Zprávy HCJB 3.12.2006 - 9.12.2006

 Uzbecká televize varuje před křesťanskými misionáři.
   Státní televize středoasijské republiky Uzbekistán nedávno vysílala program varující před misijními aktivitami křesťanů v této republice. Mimořádný program pod názvem „Přetvářka“ byl vysílán ve čtvrtek 30. listopadu. Konferenciér začal konstatováním, že „pohromy sovětského režimu jsou za námi,“ načež přešel k varování před „snad ještě nebezpečnější hrozbou pohromy,“ čímž myslel křesťanskou misijní práci. Později v tomto pořadu předseda Komise pro náboženské záležitosti uzbecké vlády Zulhajdar Sultonov řekl, že „můžeme vidět, jak je naše společnost misijními aktivitami rozdělována.“ Při líčení zpěvu a tleskání křesťanských modlitebníků konferenciér podsouval finanční přitažlivost celé věci pro nové následovníky těchto prý sekt. „Ti, kdo používají náboženství k dosažení různých cílů se nejdřív zabývají ekonomickou situací vyhlédnutých lidí,“ řekl tento muž. „Pod záminkou finanční pomoci lidem v nouzi vkládají do jejich duší své vlastní učení. Když to vyjde, stanou se z vyhlédnutých lidí manipulované mátohy.“ Program také citoval vysokoškolské učitele angličtiny a vydával používání uzbečtiny ve sborech za důkaz „vážných snah obrátit místní lid ke křesťanství.“ (Worldwide Religious News/BBC)
 
 V Arizoně buduje New Tribes Mission cvičnou přistávací dráhu.
   Misionář Jeff Werley oznámil, že New Tribes Mission (NTM) Aviation pracuje na stavbě přistávací dráhy v pustině. „Naši noví pracovníci získávají cenné praktické zkušenosti při stavbě polní přistávací dráhy u jednoho ranče,“ vysvětluje Werley. „Až bude hotová, poslouží k nácviku přistávání v podmínkách co nejvíce připomínajících polní letiště v odlehlých oblastech.“ Misionářka Kim Huntting, jejíž manžel Preston při stavbě pomáhá řekla, že to bude dřina. „Stavějí to v horách, aby si co nejvíce přiblížili podmínky, se kterými se setkají v cizině. Na jejich ‘Timbuktu’ je spousta kamení, kaktusů, všude jsou nerovnosti.“ NTM prosí o modlitby za bezpečnost nastávajícího výcviku pilotů. (Evangelical News/New Tribes Mission)
 
 První křesťanská právnická škola otevřena v Pákistánu
   V neděli 19. listopadu se shromáždily davy občanů a vládních činitelů Pákistánu a zahraniční hosté, aby oslavili otevření první právnické fakulty v Pákistánu vlastněné a provozované křesťany, nazvané Trinity Law College. Cílem fakulty je poskytovat právnické vzdělání studentům “vybraným pouze dle zásluh”. Současné právnické školy v zemi jsou převážně muslimské a jsou určeny pro studenty minoritních náboženství. Taková praxe pouze podporuje náboženskou diskriminaci v Pákistánu a omezuje pokrok menšin. Nová fakulta má pomoci podpořit náboženskou toleranci a přerušit bludný kruh útisku a diskriminace křesťanské menšiny v Pákistánu a umožnit křesťanům v široké míře se angažovat ve společnosti. (Jubilee Campaign) * HCJB World Radio poslalo dva týmy lékařů z Ecuadoru do Pákistánu po zemětřesení 8. října 2005, které zanechalo tisíce mrtvých a další tisíce lidí raněných a bez domova. Pracovníci rozhlasu příspěli svou pomocí SIM International při likvidaci následků katastrofy.
 
