With presidential elections set for Nigeria April 19, the possibility of sharia (Islamic law) spreading to more states increases. Frontrunners in the election are incumbent President Olusegun Obasanjo, a professing Christian, and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a former military leader and Muslim from the northern part of the country. Twelve of Nigeria's 36 states are governed by sharia. Josiah Warron, press attaché at the Nigerian embassy in Kenya, said this number could increase if Buhari wins the election. Since the election is taking place during the Easter season, some Christian leaders are concerned that Christians will be less likely to vote. (Voice of the Martyrs/Reuters)

SARS VIRUS COULD DELAY TRAINING MINISTRY IN CHINA

As the death toll from the SARS respiratory virus continues to climb, claiming more than 80 lives worldwide, Brian Leong of Educational Services International (ESI) said the disease could affect the training ministry in China. "It'll be early next week before we find out more information about how the outbreak is working in China and how far it's spread and how many people are affected," he said. "If it isn't controlled by the time we send teachers in August, then we'll probably have to delay." ESI trains and sends teachers to China with the hope of being a testimony to the students. Leong is concerned as summer recruiting continues. "It may hurt recruiting," he said. "People don't know Asia very well generally, so when they hear there's something like this going on in the region they start to get nervous." (Mission Network News)

SPREAD OF GOSPEL ACROSS CHINA CATCHES ATTENTION OF AUTHORITIES

The hope of the gospel is spreading so rapidly across China's countryside that it's catching the attention of government officials, says China Partner's Erik Burklin. "A government official who works with Religious Affairs even told me that out of the five main religions that are officially recognized by the government in Jiangxi province, Christianity has the most followers, and this more than the Buddhists have." As a result of church growth, Burklin says there is an overwhelming need for trained Christian leaders. "We are heavily involved with a Bible school construction project in Nanchang," he says. "This provincial Bible school has more than 40 students who are attending, and when the school is completed, it will house 160 students. The first phase of the construction project is due to be completed before the start of the fall semester this September." (Mission Network News)

GROUP SEEKS 1 MILLION VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS

Stand Today, a Christian advocacy organization, is working to recruit 1 million volunteers to act on behalf of persecuted Christians worldwide. The first organization of its kind, Stand Today utilizes web-based advocacy efforts to combat religious persecution in various countries. "We have found the Internet to be an exceptionally effective tool for uniting concerned citizens on behalf of persecuted Christians," says Executive Director Kristin Wright. Volunteers receive e-mail updates, informing them on how they can most effectively advocate on behalf of suffering believers. Believers in countries such as North Korea, Sudan, China and Vietnam are often targeted for severe abuse and imprisonment. "We receive reports of Christian families being separated, as well as Christian leaders being imprisoned, tortured, and even executed because of their faith," says Wright. "Our goal is to bring significant pressure to bear on governments that either persecute Christians or refuse to protect them adequately," she says. Volunteers do such things as write letters, make telephone calls, sign e-mail petitions, hand out fliers and inform churches. For details visit standtoday.org. (Stand Today)

PRESBYTERIAN DENOMINATION TO CUT BUDGET BY $3.1 MILLION

In an effort to balance its budget, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will cut its 2004 budget by $3.1 million, eliminating 19 staff positions and taking $1.67 million from its reserves. The $126.9 million budget is expected to be approved by the denomination's general assembly council in May. "It's done. We've accomplished it. It's balanced," said John Detterick, executive director of the council. Last year the church laid off 66 employees at its Louisville, Ky., headquarters. The new round of cuts eliminates 10 staff members and nine vacant positions. The cuts affect four church divisions but do not include any overseas missionary appointments. "All parts of the church are feeling the pressures," Detterick adds. (Presbyterian News Service)

* FORMER HCJB WORLD RADIO PRESIDENT ABE VAN DER PUY DIES AT AGE 83

Missionary statesman and former HCJB World Radio President Dr. Abe C. Van Der Puy, of Keystone Heights, Fla., went to be with the Lord Thursday, April 3, following complications related to hepatitis. He was 83. Veteran missionary Tom Fulghum will officiate at the memorial service which will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Park of the Palms in Keystone Heights with burial to follow in Ocala, Fla.

Born of Dutch parents in Sheboygan, Wisc., on Oct. 11, 1919, Dr. Van Der Puy served with HCJB World Radio for more than 57 years. He received his bachelor's degree from Wheaton College in 1941 and later did graduate work at Wheaton and Calvin Seminary. He received a doctorate of divinity from Wheaton in 1965.

In 1945 Dr. Van Der Puy arrived in Quito, Ecuador, to serve with HCJB World Radio. During his early years in Ecuador, Dr. Van Der Puy operated the "gospel sound truck." This was pioneer evangelism with meetings in the markets during the day and public squares at night, almost always in area previously unreached with the gospel.

