Thursday, May 4, marks the 54th annual National Day of Prayer (NDP), originally established by a vote of the U.S. Congress. This year’s theme is “America, Honor God” based on 1 Samuel 2:30, “Those who honor me, I will honor.” The event will be marked in Washington, D.C., with an address by author Henry Blackaby and the song, “America, Honor God,” performed by Rebecca St. James. Event Chairman Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, encourages prayer for the nation’s schools, the media and governmental leaders and to ask God “to forgive our collective rebellion against Him.” The American Family Association expects millions of Americans to participate at the local level at numerous city halls across the country by praying for the moral rebirth of America. Barry Lynn, executive director for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, claims the National Day of Prayer is nothing more than a chance for the political right to “politicize religion and divide Americans.” (Evangelical News/Agape Press)

BUDDHIST MOB IN CAMBODIA DESTROYS PARTIALLY BUILT CHURCH

Some 300 Buddhist villagers, apparently angered by a rival faith within their community, have razed a partially built Christian church to the ground, near the Cambodian capital, said a local official today. Ros Sithoeun, a representative of the area’s Christian community, said that in a rare act of religious intolerance, the mob chanted, “Destroy the church!” and “Long live Buddhism!” as it descended upon the unfinished Protestant Church on Friday in Boeng Krum Leu, 18 miles east of Phnom Penh. Che Saren, chief of the Lvea Em district, said the Buddhists felt threatened by the visible presence of another faith. The church would have been the area’s second, but there was only one Buddhist pagoda to serve the spiritual needs of the overwhelmingly Buddhist community. The structure, less than half a mile from a Buddhist pagoda, was torn down and the rubble torched by the mob. (WorldWide Religious News/Associated Press)

* HCJB World Radio, in cooperation with Campus Crusade for Christ, worked with a local partner to plant Cambodia’s first Christian radio station in 1998. New Life Radio in the capital city of Phnom Penh broadcasts the gospel in Cambodian and English.

SUMMIT ADDRESSES LACK OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS IN CHINA

The Hudson Institute, in conjunction with the Institute of Chinese Law & Religion, is hosting a summit in Washington, D.C., today to “promote discourse on the severely limited freedom of expression, religious freedom and the rule of law in China.” Closely following President Hu Jintao’s recent visit to the U.S., the summit provides an opportunity to dialogue with high-profile Chinese activists and dissidents who are participating despite risks to their personal safety. Participants include writers, scholars, attorneys and others at the forefront of the human rights effort in China who continue to pioneer the movement for recognition of natural freedoms. The summit is sponsored by Freedom House, the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Becket Fund, National Association of Evangelicals, the Institute on Religion and Public Policy and others. (Religion Today)

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRAISES SOUTHERN BAPTISTS FOR HURRICANE RELIEF

Expressing the gratitude of President George W. Bush for their response to last summer’s hurricanes, White House Director of Faith-Based Initiatives Jim Towey spoke to Southern Baptist Disaster Relief leaders at their Disaster Relief Roundtable April 25-27 at Fielder Road Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. “The president knows the efforts taken during the disaster relief phase were extraordinary in scope and compassion because government can’t love the way your people did.” In the past many faith-based organizations were required to change their names, take down crosses and remove the name of Jesus Christ from mission statements to receive federal grants. Towey said that attitude has changed during his five-year tenure. “We don’t want to favor one faith or have the government de-fund religion. That will rob the church of vitality and its purity,” he said. “At the same time, we don’t want to show government hostility toward any religious organization.” (Evangelical News/Baptist Press)

SURFING EVENT IN AUSTRALIA OPENS WITNESSING OPPORTUNITIES

The 22nd annual Jesus Pro Am surfing competition, operated by the Christian Surfers of Australia (CSA), will be held in Cronulla this weekend. The event, which showcases some of Australia’s top surfers, is an outreach tool that attempts to connect elite surfers and the wider surfing community with CSA and ultimately the gospel. “The event is not about building up CSA, but rather reaching surfers where they are at and bringing them into the kingdom of God using the means at our disposal,” said organizer Ross Tasker. “It puts the gospel in the ears, eyes and hands of more than 100 surfers plus spectators, family and friends.” The event consistently rates high with competitors “probably because of the simple fact that we are willing to get out there and serve.” The event includes a competition where entrants reference the Surfers Bible to answer questions about Jesus. (Surfing New South Wales)

© Copyright 2006 - HCJB World Radio - Colorado Springs, CO USA