 Letos je hlášeno více než 200 útoků na křesťany v Indii
   Od začátku letošního roku bylo hlášeno již více než 200 útoků na křesťany v Indii. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC- Světová rada indických křesťanů) uspořádala v sobotu 10. prosince pokojné shromáždění, které mělo za cíl vzbudit pozornost a modlit se za konec potlačování lidských práv v Indii. Jedna z tiskových zpráv GCIC zdůraznila, že většina obětí náboženského pronásledování jsou Dalité (někdy také nazývaní “nedotknutelní”) a členové kmenu, a většina násilí pochází od organizace hinduistických fundamentalistů zvané Sangh Parivar. Muslimští fundamentalisté jsou však rovněž zodpovědní za mnoho útoků. GCIC poukázala na vraždu křesťanského sociálního pracovníka Bashira Tantraye zabitého koncem listopadu muslimskými extrémisty. Po vraždě následovalo cynické pochování těla na muslimském hřbitově. V neděli 26. listopadu byl 60ti letý pracovník fary pobodán v obličeji, na hrudníku a trupu a ubit poblíž fary ve státu Tamil Nadu v jižní Indii. V pátek 17. listopadu zapálili hinduističtí extrémisté modlitebnu letniční církve ve vesnici Dubbaka v jihovýchodním státu Andhra Pradesh po polití dvěří modlitebny benzínem. Dalšími incidenty v původně bezpečném státu jižních oblastí byl útok zosnovný 100 hindských výrostků, kteří bili pastory klacky, dále ničivý útok na křesťanskou školu, obvinění z “ násilných konverzí”, které narušily modlitební shromáždění, a poničení zdi kostela, nábytku a dalšího zařízení po bití a hospitalizaci dalších čtyř pastorů. Pozitivní událostí bylo, že okresní soud v severním indické státě Punjab předvolal policejního důstojníka za zmlácení čtyřech křesťanů 25. září 2005. Výsledkem počátečních stížností od křesťanů bylo 10 denní odvolání důstojníka ze služby. Vrchní soud odročil soudní jednání na příští únor. (WorldWide Religious News/Asia News/compass Direct/BosNewsLife)
 
 Únosci zavraždili staršího iráckého sboru, odvedli dalšího duchovního.
   Truchlící křesťané v severoiráckém městě Mosul v neděli 3. prosince skončili tři dny smutku za zavražděného presbyteriánského staršího jen několik hodin před únosem dalšího iráckého duchovního v ulicích ranního Bagdádu. Zavražděný 69letý Elder Munthir byl unesen po ukončení bohoslužeb, které vedl v Národním evangelikálním presbyteriánském kostele v Mosulu v neděli 26. listopadu. Jeho tělo bylo nalezeno o čtyři dny později. Je druhým iráckým křesťanským duchovním zavražděným v Mosulu v posledních dvou měsísích. Jeden mosulský zdroj slyšel rozhovor únosců: „Uřízneme mu hlavu. Pomstíme se ze slova papeže … zabijeme všechny křesťany a začneme s tímhle.“ V Bagdádu potvrdil chaldejský katolický patriarchát, že další duchovní, otec Samy Abdulahad, byl unesen v pondělí ráno, když ze svého auta, když odjížděl ze svého kostela ve čtvrti Al-Sinaa hlavního města blízko Vysokého učení technického. (Compass Direct News)
 
 Církevní představitel na Fiji řekl, že uchopení moci armádou je ‘špatnost’.
   Vojenský převrat na jihopacifickém ostrovním státu Fiji vyvolal ostrá slova místního církevního představitele.Když armádní velitel komandér Frank Bainimarama převzal vládu na Fiji a odvolal premiéra Laisenia Quarase a jeho ministry, vedoucí Rady církví Fiji novou administrativu a převrat odsoudil jako „nezákonný a protiústavní.“ Rev. Tuikilakila Waqairatu je otevřeně proti Bainimramovu uchvácení moci a řekl, že „církev je hluboce přesvědčena o tom, že akce uskutečněná komandérem a jeho příznivci je ukázkou temnoty a zla.“ Nový Zéland, Spojené Království Velké Británie a Severního Irska i Austrálie vojenský převrat, již čtvrtý za posledních 20 let, odsoudily. Malebný stát má 900 000 obyvatel a ročně jej navštěvuje 400 000 turistů. (Ecumenical News International/BBC News/Radio New Zealand)
 
 Archeologové objevují křesťanský chrám ze 4. století
   Skupiona archeologů vedená Yitzakem Magenem a Jevgenijem Aharonovičem na západním břehu Izraele poblíž Shilohu odhalila místo, které, jak věří, bylo jedním z prvních formálních míst, kde měli bohoslužby křesťané. Naleziště, bohatě zdobené jasně zbarvenou mosaikou a nápisy odkazujícími na Ježíše, pochází ze 4. století. “Nemohu teď s jistotou říci, že to je ten vůbec první chrám, ale jistě jeden z prvních,” řekl Aharonovič, když dohlížel na skupinu provádějící poslední výkopy před zimou. Jeden neobvyklý nápis jmenuje místo jako „Shiloh”, které, podle Starého zákona, ukazuje na místo, kde se po staletí uchovávala Archa úmluvy. Archeologové se dohadují, zda kopat dále, aby se odhalily nějaké náznaky přítomnosti Archy. David Rubin, jeden z bývalých starostů Shilohu, dodal: “Věříme, že budou-li pokračovat v kopání, dostanou se do časů Stánku,” místa uctívání Izraelitů, kde uchovávali Archu. (Religion Today/London Telegraph)
 
