Zprávy HCJB 15.12.2002 - 21.12.2002

 SMUTNÉ VÁNOCE U ETNICKÝCH KŘESŤANŮ VE VIETNAMSKÉM EDE
   Vánoce budou smutné pro velké množství ze 150.000 vietnamských křesťanů v Ede. Vietnamská vláda během posledních třech měsíců stupňovala svůj tlak proti křesťanům, když úřady rozpustily většinu ze 441 sborů. K poslednímu incidentu došlo v září, kdy veřejní činitelé a bezpečnostní policie informovala církevní vedoucí, že jejich kongregace jsou nelegální. Jediná tolerovaná náboženská aktivita je „v rámci rodiny, uvnitř domu a v tichosti.“ Modlitební setkání, studia Bible a bohoslužby jsou zakázané, stejně jako svatby, pohřby a křty. Pastorům je nařízeno, aby odmítli křesťany, kteří by přišli s žádostí o pomoc. Tato přísná opatření proti menšinové skupině křesťanů ve vietnamském středohoří přicházejí po loňských demonstracích, které byly namířené proti nelegálnímu zabírání půdy etnickým vietnamským usedlíkům. K tomuto pronásledování sboru v Ede dochází v době, kdy se Vietnam chystá přijmout pravidla mezinárodních lidských práv, včetně „úplné svobody náboženství.“ (Compass)
 
 I KDYŽ JE BEZPEČNOST OHROŽENA, BIBLICKÁ ŠKOLA V INDONÉZII FUNGUJE DÁL.
   (Mission Network News) - Po řadě teroristických útoků a nepominutelných hrozeb bezpečnosti jsou indonézské řady ve stavu zvýšené pohotovosti. Policie zadržela nejméně tři osoby podezřelé z vazeb na Al-Kájdá, od nichž se dozvěděla o plánech na útoky výbušninami o Vánocích proti kostelům. Není natím známo, jak tyto plány souvisejí se smrtonosnými explozemi na ostrově Bali. Darla Trout z organizace Teen Missions byl v době útoku na hotel na Bali v Indonézii a říká, že Američané by si měli obzvlášť dávat pozor. „Okolnosti mne přinutily odejít - jsem Američan a nebyli jsme si jisti pokud jde o mou bezpečnost. Atentát na Bali, jiné podobné události, hrozby Al-Kájdy i možnost války s Irákem – to vše vedlo k mému odjezdu dříve, než jsem očekával.“ Teen Missions provozuje v Indonézii pět misijních škol k výchově místních křesťanů pro kazatelskou činnost. „V současnosti nemáme v úmyslu žádnou z těchto škol uzavřít nebo jinak utlumovat naši činnost,“ řekl Trout. Školy mají celkem 93 posluchačů.

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

 
 KUBÁNSKÉ DOMÁCÍ SBORY SE SNAŽÍ UDRŽET SI NOVÉ VĚŘÍCÍ
    Jediné legálně povolené stavby církevních budov na Kubě před rokem 1991 byly ty, které byly postavené před revolucí v roce 1959. Od té doby nebyly postaveny žádné jiné. Nicméně, některé sbory se více rozrostly, a tak jim nezbylo nic jiného, než se začít scházet v soukromých domech. Tato shromáždění, kterým se na Kubě říká „casas cultos“ (bohoslužebné domy), se nyní mohou úředně zaregistrovat. Stále je však potřeba povolení ke stavbě církevní budovy.I když je povolení vydáno, nepředstavuje to žádnou jistotu. Pastor na severu Kuby říká, že některé domy používané pro sborová setkání byly vládou zkonfiskovány pod záminkou nějaké chyby v původní dokumentaci. Tyto domy teď vláda využívá bez jakékoli náhrady pro členy těchto sborů. Mnoho křesťanů se muselo kvůli své víře vzdát vyššího vzdělání nebo výhodného zaměstnání. I přesto domácí sborové hnutí stále roste. (Compass)
 
 MISIONÁŘ PŮSOBÍCÍ V INDII PROPUŠTĚN PO VÍCE NEŽ 2 LETECH STRÁVENÝCH VE VĚZENÍ.
   (Compass) - Ian Stillman – britský misionář působící mezi hluchými – byl 7.prosince propuštěn z indického vězení. Tento člen baptistického sboru v Readingu ve Velké Británii byl uvězněn 30. srpna 2000, když na úpatí Himálaje jel taxíkem do Manali. Policie ho obvinila z nedovolené přepravy marihuany. Stillman, který je sám hluchý a má umělou nohu, obvinění odmítl. Podle zpráv zatím není jasné, zda byl propuštěn na základě milosti nebo polehčujících okolností. Stephen Jakobi, ředitelFair Trials Abroad řekl: „Musíme jasně říci, že oficiální shovívavost úřadů, jakkoli dobře míněná, není řešením, protože v sobě zahrnuje uznání viny zadrženého.“ Stillman byl zadržen v oblasti známé jako hojný a laciný zdroj drog, kde však policie podstrkává drogy západním cizincům, aby pak žádala velké úplatky za propuštění.

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

 
 MISIE SE ZAMĚŘUJE NA SVĚDECTVÍ POLICEJNÍM DŮSTOJNÍKŮM A HASIČŮM V LATINSKÉ AMERICE A V KARIBSKÉ OBLASTI.
   (Brigada Today) - Americká Mobilization International nabízí krátkodobé i trvalé misijní pobyty aktivním i penzionovaným policejním důstojníkům a hasičům. Jezdí navštěvovat a svědčit svým kolegům v Latinské Americe a v karibské oblasti. Funguje to již 7 let. Evangelium tak slyšelo 17.000 policejních důstojníků a 7.000 z nich se dalo na cestu za Kristem. O materiálně technické zabezpečení misie se stará Mobilization International a spolupracující Focus on the Family. První evangelizace tohoto druhu v Guatemale se chystá v únoru 2003.
 
