StevenWarRan: Religion Today Context Articles

Returned 2838 results for search term: "new tribe" ministries

Missionaries Deny Venezuelan Leaders' Charge of Espionage

." The ministry calls the Venezuelan president's order that New Tribes leave the country "completely unexpected." NTM, which has been working in Venezuela
Tribe Rises "From Fear to Faith"

to go to the villages to teach about Christ, and many people were becoming Christians through his ministry, NewTribes said. Communist rebels, fearful

War Harms Colombia Christians

of New Tribes Mission told Religion Today . Those who resist risk vicious reprisals. As a result, ranchers and other private landowners have formed

New Tribes Reports Missionaries Alive and Safe

The latest report from New Tribes Mission (NTM) is that kidnapped missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham are relatively safe and healthy. Sources

Cardinals' New Plan, No Ransom for Burnhams, Moonies & more

,000 in ransom was paid in late March. According to a press release from New Tribes Mission (NTM), who sponsor Gracia and Martin, the ministry was not aware

FBA Does Not Endorse TNIV, Billy Graham in Cincinnati & more

Translation, International Bible Society, The Jesus Film Project, Lutheran Bible Translators, New Tribes Mission, Open Doors International, Pioneer Bible

Hostages for Christ: Burnhams Face Grave Danger

is out of danger. From June 14, 2001 - "This is a cause worth living for, even dying for, because He is worthy," reads theNew Tribes Mission (NTM
Bush Officials Pay Respect to Martin Burnham at Funeral

for the New Tribes Mission (NTM) in 1986. He soon became known as a dedicated pilot for missionaries, delivering their mail, supplies and encouragement
Widowed Abduction Survivor Testifies Against Muslim Captors

with Florida-based New Tribes Missions, were celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary in the Philippines where they had been working as missionaries, when
Indonesia, World Vision AIDS Forum & Burnham Update

are considering releasing Gracia, lest she die. However, like many reports over the last year, none of this can be confirmed. New Tribes Mission's Crisis Teams

Columbine Survivors Reach Out, Gracia Burnham & Canada

thanked the military men who risked their lives to rescue her and Martin. According to a press release from New TribesMission (NTM), one of those who
TWR on TNIV, PCA Meeting, Abortion Protest & Nepal

in the heart language of the given people group. Another organization listed on the IBS release is New Tribes Mission. A Religion Today reader who wrote
Bethlehem, Rome, Burnhams and Muslim Garb Case

has seen the Burnhams in the last two weeks. The New Tribes missionaries have been held by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) since last May. Lawyer Arden
A Plan to Use Troops to Rescue Missionaries

between 11 and 14, have been attached to the Florida-based New Tribes Mission (NTM) since 1985. NTM in a weekend statement once again urged supporters
Prayer Takes Precedence over Politics in Burnham Situation

New Tribes missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham have suffered a harrowing reality for the past eight months. The Burnhams were kidnapped

German Cleric vs. Bush, Briner Award, Burnhams & Pedophiles

or to take away celebrity." Top Two Special Days of Prayer for Burnhams New Tribes Mission (NTM) has issued a call to prayer on Sunday

Rescued Missionary Widow Heads Home

, New Tribes Mission, said Monday Gracia was in good spirits. She had told family members by phone that Martin's deep faith had won him the respect

Memphis, Miami, Milan, and Mumbai

there. The title of the address, " Memphis, Miami, Milan, and Mumbai: Ministry Somewhere, Anywhere, Everywhere " refers to four cities taken as paradigms

New Orleans Ministry Rejuvenated in Katrina's Aftermath

gathered in New Orleans' Upper Ninth Ward at the former ministry and school headquarters of Desire Street Ministries and Desire Street Academy

Benny Hinn Claims 'Dateline' Story Distorted Facts

and spending practices of his ministry. The recent Dateline report featured former and current employees of Benny Hinn Ministries, who provided NBC

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Benny Hinn Claims 'Dateline' Story Distorted Facts, by Allie Martin & Jenni Parker, Agape Press
Televangelist Benny Hinn is accusing NBC of deception after the network's airing of an investigative report on the finances and spending practices of his ministry. The recent Dateline report featured former and current employees of Benny Hinn Ministries, who provided NBC with receipts and other documents detailing how ministry funds are spent.

Dateline's report focused on the witnesses' accounts of Hinn's allegedly lavish lifestyle, as exemplified in such practices as staying in hotel rooms that cost several thousand dollars a night during layovers between ministry events, or frequently shopping at a posh Beverly Hill's store where his name happens to be on the window.

The Dateline broadcast also featured Nathan Daniel, a former employee with Hinn's organization, who claims to have been fired after he raised questions about the number of orphans actually sponsored by the ministry. Daniel said he was deeply troubled at the idea of malfeasance on the part of Hinn or his ministry and remarked, "To me, this was a fraud and deception being put across the people that are his donors."

Michael Horton is a professor of theology at Westminster Seminary in California. He has edited a book called The Agony of Deceit - What Some TV Preachers Are Really Teaching (Moody, 1990), in which writers from diverse theological backgrounds take a critical look at a number of popular televangelists and their theologies in light of what the Bible says.

Horton feels many of those who faithfully watch TV ministers fail to exercise careful thought or spiritual discernment about what they see and hear. "A lot of people, I think, who watch Benny Hinn or watch the TV evangelists more generally, think that what they're saying is authoritative - after all they're on TV and they've written books," the editor of The Agony of Deceit says. "And we've lost the capacity to think critically and to weigh people in the light of what the scriptures teach."

Rebuttal: Was Hinn Expose an Unholy Hatchet Job?

While Hinn's organization has not returned phone calls seeking a response to the allegations in the Dateline story, the televangelist has posted a nine-page response on his website. In it, he vows that ministry funds are never misused, and that the sums of cash his ministry team carries while traveling are for food, transportation, gratuities, and unexpected expenses incurred in the normal course of international ministry.

Also, Hinn took the opportunity to explain that the luxurious hotel rooms and suites he occasionally occupies while traveling are often provided as a courtesy at no cost or at deeply discounted prices by the operators of the establishments.

On the website he points out that, as a global ministry with crusades in nearly every country on earth, his organization rents a lot of hotel rooms for staff, volunteers, and ministry workers and, he adds, "The average nightly cost of all the hotel rooms rented by this ministry around the world in 2004 was $129."

The founder of Benny Hinn Ministries claims Dateline was using "distortions and incomplete truths to support its preconceived ideas." He says the NBC show deliberately tried to create through its reporting a false impression that the TV minister travels to certain overseas cities for personal pleasure rather than for ministry purposes - something he insists could not be further from the truth.

"So please," Hinn pleads to his supporters through the website, "do not be deceived by the secular media's largely inflated reports ... and do not believe the notion that I would ever be careless with the precious seed you have sown into this ministry." He asserts that unreliable witnesses and disgruntled former employees have sought to hurt the ministry. However, he observes that enemies of the gospel are among the "unfortunate realities of ministry life."

Although Dateline raised issues about Hinn's personal income, the employment of his family members (three of them) in the ministry, and alleged questionable financial practices, the televangelist contends that Benny Hinn Ministries has an "above and beyond" standard when it comes to good record keeping, sound and principled business practices, and independent auditing of its books.

