AIDS. Many women in Uganda are infected with HIV through heterosexual relations. There is also concern that mothers and wives who fail to inform the authorities of homosexual activity by family members will also be criminalised. This week 300 senior church leaders in Uganda expressed their support for the proposed legislation.

Faith communities united against Malaria

The Sultan of Sokoto and the Archbishop of Abuja, along with other leaders of Nigeria’s Muslim and Christian faiths, today joined Nigerian government officials to launch an unprecedented effort to eliminate deaths from malaria throughout the country. By the end of 2010, the religious leaders plan to train 300,000 Christian ministers and Imams to carry the malaria prevention message to cities, towns, and rural villages through sermons and other cooperative efforts. Malaria is a greater killer, and more significant health risk, that HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and most of Africa. Faiths United for Health (FUH), is working in partnership with Nigerian leadership, as it aims to deliver 63 million Long Lasting Insecticidal Mosquito Nets (LLINs) to 30 million households by the end of 2010.

Head of Russian Church named Personality of the Year

Patriarch Kiril, Head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has been named Personality of the Year in Russia which reflects the growing importance that the church has gained in the lives of this once atheistic state. This news also comes at a time when a new government law is being debated which, if passed, would severely restrict any mission activities in Russia by foreign workers or agencies.The new Patriarch is known for his strong views on mission in Russia and for the role that the Orthodox Church is to play in that nation.

Pakistani judge urges repeal of blasphemy law

In August nine people including four women and a child were killed in anti-Christian riots in Gojra in Pakistan. The inquiry panel now recommends immediate changes to the blasphemy law to protect Pakistan's minorities. Lahore High Court Judge Iqbal Hameedur Rehman, who is heading the inquiry panel, warned the Pakistan government that "the Gojra tragedy must be taken seriously and the needful should be done on a war-footing without further loss of time.”

Salt poisons land in Bangladesh

During the week of the Copenhagen Climate Change summit, CMS mission partner, James Pender, has reported on the real life effects of climate change in Bangladesh. A church-based development worker in Bangladesh for some years, James has recently visited dying villages in the coastal regions. In the village of Kanainagor, near the port of Monglar, James found land laying idle after salt poisoning. He explains,”All was well until Cyclone Sidr in 1998, and then Cyclone Aila earlier this year, struck these communities. Homes were damaged, property was lost and people were killed but it was the storm surges that drove a wall of water inland that left the most permanent legacy – salt! Fields are now so salty that crops will not grow and the only farming now is for fish/shrimps in flooded fields; meanwhile, the only plant being cultivated is golpatta – a low value small palm-like plant used for roofing simple boats, huts and homes.” These communities will probably never regain their farm lands.

More arrests in Eritrea

New but unconfirmed reports of a new wave of arrests of Christians in Eritrea over the weekend are causing concern for human rights workers. An organization called "In Chains For Christ" issued a report from sources in Asmara about the December 5 arrests. According to their sources, thirty women were gathered for a prayer meeting. They were members of Faith Mission, an Evangelical Church with a Methodist background. Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs are still working to confirm this report. However, it is likely that it occurred. He cited the arrests of over 90 Christians last month from diverse localities. There are now over 3,000 Christians in detention in Eritrea. This comes on the heels of raised concerns at the Human Rights Council December 1 over the extent of human rights violations taking place in Eritrea.

Mission tackles dirty water

Thirty leaders from around the world, representing 10 different countries, gather this week in Charleston, USA, to plan how to provide safe drinking water to the most deprived communities in 2010. Leaders from Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Peru, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda have been gathered by Water Missions International (WMI). In many parts of the world dirty water is still the number one killer and a more significant health issue than HIV/AIDS or even malaria. Water Missions International is a nonprofit, Christian-based engineering organization whose mission is to provide sustainable access to safe water and an opportunity to hear the Living Water message in developing countries and disaster areas. Assistance is provided regardless of gender, age, race, or faith.

French students debate God

Reaching students at the heart of France’s secular universities is both challenging and exciting for CMS Australia missionary Libby Leach. Jazz is one way into sharing faith in Jesus. A recent jazz evening with Christian student movement, GBU, in Paris attracted a number of non-Christian enquirers who turned out to be much more interested in the topic than their Christian friends would have thought possible! French universities are renowned for debate and a recent series of “Veritas Dialogues” saw two speakers answering the most commonly-asked questions that Paris students had put forward about the Christian faith - “Why does God allow so much suffering in the world?” and “Why did God create humanity?” God is back on the agenda in Paris.

Hardship revealed in Myanmar

News reports from the Chin and Kachin states of Myanmar indicate chronic food shortages and continuing severe human rights violations. Fresh evidence of the need for humanitarian assistance and international action was presented during a recent fact finding visit by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART) to the India-Myanmar border. The delegation led by Baroness Caroline Cox, Chief Executive of HART, was told by representatives of the Chin Famine Emergency Relief Committee that in at least 17 villages in Paletwa Township, the worst affected part of Chin State, the local UNDP have allegedly distributed international funds in the form of expensive loans, instead of providing food aid. The delegation, which also met with Kachin refugees, received evidence from Kachin and Chin states of religious persecution, forced labour and attempted “cultural genocide”. Benedict Rogers, CSW’s East Asia Team Leader, said: “The plight of the Chin people of Burma is desperate.”

Listen and believe

The Bench people in southwest Ethiopia, now have more than 580 groups regularly gathering for a time of Bible listening, followed by discussion. Community leaders say God's Word has been a difference maker, bringing understanding, instruction, hope, and transformation. The Bench people are a relatively minor group of about 173,000 people among over 85 known indigenous language groups in Ethiopia. The Audio Bibles used by the Bench people have been supplied by Faith comes by hearing, the world's foremost Audio Bible ministry, which has a goal of implementing two million Bible listening groups and recording the New Testament in 2,000 languages by 2016.

World AIDS day

Christians in Sierra Leone have joined churches in every part of the world to celebrate the twenty-first World AIDS Day. The national theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Help Protect Your Baby. Get Tested for HIV’. The commemoration started on the 24th November 2009 with a high profiled national campaign and new counselling services that brought together many different stakeholders, national dignitaries, churches, educational institutions and women’s groups. In Uganda, which has been one of the success stories in terms of HIV prevention, the day is being celebrated amidst concern that the bill before parliament which aims to further criminalise homosexuality will lead to even greater stigmatisation of those living with HIV/AIDS. A statement issued by the Catholic bishops of Africa reminds us that, “The global recession and economic downturn have a detrimental impact on our brothers and sisters infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. Climbing prices of food and other basic necessities are hampering progress of treatment, because people cannot afford the food essential to support their medication.”

Fire destroys homes in Cambodia

As more than 12,000 people have been left homeless by the second major fire in Phnom penh, Cambodia, in a week, local churches are seeking to respond with temporary accommodation, food parcels and other assistance. The fires swept through squatter camps in the capital city. On Monday last week 243 homes were destroyed in Kilometer No 8, Reussey keo district and on Wednesday at least one person was reported killed when flames swept through another shanty town on the banks of the River Bassac. Officials reported that 800 wooden shacks, many of them housing ethnic Vietnamese, were destroyed in the second fire. Ma Ravuth, Relief and Disaster Management Coordinator for the Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia has invited partners around the world to assist in this humanitarian relief.

Uganda Christian University seeks new Vice Chancellor

One of Africa’s most significant Christian universities is now seeking new leadership. The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Prof. Stephen Noll (left), has announced that he will retire in August. Prof. Noll was appointed the first Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University in 2000. Since then he has seen the university grow from a few hundred students to over 7000 today. He also prepared the university to qualify for a University Charter in 2004. The university, originally founded as Bishop Tucker theological college, has trained clergy and lay people for the Church of Uganda for many years but now, whilst continuing to offer theological training, also prepares Ugandas to serve their country in many walks of life. The University Council are now seeking a new Vice Chancellor. Details of this post are available here.

Australian missionary arrested

The arrest is reported from India of an Australian missionary on charges of “forceful conversion”. Paul Jesimon was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh State Police earlier this week at Utnur in Andhra Pradesh state. According to the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) the trouble erupted at around 7.30pm on 24 November when Jemison (40), accompanied by Joy Carol, daughter of local Pastor Premanandam went to an Industrial Training Institute hostel for a film screening for around 200 students. After the film, as Jemison was speaking on a Bible passage, a mob of 20 Hindu radicals entered the hall and accused him of indulging in “forceful conversion”. Jamison was later released but Pastor Premanandam has been warned not to invite anymore foreign missionaries to the town.

Chinese leader released

After serving two years in Laogai labor camp, the Uyghur Christian leader Wusiman Yiming (left) has finally been released and reunited with his wife and two young children. Because of his Christian leadership among the Uyghur people, Wusiman Yiming was sentenced to criminal detention "for the crime of divulging State secrets" by the State Security Bureau of Southern Xinjiang, Hetian City, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in September of 2007. He was then secretly sentenced in November, 2007, to two years of "reeducation through labor" by the Re-education Labor Committee of Hetian City. ChinaAid reports that Wusiman "looks fragile but has a very strong spirit." One other Uyghur Christian leader, Alimujiang Yimiti, remains in detention and there is now some hope that he may also be released.

Churches in solidarity for Darfur, Sudan

Rev Mark Alec Cien, Deputy Secretary General of the Sudan Council of Churches has appealed, on behalf of the church in Sudan, to churches elsewhere in the world for support in the crisis surrounding Darfur. Rev Cien was speaking at a two day Darfur Regional Initiative for lasting peace in Sudan, Chad and Central African Republic. Insecurity is a regional issue and food security remains a concern whilst peace negotiation fail to make much progress. The humanitarian situation in Darfur has worsened since the expulsion, by the Khartoum Government earlier this year, of 13 foreign-aided NGOs. Responding on behalf of other African churches Rev. Dr. Andrea Karagama, Secretary General of the All Africa Council of Churches assured the Church in Sudan of support saying, "We shall journey together on this issue as we have done on other issues in the past. We shall not abandon you."

African missionaries bring faith to Liberia

A mission in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, last week brought together evangelists from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, DRC, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa working with local church leaders. Three "Foxfire" teams of young people from African Enterprise in South Africa and Kenya gave musical performances, evangelistic talks, testimonies and children's talks whilst local churches provided 650 local evangelists and counsellors. During the four week mission a ground breaking ceremony was held for a water sanitation project in the Buzzi Quarter, a ghetto of 10,000 people in central Monrovia. Following the ceremony the Liberian Vice President made a commitment to the Buzzi Residents to meet with them to address their living conditions. Follow up work is now taking place with the thousands who expressed a new found faith in Jesus.

Churches struggle to help Tamil returnees in Sri Lanka

Church workers in Sri Lanka have reported that the government program to resettle Tamils displaced in the 26-year civil war is descending into chaos as thousands of people are dumped in a Jaffna sports stadium without adequate resources. The Catholic charity Caritas Jaffna is struggling to pick up the pieces, providing temporary shelter, food, water and sanitation. Amidst intense international controversy 260,000 displaced people have been held in camps across the north since fighting ended in May. Now they are being expected to resettle in their villages with almost no support, having lost their livelihoods, savings and most of their possessions. Churches are doing what they can to rebuild livelihoods, providing fishing nets, sewing machines and loans of up to 40,000 rupees, as well as assisting in school admissions for children, but local churches, some damaged in the fighting, are struggling to cope with the homeless. Official records say that 140,087 persons still remain in camps.

Hope in Kano, Nigeria

In Kano State, northern Nigeria a Muslim state governor, for the first time ever, recently accepted an invitation to address a church revival programme. Ibrahim Shekarau (left) called for unity and peaceful co-existence between the country's Christians and Muslims. His presence at this meeting was highly significant in a state which practices Islamic Sharia laws, and which earlier this year experienced serious clashes between Christians and Muslims. After the meeting, organised by the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Williams Kumuyi of the Deeper Life Bible Church said, "The governor's presence at the revival and his disposition is a watershed in the struggle to restore peace and religious harmony in northern Nigeria" Governor Shekarau claimed that "Living strictly by the teachings of the holy books, there should be no need for rancour or intolerance.”

Training Chinese Christian leaders a top priority

Commenting after a visit to Yanjing Seminary in China, Bishop Gerry Seale, General Secretary of the Evangelical Association of the Caribbean said. “In their fast-changing situation, the growing church in China is facing the challenge of continuing to grow their own pastoral and leadership training to equip believers to serve their churches and the broader needs of society.” Bishop Seale was in China as part of the first ever visit by 24 leaders of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA). At Nanjing Union Seminary Gordon Showell-Rogers, WEA Associate International Director designate, added, “The love of this group of young men and women for their Lord and His word, and for their country and people, was tangible, even through translation”. Last Sunday the group brought greetings on behalf of WEA at the famous, Chongwenmen Church in Beijing, where over 7500 people attend the services.

Coptic Christians attacked in Egypt

Following recent violence in Farshoot, Egypt, it is now reported that on Monday Muslim rioters looted and burned Coptic Christian businesses in the village of Abou Shousha. The Assyrian International News Agency reports “The terrorized Coptic inhabitants of Abou Shousha have stayed indoors, their shops are closed and their children are being kept away from school. They fear a repeat in their village of the Muslim violence which engulfed the town of Farshoot less than 36 hours earlier.” On November 22 a joint communiqué from fourteen Egyptian human rights organizations and lawyers called on President Hosni Mubarak to immediately intervene to save the Copts from the wrath of the mob and the subversive leaders behind them, who are seeking to sow discord and divisions among Egyptians in the name of religion and “to hold accountable all involved in the attacks on the peaceful Copts in Farshoot.”

Orissa violence victims too afraid to return home

Despite the fact that there has been no new outbreaks of violence towards Christians in Orissa, India, for many families the situation remains dire as they are still unable to return to their villages and are forced to stay in make-shift relief camps. The apparent incapacity of Indian legislative system to punish the culprits of attacks has also contributed to the feeling of helplessness and fear. In one case, a man charged with 14 cases, including murder and arson, has even been elected to the Orissa Legislative Assembly from prison and was later granted bail. Experts fear that Orissa will become a forgotten case of injustice and persecution.

Orthodox missionary shot dead in Moscow church

Fr. Daniel Sysoyev (left), a Russian Orthodox priest who has been engaged in missionary work among immigrants from ex-Soviet republics was shot dead in St. Thomas Church in southern Moscow on 19 November. Many of those who came to Christian faith through Fr. Daniel’s ministry were Muslims and his ‘talks for enquirers’ included several especially designed for Muslims. He had received over a dozen threats before his murder and wrote about recent telephone threats in his internet diary just before his death. His killer entered the church, asked for Sysoyev by name, and opened fire with a pistol at close range. The priest was hit in the head and died later in hospital. In the past year, Fr. Daniel’s church has baptised 80 former Muslims, among them Tatars, Uzbeks, Chechens and Dagestanis. A brilliant young missionary (34 years old), Fr. Daniel also worked amongst people who had become involved with a range of religious sects and were seeking to leave. Police investigations into the murder continue.

Refugees seek haven in Central African Republic

As violent tribal clashes continue to rage in the north west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, twenty-five thousand people have fled into neighbouring Central African Republic. Here impoverished local churches are responding to the needs of as many of the refugees as they can. Working with local church leaders, AIM missionary Wendy Atkins is leading relief efforts for 2300 refugees. She reports that these people come from twelve different villages in DR Congo and are fleeing the presence of Lords Residence Army rebels in their area and heading towards Zemio. Atkins has also begun networking the local church and government officials to coordinate a response. United Nations High Commission of Refugees' staff, along with members of the World Food Program and the American Ambassador to Central African Republic, have assessed the situation and will respond with supplies, food, clothing, and bedding for the refugees. This latest violence follows many years of community strife in the area.

Chistian music in a nation of bombs

Amidst increasing violence in Pakistan a Christian school that trains church musicians is releasing a new album with a special decidation. The Tehillim School of Church Music and Worship in Karachi, Pakistan, is dedicating its upcoming youth album, to be released on 4 December, to persecuted Christians in Pakistan. Mr. Eric Sarwar, director of the school cited the rising incidents of persecution against Christians in the city and elsewhere in Pakistan as the reason for dedicating the album to the persecuted Christians. Contemporary music is increasingly being used in Pakistan as a way of reaching young people with the gospel of peace and God’s love for humanity.

WCC condemns Isreali settlements

In a statement issued this week the World Council of Churches (WCC) has called on Israel to stop building new settlements in the Occupied Territories. This appeal follows the decision of the Jerusalem municipality to begin construction of 900 new housing units in the settlement Gilo in East Jerusalem. The WCC Secretary General, Samuel Kobia, expressed "great disappointment" and "strong condemnation" for the decision of the government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. The WCC believes that it "will hinder the efforts now underway to restart the peace talks" and invites “all the organizations that are part of the Council to act decisively" to "to revoke the decision of the Israeli government and its settlements program". The appeal emphasizes that new settlements are built on "Palestinian territory occupied by Israel in 1967" in "violation of international law."

Christian women released in Iran

Christians in Iran and around the world are rejoicing tonight at the report that two Christian women, Maryam and Marzieh, were released this afternoon (18 November) from their prison cell in Iran. It is reported that they were released without bail although they may face a court hearing at a future date. The two women were arrested on 5 March and have twice appeared before the Revolutionary Court where they were pressed to recant their faith in Christ. As reported by Faith2Share last month, at their second appearance in October they were cleared of the charge of anti-state activity but were told that charges of propagating Christianity and apostasy (i.e. leaving Islam) would be heard by a lower court at a future date. Both have been unwell whilst in prison.

Evangelical leaders meet China Christian Council

Speaking at this week’s historic meeting in Shanghai between the China Christian Council (CCC) and the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Rev Kan Baoping, General Secretary of the CCC said “The Protestant Church in China is a member of the Universal Church and is a part of the Body of Jesus Christ. We delight to foster friendship with other Churches all over the world. The visit of WEA is a good beginning of our future constructive relationship.” Among key issues discussed at this historic meeting were the recent growth of the Church in China and the needs that growth has created - including the need for national pastors to be trained and equipped, the development of seminaries (especially the training of presidents and deans for these institutions), and the need for a theology that integrates evangelism and social services. The WEA team are now travelling to other parts of China to visit churches there.