 MUSLIMŠTÍ EXTRÉMISTÉ V INDONÉSII HROZÍ ÚTOKY PROTI CIZINCŮM
   Muslimští extrémisté v Indonésii vyhrožují, že začnou během vánoc s teroristickými útoky na „mezinárodní křesťany a jejich přátele“, pokud „neopustí Afghánistán.“ Skupina, která si říká Mezinárodní batalion smrti, pojmenovala cizí „nepřátele“ jako „Ameriku, Anglii, Německo, Austrálii, Francii, Kanadu a Holandsko, Itálii, Japonsko, Čínu, Indii, Švédsko a další země.“ Teroristé říkají, že „spiknutí křesťanů“ je odpovědné za smrt stovek tisíců muslimů v Palestině, Afghánistánu, Iráku, na Filipínách a v Indonésii. Podle indonéské zpravodajské služby má tato skupina na svědomí bombové útoky na Bali a nedávný útok na restauraci McDonald´s v Sulawesi. Před dvěma lety došlo v Indonésii během vánoc ke dvěma bombovým atentátům buď uvnitř kostelů, nebo venku před nimi. 19 lidí přišlo o život a více než 40 jich bylo zraněno. Někteří duchovní obdrželi dopisy obsahující výbušninu. Před rokem se křesťané a muslimové dohodli na klidu zbraní, ale to vydrželo pouze do ledna. (Evangelical News Agency IDEA)
 
 NEPRAVOSLAVNÍ V BULHARSKU SE OBÁVAJÍ NAVRHOVANÉHO CÍRKEVNÍHO ZÁKONA.
   (Assist News Service) - Bulharští protestanti vyzývají prezidenta Georgi Parvanova, aby vetoval zákona nutícího jiné než pravoslavné křesťany a další menšinové skupiny ucházet se o soudní povolení k činnosti v zemi. Oznamuje to Keston News Service. Zpráva přichází den před pokračováním rozpravy k navrhovanému zákonu, jehož podstatou je ochranářství ve prospěch pravoslaví jako bulharského tradičního vyznání. Zákon by také měl bránit uznání těch duchovních, kteří odporují hlavě denominace, patriarchu Maksimovi. Theodor Angelov, sofijský pastor řídící evropské baptistické sdružení řekl, že návrh zákona je nesen duchem bývalého komunistického režimu. „Úředníci se stále domnívají, že náboženství je cosi nebezpečného a mělo by se kontrolovat,“ řekl Angelov. „Takové myšlení je přísnější, než samotný zákon a to mne znepokojuje.“ Zákon by měl soudům umožnit postihovat náboženská sdružení za různé údajné delikty zastavením činnosti až na půl roku, zákazem vydávání nebo šíření náboženských publikací nebo odepřením registrace tohoto sdružení. Angelov také protestuje proti odstavcům zákona umožňujícím tvrdé postihy za „nepovolené“ náboženské aktivity – pokuty až do 2.500 dolarů.

*Tato a další zprávy jsou (pouze v aktuální den) v originální anglické verzi zde.
 
 FILIPÍNSKÝ PASTOR PROPUŠTĚN Z VAZBY VE SPOJENÝCH ARABSKÝCH EMIRÁTECH.
   (Voice of the Martyrs) - Reverend Fernando Alconga, filipinský pastor působící ve Sjednocených arabských emirátech a uvězněný zde 12. listopadu za údajné šíření křesťanské literatury, byl propuštěn z vazby. Ale obvinění proti němu vznesená stažena nebyla. Není jasné, jaký bude další postup úřadů. Alconga byl zadržen poté, co jej tajní policejní agenti oslovili s žádostí o křesťanskou literaturu v arabštině; den předtím na stejném místě předal sáček s informacemi Arabovi egyptského původu. Odpověděl jim, že žádné materiály v arabštině nemá a oni se pak zajímali o materiály i v jiných jazycích. Když jim nahrávky na kazetách, traktáty a Nové Zákony ukázal, byl zadržen.

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

 
 KŘESŤANSKÁ ÍRÁNSKÁ RODINA ZAČÍNÁ NOVÝ ŽIVOT V KANADĚ.
   (Compass) - Příbuzní a starší sboru vyslali dojemný uvítací výbor k příletu rodiny Mahmouda Erfaniho, která před třemi a půl lety uprchla před pronásledováním z Iránu. „Erfaniovi bezpečně přiletěli do Toronta, v slzách, ale s úsměvy a s úžasem,“ řekl Gail Holland, bratr ze sboru, který uprchlíky hmotně podporuje. Rodina byla vyčerpána 48 hodin trvající cestou bez přestávky ze středního Turecka do Istanbulu a pak letecky přes Amsterdam do Toronta. Jako „odpadlíci“ od islámu ke křesťanství byli Erfaniovi vypuzeni ze svého domova nacházejícího se na dříve sborové nemovitosti v Mashadu a byli vystaveni rostoucím vyhrůžkám tajné policie dlouho před svým útěkem do Turecka. Po mnoha měsících oficiálních žádostí k rukám vysokého komisaře pro uprchlíky OSN se letos v srpnu kanadské velvyslanectví zavázalo obstarat jim víza k pobytu. Mezi těmi, kdo rodinu uvítali, byli jejich příbuzní a přátelé z jejich rodného Mashadu, kteří již dříve konvertovali od islámu ke křesťanství.
 