 Křesťanská služebná a její dcera vysvobozeny po měsících strávených v suterénu.
   Křesťanská služebná a její dcera strávily měsíce ve vězení muslimského vlastníka domu, který je i mučil, aby se zřekly křesťanské víry. Shahbaz Bhatti, ředitel Všepakistánského svazu menšin (APMA) oznámil ve čtvrtek 7. prosince, že 40letá Nareen Pervaiz a její 13letá dcera Razia byly „mučeny a nezákonně zadržovány“ ve městě Sialkot v pákistánské provincii Pandžab. Po smrti svého manžela začaly Nareen i její dcera pracovat jako služky, aby pomohly chudé rodině. Když jejich zaměstnavatel Muhammad Ikram objevil, že jsou křesťanky, spolu s manželkou je fyzicky ztýrali a strhali jim křížky z krků. „Po matce i její dceři žádali, aby se odřekly křesťanství a přijaly islám,“ řekl Bhatti. „Když odmítly, byly trápeny a znovu surově bity. Když chtěly ze služby odejít, zaměstnavatel je zavřel do suterénní místnosti a na noc jim dával řetězy, aby nemohly utéct.“ Když obě takto zmizely, nejstarší dcera zadržované matky se spojila s APMA. Pakistánský soud schválil plán na jejich vysvobození a obě křesťanky jsou nyní volné. (BosNewsLife)
 
 Všechny zprávy v angličtině.
   UZBEK TV WARNS LISTENERS ABOUT CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES.

National television in the Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan recently ran a program warning against missionary activities by Christians in the country. The unscheduled program, called “Hypocrisy,” aired on Thursday, Nov. 30. The presenter began by noting that Uzbekistan has left behind the “afflictions of the Soviet system,” but went on to warn that “even more dangerous afflictions are emerging,” referring to Christian missionary work. Later in the program the head of the committee for the Religious Affairs Department under the Uzbek Cabinet of Ministers, Zulhaydar Sultonov, said, “We can see the causes that could lead our society to division under missionary activities.” Talking above the chanting and clapping of Christian worshipers, the presenter suggested that missionaries use financial means to attract new followers to their sects. “Those who use religion to achieve various goals firstly make good use of one’s economic situation,” he said. “On the pretext of financially helping people in need, they instill their own teachings in these people’s minds. As it turns out, soon the targeted people become complete zombies.” The program also cited college English teachers and the use of the Uzbek language in churches as evidence of a “serious intent to convert local people to Christianity.” (Worldwide Religious News/BBC)

CUBAN PASTOR ON TRIAL FOR STANCE ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS.

Protestant Cuban Pastor Carlos Lamelas, who was imprisoned for four months earlier this year, went on trial today (Monday, Dec. 4) in Havana on charges of “human trafficking.” Observers believe he is actually being targeted for his outspoken calls for increased religious liberty in Cuba. The public prosecutor is asking Lamelas be sentenced to nine years in prison.

A spokesperson for Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said, “Pastor Lamelas, the former president of the Church of God denomination, a member of the Cuban Council of Churches, has stated that he and his lawyer believe he will be found innocent of the charges because of a lack of evidence on the part of the State.”

As part of a large government crackdown beginning in 2003, more than 75 activists across Cuba were arrested and given prison sentences of up to 25 years.

A CSW press release stated, “This case appears to be part of a wider move to restrict religious freedom across the country. A number of pastors and priests have reported increased government harassment and some have reported the forcible closure or destruction of church buildings.” Source: Assist News Service

* HCJB World Radio continues to air Spanish programs to Cuba via shortwave from South America. Hundreds of listeners have enrolled in the ministry’s Bible Institute of the Air, a Spanish correspondence program incorporating radio broadcasts. In addition, numerous pastors’ workshops held in conjunction with Leadership Resources International have been held in Cuba since the mid-1990s.

FIRST CHRISTIAN LAW SCHOOL OPENS IN PAKISTAN.

On Sunday, Nov. 19, crowds of Pakistani citizens, government officials and international visitors gathered to celebrate the opening of Pakistan’s first Christian owned and operated law school called Trinity Law College. The college aims to provide legal education to students “selected purely on merit.”

Currently, law schools in the country are predominantly Muslim and house only a few students of minority faiths. This practice furthers religious discrimination in Pakistan and limits legal progress of minority groups.

The college is designed to promote religious tolerance, and to lift Christian minorities out of the cycle of oppression and discrimination they are caught in and enable them to profoundly impact society. Source: Jubilee Campaign

* HCJB World Radio sent two medical teams from Ecuador to Pakistan following the Oct. 8, 2005, earthquake that left tens of thousands dead and thousands more injured and homeless. Staff members helped SIM International with relief efforts.

SUMMIT ON AIDS AND THE CHURCH SUCCEEDS DESPITE CRITICS.