Baptist mission joins Copenhagen debate

The UK based mission agency, BMS World Mission has taken the unprecedented step of writing directly to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown ahead of December's crucial climate conference in Copenhagen. Their letter, written by BMS General Secretary, David Kerrigan and Steve Hughes the chief executive of A Rocha, asks Gordon Brown to do all he can to make sure the United Kingdom speaks for the interests of the poor of the world at the United Nations Copenhagen Climate Conference. The organization praises Brown's commitment to ensuring that climate change is addressed as a moral issue, promises to pray for the prime minister and offers the prayerful support of global Baptists. In sending this letter BMS has the active support of Baptist partners in 23 countries. A Rocha is a Christian agency focused on environmental conservation.

Singapore diocese recruits English teachers for mission

With outreach work in many countries of South East Asia, the Anglican diocese of Singapore is seeking Christians willing to go and teach English. They say, “Many of our neighbours in this global village want to learn English in order to communicate with the rest of the world. ... The English language is the Twenty First Century’s international language of technology, commerce, diplomacy, international law and higher education. One of the most concrete ways for Christians to witness to the person and love of the Lord Jesus Christ is to live out the Great Commandment by teaching the English language to the countless people in the non Western world who want to learn English, mainly for the sake of better economic prospects. Christians, for whom the English language is native tongue, can do no better to fulfill the Great Commission than lovingly teach the English language to people who may otherwise never meet a Christian in their entire life!” To respond to this need contact Singapore Diocese.

CMS Africa - an "African Outfit"

Speaking at the commissioning of a tree planting programme in his diocese of Southern Nyanza, Kenya, Bishop James Ochiel said, “I am glad CMS is back with an African outfit”. He was referring to the birth this year of CMS Africa which continues the mission vocation of CMS (based in Britain) who have been active in mission for 210 years. CMS Africa is a truly African mission agency taking African mission into the twenty-first century. CMS Africa have donated 3000 seedlings to this tree-planting project working with the youth in Ogenya, Rongo, Makongeni and Central Cathedral Parishes. Bishop Ochiel has also started a diocesan micro-finance scheme that has helped many youth and women who are organised into small groups to access small loans which are provided to encourage self-sufficiency. South Nyanza diocese is in the Homa Bay region of western Kenya.

Xplore launched by Desmod Tutu

On a visit this week to the offices of Church Army UK, the former Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, donned his red ‘hoodie’ with pride to launch the third year of Church Army's Xplore global gap-year programme for young people aged 18-25. The Archbishop enthused about the first two years of Xplore saying, "Young people are going off on Xplore and they are changed, and coming back really wanting to change the world. And it is mostly young people at the heart of change in the world today. I root for young people - you are fantastic! Don't allow yourselves to be infected with the cynicisms of oldies like us. Believe that you can make this world a much, much better place and I know you will succeed….God depends on you!" Similar gap year programmes are offered by Faith2Share agencies like CMS and SAMS.

Climate change brings together faith communities

With the international summit on climate change immanent, faith communities in Lambeth, UK have established LIFE which stands for Local Initiative for Faith and the Environment. LIFE has been created as a bridge between faith-based networks and environmental action in the London Borough of Lambeth. The hope is that this bridge will serve to bring people together around two of the most vital pillars of peace-building in society today: climate change and inter-faith dialogue. Building on already existing links between churches, mosques and temples in the area, the aim is to promote greater mutual awareness of local ecology, global climate change and the role multi-faith groups can play in nurturing sustainable living on a local and regional level.

Shoe boxes for Christ, or Christmas?

The UK charity Samaritan’s Purse has vigorously defended its Operation Christmas Child (OCC) campaign against allegations made in The Guardian this week. The newspaper claimed that some children receiving charity shoeboxes of gifts from the UK have to pledge to attend church and read the Bible, and are invited “to become God’s child today”. Teacher unions were urging schools who sometimes participate to screen out charities like Operation Christmas Child, it said. Simon Barrington, Samaritan’s Purse executive director, said this week the claims were untrue. ‘We only ever give shoeboxes on the basis of need, asking nothing … in return,’ he said. OCC distributed 1.2 million Christmas shoeboxes to children in the Global South last year.

Missionary released in Philippines

An Irish Catholic missionary in the Philippines, Father Michael Sinnott (left), has been freed by his captors 30 days after his abduction. According to Fr.Michael, the abduction was rough and his hands were tied when he was pushed into the back of a van in the garden of the Columban Missionaries' House in Pagadian city on October 11. In this area of community conflict he was kidnapped by a group of the Lumad Indigenous people, not, as was first suspected, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who themselves accused the government of being behind the kidnapping. The Lumad, Fr. Michael was told, were seeking to raise public awareness of their plight as much of their traditional lands have been lost. Fr. Michael told a press conference that despite his ordeal he will return to his mission helping disabled children in Pagadian city.

Prayer requested by churches in Russia's troubled south

Reports coming in to Faith2Share from the small republic of Ingushetia in Russia’s North Caucasus region indicate that the small Christian communities there are coming under increased pressure in the context of growing violence. The shooting of three militants by Russian security forces today (Friday) follows a suicide bomb attack on the police headquarters in the city of Nazran four days ago which killed 20 and injured a further 80 including 10 children. Ingushetia, which borders Chechnya, is caught in a violent struggle between militant Muslim groups and Russian security forces. Churches in this largely Muslim region are small and increasingly feeling threatened by Muslim extremists. Church leaders in the region have asked for prayers for the security of their nation.

Christians bring relief in El Salvador floods

Church volunteers are seeking to bring relief in El Salvador as this Central American country becomes the latest to be hit by severe floods. The UN estimates that at least 10,000 Salvadorans are in urgent need of food aid after the floods and mudslides destroyed huge swaths of crops during harvest season. President Mauricio Funes told reporters the death toll had risen to at least 160, with 12,930 homeless and dozens of people remaining missing. Seven children and one adult were reported missing after the First Baptist Church in San Vicente collapsed in the heavy rains. "We are mourning because today once again the rain has provoked desolation and death," writes Gloria Cabrera de Rivera, former president of the Baptist Women's Union of Latin America.

Christian school set on fire in Pakistan

Murree Christian school in Murree, Pakistan, suffered an arson attack on 3 November when three buildings of the popular Christian residential school were reduced to ashes causing an estimated financial loss to the tune of one billion Pakistani rupees (US$1.1M). Unidentified militants set the school’s three buildings on fire at 4:45 pm on Tuesday by hurling some inflammable chemical into the school premises from behind the school’s building. The fire was so forceful that it reduced a five-storey building, a three storey building and another building to ashes in one and a half hours. The fire created fear and panic among 142 boarders who were present inside the school at the time according to Mrs. Noreen Barkat, the principal of the school. She said the boarding students told her that they heard a bang and saw a ball of fire rising into the air. The school is run under the aegis of Church of Pakistan.

Christians bring relief in Sudan

As the drought continues in the Horn of Africa, famine is spreading in Sudan, and more than a million people are going hungry. The distribution of food aid is also being hampered by inter-tribal violence. Since 2007 there has been drought or a long dry spell every single year having a devastating impact on households across the Nagishot Hills. Responding to this crisis the Evangelical Free Church of Sudan has distributed sacks of corn to the most vulnerable people in Southern Sudan. Head of the church, Pastor William Laku is also working closely with government officials to make sure that the neediest and most vulnerable are helped first.

Storms continue to hit the Philippines

Christian workers seeking to bring relief to communities in the Philippines are struggling with a series of typhoons, storms and flooding since September. “Four weeks after a typhoon we are usually heading toward the rehabilitation phase,” reports Minnie-Anne Calub of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. “This is the first time we have had a series of typhoons,” she added. “We thought we would be terminating the relief phase after two or three weeks but because of the continuous typhoons, rains and floods, the water won’t subside and people can’t go home.” After hitting an already devastated Philippines, the latest storm Mirinae hit the central coast of Vietnam Monday, forcing more than 80,000 people to evacuate. In response to this latest typhoon to hit the Philippines, relief workers plan to distribute food, water, health care, school items and other necessities to affected people.

March for Jesus grows to 1.5 million in Brazil

March for Jesus has become a regular part of the Christian year in many parts of the world. The march in Brazil is now in its seventeenth year bringing together hundreds of evangelical churches. The march is held each year on the same day the Catholic Church celebrates the Corpus Christi holiday, a national holiday in Brazil. This year participants marched 2.5 miles in San Paulo and listened to Christian bands and messages from preachers and local celebrities. Controversially the event was sponsored by Reborn in Christ Church, whose leaders have recently been under house arrest for attempted money smuggling. Evangelical Protestants in Brazil, a predominantly Roman Catholic country have grown from nine percent in 1990 to fifteen percent, according to the 2000 census.

More arrests in China

Chinese Public Security Bureau officials are keeping up the pressure on the Fushan Church in Linfen city – detaining ten more of its members and blacklisting its leaders. Last month, officials offered to release ten leaders of Fushan Church in Shanxi province who were arrested on September 25. The Christians were detained after protesting about their church compound being demolished in a violent raid by police and officials. Dozens of Christians who were staging a 'sleep-in' at the compound were seriously hurt in the raid. The Religious Affairs Bureau for Huozhou has reportedly decided that the church is 'legitimate' – but the Fushan government has accused the church leadership of 'gross violations and law-breaking actions'. They are reportedly focusing their investigation on Senior Pastor Wang Xiaoguang and his wife Yang Rongli.

Bibles seized in Malaysia

Malaysian authorities are reported to have confiscated more than 15,000 Bibles imported from Indonesia because of a long-running dispute about the use of “Allah” to describe God in Malay and Indonesian translation. Muslim leaders have claimed that the word “Allah” can only be used by Muslims, whilst Christians also claim that this is the correct term to use for God in their translations of the Bible. The Rev. Hermen Shastri, general secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia, said authorities seized a consignment of 10,000 copies sent from Jakarta to Kuching in Sarawak state on 11 September. The Roman Catholic Church is challenging the "Allah" ban in court, saying it is unconstitutional and discriminates against those worshipping in Malay language. The case has been stuck in preliminary hearings for almost two years. A growing sense of discrimination among the minorities is chipping away at Malaysia's reputation as a harmonious multiethnic nation that practices a moderate brand of Islam.

Iraq church and clinic destroyed

Iraq's deadliest bombing in two years, which killed more than 150 people, left a Baghdad church littered with body parts and nearly ruined. Canon Andrew White, the Anglican leader of St. George's church, said the twin truck bombing last Sunday "almost totally ruined" the church compound, including a medical clinic, bookstore and school. "Everything is destroyed," he reported. "Almost everything we put in the church and clinic is totally destroyed. … Today was a terrible day for us, but even in the blood and trauma and turmoil, there are things for which we can, and indeed must, praise our God. The carnage was terrible, but it could have been even worse." The bomb hit at 10:30 a.m. when no one was in the church. "If the bomb had been just a few hours later, the glass from the windows would have ripped through the congregation causing terrible human damage," The 2,000-member St. George's church provided a free medical and dental clinic to Iraqis, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. "In a moment, much of this equipment has been destroyed, placing it permanently out of reach of the Iraqi people who need it so desperately," White said.

More evangelists, more church plants for India

In India the Faith2Share agency Indian Evangelical Mission (IEM) has recently committed to recruiting more evangelists. They plan to increase from 68 Evangelists to 100 in two years. In recent years IEM evangelists have successfully planted many churches and they are now discovering how the newly planted Church can effecively influence the Communities by being the salt and the light. In October IEM leaders met with leaders of the 50 Churches planted among the Koya peoples to discuss consolidation in this area. The work among the Koya began in 1975.

Irish and Kenyan Christians collaborate in drought relief

Working with partners in the Diocese of Kajiado, Faith2Share agency CMS Ireland, are planning to launch a food distribution programme which will target those areas which are worst affected by the current drought in Kenya. In an effort to sustain the lives of the most vulnerable (women, children and the elderly) in those communities they aim to provide basic food supplies, in accordance with the UN’s minimum daily requirements for daily food intake for twenty families in ten different locations within the next six months. This is based on the assumption, and with prayer, that the October/November rains will take place as expected and bring relief from the impact of drought. For more information click here.

Call2All Business as Mission event in New Zealand

The Call2All movement has grown over the last 2 years to include thousands of different ministries and organizations around the world. Top Christian leaders have met on all continents strategizing together to complete the Great Commission. Now they're making a movement to engage the next generation and are planning to have a conference in New Zealand focussing on Business as Mission. The dates are 19-22 January 2010 and you can watch a short introductory video here.

Indonesian Christians bring hope after earthquake

Almost a month after the earthquake struck Indonesia's West Sumatra province killing more than 1,000 and leaving more than half a million people homeless, countless Indonesian Christians have been working around the clock to help survivors. "So many people here are still suffering.”, said one church member. "So I help by cooking, preparing meals for them." She erected a makeshift relief tent next to her badly damaged church. "The church is practically unusable. It sustained severe damage during the earthquake," said Pastor Johan Makmur of Gereja Bethel Church. "We are very sad about this, but we have an opportunity to demonstrate God's love in the midst of this crisis. Many of our church members lost their homes yet they are out here helping others." Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim nation. About 8 percent of the population is Christian.

Migrant workers under threat in Macau

In Macau this month more than 600 migrant workers from different nationalities and their advocates held an interfaith vigil, in Sintra Park, against four anti -migrant proposals. They appealed to the Legislative Assembly to scrap said proposals which are racist and discriminatory. Local people and legislators in Macau tend to blame the migrant workers for the loss of employment available to local people, which is unfair, unjust and untrue. The activity was organised by the Macau Migrants Rights Network (MMRN) who told those who attended the event that the Macau government remained indifferent to their plight. No consultation has ever been conducted with the migrant workers on these new proposals despite the fact that they constitute 25% of the workforce in Macau.

Sudan peace still at risk

Church leaders in Sudan have warned that their government of Sudan is failing to implement the country’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and this could reignite the 22-year civil war. The Sudan Council of Churches appealed to international leaders, claiming the Khartoum-based government was seeking to destabilise the south and stop it voting for independence in 2011. Anglican and Catholic leaders said ‘every protocol’ of the CPA ‘has either not been fully implemented or is under discussion for less than full implementation’. Contrary to the CPA, sharia law is still being enforced in the north, national elections have been postponed and rival groups in the south are re-arming.

New mission to Kibera slum in Kenya

Faith2Share agency Church Army Africa, is preparing a major urban missions initiative in Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya. Working in collaboration with All Saints Cathedral, Church Army Africa will address the major social and spiritual challenges of this area of nearly one million inhabitants. Church Army’s Centre for Urban Mission has been very active in training church leaders in Kibera. Now to address some of the challenges of ministry at a grassroots level, Church Army will deploy evangelists in Kibera to pioneer communities of believers in each of the fourteen villages of Kibera through the Anglican church. These communities of believers will be centred around the person of Christ and engage in contextually relevant activities such as small business development, youth fellowships, etc. The mission launch is scheduled for early next year.

Pakistanis continue talks on blasphemy laws

Pakistani civil society representatives are holding further meetings to discuss the controversial blasphemy law, which under the Criminal Code provides for life imprisonment or the death penalty for those who profane the Koran or insult the prophet Muhammad. One conference is scheduled today in Karachi, with a second taking place tomorrow in Rawalpindi. The activist group People's Resistance called for a panel discussion on "The blasphemy law: an objective assessment from a religious, legal and social point of view." Members say they are "deeply troubled" about recent incidents "at Gojra and other places, where many innocent people have suffered shameful violence and destruction”. They seek to promote "an open and frank dialogue" aimed at "understanding of the blasphemy law and its implications for our society." In mid-October, the Minister of Religious Affairs organized two days of talks in Islamabad on the possibility of amendments to the law on blasphemy. The summit, however, ended without any concrete results and was postponed to January of 2010.

More Eritrean Christians arrested

Whilst Christians in Eritrea come under increasing pressure, this week security forces raided the home of the founding elder of the Full Gospel Church in Asmara, Pastor Tewelde Hailom. Three people were arrested during the raid. Pastor Hailom was not arrested, apparently because of his frail health due to an ulcer. He was however placed under house arrest with guards positioned outside his home. On Friday, seven more people from the same congregation were arrested. The government's detention without trial of its citizens continue amidst reports of hunger and desperation in the country. Interviewed in May interview, President Isaias Afwerki told Reuters, "We are not children. We were not born yesterday. No one can educate us on what freedom means. It is not a question of human rights, religious rights. It is part of a fight, of a powerful opposition, and this powerful opposition has not succeeded in achieving anything." More than 2,800 Christians remain behind bars in Eritrea because of their persistence to worship outside of the state sanctioned Orthodox, Lutheran and Catholic churches.

Korean Christians seek reunification

Using a reference from I Corinthians 12, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary the Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told nearly 200 church members at Bong Soo Church in Pyongyang, North Korea that the "Church is one body in Christ". Responding with a series of "Amens" the congregation heard Kobia say the WCC will remain engaged with all Koreans, particularly those in the church, in reaching the goal of peace and healing between the two countries and the eventual reunification of Korea. This visit come ahead of the 21 to 23 October consultation being held in Hong Kong on peace, reconciliation and reunification in Korea. More than 120 church leaders, including four from North Korea and several dozen from South Korea, and about twenty-five other countries in Asia, Europe and North America, will meet to discuss the various efforts the churches are making toward reunification.

Pakistani forum established to protect minorities

Pakistan’s mainstream Churches have set up a joint forum to address security issues facing religious minorities and offer advice to Christians on how to deal with them. The Pakistan Christian Action Forum (PCAF), was established by a meeting in September of seven bishops and 15 Church representatives from the Catholic Church, the Church of Pakistan, the Presbyterian Church, the Salvation Army and the Full Gospel Assemblies. Catholic Bishop Joseph Coutts, of Faisalabad and Church of Pakistan Bishop Samuel Robert Azraiah (left) of Raiwind were selected as conveners. Peter Jacob, executive secretary of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), will act as forum secretary. According to the NCJP, 50 Christians have been killed in terrorist attacks on Churches and Christian institutions since 2001. Other minorities also suffer with 12 Ahmadis killed this year to date.

BMS returns to China

I has been announced that nearly sixty years after its last mission worker was expelled from China, BMS World Mission is to restart work there. Last year a medical school originally founded by BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) worker Dr James Russell Watson asked the agency to send personnel to teach English to its current students, while another organisation made the same request. Now, following a BMS delegation visit to China last month, the agency is looking to recruit and send short-, medium- and long-term workers. Revd Margaret Gibbs, BMS regional secretary for Asia, said the opening is the answer to prayer and reflection begun two years ago, asking God for ‘a sign from heaven that we were meant to return to work in China’.

