry for the good news of Jesus. This time has been a great blessing for us."

Tippit not only conducted the evangelistic meetings, but he also led a Pastors' Conference in a desert region of the Punjab with pastors who don't normally have the opportunity to attend leadership conferences. Many of the pastors are new believers and have been learning from "Jolly" Singh, who translates for Tippit. Pastors gave testimony of a deep work of God's Spirit in their lives. The church has been growing rapidly -- some would describe it as multiplying. Most of the pastors attending the conference were new in their walk with Christ.

Tippit also met a number of new believers who had come to Christ through his ministry in previous trips to the Punjab. He said, "One of my greatest joys is to meet these believers who have continued in their walk with Christ."

Dave Tippit also ministered in Punjab, pouring into the lives of students from Chandighar. More than 65 students attended the discipleship seminar provided by Eternal Concepts. EC has been working in partnership with STM on many STM outreaches around the world. Young people gave testimonies of a deep work of God.

Church leaders in Niger equipped to meet needs in food crisis

Niger (MNN) ― In Niger, half the country's population is going hungry following droughts which have led to crop failures and food shortages. United Nations numbers estimate that 400,000 of the country's children are at risk of dying of starvation. 

The United Nations pumped $6 million into relief to alleviate the suffering of millions. To complicate matters, most of the population hasn't recovered from last year's food crisis caused by drought, which means the next "lean season" is expected to begin earlier and last longer next year.

That means demand will be higher for existing food, and increased demand will drive up prices. By the end of December, food experts think about six million people will be affected.

It's against this backdrop that church leaders find themselves trying to be the hands and feet of Christ. Jonathon Shibley with Global Advance says their team recently went to Niger for a Frontline Shepherd's Conference to provide pastors with the tools they would need for ministry. Shibley's team "got a sense of some of the desperation from a national sense, but also [we witnessed that] the faith of our brothers and sisters in that country is so high."

While actual reports of churches being involved feeding the hungry are still in the field, it's generally accepted that churches respond first. Shibley agrees. "There's always been a connection to the advance of the Gospel with humanitarian help in that nation, when things are done in the name of Jesus. We need to pray that more of happens, as they're faced with this crisis." 

At the Conference, it was clear that leaders needed encouragement, too. "There are only an estimated 400 churches in the entire country. We were able to bring together about 250 pastors and their wives and leaders....which represented almost a quarter of the churches there."

The team ministered on a variety of topics from vision, faith, church leadership, spiritual gifts, prayer, training Biblical elders, the Great Commission, church planting, and much more.

Shibley reflects, "This was a really mission-drenched conference, where there was a recommitment [by leaders] and a re-fire that came from the Holy Spirit to reach their nation for Christ." In addition, church leaders and pastors got the encouragement and respite they needed "to continue in the good work even though it's a struggle; they've been called to a very tough land."

Toward the end of the conference, "Over 50 felt that God was calling them to try and plant another church in the near future," Shibley says. "Thirty of them committed to go themselves as missionaries to the tough, unreached areas."

In the past few years, there have been indicators that the body of Christ is strategically positioned for a season of multiplication. Shibley says, "Pray that they're renewed in their faith, that they're encouraged daily in the Lord, and that there will be more workers sent to the harvest field in Niger. We believe it's a ripe place for the Gospel even though it's well over  95% Muslim."

Everybody loves a wedding

Haiti (BHM/MNN) ― Everybody loves a wedding.

The venue has been selected, invitations have been sent, the order of the ceremony has been decided, and now the countdown has begun for a special wedding day in Haiti.

A Baptist Haiti Mission church partner will be officiating over a wedding ceremony for 91 couples on December 30 in Muraille Lacee, a small town in northwest Haiti.

The region has had little evangelical witness and no evangelical pastors or churches in the area. Because of a lack of Gospel exposure, there is not a strong moral presence in the community. So it's normal for unmarried couples to live together.

As a result, many of the young women in Muraille Lacee have babies before they are 18. Pastor Jean Claude Smith and members of the Conservative Baptist Church of Williamson have begun traveling to Muraille Lacee to do evangelism. 

The church team made their first evangelistic venture into the community this past August. The journey to Muraille Lacee takes over half a day--some of it by car, some on foot. Upon arrival, the team did door-to-door evangelism and hosted outdoor church services. Lay preachers returned twice more to the area to preach and serve the Lord's Supper.  

Pastor Smith and several people from Petionville Church and Williamson Church will make another trip to Muraille Lacee for this incredible wedding ceremony in a couple of weeks.

Naturally, a wedding of this size will attract a lot of attention. Pastor Smith hopes the wedding will be an opportunity for a positive testimony to the community to help them begin to follow biblical principles. 

A public commitment before the Lord, family, and friends has the power to change an entire town. Naturally, there are a lot of logistics that need to fall into place.

Pastor Smith says they need extra funds for some of the wedding expenses. Baptist Haiti Mission is looking for help with this opportunity for a complete and total heart change in the community of Muraille Lacee.  

Click here if you want to help.