However, a Christian group that monitors and reports on the financial activities of ministries worldwide offers a different take. Wall Watchers says on numerous occasions, Benny Hinn Ministries has refused to divulge any sort of financial data that might provide accountability to its donors.

"[Benny Hinn Ministries] has demonstrated substandard openness and transparency through a lack of responsiveness, an absence of sending information and a lack of information available in public arenas, such as their website," says the group at its website. "After over a year of requesting information, [the ministry] finally answered a request by having their attorneys write a response letter denying the request."

In its "Transparency" ratings, Wall Watchers gives Benny Hinn Ministries a grade of "F."

Benny Hinn Ministries (www.bennyhinn.org)

Wall Watchers (www.wallwatchers.org)

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Rape Charge Against US Missionary Is Bogus, Activists Say

World War Terrorism

Taliban Threatens to Kill South Korean Missionaries

Five Foreign Christians Deported from Morocco

Criticism of Indian Christians Raises Concerns of Violence

Update: Taliban Kill One Korean Hostage, Set Final Deadline

Yohannan: Persecution is Part of the Deal

Philippines: Ministries Respond in Wake of Devastating Floods

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 6, 2009

Southern Baptists Mourn Slain Missionaries
." At least four other Southern Baptist Missionaries have died violent deaths in the last year and a half -- three in Yemen and one in the Philippines

Aid Sought for Victims of Philippine Fire
," reported the Philippine Daily Inquirer. A pre-dawn fire that ripped through the six-story Quezon City Manor Hotel Saturday killed at least 75 people
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Relief Volunteers 'Mud Out' Manila, Share God's Love
typhoons. The group worked with local church members and Southern Baptist missionaries serving in the Philippinesto help residents of metro Manila recover
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Christian Pastor Shot Dead in the Philippines
April 27, 2012 A pastor of a Philippines church was shot dead in Quezon City by two unknown gunmen in front of his teenage daughter
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September 4, 2007, Religion Today, Afghanistan: Should Christian Agencies Pull Out? by Wolfgang Polzer, ASSIST News Service,

Evangelical Expert: Withdrawal Would be a Tragedy for Afghans

KABUL -- It would be a tragedy for the Afghan people if Christian aid agencies were to pull out of Afghanistan in the wake of recent abductions.

A withdrawal would not only be tragic for the hundreds of Afghan workers and families employed by Christian organizations, but - more importantly - for the thousands of citizens who profit from the projects in the fields of education, health and economy.

Albrecht Hauser, chairman of the Islam committee of the German Evangelical Alliance, expressed this view in an interview with the evangelical news agency “idea”. Hauser himself was active in development projects in Afghanistan about 30 years ago.

Despite the risk of further abductions and the deal struck by South Korean negotiators with the radical Islamic Taliban for the release of 19 hostages Hauser is confident that most Christian agencies will remain.

They had been working in Afghanistan even under Taliban rule, he said. But Hauser is concerned that the concessions made by Korean negotiators – to withdraw soldiers and Christian missionaries by the end of the year – could encourage Muslim extremists in other places. Textbooks for abductions were already published on the Internet.

Hauser expressed joy and relief about the release of the last Korean hostages, August 30. 23 members of a Presbyterian church in Bandung were abducted, July 19, on their way to social institutions in the Afghan province of Ghazni, where they wanted to assist in relief projects.

The Taliban first killed two men and released two women. After negotiations with South Korean officials the other hostages were set free in small groups. The Afghan government did not meet the demand for the release of Taliban prisoners.

South Korea has been criticized for negotiating with terrorists and upgrading the political influence of the Taliban. Concern has also been expressed that the deal may encourage further abductions of Christians.

The Christian relief and development agency Ora International does not intend to pull out of Afghanistan. Their administrative manager in Kabul, Christina Meier, was recently abducted. She was liberated 36 hours later and has since returned to her native Germany.

In an interview with “idea television” Ora’s spokesman Ulf Baumann said his organization had no intention of withdrawing from Afghanistan so far. Security for the 20 international workers and their families had been tightened, though.

Baumann emphasized the entirely humanitarian nature of Ora’s projects in Afghanistan. These include two clinics, HIV/Aids education programs and micro-economic projects for women.

© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission
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February 1, 2008, Religion Today, Muslim Militants Target Clergy in Philippines, by Sarah Page, Compass Direct News

Murderer who sought forgiveness to visit victim’s grave on Monday.

DUBLIN – In the midst of recent threats of violence against clergy in the Philippines, one repentant murderer next week will express his remorse by visiting the grave of the priest he killed.

Norberto Manero Jr. spent almost 23 years in prison for murdering Catholic Father Tulio Favali in 1985. Granted a pardon and released last Friday (January 25) – just 10 days after the latest murder by Muslim militants of a Catholic clergyman, Father Reynaldo Albores Roda – Manero plans to visit Fr. Favali’s grave in Kidapawan, southern Mindanao on Monday (February 4).

Father Peter Geremia, a fellow missionary with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) and the original target of Manero’s murder operation, will be present at the grave site along with other priests from the diocese.

Authorities released Manero after the Philippine government granted him a pardon with the consent of Kidapawan Bishop Romulo Valles and other church members.

The graveside reflection may touch raw nerves as the Catholic community is still recovering from the shock of the murder of Fr. Roda, shot by Muslim militants on the island of Tawi-Tawi on January 15.

Fr. Roda’s death was the latest in a series of attacks on church leaders in recent years by a complex array of splinter groups fighting for independence from the central government. The issues for the Islamic attackers are both political and spiritual; the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), one of the largest groups, wants not only political autonomy but the ability to govern by sharia or Islamic law.

The convicted murderer of Fr. Favali, Manero, wrote to Bishop Valles from prison in 2004, begging forgiveness and help to regain freedom. Then-president Joseph Estrada had granted Manero a pardon in 1999 but revoked it after a public outcry. New rules since then require the consent of aggrieved parties in order for a presidential pardon to be granted.

Valles and other members of Fr. Favali’s diocese agreed to Manero’s release under strict conditions. Manero first had to agree not to threaten or harm anyone connected to Fr. Favali, nor cooperate with fringe groups. He also agreed to reveal the circumstances surrounding the case of mistaken identity that led to the death of Fr. Favali in place of Fr. Geremia.

Death of 'Fr. Rey'

On January 15, 10 armed men broke into the Notre Dame convent school in Tabawan, Tawi-Tawi, run by Fr. Roda – popularly known as “Fr. Rey.” They dragged Fr. Roda and a Muslim teacher, Omar Taub, out to the schoolyard. When Fr. Roda fought with the gunmen, they shot him several times and escaped with Taub.

Local media reports said police were following leads but had not yet located the kidnappers.

Fr. Roda belonged to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, an order formed to work among the poor. OMI missionaries in Mindanao were not there to convert Muslims but to “create a world that is more peaceful and just,” Cotabato Bishop Orlando Quevedo said in the funeral address. “That is at the heart of the missions in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi … because such a world is a fuller reflection of the universal reign of God.”

Fellow priests from the Jesuit-Oblate-Marist Network published a statement this week claiming Fr. Roda had worked selflessly for solidarity and peace among Muslims and Christians in Tabawan, pioneering a number of development and livelihood projects for people of both faiths.

Fr. Roda was recently offered a transfer after receiving death threats but refused, according to an Asia News report. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in a statement that the death threats came from the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group.

