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CHRISTIAN WORLD NEWS REPORT

November 21, 2009

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CHRISTIAN NEWS HEADLINES

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INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS BOARD

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Stand Up for Religious Freedom: Now Is the Hour

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CHRISTIAN NEWS HEADLINES

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

-John 3:16

Indiana senator shifts left to support Hamilton

An Indiana pro-family organization is calling its Republican Senator Richard Lugar to task for his support of David Hamilton for a seat on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.

RU safe and simple?

A new study provides fresh information on potential harm of the abortion drug, RU-486.

ABS FT. Hood outreach

The American Bible Society is helping service members, civilian workers and their families at Fort Hood deal with the aftermath of the recent tragic shootings.   

Newspapers reach end of story

Several homosexual newspapers have closed their doors.

Indecency wrestles infidelity

Seductive television commercials, billboards, and websites are encouraging married individuals to take part in affairs.

Sex ed. vs. abstinence

A federal official blames abstinence education for the increase in sexually transmitted diseases.

Palestine seeks independence, leaves Israel out

A messianic Jewish leader is pleased that the European Union (EU) has rejected an appeal by the Palestinians to recognize a Palestinian state without Israeli consent. 

Russia - pastors fined for service

Two pastors in Russia were recently fined for holding a worship service in public.  

Washington D.C. refuses citizen vote on gay marriage

A measure to let voters decide whether to ban same-sex marriages in D.C. cannot go on the ballot because it would violate a city human rights law, the Board of Elections and Ethics ruled Tuesday.

NJ teen barred from abortion protest sues school

A New Jersey high school student claims in a federal lawsuit that administrators violated her religious and free-speech rights by prohibiting her participation in a silent abortion protest.

GOP Senator supports leftist judge nominee

Some congressional Republicans are threatening a filibuster to block confirmation of a federal appeals court nominee because of his religious rulings. But they won't get the support of Indiana GOP Senator, Richard Lugar.

'No' to Jesus, 'yes' to Allah

The nation's largest public policy women's organization is calling on members of the United States Senate to reject the appointment of President Barack Obama's first judicial nominee who has said 'no' to Jesus, but 'yes' to Allah.

ACORN's root for suit?

A legal expert and former member of the Federal Election Commission says the community organizing group ACORN has no basis for its lawsuit against the federal government.

Ohio rep. wants to legalize same-sex marriage

A state representative in Ohio wants the state's ban on homosexual marriage to be overturned.

Goodbye Corzine, hello educational progress

A New Jersey school choice advocate says he will not miss the state's outgoing Governor John Corzine or his ineffective methods of improving education for inner-city minorites.

New Hampshire seeks voice

In the aftermath of Maine voters overturning a homosexual marriage law, the focus moves to New Hampshire as repeal of the state law may take place as a result of growing momentum.

 

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INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS BOARD

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.-I Timothy 2:1-4

 

WORLD LEADERS. Please pray today for President Michelle Bachelet Jeria of Chile (western South America).

BRAZIL. Pray for all the teams in Brazil as they seek to reach the lost in their regions. There are so many lost, so many people who do not know that Jesus came to die and live again so they could be free. Brazil is a mix of peoples and cultures, and each team works to reach their specific area, but the task is God sized. With so few missionaries, it is easy to feel overwhelmed at times. Pray that God will call out more Brazilians who are willing to reach their own people. Intercede that the seeds planted during the relief efforts in Santa Catarina will bear fruit and lead to a revival there. Pray that revivals will break out in all the regions of Brazil.

CELTIC-SPEAKING PEOPLES OF WESTERN EUROPE (KEL-teek). Workers S and J recently attended the christening of their friends’ baby boy. The mother asked if J’s daughter would take communion with her daughter. This led to a conversation about christening and baptism, and J was then able to share the Good News. J has previously shared large portions of Scripture with the mother. J writes: “God is definitely speaking to her.” Please pray with S and J for this couple. http://www.thecelt.org

 

NORTH AFRICANS OF PARIS, FRANCE (PAIR-is). God has answered your prayers for increased involvement on the part of French Christians. Many French believers are now participating in training classes, learning how to share Christ with their neighbors from other cultures. These cross-cultural training sessions are taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Please pour out your thanks to God for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are committed to learning how to share their witness more comfortably. Pray that they will constantly use these newly acquired skills, boldly sharing the gospel with their neighbors. Pray that those being trained will then train others and that many will come to salvation as a result.