Global Witnessing Challenge launched

If you have ever wanted to 'gain points' by witnessing here is your big opportunity. A US-based group has just launched the Global Witnessing Challenge encouraging thousands of Christians to get out there and share their faith during five months of intensive witness from 1 April 2010. The more difficult the context for evangelism, the more points you gain. The sponsors write, "The Challenge will undoubtedly present the greatest physical, spiritual, mental and emotional tests most participants will ever have experienced. Individuals’ faith will be tested and stretched throughout their epic journeys as never before. Miracles will be witnessed and performed. Spiritual fruit will be reaped among people and in places most would never have dreamed they were capable of reaching in their lifetimes."

Schools of Biblical Training

In many parts of the world, including Europe, poor knowledge of the Bible is leading to a false gospel (such as the prosperity gospel), claim Crosslinks a Faith2Share member agency. To counteract this danger Crosslinks sponsor a programme of Schools of Biblical Training (SBTs) in many countries where they work. SBTs are four or five-day seminars led by facilitators with a good track record in expository ministry teaching local Christian leaders the basic principles of preaching. Others involved in this programme include Langham Partnership International and the Proclamation Trust's Project Timothy. In Nigeria, Mike Adegbile says, "It has been my dream to see ...a new generation of gospel living and teaching men and women for the Nigerian church".

Stand up, Take action

As millions around the world prepare to “stand up and take action” for the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs), in West Africa, Awabu Iddrisu says, “If Ghana fails to meet the MDGs by 2015, it is not government officials who will go hungry or suffer the consequences of our young mothers dying while giving birth. It will be men and women in rural communities such as Naleirigu where I live who will bear the brunt of this failure by government,” An activist from Naleirigu district in Ghana, Awabu says that in order for the MDGs to be met, citizens must be at the frontline in advocating for good governance, which is the panacea for pro-poor development. “We are not standing up enough against corruption, domestic violence or hunger,” she says. To join the “Stand Up, Take Action” campaign this week click here.

Young Iranians respond to gospel broadcast

With significant political upheaval in Iran following the elections in June and July, many young Iranians are disillusioned and searching for a new way in life. SAT-7 PARS, a Christian satellite television service to Persia, is working to show these individuals that what they're searching for is the saving power and love of Christ. "In SAT-7, our policy is just to present the Gospel. We don't compare Christianity to any other faith or religion”, reports SAT-7 PARS director Sara Afshari (left). “We just present the Gospel according to the Bible. We do respect the culture. We do respect people's worldview." Afshari said this approach is working. Currently, about 90 percent of the viewers are non-believers. SAT-7 PARS currently offers six-hour blocks of new programming each day. Afshari reports that, "The most-isolated people in Iran at the moment are teenagers. The reason is because they don't belong to the culture of their parents. They don't know where they belong. SAT-7 PARS' programming has restored hope to many young lives through their dramas, talk shows and Bible studies.”

Indian flood victims still waiting for relief

All India Christian Council reports that life in the flood-affected areas of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, India, continues to be very difficult with many people lacking basic needs. Despite many reports in the media of government relief and food distribution the situation for many has not changed. According to the members from the All India Christian Council team, who recently toured the area to distribute relief material, “the situation is devastating, especially in interior areas where even vehicles could not go. The team went to Jolapuram, one of the interior villages, to distribute meal packets among children and women. There are over 10,000 people living in the area. In no time all the food packets were over. Many people failed to get any food, as the team ran short of the packets.”

Archbishop calls for political will in face of world problems

Archbishop John Sentamu (left) has called for political will to solve the world’s greatest ‘solvable’ problems. “The greatest scandal of our time” Sentamu claimed, “ is not the millions of our brothers and sisters around the world who live on less than a dollar a day. It is not the millions of children who do not have access to even the most basic level of education. It is not even the millions who die each day from hunger, malaria or HIV/AIDS. The greatest scandal of our time is that the remedy to each of these situations is within our grasp if only there was sufficient political will from our leaders. For the first time in modern history this generation has the technology, medicine and knowledge to achieve these goals. Now we need the political will to make them happen.”

Iranian Christians acquitted of anti-state activity

Two Iranian Christian women, Maryam and Marzieh, detailed in Tehran since their arrest on 5 March have now been acquitted of anti-state activity. In August the Revolutionary Court ordered them to recant their faith in Christ. Both declared that they would not deny their faith. On 7 October they were unexpectedly taken back to the Revolutionary Court, where a different judge was presiding. Three charges were brought against them, relating to (a) anti-state activity, (b) propagation of Christianity, and (c) apostasy. The judge acquitted them of the charge of anti-state activity. They and their lawyer are delighted about this as such acquittals are rare in Iran. With this charge dropped, their case will now be transferred to a general court where the other charges will be considered. Maryam and Marzieh are now back in prison, awaiting their next hearing. Both have suffered poor health and have been denied satisfactory medical treatment during their imprisonment.

Indian missions respond to flood victims

After massive flooding in the Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh which left at least 230 people dead and more than 10 million survivors homeless, church and mission groups are reaching out to victims with both physical aid and emotional comfort. Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan reported that among the congregations his ministry serves, more than 170 church buildings have been damaged or destroyed, and at least 30,000 families have been affected by the floods that were spawned by a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. News reports indicated that at least 350 villages have been left totally cut off from the outside world by the flood waters--the worst in memory for Karnataka. Dr. Yohannan said that in addition to the physical suffering, the missionaries see even greater despair and emotional pain in the eyes of the victims. "That's why our missionaries are trained not only to give out food and blankets, but to counsel and pray with men and women in trauma, giving them the only true hope they can find to rebuild their lives," he explained.

Tokyo2010 announces plenary speakers

The planning group for Tokyo2010, the consultation of mission sending agencies to be held in Tokyo 11-14 May 2010, has announced the names of some of its key note speakers. One Faith2Share trustee, Kevin Higgins of Global Teams, is included. During four days of workshops, plenaries and celebration events speakers including, Gbile Akanni, Obed Alvarez, David J. Cho, Samuel Kang, Minoru Okuyama and Enoch Wan will address topics such as "Biblical Foundations for Mission", "The renewal of missionary movements in Latin America", "Global Peoples and Diaspora Missiology", and "The new urban missiology". Participant registration is now open and an on-line booking form togeter with full details of the consultation can be found at Toyko2010.

Chinese Christians reflect on national events

As the nation of China marks the 60th anniversary this week of Chairman Mao's Peoples' Republic of China, Christians within the country and beyond have been reflecting on the recent history of their nation and the role they have to play in its future. When Mao initiated his Peoples' Republic in 1959 Christian workers were leaving China and the church was small and insignificant. Today, whilst acute persecution continues in some regions of the country, elsewhere Christians are present in large numbers and increasingly taking up roles of influence within society. One church leader said this week, "Christians remain a minority in China but God has given us responsibility for the future of our nation. We can and will lead our people as responsible world citizens as China takes its place as the leading world power of the 21st. century."

Asian Outreach team responds to Padang earthquake

Within 36 hours of the earthquake hitting Padang in Sumatra, Indonesia, Faith2Share member Asian Outreach International had a team on the ground providing medical care. Their director in the region reports 90% of houses destroyed and a real shortage of clean water and basic medical supplies. Working first in Pedang Alai the team were able to relieve a local doctor who had been treating 300 patients a day and was suffering from exhaustion. Seven kilometres from this first base, at Sialangan Village, the team have opened a drug store and begun treating patients many of whom have diarrhea, blood pressure, trauma and minor surgical needs. Other teams are on their way with tents and heavy equipment travelling by Indonesian airforce plane. The greatest need right now if for a mobile hospital bus so that teams can reach those most in need.

Philippines flood hits mission project

Faith2Share member agency CMS (based in Oxford, UK) has reported that one of the mission projects it has supported for many years in Manila was badly hit by the recent floods. Jigsaw Kids Ministries, founded by CMS mission partner Tim Lee, is in a low lying squatter area of the city close to the river. The project manager reports that "Much of the area is now completely destroyed and covered in thick mud. The water rose so fast and people were terrified that they would be trapped. They were rescued on floating wood pallets and anything else they could find; casualties are still being assessed". For the full story see They have nothing now.

Chidren die in Kenya for lack of milk

Aid agencies working in northern Kenya report that the drought ravaged many parts of East Africa has killed a large number of livestock so reducing the availability of milk and undermining child nutrition. "Children are on the brink of death... The numbers of malnourished children coming to our feeding centres is going up and up and we expect it to get worse," reported Catherine Fitzgibbon, deputy director of Save the Children in Kenya. Since July, the number of severely malnourished children seeking treatment at Save the Children emergency feeding centres in the area has increased by 25 percent. As a result, many families, mostly comprising women and children, are trekking long distances to save remaining livestock herds.

Churches pray for rain

As the worst drought in many years hits East Africa many churches in the region are praying for rain whilst also planning how they can best help those who are most effected by this crisis. Failed rains are effecting Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and Somalia with parts of northern Kenya the worst effected area. Large numbers of people are on the move seeking water for their animals and food for themselves. Churches in the region have limited resources to respond to some much need and are looking to international partners for support.

Another Christian dies in Pakistan

A Christian man detained on blasphemy charges was found dead in his jail cell on Tuesday in eastern Pakista. Human rights groups here said he appeared to have been killed, perhaps in collusion with the authorities. The death of the Christian, Robert Fanish, 20, is part of a rising trend of violence against minorities in Pakistan, a panel of Pakistani human rights groups said in a news conference on Wednesday. It follows the death in a fire of 6 Christians in July, and attacks against Christian houses and a church in March and June. “This is a pattern,” said Asma Jahangir (left), the chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, a prominent watchdog group that is independent of the government. On Wednesday, the provincial government ordered an investigation into the death and are investigating whether to charge the jail staff with negligence.

Ghana HIV/AIDS programme

A Baptist mission hospital in Ghana is to become a major centre for HIV/AIDS treatment. Two doctors at the Nalerigu Medical Center, a renowned specialized hospital, already oversee the treatment of over 650 patients every day. Launching this new development at Nalerigu the Health Director reported that many people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the district were youth between the ages of 18 and 31. The official national prevalence rate in Ghana is 2.2% but local workers suggest that in reality infection rates are much higher. Northern regional Director of the Ghana Congress on Evangelization of women's Ministry, Rev. Mrs. Grace Wuni Grumah said GHACOE, an interdenominational organization, aims to develope the social, economic and spiritual capacity of women to enable them to live a dignified life, through economic empowerment, and skills training in local communities.”

Children bring transformation

Children are effective missionaries. This is the belief of Transform World who have gathered more than 300 delegates, in New Jersey, from around 65 countries for a summit meeting on the 4-14 Window. This meeting will officially launch an initiative to reach children between the age of 4/14 with the Gospel and through them to bring about reconciliation, restoration, and transformation to change the world. During the opening session testimony after testimony confirmed that this was indeed a leading of God's Spirit. Dr. Bambang Budijanto, of Compassion International and chair of the 4/14 Steering Committee declared, “children are the primary agents of transformation. Children are a mission force; not a mission field”. More information at http://4to14window.com

Student Ministries to consult

Many leaders of new churches, especially in Asia, came to faith whilst students outside their own country. This has been particularly true for Chinese church leaders. Now the Lausanne movement will host a consultation for leaders of International Student Ministries in Singapore from 30 September to 2 October. Attending will be ministry leaders from churches, campus ministries, para-church ministries, denominations, and mission agencies from within the triangle of New Zealand/Australia in the south, Korea in the north, and India in the west. Late applications are invited. Contact Terry McGrath, consultation coordinator and National Director of ISM, New Zealand at Terry@ism.org.nz

Chinese Christian leaders released

In a welcome move Chinese local authorities have now released all 18 house church leaders arrested in Langzhong city, Sichuan province, on June 9. More than 30 house church leaders were gathered in Pastor Li Ming's house church in Langzhong city when the arrests took place. Several dozen officials in six to seven police vehicles from the local Domestic Security Protection Squad surrounded the site, before arresting all 30 of the Christians and searching the house. Police released 12 leaders the same day, but detained 18. Over the past three months ChinaAid and the 18 released house church leaders have organised an effective international prayer campaign for these releases. There are believed to be at least 40 million house church members in China.

New Version of English Bible announced

After 25 years as one of the most used English translations of the Bible the New International Version (NIV) will be available in an updated version in 2011. Keith Danby, the CEO of Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society), announced that they are launching this new edition because the NIV has become increasingly dated as language has changed and so an update is necessary. When a previous updating attempt was made in with a version called Today’s NIV (TNIV) there was widespread criticism for its gender-inclusive language. The translators of the latest revision will reconsider the gender question and are offering the public the chance to make their comments at www.nivbible2011.com. As work begins on this new English translation many language groups around the world still await their first ‘mother tongue’ translation of the Bible.

Tragedy at Christian school in Tanzania

CMS Australia report a serious fire at the Idodi Secondary School Environmental Centre, in Tanzania. The fire in a dormitory housing 400 girls killed twelve students and left a further 27 seriously injured. CMS Missionary Fiona Oats, who assisted in the building of Idodi School, located near Iringa in the heart of Tanzania, says the fire was caused by a candle being used by a girl to read at night. She continues, “The living conditions here are often cramped and the doors are locked for security reasons.” Bishop Donald Mtetemela took part in a mass funeral held this week. CMS Australia has requested prayer for the families and those still recovering, for all those at the school who had to witness the tragedy.

Pakistani police issue warrant for the Bishop

Following recent attacks on Christians in Gojra which resulted in a number of deaths and subsequent claims of police incompetence, the Pubjab police in Gojra has retaliated by registering an FIR (First Investigation Report) against the Bishop of Faisalabad, the Rt. Rev. John Samuel (left), Diocese of Faisalabad, Church of Pakistan and his two sons, along with 100 unnamed Christians whom they claim conspired to create the Gojra incident. Those who actually carried out the attacks remain free. The full story is available on the Religious Intelligence website.

Support grows for Christians in Pakistan

Well over 600 Christians and Muslims from around the world have now signed a letter addressed to the Pakistani government calling upon the political and religious leadership of Pakistan to unite in condemning these attacks and murders in the strongest terms as an evil and a crime." The letter continues. "We urge the Government of Pakistan to take all necessary measures to restore confidence in the police and judiciary by ensuring that those at risk from violence stirred up by extremists are fully protected. We also urge Parliamentarians and democratic politicians to act decisively to prevent any misuse of the present law to victimise minorities." To view the complete letter and to sign it yourself please go to Support Pakistani Minorities.

Fiji Methodists accused by government

The Fijian Methodist church has pledged to continue praying and worshipping while nine of its top leaders were accused of breaking government emergency rules. The new state powers have imposed media censorship and banned all politically motivated meetings. The church leaders have pleaded not guilty of breaking the regulations and were released on bail awaiting a full hearing due on 24 September. Fiji’s military government has been locked in dispute with the Church since it banned the annual Methodist Conference, fearing political issues would be raised.

Severe droughts threaten Bihar, North India

In August 2008 a major dam in Nepal broke, causing the River Kosi to flood five districts in Bihar, North India. Its untamed waters swept away more than 3 million homes in 980 villages, and an estimated 3.2 million people lost their homes and livelihoods, making these losses considerably greater than any other natural disaster in recent history. Several churches and missions came forward to help these flood affected people. While we continue to pray and help the flood-affected victims, we now hear about drought in Bihar because of lack of seasonal rains. 26 Districts of Bihar have been declared as “drought-affected” districts and about 60 million people are now known as “drought-victims.” Drought also results in unemployment for the men and that affects the income for the family. Several hundred men have already left Bihar searching jobs in other states of India. With much prayer we are seeking God’s help at this time of crisis in Bihar.

Canadian to lead Anglican doctrinal and ecumenical work

The Anglican Communion have appointed Canon Alyson Barnett-Cowan as their director for Unity, Faith and Order. A priest of the Anglican Church of Canada, Ms. Barnett-Cowan is currently their director of faith, worship and ministry. The appointment was announced by the Secretary General Canon Kenneth Kearon. “Alyson brings a profound knowledge and experience of both ecumenical and doctrinal issues to this role,” he said. “I look forward to having her as a colleague.” Ms. Barnett-Cowan will be based at the Communion office in London. The appointment to this senior post of an ordained woman from a church which remains at the centre of some controversy within the Anglican Communion will cause concerns amongst some conservative groups. The Anglican Communion has 77 million members from national Anglican churches in over 160 countries.

Coptic justice essential for peace in Middle East

A coalition of Coptic Christian organisations has written to President Obama ahead of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak's visit the White House this week to discuss plans for Middle East peace. The letter expresses the conviction that “world peace is impossible without peace in the Middle East.” Coptic leaders then go on explain that the Copts of Egypt total around 12 million, representing approximately 15 percent of Egypt's population of 80 million and “yet, they have been neglected and marginalized and most commonly are targeted for systematic discrimination and persecution" The group requests President Obama to "Remind Mr. Mubarak that while it is nice to help others, charity begins at home. The Coptic citizens of his nation are badly in need of his intervention to address their plight.”

Interserve International join Faith2Share

It was announced today that the interdenominational mission agency Interserve International has joined the Faith2Share network increasing the number of agencies sharing resources through this network to 18. Interserve International is itself a corsortium of 18 national mission movements from New Zealand to Canada and India to Brazil with an International Office in Malaysia. Together they form a network of Christians from all over the world who use their professional skills to tackle material, physical and spiritual needs. Their stated purpose is: "to make Jesus Christ known through integrated ministry, in partnership with the global church, amongst the neediest people of Asia and the Arab world." Interserve will greatly strength Faith2Share's commitment to serve the people of Asia.

Serving Muslims in Papua

A mission working in Papua, the second largest island in the world, has just taken on a new challenge. The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) have worked on the island for many years and seen thousands of churches established. Recently, however, the Indonesian government has begun to ship Javanese Muslims to the island, who have no exposure to the gospel. These new arrivals now outnumber the native peoples. Although the original inhabitants feel somewhat under threat TEAM is helping to build trusting relationships and encourage the local churches to reach out to their new Muslim neighbors. Dislocated from their homeland the newcomers are showing some interest in the Christian message. TEAM are currently seeking to recruit workers willing to serve in Papua for 10-15 years.

