Zprávy HCJB 1.10.2002 - 5.10.2002

 NÁSILÍ V PÁKISTÁNU NEMŮŽE ZASTAVIT RŮST KŘESŤANSTVÍ
   Násilí proti křesťanům v Pákistánu pokračuje. Minulý víkend explodovala v jedné vesnici před kostelem bomba. Lane Powell z Operace mobilizace (OM) říká, že toto násilí z poslední doby je zaměřené proti křesťanům, ale služba samotná pokračuje. „Naši pracovníci prostě musí být opatrnější a více přemýšlet o tom, co udělají,“ říká. „Zatím jsme ale nebyli svědky toho, že by tyto situace naši práci skutečně zastavily – určitě ne v Pákistánu.“ Powell vyzývá věřící, aby se za tuto zem modlili. „Doufáme, že následující volby přinesou stabilitu a umožní, aby křesťané mohli v klidné atmosféře svobodně pokračovat ve své práci. Zřejmě některé aktivity, které v posledních týdnech probíhaly, měly být pokusem k destabilizaci situace.“ Termín voleb je stanoven na 10. října. (Mission Network News)
 
 ZÁJEM O KRÁTKODOBÉ MISIJNÍ CESTY OPĚT VZRŮSTÁ
   Zatímco 11. září zastavilo krátkodobé mise, nyní opět roste zájem u množství lidí o misijní cesty za oceán, říká Mike Clinton z organizace World Help. Více lidí než obvykle se zapisuje do služby pro Extreme Expeditions. „Opět se to vrací,“ říká. „Lidé jsou jen o něco málo opatrnější, než byli v minulosti.“ Organizují se čtyři jarní cesty v roce 2003. V organizaci Extreme Expeditions jsou účastníci obeznámeni s cizí kulturou, říká Clinton. „Chceme, aby skutečně měli v krátké době jasnou představu o tom, jak bude vypadat jejich život a služba v cizí zemi.“ Tyto krátkodobé cesty jsou plánovány do Nepálu, Indie, Irska a Ruska. (Mission Network News)
 
 TURECKÁ POLICIE UKONČILA ČINNOST SBORU
   (Turkish World Outreach) - Sbor Turkish Christian Fellowship v Batikent-Ankara v Turecku byl uzavřen místní policií ve středu 25. září poté, co policejní důstojníci přišli do večerního shromáždění. Událost je kladena do souvislosti s televizním pořadem vysílaným několik dnů předtím, ve kterém zazněla „pomlouvačná tvrzení o křesťanech a jejich motivech.“ Píše to ve své zprávě americký ředitel Turkish World Outreach Steve Hagerman. V pořadu se tvrdilo, že křesťané rozbíjejí okna u aut kolem svých kostelů. „Bratr nám telefonoval se sboru v době, kdy tam přišla policie a hovor byl přerušen,“ řekl Hageman. „Víme, že místní úřady zakázaly křesťanům shromažďování. To je v rozporu se svobodou vyznání, kterou turecká ústava zaručuje, a tudíž jasně nezákonné.“
 
 VŠECHNY DNEŠNÍ ZPRÁVY V ANGLIČTINĚ.
   300 PERSECUTED CHURCH LEADERS ATTEND HISTORIC GATHERING IN VIETNAM

More than 300 underground ministers, most of whom had been persecuted, arrested or imprisoned for sharing the gospel, gathered in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in mid-September for a historic seminar. Jack Harris Global Ministries held the event for pastors representing more than 40 organizations and denominations. The seminar's theme, "How to Make Your Dreams Come True," gave practical suggestions on how to reach Vietnam for Christ despite the many limitations. Maintaining a strong element of discreteness, the seminar included four sessions each day along with time for fellowship. The seminar was the largest gathering of church leaders in Vietnam since 1975. The event held serious risks for the leaders since most have been persecuted for their faith. The Shepard Staff, a leadership-training manual, was given to each registered attendee. Another 2,500 copies were distributed to the underground church organizations. (Religion Today)

TURKISH POLICE ORDER LOCAL CONGREGATION TO STOP MEETING

Turkish Christian Fellowship in Batikent-Ankara, Turkey, was closed down by local police Wednesday, Sept. 25, after officers arrived during the evening worship service. This followed a television broadcast a few days earlier that made "slanderous claims about the believers and their motives," said Steve Hagerman, U.S. director of Turkish World Outreach, in an e-mail report. The TV program accused the Christians of smashing car windows in the neighborhood where the church is located. It is unclear exactly what measures the police took. "A brother telephoned us from the church just as the police were entering, and his call was cut off," Hagerman said. "We do know that the local officials have ordered the Christians to stop meeting. This is contrary to guarantees of religious freedom in the Turkish constitution and is clearly illegal." (Turkish World Outreach)

