Zprávy HCJB 14.12.2008 - 20.12.2008

 Subjektivní komentáře vedly k odstoupení dlouholetého mluvčího evangelikálů
   Richard Cizik, washingtonský lobyista a viceprezident pro vládní záležitosti Národního Sdružení Evangelikálů (NAE), rezignoval. Důvodem je rozruch, který vyvolal svými výroky na podporu občanských sdružení homosexuálů. V rozhovoru pro National Public Radio totiž Cizik naznačil, že křesťané by se neměli bát hlasovat pro kandidáty podporující potraty a sňatky osob stejného pohlaví.

Během tohoto rozhovoru Cizik také řekl, že pokud jde o sňatky, „změnil názor“, a že podporuje civilní sňatky homosexuálů. Také řekl, že se považuje za odpůrce většiny evangelikálů ve věci globálního oteplování, neboť on věří, že krize klimatu je důsledkem lidské činnosti.

Ve vyjádření rady NAE sdělil výkonný prezident Leith Anderson, že „Cizik již nemá důvěru jako osoba oslovující jejich jménem voliče.“ Rezignací skončila 28letá Cizikova služba i jeho vedoucí postavení v úřadu NAE ve Washingtonu, D.C.

Po tři desetiletí Cizik obhajoval stanoviska evangelikálů v mnoha ohledech – např. při projednávání zákonů proti pronásledování a proti obchodu s lidmi. Podporoval stanoviska směřující k péči o rodinu, k ochraně dětí, k právu pro chudé a bezmocné a pro soucit s nimi, k posvátnosti lidského života, proti komerčním potratům, na podporu míru a proti nepřátelství ve světě, na podporu péče o stvořený svět atd. Také vedl sepisování a implementaci památného dokumentu „Za zdraví národů: výzva evangelikálů k občanské zodpovědnosti.“ Zdroj: OneNewsNow, Christian Newswire
 
 Manželská misionářská dvojice uvězněna v Gambii na základě obvinění z pobuřování
   Britští misionáři David a Fiona Fulton byli v Gambii v západní Africe uvězněni na základě obvinění z pobuřování. V Gambii působí 12 let. Ve čtvrtek 4. prosince byl o nich pořad ve státní televizi a následně byli obviněni z psaní dopisů kritizujících poměry v zemi a ze zveřejňování a šíření materiálů s „úmyslem vyvolat nenávist, opovržení a způsobit ztrátu důvěry v prezidenta a vládu Gambie.“ Fultonovi prohlásili, že se necítí být vinni a případ byl odložen. Zdroje blízké Fultonovým trvají na tom, že Fultonovi měli v úmyslu pouze šířit Dobrou novinu, a že Davidova práce jako kaplana Gambijské armády a péče Fiony o umírající nemocné nejsou politické. Podle poslední zprávy Fultonovi nemohou zaplatit kauci a zůstávají proto ve vazbě. David je držen ve vězení se zvýšenou ostrahou Dvě Míle a Fiona spolu s dvouletou adoptovanou dcerou jsou zadržovány na policejní stanici v hlavním městě Gambie Banjulu.

*HCJB World Radio prostřednictvím své kampaně „Nalaďte rádia“ a ve spolupráci s křesťanskými rozhlasovými stanicemi a sbory po celých USA pracuje na šíření pevně naladěných a sluneční baterií napájených rozhlasových přijímačů potřebným lidem v Africe a dalších částech světa. Od ledna 2001 bylo po celém světě rozdáno 25 000 takových přijímačů. 1600 je objednáno a na dalších 900 již jsou peníze.
 
 Čínský soud zamítl pastorovu stížnost proti zákazu Sdružení domácích sborů
   Zdroj: Christian Newswire. Pastor „Bike“ Žang Mingxuan se pokusil podat stížnost podle Správního řádu proti rozhodnutí čínské vlády zrušit Sdružení čínských domácích sborů (viz zpráva CBN). Soud ale stížnost zamítl. Na podporu Sdružení domácích sborů vydalo 15 čínských křesťanů - právníků a vzdělanců - oficiální slavnostní prohlášení proti postupu čínského Ministerstva pro občanské záležitosti, uvádějíce mimo jiné: „Jestliže tento styl zákazů bude pokračovat a bude uplatňován i v dalších oblastech, mohlo by také dojít ke zrušení všech křesťanských domácích sborů.“ Akce právníků i Žanga je protestem proti „Rozhodnutí o zrušení Sdružení čínských domácích sborů,“ které Ministerstvo pro občanské záležitosti vydalo v pátek 28. listopadu. Hned ráno, týž den, kdy byl zákaz vydán, bylo zadrženo 17 čínských křesťanů a americký reportér, kteří se společně modlili v Žangově sídle.