A contingent of Philippine marines was sent to secure the town following Fr. Roda’s death. A report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer said residents feared retaliatory attacks from the murderers after witnesses identified two of them in statements to police.

Fr. Roda joins two other Catholic priests murdered on the islands of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu in recent years; Father Benjamin Inocencio in 2000 and Bishop Benjamin de Jesus in 1997.

Risks of Christian Leadership

At least 26 priests have reportedly been killed, kidnapped or injured in attacks since 2001.

On Monday (January 28), Father Giancarlo Bossi – a PIME missionary kidnapped by militants in June last year and released 40 days later – returned to the Philippines after a six-month absence.

Fr. Bossi hopes to return to Payao in Zamboanga Sibugay, but “it may not be that easy,” a representative of the CBCP has stated. The PIME council will first assess the risks; officials have repeatedly warned foreign missionaries to take extra precautions in the troubled south.

With threats growing against Christian clergy in the south, many are increasingly being assigned soldiers as bodyguards. Police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao last week reportedly confirmed threats against local and foreign Catholic priests in some areas of the region. At press time, armed soldiers were reportedly taking up positions outside some churches to protect against attacks.

On March 10, 2007, a fire in the southern Philippine town of Laminusa destroyed 15 houses, 11 of them belonging to converts from Islam, and killed an elderly woman and a 5-year-old girl, according to Christian support organization Open Doors. In 2006, three men gunned down pastor Mocsin L. Hasim of Zamboanga, southern Philippines, and his 22-year-old daughter Mercilyn on June 3.

Hasim, with the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of the Philippines, was involved with ministry to Muslims.

In the eastern province of Leyte, on January 23 a 60-year-old leader at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Felicisimo Catambis, was shot to death – reportedly suffering multiple gunshot wounds in the back from one of two unknown assailants on a motorcycle. Several other members of the church have reportedly been murdered in the last three years.

An investigator said Catambis was not known to be a involved with any militant group, according to thePhilippine Daily Inquirer.

Religious Roots of Conflict

The southern part of the country, particularly the Bangsamoro Muslims (commonly known as Moros) has resisted non-Islamic influences for at least 300 years. The Philippine government established an Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao in 1987, but the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and other armed groups rejected this measure and returned to armed struggle.

Peace talks between the government and an MNLF split-off, the MILF, stalled recently, with a Malaysian-backed peace monitoring team threatening to leave the country if an agreement is not reached this year. The MILF has threatened further violence if the Malaysian peace team withdraws.

Guiamel, a Mindanao resident interviewed by the Philippines International Review identified only by a single name, said religion was definitely a factor in the conflict. “Among Muslims there is still apprehension that the missionary work of the church is partly Christianizing Muslims,” he said. “So there is … ongoing mistrust because of unresolved prejudices.”

Guiamel – who attended a Catholic university and has since faced discrimination because he was “with the priests” – said the fact that Christian schools now provide a prayer room for Muslim students is a “victory of the struggle of the Moropeople.”

In 1984, a year before Fr. Favali was murdered, PIME missionary Father Sebastiano D’Ambra foundedSilsilah, meaning “chain,” indicating a chain of events bringing man ever closer to God. The hope was to facilitate peace between Muslims and Christians.

This January, a Christian and a Muslim were chosen to take over the leadership of Silsilah and intensify initiatives to promote peace.

The tangled frame of Fr. Favali’s motorbike, set alight by Manero, still remains on the grounds of the cemetery. As Manero and Fr. Geremia meet at Fr. Favali’s graveside, an opportunity for peace beckons.

SIDEBAR: Historical Roots of Muslim Conflict in Southern Philippines

Before the Spanish colonial period, Muslim sultans reigned over the islands of Mindanao. Invading Spanish explorers usurped the sultans’ power, then in 1898 the Spanish handed the islands to the United States, which in 1946 turned them back to the Philippines’ newly formed republican government.

During the colonial period, theBangsamoros or Muslim people of the islands felt increasingly marginalized. Irritation grew as the government encouraged Christians from other parts of the Philippines to migrate to the resource-rich islands of Mindanao in the 1950s and ‘60s. The Muslim Moros, as they are known colloquially, now make up just 20 percent of the population in the south, while Christians (both Catholic and Protestant) make up 75 percent. A third group, the tribal Lumads, follow their own ancestral religions and form just 3 percent of the total.

Muslim resentment over loss of political sovereignty, ancestral lands and economic resources grew until the first Muslim Independence Movement was formed, calling forjihad to defend the Moro homeland.

The Moro National Liberation Front followed in 1972. When the MNLF called for help from Islamic states in the Middle East, the Philippine government agreed to grant limited political autonomy to Muslims within the Philippine state, through an agreement signed in December 1976. But the two sides failed to agree on the implementation of the agreement, and this led to further tension, with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front splitting from the MNLF and declaring all-out war.

According to an article by Philippine news agency ABS-CBN, Christians have formed at least 30 armed vigilante groups in response to the violence. Bishop Antonio Ledesma of Ipil, Mindanao, quoted in the article, said these groups were not truly representative of the Christian community. Muslim clerics hold that the same is true for Muslim rebel groups.

Unfortunately for both sides, “Religious extremism … is a reality that people in the islands live with daily,” Ledesma said.

Copyright 2008 Compass Direct News
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March 27, 2012, Religion Today, Philippines Pastors Face Death for Ministry to Muslims

Though the Philippines is a mostly Christian nation, Christians in the south face persecution and death where Muslims are trying to build an Islamic state, CBN News reports. This year, at least four house churches have shut down after their pastors and lay leaders were killed by Muslim extremists. Pastor Mario Acidre, a convert from Islam who boldly shared the gospel with his Muslim relatives and neighbors, was one of them; he was murdered in his own home shortly after telling some Muslim vendors he didn't believe in the amulets they were trying to sell him. The incident "triggered threats to other Muslims who converted," leading to several house churches closing down, said Pastor Edilberto Beira, coordinator of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines in the Muslim region. Acidre's widow and other believers, however, continue to worship at the only surviving Christian church in their city. Even though church attendance has decreased by 70 percent, Beira said he believes the church will prevail even if driven underground. "We are still confident that the work of the Lord will go on," he said.
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March 23, 2012. [April 11, 2012] CBN News, Philippines Pastors Face Death for Ministry to Muslims, by Gary Lane and Lucille Talusan

MINDANAO, Philippines - The Philippines is a mostly Christian nation, but in the south, Muslim fundamentalists are trying to build an Islamic state.

Christians there face persecution and even death.

The island of Mindanao on the southernmost part of the Philippines is predominantly Muslim. The area's most remote parts are a haven to terrorist groups linked to al Qaeda that carry out attacks and kidnappings in the region.

Strong Persecution

Because of this, persecution against Christians is strong. This year, at least four house churches closed down after their pastors and lay leaders were killed by Muslim extremists.

Pastor Mario Acidre was one them. His wife, Mayang, was distraught over her husband's murder, which took place right in their home.

"My husband staggered into our bedroom and I was shocked because he was full of blood," she recalled. "I brought him to the hospital right away. He was operated on for eight bullet wounds, but did not survive."

Pastor Acidre was a former Muslim who converted to Christianity. He boldly shared the gospel to his Muslim relatives and neighbors.

Despite threats to his life, he was not afraid to hold Bible studies in his home, which he eventually converted into a house church.