BISSA OF BURKINA FASO (BEE-sah). “‘Group Meditation.’ In a women’s group, that’s what they’ve begun to call repeating a Bible story that they are learning,” writes missionary Kathy Shafto. “They gather in a building with a straw roof and a dirt floor. Before the meeting, one woman with a servant heart sweeps the floor of its wind-blown debris and animal droppings. Some of the women are not readers, so this ‘group meditation’ (repetition) is helpful to them and to all the rest of the group as well. They listen carefully as someone tells the story, and then go around the group, repeating the story and listening intently to see if correction is needed. If some are struggling, they act it out. During the telling and retelling and correcting of the story (with much celebration for those who tell it without fault or help), they find that the Holy Spirit is whispering to those hearts who are meditating on His spoken Word. Recently the story was about Mary and Martha. ‘What has God said to you through this story?’ I asked. One responded, ‘When we have visitors in our homes, we should give them more than just food; we should talk about what Jesus would talk about.’ Thank God with me for these women who, according to Colossians 3:16, are letting the Word of Christ dwell in them richly as they teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as they sing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in their hearts to God.” http://www.shaftonews@blogspot.com

 

FULAKUNDA OF SENEGAL, GUINEA-BISSAU AND THE GAMBIA (FOO-lah-KOON-dah). Give thanks to God that one of the believers, J, is beginning to share in some of the nearby villages. After coming to Christ about six months ago, he has faithfully been sharing with those who will listen, although young in his faith. Many of his family members are witchdoctors and Muslim religious leaders in town. Although he has not professed his faith to them yet, he has not been able to contain what he believes but has continued to share in other places and has not allowed rejection from some to stop him. Praise God for his obedience and willingness to share!

MADAGASCAR, INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS. “We have seen answer to prayer!” writes Team Madagascar. “You joined us in praying for journeyman Tessa King and in asking for a national partner. Tessa now has many young national youth helping her to lead English Club Bible studies. She is training a national youth from the university to lead these studies, and there is much excitement in this ministry. Praise the Lord; He never fails in hearing and answering our prayers!”

MBUNDA OF WESTERN ZAMBIA (m’BOON-duh). Daniel chapter 1 tells us of Daniel’s three friends. One of them was Mishael, meaning “who is like the Lord?” But Mishael’s name was changed by the king. Mishael became Meshach, meaning “who is what Aku is?” (Aku was a god of the Babylonians.) Today, on the banks of the Zambezi River, there lives an Mbunda man named M. Oh, he doesn’t worship Aku, but he also doesn’t worship the Lord--yet! And like Meshach in the Bible, M has a friend named Daniel--missionary Daniel Scott. Recently Daniel taught M and others a new method of no-till agriculture entitled “Farming God’s Way.” God’s way differs significantly from the conventional Mbunda way of farming. “Lord Jesus, we ask You to show M that there is no one like the Lord! Give him the courage to try this new method of farming. Bless his crops and his harvest. May M’s wife and five children also see that ‘akuna ya swana ni Jesu’--there is no one like Jesus!” http://www.danielandsky.blogspot.com

 

SOKOTO FULANI OF NIGER (SOH-koh-toh fu-LAH-nee). In late September, a Fulani believer was baptized. This young man has demonstrated a persistent commitment to follow the “Jesus path.” Pray that he will continue to grow in his faith and be a witness to those who are watching to see if the testimony of his life matches the testimony of his words.

THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN KENYA. The Kenya Baptist Theological College shared a prayer request a few months ago for the new members on the Board of Governors for KBTC. The new Board of Governors has recently made changes in the administrative staff. Please continue to pray for KBTC and the Board of Governors, asking that these changes will help KBTC to operate efficiently and to provide quality theological education for the students.

CITY OF YELLOW STONES, CHINA. “Pray that the Father will fill us daily with His Holy Spirit so that we can be a bright light to our city in both word and deed.” (See Matthew 5:14-15.)

MEMPHIS PEOPLE OF CHINA. Please pray for J as she faces many challenges. Authorities have questioned her and tried to intimidate her. The Lord has given her the right answers each time, and she has felt total peace. She has lots of rats in her house, and they are eating her grain, clothes and books. Like most people who live in villages, she doesn’t have screens on her windows. She had two cats, but they only stayed for a few days and wanted out and never returned. Please pray for this courageous woman to stand firm, and ask for God’s protection wherever she goes. Please pray for co-workers for her and encouragement from other believers.

SWIRL PEOPLE OF EAST ASIA. Pray that the Swirl people will be spiritually freed from the stronghold of pacifying demons to a new life in Christ. Claiming John 8:32, pray that the Swirl people will know the truth and that the truth will set them free.