VIOLENCE IN PAKISTAN FAILS TO STOP CHRISTIAN OUTREACH

Violence against Christians in Pakistan continues as a bomb exploded outside a church in a rural village on the weekend. Lane Powell of Operation Mobilization (OM) says this latest violence concerns Christians, but the ministry continues. "Our workers just have to become a little more cautious and give a little more thought about how they're operating," he says. "But we have not seen these kind of situations actually bring our work to a stop--certainly not in Pakistan." Powell urges believers to pray for the country. "We would hope that the upcoming election would be a stabilizing time and leave an atmosphere where Christians are free to carry on their work there. Perhaps some of the activity that's been going on there the last few weeks has been an attempt to destabilize the situation." Elections are set for Oct. 10. (Mission Network News)

NIGERIAN WOMAN FACES STONING FOR HAVING OUT-OF-WEDLOCK CHILD

Amina Lawal, a 30-year-old woman from Nigeria's Katsina state, is appealing her March 23 sentence to be stoned to death for having a child out of wedlock. Unless the case is overturned, she will be buried up to her neck and stoned after her 8-month-old daughter is weaned. Lawal's case is similar to the one in October 2001 when 35-year-old Safiya Hussaini was condemned to death by stoning for allegedly committing adultery. But after an international outcry, she was acquitted in March on technical grounds by an appeal court. With the help of a Nigerian women's rights group, Lawal has appealed her sentence. After several adjournments, the appeal was rejected on Aug. 19, but a new appeal to a higher court has been lodged. Ibrahim Abdullahi, a spokesperson for the Katsina state authorities, said the governor would not interfere in the appeal process, and if it is turned down, Lawal would be executed. Human rights groups are again asking people worldwide to pressure the Nigerian government to intervene in this case. (Assist News Service)

INTEREST IN SHORT-TERM MISSIONS AGAIN INCREASING

While 9/11 put a damper on a short-term missions, the number of people going overseas on mission trips is again on the increase, says World Help's Mike Clinton. More people than ever are signing up for the ministry's Extreme Expeditions. "It's rebounded," he says. "People are just a little more cautious than they were in the past." The ministry is organizing four spring-break trips in 2003. Through Extreme Expeditions, participants are immersed in a foreign culture, Clinton says. "We want them to really get a sense in a short period of time of what it would be like to live and minister in a foreign country." Short-term trips are being planned for Nepal, India, Ireland and Russia. (Mission Network News)

* HCJB World Radio offers a variety of short-term programs in Ecuador and a growing list of countries such as South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire and the U.S. Working visitors normally help for two weeks to three months, and short-term workers serve for up to two years. A summer missionary program is also available to college students, and short-term ministry teams help in Ecuador and other countries. HCJB World Radio has been sending short-term teams to South Africa on a regular basis to help at Hope Community Center, an HIV/AIDS ministry of Fish Hoek Baptist Church in Cape Town.

NEW MOVEMENT WORKS TO REDEFINE EVANGELISM IN CHURCHES

With more Americans dismissing the relevance of traditional Christianity in their lives, a growing number of church leaders are saying that it's time for a major change in the way believers share their faith. The Seattle-based Off the Map (OTM) movement is working to turn the accepted idea of "evangelism" on its head by inverting the typical church meeting. At OTM events, pastors and lay members sit quietly in the audience while nonbelievers take the microphone to explain their lack of faith. Host Jim Henderson says the big complaint from non-Christians is that Christians "don't listen," he says. "They talk. They want to give a speech, but they don't want to listen. The unchurched do want to talk to a Christian, but they don't want to be talked at." Brian McLaren, a Spencerville, Md., pastor who helped found OTM, said many churches are too quick to give answers without finding out what the questions are. While many people dismiss the relevance of church, they are not hostile to Christianity, says church growth expert Thom Rainer. His research revealed that only a small percentage of unbelievers are "highly resistant" to the gospel. Rainer also found that more than 90 percent of people would go to church on two conditions--if someone invited them and walked in with them. Rainer also recommends that churches ask non-Christian to visit and critique their facilities and services. (Charisma News Service)

FREE BOOKLET: Order your own copy of HCJB World Radio's new 20-page booklet, "God Keeps Opening Doors," by e-mailing your name and mailing address to doors@hcjb.org. You'll also receive a free bookmark.