Despite loud criticisms from conservatives and pro-life groups, the “Global Summit on AIDS and the Church” took place on Friday, Dec. 1, in conjunction with World AIDS Day. Hosted by well-known author/pastor Rick Warren and his wife, Kay, the conference featured church leaders, politicians and medical experts at Warren’s Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forrest, Calif. More than 2,000 people from 39 U.S. states and 18 countries were expected to attend. Two high-profile political figures, U.S. senators Sam Brownback and Barack Obama, attended and spoke at a session called, “We Must Work Together.” Warren has been criticized by pro-life groups for inviting Obama who is not opposed to abortion. Warren defended his “big tent” inclusiveness, saying, “We’re not going to worry about critics. The moment you start trying to do anything, somebody’s not going to like it,” he said. But in his organization “our idea is we will work with whoever wants to work because we’re interested in saving lives.” Warren emphasized that he does not have to agree with “everyone else’s agenda,” and he doesn’t insist that others agree with everything on his agenda in order for collaboration and progress to take place. (Agape Press/Evangelical News)

CHRISTIAN LIBRARY OPENS NEW FACILITIES IN GAZA STRIP.

On Sunday, Nov. 12, the Gaza Baptist Church proudly opened a new building which houses the only Christian public library in Israel’s Gaza Strip. About 250 people, including around 30 international guests involved with the Christian community in Gaza attended the ceremonies. Open Doors founder Brother Andrew has been closely involved with this small church in Gaza for many years. He challenged the group saying, “It’s great to take care of the body, great to take care of their minds by giving them good books, but it is even better to take care of their souls and spread the gospel of Jesus.” The six-story building, partially subsidized by Open Doors, will also house a community healthcare center for women with a mammography machine, an outreach ministry being run by the Baptists and a guesthouse as well as the church’s worship hall. Open Doors USA President Carl Moeller claims the church to be “the only evangelical church in a population of 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.” (Open Doors)

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

 
 Všechny zprávy v angličtině.
   RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION SUSPECTED IN MURDER OF UGANDAN PRIEST

Anglican priest Rev. Godfrey Tabura was killed the evening of Saturday, Nov. 25, by unidentified gunmen while riding home on a motorcycle near Mubende, Uganda. The priest was shot in the chest and died instantly. Police believe the killers used sub-machine gun rifles for the crime. Evidence points to religious persecution as the motive since the assailants fled without stealing anything. Benson Oyo Neyiko, police chief of Uganda’s central region, said, “We don’t think the thugs were looking for money. They never picked anything and even abandoned the motorcycle at the scene, which makes us suspect that the motive was murder.” The killers allegedly followed Tabura as he began heading home. Police launched the investigation quickly, but so far no arrests have been reported. (Assist News Service)

NEW TRIBES MISSION BUILDING ‘TRIBAL-LIKE’ AIRSTRIP IN ARIZONA

New Tribes Mission (NTM) Aviation is working to build a remote airstrip in Arizona, says missionary Jeff Werley. “Our new personnel are getting hands-on experience by building a tribal-like airstrip on a nearby ranch,” he explained. “Once completed it will be used to practice landing in conditions replicating what they might encounter on a remote airstrip.” Missionary Kim Huntting, whose husband, Preston, is helping build the airstrip, said the project is tiring. “They are building it in the mountains to practice challenging strips that they will encounter overseas,” she said. “It has been a lot of work with lots of rock, cactus, a hill in the middle of it, and out in the middle of ‘Timbuktu.’” NTM asks for prayers for continued safety for the ongoing training of its pilots. (Evangelical News/New Tribes Mission)

200+ ATTACKS AGAINST CHRISTIANS IN INDIA DOCUMENTED THIS YEAR

More than 200 attacks against Christians have been logged in India since the beginning of this year. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) staged a peaceful gathering on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 2, to raise awareness and to pray for an end to human rights abuses in India.

A GCIC press release emphasized that most victims of religious persecution have been Dalits (sometimes referred to as “untouchables”) and tribal members with the majority of the violence coming from an organization of Hindu fundamentalists called the Sangh Parivar. However, Muslim fundamentalists also are responsible for numerous attacks.

The GCIC drew attention to the murder of Christian Social worker Bashir Tantray in Srinagar who was killed at the end of November by Muslim extremists. After his murder, as a final act of contempt, Tantray was buried in a Muslim cemetery.

On Sunday, Nov. 26, a 60-year old church worker known as Jacob was stabbed in the face, chest and abdomen, killing the man near church grounds in the state capital of southern India’s Tamil Nadu state.

On Friday, Nov. 17, Hindu extremists set fire to a Pentecostal church in Dubbaka village in the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh after pouring gasoline on the church doors.