Sharing the Gospel

Witnesses say that just a few hours before he was killed, Acidre agitated some Muslim vendors when he told them he did not believe in the amulets they were trying to sell him.

Pastor Edilberto Beira is the coordinator of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines in the Muslim region.

"I admire Pastor Mario's commitment to the Lord. He tried to share the gospel to the Muslim vendors," he said.

But Beira added that, "This incident triggered threats to other Muslims who converted to Christianity, and that is why the house churches closed down."

Ready to Face Death

Still, that didn't stop Mayang and other believers from going to church. They now worship at the only surviving Christian church in the city.

"My neighbors warned me that I should not go out, but I am not afraid because I know Issa, Jesus, is powerful, and He will not forsake me," Mayang said.

"When my husband was still alive, he always told me that we should always be ready to face death for the work of the Lord," she continued.

Pastor Beira said his heart is grieved to see pastors come and go in this critical area.

Faithful, Underground

That's why he remains, serving faithfully for more than 30 years despite several threats to his life.

Even though church attendance has decreased by 70 percent, he still believes that the Church will still prevail even if the churches are driven underground.

"What we can only do is to make these people grow in the Lord. We have our prayer and fasting, Bible studies, training," Beira said.

"If ever we are out, we are still confident that the work of the Lord will go on," he added. "Because that's the promise of the Lord. He said, 'I will build my church. And the gates of hell will not prevail against it.' It includes the ministry among the Muslims."

*Original broadcast March 23, 2012.

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191 results for bin Laden

Southern Baptist Leader Richard Land Loses Radio Show Over Trayvon Martin Comments
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Ronald Reagan Remembered for Faith in God, Faith in America
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The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s niece says the new D.C. memorial in his honor missed a "wonderful opportunity" to mention God in the engraved
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Monday, January 16 is Martin Luther King Day. Most schools recognize the day — as they should. But will they teach students about Dr. King
Religion Today Summaries, April 2, 2004
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Indonesia, World Vision AIDS Forum & Burnham Update

Tribes Missions (NTM) missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham are not well. According to a press release, NTM has received reports that Martin is suffering

Religion Today Summaries, September 10, 2003

Muslim Call for Secularization Withdrawn

FRC Launches New State-of-the-Art Website

Christian Publication Dropped

Muslim Call for Secularization Withdrawn, by

religion

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http://www.frc.org/op-eds/churches-challenge-irs-ban-on-discussing-politics-unconstitutional

Churches Challenge IRS: Ban on Discussing Politics Unconstitutional

By Ken Klukowski

This is a fascinating form of civil disobedience. Although churches are quick to obey the biblical command in Romans 13:1 (among many other verses) to submit to authority, these pastors also understand that in this country the Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land, and that any federal statute violating the Constitution is not the law and lacks any authority.

FRC Launches New State-of-the-Art Website

www.frc.org

Christian Publication Dropped

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Russian Church Says Gay Marriage Not Recognized

Religion News

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April 10, 2002, Religion Today, New Tribes Reports Missionaries Alive and Safe, The latest report from New Tribes Mission (NTM) is that kidnapped missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham are relatively safe and healthy. Sources The latest report from New Tribes Mission (NTM) is that kidnapped missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham are relatively safe and healthy. Sources that NTM considers reliable have recently reported that Martin and Gracia are alive and together. Their kidnappers, the Abu Sayyaf Group, are reportedly holding the third hostage, Filipina nurse Deborah Yap, at another location. She is said to be tending members of the ASG who were wounded during combat with the Philippine military. "Over the Easter weekend, we were concerned by reports of combat in the area where Martin and Gracia were being held. However, there are now indications that the couple has been moved to a safer location," the report read. "We know they have been physically weakened by their ordeal, which has included stress, almost constant movement in rugged terrain, and inadequate nutrition. At the same time, food is reported to be more plentiful at their new location." Martin, 42, and Gracia, 43, from Kansas, were kidnapped on May 27, 2001, by the Abu Sayyaf Group from a resort off the island of Palawan in the Philippines. Martin grew up in the Philippines, where his parents have been missionaries for more than 32 years. The Burnhams have been members of NTM since 1985. New Tribes Mission

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Missionaries Deny Venezuelan Leaders' Charge of Espionage

A spokesperson for the Florida-based New Tribes Mission (NTM) is refuting charges leveled by Venezuela's president and vice president. The international missions association protests that none of its 160 missionaries who are working with indigenous tribes in Venezuela are operatives for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Last week Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered NTM to leave his country, accusing the organization's Bible translators of actually being U.S. spies guilty of "imperialist infiltration." Also, ASSIST News Service reports that the president of Venezuela also accused the Christian mission's workers of exploiting the natives while living in luxury and failing to abide by Venezuelan custom laws - charges NTM strongly denies.

Chavez declared his decision "irreversible" and remarked, according to Associated Press (AP), "We don't want the New Tribes here. Enough colonialism!" And although Vice President José Vicente Rangel says his government is not threatening the NTM workers, he nevertheless insists that the foreign missionaries should be expelled in a peaceful manner.

The official order dismissing the Christian mission workers comes after American evangelist and religious broadcaster Pat Robertson spoke out against Chavez on his 700 Club television program, publicly calling for the assassination of the Venezuelan leader. Robertson has since apologized for his remarks, but the apology was not swift enough to head off the government's leaders' reaction.

Rangel recently defended the decision to expel NTM from Venezuela, claiming some of its members were CIA personnel. However, NTM spokeswoman Nita Zelenak says his and Chavez's charges against the association are "absolutely false," as New Tribes has "no links with the CIA whatsoever."

The ministry calls the Venezuelan president's order that New Tribes leave the country "completely unexpected." NTM, which has been working in Venezuela for the past 59 years, currently does ministry among 12 different indigenous groups there. Among the 160 New Tribes missionaries serving in the country, some 30 of them are Venezuelans.

"We're a nondenominational, evangelical Protestant mission," Zelenak asserts, "and our focus there [in Venezuela] is to work in areas of literacy training, Bible translation, and church planting. We also do community development. We have no connection whatsoever with any political organizations."

The NTM spokeswoman also refutes Chavez's claim that NTM missionaries have disregarded the local custom laws. In an interview with the Christian Post, she stated that the missions association has always "submitted to whatever guidelines Venezuela had for us." And as for the charge that the missionaries live in luxury, as juxtaposed with the poverty of the Indian villages, she contends that this, too, is untrue.

Although NTM's Christian workers generally do not live in the same style of homes as the indigenous poor they serve, Zelenak says, they do live simply, dwelling in modest homes in order to maintain their health and carry out their work. NTM would like a chance to talk with Chavez, the group's spokeswoman says.

"We're hoping and wanting an opportunity to address his concerns and help him to better understand our organization and the work that we do," says Zelenak. In a recent statement, NTM noted that it hopes to meet with Chavez soon. The group's officials also hope the Latin American president will reconsider his expulsion order and allow the NTM representatives "an opportunity to clarify misunderstandings and misinformation that exist regarding the work of New Tribes Mission in Venezuela.

NTM's primary concern, the statement points out, is for the welfare of the indigenous people its missionaries serve in Venezuela and how those people would be adversely affected if New Tribes does leave the country.