New followers of Isa in Bangladesh

In a northern region of Bangladesh 46 new believers in Isa (Jesus) met last week to celebrate their new found faith, learn from scriptures, and discover together how to be faithful disciples of Isa. This area is famous for hand weaving and the new community of believers are seeking to buy a loom so that they can be economically self-supporting and buy land for a church. In the local market this community also support a dispensary, run by a rural doctor, which serves the wider community. One of the concerns of these followers of Isa is to maintain good relations with local Muslim leaders.

Human trafficking on evangelical agenda

The World Evangelical Alliance have announced the creation of a taskforce on human trafficking to raise awareness of this growing issue amongst 420 million evangelical Christians worldwide. The taskforce, headed by the WEA spokesperson on human trafficking Commissioner Christine MacMillan, aims to prevent and combat trafficking by developing strategic and effective actions and tools that will help equip the local churches and their leaders to become responsive to the victims of human trafficking. Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, the WEA International Director, commented, “It is a travesty that more than one person a minute is trafficked across borders every year. It is my hope and prayer that this WEA initiative will help mobilize and train our global community to respond in meaningful, effective and biblical ways. As Christ followers we must do all we can to help end the injustices of this worldwide calamity.”

Iranian Christian women in prison for conversion

Middle East Concern report that on Sunday a court in Tehran, Iran, ordered two Iranian women to recant their Christian faith, both verbally and in writing. Both women declared that they would not deny their faith. Maryam and Marzieh were originally arrested on 5th March and have been held since then at the Evin prison near Tehran. They were held in solitary confinement for a while and subjected to harsh interrogation. More recently they have been in a larger, over-crowded cell. Both have also been unwell and have lost much weight during their time in prison. The line of questioning made clear that, in the eyes of the court, Maryam and Marzieh's only crime is that they have converted to Christianity. Although a verdict of apostasy was recommended the deputy prosecutor ordered that they return to prison and come back to the court when they are ready to recant their faith. Iranian Christians are now gathering prayer support for these two women back in Evin prison.

Gojra : Local Churches respond

Fellow Christians from the nearby city of Faisalabad, Pakistan, were amongst the first to give practical support to stricken families in Gojra. The congregation of the 1^st UP Church gathered funds and distributed a bed, a water cooler, pack of six glasses, a bed sheet and towel for each of the 60 families who had had their home destroyed. They describe this as 'a tiny help as the families who were affected by the attack have nothing left with them; no utensils, no beds, nothing else.' They also told of other churches and leaders planning to give help, and of local youth and church workers busy helping the families. They give praise for the love of God which rebuilds, and ask prayer for rebuilding of people's homes, for provision of household material and goods, and that those affected will get every kind of help they need.

Blasphemy laws to be reviewed in Pakistan

The National Council of Churches in Pakistan has welcomed the pledge by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani (left) to review blasphemy laws that have oppressed Christians in the predominantly Muslim nation. The undertaking was made last Thursday as concerns grew about religious harmony in the country following the brutal attacks on a Christian neighbourhood in Gojra city where eight Christians were killed and around 40 homes burned. “A committee comprising constitutional experts, the minister for minorities, the religious affairs minister and other representatives will discuss the laws detrimental to religious harmony to sort out how they could be improved,” Gilani told a gathering in Gojra. Christians have been attacked, pastors and priests arrested, women raped and homes burnt under the pretext of supposed blasphemy. Christian leaders - both Catholic and Protestant - demanded the repeal of the blasphemy law during a rally held in Lahore last week.

Peace building in the Solomon Islands

Last Saturday the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the community of Kolina on South Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands held a unique reconciliation ceremony with an exchange of gifts, public confessions and pleas for forgiveness. This initiative by the Church was to mark an end to years of grievances, mistrust and grudges held by the people of Kolina against the Church. The people of Kolina alleged that the Church was directly involved in the inhuman treatments they suffered during the ethnic tension in 1999-2003. Archbishop David Vunagi said during the ceremony, “We know that peace cannot be attained through arguments and by blaming each other but it can only be attained by our willingness to listen to each other and accept whatever it may cost for the sake of peace. We all know that peace is not cheap.”

Christian villagers killed in Pakistan

Last Saturday, in the village of Koryan, Eastern Pakistan, eight members of a Christian family were burnt to death in an attack by the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi party. A further 18 are reported injured with more than 50 houses set alight. The violence was provoked by an unsubstantiated rumour of the defilement of a Q'uran. Members of the paramilitary group were seen firing weapons indiscriminately and looting the homes in the predominately Christian sector. Pakistan’s Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, has claimed that the rumour of a defiled Q'uran was false and the police ignored an appeal to put a halt to the violence. Three youths from Christian homes were accused last week of burning a Q'uran. Despite the youths protestations to the contrary, clerics called for the three youths to be killed. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is an outlawed Sunni sectarian group believed to have close ties to Al-Queda. The district of Gorja is home to approximately 50,000 Christians.

Ephesian moments for Cape Town

The Lausanne movement have announced that St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians will provide the bed rock of Biblical exposition for their Congrees in Cape Town, South Africa, 16-25 October 2010. This choice is significant after missiologist Andrew Walls focused on Ephesians in his understanding of the Church's breakthrough into cross-cultural mission in ancient times and its realisation of its diversity and cosmic significance today. Lausanne have named their six expositors of Ephesians as Ajith Fernando, Director of Sri Lanka Youth for Christ; Calisto Odede, Associate Pastor of Nairobi Pentecostal Church, Kenya; John Piper , senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis , US; Vaughan Roberts, Rector of St Ebbe’s Church, Oxford , UK; Ruth Padilla DeBorst (above), General Secretary of the Latin American Theological Fellowship (Costa Rica); and Ramez Atallah, Director of the Egyptian Bible Society, and his wife, Rebecca, who has a grassroots ministry among children and Sudanese refugees in the ‘garbage village’ in Cairo.

Execution rumor from North Korea

Rumors of the public execution of a Christian woman for distributing Bibles in North Korea last month have not been confirmed. However this has drawn attention again to the plight of the estimated 30,000 Christians who are believed to practice faith secretly within North Korea today. Glenn Penner of Voice of the Martyrs Canada suggests that “For them to be discovered even owning a Bible, to say nothing of distributing a Bible, would mean probably imprisonment and execution." North Korea has consistently topped the world's human rights watch lists as being the most repressive and closed nation on earth and was recently re-designated by the U.S. State Department as one of eight "Countries of Particular Concern" for their severe religious freedom violations. Worse, earlier reports suggest the government is trying to entrap Christians.

Children's camp closed in Uzbekistan

Whilst many children in Europe and elsewhere enjoy the numerous summer camps arranged by churches and mission movements like Scripture Union, the Baptist Union in Uzbekistan is facing criminal charges for allegedly unlawfully teaching children religion, and misusing their property as a summer camp. Baptist Union Chair Pavel Peichev now faces the possibility of huge fines, the confiscation of property, imprisonment, or some combination of these penalties. Problems began when an unidentified journalist alleged that children were being kept in unsafe conditions and the authorities visited the camp and instituted checks on the tax and other obligatory payments by the Baptist Union. Camp leaders have insisted that all parents have agreed in writing to their children receiving Christian teaching at the camp. Baptist and other religious groups, including Muslims, are under increasing pressure in Uzbekistan. Full story here.

Irish mission leader dies

The death has been announced today of Ian Smith, the Mission Director of CMS Ireland, who has served in mission leadership for almost thirty years. A leading evangelical from the north of England who served until very recently on the General Synod of the Church of England, Ian was the Yorshire representative of CMS for many years before moving to Ireland two years ago. Ian's deep commitment to Christians under pressure in places such as Sudan and Pakistan drew many ordinary Christians into global mission. Ian was an authority on steam locomotives as well as mission, has written books on both subjects and often combined both loves whilst riding the footplate of trains in remote parts of the world. He died after a six months struggle with cancer. Faith2Share has requested prayer for his wife Carol, family, and the mission agency he led, CMS Ireland. The funeral service will be held in Holywood Parish Church, Co. Down, Northern Ireland on Tuesday 4th August at 11:30am and a memorial service will follow later at St Oswald’s Church, Fulford, York, UK.

Islamic militants killed in Nigeria

Religious violence has once again hit Nigeria, this time in Bauchi, the capital city of Bauchi State. Early reports suggest that up to 150 religious fundamentalists were killed after a failed attack on a police station. A group calling themselves Boko Haram ("education is sin"), which has been campaigning for the imposition of Sharia'h law in all 36 states of the Nigerian federation, appear to have sparked off the crisis when its members launched an attack on the police in retaliation for the arrest of one of their members. State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, described the fundamentalists as militants, urging Nigerians to see this as a national issue. The teaching of Boko Haram is rejected by most other Islam groups in Nigeria.

Canadian mission recognised by government

After two years of preparatory work the new Canadian mission movement Mission Together Inc. has now received full registration with the Canadian Federal Government. The vision for the movement began in 2006 whilst Robb Sykes and Canon Kim Beard were visiting Kenya with a short-term mission team and has now grown into plans for a multi-faceted mission agency serving the churches of Canada. The new managing director is Carol Low who has experience as an intercessor and missions mobiliser in local churches. One international partnership agreement, with Hope House in Nairobi, is already in place and mission programmes will begin there shortly. Mission Together Inc. (Canada) is a member of Faith2Share.

Climate change a spiritual imperative

Following the Micah Network Global Consultation on Climate Change in Limuru, Kenya (13-18 July), 152 Christian leaders and development professionals from 38 countries (both North and South) have prepared a declaration to be sent to the UN General Assembly on Climate Change in September. They claim that “Although climate change is affecting us all, it is having the hardest impact in the most vulnerable communities around the world, who have done the least to cause it. It is already responsible for 300,000 deaths a year and affects 300 million people, mainly in the developing world. … As Christian leaders we believe there is a moral, spiritual and economic imperative to tackle climate change.” The full declaration together with a statement on Creation Stewardship is available at Micah Network.

Asian youth unite across political divides

Despite the horrors of the recent civil war in Sri Lanka, continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, attacks on Christians in parts of North India and the restrains of economic recession, Christian young people in south Asia are positive about their future. This is the message coming out of the July meeting of the Core Group of the South Asian Christian Youth Network, a body which brings together young Christians from every country in South Asia. The network coordinator, Kasta Dip, announced that the next full conference for the network will be take place in Nepal during May 2010 under the title "Cross the Bridge". The conference will address such issues as 'justice and dignity', 'harmony in creation', and 'economimic solidarity'.

Belarussian church threatened with closure

Government authorities in Belarus have warned a church in the capital Minsk that it could be closed after a foreign pastor preached at a worship service. Pastor Boris Grisenko (left), a Ukrainian, who preached at the New Testament Pentecostal Church was also fined. Religious communities in Belarus have long complained to of being subjected to surveillance by secret police. Foreigners engaged in religious activity have been a target of state hostility, along with their Belarusian hosts. Catholic priests and nuns have regularly been expelled, but the authorities announced today announced that they had completed the draft text of a Concordat. It is unknown whether this will address violations of freedom of religion or belief.

Death toll rises in post-conflict Sri Lanka

The Tamil news service in Sri Lanka are claiming that about 1,400 people are dying every week at the giant Manik Farm internment camp set up to “detain” Tamil refugees from the nation’s bloody civil war. This shocking death toll lends credence to allegations that the Government, which calls the internment sites “welfare villages”, has actually constructed concentration camps to house 300,000 people. Most of the deaths are the result of water-borne diseases, particularly diarrhoea, a senior relief worker reported.The Manik Farm camp was set up to house mainly Tamil civilians forced to flee the northeast as army forces mounted their final offensive against the Tigers. Aid workers and the British Government have warned that conditions at the site are inadequate.

Prisoners baptised in Nepal

A man who has served 12 years in a Nepali prison for killing a cow was among a group of eleven prisoners baptised in Tansen prison last month. Mission work in the prison was begun by Bishnu Prasad Gyawali, a missionary of the Mission Commission of Nepal. Bishnu ministers in several prisons in western Nepal with the full support of the prison authorities. In Tansen prison there is now a community of 40 prisoners who regularly meet for Christian worship and discipleship. The government of Nepal, under its secular constitution, recognises Christianity as an integral part of society although some Hindu extremists continue to disrupt Christian activities. Nepal is currently experiencing one of the highest rates of church growth in the world.

Radio becomes discipleship tool in India

The Indian Evangelical Mission (IEM), a member movement of Faith2Share, have announced plans to partner with Trans World Radio (TWR) to bring the gospel to remote parts of India. TWR will train IEM missionaries in the skills necessary to produce programmes in the many different languages of the people groups amongst whom they are working. IEM General Secretary, Revd. John Wesley said, “This would definitely help in the Church Planting in the unreached areas. IEM is looking into the possibilities of launching four languages to begin with. Each programme would be 15 minutes duration. God willing we are hoping that this effort would bring many people to the saving knowledge or our Lord.” IEM has a focus on church planting with 550 missionaries working in remote areas in cross cultural situation in 18 states in India. Radio is proving to be an effective tool in Christian discipleship especially where programmes can be offered in ‘mother tongue’ languages.

Patriarch calls for mission focused on Jesus Christ

Patriarch Daniel of Romania (left), a former CMS (Britain) annual preacher, has called European churches back to a missionary vocation focused on the hope we have in Jesus. Delivering the key note address at the Conference of European Churches in Lyon, France, the patriarch asserted that the Christian life is, above all else, “a spiritual struggle, a crucifixion of selfish passions”. Our aim is the victory of humble love over egotism and materialism. Facing “a new reality which brings about new challenges,” the patriarch said, “the churches must find together new solutions for new problems. We will have to become more and more used to religious pluralism, with respect for others yet without falling into doctrinal or moral relativism. But how can we keep our own identity, when everything is changing around us? Only through the cultivation and enrichment of our relationship with Jesus Christ”. Gaining confidence by the grace of God, the churches of Europe will continue to embrace their missionary calling to proclaim the gospel of God’s abiding love for all.

Floods hit northern Ghana

Churches are seeking to respond as flooding in the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions of Ghana killed 32 people and affected 260,000 people according to the Government. In view of the magnitude of floods the Government of Ghana declared a state of emergency in the three inundated regions. The damage caused by the floods includes the collapse of nine bridges and the destruction of water supply systems. Crops and livestock were lost, and schools and roads were destroyed. Access to some areas is a concern, due to damaged roads. There are additional concerns about a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases. Cases of diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera have been reported in the Upper East region.

Europe's churches called to truth, justice and love

During the opening worship of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), meeting in Lyon, France, this week, Archbishop Anastasios of Albania (left) called "Christians to unite as hope cannot thrive if there is division." He said, "Christians dare to hope, even when fear grips our hearts and minds. With the power of the crucified and resurrected Christ, truth, justice and love will prevail and life will triumph over death." The archbishop challenged, especially young Christians, to be "a creative presence in the events of history". Archbishop Anastasios has been an inspiration especially to young Orthodox Christians around the world as he has built up the church in Albania since the collapse of communism. The CEC Assembly, last held in 2003 has 300 delegates from 120 churches across Europe and meets 15-21 July.

Churches bombed in Iraq

A church in western Baghdad was bombed on Saturday 11 July and on Sunday 12 July five further churches in Baghdad were bombed. On Monday 13 July a church in Mosul was also bombed. In the deadliest of these bombings, in Baghdad on Sunday evening, four were confirmed dead including three Christians, although the total may be much higher. There are reports of many injuries, and of damage to the church buildings. Also on Sunday, a senior provincial government official in Kirkuk, a Christian, was shot and killed while driving to work. It is not yet known whether or not his murder was religiously motivated. Christians in Iraq are concerned that this latest upsurge in sectarian violence demonstrates the continuing inability of government and security forces to quell such acts. They are also concerned that the continuing violence will dissuade Iraqi Christians who have relocated elsewhere in the Middle East from returning to Iraq in the near future.

Burundi hosts Francophone bishops

The Anglican Church of the Province of Burundi recently welcomed a group of bishops from French-speaking Provinces to Bujumbura. The Bishops took this opportunity to share fellowship and discuss together their respective mission and ministry objectives within Francophone Africa. During the meetings the Church of Burundi was able to report good progress in theological education and leadership training programmes. Three students, one from each of the dioceses of Buye, Gitega, and Matana, graduated from Matana Institute on the 21st June 2009. They also reported on a programme, funded by CMS Europe in conjunction with CMS Africa, which is now under way to improve health services in Burundi. Visiting bishops were entertained by local dancers (left).

Conversion law review promised in India

Indian church leaders have praised a promise by the new federal government to examine state laws that criminalise conversion or conversion ceremonies unauthorised by the local authorities. ‘The anti-conversion laws curtail the freedom of the common people’ and ‘are often misused’, said Rt Revd Dhirendra Kumar Sahu, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. Church of North India General Secretary Dr Enos Das Pradhan said changing the law would permit ‘people to practise and profess their religion in their own way’. Hindu militant groups have recently alleged that Christians entice Hindus to convert by offering them financial inducements and that health and education programmes are Trojan horses for evangelism.

Coptic Christians attacked in Egypt

Several Christians, including a priest, have been injured in Egypt after Muslims attacked a Christian centre in the city of Ezbet Boshra-East. Father Issac Castor reports that the attack took place last Sunday at 11am, when 25 young Copts travelled from Cairo to visit him. Father Castor told the visitors that only five people should come into his house at a time because the police prohibit any Christian gathering of people at the building. However it appears that as soon as the chosen five entered the building Muslim fanatics arrived, carrying sticks and stones and began assaulting the young Christians. They also broke into several Christian homes in the city. In a similar attack last year Christian farmlands were vandalized, and domestic animals were poisoned by Muslims after a group of Christians conducted services at the Christian centre. Appeals have been made for the release of 19 Christians arrested after last week’s attack.

24/7 Christian programming planned for Arabic audience

Arab Vision have announced that their 24/7 Christian program website will go online by the end of 2009. This will offer a a daily 3-hour block repeated during the day. This will mean that anywhere in the world Arabs will be able to watch Christian television at any time. As well as giving greater exposure to many existing programmes Arab Vision will be commissioning tailor-made programmes with specific style and content for the internet. Over the last five years the number of Arabs with access to the internet has grown exponentially with an estimated 24 million now being 'on line'. Arab Vision is a community of Christians committed to communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Arab world.

