Refugees at risk in South Sudan |
| Sudan (MNN) -- While South Sudan is a new country, it hasn't taken very long for tensions to rise between the North and South. According to reports, Sudan has been attacking the new nation in the states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan. The conflict appears to be the South's sizable crude oil reserve. President of Open Doors USA Carl Moeller describes the problem. "We have seen and documented bombs falling on refugee camps in critical areas in that area. Christians are indeed caught in the crossfire here. This is a very complex problem." The world is doing little about the problem and the 300,000 refugees in the region. In the meantime, Open Doors USA is asking Christians to get actively involved. "We are praying for the church in Sudan. We are comforting those who have lost [loved ones] and homes; we are providing the material resources they need, and we're alerting the world to what's going on." Your financial support can help not only Sudan, but Christians around the world. |
Tightening of restrictions felt by Kazakh religious community with prayer room bans |
 Kazakhstan (MNN) -- Religious communities in Kazakhstan are beginning to feel the weight of new religion laws. Last month, the Kazakh government passed two laws restricting anything from church registration, to children's religious activities, to public prayer rooms. The ban on prayer rooms, in particular, has caused a major stir. Forum 18 reports that prayer rooms in care facilities have been shut down. Joel Griffith with Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) adds, "This involves prayer rooms in prisons. A lot of churches actually are formed behind prison walls. And these prisoners basically have their own congregations behind prison walls." It's a threat to prison ministries, but SGA also has another concern. "It remains to be seen, now with Christmas coming up, just how are these laws going to be used to impact maybe children's ministries?" Believers will keep spreading the Gospel, but "we here as Christians in the West need to not only continue supporting our Kazakh brothers and sisters, but to really engage in intercessory prayer." |
A ministry uses photography to help kids share their perspective of Lebanon |
 Lebanon (MNN) - Lebanon is a hard place to grow up. And Kids Alive International is letting you see the world through a child's eyes. Through their school in Lebanon, six boys are sharing how they see the world through photography. There's a blog as well as individual gallery pages so you can get the story behind the photos. There will be a showcase in May and a calendar published. God's hand is at work in the children's lives, so pray that they would know His peace in their hearts. Go to our Web site for links to the boys' gallery pages. |
Saturday's National Adoption Day a celebration |
 USA (MNN) -- Orphans and families celebrated this past Saturday in honor of National Adoption Day in the United States. Marc Andreas with Bethany Christian Services explains, "In this country, a National Adoption Day is recognized by many across the country--many courts, really--that use the day as a day to celebrate the finalization or the making permanent of an adoption into a new family in local communities all over the U.S." The day fell right in the middle of the National Adoption Month, where lots of ministries are raising awareness for domestic, international, and foster care adoptions. Bethany is encouraging people to consider this process. "Adoption isn't for everyone, but we like to think it's for many, many more than are choosing it today." If you missed Saturday's celebration, Bethany and other ministries still have plenty of free resources to help you explore the option of sharing Christ's love through adoption. Visit our Web site, and we'll connect you. |
InterVarsity Press acquires Biblica Books |
 International (MNN) -- When Biblica decided to focus solely on Bible publishing, they wanted to find a like-minded partner to take over their other publishing projects. One thing led to another and now, InterVarsity Press (IVP) is acquiring Biblica Books. The final details will be wrapped up by years' end. This means that IVP will obtain Biblica Books titles, among the most notable, "Operation World." Through its missions-focused publishing program and networks, IVP will be better resourced to help Christians respond to their Kingdom calling. |
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