Zprávy HCJB 1.4.2009 - 4.4.2009

	Malé město dramaticky prožívá odpuštění
	Pastor David Pinckney udělal věc, kterou mnoho z dvou tisíc obyvatel Chichesteru ve státě New Hampshire považuje za nemyslitelnou. Pozval usvědčeného vraha dítěte, aby žil alespoň dva měsíce u něj a u jeho rodiny. Za to si vysloužil zuřivé telefonáty, musel snášet protesty před svým domem a dokonce se doslechnout, že mu někdo chce podpálit dům. Když úřady nemohly najít nikoho, kdo by se ujal 60letého Raymonda Guay, jenž strávil posledních 35 let ve vězení za únos a vraždu 12letého chlapce v roce 1973, Pinckney mu otevřel svůj dům, kde bydlí i jeho žena a jejich čtyři děti. Většina jeho sousedů si ale bohužel myslí, že tím z jejich klidného městečka udělá místo, kde si nikdo nebude jist svým bezpečím. Na poslední veřejnou schůzi zastupitelstva projednávající přestěhování Guaye do jejich Chichesteru přišlo přes 2000 lidí, přičemž místní policie veřejně konstatovala, že obavám obyvatel rozumí, protože policistů je tu málo, ve městě jsou jen čtyři na plný úvazek. Pinckney se setkal s Guayem při kazatelské službě ve vězení a věří, že Guay se stal novým člověkem od svého obrácení ke Kristu v roce 1993. Zdroj: Ministry Today, Associated Press, Boston.com
	Indická vláda by měla něco dělat s krvavými násilnostmi
	Pracovníci v oblasti lidských práv vyzývají indickou vládu, aby zasáhla proti extrémistickým skupinám a zlepšila ochranu indické křesťanské menšiny, kterou ohrožují „nejhorší protikřesťanské násilnosti za dobu nezávislosti Indie.“ Množství lidí při nich hyne, tisíce dalších jsou vyhnáni, hlavně ve státech Orissa a Karnataka. Ve své výroční zprávě o situaci křesťanů v Indii uvedli obránci lidských práv z původem britské organizace Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), že „v řadě států Indie pokračuje nábožensky motivované násilí prosti křesťanské komunitě.“ Při veřejném projednávání slyšel zástupce BosNewLife, že „poslední třetina roku 2008 byla poznamenána „nejstrašnějším přívalem obecného násilí proti křesťanské komunitě za celou dobu existence samostatné Indie, že centrem těchto událostí byl okres Kandhamal ve státě Orissa, odkud se násilnosti rychle šíří dalších míst." Mervin Thomas, ředitel Christian Solidarity Worldwide řekl redaktorovi BosNewLife, že „široce vyjadřované mezinárodní obavy týkající se protikřesťanských násilností v Indii jsou namístě, hlavně pokud jde o stát Orissa. Protikřesťanské násilí v Indii je však třeba vidět v širších souvislostech, zvláště ve spojení se státním zákonem proti náboženské konverzi a s obecným pronásledováním náboženských menšin dalitských křesťanů a muslimů ze strany hinduistického nacionalistického hnutí.“ Zdroj: BosNewsLife
	Všechny zprávy v angličtině
	CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS APPEAL FOR CALM IN MADAGASCAR Sources: World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Council for World Mission, rlgmedia The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Council for World Mission (CWM) are appealing for calm in Madagascar following a change of government after weeks of violence in the country. "We are asking our member churches worldwide to keep the churches and all the peoples of Madagascar in their prayers," said WARC's general secretary, Setri Nyomi. The nation’s largest Protestant church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Madagascar, is a member of WARC and CWM. On Tuesday the church's president, Lala Rasendrahasina, was detained briefly by unidentified elements in the military following a meeting at the offices of the Christian Council of Churches of Madagascar. Noting attempts over the past weeks by the Christian Council of Churches to convene a conference of reconciliation, CWM's general secretary, Desmond van der Water says, "We recognize the role that churches in Madagascar might play in reconciliation initiatives at this time and we pray for wisdom and understanding to guide their way." * HCJB Global Voice has helped establish three Christian FM radio stations in Madagascar together with local partners. The most recent station went on the air in Ihosy in October 2003, broadcasting to the under-reached Bara tribe with additional programming in Malagassy, French and English. Partner stations also have been planted in the cities of Diego Suarez and Antananarivo. BRAZILIAN TO HEAD LATIN AMERICAN CHURCH COUNCIL Source: Evangelical News International The Rev. Nilton Giese, a Lutheran pastor from Brazil, has been named as the new general secretary of the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI). In addition to his current work as CLAI's communication director, Giese has been acting general secretary since February 2008. This followed the resignation of the previous general secretary, the Rev. Israel Batista, from the church body that groups about 140 mainly Protestant churches in Latin America and the Caribbean, and whose headquarters are in Quito, Ecuador. Forty-nine year old Giese, from the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil, is married and has one adult daughter. He studied theology at the Lutheran Seminary in Sao Leopoldo in Brazil and has taught at the Matanzas Protestant seminary in Cuba, as well as serving as a pastor in Cuba, Brazil and Costa Rica. *HCJB Global