28 August 2006 Update from HCJB World Radio

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28 August 2006 Update from HCJB World Radio

By Rowland Croucher and others ⋅ August 30, 2006 ⋅ Post a comment

Today’s Headlines:

3 PANAMANIAN MISSIONARIES SPURN DRUNKEN CEREMONY, APPEAL TO CHIEFS

‘TEMPLE TOWN’ IN INDIA BANS PREACHING OF MINORITY RELIGIONS

CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ FALL PREY TO SUNNI, SHIITE SECTARIAN VIOLENCE

NASHVILLE CHARITY WINS ACTION INSTITUTE’S 2006 SAMARITAN AWARD

ATLANTA BRAVES CELEBRATE CHRISTIANITY WITH ‘FAITH DAYS’

Today’s Top Stories:

3 PANAMANIAN MISSIONARIES SPURN DRUNKEN CEREMONY, APPEAL TO CHIEFS

A three-man team of native missionaries from the Kuna ethnic group in eastern Panama are taking a stand for their faith by breaking with a local tradition. New Tribes Mission (NTM) reported that the three men, Edelfonso, Videncio and Luis, will soon appeal to village leaders to allow them to forego the drunken rites of passage that take place in the village. Village chiefs, who once opposed the presence of Kuna Bible teachers, just recently invited the Kuna church to send missionaries to live with the group to teach literacy. However, once they arrived both village chiefs insisted on a monthly $25 tax and that the trio participate in drunken ceremonies. It’s a delicate time in the new ministry as believers who previously took a stand against the drunken, orgiastic activity have been forced to pay hefty fines. NTM is urging prayer for wisdom for the men and for open doors to share the gospel. (Mission Network News)

* HOXO, a cooperating radio ministry of HCJB World Radio, broadcasts Christian programming across Panama City 24 hours a day via AM and FM. Although most programming is in Spanish, programs also air in Cantonese and English.

‘TEMPLE TOWN’ IN INDIA BANS PREACHING OF MINORITY RELIGIONS

A town in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh state has decided to enact a law banning the preaching of any religion other than Hinduism in the “temple town” of Tirupati. The town, mostly under the administration of its Hindu shrine, is calling for imprisonment of up to two years and a fine equivalent to US$43 for anyone preaching other religions near the shrine to the Hindu god Venkateshwara. The shrine’s administrative control would also be expanded under the law to include several areas that have had Christian churches operating in them since the 17th century and many Christian families from the Dalit (or “untouchable”) caste. Albert Lael, organizing secretary of the All India Christian Council, points out, “We fear that even those who carry Bibles in the town will be prosecuted for preaching.” (Compass Direct)

* Radio programs in 17 languages air to India from HCJB World Radio-Australia’s shortwave station in Kununurra. The programs are produced at the ministry’s studios in New Delhi, India.

CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ FALL PREY TO SUNNI, SHIITE SECTARIAN VIOLENCE

With the news media often focusing on the sectarian violence between Shiite and Sunni Muslims in Iraq, the small minority Christian community in Iraq is often ignored by news sources. Brian Padden reported on the Voice of America website that many Christians are fleeing to the relative safety of the northern Kurdish regions of Iraq. The question remains if Christians are specific targets or only random victims of widespread violence. Father Iariq Choucha spoke of a typical suicide bomber who targets a popular market. “Who is in the market?” he asked. “There are Kurds, Christians, Arabs. There are Sunnis and Shias. The terrorist, he has no allegiance.” However, others believe there are deliberate strategies in place to intimidate minority groups such as Christians. One doctor from Mosul who wished to remain anonymous said, “The Christians are targeted more there. Our number in the city is small. So when they target a few of us it will be for the population very big.” (Assist News Service)

NASHVILLE CHARITY WINS ACTION INSTITUTE’S 2006 SAMARITAN AWARD

The Christian Women’s Job Corps of Nashville, Tenn., is the winner of the Action Institute’s 2006 Samaritan Award for voluntary charitable service. The award includes a $10,000 cash prize for the outreach that works to enhance basic life skills of disadvantaged women and prepare them for employment. The organization serves about 150 women with the help of 250 volunteers acting as job coaches, mentors, childcare workers and instructors. The women receive help with General Education Diploma classes, job skills coaching, Bible studies, childcare and mentoring. Karen Woods, Action’s director of effective compassion, said this year’s Samaritan Award winner is an example of how smaller, private charities can strengthen local communities. “It’s a star among all the great charities in this country,” she explained. “They know how to help their challenged neighbors succeed, one step at a time.” (Christian Newswire)

ATLANTA BRAVES CELEBRATE CHRISTIANITY WITH ‘FAITH DAYS’

The Atlanta Braves baseball team is openly celebrating religion at its games, calling the celebrations “Faith Days.” During Faith Days, popular Christian sports figures such as Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz share intimate, personal experiences of faith along with performances by Christian musicians. Faith Day events began in minor league baseball where the events helped double the average attendance at Nashville Sounds games. The events have been criticized for “ambushing” fans at a secular event. Sportswriter Dave Zirin said, “Religion belongs in Major League baseball about as much as fish belong on bicycles.” However, mastermind organization Third Coast Sports President Brent High points out that fans must intentionally stay for 30 minutes after the game in order to attend the event. Derek Schiller, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Braves, said the prospect of increasing ticket sales was the main factor in his decision to have the club host the events. “Our hope is that we have created an event that got those extra people coming to the game who wouldn’t have otherwise come,” he said. (WorldWide Religious News)