 
 BĚLORUSKÝ PARLAMENT SCHVÁLIL REPRESIVNÍ ZMĚNY K NÁBOŽENSKÉMU ZÁKONU
   Horní komora běloruského parlamentu dnes přijala dodatky k náboženskému zákonu poměrem 46:2 hlasům, čtyři se zdržely hlasování. Návrh zákona teď půjde k podpisu prezidentu Alexandru Lukašenkovi. Jestliže ho prezident podepíše, budou postaveny mimo zákon všechny náboženské aktivity, které nejsou zaregistrovány, bude zavedena povinná cenzura veškeré náboženské literatury, cizí státní příslušníci nebudou moci být v čele náboženských organizací, bude omezeno vydávání náboženských publikací a vzdělávání na deset registrovaných společností a bude zakázána většina náboženských shromáždění v soukromých domech. (Keston News Service)
 
 NEW TRIBES MISSION STAHUJE VŠECHNY MISIONÁŘE Z POBŘEŽÍ SLONOVINY.
   (New Tribes Mission/AP) - New Tribes Mission (NTM) se po zvážení všech rizik spojených s boji v zemi rozhodla stáhnout všechny své misionáře působící na Pobřeží Slonoviny. Všichni venkovští misionáři NTM jsou přemísťováni do největšího obchodního města Abidžanu. Jde o první krok k eventuální evakuaci. Personál NTM a jejich rodinní příslušníci, kteří byli v hlavním městě Jamossoukro jsou rovněž v Abidžanu. V Jamassoukro misie provozuje pomocné středisko, úřady a školu pro děti misionářů. „Náš personál je nyní na třech různých místech Abidžanu, ale denně se scházejí k posilující ranní pobožnosti,“ řekl Guy Sier, koordinátor NTM pro nečekané události. „Náš duchovní stav je dobrý, ale panují obavy o budoucnost země a o misii.“

Associated Press oznamuje, že desetitisíce rozhněvaných zastánců současné vlády pobíhá po ulicích Abidžanu a hlasitě dává najevo své odhodlání vyhnat povstalce ze severní části této západoafrické země: „Jsme připraveni osvobodit Broauke.“ Broauke je druhé největší město země a je v rukou povstalců, vzbouřivších se vojáků od krvavého povstání 19. září. Při neúspěšném pokusu o převrat stovky lidí zahynuly a země je nyní rozdělena mezi část v rukou vlády a část ovládanou povstalci. Slibovaný útok vládních sil se zatím neuskutečnil.

Stovky francouzských a amerických vojáků, kteří přispěchali do Pobřeží Slonoviny po nezdařeném převratu, evakuovalo asi 2500 cizinců z povstalecké zóny a odvezlo je do Jamossoukra. Většina amerických vojáků dnes z Jamossoukra odletěla vojenskými přepravními letouny. Není jasné, kam. „Účelem naší mise byla evakuace a bezpečí amerických občanů. Když jsme tuto svou práci skončili, misi je možno považovat za dokončenou,“ řekl podplukovník M. J. Jadick z evropského velitelství armády USA ve Stuttgartu. Richard Buangan, americký diplomat sídlící v Paříži a pomáhající koordinovat evakuaci dnes řekl, že ministerstvo zahraničí USA se nyní zaměřuje na Abidžan, aby pomohlo Američanům, kteří chtějí pryč. Mnoho amerických občanů si to však rozmyslelo, protože pochybují, že boje by se mohly přenést tak hluboko na jih. Na Pobřeží Slonoviny je tak stále asi 2000 Američanů.

*Oblastní úřad HCJB World Radio pro subsaharskou Afriku je v Abidžanu. Fréquence Vie (Hlas Života), spolupracující FM stanice provozovaná SIM a místními sbory, pokračuje ve vysílání slov naděje a povzbuzení. Vysílá 17 hodin denně francouzsky a některými místními jazyky. Další FM stanice se začíná stavět na severu ve městě Korhongo. Oblastní ředitel Lee Sonius je se svou rodinou v USA, kde má momentálně nějakou práci na ústředi. Odložil svůj návrat do Abidžanu, dokud se situace nezklidní. Misionáři Larry a Linda Burkovi jsou po evakuaci z Korgongo v Abidžanu. U Korhonga pomáhali stavět anténu.