Christians bring relief and reconciliation in Sri Lanka

The International Director of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has called on Christians worldwide to help the Sri Lankan church meet the overwhelming humanitarian crisis affecting their country. The aftermath of Sri Lanka’s three decade old armed conflict has displaced more than 300,000 people who are desperately in need of food, medical assistance and other basic needs. “Despite being a small minority, the Christian community is valiantly and sacrificially giving to meet these needs, but urgently requires assistance from their brothers and sisters elsewhere in the world if they are to complete their task”, said Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, of the WEA. The Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka is presently feeding over 10,000 people every day and implementing grassroots reconciliation initiatives, such as the Young Ambassadors programme, to bring communities together after so many years of ethnic conflict. To support the humanitarian relief or the Youth Ambassador programme please visit www.nceasl.org

Ethical Witness - Christians and Muslims issue guidelines

The Christian Muslim Forum of Britain, meeting in London today, have issued a set of guidelines for ethical witness. In their introduction to the guidelines they say, “As members of the Christian Muslim Forum we are deeply committed to our own faiths (Christianity and Islam) and wish to bear faithful witness to them. As Christians and Muslims we are committed to working together for the common good. We recognise that both communities actively invite others to share their faith and acknowledge that all faiths have the same right to share their faith with others. There are diverse attitudes and approaches amongst us which can be controversial and raise questions. This paper is not a theology of Christian evangelism or mission or Da’wah (invitation to Islam), rather it offers guidelines for good practice.” The guidelines as well as links to other similar guidelines can be found at Christian Muslim Forum.

Second church opens in Qatar

Over a thousand Christians witnessed the consecration of Qatar’s second church complex last Thursday at Mesaimeer. The Mar Thomas Church in Doha will host congregations for the Mar Thoma Church of South India, Malabar Orthodox, Syro Malabar, Pentecostal and Evangelical congregations. The complex is spread over 4,800 square metres. The opening of this new complex follows the building of the Gulf state’s first church, St Mary’s Catholic Church, inaugurated in March 2008. The Mar Thoma Church is a denomination based in Kerala, India, which is in communion with the Anglican and Independent Syro-Malabar Churches. The Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, their mission arm, is a member of Faith2Share. Around 150,000 Christians live in Qatar, two thirds of them drawn from the Philippines, India and other Asian countries.

Reconciliation in Zimbabwe

Whilst suffering continues in Zimbabwe, in Bikita the victims and perpetrators of recent political violence have begun a voluntary process of healing and reconciliation. Two chiefs in Bikita have returned property and livestock looted by ZANU PF supporters and overzealous traditional leaders from the Movement for Democratic Change supporters in the presidential runoff last year. They also encouraged peaceful negotiation between complainants and the accused. Chief Budzi of Bikita South admitted that in Zimbabwean culture healing starts with the acceptance of a crime and paying compensation for it so that the victim is able to ‘forgive and forget’. This development is encouraging in that it shows how Zimbabweans themselves are taking the initiative to promote healing and justice.

Migrants add value in Europe

In the week following the attacks on Romanian families living in Belfast the Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe together with the Nova research centre are drawing attention to their major report (published 2008) on migration in Europe and the response of European churches. Just as it was a church in Belfast who offered ‘asylum’ to the Romanians fleeing their homes so, the report points out, it has often been churches across Europe who have offered welcome to the migrants. The report also shows how migrants make a major contribution to local economies and to church life in the communities they seek to join. The report is now available as a free download from Nova Centre.

Hostages killed in Yemen

Christians in Yemen have requested prayer after nine foreign nationals, including three children, were kidnapped last Friday. Three of them, two young German ladies and a lady from South Korea have since been murdered and there are unconfirmed reports that others have now been killed. This latest kidnapping look place in the northern Saada province where there has been unrest for several years. There is speculation that either Houthi rebels or al-Qaeda are responsible for these abductions but so far no agency has claimed responsibility. South Koreans working in the country are concerned that this event may lead to their government banning travel to Yemen as they have already done for Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.

Call to prayer launched for Iran

As the people of Iran respond to the recent election results, some with violence, Iranian Christians living outside the country have called for prayer for their country and for the church within. The four point appeal seeks prayer that (a) the situation will unfold according to God’s plan and purpose for His church and the salvation of the Iranian people; (b) the situation will be resolved without further bloodshed and that violence will be restrained and that God will raise up righteous men to lead the nation; (c) Christians, many of whom are young in the faith, may be wise witnesses in their nation at this time; and (d) the hundreds of thousands Scriptures that have been distributed in Iran in recent years will be read during these days and that the Holy Spirit will speak to many lives.

Azeri New Testament published

After 19 years of dedicated work by a Korean translation team, on 6 June, the Azeri New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs were published in Arabic script by Elam ministries. A first draft was published in 2003 and distributed to the 20 million Azeri speakers of southern Azerbaijan, and Iran, on audio tape and via the internet. Korean translators Feri, Noah and others have been working on this project with SIL. The completion of this translation project is seen as having deep significance for the Korean church who received their first Christian scriptures from the scottish translator John Ross 120 years ago. The Korean church is now working on translations in 11 other languages with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Face to Faith project launched

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair (left) this week launched a new global education programme designed to put children from different faiths in contact with each other to build understanding between different communities. Mr Blair said he believed religious differences played a part in many international conflicts and added, ‘So to get young people at an early age to be comfortable with people of a different faith is extremely important.’ The Face to Faith project will encourage video conferencing and meetings between children of different faiths and nationalities. The launch was marked by an international video link-up between pupils from Bolton (UK), Delhi (India) and Bethlehem (Palestine/Israel).

Priests denied freedom in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Army has rejected a request by the Roman Catholic bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Thomas Saundaranayagam, to release the six priests from Vanni held in one of their detention centres in Vavuniyaa as they are suffering ill health. Frs. Francis Gnanarasa Cruz, Edward Selvarajah Mariyarasa, Alfred Vijayakamalan, Anthonipillai Anton Amalraj, Anton Seevan and Edmond Reginald are in poor health due to a lack of basic facilities and medical treatment. The priests, who remained in Puthumaaththa’lan in Vanni with the people until the last, have expressed their desire to remain with the rest of the Vanni civilians despite their hardships. It is also reported that 57,293 children are still being held in Vavuniyaa SLA internment camps, 1,034 of whom are orphans or separated from their parents.

Iranians pray for country's election

As Iran goes to the polls tomorrow (12 June), Iranian Christians, both inside the country and around the world, are committed to praying for the future of their nation. Within the country there is growing concern about a rapidly deepening economic crisis and political isolation. President Ahmadinejad (left) is, however, still championed by conservatives for his religious fervor and strong leadership. Christians within Iran pay a high price for their decision to follow Jesus within an Islam state, often facing imprisonment for apostsasy, but they are committed to seeing freedom regained and a just society established. Quietly many of them are providing leadership for a growing number of younger Iranians who are disillusioned with their government. As the election approaches it seems likely that the president will be re-elected but persecuted Christians are maintaining a vigil of prayer and hope for a better future within Iran.

Sri Lanka Relief Fund launched

Faith2Share member agency CMS has launched an appeal to aid its partner churches in Sri Lanka as they seek to minister to those suffering the aftermarth of many years of civil war and especially the most recent hostilities in the north of the Island. The Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo, has called for “prayerful, purposeful and collective steps towards an integrated, united, and just Sri Lanka that has eluded us for decades. We must become a nation in which every woman, man and child, regardless of religion or ethnicity, is made to feel equal, free and proud to call themselves Sri Lankan". To donate to this fund for reconciliation and healing click here. The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka have also launched an appeal which can be downloaded here.

African Evangelicals appoint new leader

The Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) has appointed Aiah Forday-Khabenje as its next General Secretary. Aiah Forday-Khabenje, from Sierra Leonel, has served the last ten years as General Secretary, and Director of the Vocational Training Institute, for the Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone (EFSL). He holds an MA in Christian Studies and an MBA in Human Resource Management. In welcoming this appointment, AEA President, Rev Ndaba Mazabane said, “The appointment of our brother Aiah comes at a critical, but also at the right time in the history of our movement. The last two years have been challenging and stretching to the staff and the whole organisation.” Mr. Forday-Khabenje said, “I look forward to serving the Evangelical family in Africa. I join AEA at the time when recession is gripping the globe and affecting all of us. I am deeply conscious that I cannot do this work alone; I therefore turn to God for help and to you for support and encouragement."

Advocacy for the people of Sri Lanka

A major Christian NGO, Tearfund, has launched an advocacy campaign for the people of Sri Lanka following the end of hostilities in May and the devastation of civilian communities. Tearfund are asking Christians to write to the representative of the Sri Lankan government in their own country asking them to encourage the government to allow Tamils to return to their home areas, create dialogue with all minorities to get to the root cause of the conflict, and release the medical personnel that have been detained by the government. To find out more or join the campaign go to Sri Lanka Advocacy Campaign.

More children at risk

Many churches around the world will focus on children at risk this coming weekend. Viva has facilitated the World Weekend of Prayer for children at risk since 1995. This year, through a partnership with many prayer ministries and networks, millions of people will join together to pray for and with vulnerable children. With conflicts in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Sudan, and with the economic recession pushing many more families into severe poverty in a wide range of countries many more children have been put at risk this year. Even the UK was identified recently as having the most unhappy children in Europe with increasing numbers at risk of violence and abuse. Resources to enable churches to participate in this weekend are available at Viva.

British Muslims resist extremists

Britain’s Muslim community turned on extremists in their midst last week, telling them they were 'sick and tired' of their behaviour. The angry confrontation came after Friday morning prayers in Luton, Bedfordshire. As the radical Muslims began to set up their stall, they were surrounded by a crowd shouting 'we don't want you here' and 'move on, move on'. Farasat Latif, of the Islamic Centre in Luton said moderate members of his community took action because police had failed to move the group on. He said the extremists, who follow the militant group led by Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammed, had fuelled feelings against the Muslim community. This action reflects a growing debate within the British Muslim community about the role of extremists and the need for Muslims to play a full and responsible part in British society.

Rwandan Christians serve their communities

Churches have started mobilizing their congregations in Kigali, Rwanda, to improve public areas and take part in social action projects around the town. This Season of Service (SOS) campaign began on 17 April and will lead up to the Kigali Festival in July. The first project was a new water catchments system at a school in the city to provide clean water to 2,200 students and Genocide Survivors around the city. The main speaker at the festival, Andrew Palau, said, "SOS is an effort to tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ and open relationships for the sake of the Good News." The Kigali Festival has received the full support of President Paul Kagame, and Kigali's Mayor. It will bring together over 350 churches to promote sustainable ministries across the city and transform the nation 15 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi.

North Koreans pray against nuclear tests

Christians in North Korea has launched a prayer campaign for evangelisation in the country in response to the government’s recent missile testing and threat to attack its southern counterpart, South Korea. “Christians in North Korea are suffering terribly for their faith,” says Carl Moeller of Open Doors, “of the estimated 200,000 in political prison camps, an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 are Christians. Now with the firing of several missiles and the ongoing war footing, the scrutiny of believers has increased.” Dictator Kim Jong-Il is said to be greatly afraid of the expansion of Christianity in North Korea. He is reported as attributing the fall of communism in Eastern Europe to the expansion of Christianity and fears he will be toppled if the religion grows in his country. North Korean pastors working in secret hope their prayers will be joined by prayers from Christians around the world.

Global first - Every nation to join in prayer

For the first time ever, it was announced today, every nation on earth (220 of them) will participate in the Global Day of Prayer on Sunday 31 May. Christians on Taveuni Island Fiji (left), which is on the International Dateline, will begin the day. For the past three years, Taveuni has served to lead all the nations before God's throne as the islanders greet the first rays of dawn. In the South of Sudan about ten cities have planned prayer events. In the war ravaged provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo they are receiving reports from many villages and towns who will be participating. Around the world in churches and prisons, on football pitches and in parks, Pentecostal women, Orthodox monks, Lutheran children, and many more will pray for the nations of our world.

Twittering Gospel

Internet evangelism has been hotly debated in a number of forums recently. Moving on from outreach websites and gospel chat rooms, Germans are being encouraged to ‘tweet’ the Bible. Between 20th and 31st May, via the internet social networking and micro-blogging site Twitter, organisers aim to tweet the whole Bible in 14 character sound bites. Christians attending Kirchentag, the biannual German Protestant Convention, have been invited to register on the new Protestant web portal www.evangelisch.de, and tweet their favourite bible verse. Critics question the value of ‘sound bite’ preaching across the internet whilst others are enthusiastic about the new opportunities this might open up to discuss the message of the whole Bible.

Church bombed in Nepal

A Catholic church in the Latitpur district of Kathmandu was bombed on Saturday (24 May) during the liturgy. Two people, including a young girl, were killed and 17 others were injured – three critically. So far no one has claimed responsibility for these attacks. Stephen, a CMS worker in Nepal, reports that these attacks must be seen against a “background of political uncertainty and in face of increasing concerns raised by some groups about the growing numbers of Christians in Nepal especially around Kathmandu and adjoining areas. A lot of media coverage was given to these concerns especially around Easter this year when thousands of Christians congregated in the middle of Kathmandu to mark the day.” Last week Madhav Nepal from a minority leftist party was elected as prime minister, but his ability to lead a parliament where the Maoists are the largest party is very problematic.

Ralph Winter, champion of the 'unreached', dies

Ralph Winter (left), one of the giants of mission mobilization and mission studies, died peacefully at home with his family last night. In 1974 Ralph launched a new era in world mission with his impassioned call to serve the world’s “unreached peoples”. Working through the William Carey International University and the U.S. Center for World Mission, which he founded, he has produced a new generation of Christian missioners, both cross-cultural and indigenous, with a passion to see all peoples of every nation, tribe and religion worshipping Jesus as Lord. A civil engineer and linguist by background Ralph studied social anthropology and served as a Presbyterian minister before becoming a world leader in missions. His US-based Frontier Mission Fellowship has always been interested in the cutting-edge of mission, feeding the thinking of others through the regular publication Mission Frontiers.

Integration is essential in Sri Lanka says bishop.

As hostilities end in Sri Lanka the Bishop of Colombo, Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera (left), has issued a statement challenging his nation to work hard for integration. He says, “Now is the time, if we will recognize it, to take prayerful, purposeful and collective steps towards an integrated, united and just Sri Lanka that has eluded us for decades. We must become a nation in which every woman, man and child, regardless of religion or ethnicity, is made to feel equal, free and proud to call themselves Sri Lankan. For this to happen we will be required to address the grievances of all communities, eliminate social fear and suspicion, restore the people’s confidence in law and order and good governance, and respond to the current economic challenges with immediate attention to the needs of the poorest, the displaced, the helpless and the harassed amongst us.” Full statement available here.

Only 7 countries not registered for Global Day of Prayer

As of today 213 of the world’s 220 nations have registered to participate in the Global Day of Prayer on Sunday 31 May. Those nations not yet registered are Andorra, San Marino, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, and Virgin Islands of the USA. This event which began in one city in South Africa has swept the world in less than a decade. In March of 2001 45,000 Christians united for a Day of Repentance and Prayer at Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town and by 2009 millions of Christians from 213 nations are uniting in prayer, believing that all the nations on the face of the earth will be saturated with life-transforming prayer within the next few years. It is still not to late to participate. Prayer resources are available from Global Day of Prayer.

African Church leader condemns 'negotiated democracy'

“As churches we acknowledge that we have often failed to speak with one voice for human rights and dignity in Africa," said the Rev. Andre Karamaga (left), the General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) in a statement delivered to a meeting of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights this week. The leader of the largest association of African churches cited a resurgence of coups in Africa and "negotiated democracy" which he said is a response to immediate political needs, but that distances governments from the accountability to citizens, thereby risking corruption and impunity. "It must never be allowed to replace established electoral democracy," he said. The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights is meeting in Banjul Gambia 13-27 May.

Displaced Christian families cared for in Pakistan

Pakistani mission leader Tahir Salim reports that “750 people from our churches fled from Swat, Dir and Buner along with more than two million people in order to take refuge in Mardan since May 7, 2009 to date.” He goes on to report that the heavy weaponry used by Taliban and government forces has hit civilians. People are fleeing without taking anything with them and even loosing their children, and relatives. Refugees are arriving in cities like Mardan, with empty hands and in miserable conditions, facing hunger and disease. Women and children are the most vulnerable in this situation. At Mardan the Diocese of Peshawar has established a camp (left) ready to receive 150 Christian families at their Christian Vocational Training Centre – 35 families are already being cared for. The diocese is also ready to care for another 100 displaced familes in the Peshawar Mission Hospital.

More conflict in Sudan

Whilst the world’s eyes have been on fighting in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, renewed inter-ethnic conflict in Southern Sudan's Upper Nile State has created a flood of internal refugees with at least 1,000 already on the outskirts of Nasir town. Reports from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) say that the fighting in Jikmir Payam, Nasir County involved the Lou-Nuer and Jikany-Nuer communities. It is believed that 66 people died, some of them as they tried to escape across a river. In recent days forces from the Sudan People's Liberation Army have been sent to Upper Nile as well as Central Equatoria and Jonglei to quell rising inter-ethnic violence. A government official reported that a reconciliation meeting is being organised in Unity State this week to bring together about 1,000 chiefs from communities affected by recent violence.

Pakistan faces half a million internal refugees

Pakistan is now engaged in a violent war against the Taliban. A short break in the violence last weekend saw hundreds of people loading their families and possessions onto anything that moved in order to leave the Swat valley. Government and UN sources are now predicting the need to care for up to 500,000 internal refugees, the largest displacement crisis in Pakistan's history. Jacob Kramer of Christian Reformed World Relief Committee has reported, "These camps are now full. New places will have to be made in order to help them and have an opportunity to distribute the most essential things to maintain life." Camp residents are already facing inadequate sanitation facilities, a lack of electricity, diseases and scarce medical help. CRWRC are just one of many relief agencies now deploying in Pakistan.

**Global Teams joins Faith2Share network**

The 18th mission agency to join the Faith2Share network has a particular expertise in mobilising local Christians, often from struggling churches, to join cross-cultural mission teams. Global Teams, based in the US, has over 150 mission workers in 17 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. They describe their mission as "GLOBAL TEAMS equips and sends teams of missionaries from many nations to multiply disciples of Jesus within the cultures least aware of the Gospel." Leaving behind some of the old models of mission Global Teams is pioneering a new way of mobilising Christians from every culture to work together in mission and see whole societies transformed.