 MUSLIMOVÉ V NIGÉRII ZABILI PASTORA A 2 ČLENY JEHO RODINY
   Výtržnosti z minulého týdne v Nigérii, ve státě Platea, si vyžádaly život významného pastora dvou členů jeho rodiny. Bitrus Manjang, vice prezident Kristovy církve v Nigérii, byl zavražděn 12. prosince ve svém rodném městě Riyom, asi 30 mil od města Jos. Devětašedesátiletý Manjang byl zastřelen muslimským výtržníkem, když po zaparkování v garáži vystoupil ze svého auta. Při útoku byla zabita i jeho snacha a šestiletý vnuk. Manjang se právě vracel z několika církevních setkání v městě Jos, když dav islámských militantních výtržníků vstoupil do jeho vesnice, asi v 17. hod. Dalších pět lidí bylo zabito, a nejméně dvanáct jich bylo hospitalizováno s různými zraněními. Gary Lane z Voice of Martyrs (VOM) řekl, že útok odpovídá tomu, co mohou do budoucna očekávat. „Radikální muslimové v Nigérii chtějí zavést islámský zákon šaría, a to nejen v těch státech Nigérie, kde už byl uzákoněn, ale i v ostatních státech, které jsou křesťanské. Stát, na který se nyní soustředí, je Platea.“ I přes tato nebezpečí věřící pokračují ve své práci. „Církevní budovy jsou ničeny a křesťané a jejich pastorové…..na ty se míří a střílí. To však nezastaví růst církve,“ řekl Land. „Nigerijský sbor roste rychleji, než kdy předtím. Nicméně přicházíme o některé dobré lidi. Přicházíme o silné vůdce – o ty, kteří stojí v přímé opozici proti právu šaría.“ (Mission Network News/VOM)
 
 MĚSTŠTÍ ÚŘEDNÍCI VE WISCONSINU RISKUJÍ SOUDNÍ PROCES KVŮLI ZOBRAZENÍ NAROZENÍ PÁNĚ
   Úředníci v oblasti Wisconsinu se rozhodli, že se nevzdají součásti výzdoby se zobrazením Ježíšova narození, i přes hrozbu soudního procesu ze strany těch, kteří prosazují oddělení církve od státu. To sdělil list Charisma News. Devět městských radních nedávno jednomyslně odsouhlasilo, aby obraz narození Páně byl součástí vánoční výzdoby města. Místní obyvatelka Rose Ann Crowns přišla s touto myšlenkou, protože výzdoba obsahovala jen světské symboly jako vánoční stromky, cínové vojáčky a Santa Klause. Nicméně organizace Freedom from Religion Foundation okamžitě pohrozila soudním procesem, jestliže to město bude akceptovat. „Je to povzbuzující, když vidíme město, které se nebojí prázdných výhružek od radikálních organizací,“ řekl Matt Staver z Liberty Counsel. „To, co udělala Freedom from Religion Foundation, je prostě opovrženíhodné. Přijala postoj, o kterém věděla, že je špatný, jen aby se město podrobilo jejímu názoru na to, jakou roli má hrát náboženství v Americe.“ (Religion Today)
 
 V BHÚTÁNU MOHOU POVSTALECKÉ NEPOKOJE ZHORŠIT SITUACI V MISIJNÍ ČINNOSTI.
   (Mission Network News) - Na severovýchodě himalájského státu Bhútán vznikají tábory povstalců ohrožující mír a nutící vládu k přiměřené odpovědi. John Maisel z East West Ministries říká, že vládní represe by mohly zhoršit beztak obtížnou situaci misionářů. „Bhútán je oficiálně buddhistický. Kdo žije v Bhútánu, má problémy a skončí ve vězení, pokud se na duchovním poli pokouší o cokoli nebuddhistického - zvlášť jestli chce působit změnu ve vyznání lidí, získávat buddhisty pro Krista, nebo vůbec být příliš aktivní v jiné víře, než v buddhismu. Následky jsou veliké.“ Maisel vyzývá věřící, aby se za situaci v Bhútánu modlili. „Mnoho lidí o této zemi téměř neví, ale je jednou z nejobtížněji dostupných, pokud jde o evangelizaci …- stále ji ovládá duch buddhistického království.“

*Tato a další zprávy jsou (pouze v aktuální den) v originální anglické verzi zde.
 
 POZNÁMKA VYDAVATELE
   Zprávy HCJB World Radio budou vydávány opět od 2.ledna 2003. Přejeme Vám požehnané Vánoční svátky a pěkný Nový Rok!
 
 VŠECHNY DNEŠNÍ ZPRÁVY V ANGLIČTINĚ.
   RELIGION LAW IN BELARUS PUTS HOUSE CHURCHES IN JEOPARDY

Authorities in the former Soviet republic of Belarus have told Christians and other religious communities they can no longer hold meetings in their homes without prior permission. Keston News Service quoted the senior religious affairs official in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, Alla Ryabitseva, as saying that if "more than 10 people gather together for a religious meeting without official permission, they would be committing a crime." She made the remarks to religious communities registered in the Frunze district of Minsk at a meeting to explain new religious legislation that human rights watchers describe as "Europe's most restrictive law." Dina Shavtsova, a Minsk-based lawyer involved in religious liberty cases, said that the "uncertainty surrounding the norms of the religion law allows local officials to give their own interpretation" to the legislation that came into force Nov. 16. Shavtsova said this legal development "leads to the direct limitation of the rights" of citizens, and could stop evangelical churches without buildings from renting halls. "They can now only meet in home groups, although even this possibility is now dependent on the whims of one or another bureaucrat," the lawyer added. Several church leaders and Christians have reportedly been summoned by local officials to explain their activities. (Assist News Service)

