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Villagers in Fiji whose ancestors killed and ate a British missionary 136 years ago are to offer a traditional apology to his descendants. An article by Nick Squires in the London Daily Telegraph said Rev. Thomas Baker of the Wesleyan Methodist Church was killed in the remote mountain community of Navatusila in 1867, possibly after he took a comb out of a chief's hair. "Touching the head of a chief was taboo in Fiji, once known as the Cannibal Isles," Squires wrote. "The people of Navatusila want to atone for the sins of their ancestors because they believe they have been cursed by Mr. Baker's death with their village suffering a string of misfortunes." The chief of the village on the island of Viti Levu has invited the missionary's descendants in Britain to attend next month's ceremony, the Pacific Islands News Association reported. Lance Martin, an archivist at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, said the story about the comb may be a myth. "It seems Baker got caught up in some sort of inter-tribal feuding relating to his right to travel across the island," Martin said. "He was ambushed as he and his companions were leaving a village one morning. He was cut up on a flat rock at the base of a ravine. His body was anointed and then eaten." Baker, from Playden, East Sussex, is the only European to have been cooked and eaten in Fiji; however, accounts of cannibalism in the South Pacific in the last 200 years were not unusual. A contemporary account of the 35-year-old churchman's grisly death quoted villagers as saying, "We ate everything but his boots." One of those boots is on display in the national museum in the capital, Suva. (Assist News Service)

* HCJB World Radio worked with partner EBM International to establish FM radio stations in two cities of Fiji, Pacific Harbour (in 1996) and Suva (in 1999). Both stations air programs in English and Fijian.

ANOTHER CHINESE CHRISTIAN ARRESTED AMID CRACKDOWN

Another Beijing house-church Christian has been arrested as Chinese authorities continue a wide spread crackdown against rapidly expanding congregations. Voice of the Martyrs reported that Liu Feng Guang was arrested last week by Public Security Bureau (PSB) authorities in China's Zhejiang province. Guang was arrested after traveling to meet with underground church leaders, including some recently released after almost two months in custody. Zhejiang PSB officers and Beijing police, "searched Liu's apartment in Beijing and confiscated 36 items, including two computers, his address book, cameras, and documents." His wife, Bi Yu-xia, was told that her husband was facing serious charges for "leaking national secrets" to those outside of China. His arrest came on the heels of the detention of three prominent house church members last month. The latest developments have underscored international concern about the persecution of Christians throughout China, many of whom are held in prisons and labor camps for many years. Scholars and human rights workers have linked the measures to concern among Communist authorities about the growing number of Christians in China which is said to experience the largest church growth in the world. (Assist News Service/Voice of the Martyrs)

LAOS CONTINUES BRUTAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST HMONG CHRISTIANS

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Religious Liberty Commission reported that the Lao government is conducting a "relentless war" against Christianity. The Hmong, a people group living in several countries of Southeast Asia, are major -- though not exclusive -- targets. Large numbers of them have turned to Christ, and they are considered spies of the West, enemies of the state, and fit for "extermination." Lao believers are beaten, imprisoned, tortured and forced from their lands for refusing to renounce their faith. "The government wants us to go back and worship evil spirits," wrote a local believer. Villagers are encouraged to report any Christians to authorities so they can be arrested or "eliminated." Early in September WEA interviewed a Lao observer who said that many Hmong groups are hiding in the jungle. "The army is attacking in three ways: with ground troops, bombs from aircraft, and chemical weapons," the observer said. "The government uses helicopters, and they spray out something that looks like yellow rain. It causes headaches, diarrhea and blindness and makes their teeth fall out. Within three weeks people die. Others die from disease and starvation, and some have been captured and killed." (Religion Today)

CHRISTIAN BROADCASTS GIVE 'PEACEFUL ALTERNATIVE' TO IRAN'S REGIME

Due to tight restrictions on any evangelism effort in Iran and the cessation of Bible translation there, the best way to deliver the gospel message currently is by radio. Words of Hope radio broadcasts in Farsi, a language spoken in Afghanistan and Iran. Spokesperson Lee DeYoung says, "The Iranian people who are hearing the gospel and growing in faith are eager to reach their own people. But, at the same time, they are wise enough to realize that is best done with a low profile." Christians comprise less than 1 percent of the population. Christian radio broadcasts have offered a peaceful alternative to the Islamic regime that has been in place for more than 20 years. Iranians are seeking the alternative of peace and hope that only the love of Jesus could provide. The Words of Hope programs have been effective to both individual and small house church groups. DeYoung says that while there are concerns for those living in extreme Muslim areas, the future is bright. "Some of the restrictions and concerns and risks and dangers are notably increasing and yet, at the same time, the hunger and the openness on the part of some people in these populations is growing. I would say, as a general rule, the underground church is on the rise." (Mission Network News)

* HCJB World Radio, in cooperation with FEBA Radio, broadcasts weekly Christian programs to Iran via shortwave in the Luri language. There are less than 100 known believers among the 4 million Luri speakers.