Dr. Van Der Puy's first wife, Dolores Hicks, died of cancer in 1965 after 22 years of marriage. In 1966 he married Marj Saint, the widow of Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot Nate Saint who was martyred along with four companions by Ecuador's Waorani (Auca) Indians in 1956.

Among his many roles, Dr. Van Der Puy served as manager of Radio Station HCJB, Ecuador field director, Hospital Vozandes-Quito administrator, president -- a position he held for nearly 20 years (early 1962-late 1981) -- and honorary board chairman (starting in 1982). Most recently he was named "lifetime board member."

Dr. Van Der Puy also played a key role in building up HCJB World Radio's North American ministries. The World Radio Network (WRN), for example, grew from a single station in 1978 to its present level with 23 FM outlets, most along the U.S.-Mexican border. The stations make gospel broadcasts available to 12 million people on both sides of the border. He played a key role in forming the network and served as WRN's president from 1983 to 1997 after which he became president emeritus.

Dr. Van Der Puy was also the "Voice of Missions" for Back to the Bible's ministry for 12 years (1979-1991). In addition, he served as president of National Religious Broadcasters for four years (1975-1979) and was on the NRB board of directors.

Dr. Van Der Puy authored a number of books published by Back to the Bible including Like a Mighty Army (commentary on Acts 1-7), The High Calling of God, Let the Earth Rejoice (global outreach in the Psalms) and From Eden to Eternity. He also wrote numerous articles for the magazine, Confident Living.

Although the Van Der Puys retired in 1990, they continued a rigorous schedule of speaking in Bible/missions conferences and held various administrative posts.

Dr. Van Der Puy expresses his life's investment in missions this way, "My greatest joy in gospel work is to share the Word of God and the salvation message. I never tire of digging into the Scriptures. I take great joy in the privilege of being a missionary. If I had to choose life's work again, I'd make the same choices."

In addition to his wife, Dr. Van Der Puy is survived by six married children: Lois Spragg (a former HCJB World Radio missionary), Mark Van Der Puy, Joel Van Der Puy, Kathy Saint Drown, Phil Saint and Steve Saint, president of Indigenous People's Technology and Education Center (I-TEC). They have 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to either the WRN (P.O. 3765, McAllen, TX 78502) or I-TEC (10575 SW 47th Circle, Dunellon, FL 34432) where Dr. Van Der Puy served on the board of directors. (HCJB World Radio)