KEY HMONG BROADCASTER AT FEBC DIES OF HEART ATTACK

John Lee, a longtime Hmong radio programmer at Far East Broadcasting Co. (FEBC), died of an apparent heart attack the evening of Saturday, Dec. 7. It was Lee's gospel programs that helped create a large Christian movement within Hmong villages across Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnam and Laos. He brought thousands to the Lord and helped them escape the bondage of animism that reigns in their culture. "The Hmong community worldwide has lost a great spiritual leader," said FEBC President Jim Bowman. Lee, along with his wife, Pai, produced Hmong programs and corresponded with listeners for 24 years. Many of these listeners, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, referred to him as their "pastor." Recently Lee's role as programmer and pastor escalated due to increasing persecution among the Hmong people. A listener wrote recently, "Our government does not understand what we believe in. They have come to chase all of us out of our homes. They have even arrested many of us and put us in jail. . . . We want to let you know that your radio broadcast is the only message that all of us can rely on. Keep on sending God's Word to us." Lee was born in Laos and grew up listening to FEBC's Hmong programs on shortwave. He became an FEBC broadcaster on the encouragement of his mother. FEBC has been producing Hmong programs since the mid-1950s, airing 11 hours per week in two dialects. Broadcasts reach across China, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. In addition to his wife, Lee is survived by four children. (FEBC)

INDONESIAN BIBLE SCHOOLS KEEP OPERATING DESPITE SECURITY THREATS

After a number of terror attacks and more credible security threats, authorities in Indonesia are on heightened alert. Police have arrested at least three suspects with ties to al-Qaeda that sources say had plans to blow up a church at Christmas. It is not known yet if these bombings are tied to the deadly Bali blasts. Darla Trout of Teen Missions was in the country when the Bali hotel was bombed and says Americans need to be especially careful. "I was pulled out because of my being an American, and we weren't sure about my safety while I was there. With the bombing in Bali and different things that were going on there, with the threat of al-Qaeda and the possibility of war with Iraq, I was pulled out earlier than expected." Teen Missions operates five missionary Bible schools in the country, equipped national believers for the ministry. "At this time we have no intentions to close any of those schools or to slow down the work at all," Trout says. The four schools operating in Indonesia have a total of 93 students. (Mission Network News)

VIETNAM'S ETHNIC EDE CHRISTIANS FACE BLEAK CHRISTMAS

Christmas will be bleak for many of Vietnam's 150,000 ethnic Ede Christians. The Vietnamese government has been pressuring Christians in the last three months as authorities have disbanded most of the group's 441 churches. The latest crackdown began in September as public officials and security police informed church leaders that their congregations were illegal. The only religious activity tolerated is "within the family, inside the house and quietly." Prayer meetings, Bible teaching and worship are forbidden as are weddings, funerals and baptisms. Pastors are even ordered to turn away Christians who might come to them for help. The crackdown on minority Christians in Vietnam's central highlands comes after some demonstrated last year against the illegal loss of their lands to ethnic Vietnamese settlers. The persecution of the Ede church comes at a time when Vietnam is touting its adherence to international human rights standards, including "complete freedom of religion." (Compass)

NEW LAW MAY PUT RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN RELIGIOUS WORKERS IN RUSSIA

More than a month after the new law on the legal status of foreigners came into force in Russia, it remains unclear how it will affect foreigners working in the country at the invitation of religious organizations. The law, which entered force on Nov. 1, prescribes a procedure for an organization to receive permission to attract skilled labor and to receive permission for foreign citizens to work in the Russian Federation. "The law regulates relations that previously were not subject to regulation," said Vladimir Ryakhovsky, co-director of the Moscow-based Slavic Center for Law and Justice. "But in the law, religious activity is put on the same level as working activity, and that is incorrect." In Ryakhovsky's view, a "special procedure must be established, defining the manner in which a religious organization should invite foreign citizens." Fr. Igor Kovalevsky, secretary of the Russian Catholic bishops' conference, said this has resulted in "complete confusion." (Keston News Service)

* HCJB World Radio actively helps develop a variety of local radio ministries in Euro-Asia (Central Europe, Ukraine, Russia and other countries in the former Soviet Union). Many full-time positions are open, including helping train future Christian broadcasters, technical assistance (information technology, broadcast studio design and construction), program development and administrative roles. For more information, contact Euro-Asia Director David Manney at dmanney@hcjb.org.ua .

EVEN AMONG ATHEISTS, CHRISTMAS STRIKES A CHORD

Nearly half of adult Americans say they know someone who doesn't believe in God but will celebrate Christmas this year anyway, shows a recent survey of more than 1,000 people conducted by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University. The study found that more people will set up a Christmas tree than will attend a worship service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Americans also overwhelmingly believe Christmas has become less focused on the birth of Jesus than it used to be, the report said. "As a free thinker, I believe the holidays are a great tradition regardless of the underlying basis for them," said Ron Barrier, a New York leader of American Atheists, a 2,500-member national organization defending the rights and interests of atheists. Atheists such as Barrier are likely to enjoy celebrating holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even the winter solstice. James Draper Jr., president of LifeWay Christian Resources, urges believers to take advantage of people's openness to the gospel during the Christmas season. "Give the gift of hope that is only possible through a relationship with the Savior who came to earth at Christmas." (Religion Today)

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

 
 VŠECHNY DNEŠNÍ ZPRÁVY V ANGLIČTINĚ.
   FILIPINO PASTOR IMPRISONED IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

A Filipino pastor in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) has been arrested for allegedly distributing Christian materials. International Christian Concern reports that Rev. Fernando Alconga, a Filipino pastor from Redeemer and King Filipino Church of Ras Al Khaimah in U.A.E., was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Division of Dubai on Nov. 12. Alconga says he was asleep in his car at the Al Bustan Center in Al Qusais, Dubai, when he was approached by two men requesting Christian materials in Arabic. The previous day he had handed out a package of information called "The God Story" to an Egyptian Arab outside of the same building. After being informed that he had no materials in Arabic, the men requested that he show them his supply of materials in other languages, which he did. Then the men identified themselves as police agents and arrested Alconga for distributing Christian materials, including cassette tapes, tracts and New Testaments. After being interrogated, he was moved to the Al Qusais Prison where he is being detained without bail. (Assist News Service)