"In addition to religious matters, our missionaries also work in areas of humanitarian assistance, community development, and literacy," the communication states. "We have the highest regard and respect for the people, laws, and country of Venezuela ... [and] we deeply desire to be able to continue serving them."

To date, New Tribes Mission is still communicating with its missionaries and staff members in Venezuela to discuss what steps should be taken. The group has asked for prayer that its missionaries would know God's peace in the current situation and that NTM's leaders would have wisdom as they pursue further dialogue in the matter.

Meanwhile, some Venezuelan groups are voicing support for NTM and denouncing President Hugo Chavez's order to expel the missionaries. According to AP, Jose Kayupare of the Puinare tribe rejects Chavez's claim that New Tribes Mission is part of an "imperialist infiltration" that exploits native communities.

Kayupare told the press "the majority of indigenous people" in Venezuela's jungles "don't support" and "are not going to accept under any circumstances" Chavez's ordered expulsion. Kayupare says New Tribes has often helped Indian communities ravaged by malaria and other diseases, airlifting the sick to medical care after the government had abandoned them.

The Evangelical Council of Venezuela also issued a statement defending New Tribes Mission, AP reports.

In that message, the Evangelical Council defended NTM and denied that the assertions that the U.S.-based mission group is in any way connected with the U.S. government or working for profit. © 2005, Agape Press. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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April 11, 2012, CBN News, Philippines Pastors Face Death for Ministry to Muslims

MINDANAO, Philippines - The Philippines is a mostly Christian nation, but in the south, Muslim fundamentalists are trying to build an Islamic state.

Christians there face persecution and even death.

The island of Mindanao on the southernmost part of the Philippines is predominantly Muslim. The area's most remote parts are a haven to terrorist groups linked to al Qaeda that carry out attacks and kidnappings in the region.

Strong Persecution

Because of this, persecution against Christians is strong. This year, at least four house churches closed down after their pastors and lay leaders were killed by Muslim extremists.

Pastor Mario Acidre was one them. His wife, Mayang, was distraught over her husband's murder, which took place right in their home.

"My husband staggered into our bedroom and I was shocked because he was full of blood," she recalled. "I brought him to the hospital right away. He was operated on for eight bullet wounds, but did not survive."

Pastor Acidre was a former Muslim who converted to Christianity. He boldly shared the gospel to his Muslim relatives and neighbors.

Despite threats to his life, he was not afraid to hold Bible studies in his home, which he eventually converted into a house church.

Sharing the Gospel

Witnesses say that just a few hours before he was killed, Acidre agitated some Muslim vendors when he told them he did not believe in the amulets they were trying to sell him.

Pastor Edilberto Beira is the coordinator of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines in the Muslim region.

"I admire Pastor Mario's commitment to the Lord. He tried to share the gospel to the Muslim vendors," he said.

But Beira added that, "This incident triggered threats to other Muslims who converted to Christianity, and that is why the house churches closed down."

Ready to Face Death

Still, that didn't stop Mayang and other believers from going to church. They now worship at the only surviving Christian church in the city.

"My neighbors warned me that I should not go out, but I am not afraid because I know Issa, Jesus, is powerful, and He will not forsake me," Mayang said.

"When my husband was still alive, he always told me that we should always be ready to face death for the work of the Lord," she continued.

Pastor Beira said his heart is grieved to see pastors come and go in this critical area.

Faithful, Underground

That's why he remains, serving faithfully for more than 30 years despite several threats to his life.

Even though church attendance has decreased by 70 percent, he still believes that the Church will still prevail even if the churches are driven underground.

"What we can only do is to make these people grow in the Lord. We have our prayer and fasting, Bible studies, training," Beira said.

"If ever we are out, we are still confident that the work of the Lord will go on," he added. "Because that's the promise of the Lord. He said, 'I will build my church. And the gates of hell will not prevail against it.' It includes the ministry among the Muslims."

*Original broadcast March 23, 2012.
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March 27, 2012, Religion Today, Philippines Pastors Face Death for Ministry to Muslims,

Though the Philippines is a mostly Christian nation, Christians in the south face persecution and death where Muslims are trying to build an Islamic state, CBN News reports. This year, at least four house churches have shut down after their pastors and lay leaders were killed by Muslim extremists. Pastor Mario Acidre, a convert from Islam who boldly shared the gospel with his Muslim relatives and neighbors, was one of them; he was murdered in his own home shortly after telling some Muslim vendors he didn't believe in the amulets they were trying to sell him. The incident "triggered threats to other Muslims who converted," leading to several house churches closing down, said Pastor Edilberto Beira, coordinator of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines in the Muslim region. Acidre's widow and other believers, however, continue to worship at the only surviving Christian church in their city. Even though church attendance has decreased by 70 percent, Beira said he believes the church will prevail even if driven underground. "We are still confident that the work of the Lord will go on," he said.

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February 9, 2010, Religion Today, Religion Today Summaries - Feb. 9, 2010,

Baptist Groups Respond to Missionaries' Kidnapping Charges

Baptists and aid groups worldwide are reacting to the kidnapping charges against 10 American missionaries in Haiti. Southern Baptist ethicist Richard Land on Friday called for the release of 10 volunteers, most of whom come from Southern Baptist churches. "For the Haitian government to respond in this way to the obvious good intentions of these honorable Christians is outrageous," Land said in a letter to President Obama urging the missionaries' release. Meanwhile, other Baptist groups distanced themselves from the event. Christian Today reports that the global fellowship Baptist World Alliance and the American Baptist Churches USA have assured congregations that they are not affiliated with the arrested missionaries.

Female Pastor, Daughter Murdered in the Philippines

ASSIST News Service reports that a female pastor and her 12-year-old daughter were brutally killed by still unidentified men in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, on Feb. 3. The killings come just three months after the massacre of more than 20 Christian journalists in this island region of the Philippines. Juliet Catalan, 50, a pastor of the Born Again Christian group, was found in her backyard with several hack wounds to the head and body, according to Police Officer Ronaldo Patricio. Catalan's daughter, Chelle, was found dead inside the living room of similar wounds. Patricio said there was no indication of possible forced entry so the police believed the victims knew the attacker or attackers. Gammar Hassan, a respected Muslim leader doing missionary work amongst Christians, described the suspects as "violent and merciless."

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June 12, 2000, Religion Today, Burnham Bulletin: Gracia Doing Well,

In an interview given just before she boarded a plane to return to the United States, Gracia Burnham gave the following message to those who have been praying: "We want to thank each and every one of you for every time you remembered us in prayer. We needed every single prayer you said for us during our ordeal in the jungle." She also thanked the military men who risked their lives to rescue her and Martin.

According to a press release from New Tribes Mission (NTM), one of those who was with Gracia the day after her rescue said this about her. "Gracia is a strong woman of deep faith." Her clarity of mind as she testified of how God carried her and Martin through this long ordeal amazed all who heard her."

A memorial service for Martin will be held at Central Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas, at 10 a.m. on Friday. A Martin Burnham Memorial Fund has been established for the benefit of Gracia and their three children. Information is available at New Tribes Mission, 1000 E. First Street, Sanford, FL 32771-1487. Any cards or letters for Gracia should be sent to Gracia Burnham c/o NTM at the same address.

"Gracia has an incredible story to tell to all those that have so faithfully prayed for her and Martin. We have heard that God prepared the hearts of Martin and Gracia for whatever the result might be. God truly has been at work in a mighty way," says NTM.