*Nejnovější zprávy v originální anglické verzi jsou vždy ZDE (klikněte).

 
 VŠECHNY DNEŠNÍ ZPRÁVY V ANGLIČTINĚ.
   BELARUS PARLIAMENT PASSES REPRESSIVE CHANGES TO RELIGION LAW

The upper house of the Belarus parliament adopted amendments to the country's religion law earlier today in 46-2 vote with four abstentions. The bill now goes to President Aleksandr Lukashenko to be signed into law. If signed by the president, the law would outlaw unregistered religious activity, require compulsory prior censorship for all religious literature, ban foreign citizens from leading religious organizations, restrict religious publishing and education to 10 registered communities, and ban most religious meetings in private homes. (Keston News Service)

NEW TRIBES MISSION MAY PULL ALL MISSIONARIES OUT OF CÔTE D'IVOIRE

New Tribes Mission (NTM) is considering pulling all of its missionaries out of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) because of recent fighting in the country. All of NTM's missionaries who work in tribal areas have been relocated to the commercial capital of Abidjan as a precaution in case an evacuation is necessary. NTM personnel and dependents who were in the capital of Yamoussoukro are also in Abidjan. The ministry operates a support center, offices and a school for missionaries' children in Yamoussoukro. "Our personnel are at three different locations in Abidjan but getting together for morning prayer and encouragement," said Guy Sier, NTM's contingency coordinator. "Spirits are good but there is much concern for the future of the country and their ministries."

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that tens of thousands of angry government supporters took to the streets of Abidjan today, racing along wide highways and shouting that they were ready to chase rebels out of the northern half of this West African nation. "We are ready to go and liberate Boauke," shouted many protesters. Bouake, the country's second-largest city, has been in rebel hands since mutinous soldiers launched a bloody uprising Sept. 19. Hundreds were killed in the early days of the failed coup attempt, and the country has since been divided into government- and rebel-held zones. A promised major government assault has so far failed to materialize.

Hundreds of French and U.S. troops, who were rushed to Ivory Coast after the failed coup, have evacuated about 2,500 foreign nationals from rebel-held zones, ferrying them through Yamoussoukro. Most of the U.S. troops based in Yamoussoukro left today, flying off in military cargo planes. It was not immediately clear where they were going. "The intent of our mission was always the evacuation and safety of U.S. citizens. When that is complete, we will consider our mission complete," said Lt. Col. M. J. Jadick at the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Richard Buangan, a Paris-based U.S. diplomat helping coordinate the evacuations, said today that the U.S. State Department was now moving its focus to Abidjan to assist Americans who want to leave. Many U.S. citizens have declined to leave Abidjan, doubting the fighting would reach that far south. About 2,000 Americans are still in Ivory Coast. (New Tribes Mission/AP)

* HCJB World Radio's regional office for Sub-Saharan Africa is in Abidjan. Fréquence Vie (Frequency Life), a partner FM station in Abidjan operated by SIM and local churches, continues to air programs of hope and encouragement. The station broadcasts 17 hours daily in French and some local languages. An FM station is also being built with local partners in the northern city of Korhogo. Regional Director Lee Sonius and his family, who are in the U.S. on home ministry assignment, have delayed their return to Abidjan until the situation settles down. Missionaries Larry and Linda Burk are in Abidjan after being evacuated from near Korhogo where they were helping to install an antenna.

TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE SEVERE FLOODING IN JAMAICA

In Jamaica torrential rains from tropical storm Lili have caused widespread damage on that island nation. "We had torrential rains for the last two or three days as this tropical storm passed over," said Food for the Poor's Sydney Henry who is in Jamaica. "We've had severe flooding in many of the parishes here on the island, some extensively, and can almost be considered disaster areas. Some people have died from the flooding." Henry says the devastation could have been much worse if it weren't for the solid homes built by Christian ministries, better withstanding the harsh conditions. Food for the Poor works with churches to share Christ's love physically and spiritually through disaster relief. (Mission Network News)

