*Tato a další zprávy jsou v originální anglické verzi zde.

An Amman court of Islamic law ruled in favor of Christian widow Siham Qandah Tuesday, April 12, revoking the legal guardianship of her children's Muslim uncle, Abdullah al-Muhtadi, and ordering him to repay misspent funds. Al-Muhtadi proved unable to provide the court with documented evidence of his claimed expenditure to buy the children a refrigerator. Accordingly, Judge Mahmud Zghl removed him from his court-designated guardianship and ordered him to pay back this amount to his wards' trust fund. The seven-year custody battle may continue, however, as the former guardian has the right to appeal the judgment within 30 days. "I still can't believe it!" Qandah said, laughing and crying. "I am so happy, I am just speechless. I can't even describe my emotions." (Compass)

HINDU MOB IN INDIA DISRUPTS SHOWING OF 'THE PASSION,' ATTACKS VIEWERS

Twenty-five Hindu militants from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) -- the paramilitary wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party -- disrupted a viewing of "The Passion of the Christ" in Chalakud Taluna, India, Saturday, March 26. The film was being shown at the Kanai Church, the oldest church in southwestern India's Kerala state. One Christian was wounded, and scores of others were beaten and injured, including women and children. (Voice of the Martrys/AsiaNews)

* "The Voice of the Great Southland," the shortwave station operated by HCJB World Radio-Australia since January 2003, airs more than 108 hours of weekly Christian programming in 11 languages, including nine spoken in India (English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Nepali, Malayalam, Chattisgarhi, Hmar and Meeitei). Programs in these languages are produced at HCJB World Radio's studio in New Delhi. Programs also air via FEBA Radio's transmitters in three languages (Bhojpuri, Chattisgarhi and Mundari).

POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN DAMAGES LOCAL CHURCH BUILDING

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the city of Fukuoka, Japan, on Sunday, March 20, causing extensive damage. The Itoshima Evangelical Free Church is one of the buildings affected and in need of repairs. The cost of repairing wall cracks and the extensive roof damage is estimated at $20,000. The church is affiliated with the EFCA International Mission, the missionary sending agency of the Evangelical Free Church of America. Agency officials have established a fund to assist needed repairs and reconstruction of the church. EFCA's main thrust in the area is church planting. (Mission Network News/EFCA International Mission)

CHRISTIAN COMPANY FORMS TO HELP EVANGELIZE OKINAWA

A Christian outreach has been formed to address the issue of inconsistent ministry to the people in the remote islands of Okinawa, Japan. Island Ministries International (IMI) has been formed as a company rather than a non-profit organization so as to avoid being restricted in its activities by the Japanese government; however, the Okinawa-based company considers evangelism its chief product. IMI also offers mission trips for small groups of eight to 12 people. The area where IMI does its outreach presents a number of challenges for missionaries: the islands are located in the "10/40 Window" and stretch more than 600 miles within what is known as "Typhoon Alley" -- a region that often experiences as many as 12 hurricanes annually. Most of the villages on the outer islands are small with limited resources, and they are often characterized by water shortages and lack of medical care facilities. Idolatry and ancestor worship are prevalent, as is poverty. IMI is focused on establishing relationships with the islanders and introducing them to Jesus in the course of addressing their other perceived needs. (AgapePress)

COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL RECEIVES GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION AWARD

Compassion International has received the "Impact Award" from the Gospel Music Association (GMA) for its partnership with Christian artists to raise awareness of children living in poverty worldwide. The award is given each year to a non-artist individual or organization that has made the most significant contribution to the gospel music industry. "Compassion International provides a vital ministry to children," said GMA President John Styll in a news release. "Through its decades-long affiliation with Christian musicians, Compassion is supporting Christian music as well as providing hope to those in poverty." Compassion pioneered partnerships with Christian musicians in 1979. Since then, thousands of concert goers and music lovers have become sponsors, providing physical, emotional and spiritual support for children in 23 developing countries. Compassion partners with 129 artists and speakers throughout the country, reaching more than 1 million people in the last six months. (Assist News Service)

TEAM BEGINS WALK ACROSS U.S. TO SHARE CHRIST WITH HURTING PEOPLE

Irish-born evangelist John Edwards said he is "living his dream" as he leads a group of eight people in a walk across America. "Crosswalk USA 2005" started at a Santa Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, April 5, and is scheduled to end in New York on May 13. Prior to beginning the trek, Edwards, 50, said, "We will be walking and cycling for 120 miles a day all the way across America via Phoenix, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and up to New York. We will be carrying an 11-foot wooden cross with a wheel on the end. We will preach the gospel as we go across the nation. The aim of the walk is to bring hope to the addicted and their families, and also to preach the gospel to the lost and whoever we happen to come across along the way." In a telephone interview, Edwards said that during the day he had spoken to business owners and the homeless. Describing his encounter with one homeless person he said, "I used to be homeless and he knew where I was coming from. This guy had been on the streets for 20 years. I prayed for Him and he accepted Jesus." Edwards also spoke to business owners and had the opportunity to share the gospel with two police officers. He said prayer is an essential factor in the work being undertaken by him and his team. (Assist News Service)

© Copyright 2005 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA - btc@hcjb.org