Right to convert case to be heard in Egypt

Muslims who come to a faith in Jesus and wish to follow him continue to face many legal and social problems in Egypt. Several cases are currently before the courts but one of these is being seen as highly significant. A Muslim background followed of Jesus, Maher, is trying to change his official religious registration from Islam to Christianity. If successful, both Maher and his daughter would secure the right to be identified as Christians, one implication of which would be that his daughter would be free to marry a Christian. It is hoped that such a precedent might lead to other followers of Jesus securing the same right. Maher's hearing was due on 2 May but was been adjourned until 13 June.

Chaplain has Bibles destroyed

A chaplain in the US Army serving in Afghanistan recently took responsibility for collecting and destroying Bibles which had been sent to a soldier by his church. An army official explained that the Bibles in two Afghan languages, Pashyo and Dari, were destroyed to prevent them being used by soldiers in evangelising local people. All soldiers are forbidden, under US Central Command’s General Order Number One, from trying to convert people to another religion while they are on active duty. The action was taken after the Al Jazeera TV channel showed footage of the Bibles in a room where solders were having a Bible study. In Afghanistan, despite the fall of the Taliban, seeking to convert Muslims to another religion is still a crime. Several Christian organisations working in the country have expressed concern about ‘inappropriate’ activity by individual Christians with inadequate understanding of this complex inter-faith context.

Anglicans join Obama in call for Palestinian state

As the Pope visits Jordan, the leaders of the Anglican Communion, meeting this week in Jamaica, have agreed a strong statement on the conflict in Israel Palestine. The resolution passed by the Anglican Consultative Council yesterday “expresses its deep concern about recent and continuing events in Gaza” and “laments the fact that current Israeli policies in relation to the West Bank, in contravention of UN Security Council resolutions, have created severe hardship for many Palestinians and have been experienced as a physical form of apartheid.” The resolution later “applauds President Barack Obama for his commitment to work for a just peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, and calls on him and all governments of the Middle East to work in co-operation with the United Nations for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel as defined by UN Security Council Resolutions.” A full text is available here.

Bishop of Columbo appeals for peace in Sri Lanka

Whilst fighting continues in northern Sri Lanka, the bishop of Columbo, Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera, has issued a statement addressed to the President. After appealing for peace he writes, “If a lasting solution to our larger and more tragic conflict is ever to be reached we need to engage in two more crucial shifts. The first is to overcome the tendency to see ghosts of the LTTE in every Tamil. If not, an entire community will be held under surveillance for the rest of their lives, some of whom will inevitably be driven into the arms of the next Tamil militant resurgence. The second is the need for a just and speedy political response to the grievances of the Tamil people. These grievances must be heard and can best be articulated by a cross-section of independent Tamil leadership.” The full statement is available here.

New generation of mission aircraft launched

A New era in missionary aviation was launched last week when Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) dedicated its first Kodiak aircraft (left). "Today's events celebrate a technological achievement that will allow MAF to be more effective stewards of the resources God has given us," said John Boyd, president of MAF. "But this new Kodiak is more than an example of leading-edge technology. It is an example of what God's people can do when they pursue God's will in God's way. The unprecedented cooperation between missionary organisations that made this day possible is a model for 21st century missionary efforts." MAF’s first Kodiak will be deployed in Indonesia.

Ceasefire rejected by Colombo

Fighting continues in northern Sri Lanka as government forces seek to “wipe out” the remaining Tamil forces who have consistently offered a ceasefire. Tens of thousands of civilians continue to be caught up in the conflict with very little in the way of food and grossly inadequate medical supplies. A delegation of British MPs visiting last week included the former defense minister Des Brown, whose appointment as special envoy to Sri Lanka was rejected in February by Colombo. The British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, said during the visit that there was a "desperate need" for combat to stop in order to preserve civilian lives. Relief agencies have continued to face many practical problems in getting aid into the area without a ceasefire. Churches around the world have appealed for prayer and practical action to end this 25 year-old war immediately.

Ghanian prisoner released in Libya

Mission organizations are being encouraged to think more carefully about the consequences of their actions as a Ghanaian Christian was last week released from prison in Libya. Daniel Baidoo was sentenced to 25 years in prison after writing to a mission organisation requesting Christian literature. He wrote in English but was sent materials in Arabic (which he could not read!). When he went to the Post Office to collect the materials he was arrested for importing evangelistic materials into Libya and imprisoned in the notorious Jedidah Prison. He was released on April 29, after eight years in prison, following a clemency plea by the Vice President of Ghana to the Libyan leader. He left for Ghana the following day. Missions working in similar countries are reassessing how they respond to such requests for Christian materials.

Church seeks to aid flood victims in Burundi

Heavy flooding after weeks of torrential rain has brought further suffering to displaced communities in and around Bujumbura, Burundi. The camps, mainly populated by returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), have had many of their mud houses swept away with owners left to sleep in the open or in community facilities. The lack of sanitation (two pit latrines for 3,000 people) is leading to a rise in waterborne disease and malaria. Government agentcies are supplying food and the Evangelist Church in Buyenzi suburb, east of Bujumbura, has been providing drinking water and porridge. Fredianne Batururimi, a mother of three, said: "We fear for our children, they are at risk from the cold weather. I gave birth to my daughter on 18 April. I had nothing for her, no clothes. I cannot even find a place to rest and I am still tired from the delivery."

Sri Lanka waits for peace

President of the Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA), Dr. Richard Howell, has welcomed the Sri Lankan Government’s decision to stop combat operations in the north of the island. Although hostilities continue, a statement released by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday said that combat operations had finished and security forces had been instructed to end the use of heavy calibre guns, combat aircraft and aerial fire. It continued, "Our security forces will confine their attempts to rescuing civilians who are held hostage and give foremost priority to saving the civilians." Government military success against the Tamil ‘Tigers’ has come at a huge cost to civilians. The UN estimates that as many as 6,500 non-combatants may have been killed and another 14,000 wounded in the fighting this year alone. The AEA urges support for humanitarian efforts to guarantee food and medical care for civilian populations, as well as support for provision of comprehensive services wherever civilians are located.

African Anglicans elect two new Archbishops

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has elected the Rt Rev Eliud Wabukala (left) as the new Archbishop of the second largest Christian denomination in Kenya. The Bishop of Bungoma Diocese will replace the Most Rev Benjamin Nzimbi who retires in June. Dr Eliud Wabukala has been bishop of Bungoma, in Western Kenya since 1996 and has served the Diocese for 13 years. Following his election he called for unity and reconciliation in Kenya, currently torn apart by ethnicity and political wrangling in the grand-coalition government headed by President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In DR Congo the Anglican Church has elected as its new Archbishop the Rt. Rev. Henri Kahwa Isingoma, Bishop of Boga, to succeed the Most Rev. Fidèle Dirokpa. Bishop Isingoma has been Bishop of Boga since April 2007. He previously served as Bishop of Katanga. Both Archbishops face the challenging needs for reconciliation within their churches, nations and within the wider Anglican Communion.

Korean-Americans take a lead in Mission

Korean-Americans are the second largest ethnic group, after Caucasian Americans, being sent out by the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, according to their latest report. About 1,200 people attended a t Korean Baptist Missions Conference in Texas, April 21-23. More than 300 Korean-Americans have been appointed since the partnership with IMB began and another 800 are in contact regarding future service. Jerry Rankin, President of IMB reported, "They caught the vision for people group strategy by giving priority to the unevangelized rather than just starting Korean churches.” More than 130 people responded during the conference expressing a desire to pursue missionary service. Jeff Iorg, president of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, challenged the conference audience to depend wholly upon the Holy Spirit's empowering to grow biblical churches. "We are often more willing to trust in strategies and programs, money and power than the Spirit's power," Iorg said. "Trusting in resources is false power."

Pioneer in Community Health dies

It has just been announced that the Rev Dr Pat Nickson OBE (left), a pioneer of community health in Africa and adviser to the World Health Organisation (WHO), has died. Pat had been a mission partner of CMS for many years serving in Northern Australia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and DR Congo. Most recently she served as Director of the Pan-African Institute of Community Health (IPASC) which she founded in DR Congo in 1990. After her later ordination in DR Congo, where she and Joyce Muhind were the first women ordained into that Anglican province, Pat returned to the UK and served in parish ministry at St. Mary's Upton on Merseyside, whilst teaching at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and retaining an involvement with IPASC. Pat, who was called upon to advise the WHO in Asia and Eastern Europe as well as across Africa, was a leader in her field, an inspiration to many and loved by all those she worked with. Pat, who died after a struggle with cancer, will be mourned in Africa, the UK and by her family in Australia.

Archbishop may head Kenyan reconciliation commission

Following the post-election violence in Kenya early last year, the country’s proposed Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) may be led by retiring Anglican archbishop, Benjamin Nzimbi (left). Archbishop Nzimbi tops the list which includes a retired Presbyerian minister, Timothy Nioya, but surprisingly no Roman Catholic leaders. Besides the recognised peace negotiator Bethwel Kiplagat, the nominees are largely unknown figures. Kenya's largest independent newspaper, The Daily Nation, has raised the issue of credibility of the person who will preside over the truth commission, commenting that he or she should have the moral stature of South African Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The TJRC will be charged with an examination of human rights abuses between independence in 1963 and February 2008 when the post-election violence ended.

Church Army Africa launches Vision 2015

Church Army Africa has set itself challenging mission targets for the next few years. In Kenya alone Vision 2015 will seek to establish 1500 congegations as holistic churches, see 20,000 new jobs created, 500 chaplains trained and 250,000 orphaned children fostered. The programme will then spread to other countries in Africa. At the launch of Vision 2015 for Kenya in March, General Secretary, Richard Mayabi, expressed his conviction that the church is God's primary vehicle for positive social transformation and as such should play a central role in achieving social change in Africa in areas such as those outlined in the UN Millenium Development Goals. More news from Church Army Africa here.

Vietnam authorities allow major Easter celebration

More than 15,000 people gathered at Tao Dan Stadium in Vietnam this week to celebrate Easter together. It was a real answer to prayer that, just three hours before the event started, the authorities gave permission to unregistered house church groups to hold such a large gathering for worship, evangelism, and as a witness to Christian unity. Unregistered groups holding an event that includes worship and evangelism outside a church building violates Vietnam’s restrictive religion laws. The only other such event granted to unregistered groups was an open-air meeting during Christmas of 2007 sponsored by the Vietnam Evangelical Fellowship. During this week’s celebration 1,200 individuals indicated their desire to become disciples of Jesus Christ. House churches in Vietnam have often been divided and “while there is still a long way to go for Vietnamese Christian groups in practicing collaboration and partnership,” said one of the organisers, “this Easter celebration is seen as a significant step forward.”

Four injured as church is attacked in Pakistan

Four people are in a critical condition with gun shot wounds after a gun fight broke out in Surjani Town, north of Karachi, Pakistan. It appears that unidentified persons scribbled the pro-Taliban slogan “Taliban Zindabad” on the wall of a church and when church workers came to clean off the graffiti they were attached by a group armed with a Kalashnikov, pistols and petrol bombs. Police and rangers intervened but in the gun battle that followed houses and stalls were damaged and four people, including a woman and a child, were seriously injured. The Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) has today condemned this armed attack on a Christian settlement and spoke of the violent episode as yet more evidence of “the threat of Talbanisation swiftly creeping into major urban centres of the country.” The MQM leader, Altaf Hussain, (above) urged the interior adviser to take preventive measures on an emergency basis to ensure the safety and security of minorities including the Christian community.

Church burnt in Nuba mountains, Sudan

News has just reached us from Chat, Sudan, that on 24th March a mob surrounded a church building in the city during a service and set it ablaze, forcing the worshippers to flee. The thatched structure accommodated 500 worshippers and was used by two different churches, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the Sudanese Church of Christ. Services are now being held in the open air. Chat is in the Nuba mountains region of Sudan, part of the area disputed between northern and southern Sudan. Long-standing tensions in the area have increased since the International Criminal Court issued its indictment against Sudanese President Bashir in March. This arson attack reflects these increased tensions. (News from Middle East Concern)

Korean Anglicans gear up for international mission

Simon Na, Asia CMS representative in Seoul, Korea, reports on significant developments within the Anglican Church of Korea, taken on 17 April. Under the leadership of Bishop Paul Kim (left) the church has established a new body for Mission Abroad. At its first meeting this body adopted concrete plans for mission work in Myanmar, Philippines and Vietnam. The Executive Committee tasked with taking forward this work is led by Abraham Kim (Provincial Secretary), and includes Amos Kim, Joseph Choi and Simon Na of Asia CMS. Of particular interest is the support planned for Christians from the Philippines who have worked in Korea and then return to rural areas in the Philippines. A vocational training centre is also planned for Vietnam.

Young Christians have hope for Europe

More than 3,000 young people from 40 European nations met in Germany last week to explore ways to bring new life to the continent. Faith2Share was represented by staff from CMS. Mission-Net Congress director Andy Juliff said that after more than two years of preparation he was extremely encouraged by the response of young European Christians to the challenge of reaching people for Christ. Speakers included Brother Andrew (“Dod’s smuggler”), George Verwer (founder of Operation Mobilisation) and Peter Kuzmic (missiologist from Slovenia). Participants were particularly conscious of the challenges in reaching out to the Muslim population of Europe. A key response to the challenges placed before these young European Christians was that of Christian Hope. Europe has a future and Christian faith has a significant part to play in that future.

Easter pilgrims bombed in Sri Lanka

As the Sri Lankan civil war seems to be edging towards its final stages the Tamil Tigers are restricted to a 20 sq km (12.4 sq miles) coastal patch designated a "safe zone" for civilians. The United Nations says 100,000 Tamil civilians are trapped inside this pocket with little food and no real medical supplies. Many now fear that if defeated in Jafna the Tamil Tigers will become a serious threat throught the island engaging in suicide bombings. Just this week a bus carrying Easter pilgrims was bombed because five Sri Lanka Army Soldiers were also travelling on board. Eight of the civilians died and 28 were injured.

Independence Day in Zimbabwe

On Saturday 19 April Zimbabwe marks 29 years of independence. The people will not be celebrating, having been through what many have descibed as the hardest year in living memory. There is a glimmer of hope following the appointment of the inclusive government. Apart from that and the fact that basic commodities are now available in most shops, nothing esle has changed in Zimbabwe. Farms are still being invaded, political prisoners and abdcutees are still incarcerated, the health sector is still in collapse, people are still going hungry as they cannot afford the food sold in American Dollars and South African Rands. There have been fairly good rains and in some areas there might be adequate food supplies. But because of gross mismanagement of the agricultural sector and the farm invasions most land lies derelict.

Rwandan genoside orphans in successful business

Fifteen years after the Rwandan genocide left behind a generation without parents a unique Business as Mission company, Cards from Africa, is commemorating the anniversary by celebrating the lives of orphaned young people transformed through a combination of work and discipleship. “Our goal is to help Rwanda address the significant challenges facing its orphaned population,” says Cards from Africa founder Chris Page. “If we can empower the eldest siblings and keep the younger ones in school, then these families can break the cycle of poverty in this generation.” Over 150 orphaned young people have worked at Cards from Africa since its inception. The company was 2006 Runner-Up in the BBC/Newsweek World Challenge, which funds innovative enterprises that benefit their communities, as well as Winner of the Urbana 06 Open for Business Plan Competition, which funded the most promising holistic Christian businesses. (Story from BAM network)

Russian Orthodox mission buses in London

fter a mission boat sailing on the Volga river and a mission train which toured Russian cities, the Orthodox community in London have now sponsored 25 iconic 'red buses' to carry the message "There IS God, Believe! Don't worry and enjoy life." The advertising campaign is a direct response to the British Humanist Association, who in January this year paid for London buses to carry the message, "There is probably no God, now stop worrying and enjoy life". Having blessed the 'Orthodox buses', Bishop Elisey, head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Britain, commented, "We remember very well the times when atheism in the Soviet Union was compulsory, when anti-God ideology was imposed on people and led to the repression and deaths of thousands of clergymen and laity".

Kenyans helped to recover from violence

In the aftermarth of the post-election violence in Kenya last year, CMS Africa have been helping 330 of the most needy who lost businesses, homes and everything except the clothes they were wearing. Through training, small grants and a revolving loan fund, many are now reestablished in small businesses and enabled to make a contributio to society. Joan Akinyi (left) was one of those helped. In the violence her home and small vegetable stall were destroyed and looted. Having now completed an apprenticeship in tailoring she has purchased a sewing machine with the help of a loan and is able to support herself from her own earnings. Daniel Kamau of CMS Africa says they aim to help the most needy "regardless of their ethnic or political affliliations."

Sri Lanka needs religious liberty and peace

The Toronto Statement issued this week by a global network of religious liberties groups has called for a campaign of prayer for Sri Lanka. The statement from the Religious Liberty Partnership (RLP) acknowledges some positive elements within Sri Lanka, including the role that the church is playing, but expresses deep concern about the ways in which humanitarian efforts are currently being handled. In addition, the Statement calls on the worldwide church to pray for work being done to ensure the religious rights of all Sri Lankans, and to support efforts to end hostilities and seek an enduring peace. “This is yet another example of the Christian family worldwide standing together and calling its members to pray into a complex, but very serious political situation,” said Mervyn Thomas, Chairman of the Religious Liberty Partnership. The full text of the Toronto Statement is available here.

Printing books lands Chinese Christian in prison

The Chinese House Church leader, Shi Weihan (left), who has been in prison since March 19, 2008 for printing and distributing Christian books and Bibles without government permission, will stand trial at the People's Court of Haidan District, Beijing on 9 April. Reporting on this case, ChinaAid says: "Over the past months, several scheduled court appearances have been postponed. Shi Weihan's official charge is for 'illegal business practices,' however, a judge has held that there is not sufficient evidence to convict him on this charge. Nevertheless, police have continued to hold Shi Weihan in order to collect additional evidence to gain a conviction." Shi's character and good influence on the other prisoners has apparently been noted by prison officials, and he has reportedly had some favour shown him although the conditions have been difficult and his health has suffered.

Education for Slum dwellers in Nepal

Hundreds of Dalit families are living below the poverty line in Nepal's fast growing capital city, Katmandu. Many of the urban poor are 'hidden', living in rented accommodation and small pockets of sqatter or slum settlements spread over the city. Aware of this deprivation on their doorstep, the Mission Commission of Nepal have begun a holistic ministry offering education, and a demonstration of the love of Christ, to children in these areas. Beginning in a hazardous area on the banks of the Bagmati river, they offer 3 hours of non-formal education to these children each day. The new centre was inaugurated on 27 March with Revd. Dr. Narayan Maharjan, General Secretary of the National Churches Fellowship of Nepal as chief guest.

