In thanks for assistance provided by Southern Baptists following the 2004 tsunami, a group of around 20 Indonesian men collected money to help those impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Baptist Convention officials opened the envelope filled with $854 in cash collected by citizens of the island of Sumatra where the average monthly income is about $100. These men wanted to help after experiencing first hand help from Southern Baptist teams after the tsunami destroyed their area of Sumatra. A Southern Baptist relief consultant who recently visited the area delivered the money, remaining anonymous for security. The Indonesians requested the money go directly to help those in Louisiana affected by Katrina. "This event is just one example of the impenetrable walls being broken down by those who help others in the name of the Lord," added the unnamed consultant. (Baptist Press)

* HCJB World Radio has worked with local partners to establish more than 14 local Christian radio stations across Indonesia since 2004. Broadcasts from HCJB World Radio-Australia’s shortwave station in Kununurra also encourage listeners nationwide.

CHINESE HOUSE CHURCH INTELLECTUALS MEET WITH PRESIDENT BUSH

U.S. President George W. Bush and other high-ranking officials met with three members of Chinese house churches in the White House Thursday, May 11. This marked the first time a sitting U.S. president has met with Chinese house church members. The three Chinese men included Yu Jie, best-selling author and elder of Bejing Ark House Church; Wang Yi, professor of law at Chengdu University; and Li Baiguang, named one of Asia Newsweek’s "People of the Year" for 2005 for civil education and legal work among farmers and religious minority groups. The delegates expressed their gratitude to Bush for his stand promoting religious freedom and human rights in China and for sharing their vision for China’s peaceful transition toward religious freedom and democratization. The hour-long meeting lasted 30 minutes longer than scheduled and ended with Bush offering a prayer for the delegates and the Chinese people. (Christian Newswire)

UPDATE: INDONESIAN POLICE MAKE ARRESTS IN BEHEADING OF 3 SCHOOLGIRLS

Police in Indonesia arrested five of seven suspected Islamic terrorists that have confessed to the beheading of three Indonesian schoolgirls in Poso, on the island of Sulawesi in October 2005. The five men, arrested on Friday, May 5, are suspected of killing three girls and severely injuring a fourth early Oct. 29, 2005, as the girls walked to a Christian school in the Poso district on Sulawesi. Investigators believe two of the men are directly involved in the murders, two were arrested as accessories to the crime and the last for carrying ammunition. The men are also suspects in several other violent attacks on Christians in the area including the murder of a pastor that also injured several teenagers. (Compass Direct)

TWR LAUNCHES RADIO PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE MIDDLE EAST BELIEVERS

Trans World Radio (TWR) has launched "Beyond Limits," a radio program for Middle East listeners designed to help "believers remain established and grow in their faith." TWR’s newest radio program complements Arabic broadcasts to 22 countries in the Middle East. "When a person in this region accepts Christ, it means going against their culture," said Oscar Norton, TWR’s Arabic ministry director. "For some, a decision to become a Christian is signing their death sentence. This is beyond limits." The program works closely with the local church to encourage believers and train them to reach out to their neighbors and friends. (Trans World Radio/Mission Network News)

SALVATION ARMY USES INNOVATIVE METHOD TO SUPPORT THE HOMELESS

The Minneapolis-St. Paul branch of the Salvation Army is using an unusual competition to raise funds for its homeless ministry. Modeled after "The Amazing Race" reality television show, the Salvation Army launched "The Most Amazing Race" to support its Bed and Bread Club in the fight against homelessness and hunger. Beginning with 50 teams, the race involves a scavenger hunt that requires visits to checkpoints throughout the city and completion of particular tasks that may be physical, mental or tedious in nature in order to receive clues to the next checkpoint. Finalists from the initial competition continue the race to be held on Saturday, May 27. The winning team will receive a $5,000 shopping spree. (Assist News Service/Salvation Army)

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