Other attacks in the formerly safe southern regions included 100 Hindu youths beating four pastors with logs, a destructive attack on a Christian school, accusations of “forced conversions” which disturbed a prayer meeting, and the destruction of a church’s compound wall, furniture and equipment following the beating and hospitalization of four other pastors.

On the positive side, a district court in northern India’s Punjab state has summoned a police official for the severe beating of four Christians on Sept. 25, 2005. Initial complaints by Christians resulted only in a 10-day suspension of the officer. The higher court scheduled the officer’s hearing for next February. (WorldWide Religious News/AsiaNews/Compass Direct/BosNewsLife)

CHAVEZ RE-ELECTION SEEN AS BOTH GOOD, BAD BY MISSIONS

The landslide re-election of controversial Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is receiving mixed reactions from the Christian community. While one large mission organization was ordered out of tribal areas last year, Trans World Radio (TWR) has seen its Venezuelan ministry grow. Chávez’s emphasis on education has led to requirements that radio stations air children’s programming. “Many of these radio stations are ill equipped to provide and produce quality programs for children,” said TWR’s Jim Munger. “We have been able to offer the children’s program, ‘Pedrito el Pulpo’ (Petey the Octopus), for use on regular radio stations.” Chávez has also required morals-based education in public schools. This allowed TWR to enter public schools using material such as its children’s programs and perform puppet shows that include a gospel invitation. One school presentation saw 25 percent of the students respond to the invitation. While TWR broadcasts from 15 to 20 radio stations within the country, the ministry remains prepared to make a shift if the political situation changes by maintaining a station on the nearby island of Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles. (Mission Network News)

* HCJB World Radio worked with local partners to establish a Christian station in La Morita, Venezuela, in 2000. Partner stations in two additional Venezuelan cities are also affiliated with ALAS, the ministry’s Latin American satellite radio network with 89 outlets in 17 countries.

* ALL-FEMALE MEDICAL TEAM MINISTERS IN BOMB-LADEN LEBANON

After years of satellite and shortwave broadcasting into the North Africa/Middle East Region, HCJB World Radio recently had the opportunity to show God’s love through its healthcare ministry, responding to the aftermath of the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Even as the world’s attention was focused on Lebanon’s political struggles, an HCJB World Radio medical team of six women -- five from Ecuador and one from England -- found serious medical and spiritual needs in Lebanon when there for two weeks to help alleviate the widespread suffering. In the short medical response trip, the team saw approximately 500 people and provided hope to many more.

HCJB World Radio responded to the need of a partner organization on the ground that asked for non-North American, female doctors. The team was well-positioned to connect with other women and children still suffering from the violence of war.

“We met people who had lost family members in the war, patients who had suffered hearing loss due to the bombs dropped, and some patient’s homes had been damaged or destroyed,” said Sheila, international healthcare coordinator for HCJB World Radio, whose last name could not be revealed for security reasons.

“One day an airplane passed over, very high in the sky, sheer terror overtook the children, who up to that point had been friendly and happy. They looked terrified,” she continued. “It was a shock to us to see the effect of war on these young lives.”

Reuters recently reported that up to 1 million unexploded cluster bombs are still located in Lebanon. At least 22 civilians have been killed and 135 injured by accidentally setting off bombs and landmines since the war ended August 14.

Some 60,000 landmines and cluster bombs had been deactivated since the war -- more than were deactivated in Kosovo in a three-year period.

“I feel we were bridge builders as we served in this difficult place,” Sheila added. “Due to the war, most of the people in the surrounding villages had evacuated, including all healthcare personnel. The people who were left behind, as well as the ones who returned early, found themselves with no healthcare, because local health centers were deserted and some had been destroyed.”

Dr. Susan, one of the Ecuadorian physicians, said, “We believe this trip planted a seed to bring people hope. There was a language barrier, but through our behavior, our care, our medical attention, the people saw us and the hope we brought.”

Dr. Stephanie added, “With each person we gave medical attention, we prayed for them. Nobody rejected that. They accepted us. They were very open with us, to the point where some of them said to us, ‘thank you for bringing the light’ in their own language.”