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- Indonesia, World Vision AIDS Forum & Burnham Update
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  's portability. Founded in 1945, FEBC has spent decades "smuggling" the gospel into the living rooms of China, thePhilippines, Korea, Vietnam and other Asian
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.charismanews.com ) Benin Christians Beaten, Children Kidnapped �� Christian Aid Mission The whereabouts of twomissionaries' children abducted several days ago
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already there - an estimated 200 civilians - to get out. “The Saemmul Presbyterian Church, which sent the abductedmissionaries, has been quick to comply

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Being Denied Say-So in Son's Education Philippines: Indigenous Missions Reach Muslim Tribes New Pope Thought To Recognize Threat
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January 10, 2006, Religion Today, Methodists Call for End to Killings in the Philippines, by Santosh Digal, A U.S. United Methodist Church delegation on human rights in the Philippines has called upon President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to take a more

A U.S. United Methodist Church delegation on human rights in the Philippines has called upon President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to take a more aggressive role to stop the killing of clergy, laity, journalists and human rights workers who work with the poor. Noting that "extrajudicial" murders had increased in the past year throughout the country, Bishop John Hopkins, head of the delegation, told a news conference in Manila:

"The killing must stop." Hopkins said the delegation heard deeply moving first-hand testimony from more than 20 victims and surviving family members from many parts of the Philippines, who described the pain and suffering exacted through murders targeting religious and community workers.

"Our people are not armed," said the bishop, who leads the denomination's Ohio East Area. "They teach, provide medical care, counsel and educate. We implore the government and military officials to recognize the important work of those who seek to minister with the poor and marginalized, and to distinguish their work as vital and important to the country and its people." In hearings with victims, the delegation was told such work is often called "subversive," and individuals engaged in human rights education are falsely accused of supporting terrorism or holding membership in political groups advocating violent resistance to the Arroyo administration.

In an extended visit with Scott Douglas Bellard, acting deputy chief of mission at the US embassy, the delegation sought the assistance of US officials to press the Philippine government to distinguish between armed terrorists and church and community workers who are conducting their work peacefully.

Bellard is the highest-ranking U.S. official in the embassy.

A nomination to fill the vacant post of ambassador to the Philippines was made while the delegation was en route to Manila. Similarly, the delegation met with Maria Isabel Gonzales-Tobias, undersecretary for religious affairs of the Philippine government, and with several high-ranking members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Delegation members pressed for an end to the adverse labeling of human rights activists and religious workers.

Military officials denied that lists known as "order of battle" exist at the national level, but conceded that commanders in local assignments might identify "known troublemakers." Kristina Gonzalez, a member of the delegation and of the church's coordinating council known as the Connectional Table, told the news conference the security of the nation is being "inversely affected by its lack of commitment to human rights."

"The more the government secures the rights of the people, the more secure the whole nation will be," she said. "Similarly, when human rights are violated, the country is less secure."

Jim Winkler, chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, reported that witnesses and survivors told the delegation of armed military personnel in full body armor appearing in neighborhoods and asking the whereabouts of clergy and other workers. Those people then disappear or are found murdered.

"We heard patterns of systematic extrajudicial killing," he said. He recalled other accounts of false public accusations against individuals who began to receive notes with death threats slipped under their doors, sent via text messages or through telephone calls. One priest reported a note threatening his death - accompanied by bullets - being placed in the offering plate of his parish during Sunday worship services. Several families told of armed men, on motorcycles and wearing ski masks and helmets, ambushing individuals and killing them. The motorcycles lack license tags or carry counterfeit tags, making them untraceable.

The Rev Larry Pickens, chief executive of the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Affairs and a lawyer, said even those accused of crime must be assured proper legal rights, including the right to face their accusers and to present evidence in their own defense. Bishop Solito K. Toquero, resident bishop of the Manila Area, noted that the high-level delegation of United Methodist leaders is the second international church group to visit the country and to express deep concern regarding worsening human rights, especially the killings of activists and church workers.

Toquero has been rumored to be among those targeted. The delegation called for Arroyo to begin an immediate and impartial investigation of all recent extrajudicial executions; make a commitment not to impose martial rule or other limitations on civil liberties or human rights; and revise the government's military strategy for resolving the insurgency to ensure the safety of noncombatants and to avoid the indiscriminate destruction of property. It also asked the president to cease the practice by the government and military of labeling those who work for justice and for the poor as subversive or communist; and to conduct follow-up meetings with the three bishops of the United Methodist Church in the Philippines, including mission partners in other communions, to discuss progress on the investigations. The delegation was invited to the Philippines by United Methodist leaders in the country. Delegation members expressed solidarity with the church in the Philippines and stated support for "courageous ministry with the poor and marginalized." www.assistnews.net

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Pastor and Wife Victims of Brutal Attack in India
,” Ciniraj said in a news release. “Priests, pastors, missionaries, evangelists and believers are being murdered, beaten, abducted and jailed. Women are being
Religion Today Summaries, January 22, 2003
Missionaries Pray for Murderer Pakistani Police Arrest Suspect in Christmas Day Bombing Al Qaida Prepares Attacks, Kidnappings Against "Zionists
Gaza Christians Nervous after Killing of Bible Bookstore Operator
received anonymous death threats from people angry about his perceived missionary work, a rarity among Gaza's Christians, and in April, the bookstore
Religion Today Summaries, February 5, 2004
, Paramilitaries Charisma News Service A missionary once abducted by communist fighters now takes the gospel to guerillas and paramilitaries in Colombia
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Sorrow over Attacks on Missionaries Churches, Ministries Persevere in Native American Reservations Ministry Helps Others Manage, Maximize Time
Deal Struck for Release of So. Korean Hostages; 12 already Freed
August 29, 2007 According to CNN.com, Taliban militants have released 12 of the 19 remaining South Koreanmissionary hostages held in captivity

Religion Today Summaries - May 19, 2010

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world. In today's edition: Abducted MissionaryChildren in Yemen
Religion Today Summaries, January 21, 2004
and say 'We're here, and we want to be heard.'" Among other ways to observe the Day of Purity, students are being encouraged to hand out flyers promoting

Philippines: Body of Kidnapped Christian Farmer Found

ASSIST News Service reports that villagers discovered the severed head of an elderly Christian farmer who had been abducted by Muslim militants in the southern Philippines nearly a month ago. The son of 61-year-old Doroteo Gonzales identified his father's face on Monday after police took on the case. The family failed to pay the 25 million pesos ($525,000) Gonzales's captors demanded. Police believe these militants had transferred the victim to the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group that is currently holding at least five other hostages. International Christian Concerns said three teachers, a lending-firm collector, and a peace activist are known hostages on Basilan Island. In Jolo, the extremist group is still holding Italian Red Cross Worker Eugenio Vagni, who was captured along with his two colleagues in January.

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Religion Today Summaries - Feb. 20, 2008

of the Communist regime and the Soviet state, freedom of religion came to Kazakhstan among other freedoms. Through the work of numerous missionaries the Good News
Religion Today Summaries - January 31, 2012
to Muslims" is stirring a controversy among critics, according to Yahoo! News . Wycliffe Bible Translators, Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL
Religion Today Summaries - Dec. 6, 2006
News report, Typhoon Durian's death toll in the Philippines is expected to rise to 600. SEND International's Frank Severn told MNN: "Our missionaries

Corrupt Police Turn to Christ

Cadence International

...The police and the army are responsible for more than half of the violent crime in the country, according to a 1996 study, the ministry reported. Christian ministries have tried to approach men on the force, but fear and the soldiers' unpredictable schedules kept relationships from being formed, according to Cadence.