PRESIDENT BUSH SAYS HIS FAITH 'MATTERS A LOT'

U.S. President George W. Bush says his faith is helping him deal with the challenges of the presidency, and he credits the Bible with inspiring him to push for federal funding to fight AIDS. In an interview appearing next week in the October issue of Ladies' Home Journal, Bush says it is possible to function in the presidency without believing in God, and probably some of his predecessors did not believe in God, but he finds that Christianity helps. "When you realize that there is an Almighty God on whom you can rely, it provides great comfort," says Bush, who was interviewed with first lady Laura Bush. "That's why I read every morning, the Bible and Scriptures and Charles Stanley devotionals," he adds. "It matters a lot to me personally." Stanley, a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, is a TV and radio evangelist. Bush, a Methodist, often refers to his faith in public remarks but does not link it to government policy. "You shouldn't fear a religious person," Bush says. "The Bible talks about love and compassion. That's really a lot behind my passion on AIDS policy, for example." Bush surprised some conservatives in January when he asked Congress to raise the five-year budget on fighting AIDS in Africa to $15 billion from $5 billion. (Charisma News Service)

* VETERAN HCJB WORLD RADIO ENGINEER DIES OF CANCER AT AGE 67

HCJB World Radio engineer Sam Rowley of Elkhart, Ind., went to be with the Lord the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 18, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 67.

Born in Loveland, Colo., on May 5, 1936, Sam had served with HCJB World Radio since 1963. When he and his wife, Grace, received their 40-year service award in September, Sam praised God for extending his life, giving him extra time to spend with his family and work on key projects, such as helping start a partner station in Papua New Guinea. "It was 11/2 years ago that doctors told me I had two months to live," Sam said. "The Lord has been so good to us. We can't thank Him enough."

In presenting the award, Senior Vice President Jim Allen explained that when local radio partners in Papua New Guinea heard about Sam's prognosis they said, "You're not allowed to die, because you're work isn't yet finished!"

HCJB World Radio President Dave Johnson added that Sam was an exemplary missionary along with Grace. "They always had a deep love for the people with whom they worked, and they had a great willingness to adapt to whatever situation they faced. For me it was a privilege to spend time with the Rowleys in Papua New Guinea this summer and see how the people loved and honored Sam in deep appreciation for his help in the local radio ministry."

Sam committed his life to the Lord during his teen years, and from that time on his goal was to become a missionary. With that in mind, he attended Sterling College in Kansas where he graduated in physics in 1958, then majored in missionary radio and communications at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Ill., graduating in 1961. Sam and Grace received Sterling College's Alumni Citation Award in 1980.

Sam and Grace married in 1958, and Sam was an instructor at DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago. He also taught at Wheaton Christian Grammar School in Wheaton, Ill., before joining HCJB World Radio in 1963.

Their first assignment was in Papallacta, Ecuador, where Sam worked in power line construction. After hours, Sam taught Sunday school with Grace in Pifo, helped start churches in Puembo and Tumbaco, and took part in evangelistic outreaches to remote areas of the country. He also helped in the medical ministry in Pifo, driving expectant mothers to the clinic to have their babies.

In 1968 the Rowleys were transferred to Quito where Sam concentrated on the FM and AM transmitters on Mt. Pichincha which overlooks the city. He also helped build HCJB-2, the FM station in Guayaquil, and worked on various studios and antennas. He also sang in the HCJB World Radio choir, took part in street evangelism and taught Sunday school at English Fellowship Church in Quito.

Sam was director of engineering for seven years (1972-79). Many projects were initiated during this time such as the expansion of the hydroelectric plant in Papallacta, the steerable antenna, Program Automated Control System (PACS) and the 500,000-watt transmitter.

In 1988 the Rowleys were transferred to the HCJB World Radio Engineering Center in Elkhart, Ind., where he concentrated on "radio planting," working with local partners to establish Christian radio ministries, especially in Latin America and on islands of the South Pacific.

Sam was known for his consistent walk with the Lord, preciseness in work and friendly personality. In his spare time his favorite hobby was amateur radio.

He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Grace, and four children, Carol Sue Burrill of Loveland, Colo.; Samuel Rowley Jr. of St. Charles, Mo.; Stephen Rowley of Cary, Ill., and Sheryl Rowley of Aurora, Ill., along with five grandchildren.

Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Westbrook-Metz and Clouse Funeral Home in Elkhart at 1129 Prairie St. Tom Fulghum from Colorado Springs, Colo., will officiate at the funeral set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at First Baptist Church, 2626 Prairie St., Elkhart. Interment will follow on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at St. Charles Memorial Gardens in St. Charles, Mo. Notes and cards may be sent to Grace at 60397 Pembrook Ln., Elkhart, IN 46517. (HCJB World Radio)

© Copyright 2003 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org

Christian human rights activist Irene Fernandez has been sentenced to one year in prison after exposing human rights abuses at immigration camps in Malaysia. She was found guilty on Thursday, Oct. 16, by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates Court of "maliciously publishing false news" after releasing a memorandum at a press conference in 1995 on alleged torture and death in immigration detention centers. Her trial, which began in June 1996, has been the longest criminal trial in Malaysian history. Fernandez was arrested two years after releasing a report in 1994 that accused immigration camp guards of beating and sexually assaulting detainees. She has been released on bail pending an appeal at the High Court. Fernandez is a Roman Catholic of Indian background with three children aged between 18 and 22. She is head of the Tenaganita rights group that assists workers and helps run HIV awareness programs. Tina Lambert, advocacy director at Christian Solidarity Worldwide, called the sentence a "travesty of justice" and pledged the organization's support for her appeal. (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

SITUATION IN BOLIVIA 'TENUOUS' AS LEADERSHIP CHANGES HANDS

Bolivia still teeters on the edge of bedlam, despite the exit of former President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada who resigned on Friday, Oct. 17, in the midst of civil unrest. While a new cabinet was assembled hastily on the weekend and former Vice President Carlos Mesa moved into the leadership, the quick change of power leaves the country in a "tenuous" political situation, says Grace Ministries International's Sam Vinton. Mesa came in to power following violent protests to the former leader's plan to export natural gas from the landlocked country through either Chile or Peru to North America. The new president has only a short time to show that he can get the situation under control, he said. "If he doesn't deliver in so many weeks or months, whatever limit they set, these people will do the same thing again," Vinton said. "We need to pray that the Lord will, in some way, work through these new leaders." He added that the unrest has had little impact on the ministry in Bolivia because it is isolated from the trouble areas. The indigenous church is moving ahead in spite of substantial obstacles, he said. "We're seeing the Bolivian believers move on by starting some new churches and put up some buildings which is what we're aiming for in any of our ministries." (Mission Network News/Associated Press)

* HCJB World Radio has worked with local radio partners to plant local AM and FM stations in the Bolivian cities of Santa Cruz, Tarija and Tupiza. Four stations with eight transmitters in four cities (La Paz, Caranavi, Santa Cruz and Sucre) are also affiliated with the ALAS, the ministry's Latin American satellite radio network that makes Spanish programs available to local stations 24 hours a day.

CHURCHES WORLDWIDE TO JOIN IN PRAYER FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS

Thousands of congregations across the U.S. and worldwide will join together in the annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Sunday, Nov. 9. Observed since 1996, this is the largest prayer event of its kind in the world. More than 200 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with another 200 to 400 million facing discrimination and alienation. "The world is becoming more and more hostile to Christianity," says Carl Moeller, president/CEO of Open Doors USA. "It is critical that we stand together in unity in support of our persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide. And praying for those suffering for their faith is the most important action believers can take." (Open Doors)

75,000 ARAB CHILDREN LEARN ABOUT JESUS AT SUMMER BIBLE SCHOOLS

This summer more than 75,000 Arab children heard about Jesus, learned to pray, studied Scripture verses and sang praises to God. Arab Christians in Egypt started this initiative at the start of 2000, encouraging and training church leaders to run Bible schools for children. The vision has now spread to neighboring Sudan and other countries. (World Prayer News)

AMERICANS SPEND 50 TIMES MORE ON FAST FOOD THAN HELPING POOR KIDS

U.S. residents spend nearly 50 times as much money on fast food as they do on helping children in poverty, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by the Barna Research Group. The survey, sponsored by Compassion International, indicated that the average U.S. household spends about $240 a year on fast food. At the same time, a typical household spends only $5 year on helping poor children. The survey shows that six in 10 Americans don't think it's their job to help poor children overseas." Although it is a disappointment that so many Americans don't feel responsibility for children in poverty, I believe more people would participate if they knew who to trust and knew what to do," said Wess Stafford, president of Compassion, a major Christian child development organization. "When one sees the faces and hears the stories of children in poverty, an individual knows that every child is worth helping. Every child deserves to have hope." Two-thirds of respondents indicated that the parents of poor children and the government of a child's country should bear "a lot" of responsibility to help poor children. Only 13 percent would put that burden on individuals. Stafford said the Barna survey indicates that Americans need more understanding of the nature of poverty. "It is estimated that half of the world's population -- more than 2 billion people -- are under the age of 25. About the same number live on less than $2 a day. I believe Americans are a very giving people," Stafford said. "They want to help. They just don't know the extent of the problem, who to trust or how they can get involved." (Mission Network News)