© Copyright 2003 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org MUSLIM CANDIDATE CHALLENGES NIGERIAN PRESIDENT IN COMING ELECTIONS With presidential elections set for Nigeria April 19, the possibility of sharia (Islamic law) spreading to more states increases. Frontrunners in the election are incumbent President Olusegun Obasanjo, a professing Christian, and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a former military leader and Muslim from the northern part of the country. Twelve of Nigeria's 36 states are governed by sharia. Josiah Warron, press attaché at the Nigerian embassy in Kenya, said this number could increase if Buhari wins the election. Since the election is taking place during the Easter season, some Christian leaders are concerned that Christians will be less likely to vote. (Voice of the Martyrs/Reuters) SARS VIRUS COULD DELAY TRAINING MINISTRY IN CHINA As the death toll from the SARS respiratory virus continues to climb, claiming more than 80 lives worldwide, Brian Leong of Educational Services International (ESI) said the disease could affect the training ministry in China. "It'll be early next week before we find out more information about how the outbreak is working in China and how far it's spread and how many people are affected," he said. "If it isn't controlled by the time we send teachers in August, then we'll probably have to delay." ESI trains and sends teachers to China with the hope of being a testimony to the students. Leong is concerned as summer recruiting continues. "It may hurt recruiting," he said. "People don't know Asia very well generally, so when they hear there's something like this going on in the region they start to get nervous." (Mission Network News) SPREAD OF GOSPEL ACROSS CHINA CATCHES ATTENTION OF AUTHORITIES The hope of the gospel is spreading so rapidly across China's countryside that it's catching the attention of government officials, says China Partner's Erik Burklin. "A government official who works with Religious Affairs even told me that out of the five main religions that are officially recognized by the government in Jiangxi province, Christianity has the most followers, and this more than the Buddhists have." As a result of church growth, Burklin says there is an overwhelming need for trained Christian leaders. "We are heavily involved with a Bible school construction project in Nanchang," he says. "This provincial Bible school has more than 40 students who are attending, and when the school is completed, it will house 160 students. The first phase of the construction project is due to be completed before the start of the fall semester this September." (Mission Network News) GROUP SEEKS 1 MILLION VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS Stand Today, a Christian advocacy organization, is working to recruit 1 million volunteers to act on behalf of persecuted Christians worldwide. The first organization of its kind, Stand Today utilizes web-based advocacy efforts to combat religious persecution in various countries. "We have found the Internet to be an exceptionally effective tool for uniting concerned citizens on behalf of persecuted Christians," says Executive Director Kristin Wright. Volunteers receive e-mail updates, informing them on how they can most effectively advocate on behalf of suffering believers. Believers in countries such as North Korea, Sudan, China and Vietnam are often targeted for severe abuse and imprisonment. "We receive reports of Christian families being separated, as well as Christian leaders being imprisoned, tortured, and even executed because of their faith," says Wright. "Our goal is to bring significant pressure to bear on governments that either persecute Christians or refuse to protect them adequately," she says. Volunteers do such things as write letters, make telephone calls, sign e-mail petitions, hand out fliers and inform churches. For details visit standtoday.org. (Stand Today) PRESBYTERIAN DENOMINATION TO CUT BUDGET BY $3.1 MILLION In an effort to balance its budget, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will cut its 2004 budget by $3.1 million, eliminating 19 staff positions and taking $1.67 million from its reserves. The $126.9 million budget is expected to be approved by the denomination's general assembly council in May. "It's done. We've accomplished it. It's balanced," said John Detterick, executive director of the council. Last year the church laid off 66 employees at its Louisville, Ky., headquarters. The new round of cuts eliminates 10 staff members and nine vacant positions. The cuts affect four church divisions but do not include any overseas missionary appointments. "All parts of the church are feeling the pressures," Detterick adds. (Presbyterian News Service) * FORMER HCJB WORLD RADIO PRESIDENT ABE VAN DER PUY DIES AT AGE 83 Missionary statesman and former HCJB World Radio President Dr. Abe C. Van Der Puy, of Keystone Heights, Fla., went to be with the Lord Thursday, April 3, following complications related to hepatitis. He was 83. Veteran missionary Tom Fulghum will officiate at the memorial service which will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Park of the Palms in Keystone Heights with burial to follow in Ocala, Fla. Born of Dutch parents in Sheboygan, Wisc., on Oct. 11, 1919, Dr. Van Der Puy served with HCJB World Radio for more than 57 years. He received his bachelor's degree from Wheaton College in 1941 and later did graduate work at Wheaton and Calvin Seminary. He received a doctorate of divinity from Wheaton in 1965. In 1945 Dr. Van Der Puy arrived in Quito, Ecuador, to serve with HCJB World Radio. During his early years in Ecuador, Dr. Van Der Puy operated the "gospel sound truck." This was pioneer evangelism with meetings in the markets during the day and public squares at night, almost always in area previously unreached with the gospel. Dr. Van Der Puy's first wife, Dolores Hicks, died of cancer in 1965 after 22 years of marriage. In 1966 he married Marj Saint, the widow of Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot Nate Saint who was martyred along with four companions by Ecuador's Waorani (Auca) Indians in 1956. Among his many roles, Dr. Van Der Puy served as manager of Radio Station HCJB, Ecuador field director, Hospital Vozandes-Quito administrator, president -- a position he held for nearly 20 years (early 1962-late 1981) -- and honorary board chairman (starting in 1982). Most recently he was named "lifetime board member." Dr. Van Der Puy also played a key role in building up HCJB World Radio's North American ministries. The World Radio Network (WRN), for example, grew from a single station in 1978 to its present level with 23 FM outlets, most along the U.S.-Mexican border. The stations make gospel broadcasts available to 12 million people on both sides of the border. He played a key role in forming the network and served as WRN's president from 1983 to 1997 after which he became president emeritus. Dr. Van Der Puy was also the "Voice of Missions" for Back to the Bible's ministry for 12 years (1979-1991). In addition, he served as president of National Religious Broadcasters for four years (1975-1979) and was on the NRB board of directors. Dr. Van Der Puy authored a number of books published by Back to the Bible including Like a Mighty Army (commentary on Acts 1-7), The High Calling of God, Let the Earth Rejoice (global outreach in the Psalms) and From Eden to Eternity. He also wrote numerous articles for the magazine, Confident Living. Although the Van Der Puys retired in 1990, they continued a rigorous schedule of speaking in Bible/missions conferences and held various administrative posts. Dr. Van Der Puy expresses his life's investment in missions this way, "My greatest joy in gospel work is to share the Word of God and the salvation message. I never tire of digging into the Scriptures. I take great joy in the privilege of being a missionary. If I had to choose life's work again, I'd make the same choices." In addition to his wife, Dr. Van Der Puy is survived by six married children: Lois Spragg (a former HCJB World Radio missionary), Mark Van Der Puy, Joel Van Der Puy, Kathy Saint Drown, Phil Saint and Steve Saint, president of Indigenous People's Technology and Education Center (I-TEC). They have 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to either the WRN (P.O. 3765, McAllen, TX 78502) or I-TEC (10575 SW 47th Circle, Dunellon, FL 34432) where Dr. Van Der Puy served on the board of directors. (HCJB World Radio)