Voice broadcasts the gospel in Portuguese to Brazil via shortwave from Quito, Ecuador, and maintains a world office and radio studios in Curitiba. Portuguese programs, which have been on the air continuously since 1947, generate more listener letters than any language service at Radio Station HCJB in Ecuador. The ministry’s Portuguese programs also air on local radio stations across Brazil. STUDY: 20-SOMETHINGS MORE LINKED TO FAITH THAN THOSE 30 & UP Source: Baptist Press Despite recent media reports that young adults are running from churches in droves, the beliefs of many younger unchurched people are more connected to historic Christian beliefs than many suspected. More 20-somethings than people 30 and older believe in the God of the Bible, the resurrection of Christ and the uniqueness of the Christian God, according to research of unchurched individuals released by LifeWay Research. Unchurched 20-somethings are more open than their older counterparts to hear more about Christianity -- though they do tend to hold negative views of the church. The data is reported in a new book, "Lost and Found: The Younger Unchurched and the Churches that Reach Them." Jason Hayes, LifeWay's young adult ministry specialist, said the study disputes "much of what we've read, heard and even told ourselves" in recent years about unchurched young adults being disinterested in Christianity. “They are open to Christianity," he said. LifeWay Research is the research arm of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, RAPE LEAVES HORRIFYING TRAIL Source: ASSIST News Service Despite peace accords in 2003, fighting continues in the mineral-rich eastern portion of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where over 5.4 million have died as a result of the conflict. Some have termed it “Africa’s World War.” The prevalence and intensity of rape and other sexual violence in eastern Congo has been described as the worst in the world. “We want women and girls to talk about the sexual violence,” says Esther Ntoto, who serves with her husband Camille as field coordinators for Light of Africa Network. “One out of three women have been raped in the Eastern DRC,” according to Camille, citing figures from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Some suffer from fistula, a medical condition resulting from a tear between the birth canal and anal cavity. The mission of Light of Africa Network is inspired by Psalm 82: “Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.” The Ntotos live among the rape victims and disaster survivors, conducting Bible studies, individual counseling and prayer sessions. “The hospitals take care of the medical needs and their psychological counseling, but I thought it is also good to do Bible study,” Esther said. The Ntotos are also helping to raise funds for an empowerment center, which will serve as transitional housing while the women are rehabilitated. Light of Africa Network is also partnering with other organizations to bring micro loans and micro financing to help sustain families. *Some of the refugees from Goma have fled as far as Bukavu, about 40 miles away, where HCJB Global Voice partner Richard McDonald operates a Christian FM radio station started in 1992. Broadcasts go out in English, French, Kikongo Fioti, Lingala and Swahili. SINGER-AUTHOR HONORED FOR PROMOTING POSITIVE CHRISTIAN VALUES IN THE ARTS Sources: Breaking Christian News, rlgmedia Grammy Award winning Christian recording artist, Rebecca St. James was recently honored with the 2009 Arvella Schuller Award at ceremonies at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. The presentation was made by Dr. Robert Schuller. The award recognizes artistic excellence in the promotion of Christian values through music, film, and the mass mediums of the arts and entertainment. Of the presentation, St. James noted: "I'm very humbled. It's affirming both of the personal dedication I feel to honor God in all I do creatively, and my belief that His presence in the creative arts should be upheld at the highest levels." DOCUMENTARY EXPLORES IMPORTANT ISSUES ON SCHIAVO´S DEATH BY DEHYDRATION Source: Christian Newswire A newly-released documentary, The Terri Schiavo Story, will reveal previously unexplored facts of her case through in-depth interviews with participants on both sides of the issue of her death by dehydration by order of the Sixth Judicial Court. The case remains a touchstone of controversy. President Obama recently said one of his "regrets" as a Senator was voting for Congress to intervene to save Terri's life. After a cardio-respiratory arrest, Terri Schindler Schiavo was diagnosed with a neurological injury caused by lack of oxygen to the brain. Able to eventually breathe on her own and maintain vital function, she remained in a severely compromised neurological state and was provided a tube to ensure the safe delivery of nourishment and hydration. On March 31, 2005 however, she died of marked dehydration following more than 13 days without nutrition or hydration under the order of the Sixth Judicial Court. Ken Carpenter, the film's producer and director said, "The truth is the doctors believed Terri was a candidate for rehabilitation, but her husband withheld that treatment. Additionally, we