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST MEMBERSHIP WORLDWIDE SURPASSES 13 MILLION

There are 13,325,270 baptized members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as of June 30, 2003, reported Bert Haloviak, director of the church's office of archives and statistics. This represents a net increase of 573,097 members, or about 1,569 members per day. "In 2002 there was one Seventh-day Adventist for every 494 people living," he said. "There is now one for every 480." If the present trend continues, "there should be one Seventh-day Adventist for every 341 people on our planet at the end of 2010," Haloviak added. More than 13 congregations were formed daily last year. In that period, Adventist members contributed more than $4.8 million a day to help proclaim the gospel message around the world. The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the official name of the world church's governing organization, celebrated 140 years of operating during this fall's annual business meeting. (Adventist News Network)

© Copyright 2003 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org

As Liberia takes initial steps toward rebuilding peace following 14 years of civil war, thousands of Liberians are stranded behind rebel lines, deep in the interior, still without assistance and urgently needing relief aid, says Baptist World Alliance's Tony Cupit. "Since the situation has settled down, one of our directors is there to assess what the situation is. We have sent shipments of materials that our general secretary in Liberia, Rev. Emile Sam-Peal, is [overseeing]." Cupit says the ministry is a rebuilding stage. Through relief efforts and other related projects, ministry continues. "Pray for the health of the churches as they try to re-establish themselves as viable congregations in a war-torn country. I think that they're doing that. The reports we receive suggest that the churches are getting back together and holding worship services, and generally, they're trying to be effective agents in the community." (Mission Network News)

* HCJB World Radio works in partnership with ELWA, a ministry founded by SIM in Monrovia in 1954, to air the gospel across the country and West Africa. The radio station was destroyed twice by civil war, first in 1990 and again in 1996. ELWA went back on the air in 1997 with a small FM transmitter. Then in 2000 HCJB World Radio provided a low-power shortwave transmitter, again enabling the station to cover the region. ELWA broadcasts the gospel in 10 languages and plans to add more as resources become available.

EVANGELICAL CHURCHES IN SRI LANKA FACE CONTINUAL ATTACKS

Numerous evangelical churches in Sri Lanka have been the brunt of violent attacks in recent months -- usually during Sunday worship. In one attack on Sept. 16, four women who were putting up a fence around the Assembly of God (AOG) church in Kotadeniyawa were violently assaulted. At 11 p.m. about 30 men smashed the fence down and attacked the women who were asleep in a nearby house. After failing to rape the women, the frustrated attackers took the women to the police who charged them with prostitution. Medical tests later cleared the women of all charges. One of the victims was admitted to the hospital because of her injuries. In a separate incident, attackers tried to burn down the Eternal Church in Kadawatha on July 19 and again in early September. Then on Oct. 12 the church was vandalized by a violent mob, and the believers were assaulted. In other recent attacks, the AOG church in Kesbewa was razed on Sept. 15; 70 militant Buddhists threatened the AOG in Balapitiya in early October; Buddhist monks disrupted the service and threatened the believers at the AOG church in Embilipitiya Oct. 12; a mob from the Catholic Church beat some members and threatened others at the AOG Church in Vankalai on Oct. 5 and 11; a mob of 50 led by a Buddhist monk attacked the New Covenant Life Center in Athurugiriya Oct. 19. (Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin)

CHRISTIAN RADIO IN INDIA'S KASHMIR REGION OFFERS TRUE PEACE

Violence is escalating in India's Kashmir region as India and Pakistan battle for control of the area. Recent violence has claimed 12 lives -- small in comparison to the estimated 30,000 people that have died since 1989. Lee De Young of Words of Hope says the ministry will soon launch radio broadcasts to reach Kashmir with the gospel. "Beginning on Opt. 26, three nights a week, broadcasts in the Kashmiri language will be going out through a partnership with Gospel for Asia, Words of Hope and IBRA radio. DeYoung says this is a great answer the violence. "It's an area where people have experienced so much violence, so much upheaval, so much unrest. So a program that points to the Prince of Peace is very much welcomed." The program, produced by Kashmiri believers, was well received during testing, and staff members are optimistic of a great response to the gospel. (Mission Network News)

* HCJB World Radio-Australia's new shortwave site Kununurra airs 6.5 hours of daily English programming across South Asia, including India. Two half-hour programs in Urdu, airing Monday through Saturday, went on the air in July, and plans are being made to launch Hindi programs. A radio training center and studio will also be established. In partnership with FEBA Radio, HCJB World Radio also airs weekly Christian programs to eastern India via shortwave in three languages: Bhojpuri, Chattisgarhi and Mundari.