HINDU VICTORY IN INDIAN STATE THREATENS CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS

There are growing fears that the recent victory by Hindu nationalists in the western Indian state of Gujarat is a threat to minority groups in the area. Mission India's John DeVries says the ministry is bracing for mounting obstacles and higher risks for its workers. "We can probably expect anti-conversion laws to be passed by most of the states in India," he says. "It also means there's going to be tremendous pressure put on all minorities, including Christians and Muslims, to conform to Hindu standards. The secular concept of democracy on which India was founded is in serious jeopardy." DeVries is concerned about the safety of believers in the area. "Pray for the Christians to be strengthened. Pray that they would be courageous and keep their minds fixed on the Lord . . . and not on the events that are happening, realizing that God is in control and that He has His own purpose in allowing this to come about." (Mission Network News)

MISSIONARY TO INDIA FREED AFTER MORE THAN 2 YEARS IN PRISON

Ian Stillman, a British missionary working with the deaf, was freed from an Indian prison the afternoon of Dec. 7. A member of the Baptist Church in Reading, U.K., Stillman was arrested on Aug. 30, 2000, in the foothills of the Himalayas while traveling to Manali by taxi. Police charged him with marijuana trafficking. Stillman, who is deaf and has an artificial leg, denies the charges. Sources said it is not yet clear if he was granted a pardon or freed on a "plea for clemency." Stephen Jakobi, director of Fair Trials Abroad, said, "We hope to make it clear that governmental support for clemency, however well meaning, is not really an option since it would be an admission of guilt." Stillman was arrested in an area known for its plentiful and inexpensive supply of drugs where police have been accused of planting drugs on Westerners and then demanding large bribes for their release. (Compass)

CUBAN HOUSE CHURCHES STRAIN TO HOLD NEW BELIEVERS

Before 1991 the only churches legally permitted in Cuba were those built before the 1959 revolution. Since then, no new churches have been built. However, many churches have outgrown their buildings, and the only solution is to meet in private homes. These gatherings, known as "casas cultos" (worship houses) can now register with the government. However, permission is still needed to build new churches. Even if permission is given, there is no guarantee of safety. A pastor in northern Cuba says that some houses used for church meetings have been confiscated by the government on the pretext of a fault in the original paperwork. The houses are now used by the government with no compensation to the church members. Many Christians have missed out on higher education or employment because of their faith, yet the house church movement continues to grow. (Compass)

* HCJB World Radio continues to air Spanish programs to Cuba via shortwave from South America. Hundreds of listeners have enrolled in the ministry's Christian Academy of the Air, a correspondence program incorporating Spanish broadcasts. In addition, many pastors' workshops sponsored by Apoyo, a joint training ministry with Leadership Resources International, have been held in Cuba since the mid-1990s.

CHRISTIAN RADIO STATION WORKS TO SATURATE HAITI WITH GOSPEL

Christian radio station 4VEH is making steady progress in its goal to saturate Haiti with the gospel through solar-powered radios that are fix-tuned to the station. Men for Missions' Warren Hardig says thousands of souls are at stake. "It's spiritual warfare -- it's a deep, heavy spiritual warfare," he says. Haiti may be the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with per-capita income less than $400 per year. Hardig says reports continue to come in about people coming to Christ through the broadcasts, including witch doctors. That also increases the danger for mission workers who become the targets of resentful Haitians. "Pray for protection for the missionaries and for the pastors," he says. "We have a situation right now in Haiti near our radio station in Vodry where the lives of several Christians leaders are being threatened. Some of these leaders want to leave the country because they're fearful for not only themselves, but for their families." (Mission Network News)

* Through HCJB World Radio's "Turn the Radios On" campaign, the ministry works in conjunction with Christian radio stations and churches across the U.S. to distribute fix-tuned, solar-powered radios to needy people in Africa and other parts of the world. Since January 2001 more than 7,000 of the radios have been distributed, and pledges have been received for an additional 2,500 to be sent out next year.

MINISTRY TARGETS POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN IN LATIN AMERICA, CARIBBEAN

Mobilization International offers short-term and career mission opportunities for active or retired police officers and firefighters. They have been reaching out to police officers in Latin America and the Caribbean for the past seven years. More than 17,000 police officers have heard the gospel with more than 7,000 making decisions for Christ. Mobilization International partners with Focus on the Family to distribute resources to those they minister to. Their first outreach to firefighters in Guatemala is planned for February 2003. (Brigada Today)

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

 
 VŠECHNY DNEŠNÍ ZPRÁVY V ANGLIČTINĚ.
   MUSLIM EXTREMISTS IN INDONESIA THREATEN TO ATTACK FOREIGNERS

Muslim extremists in Indonesia are threatening to launch terrorist attacks on "international Christians and their friends" at Christmas unless they "get out of Afghanistan." A group called the International Battalion of Death identified the foreign "enemies" as "America, England, Germany, Australia, France, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, China, India, Sweden and others." The terrorists say a "conspiracy of Christians" is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Muslims in Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines and Indonesia. Indonesian intelligence indicates that the group was responsible for the Bali bombings and a recent attack on a McDonald's restaurant in Sulawesi. Two years ago a series of bombs exploded during Christmas in or near churches in Indonesia, leaving 19 people dead and more than 40 wounded. Some clergy received letter bombs. A year ago Christians and Muslims agreed to a peace accord, but it only lasted until January. (Evangelical News Agency IDEA)

GOSPEL KEEPS SPREADING DESPITE UNREST IN VENEZUELA

Violent clashes over reported governmental corruption have not prevented the gospel from spreading in Venezuela. As the economic and political situation continues to spiral out of control, Omar Rodríguez of the Evangelical Free Church Mission says people are finding stability in the truth. "The church has an unprecedented opportunity right now to share the gospel that many people will find their hope and their faith for the future, not just of Venezuela, but of their families and themselves and Jesus Christ. As the Christmas season approaches, there's unlimited potential right now to share the gospel." Rodríguez says as the turmoil strikes at the people, it has presented a captive audience for teens eager to share their faith. "In our particular church, the youth are going to the different gas stations where there's long lines, and they're distributing bottled water, and then tracts to people and sharing the gospel." He urges people to pray for the believers' safety during this time of unrest. (Mission Network News)

* HCJB World Radio worked with local partners to establish a Christian station in La Morita, Venezuela, in 2000. Partner stations in two additional Venezuelan cities are also affiliated with the ALAS Latin American satellite radio network, operated jointly by HCJB World Radio and Trans World Radio. More than 107 radio outlets in 16 countries carry Spanish programming from the network.