FOOD SHORTAGES, AIDS CRISIS IN AFRICA INTER-RELATED, SAYS RESEARCHER

Two groups from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) have completed on-site assessments of two crises devastating Sub-Saharan Africa--widespread food shortages and the HIV/AIDS crisis. Information gathered during these trips to Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana will be used to better coordinate the agency's response to the situation. "The two crises are inter-related in complex ways," says Debbie Herold, technical adviser for reproductive health at ADRA International. "As the food shortage continues, people become more desperate and engage in risky behavior that increases the infection rate of HIV/AIDS. And the increase of infection weakens individuals, families and communities that are already frail because of lack of food. The goal of this in-depth assessment is to devise a coordinated response by the ADRA network and its partner institutions." The U.N. reported that famine now threatens more than 14 million people throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, an increase of nearly 2 million since May. Up to a third of the adults in parts of this region are infected with HIV. In addition, there are more than 4 million orphans in that region, approximately half due to AIDS. Factors contributing to the food shortage include prolonged drought, flooding, disruption of farming, food transportation issues, fluctuating market prices of maize and depletion of grain reserves. (Adventist News Network)

ANGOLAN BELIEVERS IN SOUTH AFRICA FORM NEW DENOMINATION

A group of believers from Angola who settled in South Africa in recent years and formed seven congregations have established a new denomination with the help of SIM. Called the Evangelical Bible Church (SIM), the denomination is developing a constitution and choosing leaders. Decades of civil war in Angola caused the displacement of millions, including many who moved to South Africa. Some of the men in the congregation served as soldiers in a battalion that was disbanded and now work for security firms. The women walk long distances to collect firewood to cook for their families. One of their pressing needs is to learn English which is essential to function in English-speaking South Africa. Although they have a heritage of a Christian community in Angola, they lack trained Bible teachers. As a result, the adults know little about their faith, while elements of traditional African religions have mixed in with their Christian beliefs and affected their view of life. SIM workers minister regularly in three of the congregations and plan to expand to others. (SIM)

* HCJB World Radio beams Kikongo Fioti programs to Angola and surrounding countries via shortwave from South America.

PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS IN EUROPE SHOW MORE INTEREST IN CHRISTIANITY

An increasing number of violinists, pianists, opera singers and other classical musicians are turning to Christ in Europe. More than 1,000 professional musicians have joined Crescendo, a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ. New additions to the ministry are coming mainly from Eastern Europe, especially the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, says Crescendo Director Rev. Beat Rink of Basel, Switzerland. More than 150 Christian musicians from 30 countries met in Strasbourg Sept. 27-29 for their annual convention. Crescendo's main objective is to provide counseling and professional assistance. Many young students and professional musicians experience multiple pressures, Rink says. Occasionally their Christian attitude offends teachers, conductors or colleagues. For example, when they refuse to take part in blasphemous opera productions. (IDEA)

© Copyright 2002 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org

FREE BOOKLET: Order your own copy of HCJB World Radio's new 20-page booklet, "God Keeps Opening Doors," by e-mailing your name and mailing address to doors@hcjb.org . You'll also receive a free bookmark.

 
 NÁSILÍ V KOLUMBII STÁLO ŽIVOT DALŠÍHO KATOLICKÉHO KNĚZE
   Po druhé v tomto týdnu si násilí v Kolumbii vyžádalo život katolického kněze. V neděli 29. září zastřelilo šest ozbrojených mužů Otce Jorge Sánchéze Ramíreze a jeho tři společníky. Byli na cestě z letiště do farnosti v Restrepu, když dva vozy, ve kterých jeli útočníci, předjely jejich auto. Zatímco Ramírez už dříve vystupoval proti násilí v Kolumbii, nikdy nevěřil, že by jeho vlastní život mohl být ohrožen. Ramírez se sám aktivně zúčastnil budování padesáti domovů pro chudé. Ti ostatní, kteří byli při útoku zabiti, byli Gillermo Pena, 19 let, Gerardo Pava, 51 let a Frank Heider Rodríguez, 21 let. Protestantští a katoličtí církevní vůdcové se stali v Kolumbii častým cílem útoků skupin rebelů. (Voice of the Martyrs – Hlas mučedníků)
 
 LAOŠTÍ KŘESŤANÉ PROŽÍVAJÍ ROSTOUCÍ PRONÁSLEDOVÁNÍ.
   (Christian Aid Mission) - Křesťané v Laosu prožívají kruté fyzické i psychické týrání a zdá se, že úřady se rozhodly křesťanství v Laosu vůbec vymýtit. Důvěrný zdroj minulý týden oznámil, že od července, kdy vstoupil v platnost nový zákon o církvích uplatňují laoské úřady nové způsoby pronásledování. Oficiálně se jim říká „nucená práce“ a „veřejné pranýřování“. První forma představuje nucené dlouhodobé práce zdarma v odlehlých oblastech. Přitom je jim slibováno, že když se zřeknou Ježíše, půjdou domů a již se jim nic nestane. Veřejné pranýřování se provádí tak, že věřící je ve své vesnici postaven před velkou skupinu lidí. Pak jeden vesničan po druhém na něj nestoudně pokřikují a urážejí jeho víru.