G20 pledges some help for poorest countries

Most of the action coming out of the G20 summit last week was aimed at helping the world's industrialised countries survive the current economic collapse but we should not miss the help also promised to the world's poorest. From the trillion and more US$ released into the global market $50 billion will go to the world's poorest countries. This is likely to be more than offset by their loss of trade as richer countries protect their internal markets but at least it is better than nothing. A renewed committment to the Millennium Development Goals was also promised and a crackdown on tax havens should make life more difficult for corrupt leaders to hide their illegal gains. Several Christian groups have now pledged to keep G20 leaders to their promises for the poor.

New General Secretary for New Zealand CMS

The Church Mission Society of New Zealand (NZCMS) now has a Kenyan Christian leader as its new General Secretary. On Saturday 21 March Rev. Steve Maina (pictured here with his wife Mary) was commissioned by Bishop Victoria Matthews of Christchurch, New Zealand as NZCMS General Secretary in succession to Revd. Tony Andrews. Steve Maina moves from one post to another within Faith2Share as he was previously General Secretary of Church Army Africa, which has trained and deployed over 500 evangelists and missionaries in Eastern and Central Africa. A gifted speaker and teacher, Steve has contributed to international conferences and forums in a number of countries, and was the keynote speaker at NZCMS Conferences in 2006.

Continental power games or God's mission?

As mission statisticians predict the ascendency of African Christianity, an African mission leader has warned against ‘continental power games’. In the Mission Together Africa newsletter, Duncan Olumbe writes, “Is God really interested in the power-games of which continent is in the driving seat of global mission? How do we reconcile the huge disparities between what the Church in Africa claims to be and what it really is? How does one explain why highly "Christianized" sub-Saharan Africa is simultaneously a melting pot of wars, poverty, corruption, genocide, etc? What do we in Africa have to show for almost two centuries of mission? What are the implications of issues for mission in and from Africa? … Our mission has to move away from current mission models' unbridled pursuit and preoccupation with power, control, numbers and success, towards Missio-Dei (God's mission)”

G20 to be backed by prayer

Micah Challenge, the global alliance of Christians working for a world of justice, has announced a major prayer initiate to encourage Christians around the world to pray for the leaders who will be meeting in London as from Thursday for the G20 meeting in the midst of economic crisis. You can access a prayer guide here.

Asian Outreach International joins Faith2Share

The latest addition to the Faith2Share network of mission agencies is a major mission movement based in Hong Kong and working across Asia. For over 40 years Asian Outreach has been committed to "winning Asians for Christ, and seeing Asians win for Christ". They work through strategic partnerships with local churches, indigenous community initiatives and evangelistic groups. Asian Outreach has more than 50 projects and ministries in over 26 countries. From cutting edge church planting and leadership training to community development and health projects, Asian Outreach is helping to define the future of Asia through Christ. We welcome them and their President, Francis Tsui, to Faith2Share.

Faith out of conflict

Meshak Okum, of the Centre for Urban Mission, in Nairobi, Kenya reports, "My former student is now a freeman! After the post-election crisis in Kenya, Anthony was falsely accused and taken to court for sharing the love of God with his neighbours". Meshak is happy to report that God used this tragic situation to bring even more people into His Kingdom. The Centre for Urban Mission is part of the work of Church Army Africa. It seeks to take the context of Nairobi's informal settlements seriously in its approach to training local leaders who will both learn from and respond to the challenges of the 'slums'.

Bishop for persecuted Christians

The bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir Ali, a former General Secretary of the Church Mission Society (CMS) and one of the most outspoken figures in the Church of England, has announced that he will set up an organisation to champion the rights of victimised Christian communities around the world. Bishop Michael, who announced his resignation from the Diocese of Rochester, UK, on Saturday, said in an official statement that he was planning to work with church leaders in areas where the church is "under pressure, particularly in minority situations" and that he had been asked to help with education and training relevant to Christians living under those conditions. Last year there was some speculation that Bishop Michael, originally from Pakistan, might fulfil some leadership role within GAFCON but this now seems less likely.

Churches in Zimbabwe distribute more food

Larger consignments of emergency food aid are now being distributed to impoverished communities inside Zimbabwe as a result of the cooperation between local churches and agencies such as Hope for Africa Mission. Together with food aid agencies are focusing on sanitation. Clean water provision and safe sanitation are vital as a number of places in Zimbabwe have experienced deadly cholera outbreaks in recent months, and the disease remains a serious risk especially where people resort to using river water. As well as physical needs local churches are meeting the spiritual needs of traumatised peoples and in one recent service more than 50 people received baptism.

Attacks on Indian Christians continue

Last week whilst Pastor Erra Krupanamdam (left) of Bethel Church, in Medak, India, was returning from a market after praying in a new believer’s house he was attacked by a group of 30 to 40 people. He was found bleeding when pastors and others came to the permises where the attack took place and was taken taken to hospital. Meanwhile in Phulbani, Orissa, a local RSS leader, who was arrested in connection with anti-Christian riots last year, has been gunned down by suspected Maoists. About 15 armed ultras struck Rudiguma village.

Christian Rehab Centre in Kazakhstan forced to close

Less than three years after it was set up in April 2006, the Spiritual Centre for the Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts and Alcoholics in the village of Steklyanka in East Kazakhstan Region has been closed down by court order. Its founder, Sergei Mironov, a Protestant Christian was fined at the same time. He established the Centre as a Christian initiative to treat those addicted to alcohol and drugs. Those who attended did so voluntarily, and could leave at any time. They were not forced to accept Christianity or participate in any religious activity if they did not wish to do so. This closure is in line with increasing pressures on Christian groups throughout the country.

Russian Church to reach out to young people

Only ten percent of young people in Russia attend church according to official statistics. Recently elected Patriarch Kirill is keen to make youth work one of his Church's priorities. Patriarch Kirill has called on clergy and lay people to train for work with young people, and to build a ‘grassroots’ network for youth work in educational establishments. He told a meeting of Orthodox young people in Moscow that he’d like to see a congress with 100,000 young people at the city’s Luzhniki football stadium - but recognises that youth work needs first to be built up at ‘parish, deanery and diocese level’. Sergey Belokonev, government representative on youth affairs, also wants young people themselves to be taught how to lead, saying that ‘we need answers to the question of how to establish entrepreneurial, creative, productive people in Orthodox ethics’.

Taxi to heaven?

If you take a taxi ride in Busan South Korea, you might find yourself discussing matters of faith rather than politics or the latest sports news. The Missionary Taxi Club of Busan now has 450 Christian drivers who seek to meet the real needs of passengers as well as delivering them to their destination safely and on time. The group president, Myeong-Woong Ban, says that his colleagues became aware of the deep needs of many passengers and saw an opportunity to minister to them whilst stuck in traffic jams or taking journeys in the city. Passengers with particular needs can have these radioed into the control centre where taxi controllers also have a ministry of intercession. One of the drivers, Gil-hong Jin, said, “I consider serving God as my primary job, and I do this by sharing the gospel, praying for my customers and driving well.”

Iraqi martyr an inspiration for reconciliation

The first anniversary of the martyrdom of Paulo Faraj Rahho (left), the Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul was celebrated in Iraq this week by Christians and Muslims together. Speaking at the service Fr. Louis Sako stressed that, “this celebration is not in memory of the past but a concrete presence that goes beyond the boundaries of time. We are before a great mystery, the mystery of life in all of its fullness. In fact martyrdom explains all of life’s intensity and its glory. Life that we call “eternal” not in the way which philosophers call it so, but according to the concrete testimony of Jesus Christ. … We cannot remain in silence; we must remind the Iraq community and the international community of the importance of the Christian presence in Iraq, and their witness of loyalty, faith and honesty. … The blood of so many Iraqi martyrs invites us all to return to a dignified way of living in society and to sincerely cooperate for national reconciliation.”

Church leader arrested as President resigns in Madagascar

The head of the largest Protestant church in Madagascar has been detained by military personnel following the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana, according to reports from the country's capital, Antananarivo. The reports said that the president of the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM), the Rev. Lala Rasendrahasina (left), was detained on 17 March at a meeting with the four-member military directorate to discuss Madagascar's political crisis. Tensions are running high because President Ravalomanana, who earlier resigned and transferred his powers to the military directorate, also serves as lay vice-president of the Church of Christ in Madagascar.

Pastor shot in Bihar State, India

In an effort to stop conversions to Christianity in the eastern state of Bihar, on 8 March, Rajesh Singh (25 years old) exploded a crude bomb in a church and shot the pastor, Vinod Kumar and then attempted to take his own life. Believers, however, caught him before he could do more damage or kill himself. The 35 year old pastor was taken to hospital and is now out of danger. About 30 people were in the church when the attack took place. Some women in the church sustained burns in the blast. This appears to be an isolated incident and not connected with Hindu extremist groups. Of the 82 million people, mostly Hindu, in Bihar, only 53,137 were Christian, according to the 2001 census but the church is growing steadily.

China sends more missionaries

An urban house church, in a leading Chinese city, is sending mission teams to Japan and South Korea, as well as into south east Asian countries. Now they plan to facilitate missionaries to be sent into the Arabian Peninsula to share the gospel with North Korean migrant workers there. China is fast growing as a mission sending nation. “In the next two decades”, writes Francis Tsui, President of Asian Outreach Alliance it is possible that there will be at least two key mission sending countries originating from East Asia — China, joining South Korea, to significantly spiritually impact their neighbors and the world.” Read full report here.

Missions reassess security in Sudan

Following the abduction of three Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) staff in Darfur on Wednesday and a subsequent ransom demand, mission and aid agencies throughout Sudan are reassessing their security arrangements. The kidnappings come after Sudan ordered the expulsion of thirteen aid groups earlier this month. They were told to leave after President Omar al-Bashir was indicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The MSF workers were taken at gunpoint from their office at Saraf Umra, 230km west of the North Darfur capital el-Fasher. Two Sudanese staff were also taken but have since been freed. The UN estimates that 300,000 people have died and 2.7 million been displaced since African rebels took up arms in 2003 against the Arab-dominated regime demanding a greater share of resources and power. Several Faith2Share member agencies have work in Sudan

Mexico can be transformed

The First Lady of Mexico, Margarita Calderon, has called on Christians to join the government in transforming her country. The vision of President Calderon is for Mexico Seguro (safe), Mexico Prospero (prosperous), Mexico Justo (just), Mexico Limpio (clean), a democratic Mexico. At the recent Transformations Mexico consultation his wife told church leaders that she believed this is God’s vision for Mexico and that churches working together have the capability to transform whole societies. Participants in this significant gathering shared their conviction that Christians cannot rest until Mexico becomes “the praise of the earth” and the entire world recognises God at work among His people brought about by means of the transformation of their beautiful country. Already 27 major projects are in place. Drug trafficking and the economic crisis were identified as the priority social issues.

Climate change is a moral issue say European church leaders

In a letter to Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, the EU President, European Chuch leaers have said that, “Securing a stable climate is one of the most pressing moral and political challenges of the twenty-first century. Failure to address this challenge would amount to a moral failure on the part of humanity as a whole”. The statement reminds European leaders that the highest burden of climate change falls on the poorest nations of the world who will require technological and financial assistance to decarbonise their economies and adapt to the negative impacts of climate change It encourage European leaders to "show solidarity and the political will to protect millions of people in developing countries from the loss of their lives and livelihoods as a result of global warming caused by the industrialised world”.

Lord's Resistance Army must be stopped say Anglican leaders

Anglican church leaders in Sudan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have petitioned Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister, for his government’s assistance in ending the brutal attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in their areas. The African leaders say thousands of lives have been lost and many others have been forced to flee their homes. They call on the British government “to put diplomatic pressure on the LRA leaders, leaders in Sudan, Uganda and Congo, and leaders of the United Nations peacekeeping missions ... to do more to bring an end to the brutal attacks on unarmed civilians by the LRA, which have seen many Congolese and Sudanese towns swamped with refugees and displaced people since December.”

Prayer intensified for Zimbabwe

On the 85th. Birthday of President Mugabi, a number of agencies (maily from the UK) have come together to foster increased prayer and fasting for the suffering people of Zimbabwe (see earlier news items). You can register to receive regular news, to pray and fast, and to keep the needs of Zimbabwe before your own church at the Love Zim website.

Young Christian leaders meet in Ukraine

From 3-4 March 2009 the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (Kiev, Ukraine) welcomes approximately 300 participants in the Lausanne Eurasian Consultation for Younger Leaders. This event is part of the preparation for the third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation to be held in Cape Town (South Africa)on 16-25 October 2010. Dr. Anatoliy Glukhovskyy, the president of the seminary and Lausanne's International Deputy Director for Eurasia, received positive feedback and appreciation for the last Eurasian Consultation in the autumn of 2008, demonstrating the urgent need for such events in post-Soviet regions of Europe and Central Asia.

Churches build for peace in Sri Lanka

While news headline report Sri Lankan government offensives against the Tamil Tiger rebels, Christians are part of significant efforts to overcome the country’s deep ethnic and religious divisions. The Inter-Religious Peace Foundation (IRPF) round table meetings of Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders take place as do gatherings of youths from the different communities. There has been the perception that Christianity is seeking to establish a westernised political order as well as some concerns about independent churches being unaccountable to anyone. The Christian example of churches offering aid has also been seen as eroding the Buddhist tradition of alms-giving to monks. The IRPF gatherings are helping to deal with these inter-community issues.

Archbishops appeal for Zimbabwe

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have launched an appeal for Zimbabwe after accusing its president of destroying the hopes of people throughout Africa by causing ‘the slow death’ of his nation. Archbishops Rowan Williams and John Sentamu said, ‘The continent can’t afford more failed states, mass hunger, contempt for the rule of law.’ With 50% of the population in danger of starvation, there will be ‘no serious solution as long as Robert Mugabe remains in power’. Positively, however, churches have come together to run feeding programmes, to challenge tyranny and apathy and tell people their dignity still matters and change is possible.

Ugandan HIV-positive priest wins Peace Prize

The Revd. Canon Gideon Byamugisha (left), the first clergyman in Africa to declare publically that he was HIV-positive, has been awarded the Niwano Peace Prize. In breaking the stigma-induced silence that often hampers the treatment of HIV/AIDS, Gideon was seen as leading the way for other Ugandan Christians. This important award is often compared with a Nobel Peace Prize for members of faith communities. It is awarded by the Japan-based Niwano Peace Foundation. The prize comes with an award of 20 million yen (US$213 000). This is the second time in five years the prize has gone to Uganda.

Blasphemy law challenged in Pakistan

Pakistan's Minister of Minorities Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti (left), has launched a public campaign aimed at annulling the controversial blasphemy law amid concerns on 12 February over renewed Islamic extremism directed against Christians and other minorities. This week protesters surrounded a Pakistani courthouse chanting death threats against Hector Aleem, a Punjabi Christian peace activist who was allegedly framed for sending a "blasphemous" text message last month on his cell phone. His 24-year-old daughter Mehvish said in published remarks that a mob, including Muslim clerics, went to a local court late January demanding he be handed over to them so that they can put him to death. Minister Bhatti suggested that blasphemy laws have been used to settle personal scores in this predominantly Islamic nation and said he wants Christian journalists and lawyers to help him overturn the legislation by influencing public opinion.

Archbishop's new International Adviser

In succession to Canon Andrew Norman, now principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, the Archbishop of Canterbury has appointed Canon Joanna Udal as his new Secretary for Anglican Communion Affairs. Joanna has served as a CMS mission partner in Sudan for a good number of years. In her new post she will advise Archbishop Rowan Williams on matters to do with the worldwide Anglican Communion, with all its problems and possibilities. In Sudan, Joanna is currently serving as the Chaplain to the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan where she has supported the church in its tasks of reconcilliation and rebuilding after the civil war.

Migrant workers carry burden of Global recession

The Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) based in Hong Kong has warned that poor economic migrants are likely to suffer a major impact during the global economic recession. Their report suggests that economic pressure on companies will result in "a very precarious situation for migrant workers, such as losses of jobs, worsening working conditions, reduction of wages and the like." Workers not loosing their jobs "will be squeezed to death in order for the companies to gain profit". MFMW, which is based at St. John's Cathedral, also warns that many communities that rely on 'remitances home' from migrants will suffer economic crisis and, as hard pressed companies seek ever cheaper labour, we will see an increase in 'informal' and 'illegal' migration as well as the trafficking of human beings.

WEA strongly admonish Iran over human rights

Noting that the consitution of Iran formally recognises Christians as protected religious minorities, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has strongly condemned "the systematic and ongoing violations of religious freedom, including prolonged detention, torture, and executions based primarily or entirely upon the religion of the accused, especially for religious minorities such as protestant Christians." Particular attention is drawn to the recent Apostasy law which has led to several high profile cases. WEA further "calls on all democratic governments at the highest levels, to vigorously speak out publicly about the deteriorating conditions for freedom of religion or belief in Iran." The full press release is available here.

New Prime Bishop for Philippines has vision for mission

Bishop Edward Pacyaya Malecdan, installed on 19 February as the new Prime Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the Philippines (PEC), has a vision for mission. During his ten years as bishop in Northern Philippines he encouraged the expansion of mission work with seven new missions being established and six more gaining provincial recognition. A youth coordinator was appointed and a new commercial building was built to augment local income for mission work. A minority church in a largely Roman Catholic country, the PEC has significant work amongst the Igorot peoples of the mountains of northern Philippines. A recent report "Philippines - Mining or Food?" has highlighted the danger that international mining ventures will deprive the Igorot people of essential food supplies. Bishop Edward's vision is for a church which makes a gospel impact on the whole country.

Orissa Christians still in refugee camps

Six months after the wave of violence against Christians in Orissa the state government is still not able to ensure the safety and security of thousands who cannot return to their village homes. From the initial 25,000 refugees 4,000 remain in government camps. The government has no count of people in private camps, some as far away as in Srikakulam in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, and the thousands who have taken shelter with relatives in other towns or are internally displaced seeking work in New Delhi and other cities. Many of the worst affected were families of priests, pastors, nuns and religious workers who were especially targeted by the mobs. These families find it almost impossible to return. The government estimate of 150 churches, prayer houses and pastoral training centers and 3600 houses damaged in Kandhamal during the violence is disputed by Christians as small hut churches in forest villages and the homes of many Dalit Christians were not counted.