*Krátkovlnná stanice HCJB Global-Australia v Kununurra vysílá do Číny 25,5 hodiny pořadů každý týden v Mandarinštině. K tomu do Číny vysílá dalších pět hodin týdně v Min Nan (Fudžianská čínština) a 10,5 hodin anglicky.
 
 Kvůli palivové krizi a úpadku ekonomiky prezident MAF prosí o Boží zásah
   Zdroj: Mission Aviation Fellowship. Na Leteckou misijní službu MAF dopadá ekonomická krize na dvou frontách a tak žádá všechny, aby se za ni modlili, a o finanční podporu. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) bylo silně zasaženo nedávnou palivovou krizí a vzrůstajícím nedostatkem leteckého benzínu (Avgas) v zámoří. Misie platí 13 dolarů i více za galon (3,8 litru) Avgasu. „I když cena ropy dočasně klesla, nedostatek leteckého benzínu stále drží jeho cenu velmi vysoko,“ řekl president MAF John Boyd. „Nyní se situace zkomplikovala celosvětovou finanční krizí. Vzhledem k ekonomickému poklesu příspěvky poklesly o 8%. Přestože jsme od letošního července snížili náklady o 22%, čelíme situaci, kdy budeme nuceni omezit či dokonce zrušit některé provozní programy jednoduše proto, že finance, které potřebujeme na každodenní provoz v téhle chvíli nemáme.“ John Boyd věří, že tyto ekonomické problémy se nakonec mohou stát velkým svědectvím o Božím zásahu a Jeho prozřetelnosti. (Viz tématicky podobná zpráva z 9.8.2008.)
 
 Všechny zprávy v angličtině
   GOSPEL STORY TOLD WITH DANCE, DRAMA AND MUSIC IN ECUADOR

Source: HCJB Global
A nativity scene and the musical strains of “Joy to the World” played in shocking contrast to “Vía Dolorosa” (way of grief) and crucifixion scene on the same stage at concerts by HCJB Global’s Vozandes Chorus, the Quito Metropolitan Symphonic Band and a Christian arts team in Ecuador recently.

The HCJB Global events were staged at the Sucre Theater in Quito’s historic downtown section on Dec. 4, 6 and 7. Central to the concerts was the baby Jesus, but Ecuadorians also watched the story unfold as Mary considered the Savior’s tragic yet glorious mission on earth—death by crucifixion. The musical was performed by Navidascua (translated as ChristmasEaster).

This colorful and lively dance drama was dedicated “to those who are passing through certain doubt and the improbable truth,” according to a printed program. By the drama’s conclusion, events and thoughts have pushed its main character to a Scrooge-like revelation about Jesus Christ and His claims about Himself.

Since 1965 Radio Station HCJB has honored Quito’s founding in 1534 with a series of concerts. This year’s performances incorporated more dance than previous endeavors, with participation of Yeshua Ministeriarte (Yeshua Ministry Art). Transcending centuries of musical styles, the eclectic presentation ranged from George Frideric Handel to Michael W. Smith. Both orchestra and choir were directed by Roberto Rojas, a Peruvian musician now residing in Ecuador

Featured violinist Dino Vidal concluded his performance to shouts of “Otra! Otra!” (encore, encore) from the enthusiastic crowd. Having already energized his listeners with songs highlighting the violin and his native Cuba, he gave the crowd more with a quick collage of different musical styles.

On Monday, Dec. 8, members of the Vozandes Chorus were invited guests of Ecuadorian Vice President Lenin Moreno at the presidential palace. There they sang for one evening of a Christmas novena observation. The novena is observed in various parts of the world as people remember different aspects of Christ’s birth on nine evenings leading up to Christmas.