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

 
 Všechny zprávy v angličtině.
   KIDNAPPERS MURDER IRAQI CHURCH ELDER, NAB ANOTHER CLERGYMAN

Grieving Christians in Iraq’s northern city of Mosul completed three days of mourning for a murdered Presbyterian Church elder Sunday, Dec. 3, only hours before another Iraqi clergyman was grabbed off the streets of Baghdad Monday morning. Identified only as 69-year-old Elder Munthir, the murdered Christian was kidnapped after leading worship services at the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Mosul on Sunday, Nov. 26. His body was found four days later. He is the second Iraqi Christian clergyman to be murdered in Mosul within the past two months. According to one Mosul source who described the kidnappers’ conversations, “They said, ‘We will cut his throat. We will take revenge for the pope’s words. . . . We will kill all the Christians, and we will start with him.’” In Baghdad the Chaldean Catholic Patriarchate confirmed that another clergyman, Father Samy Abdulahad, was kidnapped Monday morning from his car as he left his church in the Al-Sinaa district of the capital near the University of Technology. (Compass Direct News)

UPDATE: ATTORNEY RECOMMENDS CUBAN PASTOR’S ACQUITTAL

On Monday, Dec. 4, a prosecuting attorney in Havana, Cuba, recommended evangelical Pastor Rev. Carlos Lamellas be acquitted of all charges of trafficking in illegal emigrants. Lamelas was jailed for four months earlier this year following a surprise police raid of his home on Feb. 20. Despite the motion for acquittal, Lamelas must await the judge’s decision on sentencing for another one to two months before the case is finally put to rest. Sources inside Cuba believe Lamelas has been targeted for official harassment because he challenged the Castro regime on religious rights issues. While serving as president of the national board of the Church of God, Lamelas refused to sign what amounted to a loyalty pledge to the Castro regime and resisted government interference in church affairs. Lamelas credits international attention for securing his unexpected release on June 26, a move Cuban authorities attributed to “a change in procedure.” Massive amounts of mail for Lamelas during his incarceration prompted one prison official to tell Lamelas’ wife, Uramis, “tell your husband’s friends to stop sending him letters.” (Compass Direct News)

* HCJB World Radio continues to air Spanish programs to Cuba via shortwave from South America. Hundreds of listeners have enrolled in the ministry’s Bible Institute of the Air, a Spanish correspondence program incorporating radio broadcasts. In addition, numerous pastors’ workshops held in conjunction with Leadership Resources International have been held in Cuba since the mid-1990s.

CHINESE SEMINARY TO COMPLETE NEW CAMPUS IN 2008

Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, the largest of 17 theological institutions in China, is set to expand upon the completion of a new campus in 2008. Known as the national seminary of the Church in China, the seminary was established more than 50 years ago by China’s sanctioned Protestant church, Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Episcopal Bishop David J. H. Lai of Taiwan made his first official visit to the seminary on Wednesday, Nov. 29, in order to exchange information and “develop a deeper understanding of Christianity in the country,” he said. “It is encouraging to witness the seminary equipping students with the spiritual training and knowledge that enables them to meet the needs of pastoral counseling and theological education in the Chinese churches.” In addition to training pastoral workers, teachers and researchers, the seminary works toward building unity between believers and non-believers. In order to promote the overall development of students, the seminary emphasizes “spirit, virtue, knowledge, health and community.” (Episcopal News Service)

PAKISTANI CHRISTIAN CLEARED OF BLASPHEMY CHARGES

On Monday, Nov. 27, a Pakistani court acquitted 30-year-old Christian woman Nasim Bibi of charges of blasphemy. Bibi was charged with the crime on March 3 following claims she defecated on a picture of a Muslim holy place in Saudi Arabia. Sharing Life Ministries lawyers defended Bibi, saying there was a one-week delay between initial reports and the charges and no witnesses were reported. Bibi has been free on bail since a judge allowed a bond equivalent to US$833. Bibi’s husband works as a janitor, and the couple has three young daughters and a son. Recent acquittals of three blasphemy cases in Pakistan support the notion that these laws are being misused against religious minorities. (Assist News Service)

CHRISTIAN BAND, BAPTISTS END MISSIONS-FOCUSED CONCERT TOUR

A national concert tour by Christian band SONICFLOOd aimed to do more than simply entertain listeners. More than 26,000 students heard SONICFLOOd’s contemporary worship music but were also exposed to media aiming to encourage young people toward missionary service and teach them about God’s desire to reach all nations. The 57-city tour recently ended in Hampton, Va., after 11 weeks partnering with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board (IMB) to create a concert event coupled with video and still images of mission work, multimedia presentations and student testimonies about missions. Lead singer Rick Heil hoped the participants would be inspired to evaluate what it means to follow Christ. Mike Lopez, IMB’s director of student mobilization, said, “As SONICFLOOd led us in the worship of God, God began to work in people’s hearts. As people watched the videos, heard the testimonies and learned about global needs, they began to respond.” Out of more than 1,000 decision cards turned in during the tour, 58 students reported coming to know Christ as a result of the concerts. Another 423 made public decisions to pursue God’s call to missions. (Baptist Press)

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   FIJI CHURCH LEADER CALLS MILITARY POWER GRAB ‘EVIL’

