Today’s Headlines:

LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE PALESTINIAN CHRISTIANS

CHINESE SEEKING SOCIAL, POLITICAL REFORM LOOK TO CHRISTIANITY

NEW ORGANIZATION TEACHES COURSES ON INTERNET EVANGELISM

TWR GETS LICENSE TO ESTABLISH 100,000-WATT AM STATION IN BENIN

Today’s Top Stories:

LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE PALESTINIAN CHRISTIANS

Open Doors is launching a letter-writing campaign to encourage Christians in the Gaza Strip caught in the Israel-Palestine conflict. One Palestinian pastor named Hanna indicated that church attendance is down, and his parishioners face fear and desperation. “I need more and more of His presence and power to be able to minister to my people and share the message of hope and peace,” he said. “I know that our Lord is bigger than any challenge we have to face.” Open Doors is encouraging Christians everywhere to pass on letters of encouragement to the believers in the Middle East. (Open Doors)

CHINESE SEEKING SOCIAL, POLITICAL REFORM LOOK TO CHRISTIANITY

Growing numbers of Chinese activists for democracy and social reform in China are converting to Christianity as a source of strength for their causes. Beijing lawyer Li Heping, a former atheist who converted to Christianity several years ago, says he was impressed by Christianity’s role in promoting freedom, human rights and democracy worldwide. Christianity in China has grown exponentially in recent years, reaching an estimated 45 million believers — the majority attending illegal house churches rather than state-approved organizations. Many believe this growth is associated with a popular shift from communist ideals toward capitalism and social change. The Chinese government is wary of Christianity because of its Western ties as well as the network of believers whom they cannot control. Prominent free-speech advocate Liu Xiaobo, a non-Christian, says, “Christianity is a challenge to the Communist Party because more people are turning to it, and it presents alternative viewpoints.” (WorldWide Religious News/Newsweek)

Two Christian men who were arrested in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan Jan. 7 remain imprisoned without details of the charges against them. John Tamang, 35, and Benjamin Sharma, 32, were arrested at a friend’s house when neighbors reported an ongoing worship service to police. Initial charges of breaching the Security Act sentenced the men to four years in prison, but the outcome is unknown. Family members have been unable to meet with the men who are reportedly being moved from jail to jail with no outsider knowing their whereabouts. Jubilee Campaign is soliciting international pressure on the men’s behalf. (Jubilee Campaign)

NEW ORGANIZATION TEACHES COURSES ON INTERNET EVANGELISM

Using the Internet as a tool for evangelism is nothing new as Christian organizations of all sizes as well as individuals share the gospel online. The popularity of this medium has given rise to an organization dedicated to training people in Internet evangelism. In three six-week courses, Cybermissions.org provides theoretical and practical training in Web evangelism and the “cross-cultural” aspect of online ministry. Other courses outline how to use an Internet café or computer center for a missions base. Australian missionary John Edmiston, who also teaches at Fuller Theological Seminary in California, is the course lecturer. (Assist News Service)

TWR GETS LICENSE TO ESTABLISH 100,000-WATT AM STATION IN BENIN

Trans World Radio (TWR) announced the approval of a new broadcast license for a powerful 100,000-watt AM transmitter in Parakou in the West African country of Benin. In a special ceremony on Tuesday, July 4, officials in Cotonou granted the license to TWR. The new facility, still under construction, plans to be in operation by April 2007. It will be TWR’s 15th major international transmitting location. A group of African writers are already at work on radio programs that contain biblical teaching and discipleship training with plans for programs targeting children, nonreaders and HIV/AIDS patients. FM radio can be heard in many cities, but TWR’s new AM frequency will reach further into suburban and rural areas. (Trans World Radio)

* HCJB World Radio worked with the Council of Protestant and Evangelical Churches of Benin to help put a Christian FM station on the air in Cotonou in 1998. The station broadcasts the gospel in French, English and seven tribal languages. Partner ministry SIM also records programs in eight languages at the studios in Parakou. A nationwide FM network is being planned.

Related Articles:

• SUDAN & BURMA: CHRISTIAN REFUGEES IN PERIL
• Pray for the World 6 February 2012
• PRAYER OF A HUMBLE SERVANT
• Prayers for Help in Times of Trouble
• Pray for the World (January 31, 2012)

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