MAF LEADER SEEKS GOD’S INTERVENTION AMID FUEL CRISIS, ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

Source: Mission Aviation Fellowship

An aviation ministry is feeling the economic impact from two fronts and is asking for people’s prayers and financial support. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has been hit hard by the recent fuel crisis and the worsening shortage of avgas (aviation fuel) overseas. The agency has been paying $13 or more a gallon for avgas. “Although oil prices have temporarily abated, the scarcity of avgas is keeping prices very high,” said MAF President John Boyd. “Now the situation is being compounded by the global financial crisis. Because of the economic downturn, donations have declined by 8 percent. Despite having reduced expenses by 22 percent since July, we’re facing a situation where we may have to slow down—or even shut down—some operational programs simply because the funding that we need day-to-day isn’t with us at the moment.” He believes these difficult economic times can be a great witness of God’s intervention and providence.

COMMENTS PROMPT CIZIK’S RESIGNATION FROM EVANGELICAL GROUP

Sources: OneNewsNow, Christian Newswire
Richard Cizik, Washington lobbyist and vice president for governmental affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), has resigned after he created a stir by expressing support for homosexual civil unions. In a National Public Radio interview, Cizik suggested that Christians should not be afraid to vote for candidates who support abortion and same-sex marriage

He also admitted on that broadcast that he was “shifting” on the issue of marriage and that he supports homosexual civil unions. In addition, Cizik has found himself at odds with most evangelicals on the issue of global warming which he believes is a climate crisis created by human activity.

In a statement to NAE board members, acting president Leith Anderson cited a “loss of trust in [Cizik’s] credibility as a spokesperson among leaders and constituencies.” His resignation concludes 28 years of service and leadership at the NAE’s office in Washington, D.C.

In the past three decades he has been an advocate for a broad variety of issues important to the evangelical community such as passage of laws against persecution and human trafficking while supporting measures that promote nurture of family life, protection of children, justice and compassion for the poor and vulnerable, sanctity of human life, opposition to abortion on demand, peace and the restraint of violence in the world, creation care and others. He also gave leadership to the writing and implementation of the landmark document, “For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility.”

MAJOR SERIES ON CHRISTIANITY TO AIR ON NATIONAL TV CHANNEL IN U.K.

Source: Churches Media Council
A series exploring alternative views on Christianity will air on Britain’s Channel 4 this winter. The broadcaster described it as the most ambitious religious programming commission in its history. The series will feature eight one-hour programs that will examine the nature of Jesus’ Jewishness and Christianity’s relationship with its Jewish origins. Former Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo investigates Christianity during the time of the Roman Empire, focusing on the part that the emperor Constantine played. Theologian Robert Beckford will look at the impact Christianity has had on Britain while Rageh Omaar will explore Christianity’s relations with Islam.

BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE OBSERVES HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Source: Baptist World Alliance
Renewing a commitment to human rights and justice established more than a century ago, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) observed Human Rights Day in on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The BWA observance coincides with the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted on Dec. 10, 1948. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the document that outlines in 30 articles the basic rights of all people. The BWA Division of Freedom and Justice, established on Sept. 1, focuses on marginalized Baptists and other Christians who experience various forms of persecution and injustice, such as the ongoing anti-Christian violence in India.

BRITISH MISSIONARY COUPLE IN GAMBIA ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF SEDITION

Source: The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
British missionaries David and Fiona Fulton have been arrested on charges of sedition in the West African country of Gambia. The couple has worked in the country for 12 years. On Thursday, Dec. 4, they were paraded on state television and subsequently charged with writing letters that criticized the country and for publishing and distributing materials “with the intent to bring into hatred or contempt, to excite disaffection against the president or the government of Gambia.” The Fultons pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the case was adjourned. Sources close to the Fultons maintain that the couple desires only to spread the good news and that David’s work as chaplain to the Gambian Army and Fiona’s care of the terminally ill is not political. At last report, the Fultons were unable to secure bail and remained in detention. David is being held at the high-security Mile Two prison while Fiona and their 2-year-old adopted daughter are in custody at a police station in Gambia’s capital, Banjul.

* Through HCJB Global’s “Turn the Radios On” campaign, the ministry works in conjunction with Christian radio stations and churches across the U.S. to distribute fix-tuned, solar-powered radios to needy people in Africa and other parts of the world. Since January 2001 some 25,000 of the sets have been delivered, more than 1,600 are on order, and funds have been raised to purchase an additional 900 radios.