*Nejnovější zprávy v originální anglické verzi jsou vždy ZDE (klikněte).

 
 VŠECHNY DNEŠNÍ ZPRÁVY V ANGLIČTINĚ.
   VIOLENCE IN COLOMBIA CLAIMS ANOTHER CATHOLIC PRIEST

For the second time in a week, violence in Colombia has claimed the life of a Catholic priest. On Sunday, Sept. 29, six gunmen killed Father Jorge Sánchez Ramírez and three companions. They were traveling from the airport to the parish in Restrepo when two vehicles carrying the attackers intercepted their car. While Ramírez had previously spoken out against the violence in Colombia, he never believes that his life was in danger. Ramírez was actively involved in the construction of 50 homes for the poor. Those also killed in the attack were Guillermo Peńa, 19, Gerardo Pava, 51, and Frank Heider Rodríguez, 21. Protestant and Catholic church leaders in Colombia have become frequent targets of rebel groups in Colombia. (Voice of the Martyrs)

* Together with local partners, HCJB World Radio broadcasts the gospel on FM stations in four Colombian cities. The ministry also airs Spanish programs across the country and all of Latin America via shortwave.

CHRISTIANS IN LAOS FACE GROWING PERSECUTION

Christians in Laos are facing cruel forms of physical and psychological abuse as authorities appear to be working to wipe out Christianity in the country. A confidential source said last week that since the country's new religious laws came into effect in July, Lao authorities are using new forms of persecution against churches in Laos. These methods are called "forced labor" and "community vocal shame." In the forced labor penalty, Christians are taken to a remote area to perform hard labor without pay for an extended period. They are told if they deny Christ, they will be returned to their home village and never taken away again. "Community vocal shame" involves putting believers on display before a large crowd of people in a village. Then, one by one, the villagers shout shameful words of abuse at the believers. (Christian Aid Mission)

UZBEK PASTOR'S STRANGE VISITORS MAY HAVE POSED AS JOURNALISTS

Recent visitors to a Pentecostal pastor in Uzbekistan who claimed to be journalists from the BBC and CNN have been found to have no connection with either organization. The pastor of the Full Gospel Church in the town of Andijan in the Fergana valley said his suspicions were aroused when the visitors were more interested in collecting "compromising material" than on him interviewing about how Protestants survive in Uzbekistan. The pastor suspects that they were former KGB officers with the National Security Service (NSS) masquerading as journalists. "I understand that all my suspicions may turn out to be unsubstantiated," he said, "but believe me, it will be too late after I have been arrested!" A computer disk forgotten by one of the visitors contained the coursework of a student at the NSS institute on the subject of the "criminal law aspect of terrorism." (Keston News Service)

ANGOLA STRUGGLES TO REBOUND AFTER 30-YEAR CIVIL WAR

In Angola a peace accord is in effect, signaling the end to a 30-year civil war. However, the country continues to face a humanitarian catastrophe. The U.S. Department of Foreign Affairs has agreed to provide a ship to transport supplies to the country early next month. A network of churches and Christian groups is aiming to fill the ship with relief supplies. Operation Mobilization is also coordinating outreach teams for December with plans to show the "Jesus" film and distribute Christian literature. (Mission Network News)

CHURCHES RESPOND TO TWIN HURRICANES IN CARIBBEAN AREA

Churches throughout the Caribbean and Central America are responding to damage from two hurricanes that tore through the area in the last two weeks. Residents of western Cuba told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that they could not remember when two back-to-back storms such as Isidore and Lily had struck the island nation so close together. The same region was hit last year by Hurricane Michelle, killing five and leaving $1.8 billion in damage. Isidore caused severe damage in the same area on Sept. 20, and Hurricane Lily forced the evacuation of 163,000 people in Cuba on Oct. 1. No deaths were reported there, but Lily left seven dead in Jamaica earlier in the week. With heavy rains and winds, many homes and crops were destroyed. "Thank God that none of our churches or pastors were affected," said Ramón Sanchez, president of the Free Will Baptist Convention in a telephone interview from Havana. "Our members are involved in providing help to the people by providing clothing, household goods and taking up offerings," Sanchez said. One of the hardest hit areas was in Pińar del Río where there are 26 Free Methodist churches with about 1,000 members. Meanwhile, churches in Mexico and Costa Rica were also responding to flooding and wind damage from Hurricane Isidore that caused an estimated $600 million in agricultural damage and left thousands homeless in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. (Latin America Mission)