SWEDEN, KAZAKHSTAN JOIN EUROPEAN EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE

The European Evangelical Alliance (EEA) expanded with the addition of Sweden and Kazakhstan during the group's the general assembly in Budapest, Hungary, Oct. 15-19. This brings to 32 the number of member alliances, representing approximately 10 million evangelicals. The Swedish alliance was readmitted after it had suspended operations for several years. Kazakhstan's application was a matter of debate in Budapest because geographically the country is part of Central Asia, not Europe. However, it maintains close economic and cultural ties with Europe. The admission of the Kazakh alliance to the EEA was provisionally limited to five years while the World Evangelical Alliance is considering opening a new region. EEA President Nick Nedelchev of Romania and his deputy, Fotis Romeos of Greece, were also confirmed in their offices. (IDEA)

CHRISTIAN RADIO PIONEER ADELE CARMICHAEL DIES AT AGE 101

Radio ministry pioneer and evangelist Adele Boatwright Carmichael of Thousand Oaks, Calif., died Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the age of 101. Carmichael, who served as an ordained minister for 85 years and taught Bible studies past the age of 100, became one of the first Christian ministers to use radio to spread the gospel when she started broadcasting from cities in the Midwest in 1922. Carmichael lived independently until her death -- walking twice a day, baking, sewing and decorating her home in California. When she was 8 years old, Carmichael's family began attending the local Assemblies of God church. After her father became a preacher a year later, she accompanied him in has travels across their native state of Iowa. After her ordination at age 16, Carmichael led tent revival meetings in Missouri. The energetic woman of God held many posts of ministry throughout her life including evangelist, pastor, teacher and dean of women at Evangel College. She enjoyed leading Bible classes, camps, seminars and retreats. Three years ago Carmichael received a special recognition award from the General Council of the Assemblies of God for 82 years of ministry. (Religion Today/Agape Press)

STUDENT MINISTRY IN TEXAS BAR OFFERS FREE LUNCH, BIBLE MESSAGE

The Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) at one Texas university is continuing its tradition of holding outreach events at a local tavern. Each fall the ministry offers new students at Tarleton State University a free lunch at Bostock's Bar and Billiards in Stephenville. Local churches provide food for the event, and the meal is typically followed by a message from a Christian speaker or musician. Darrell Samuelson, director of the university's BSM, calls it a "seed planting" ministry that offers an opportunity for the ministry to reach students where they are. "We do have an evangelistic message at every lunch," Samuelson explains. "What we see is that the students who go to this lunch . . . will begin to trickle into Bible studies or into our worship time or into churches." Samuelson says critics of the bar ministry include some local churches. He says inviting church leaders to the event usually changes their minds. "I remember one particular pastor was very much against it, and I just invited him to come," he says. "He came and saw the crowd that was there. He heard the message that was given -- a clear gospel presentation -- and now he's one of our biggest supporters." (Religion Today/Agape Press)

© Copyright 2003 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Kenya to support high-level talks with the goal of ending Sudan's 20-year civil. Under the onus of last year's Sudan Peace Act, the Bush administration enforces security issues. Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs emphasizes the strategic importance of the talks. "There'll be a six-year period of self-determination for the people of southern Sudan," he said. "They will have the ability to make their own decisions. They will not be forced to accept Islamic law (sharia). Then at the end of the six-year period, they will be allowed to vote on whether they want to continue to be a part of the nation of Sudan, or whether they want to break off and form their own nation." Nettleton says the civil war has been largely a religious one in which Christians have faced unrelenting pressure from Muslims. "Anything that results in more peace and more safety on the ground in southern Sudan is going to make it easier to do ministry there," Nettleton said. "It's going to make it easier to travel there and make it safer for mission teams which are doing work on the ground there." (Mission Network News)

CHINESE POLICE FINALLY NOTIFY CHRISTIAN WOMAN OF HUSBAND'S ARREST

The wife of imprisoned Chinese house church leader Xiao Bi-guang was officially notified Tuesday, Oct. 21, that her husband had been arrested on charges of "subverting the national government," reported Voice of the Martyrs (VOM). The wife, Gou Qinghui, received the notification from the Chinese authorities nearly a month after her husband's detention on Sept. 26. Police said they received the wrong address from Bi-guang during his interrogation, and therefore failed to notify his wife earlier. However, local believers accused local authorities of stalling to intimidate his family and fellow believers. Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing regarding another house church Christian, Liu Feng Guang, who was arrested last week in Xiao-Shan, Zhejiang province. Police raided his apartment in Beijing, confiscating computers, cameras an address book and other items. VOM learned on Tuesday that police officers are calling everyone listed in the address book or stored on Guang's cell phone. His wife, Bi Yu-xia, was told that he would be charged with "leaking state secrets," but she also has not received official notification of his arrest. (Assist News Service)