6 PASTORS KILLED, 40 CHURCHES RAZED DURING VIOLENCE IN JOS, NIGERIA

Sources: Bible League, Compass Direct News, Christian Aid Mission
Several Bible League national staff members were trapped in a ministry center in Jos, Nigeria, amid several days of violent riots and protests. The staff members went to God in prayer during the violence, according to Bible League’s Jeff Hale.

Religious leaders from both the Muslim and Christian communities recently met in hopes of bringing peace to the Jos area. What began as outrage regarding suspected vote fraud in local elections quickly hit the religious fault line that quakes from time to time in Jos between Nigeria’s Islamic north and Christian south. Police and troops reportedly killed about 400 rampaging Muslims in an effort to quell the unrest. Islamists shot, slashed or stabbed to death most of more than 100 Christians.

More than 25,000 persons have been displaced in the two days of violence, according to the National Emergency Management Agency. Authorities’ efforts to halt the rampage, including a Muslim assault on a police barracks, accounted for the estimated 400 corpses reportedly deposited in a key mosque, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, citing security sources.

Christian Aid Mission received word from native missionaries inside of Jos, who said media reports contain skewed information, received directly from the Nigerian government. This information includes false claims that Christians attacked and killed Muslims, and vastly underestimates the damage done to Christian lives and property.

Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Roman Catholic archbishop of the Jos Archdiocese and Plateau state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, said in a statement that fanatical Muslims ignited the violence by attacking Christians. “The attacks were carefully planned and executed,” he said. “The questions that bog our minds are: Why were churches and clergy attacked and killed? Why were politicians and political party offices not attacked, if it was a political conflict?”

Plateau Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Edward Pwajok said in a Dec. 9 statement that 500 people had been arrested in connection with the violence, and that they will appear for trial at the High Court of Justice and Magistrates Courts.

* HCJB Global Voice, together with SIM and the Evangelical Church of West Africa, airs weekly half-hour programs on a local FM station in Nigeria in the Igbo language. HCJB Global Voice has also helped with a partner station in Umuahia.

SECRET POLICE IN KAZAKHSTAN RAID, FILM, INVESTIGATE BELIEVERS

Source: Forum 18 News Service
Two months after a police and National Security Committee secret police raid on a small Protestant church in southwestern Kazakhstan, church leader Indira Bukharbaeva has been acquitted of administrative charges for leading an unregistered religious organization. In the country’s Kyzylorda region, church members were filmed during the raid as in many similar cases. Prosecutors attempted to punish Bukharbaeva for leading a small house church in the town of Aral which had earlier been refused state registration. But in an unexpected move, on Thursday, Dec. 4, Judge Artur Narimanov of Aral’s Administrative Court acquitted her. When the church asked Aral’s Justice Department for registration it refused, referring to the new Religion law which it said would soon enter into force, the church member pointed out. A more restrictive new Religion Law, which would for the first time explicitly ban all unregistered religious activity, has already pas sed both chambers of the Kazakh parliament and has been sent to President Nursultan Nazarbaev for his signature. The law has been heavily criticized by many of Kazakhstan’s religious communities who fear even tighter restrictions if the law is enacted.

* HCJB Global Voice is bringing words of hope and encouragement to people across Central Asia via radio. Together with partners, Christian broadcasts go out in languages such as Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen, Uzbek, Southern Uzbek and Urdu.

CHINESE COURT DENIES PASTOR’S COMPLAINT AGAINST BAN ON HOUSE CHURCH ALLIANCE

Source: Christian Newswire
Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan attempted to file an “Administrative Statement of Complaint” against the Chinese government’s decision to abolish the Chinese House Church Alliance, but the court refused to accept the case. In support of the Chinese House Church Alliance, 15 Chinese Christian legal professionals and intellectuals have issued a formal solemn declaration against the actions of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, stating in part, “If this order of abolishment continues to be used in other expanded areas, this could well cause the abolishment of all the Christian house churches.” The actions of Zhang and the legal professionals are in protest of the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ “Decision Statement on Abolishment of the Chinese House Church Alliance” announced on Friday, Nov. 28. The same morning the abolishment was announced, officers arrested 17 Christians and an American reporter who were holding a prayer meeting in Zhang’s residence.

* HCJB Global-Australia’s shortwave station in Kununurra broadcasts 25.5 hours of Mandarin programming each week. An additional five hours of weekly programming in Min Nan Chinese (Fujian) and 10.5 hours in English also air to China.

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