Following massive demonstrations and a nationwide strike that succeeded in reinstalling Nepal’s parliament on April, 28, 2006, the Nepalese government has announced that it is now a secular state. Previously considered the last remaining Hindu state, the Nepalese Parliament continues eroding the power of the monarchy and moving toward a more democratic government. It is early in the process of forming a new constitution, but Christians in partnership with HCJB World Radio within the country are "ecstatic with joy" according to an HCJB World Radio missionary familiar with the area (name withheld for security). He added, "Never stop praying for a country in transition. Pray the constitution will honor religious freedom." Since 2003, HCJB World Radio has been partnering with national Christians to provide training and technical support to Nepalese radio. Weekly radio programs produced in Nepal are broadcast into the region via short wave from HCJB Australia’s Kununurra transmitter site in Northern Australia. (HCJB World Radio)

UZBEKISTAN CLOSES TWO FOREIGN-FUNDED CHURCHES

The government of Uzbekistan recently closed down two Protestant churches in Samarkand, the nation’s second largest city. The move is the latest in a series of actions designed to rid the former Soviet state of foreign-funded institutions. A Seventh-Day Adventist church and a Protestant church run by a Korean pastor were closed for violations including illegal proselytizing. Additionally, on Monday, May 15, a branch of the humanitarian organization Central Asia Free Exchange was closed down citing similar charges. A third American-funded group, Global Involvement Through Education was also fined for "attempts to convert locals to a religion of Protestant character." (Agape Press/Radio Free Europe)

RELIGIOUS TENSIONS RISE IN NIGERIA’S PLATEAU STATE

Religious tensions in Nigeria’s Plateau State continue to increase as the Muslim community in the capital of Jos resists the efforts of a local church to build a fence protecting its property. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has reported that attempts by the Gangare branch of the Evangelical Church of West Africa to build a fence protecting their property were forcibly resisted by the community. Despite the church’s request for police intervention, a tense standoff has developed and Muslims have continued to build on church land. Jos is no stranger to religious violence. More than 2,000 people have died in the city since religious violence broke out in September 2001. CSW reports more than 50,000 people have died in religious violence in Nigeria since 1999 when 12 of the 36 states adopted the Muslim Shari’ah penal code in defiance of the federal constitution. (Assist News Service)

CHINESE CHRISTIANS HEAD ‘BACK TO JERUSALEM’ AS MISSIONARIES

The growing Chinese house church movement is taking the gospel to the unreached along the ancient "silk road." OMS International's Asia Field Director Lowell Williamson says the Chinese Christians have picked up on an old 1940’s campaign titled "Back to Jerusalem" that focuses outreach on the countries between China and Jerusalem. Most Chinese missionaries are being sent out as "tentmakers" to find jobs or build businesses while spreading the word about Jesus. Williamson says, "The house church (members) feel like they've gone through difficulties, including persecution. They know how to survive in tough situations. So, they feel like they have some of the qualifications that are need for missionaries who would infiltrate into those Muslim countries." Williamson says he only knows of a few missionaries who have begun at this point but says half of OMS International’s seminary students feel the call to missionary outreach. (Mission Network News)

WORLD VISION PARTNERS WITH ‘BUTTERFLY FARMING’ PROJECT

World Vision is partnering with a unique conservation effort in Tanzania called ‘butterfly farming.’ This cottage industry allows local farmers to harvest the pupae or chrysalis phase of the butterflies for eventual sale to the live butterfly industry around the world. The project helps farmers become conservation advocates and also provides excellent income for poor farmers. Haji Mshangama, a local butterfly farmer, said, "My friends did think I was a bit crazy when I started farming butterflies. But when they saw how much money I was making they realized it was a good thing to do." BBC news reports the project now includes about 250 farmers based in four villages in Tanzania’s East Usamabara Mountains who are raising butterflies as part of the project. (Mission Network News/BBC)