Bush fires continue to destroy lives and churches

By 13 February 181 lives had been lost and 1831 homes destroyed by the worst bushfires in Australia's history. "Most Victorians will know of someone who died or was injured, or whose home was destroyed by the fires," writes CMS Australia Victoria's State Director Paul Arnott. "Today I heard that two CMS supporters and their three young children died in their home at Kinglake. ... A number of churches have been burnt to the ground, including the Anglican church buildings at Marysville and Kinglake. El Kanah counselling centre and ESA Camp Site at Marysville were both destroyed." CMS Australia ask us to pray that God's hope will shine out through the blackness of this terrible tragedy.

Protests over church closures in Myanmar

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) report that 33 British politicians have protested at the closure of at least 100 churches in Rangoon, Myanmar, since January. Led by John Bercow MP, Co-Chair of the All Parliamentary Group for Democracy in Burma, they have called on the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Religion and Belief to investigate violations of religious freedom in Burma. CSW said the church closures mark the most significant crackdown on Christian activity in Burma in recent years, affecting as many as 80 per cent of churches in Rangoon. Fifty pastors were forced to sign documents promising to stop holding church services, under threat of prison for non-compliance. Some local Christians believe that the immediate cause of the oppressive measures is church involvement in relief provision for victims of Cyclone Nargis.

Christian School serves mudslide victims in Guatemala

The community of Punabaj, a neighbour to Santiago, in Guatemala is still recovering from Hurricane Stan's torrential rains and mudslides. Over 1,000 people died, and the village was buried under volcanic mud, rock and debris. Now a new Christian School, the Good Shepherd School, has opened to meet the needs of many of the children who do not have access to education. Most of the people in the area live in temporary housing in a field adjacent to the village as it is slowly being rebuilt. The hospital, school and police station were destroyed. The families are still struggling even after almost three years, and many children are not going to school. This is one small way in which local Christians can respond to real need in this impoverished community.

Drug rehab centres destroyed by fire

With fires raging across the Australian state of Victoria two Christian drug rehabilitation centres have been lost. One was only opened last year by a group called Betel. They had a small team in place and six residents in the program. The fire came at such a pace that they only had time to climb into cars and escape with what they were wearing. One member of their team is missing. The centre is now just ashes. The other centre is run by Remar International. Their property was in the middle of dense bush and no communication has been received from them. Due to the ferocity of the fires in that area the authorities are presuming that this centre has been completely destroyed and lives lost.

Evangelism response to violence in Madagascar

Following a week of unrest, rioting, looting and political violence throughout Madagascar, the newly built Cathedral of Antsiranana resonated with songs of praise and dancing. Young people have responded to the political turmoil in their country with a call to Christian discipleship. Led by the popular local musician Razandrimalala Orien (pictured left) youths sang and spoke of their faith in God. Razandrimalala composed a praise song in Malagasy for the occasion speaking of the wonders of God's creation. Last week soldiers opened fire on anti-government protesters near the presidential palace in the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, and at least 25 people were killed in the violence. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called "upon all concerned parties to resolve their differences through peaceful and democratic means and through the exercise of responsible leadership." Church leaders have also called for calm.

Anglican Archbishops demand that Mugabi goes

Meeting in closed session in Egypt on 2 February, the 38 Primates of the Anglican Communion expressed their ‘horror’ at the appalling difficulties faced by the people of Zimbabwe and called on President Mugabi to ‘respect the outcome of the elections of 2008 and step down’. Calling for international intervention they stopped short of backing the call of the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, for armed intervention. The statement came after Archbishops had heard presentations from the Primate of Southern Africa, Archbishop Thabo Makogba, and the Dean of Central Africa, Bishop Albert Chama. They also called on Anglicans internationally to support the people and churches of Zimbabwe, and declared Ash Wednesday as a day of prayer and solidarity with Zimbabweans.

Sustainable church planting in India

Faith2Share member agency Indian Evangelical Mission (IEM) reports that their missionaries working amongst the Kolami peoples of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa are seeing self-sustaining churches planted in remote villages. The mission seeks to minister to the health needs of this tribal group but then "in time they find that Jesus can give them much more than they asked for - new life and hope beyond the grave." Asked where the church among the Kolami will stand if the missionaries leave IEM missionary Sudhakar asserts, "The Kolami people are united. They will be able to stand together even in times of crisis. What the people need at this time is sound teaching."

Google silences Christian blogger

A Saudi national who has been writing openly on the internet about his decision to follow Jesus Christ has been arrested, and his blogspot platform has been blocked by Google ever since. The 28-year-old blogger, Hamoud Bin Saleh, was arrested on January 13th because of “his opinions and his testimony that he had converted from Islam to Christianity,” according to the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI). Serious concerns have been expressed about how the authorities may treat him, including fears that he may be executed for apostasy. This is the third time that Hamoud has been detained, having been held for nine months in 2004, and for one month in 2008. [Source: Arab Vision]

Christians collaborate in Gaza

Several Christian ministries operating in Israel/Palestine have come together in their efforts to bring relief to those suffering from the Gaza conflict. This collaboration also aims to raise the profile of Christian believers living in Gaza. The collaboration is therefore being coordinated by a group of local Christian believers in Gaza who are best placed to assess need and appropriate responses. The committee representing these Christian groups has opened a bank account where all the funds for the relief efforts will be collected. Groups that have already committed to work together include: The Bethlehem Bible Society, The Shepherd Society, Musalaha Ministry of Reconciliation, The Church of the Nazarene, The Baptist Society of Gaza and the West Bank, and The Alliance Church of Jerusalem. Groups that wish to join this coalition, please contact Alex Awad at the Shepherd Society. The three member organizations whose links are shown above are set up to receive donations on their websites.

New Russian Patriarch has ecumenical vision

On Sunday 1 February, in Moscow's Christ the Saviour Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Church will install their first Patriarch elected since the ending of the Soviet period. The man chosen as their spiritual leader is Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, the former head of the Church’s external relations department. Metropolitan Kirill is a popular figure with his own TV show. He is on friendly terms with the Vatican and has met Pope Benedict several times. In 2004 he welcomed participants in the CMS-Orthodox consultation, held in Moscow, saying, "Society today, more than ever, needs to be sown with the words of the truth of Christ. ... I hope that this consultation will enable deep mutual understanding between Churches and missionary organisations and will serve as a basis for the development of common missionary projects."

New member for Faith2Share

The US based Anglican mission agency SAMS-USA is the latest agency to join the Faith2Share network. Part of the international family of SAMS agencies which were founded by Allen Gardiner in the 1850s, SAMS-USA has a particular focus on work in Central America but with mission personnel currently as widely spread as Honduras, Chile, Kenya, Uganda, Spain and the UK. In their annual report, President and Mission Director, Stewart Wicker (left), writes, "SAMS' mission imperative is the sending of missionaries for three years up to a lifetime, but [SAMS] also desires to help individuals and teams that are going across cultures anywhere from a week to a year." SAMS-USA joins SAMS-UK and SAMS Ireland who are already members of Faith2Share.

Critical issues for evangelism in West Africa

Fifty young Christian leaders in West Africa have identified six issues which they believe to be critical for evangelism in their context. Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, in December their discussions led them to identify these issues as:

1. Orphans and Vulnerable Children

2. Transforming the Sub-Region Through Prayer

3. The Remaining Unreached People Groups

4. Unveiling the Giant of Islam

5. Understanding Youth Culture

6. The Challenge of Liberal Theology and Nominalism

This meeting, sponsored by the Lausanne movement, had to be moved at two day's notice from Miango to Abuja when religious violence broke out in neighbouring Jos. You can read the full Lausanne report here.

Prayer prohibited in Tajikistan

Authorities in the Tajik capital Dushanbe are continuing to close down places of worship in the city used by Christians and Muslims. Mosques not registered with the Culture Ministry's Religious Affairs Committee have been closed down by special commissions of the city authorities. City spokesperson, Shamsiddin Nuriddinov, said that the places they closed down were so-called public halls, and people had "no rights to organise prayers" there. The Tajik parliament is still considering a new draft Religion Law. If adopted, it would impose sweeping controls on religious activity and religious associations, particularly on mosques. Churches however are also included. Grace Sunmin Protestant Church of Dushanbe is on the verge of losing its building. Church members reported, "We are still holding church services in the building but within a couple of weeks we will probably be evicted." CMS Britain mission partners who have been engaged in drug rehabilitation work in Tajikistan with the Christian agency ORA will not return to the country as ORA have been closed down by the government.

Churches concerned by troop movements in Goma

With the arrival of up to 2,000 Rwandan soldiers in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo to help the local army disarm Rwandan Hutu rebels, of the Forces démocratique pour la libération du Rwanda, fears have increased of a new wave of civilian suffering. A spokesperson from the United Nations mission in DRC said, "The humanitarian community is deeply worried by the new deployment of troops in the areas of Goma and Rutshuru. ... This heightened military presence gives rise to fears of a new humanitarian crisis just as the ceasefire was allowing people to gradually return home and giving humanitarians easier access to several areas." Church leaders have asked the international community for prayer in this new crisis.

CMS and SAMS to merge in Britain

After a century and a half of mission in different continents, two evangelical Anglican missions in Britain are to merge. Originally known as the 'Mission to Africa and the East', CMS has planted and partnered churches in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and more recently Europe, since 1799. Although the founder of the South American Missionary Society, Allen Gardiner, was originally refused assistance by CMS (because of their lack of resources for work in South America), the two societies have always shared a common commitment to evangelistic mission and partnership with local churches. The decision to merge was endorsed by 84% of the General Council of SAMS and 99% of CMS members voting at a Special General Meeting on 20 January. There will be a year of 'joint working' before full merger is effected. Bishop Henry Scriven was recently appointed to lead SAMS and then, after the merger, the South American work of the new joint mission.

Christians care in Gaza

With the continuing crisis in Gaza local Christians are seeking to offer assistance wherever they can. The reconciliation ministry Musalaha was founded by Palestinian and Israeli Christian leaders in 1990. "Musalaha" is an Arabic word meaning foregiveness and reconciliation. The organisation seeks to facilitate bridge building among different segments of Israeli and Palestinian society according to biblical reconciliation principles. In this current crisis Musalaha Director, Salim Munayer, and a pastor in Beit Asaph, Evan Thomas, have jointly appealed for funds so that local Christians can provide food, clothing, blankets, medicines, trauma counselling and other assistance to victims of war. Donations can be made on the Masalaha website here.

Bishop condemns attacks on media in Sri Lanka

Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe, of Kurungala, has described the recent attack on the MTV Media Station in Sri Lanka and the assassination of Mr Lasantha Wickremetunga (left), senior journalist of the Leader Group, as "clear indications of the state of the freedom of expression that is available in our country today". He continues, "We hasten to condemn these treacherous acts unequivocally in the hardest possible manner and express our heartfelt condolences and the assurance of our prayers to the family of Mr Wickrematunga." Bishop Illangasinghe claims that those behind these attacks on the media have much to hide, "hence the attacks and the complete destruction and the termination of lives of those who could have had the courage to expose such information". This, the bishop suggests, represents "a very unhealthy situation and a complete breakdown of law and order in the country".

Indian Churches win legal victory

Four months after government authorities closed several house churches in Karnataka, India, the High Court has said they should reopen and can hold worship services. Following attacks on several churches on 17 August, the district authorities surveyed churches functioning without permission and for the last four and half months about twelve churches in Davanagere in central Karnataka have been locked. The Indian media noted that worship places of other religions were not checked. The High Court chief Justice Mr. Dinakar said in his adjudication “In a democratic country, no one has power to stop anyone worshiping according to one's own faith. One's faith can be a church or any other worship centre.” Twelve churches that were closed are now open and the government may be forced to compensate churches that were burned. Click here for full story from All India Christian Council.

China's Christian leaders seek training

With a clear focus on leadership in mission, Asian Outreach International, have recently launched China Apostolic Succession Effort (CASE) to support and strengthen the leadership of churches in China. CASE have identified three tiers of leadership. First, the near 70’s, the founders who all suffered imprisonment and torture. Signs, wonders and miracles were the hallmark of their ministry. CASE seeks to come alongside these leaders to identify their core values, the DNA of their movement. This clarification brings these “golden oldies” alive — with deep commitment to “passing the batons” and “finishing well.” The second tier, in their late 40’s and early 50’s all suffered in the Cultural Revolution. They were the apprentices of their founding fathers. They are extremely effective in church planting. One has planted ten new churches in the last four years. The latest of these new plants, on top of a mountain, has seating capacity for 3,000. These leaders hunger for systematic theological training, and are particularly eager to have their eyes opened to what God is doing around the world. The third tier is huge — in the thousands! In their 20’s and early 30’s, they are adapting to China’s urbanization. They drive, they iPod, they text, they are glued to their computers. CASE sees them as the leaders of the future. To read much more about Asian Outreach's commitment to leadership click here.

Bibles not bullets in Gaza

The Bible Societies in Israel and Palestine have launched a scriptural initiative in Gaza and southern Israel – bringing the Bible’s life-changing message to those desperate for hope in a joint message issued by the Bible Societies of Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories, Victor Kalisher, Director of the Bible Society in Israel, said, "Our hearts are broken as we witness the escalation of hostilities in Gaza and southern Israel. Israelis and Palestinians are at war; we are not. Through our single identity in Christ and his lordship we experience his peace, practise his love, and hold on to him as our hope. We are committed to serving our communities with the gospel of peace and forgiveness. We will sweat for that which Christ bled for, and labour for that which Christ died for." Registered Faith2Share members can read here an excellent reflection by Salim Munayer, Director of Musalaha.

Zimbabwe crisis deepens further

With the world's eyes turned on Gaza thousands of people face unbearable suffering in Zimbabwe where reporting restrictions deny a voice to the voiceless. Within the country short-wave radio has now been jammed out of existence, reporters are denied access to most areas, and photography is no longer allowed. A report from within the country reaching Faith2Share today speaks of "100 riot police with AK47s and bulldozers demolishing houses", "thousands of people sleeping outside in 0 celsius with no food, clean water or bedding", "clinics with no medicines to treate malnurished children", "genocide", and a "Government gone mad". The appeal from the people of Zimbabwe is that the war in Gaza might not blind us to the needs of all suffering peoples around the world.

Diocese in Jerusalem active in Gaza crisis

Bishop Suheil Dawani reports that, "Our Al Ahli Hospital located in the heart of Gaza City is providing essential frontline medical and emergency humanitarian services to those coming or being brought directly to it. Additionally, it is receiving patients transferred by UNRWA from the Government Hospital Al Shiffa for emergency inpatient and surgical treatment of the wounded and injured. As a non-partisan well established Hospital, we are receiving patients from all directions. This coming Sunday all of our Churches will have special services for Peace and Reconciliation for those whose lives have been impacted by the Gaza conflict - especially the wounded, injured and the families of those innocents who have died." Monday 5 January it is reported that the West Bank/Gaza staff of U.S. AID are helping to provide urgently needed medicines requested for Al Ahli Hospital, and will make sure they are able to pass through the Checkpoints to the Hospital via the ICRC and WHO.

For those wishing to campaign for peace in Gaza ICAHD UK have provided a large number of links available to registered Faith2Share members by clicking here.

Poverty in South Africa worse than ever before

Retired archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane recently toured suffering communities in South Africa and declared that the country was in a "state of emergency". In addition, he said there was a "feeling of hopelessness" overwhelming the country, especially among young people, and he said that this was a sure recipe for "disaster". "Never before in the history of South Africa", he said, "have such large gatherings of people consistently said 'we have no food'." Recent figures released have shown that unemployment levels have risen to about 25 per cent. Archbishop Ndungane has challenged government officials to travel with him to visit those in poverty, and to address the problems pushing them down.

2009 MISSION NEWS ARCHIVE

Giant of Indian mission dies

Violence threatens minorities in Pakistan

Christian broadcasters united for 2010

Christmas miracle in Vietnam

Santa's Bible

Children in mission

Renewed fighting in DR Congo

Christian in Sudan face complex mission agendas

13 million people care about climate change

Churches bombed in Iraq - Four dead

Continued prayer requested for persecuted church

Christians enable environmental care in Brazil

Does a British bishop admire the Taliban?

Muslim-Christian understanding celebrated

Mission leaders gear up for Tokyo 2010

Anti-gay legislation will damage Uganda's success in AIDS prevention

Faith communities united against Malaria

Head of Russian Church named Personality of the Year

Pakistani judge urges repeal of blasphemy law

Salt poisons land in Bangladesh

More arrests in Eritrea

Mission tackles dirty water

French students debate God

Hardship revealed in Myanmar

Listen and believe

World AIDS day

Fire destroys homes in Cambodia

Uganda Christian University seeks new Vice Chancellor

Australian missionary arrested

Chinese leader released

Churches in solidarity for Darfur, Sudan

African missionaries bring faith to Liberia

Churches struggle to help Tamil returnees in Sri Lanka

Hope in Kano, Nigeria

Training Chinese Christian leaders a top priority

Coptic Christians attacked in Egypt

Orissa violence victims too afraid to return home

Orthodox missionary shot dead in Moscow church

Refugees seek haven in Central African Republic

Chistian music in a nation of bombs

WCC condemns Isreali settlements

Christian women released in Iran

Baptist mission joins Copenhagen debate

Singapore diocese recruits English teachers for mission

CMS Africa - an "African Outfit"

Xplore launched by Desmod Tutu

Climate change brings together faith communities

Shoe boxes for Christ, or Christmas?

Missionary released in Philippines

Prayer requested by churches in Russia's troubled south

Christians bring relief in El Salvador floods

Christian school set on fire in Pakistan

Christians bring relief in Sudan

Storms continue to hit the Philippines

March for Jesus grows to 1.5 million in Brazil

More arrests in China

Bibles seized in Malaysia

Iraq church and clinic destroyed

More evangelists, more church plants for India

Irish and Kenyan Christians collaborate in drought relief

Call2All Business as Mission event in New Zealand

Indonesian Christians bring hope after earthquake

Migrant workers under threat in Macau

Sudan peace still at risk

New mission to Kibera slum in Kenya

Pakistanis continue talks on blasphemy laws

More Eritrean Christians arrested

Korean Christians seek reunification

Pakistani forum established to protect minorities

BMS returns to China

Global Witnessing Challenge launched

Stand up, Take action

Young Iranians respond to gospel broadcast

Archbishop calls for political will in face of world problems

Indian missions respond to flood victims

Tokyo2010 announces plenary speakers

Chinese Christians reflect on national events

Philippines flood hits mission project

Chidren die in Kenya for lack of milk