'PRAISE REVOLUTION' ROCKS NORTHERN IRELAND'S YOUNG PEOPLE

A "praise revolution" is taking place among hundreds of young people in Northern Ireland that is helping to relieve longstanding tensions between Catholics and Protestants. More than 1,000 youth line up each month to praise God at Belfast's Ulster Hall for Mannafest, an event run by Youth for Christ. The initiative has also spread to Enniskillen -- a town that was torn apart by an IRA bomb in 1987. Each location has its own flavor but shares the same aim -- to provide a place where young people can meet and learn more about God. Musician Johnny Parks, who is part of the Mannafest team, said the ministry has been "hugely significant" in people's lives. He said the team caters to a wide spectrum of denominations. Leaders say the clear, spiritual songs help the young people open up to God, but Mannafest is more than an event. "We try to provide facilities and support for people outside the Saturday night," Parks said. "We run off Bible notes for them, give them access to the website, and hold training events in drama, worship and teaching." Parks believes the praise revolution is already helping to bring Catholic and Protestant together. (Charisma News Service)

RELIGION BOOSTS ECONOMIC GROWTH, SHOWS HARVARD STUDY

More than 80 percent of the people in 59 major countries believe in a higher being, 58 percent anticipate a life after death, 55 percent are convinced of the existence of heaven, and 38 percent of hell. These are some of the results of studies carried out by Harvard economics professors Robert Barro and Rachel McCleary. They also found that 36 percent worship of respondents attend church at least once a month, and 24 percent each week. They based their studies on the economic influence of religion on statistics published by David Barrett of Virginia Beach, Va., and Patrick Johnstone of London, England. By comparing religious with economic data, Barro and McCleary concluded that economic growth corresponds with a firm belief in heaven and hell. This strengthens character and boosts morale, because believers expect to be rewarded in heaven. On the other hand, frequent worship does not automatically reap economic growth. The professors' explanation is that once religious activities become institutionalized, interest tends to shift away from the spiritual to the political and social. Commenting on the studies, the Institute for the German Industry in Cologne concluded, "Religion is good for the economy, but not necessarily church attendance." (IDEA)

'SAUSAGE SIZZLE' OUTREACH IN AUSTRALIA GETS GRANT FROM FOUNDATION

A community safety initiative in Newcastle, Australia, called NightCare has been awarded a grant of $246,000 (US$173,000) from the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation to help the project expand in the next four years. Newcastle Mayor John Tate says NightCare is a simple idea that has succeeded due to the commitment of an extraordinary group of volunteers. "In the past three years more than 100 volunteers from five city churches have cooked up more than 30,000 pounds of sausages, served an estimated 226,000 people and contributed 22,000 volunteer hours to the NightCare scheme." Tate says the grant will enable the project to expand to seven sites, up from the present three sites. The service is more than just sausage sandwiches, he says. An evaluation of the program by the University of Newcastle's psychology department concluded that the "sausage sizzle" had a "calming influence" on the city. "A brief stop at a NightCare location and a friendly chat with the volunteers helps to put people in a better mood and reduce loud, angry behavior," Tate said. NightCare also provides an informal counseling and referral service to help people overcome alcohol or substance misuse. (Newcastle City Council)

* HCJB WORLD RADIO PROGRAM PRODUCER DIES OF CANCER

Radio program producer Ruth Ann Jacobsen of Colorado Springs, Colo., went to be with the Lord the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 21, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 45.

Ruth Ann, born in Chicago on May 17, 1958, joined the staff of HCJB World Radio in January 2001. She worked as executive producer of "Beyond The Call," a daily one-minute radio program hosted by HCJB World Radio Chairman Ron Cline, encouraging believers to "get off the curb and step into the parade." The program airs on more than 1,000 outlets nationwide.

Cline described Ruth Ann as a "fun, committed, professional producer. She spent hours preparing those stories for me to tell. Some of my favorite times have been recording those programs in the studio with Ruth Ann sitting beside me, evaluating every word, my intonation, the general feeling of each story. She lived those stories, and I loved her passion for the program. I will miss her greatly. I thank the Lord for sharing her with me for these years. I will be a better storyteller because of her."