...The few Christians on the National Police took the initiative to change things, meeting with Christian colonels and majors in 1992, said Wilson, Cadence's Asia Pacific field director. "They were very evangelistic and didn't need much encouragement to talk to others. I just tried to give them some vision and direction."

...When then-President Fidel Ramos signed a proclamation requiring values training in the armed services, the Christian group founded the Philippine National Police Values Formation Council Inc. to teach Christian morality and ethics at seminars, Wilson said. He developed a curriculum and thousands of pastors were trained to help teach.

...As many as 10,000 police have become Christians through the daylong evangelistic seminars, Wilson said. More than 1,000 pastors are befriending the converts, and groups have formed among Christian police and army members to evangelize and disciple their peers. Dozens of new leaders have emerged to bring the gospel to soldiers in their areas, according to Cadence.

...Converts at first were treated harshly by their peers for refusing to take part in corruption, Wilson said. Christians who took a stand were transferred from unit to unit and sometimes their records and pay were "lost" in the system, he said.

...But that is changing. Christians no longer are persecuted and are making an impact, Wilson said. When a new commander took over the force and introduced rules to deal with corruption, "there were enough Christians around saying, 'Let's do this' to make it stick," he said.

...Citizens have formed a better impression of the National Police, according to a public opinion poll, Wilson said. "That's not all because of Christians, but they have helped." Newspapers and television stations have done stories about the "new" police who carry Bibles and fight corruption.

...Colorado Springs-based Cadence International began in the Philippines. Jesse Miller, a World War II veteran who survived the Bataan Death March and three years in a Japanese prison camp, founded the ministry to reach lonely soldiers away from home. He and his wife opened the first Christian Servicemen's Home for U.S. soldiers in Manila in 1951. ...Cadence is active in 11 countries, ministering in hospitality houses and servicemen's centers that give Christian men and women a place to feel at home. It offers Bible studies, home-cooked meals, and off-duty activities in a family environment. Cadence also ministers to children of U.S. military personnel and has special "Generation X" outreaches.

Muslim Convert Describes Hardships in Bangladesh
his story during a recent trip to Texas, where he visited Baptist churches that are supporting Christian ministry amongBengali Muslims. "Abdul
Religion Today Summaries - October 25, 2004
Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world. In today's edition: Pakistan: Abducted Pastor Recovers After Being
The Year In Review
two American Episcopal priests as bishops and commissioning them as missionaries to the United States. ...Christians in Sudan continued to suffer

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July 13, 2000, Religion Today, Teen-agers take to the jungle,

U.S. teen-agers are getting out of the pews and into the jungle, living a simulated missionary experience courtesy of JAARS, a North Carolina-based missions group.

...Getting a taste of missionary life is the purpose of weeklong Jungle Jump Off camps on the grounds of JAARS headquarters in Waxhaw, 35 miles southeast of Charlotte. The young people learn about the realities of missions work and are encouraged to consider that God may be calling them to become missionaries.

...The Jungle Jump Off camps cover everything from the training missionaries receive to what happens when they get to the mission field. The teen-agers learn how missionaries in a tribal setting live, work, interact with native people, and adapt to new cultures, Dori and Rick Pfizenmaier, who run the program, told Religion Today.

..."We take them out of their comfort zones," Dori said. Each camp has four champas, or primitive stilt homes, and a cooking pit and mud stoves where meals are prepared. There is no hot water, electricity, or telephone service.

...Those conditions are similar to what Wycliffe translators experience when living among remote groups in Africa, Latin America, and South Pacific nations, Rick Pfizenmaier said. Teens sleep on wood floors or in hammocks, cook and eat in the open, and do building projects and other tasks. Rides in small planes and helicopters provide a glimpse of missionary travel, he said.

...Campers observe ethnic customs at lunch. An African meal of rice and ground nut stew is served and campers are cautioned not to offend their hosts with reluctant looks or negative comments, Dori said. In accordance with African tradition, girls serve the boys before they can eat, and everyone sits on the ground and eats without utensils, using only the right hand because the left hand is reserved for hygienic tasks.

...Missionaries impersonating tribal people, complete with native dress, interact with the campers. The teen-agers experience the difficulty, even with a translator on hand, of explaining the Christian faith to someone who does not speak their language. "Just learning their culture was hard. But if you want a chance to tell them about Jesus, that's what you have to do," a camper from Roanoke, Va., told theCharlotte Observer.

...They may want to become part of a support ministry, which is what JAARS does. It assists Wycliffe Bible Translators by providing technical, mechanical, transportation, and personnel support to its missionaries around the world. Wycliffe has translated Scriptures into more than 500 languages and is working on projects in more than 1,000 language groups, JAARS said.

...On the final day, participants get a glimpse of the entire missionary experience. They go through the motions of applying to a missionary agency, taking cross-cultural and language training, obtaining permission to work in a foreign country, putting up with bureaucratic red tape, and gaining the trust of the indigenous people. "They get a chance to live all that they have been learning about in the past week," Rick said.

...The teen-agers are encouraged to consider that they might be called to the mission field.Bible studies cover the need to preach the gospel to the world, and services include talks by the Pfizenmaiers, missionaries home on furlough, and their children, they said. The activities are geared to help them "be open to the idea that God might want them to serve in some capacity," Rick said.

...They take tours of other JAARS facilities and its two museums, watch video presentations about the work of Wycliffe and JAARS, and meet missionaries. They learn the importance of support services such as transportation, construction, computer skills, and media production.

..."You don't have to be a doctor or a pastor to be a missionary," Rick said. "We have people working in administration and personnel and public relations and finance and communications. Whatever your vocation is, God can use it to help missions."

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Religion Today Summaries - September 3, 2004

Gospel For Asia (GFA) missionary Besh has been freed from the Maoist group that abducted him in mid-August. Another missionary had been sent to search
Ministry Leader Sees Trouble Ahead for Christian Missions
to China. According to Yohannan, the young missionaries who were attacked in Southern India were evangelists in training, seminary students
Religion Today Summaries – October 6, 2004

to Investigation Pastor Sued for Alleged Hate Speech Urges the Church to Avoid Timidity Gospel For Asia NativeMissionary Abducted By Maoist

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Muslim Leaders in The Philippines Call for Rejecting Terror
, southern Philippines. In a public statement, Adas said terror was among the “worst forms of evil.” He said he had twice witnessed what

Muslim Militants Target Clergy in Philippines
following leads but had not yet located the kidnappers. Fr. Roda belonged to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, an orderformed to work among the poor. OMI

Rescued Missionary Widow Heads Home
that leader Aldam Tilao (aka Abu Sabaya) had managed to escape during the assault. Abu Sabaya recently taunted the U.S., threatening to kill the Burnhams. He

Religion Today Summaries, March 5, 2003
and calling terrorism carried out in the name of God "sacrilegious." The statement, which also upheld the sanctity of human life and urged respect for family

Book Recounts Missionary Ordeal in Philippines
," he said. During the first half of last year, U.S. forces trained Philippines troops hunting the Muslim terrorists of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG

Methodists Call for End to Killings in the Philippines
A U.S. United Methodist Church delegation on human rights in the Philippines has called upon President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to take a more

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December 19, 2001, Religion Today, Hostages for Christ: Burnhams Face Grave Danger,

Editor's Note: According to reports issued this morning, June 7, 2002, Martin Burnham and Deborah Yap were killed in an intense firefight between the Abu Sayyaf rebels and the Filipino forces. The third hostage, Martin's wife Gracia Burnham, was wounded by the gunfire in her right leg and reportedly is out of danger.