VOLCANO IN CENTRAL ECUADOR SENDS UP HUGE MUSHROOM CLOUD

The Tungurahua volcano in central Ecuador sent an impressive mushroom cloud of ash five miles up into the blue sky at 8:27 a.m. Wednesday, reported the Geophysical Institute at the National Polytechnic School in Quito. The cloud could be seen as far away as Quito, 105 miles to the north. Alexandra Alvarado, a technician at the institute, described the explosion as one of the largest since the volcano came back to life in 1999 after eight decades of inactivity. Ash is now falling in the fruit-growing areas around Ambato and Patate. An "orange alert" remains in effect for people living on the west side of the volcano while the nearby tourist town of Bańos is under a less urgent "yellow alert." Alvarado says people in the Tungurahua should be "vigilant but not alarmed" after this latest explosion. The most recent phase of volcanic activity began about two weeks ago. (El Comercio/EFE)

* HCJB World Radio sent three relief teams to areas affected by ashfalls in the Tungurahua volcano last fall, bringing physical and spiritual encouragement to local residents. In late 1999 the rumbling volcano forced the evacuation of 25,000 residents from Bańos and area for about three months. Since then the volcano has gone through various cycles of activity, including ashfalls in August 2001 that caused an estimated $10 million in agricultural damage.

© Copyright 2002 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org

FREE BOOKLET: Order your own copy of HCJB World Radio's new 20-page booklet, "God Keeps Opening Doors," by e-mailing your name and mailing address to doors@hcjb.org . You'll also receive a free bookmark.

 
 DALŠÍM PĚTI AMERICKÝM PROTESTANTŮM BYL ZAMÍTNUT VSTUP DO RUSKA
    Pěti americkým pracovníkům z protestantské církve, kteří sídlí ve městě Kostorma, byly letos v létě zamítnuty vstupní víza do Ruska. To samé zamítnutí dostal také katolický biskup Jerzy Mazur v Irkutsku – „z důvodu, aby byla zajištěna bezpečnost státu.“ „Nerozumíme tomu důvodu,“ řekl jeden z těch pěti, Jack Wollman, pro Keston News Service. „Všechno, co jsme dělali, bylo legální.“ Mezitím Leo Martensson, švédský misionář, který byl také vyhoštěn z Ruska, doposud neuspěl u soudu, aby rozkaz k jeho deportaci byl zrušen. (Keston News Service)
 
 NEPOKOJE V AFRICE UVĚZNILY ZAKLADATELE GRACE MINISTRIES.
   (Mission Network News) - Podle zprávy Grace Ministries International je zakladatel této misijní orhanizace Sam Vinton senior od počátku srpna odříznut od světa. Příčinou je jednak konec leteckého spojení, jednak ztráta rozhlasového spojení do konžského města Kama. Bezpečnost oblasti je ohrožena vpádem nové povstalecké skupiny – místo obsadila a mnoho domů vydrancovala. Poslední zpráva uvádí, že Vinton se stal vězněm ve svém domě.

* HCJB World Radio společně s partnery v Kongu vysílá evangelizační pořady na FM stanicích ve městech Boma, Bukavu a Kinshasa. Vysílá se v angličtině, francouzštině, Kikongo-Fioti, Lingala, Luba a svahilsky. Jednou týdně se odtud také vysílá pořad v jazycích Songe a Kikongo San Savador. Pořady v Kikongo Fioti se vysílají i na krátkých vlnách z Ekvádoru. Viz též naše související zprávy z 2.8.2000, 1.11.2000, 9.2.2001, 18.4.2001, 5.7.2001 a 1.3.2002.

*Nejnovější zprávy v originální anglické verzi jsou vždy ZDE (klikněte).