SOUTHERN THAI OF THAILAND (tie). Plans are being made for an evangelistic push in mid-December using a broadcast by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in the United States. Thai pastors are preaching evangelistic and informational sermons to provide encouragement for their members. A vision is being cast for members to be evangelistic and begin telling friends and neighbors about their faith in God. This evangelistic push will culminate with Thais inviting their neighbors in to view the evangelistic program together. As Thai Christians prepare themselves for this program, pray that God will give them wisdom about witnessing, embolden them to witness, and bring many to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. http://www.southernthaiteam.com

 

UIGHURS OF NORTHWEST CHINA (WEE-ghurs). Pray for workers who will be leaving for stateside assignments soon. Pray for rest and direction while they are away. Petition for wisdom for them as they look at returning but are uncertain about how they can return due to not knowing what types of open doors they will find or what types of visas they will be able to obtain. Pray that the doors will stay open for workers to serve in this place, as there is still so much lostness. http://www.pray4them.com

 

MUSLIMS OF LUCKNOW, INDIA (LUCK-now). “In the midst of some encouraging work to the north of our city, there have been a number of events that require prayer. Although I could list many individual things, I will just summarize by saying that both physical and spiritual oppression have been regular occurrences. Please pray for the spiritual warfare that Jesus told us would come when we do His ministry.” http://www.IsaMasih-Lucknow.org

 

WESTERN PUNJABIS OF PAKISTAN (pun-JAH-bees). Many Punjabis attend colleges and universities in Lahore, a megacity in the heart of the Punjab. More than 4,200 students study at a Christian college in Lahore, and 700 of these are from a Christian background. Cross-cultural workers are seeking to engage students on this campus through discipleship programs and other opportunities. They write: “Please pray for these opportunities as we build relationships on campus with Punjabi students. Ask God to strengthen the small minority of Christians in order that He will be made known and received by all on this campus.” http://www.go2southasia.org

 

LAST FRONTIER. A worker among a Last Frontier people group writes: “I was able to share with T the entire EvangeCube (a witnessing tool) presentation and talk with her about a relationship with Jesus. She is Buddhist and is not ready at this time to make a decision, although she listened and was very receptive. She has such a sweet, tender heart, and we shared tears over the telling of this story. I believe she understands that the Lord loves her very much. Please pray that He will continue to speak to her and show her who He is.”

 

www.imb.org

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Stand Up for Religious Freedom:

Now Is the Hour

 

Today’s broadcast may be one of the most important we’ve aired in the history of BreakPoint. I’ll tell you why.

 

Allow me to make a very direct statement. I believe it is time for the Church in this country to stand up for religious freedom.

 

Especially over the course of the last few years, we have seen repeated efforts—in the courts, in state legislatures, in Congress, and on Pennsylvania Avenue—to erode what has been called the first freedom: religious liberty.

 

It isn’t hard to cite numerous cases where Christian organizations and individuals have been singled out and punished for adhering to their faith.

 

In New Jersey, a Methodist camp lost its tax exempt status for refusing to hold a same-sex civil union ceremony. In California, Christian doctors were successfully sued for refusing to offer in-vitro fertilization procedures for a lesbian couple. Catholic Charities in Boston had to shut down its adoption services because it was being forced by the state to place children with same-sex couples.

 

The current health care bill has no protections for religious medical personnel or health care providers who, by reason of conscience, refuse to participate in abortions. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is gathering momentum in Congress. The bill would require even Christian-owned enterprises with more than 15 employees to hire those who do not share their faith.

 

The list could go on and on.

 

So why is religious freedom such a concern to us as Christians? Freedom of religion is called the first freedom for a reason. Our founding fathers recognized that without freedom of conscience, no other freedom can be guaranteed.

 

Christians, in fact, are the greatest defenders of religious freedom and human liberty—not just for Christians, but for all people. Compare religious freedom in those countries with a Christian heritage to the state of religious freedom in Islamic nations, communist countries, and Buddhist and Hindu nations, and you will see my point.

 

The reason that Christians place such a high value on human freedom is that freedom itself is part of the creation account in the Bible. God made humans in His image. He gave us a free will to choose to love, follow, and obey Him, or to follow our own way.

 

That free will, given us before the Fall, is part of human nature itself.

 

Perhaps more than anything else, it was this understanding of individual freedom that turned me into the kind of patriot who would willingly give his life for his country. It was the words of the Declaration of Independence that inspired me to join the Marines: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

 

So this question of human freedom goes to the very heart of who we are as Christians and as Americans.

 

So last Friday at the National Press Club in Washington, a statement signed 125 evangelical, Orthodox, and Catholic leaders was released—an historic declaration on life, the family, and religious freedom.

 

And please, today, go to ColsonCenter.org to view my Two-Minute Warning video on religious freedom. We will have some great resources for you. Then Friday at noon, we will have for you the declaration itself—probably the most important document I’ve ever signed.

 

The Church needs to understand the urgency of the hour and do its duty.

 

Further Reading and Information

Religious Freedom: Two-Minute Warning Chuck Colson | Colson Center | November 11, 2009

  

www.breakpoint.org

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