Ruth Ann came to HCJB World Radio with nearly 20 years of broadcasting and marketing experience. After graduating from Wheaton College in 1983, Ruth Ann began serving in Christian broadcasting, initially working for a year as a network development representative at Moody Broadcasting in Chicago. Then she became an administrative assistant to Norman Plunkett, executive director of In Touch Ministries in Atlanta, where she worked helped market "In Touch," the popular Christian radio and TV program.

Ruth Ann also expanded the outreach and ministry of all Peachtree Media Management syndications, including "Let My People Think," a weekly half-hour radio broadcast hosted by program by Ravi Zacharias. She also helped promote Kay Arthur's program, "How Can I Live?" originally a daily 15-minute radio program now called "Precepts."

Ruth Ann temporarily discontinued her Christian broadcasting career in May 1999 when first diagnosed with brain cancer. After recovering from surgery and a series of chemotherapy treatments and radiation, she and her family moved to Colorado Springs in late 2000 when her husband, Jeff, came to work at Christian station KTLF. He later moved to Focus on the Family where he is senior manager of Christian representation.

"I'm just thankful for the opportunity to be here," Ruth Ann said in an interview upon joining HCJB World Radio. "God gave me a chance to make a difference in people's lives, even if it's small. He gave me life, and I know He wants me to use the time I have for Him and my family."

Ruth Ann enjoyed relatively good health until this last spring when the cancer returned, necessitating career-ending surgery and additional therapy. Ruth Ann made a decision to follow Christ when she was in eighth grade. "While I asked Christ into my life, I struggled, and my spiritual growth was slow," she said. "It wasn't until I was 22 that I totally turned my life over to Him."

After working as a bank teller and then as an executive secretary at an ad agency, Ruth Ann enrolled at Wheaton College in Illinois. "I was a music major, but the Lord was leading me into radio broadcasting," she said.

It was at Wheaton that Ruth Ann heard first about HCJB World Radio since her Spanish professor was John Clark, son of J.D. Clark who co-founded the ministry along with Clarence Jones and Reuben Larson in 1931.

Ruth Ann spent the summer of 1982 in Quito, Ecuador, as a short-term missionary. She helped produce and engineer a daily live program called "Passport" and edited syndicated programs that aired worldwide on HCJB World Radio's shortwave station in Quito.

She leaves behind her husband of 19 years, Jeff, and three children, Christian, 16, Joy, 14, and Kathryn, 12.

The funeral will be Monday, Oct. 27, at LaGrange Bible Church, 850 7th Ave., LaGrange, Ill. A private family graveside service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Streeter, Ill.

Dr. Ron Cline and Dr. Joseph Wheat, senior pastor at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4050 Nonchalant Circle S. in Colorado Springs, will officiate at a memorial service set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4. (HCJB World Radio)

© Copyright 2003 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org

Authorities in Stepanakert, Azerbaijan, recently beat up a member of an unregistered Baptist church and threatened to inject him with mind-altering drugs for distributing religious literature on the street. They also threatened his wife. On Sept. 28 two men in civilian clothes approached Tigran Nazaretyan while he was running a "street library" in Stepanakert. Without identifying themselves, they took several tracts that he had offered them and left. Later when Nazaretyan approached the local Baptist church, police met him and took him to the police station where they interrogated and beat him. They also confiscated all religious literature at the church. Police say these measures are legal under martial law which bans the activity of "religious sects and unregistered organizations." However, local believers insist that martial law restrictions have ended and "there are no restrictions on the activity of any religious communities." Other Protestant groups and Jehovah's Witnesses also have faced restrictions on their activities. A member of another Protestant church who asked not to be identified said his small congregation can meet for worship in Stepanakert, "but only as long as we keep a low profile." (Forum 18 News Service)

* HCJB World Radio, in partnership with Hosanna and local partners in Baku, Azerbaijan, has recorded the dramatized Azeri New Testament as part of the Faith Comes by Hearing project. The recordings, completed in 1998, have been made into a series of radio programs.

EUROPEAN EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE TO EMPHASIZE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ISSUES

The European Evangelical Alliance (EEA) has set up a special taskforce that is represented in the European Union (EU) to help it formulate a policy on "religious liberty and ethics questions," the organization reported. The EEA, representing more than 10 million evangelical Christians in 33 countries, made the announcement amid concern among its supporters that the EU constitution would make no reference to God and Christian values. In a statement to following a five-day general assembly meeting in Budapest, the EEA said it had started a "public affairs team with a sociopolitical officer and representative to the European Union. The EEA aims to raise awareness of religious liberty issues and legal position of evangelicals within each country with a view to being able to respond more systematically to increasing challenges in this area." The meeting in Budapest was attended by about 150 evangelical leaders from 31 countries, including officials from the European Evangelical Missionary Alliance and the Hope for Europe Round Table, an initiative to reach Europe with the gospel. (Assist News Service)