BULGARIA'S NON-ORTHODOX CHURCHES FEAR PROPOSED RELIGION LAW

Bulgaria's Protestant churches are urging President Georgi Parvanov to veto a law that would force non-Orthodox Christians and other minority groups to obtain court approval to operate in the country, reported Keston News Service. News about the appeal came a day before Bulgaria's parliament was to resume a debate today on the proposed law, aimed at further protecting the traditional Orthodox Church as Bulgaria's "traditional faith. The legislation would also deny recognition to breakaway Orthodox clergy opposed to the denomination's leader, Patriarch Maksim. Theodor Angelov, a Sofia-based pastor who heads the European Baptist Federation, said the law bears the imprint of Bulgaria's communist past. "Officials believe religious activities are something dangerous that should be controlled," he said. "This is the thinking behind this law, and it is this thinking that makes me afraid." The law could give courts the authority to punish religious organizations for a variety of alleged offences by stopping their activities for up to six months, as well as banning the publication or distribution of religious publications or canceling an organization's registration. Angelov also objected to the stiff punishments for "unauthorized" religious activity prescribed in the bill, with fines of up US$2,620. (Assist News Service)

REPAIRS TO TRANS WORLD RADIO'S FACILITIES IN GUAM MOVE AHEAD

As local residents on the Pacific island of Guam begin piecing their homes and lives together after a devastating typhoon struck on Dec. 8, Trans World Radio's recovery is also in full swing. TWR has been airing evangelistic and Bible teaching programs to Asia from Guam via powerful shortwave transmitters for 25 years. Although KTWR, TWR's shortwave station in Guam, is still off the air, some broadcasts could resume as early as Friday. None of TWR'S nine missionary families serving in Guam were injured during the storm, and their homes only suffered minor damage. Typhoon Pongsona hit Guam with sustained winds of 150 miles per hour and gusts to 184 mph, flattening parts of the island. TWR operates five shortwave transmitters on Guam. The antenna array suffered severe damage, but all the towers remained erect. Three of the five antenna curtains were "shredded." The others suffered less severe damage and are nearly repaired. These two provide service for China and Southeast Asia. It could take months before all of the equipment is operating normally again. Guam's commercial power grid may be down for another month. While KTWR has emergency diesel generators, fuel is in short supply. Much of the island's infrastructure is inoperable, and emergency services have been severely hampered. U.S. President George W. Bush has declared Guam a federal disaster area. Also, roads to the south end of the island where KTWR is located are still blocked by snapped concrete power poles, trees and erosion damage. (Trans World Radio)

BELARUS PRESIDENT OPENS DOOR TO DAILY CHRISTIAN RADIO PROGRAM

Little more than a month after he signed what critics call "Europe's most restrictive religion law," Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has agreed to allow a daily Christian radio program to air in his country, an official said on Tuesday. In a move that organizers describe as an "answer to prayer," Lukashenko gave Christians the go-ahead to broadcast "Alpha Hour" on the country's second largest FM radio network. Gator Henry, the program's operations manager in Florida, said he has "personal assurances" that the show will be allowed to air across Minsk, a city of 1.5 million, and in the nearby city of Vitebsk. "The process to get to this point has taken more than 18 months, three personal meetings with Alpha Radio in Minsk, a multiplicity of e-mail communications, and more than two years of prayers by many people around the world," Henry said. The permission comes amid international pressure on Lukashenko to improve human rights in his troubled nation. While the legal hurdles have been crossed, Henry said the station won't go on the air until early 2003 after more funds are raised, the staff is trained and final preparations are made. Henry and his wife Vitalia, who is from Belarus, will leave Florida and settle in nearby Kiev, Ukraine, in January to coordinate the program. Henry said that Belarusian authorities could still jeopardize the program. "But we do know that right now, at such a time as this, the door is open." (Assist News Service)

BOYS CREDIT GOD FOR ICY RIVER RESCUE IN MASSACHUSETTS

Three boys who survived a plunge into an icy Massachusetts river as four friends drowned on the weekend credit God for sparing their lives. "I was scared and cold, but I was hoping that God would get me out of this mess," said 10-year-old Jaycob Morales on NBC's "Today" show. Jaycob was one of three boys who were saved Saturday after falling into the Merrimack River in Lawrence, a working-class city of 72,000 about 25 miles north of Boston. Another survivor, 9-year-old Francis Spraus, sobbed when asked about the terrifying moments as his friends slipped through the ice. "I thank God that God gave me another life," he said. It is unclear whether all seven boys had been playing on the ice or whether some walked onto the ice to try to save their friends who were about 25 feet from shore in water up to 8 feet deep. (Religion Today)