A military coup in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji has brought strong words from Christian leaders in the nation. After army commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama took over the Fijian government and dismissed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his ministers, the head of the Fiji Council of Churches condemned the new administration and the coup as “illegal and unconstitutional.” Rev. Tuikilakila Waqairatu was openly opposed to Bainimrama’s military seizure of power and said, “We are deeply convinced that the move now taken by the commander and his advisers is the manifestation of darkness and evil.” New Zealand, U.K. and Australia have all denounced the military action behind the coup, Fiji’s fourth in two decades. The picturesque nation is home to about 900,000 people and is a major tourist destination, attracting up to 400,000 visitors a year. (Ecumenical News International/BBC News/Radio New Zealand)

* HCJB World Radio worked with partner EBM International to establish FM radio stations in two cities of Fiji: Pacific Harbour (1996) and Suva (1999). Both stations broadcast programs in English, Fijian and Hindi. Douglas Rose, a missionary at the station in Suva, said the discord has not affected the broadcasts. “We are still on air and have had no problems,” he said. “The military has relaxed its hold on the media and so things are some what normal. The town has been a bit quiet in the last few days, but today it was as busy as a Friday holiday.”

CHINESE PROTESTANTS TO RESTORE NEO-GOTHIC ANGLICAN CHURCH

China’s state-sanctioned Protestant church, the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), unveiled plans to restore Shanghai’s colonial-era Anglican cathedral, Holy Trinity. The neo-Gothic cathedral, designed in the 1860s by Sir Gilbert Scott, the leading architect of the day, was the central focus of Anglicanism in the Far East for nearly a century. After more than 50 years in the hands of the local communist party, the church fell into serious disrepair. Two years ago the church was handed to the TSPM which has made ambitious plans for a multi-million-dollar renovation. The church will be refitted in traditional style with mahogany pews. The spire, which was knocked down during China’s Cultural Revolution, will be rebuilt. The two-year project is expected to begin later this month. (WorldWide Religious News)

RUSSIAN PRIEST, FAMILY BURNED IN HOUSE FIRE, ARSON POSSIBLE

A Russian Orthodox priest and his three young children were burned alive inside their home on Saturday, Dec. 2, in a village outside Moscow. Church and community members suspected Rev. Father Andrei Nikolayev’s house may have been the target of arson because of his strong efforts to stop alcohol abuse in the village in the Tver region about 100 miles northwest of Moscow. Alcoholics have stolen icons and other religious objects in order to sell them for money to purchase alcohol. The bodies of Andrei Nikolayev and his three children were discovered in what was left of their wooden house, but the fate of his wife, Oksana, remains unknown. She was believed to be in the house when the fire started. Police have opened an investigation into the fire. (Assist News Service)

* 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 include radio trainers, technical workers (information technology, broadcast studio design and construction), program producers and administrators. For more information send an e-mail to emoore@hcjb.org.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER 4TH CENTURY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

A team of archaeologists led by Yitzhak Magen and Yevgeny Aharonovitch in Israel’s West Bank near Shiloh have unearthed a site believed to be one of the first formal places of Christian worship. The site, richly decorated with brightly colored mosaics and inscriptions referring to Jesus, dates back to the late 4th century. “I can’t say for sure at the moment that it’s the very first church, but it’s certainly one of the first,” Aharonovitch said as he supervised a team carrying out the final excavations before winter. An unusual inscription referred to the site as “Shiloh” which the Old Testament indicates housed the Ark of the Covenant for hundreds of years. Archaeologists are debating whether to dig further to attempt to unearth signs of the Ark’s former presence. David Rubin, a former mayor of Shiloh, added: “We believe that if they continue to dig they’ll reach back to the time of the Tabernacle,” referring to the place of worship where the Israelites housed the Ark. (Religion Today/London Telegraph)

JOEL OSTEEN TO BE FEATURED ON BARBARA WALTERS TV SPECIAL

Megachurch pastor and bestselling author Joel Osteen will be featured on the annual ABC News special, “Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2006.” The hour-long program airs at 10 p.m. EST Tuesday, Dec. 12. Joel and Victoria Osteen are pastors at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, considered the largest and most diverse church in the U.S. Osteen also authored the No. 1 New York Times bestselling book, Your Best Life Now, which has sold more than 4 million copies since its release in October 2004. Numerous national cable TV networks broadcast Lakewood Church’s services, prompting Osteen to be dubbed the nation’s “most-watched pastor.” Osteen is the first pastor to be featured on Walters’ program. (Christian Newswire)