EUROPE LESS 'CHRISTIANIZED' THAN MOST AMERICANS REALIZE

Mission leaders often face misconceptions by Americans as they work to reach Europe with the gospel. Greater Europe Mission's Ted Noble says many people believe that Europe is "Christianized" and has already been reached with the gospel, but true believers are few. "Of the 27 countries we work in, 14 are less than 1 percent Christian, and most of those are less than 0.5 percent evangelical. So when you think of Europe, think about the place that actually has less evangelicals than even most of the Islamic countries of the world." Noble says while older adults have been negatively influenced by the state church, young people haven't. "They've had no contact with the church, so there's a new openness to spirituality as a whole. People think of Europe as a place that's burned over with the gospel. The last generation was, but this generation has never been touched. That's why we're finding a responsiveness that we've not seen since World War II." The search for spiritual truth is also seen as teens turn to cults, Islam and other religions. Noble says English camps and Internet cafes have been effective in reaching young people for the Lord. (Mission Network News)

ECUADORIAN PRESIDENT JOINS 40,000 AT EVANGELISTIC RALLY IN GUAYAQUIL

Ecuadorian President Lucio Gutiérrez joined a crowd of 40,000 evangelical Christians in Guayaquil the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 22, featuring popular Puerto Rican preacher Yiye Avila. One of Latin America's most popular speakers, Avila conducted a three-day campaign as he spoke in Guayaquil for two nights and one night in the coastal city of Machala. Gutiérrez, who became Ecuador's president last January, arrived at the event with Deputy Renán Borbúa and provincial Governor Alberto Merchán amid tight security. After receiving a Bible at the event, the president raised it up and read a passage from 2 Chronicles 1:10 which says, "Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?" When he asked the crowd, "Who lives?" they replied in unison, "Christ!" However, some members of the crowd booed the president to which Avila replied, "You elected the president. Instead of criticizing him, you should pray for him that he would do his job well." (ALC Noticias)

SIERRA LEONE AMPUTEES FIND HOPE THROUGH MINISTRY'S EFFORTS

Rebel movements emerged in Sierra Leone in the late 1990s, wreaking terror in the lives of residents by randomly cutting off the hands or feet of thousands of men, women and children. A ministry in West African country, assisted by Christian Aid Mission, is making a difference in their lives. Rae Burnett, Christian Aid's Africa director, visited the country in 1999 and held a 3-month-old baby whose hands had been cut off. After Burnett's visit, Christian Aid began sending aid to a local ministry providing food, kindness, personal attention and hope in Christ to some of these amputee victims. "One amputee I met for the first time on the street was a soldier and the very first amputee of the war," the leader of the local ministry said last week. "His two arms were amputated by rebels. He was sent with a letter tied around his neck from them to the government. When I invited him to our office the next day and gave him a bag of rice, he wept and said that we were the very first people to care for him that much in all these years." The ministry recently distributed food to 60 amputees and their families who have been unsuccessful in obtaining government assistance. The ministry distributes the food, regardless of the recipient's religion, while proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Missions Insider)

RACE TO SATURATE HAITI WITH GOSPEL BROADCASTS MOVES AHEAD

Through Men for Missions, the laymen's arm of OMS International, teams are helping with "Operation Saturation," a plan to give every Haitian household the opportunity to hear the gospel via local Christian radio. The project is a movement to ensure that everyone in Haiti has access to the gospel through broadcasts picked up on fixed-tuned radios. The "Every Creature Crusade" committee met with the ministry leader to see which areas of the country have the least access to Christian broadcasts. Meanwhile, people are responding to the gospel. Thirteen baptisms were held this month as a result of the committee's outreach -- eight at Gaudin and five at Bayeux. Haiti is a country full of turmoil with ongoing political unrest, economic problems and other social stresses. In addition, the government of Haiti plans to make voodoo the country's official religion by 2004. The next phase of the project comes with the necessary approvals for expanding the ministry of Radio 4VEH, as well as the financial backing for day-to-day operations. The next partner station to go on the air will be on Haiti's southern peninsula where 4VEH only reaches the coast. A new building for the station has been erected, and radio equipment is en route. (Mission Network News)

* HCJB World Radio worked with local partners in Haiti to help establish local Christian radio ministries in Port-au-Prince and Tortue Island. Staff members from the HCJB World Radio Engineering Center in Elkhart, Ind., are also working with OMS International to establish a satellite radio network in Cap-Haitien that will deliver programs to FM stations across the country.

© Copyright 2003 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org