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

 
 VŠECHNY DNEŠNÍ ZPRÁVY V ANGLIČTINĚ
   MUSLIM RIOTERS IN NIGERIA KILL PROMINENT PASTOR, 2 FAMILY MEMBERS

Rioting in Nigeria's Plateau state last week has claimed the life of a prominent pastor and two members of his family. Bitrus Manjang, vice president of the Church of Christ, Nigeria was murdered on Dec. 12 in his hometown of Riyom, about 30 miles from Jos. Manjang, 69, was gunned down by a rioting Muslim mob as he stepped from his car after parking in his garage. Also killed in the attack were his daughter-in-law and 6-year-old grandson. Manjang had just returned from a series of church meetings in Jos when a mob of Islamic militants entered his village at 5 p.m. Five other people were killed, and at least a dozen were hospitalized with injuries. Gary Lane of Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) said the attack is indicative of a pattern that is likely to continue. "Radical Muslims in Nigeria want to impose sharia (Islamic law), not only on the 12 states of Nigeria that have already enacted it, but they want to impose it on the other states, and these are Christian areas. The one state that they are particularly targeting at this time is Plateau state." In spite of the dangers, believers are continuing their work. "Church buildings are being destroyed, and Christians and their pastors . . . are being targeted and gunned down, but that isn't stopping the growth of the church," Land said. "The church in Nigeria is growing more than ever. But we're losing some good people. We're losing some strong leaders -- those who are standing up to the imposition of sharia law." (Mission Network News/VOM)

* HCJB World Radio, together with partners In Touch Ministries, SIM and the Evangelical Church of West Africa, began airing weekly half-hour programs in the Igbo language in 2000. The programs air via shortwave to Nigeria's 15 million Igbo speakers.

UKRAINIAN COURT ORDERS CLOSURE OF PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

A Pentecostal church in the southern Ukrainian town of Kherson has been ordered closed by a local court for conducting public services without prior consent from municipal authorities. The Church of Christ, led by pastor Pavel Kudashev, was ordered to halt its activity by the court in the town's Suvorov district on Dec. 10, reported the religious news website RISU.org.ua, citing the All-Ukrainian Center of Religious Security and Assistance to Victims of Destructive Sects. The court ruling declared that public events organized by the church were "repeatedly held in June and July 2002 without permission from and agreement with local authorities." Ukrainian law requires such permission for public religious events. (Keston News Service)

FILIPINO PASTOR RELEASED FROM CUSTODY IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Rev. Fernando Alconga, a Filipino pastor in the United Arab Emirates who was arrested Nov. 12 for allegedly distributing Christian materials, has been released from police custody. The charges against him, however, have not been dropped. It is unclear what legal procedures will ensue in this matter. Alconga was arrested after undercover police agents approached him asking for Christian materials in Arabic. The previous day he had handed out a package of information to an Egyptian Arab outside the same building. When he told them he had no materials in Arabic, they asked to see what he had in other languages. After showing them cassette tapes, tracts and New Testaments, he was arrested. (Voice of the Martyrs)

ETHIOPIAN AUTHORITIES REFUSE TO RELEASE 2 EVANGELICAL LEADERS

Two evangelical Christians who have been jailed in northern Ethiopia for more than eight months remain in police detention without charges. Under apparent pressure, the presiding judge has given local police an ultimatum to produce solid evidence against the two Pentecostal church elders, or she will order them released. Kiros Meles and Abebayeh Desalegn were arrested following a two-day rampage last April that left five evangelical churches in shambles at the hands of a mob of Orthodox extremists. Both are suspects in the death of an Orthodox Church member shot dead during the last day of the riots. An off-duty policeman was also taken into custody over the incident. "All the postponements were because the police were trying to cover up their guilt and asked for more time to investigate," a local source said. Recently the prisoners' families have taken on the care of two young men who met Meles and Desalegn while serving four months in jail for robbery and became Christians through the elders' influence. (Compass)

* Staff members at HCJB World Radio-Australia's studios record Oromo language programs that are aired to 28 million speakers in Ethiopia and Kenya via shortwave from partner FEBA Radio.

EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT DECLARES CHRISTMAS DAY NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt has declared Christmas Day a National holiday for the first time in the country's history. Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, and starting in 2003, this date will be an official public holiday. In the past, Christian religious festivals have not been designated as public holidays even though Christians represent more than 10 percent of Egypt's population. Mamdouh Nakhla, general manager of the Cairo-based Word Center for Human Rights, first requested the government to make Christmas Day an official holiday in 1995. "We welcome President Mubarak's decision to consider Jan. 7 an official holiday for all Egyptians," he said. "There is no doubt that this is a wise decision putting things on the right track and strengthening national unity." Nakhla is also urging the government to stop requiring that religious affiliation be listed on people's identification cards. (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

CHRISTIAN IRANIAN FAMILY BEGINS NEW LIFE IN CANADA

Relatives and church representatives made up a joyful airport welcoming committee for the Mahmoud Erfani family, 31/2 years after the former Muslims fled persecution in Iran. "The Erfanis arrived safely in Toronto amid smiles, tears and wonderment," said Gail Holland, refugee coordinator for their sponsoring church in Canada. The family was reportedly exhausted from 48 hours of continuous travel from central Turkey to Istanbul and then to Toronto via Amsterdam. As "apostates" who had left Islam to become Christians, the Erfanis had been evicted from their home on a former church compound in Mashhad and faced growing harassment by secret police in the months before they fled to Turkey. After months of petitioning the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Canadian Embassy granted them residence visas last August. Among those welcoming the family to Canada were relatives and friends from their native Mashhad who are also converts from Islam to Christianity. (Compass)

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

 
 VŠECHNY DNEŠNÍ ZPRÁVY V ANGLIČTINĚ.
   EDITOR'S NOTE: The HCJB World Radio Daily News Update will resume on Jan. 2, 2003. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

CHARGES DROPPED AGAINST ELDERS OF GROWING MONGOLIAN CHURCH

All charges have been dropped against the elders of the Church of All Nations in the Bayangol district of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The elders were facing criminal charges and confiscation of all tithes and offerings because the church was not registered, despite efforts to register it since 1999. Church members thank all those who prayed and ask for continued prayers as the church seeks registration. The Buddhist government of Mongolia has been working to prevent the growth of Christianity in the country. Despite these efforts, the Church of All Nations has moved into a larger hall and is continuing to grow. (Voice of the Martyrs)