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   CHRISTIAN MAID, DAUGHTER FREED AFTER MONTHS IN BASEMENT

A Christian housemaid and her daughter spent months as captives of a Muslim homeowner who tortured them in attempts to make them renounce their Christian faith. Shahbaz Bhatti, chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), reported on Thursday, Dec. 7, that 40-year old Nareen Pervaiz and her 13-year-old daughter, Razia, were “tortured and illegally detained” in the city of Sialkot in Pakistan’s Punjab province. After her husband’s death, Pervaiz and her daughter began working as a maid to support the poor family. When homeowner Muhammad Ikram discovered the two were Christians, he and his wife physically tortured them and forcefully ripped cross necklaces from their necks. “Both mother and daughter were asked to change their Christian faith and embrace Islam,” Bhatti explained. “On refusal they were tortured and often brutally beaten. When they wanted to leave the job, they were forcibly detained in the basement of the house and fastened with chains at night so they should not flee away.” The family’s eldest daughter contacted the APMA after the two disappeared earlier this year. A Pakistani court approved a rescue plan on Wednesday, Nov. 29, and the two are now free. (BosNewsLife)

CHURCH IN BANGLADESH SELF-FUNDS ANTI-TRAFFICKING WORK

Congregations of the Church of Bangladesh have raised the equivalent of US$2,675 after a recent appeal for aid to support the denomination’s anti-human-trafficking outreach. Trafficking of both women and children in Bangladesh is a serious problem that most residents remain ignorant of. The church’s social development program is working to raise awareness of trafficking among vulnerable people and the wider community in which they live as well as to provide support to previously trafficked women. The money raised represents a sacrifice for church members who are few in number (around 17,000) and mostly poor subsistence farmers. Missionary David Hall said, “The Church of Bangladesh has shown its commitment to the work by organizing this special appeal within its congregations rather than relying totally on external donors. With this level of commitment from within the church, it is hoped that the church’s work can go a long way in eradicating human trafficking from Bangladesh.” (Council for World Missions)

LATIN AMERICAN ELECTIONS FUEL CONCERN OF RELIGIOUS POPULISM

Recent elections in Latin America have shown an increasing number of politicians embracing religion, or at least pretending to do so, for political gain. Some analysts are concerned that political manipulation of religious fervor and increased church influence in state affairs might soon fuel domestic and even regional confrontations.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has often criticized the church for siding with the county’s political elite, but in a recent victory speech he spent time talking about Jesus. “The kingdom of Christ is the kingdom of love, of peace, the kingdom of justice, of solidarity, brotherhood, the kingdom of socialism,” he said. “This is the kingdom of the future of Venezuela.”

Meanwhile, Nicaraguan president-elect Daniel Ortega dropped Marxist rhetoric to run as a Catholic. Ecuador’s recent election pitted banana baron Avaro Noboa, self-styled as “God’s messenger,” against leftist Rafael Correa, who in the final stretch of the campaign presented himself as a fervent Catholic before his win.

Some believe the trend to use religion for political gain stems from overall regional disenchantment with politics. A poll by Latinobarómetro in 17 Latin American countries last year revealed that the church is the most respected institution in the region: 71 percent of Latin Americans said they trust the church.

Countries where the church enjoys the greatest support are Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay and Panama with more than 80-percent trust levels followed by Ecuador (77 percent), Colombia (75 percent) and Venezuela (74 percent). (Worldwide Religious News/Miami Herald)

REPORT: MYANMAR’S PERSECUTION OF KAREN PEOPLE CONTINUES

Representatives with Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) who returned from a fact-finding visit to the border region between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma), said they found evidence that the ethnic Karen people continue to face persecution at the hands of the national army. “This year the Burma Army has mounted its biggest offensive against the Karen since 1997,” said a CSW spokesperson. “At least 25,000 Karen civilians have been displaced.” The team heard many firsthand reports of atrocities focused on this northern, mountainous region. CSW Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas added, “Each time a team returns from a fact-finding visit to Burma, without fail they come back with new stories of the continuing horrific human rights violations committed by the dictators. The evidence of atrocities -- torture, forced labor, religious persecution, rape, destruction of villages and killings -- is piling up.” One man said he was beaten so severely in prison that he lost the sight in one eye. He was also subjected to water torture, electric shocks having his genitals covered with red ants. (Assist News Service)

APOSTLE PAUL’S REMAINS UNEARTHED IN ROME, SAY ARCHAEOLOGISTS

Vatican archaeologists have uncovered a sarcophagus believed to contain the remains of the Apostle Paul buried beneath Rome’s second largest basilica. As of yet, the ancient coffin has not been opened, but the project head Giorgio Filippi did not rule out the possibility it would be explored in the future. Two ancient churches once stood at the site of the current basilica, all of which were successively built above the spot traditionally believed to be Paul’s burial site. The uncovered sarcophagus dates to at least 390 A.D. Official findings of the four-year excavation project are scheduled to be presented in a Vatican news conference on Monday, Dec. 11. (Religion Today/ Associated Press)

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