uncovered that only one judge ruled on the facts of the case." The film's host is Joni Eareckson Tada, herself disabled after a diving accident which left her a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. The Terri Schiavo Story recently won the Jubilee Award for Best Documentary at the San Antonio Independent Film Festival. SMALL TOWN MEETS BIG-TIME FORGIVENESS IN ACTION Sources: Ministry Today, Associated Press, Boston.com Pastor David Pinckney recently did the unthinkable for many of the 2,000-plus residents of Chichester, N.H.. His invitation for a convicted child killer to live with him and his family for at least two months prompted angry phone calls, endured a protest outside his home and even heard someone threaten to burn his house down. When officials couldn't find anyone else willing to take in 60-year-old Raymond Guay, who has been imprisoned for the last 35 years on charges of abducting and murdering a 12-year-old boy in 1973, Pinckney opened up his home-where his wife and four teenage children also live. Unfortunately, most of his neighbors believe his kindness is now making a once tranquil town unsafe for everyone. In a recent town meeting, more than 200 people gathered to appeal Guay's relocation to Chichester, and local police have publicly stated they understand people's fear because of their meager numbers (the town employs only four full-time officers). Pin ckney met Guay through a prison minister and believes he's a changed man since meeting Christ in 1993. KAZAKHSTAN: DRUG AND ALCOHOL REHABILITATION CENTER CLOSED DOWN Source: Forum 18 News Service State actions against freedom of religion or belief in Kazakhstan continue. The latest actions include the closure of a Christian-run rehabilitation center for alcoholics and drug addicts, and continuing prosecutions, fines and property confiscations against believers for holding unregistered worship services. Officials' "narrow interpretation" of the law in relation to the rehabilitation center was condemned by Ninel Fokina of the Almaty Helsinki Committee. "Non-commercial organizations must be social organizations, religious organizations or political parties and officials insist that all three be kept separate," she told Forum 18. "But this is absurd, as everything that is not forbidden should be allowed." NORTH KOREA CENSURED AT UN; REPORTERS´ PLIGHT REMAINS UNKNOWN Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide As member states of the United Nations (UN) express concern over what are called “grave, widespread and systematic human rights abuses,” in North Korea (DPRK), the plight of U.S. journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, illustrate the extent of the country’s disregard for international norms. North Korean border guards recently arrested the pair along the China-North Korea border. The circumstances surrounding the arrests remain unclear, but North Korea’s official news agency claims the reporters “were detained on March 17 while illegally intruding into the territory of the DPRK by crossing the DPRK-China border.” A recent resolution by the Human Rights Council (HRC) addressed use of torture and labor camps against political prisoners in North Korea, and expressed alarm at the precarious humanitarian situation. The resolution also called on North Korea to cooperate in allowing the UN Special Rapporteur access to the country to investigate human rights. “We echo the call of the UN Special Rapporteur to bring to bear the totality of the UN system. In the meantime, it is imperative that the North Korean Government halt the practice of abductions and allow for the immediate release of these two journalists,” said Tina Lambert, Advocacy Director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. INDIA GOVERNMENT URGED TO TACKLE DEADLY VIOLENCE Source: BosNewsLife Human rights investigators have urged India's government to tackle extremist groups and to improve protection of the country's Christian minority after "the most severe anti-Christian violence seen in post-independence India," which killed scores of people and displaced thousands, mainly in the states of Orissa and Karnataka. In its annual briefing on the situation of Christians in India, Britain-based advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said last year "saw a continued pattern of religiously-motivated violence perpetrated against the Christian community across numerous states." The briefing, seen by BosNewsLife, noted that "the final third of 2008 saw the worst spate of ‘communal violence’ ever faced by the Christian community in post-independence India centred on Kandhamal district" of Orissa which soon spread to other areas. Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas told BosNewsLife that “Rightly, there have been weighty international expressions of concern about anti-Christian violence in India, particularly in Orissa state. However, anti-Christian violence in India should be seen in light of the wider concerns about anti-conversion laws, religious discrimination against Dalit Christians and Muslims, and the powerful anti-minority discourse of the Hindu nationalist movement." © Copyright 2009 - HCJB Global - Colorado Springs, CO USA

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