PERSECUTION CONTINUES IN CHINA WHILE TALKS CENTER ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Lorne Craner, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Affairs, completed two days of high-level talks in Beijing with Chinese officials on Tuesday and remains in China this week to continue talks in other parts of the country. Most of the talks centered around human rights and democracy issues. But China watchers were hoping that the fair treatment of house church Christians was also high on the agenda. Craner said that Chinese officials had agreed to meet the leaders of the U.S. Commission of Religious Freedom next spring. China is ranked 12th on Open Doors' "World Watch List" of countries where Christians are the most severely persecuted. "The government of China continues to make life difficult for people of faith," says Terry Madison, president of Open Doors U.S.A. "Christians face intimidation, arrest, beatings, fines and imprisonment for the 'crime' of worshiping God outside the control of the [official] Three-Self Church structure. For China to truly become part of the world community, it needs to take the issue of freedom of religion for its citizens more seriously than it has in the past." Recent reliable reports from many parts of China speak of arbitrary arrests and imprisonment and even torture of Christians who attend unregistered churches. (Assist News Service)

INSURGENTS IN BHUTAN MAY WORSEN SITUATION FOR MISSION OUTREACH

In the Himalayan nation of Bhutan, camps of insurgent groups are building up in the northeastern part of the country, threatening the peace and pressuring the government to act. East West Ministries‘ John Maisel says the response may worsen an already difficult situation for mission work. "Bhutan is an official Buddhist country. If you live in Bhutan, you're shut down and you're imprisoned if you try to do anything, especially if you try to proselytize -- win a Buddhist to Christ -- or if you're aggressive in a faith other than Buddhism. It has enormous consequences." Maisel urges believers to pray about the situation in Bhutan. "A lot of people don't hear about Bhutan, but it's one of the most difficult countries in the world to work in . . . just because of the mentality of its being a Buddhist kingdom." (Mission Network News)

CITY OFFICIALS IN WISCONSIN RISK LAWSUIT TO DISPLAY NATIVITY SCENE

Officials in a Wisconsin community have decided not to jettison a scene depicting Jesus' birth despite the threat of a lawsuit from a group that advocates separation of church and state, reported Charisma News. The nine aldermen of Wisconsin Rapids recently voted unanimously to accept a nativity scene for inclusion in the city's Christmas time display. Wisconsin Rapids resident Rose Ann Crowns led a group in offering the nativity scene to the city because the community's Christmas display contained only secular symbols such as Christmas trees, tin soldiers and Santa Claus. However, the Freedom from Religion Foundation immediately threatened a lawsuit if the city accepted it. "It is encouraging to see a city that is not afraid of the empty threats of radical organizations," said Matt Staver of Liberty Counsel. "What the Freedom from Religion Foundation did in this case is simply despicable. They adopted a position they knew to be false in order to kowtow the city into submission to their out-of-step idea of what the role of religion should be in America." (Religion Today)

UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS ADS POINT HARRIED SCOTTISH SHOPPERS TO JESUS

The Scottish Episcopal Church has launched an ad campaign in train stations across the country to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas. Posters show one of the three kings looking down in horror at a price tag left on his gift of gold to the baby Jesus. The slogan reads, "Losing the plot? Give yourself a break at church this Christmas." Church leaders said the campaign was not an attempt to stifle the holiday spirit but rather a lighthearted bid to remind people of the real reason for the season. "We're not trying to take the commercialization out of Christmas," said Rev. Bruce Cameron. "Shopping for presents and parties can be great fun. What we're trying to do is to restore the balance and put the Christmas message back into our celebrations." The Scottish Episcopal Church joined with the Churches Advertising Network to put together the campaign. Train stations were chosen because they catch people on shopping excursions or on the way to parties. "We are saying that the real gifts of Christmas are love and peace," Cameron said. "But they are the gifts that I'd like to give to the children of Baghdad and Jerusalem this Christmas." (Episcopal News Service)

* VISIONARY LEADER FROM HCJB WORLD RADIO-SWEDEN DIES OF CANCER

Lars Rune Jonsson, who was instrumental in developing HCJB World Radio's Nordic Language Service and founding the ministry's World Office in Sweden, died on Nov. 1 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 64.

Jonsson became involved with the ministry in 1966 after now-retired HCJB World Radio missionary Sonja Persson asked if he would represent the mission. "Right away he took on the challenge of missionary radio in the Nordic countries," she says. "The first studio to provide help in the production of Swedish programs for Radio Station HCJB in Quito was installed in his basement." This was also the beginning of the Swedish World Office that later moved to Mariestad.

"Under his leadership, with the committee that had inroads to Sweden's mainline denominations, the office also provided funds for the ministry's water projects," Persson explains. Jonsson also worked to direct funds from the Swedish International Development Agency to HCJB World Radio in Ecuador via the Swedish Alliance Mission to build the new Vozandes Hospital in the jungle town of Shell which opened in 1985.

Through Jonsson's many contacts with missions departments at various denominations in Sweden, a number of co-workers were sent to Ecuador to serve in radio programming and other areas. He often visited Quito from the 1960s to the 1980s. "He was a great team builder who -- in the midst of his own many private enterprises shared by his wife, Kerstin -- always gave his all to the cause of HCJB World Radio, and in doing so encouraged others to do the same," Persson says.

Together the Jonssons ran a convalescence home in Sweden until selling it a few years ago. Kerstin, a specialized nurse, cared for her husband during the last year of life. "To the end he was intent on living as normal a life as possible and was active until the day he went to be with the Lord." He died peacefully in his sleep.

The funeral service took place Friday, Nov. 15, at the Mission Covenant Church in the Jonssons' hometown of Hestra. The church was packed with friends, relatives and well wishers, including members of HCJB World Radio's Swedish council and former missionary Krister Gunnarsson who spoke at the memorial service. In addition to his wife, Jonsson is survived by three children and five grandchildren. (HCJB World Radio)

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

 

   Zpět  Další zprávy: www.prayer.cz