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Jeden z představitelů největší národní evangelikální denominace říká, že si věřící potřebují uvědomit své postavení v Božím království a žít skutečně křesťanským životem každý den. Dr. Jimmy Draper, prezident Lifeway Christian Resources ze Southern Baptist Convention, říká,že množství sborů v denominaci už roky zažívá pokles zájmu věřících o šíření Krista mezi nevěřícími. Věří, že zápas o duše je nedílnou součástí identity baptistů a ta musí být znovu zdůrazněná. Draper říká, že někteří lidé mají na jižní baptisty tento názor: „Všechno, co o vás baptistech víme, je všechno, proti čemu jste.“ Souhlasně připouští, že „jsou jisté věci, proti kterým musíme vystupovat, protože jsme bibličtí lidé.“ Ale vedoucí Lifeway říká, že je důležité i to, pro co baptisté jsou. „To, za čím stojíme, to naplňuje velké poslání a pomáhá lidem poznat Krista.“ (Agape Press) |
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FUTURE OF CHECHEN MINISTRY IN LIMBO WITH PRESIDENT’S DEATH
The assassination of Chechnya's President Akhmad Kadyrov may put an end to
what was being called a relative calm in the civil war embattled region.
Russian Ministries' had been providing assistance to children affected by
the civil war there. Ministry spokesman Sergey Rakhuba said orphans and
disabled children are in desperate need and the terrorist attack makes their
work more difficult. "It raises lots of hostility again against Russians,"
he said. Akhmad Kadyrov’s election a few months ago brought peace to the
region. "Not just relative peace, it was a lot of hope the situation would
be stabilized." He continued, "Our missionaries had a lot more freedom to
[work in] the hospitals, children’s homes there, and the schools. Lots of
families were coming to our distribution places there, seeking humanitarian
and spiritual help. We hope the door will remain open." Rakhuba said the
assassination puts all feelings of security on hold and raises questions
about the future of their ministry in Chechnya. (Mission Network News)
* HCJB World Radio actively helps develop a variety of local radio
ministries in Euro-Asia (Central Europe, Ukraine, Russia and other countries
in the Commonwealth of Independent States). 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.
PROTESTORS TO CAMPAIGN FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AT ERITREAN EMBASSY
Protestors are expected to campaign outside the Eritrean Embassy in London
on May 21 in response to the continuing persecution of Christians in the
small country. Eritrean security forces have raided dozens of homes since
the activities of all but the Orthodox, Lutheran Evangelical and Roman
Catholic churches were banned. Hundreds of Christians have been arrested,
including young children, simply for having a Bible or attending a Christian
meeting. There are reported to be at least 375 Christians in prison, many
having served nearly two years. Rev. Abraham Y Bula, Chairman of the
Eritrean Christian Fellowship in Europe, stated that the fellowship
regretted having to speak out about human rights violations in Eritrea and
had only done so following the failure of numerous attempts to engage the
government in a dialogue about the issue. (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)
'TOGETHER FOR EUROPE' ECUMENICAL GATHERING DRAWS 10,000 CHRISTIANS
Protestant, Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Christians have pledged to
influence the European continent with the transforming power of the gospel
message. More than 10,000 members of 175 Christian movements took part in
the first major ecumenical gathering after the enlargement of the European
Union in Stuttgart, Germany, May 8. The meeting, called "Together for
Europe," was addressed by the President of the European Commission, Romano
Prodi, who urged Christians to promote tolerance and reminded them of Europe
’s Christian heritage. "One cannot understand the history of Europe without
the history of Christianity," he said. He stressed that Europe must not turn
into a fortress because of terrorism, since the real answer to this threat
is to strengthen democratic institutions. The Pope sent a message to the
meeting, which was televised by satellite to 160 locations in Europe.
Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting
Christian Unity, described the meeting as a “milestone” for the ecumenical
movement. (Idea)
PRACTICE LIFESTYLE CHRISTIANITY, BAPTIST LEADER URGES
An official with the nation’s largest evangelical denomination says
believers need to remember their citizenship in God’s kingdom and practice
lifestyle Christianity in their daily lives. Dr. Jimmy Draper, president of
Lifeway Christian Resources, a ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention,
says for years many churches in the denomination have experienced a waning
sense of urgency about reaching people for Christ. He believes soul winning
is a significant part of Baptist identity that needs to be re-emphasized.
Draper says some people look at Southern Baptists and say, "All we know
about you Baptists is what you’re against.” He willingly admits that “there
are some things we have to be against because we’re a biblical people." But
Lifeway’s leader says it is what Southern Baptists are for that really
counts. "What we’re for is fulfilling the great commission and helping
people come to know Christ." (Agape Press)
'IN GOD WE TRUST' OK IN OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS
An Oklahoma pro-family advocate says she is overjoyed that her state has
made it legal to post In God We Trust" in all public school classrooms. This
week, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signed into law a measure that allows
every classroom, cafeteria, and auditorium to display posters bearing the
phrases "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of Many One) and the national motto "In God
We Trust." State law did not prohibit schools from posting the mottos, but
now teachers and principals are reassured they can use the mottos without
risking lawsuits. Patty Morton is president of the group Oklahomans for
Patriotic Values, which worked for two years to get the bill passed. (Agape
Press)
NAVIGATOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION PROCESS
Dr. Jerry White, international president of The Navigators, has initiated
the selection of a successor, to be named in the fall of 2004. The
Navigators is a worldwide partnership focused on evangelizing and discipling
the nations. "I will not be retiring," said White. "Organizationally, I will
continue in an active role as chairman of The Navigators U.S. Board of
Directors." In addition to serving Navigator staff as a coach and mentor,
White plans to be a resource to his successor and continue to contribute to
the body of Christ through speaking and writing. When asked about the
reasons for the transition, White, 66, explained, "I believe that my major
contribution has been made, and I want to pass on the leadership to the next
generation in a timely manner." White has been on staff with the
organization since 1966, and became the third international president in The
Navigators’ 71-year history in 1986. (Navigators) |