 
 VŠECHNY DNEŠNÍ ZPRÁVY V ANGLIČTINĚ.
   FIVE MORE U.S. PROTESTANTS DENIED ENTRY TO RUSSIA

Five U.S. Protestant church workers based in the city of Kostroma were denied entry visas to Russia this summer in accordance with the same legal provision cited against the banished Irkutsk-based Catholic Bishop Jerzy Mazur -- "in the interests of ensuring state security." "We cannot understand the motivation," one of the five, Jack Wollman told Keston News Service. "We had done everything legally and above board." Meanwhile, Leo Martensson, a Swedish missionary who was also expelled from Russia, has so far failed to have the deportation order overturned in the courts. (Keston News Service)

GRACE MINISTRIES INT'L FOUNDER A 'HOUSE PRISONER' IN AFRICA

Grace Ministries International reports that since the first week of August their founder, Sam Vinton Sr., has been cut off from the outside world. That's due, in part, to a lack of plane and radio service into Kama, Democratic Republic of Congo. Security became risky when a new rebel group arrived in the area and occupied it, looting many of the residences. The last correspondence says the elder Vinton is a house prisoner. (Mission Network News)

* HCJB World Radio works with local partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo to broadcast the gospel on FM stations in Boma, Bukavu and Kinshasa. Programs go out in English, French, Kikongo Fioti, Lingala, Luba and Swahili. Weekly programs in the Songe and Kikongo San Salvador languages also air from local FM stations in the country. In addition, HCJB World Radio airs Kikongo Fioti programs to the country via shortwave from Ecuador.

DOCK DISPUTE DELAYS WORLD CONCERN'S RELIEF SHIPMENTS

A U.S. West Coast dock workers lock out is having an impact on Christian ministry. World Concern's Director of Supply Services Coleen Ragsdale says they can't get their relief shipments out. "We have some containers that are lined up. One to Haiti in specific that was lined up to go this past Monday. With the hurricane season it has blankets and medical supplies so they can be prepared. Another container is to Uzbekistan." Working through the local church, World Concern provides relief supplies to the needy, which tends to have a spiritual impact on those they're helping. "The spiritual side of things comes in with our people working with them -- with schools. We partner with the churches. They're able to feel the love of God in that word and deed. We're bringing that hope and that opportunity for their lives. Those tangible items of God's love are very necessary." (Mission Network News)

3 CHRISTIAN AGENCIES JOIN TO HOST HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE

The 2002 International Christian Human Rights Conference for the first time will be hosted by three Christian agencies working together. Persecuted church agencies Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Release International, together with Premier Christian Radio, will present "Let Justice Roll" on November 16 at Westminster Chapel in London. The one-day conference will highlight the persecution of Christians around the world and will challenge the church to respond through prayer and action. Christians from countries such as Burma, China, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Nigeria and Turkmenistan will share news and personal experience of the persecuted church, together with opportunities to write letters of support to persecuted Christians and to build a giant prayer wall. (Christian Solidarity Worldwide).

ALL INDIA RADIO MARKS 75 YEARS IN BROADCASTING

This year India Radio celebrates 75 years of broadcasting in India. The first radio program began in June 1923, but a broadcasting service began only in 1927. The Government of India and the Indian Broadcasting Company joined hands to run this service and it was set up as All India Radio (AIR) in 1936. Today AIR has a network of 208 centers. Program are beamed in 24 languages and 146 dialects at home and in 26 languages -- 16 national and 10 foreign languages -- for listeners abroad. There are an estimated 111 million radio sets in about 105 million households in the country. (India Mail)

VOLCANO IN CENTRAL ECUADOR SENDS UP HUGE MUSHROOM CLOUD

The Tungurahua volcano in central Ecuador sent an impressive mushroom cloud of ash five miles up into the blue sky Wednesday morning, reported the Geophysical Institute at the National Polytechnic School in Quito. The cloud could be seen as far away as Quito, 105 miles to the north. Alexandra Alvarado, a technician at the institute, described the explosion as one of the largest since the volcano came back to life in 1999 after eight decades of inactivity. Ash is now falling in the fruit-growing areas around Ambato and Patate. An "orange alert" remains in effect for people living on the west side of the volcano while the nearby tourist town of Bańos is under a less urgent "yellow alert." (El Comercio/EFE)

© Copyright 2002 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org

FREE BOOKLET: Order your own copy of HCJB World Radio's new 20-page booklet, "God Keeps Opening Doors," by e-mailing your name and mailing address to doors@hcjb.org . You'll also receive a free bookmark.

 

   Zpět  Další zprávy: www.prayer.cz