From June 14, 2001 - "This is a cause worth living for, even dying for, because He is worthy," reads the New Tribes Mission (NTM) vision statement. Death and danger are daily realities in many mission fields, as evidenced by recent events. In April, Baptist missionary Roni Bowers and her infant daughter were mistakenly shot and killed in Peru. NTM reports three of their missionaries are still being held hostage in Columbia. And now, two more join the ranks of the missing.

Martin and Gracia Burnham, NTM missionaries from Wichita, Kan., are among 20 people who were kidnapped May 27 in the Philippines by the militant Islamic group, Abu Sayyaf. The couple had been living and serving in the Nueva Vizcaya province in the Philippines.

New Tribes Mission is a non-denominational group that works with remote tribes in the interior of the country. NTM missionaries are sent by their local churches, from some 25 countries. They serve in a variety of roles - including training and administration, supply buying and Bible translation - in nearly 30 countries. All the missionaries in NTM are involved in the task of planting tribal churches.

According to NTM spokesman Scott Ross, Martin told his parents that he wanted to do something special for Gracia to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary. So he took her to an upscale resort on one of the islands. It was there that the Abu Sayyaf swooped in and captured the hostages at dawn.

"We came into this work knowing anything can happen and what would be expected of us,'' says Martin's mother, Oreta. She and her husband are also missionaries in the Philippines. "It is times like these, you know the Lord is the one that is going to have to work this out," Oreta adds.

Ross says that both Martin's and Gracia's parents are doing pretty well, but they crave prayer: "They are strong sometimes and sometimes, they just get worn out."

The last few days have been especially wearing for the families as the Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead the
Burnhams and the one other America hostage, Guillermo Sobero. In fact, Abu Sabaya, the leader of the rebel group, is claiming they executed Sobero early Tuesday morning. Reports of the execution are unconfirmed at press time, but of great concern to New Tribes Mission.

"The report cannot be confirmed at this time, but NTM as well as the Philippine and U.S. governments, are taking this very seriously," says Ross. NTM is staying in close contact with sources in Manila and the State Department, he adds.

The execution announcement followed an effort by the Philippine government to negotiate with the rebels, according to Fox News. Earlier Sunday, officials agreed to the rebels' demand for a Malaysian negotiator. The concession occurred minutes before the rebels' deadline to behead one of the American hostages. Sabaya reportedly questioned the sincerity of the concession and said in a radio transmission that he beheaded Sobero anyway.

"It's a real surprise to us," Ross continues. "We felt Sunday night that there had been some type of agreement or understanding reached between the Philippine government and Abu Sayyaf about indefinitely postponing this death threat, so this comes out of the blue for us."

NTM is taking all threats very seriously. According to Ross, "We are aware of the reports about Guillermo Sobero, and we really would be asking for people to be praying for the Sobero family. I am sure they are going through some real difficult times, waiting to see if this situation is confirmed."

The Associated Press says Philippine authorities hoped Sabaya was bluffing -- but seem increasingly resigned he wasn't. A military intelligence task force put the likelihood Sobero was dead at "very, very high," according to Armed Forces Chief of Staff Diomedio Villanueva. Troops scouring a southern Philippine island discovered a decapitated torso Tuesday not far from where the Muslim guerrillas seized hostages last week - but no sign of Sobero.

According to Fox News, when asked whether he would kill an American or a Filipino, Sabaya said: "I will make sure it will be a white. If the Malaysians are allowed to enter, we will release some of the hostages as a good gesture. It's (the government's) responsibility if these white people lose their heads."

The Abu Sayyaf says it is fighting to carve out an independent Islamic state from the southern Philippines, but the government says its members are mere bandits, according to AP. Muslims are a minority in the mostly Roman Catholic Philippines but are a majority in the southern islands that the Abu Sayyaf uses as a base.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Wednesday: "Abu Sayyaf is a scourge to our race. They are a curse to their religion. We will not stop the campaign until we have cleansed Basilan and Sulu of the Abu Sayyaf forces," she said, referring to the southern islands where the rebels are based

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April 11, 2012, Religion Today, Philippines Pastors Face Death for Ministry to Muslims, by Gary Lane and Lucille Talusan, CBN News Correspondents Wednesday,
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August 21, 2001, Religion Today, Aid Sought for Victims of Philippine Fire, by Janet Chismar,,

MINDANAO, Philippines -

"Whole families gripped the metal grilles in terror, weeping and calling for help as firefighters doused them with water to try to cool them down," reported the Philippine Daily Inquirer. A pre-dawn fire that ripped through the six-story Quezon City Manor Hotel Saturday killed at least 75 people and injured at least 41 more.

Bureau of Fire Protection officials said it was the deadliest hotel fire ever in the Philippines, and the worst such disaster since a 1996 discotheque blaze killed 160 people. Investigators were looking at a possible short circuit as the cause of the blaze. The hotel's owner was being sought as officials said the security bars, lack of fire alarms and inadequate escape routes may have contributed to the deaths.

Sixty-nine of the 78 dead and a majority of those seriously injured are evangelical pastors and church workers from various areas who were attending a conference organized by Don Clowers Ministries of Texas. A total of 168 evangelists were staying at the budget hotel to attend the "Destiny Conference" crusade.

"Bon, 25, a born-again Christian from Palawan, shouted to God as she hung on for dear life to the iron window grilles of the burning hotel, the pavement far below her," reported the Philippine Daily Inquirer. "She hung there for several minutes, and even thought about climbing back into her smoke-filled room to get her Bible in her bag. Below her, on the street, spectators yelled, 'Don't let go! The firemen are here!'"

Bon was rescued, and a shopkeeper brought her to her house to comfort her and give her a change of clothes. "Before she left us, Bon prayed with us and gave thanks. I told her that it was all right since we should always help those in need," the shopkeeper said.

But prayers of thanksgiving soon mixed with prayers for the dead. Nearby residents heard cries for help and watched helplessly in horror while the victims gripped the window grilles of the six-story building, or simply jumped to their death.

Witness Willie Gatchalian saw four other people fall to their death before firemen arrived. The only survivor he saw was a woman who was able to climb down using sheets tied together. He said one woman on the street who had escaped from the fire was hysterical. "She was shouting hallelujah repeatedly while she stared at the burning building," he said.

Eugene Schwebler, 60, a Clowers follower from Wisconsin, said he tried to flee his fourth-floor room but that heat turned him back. To get to the fire escape, he had to pull an air conditioner out of the wall.

At the religious conference Sunday, about 8,000 people waved their arms in the air, singing and praying for victims and their families. Though the Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic, evangelical ministries are often popular among the poor.

"Filipinos are very open to the gospel," says Stephen Van Valkenburg, Christian Aid's director for the Philippine area and Southeast Asia. "As long as they understand that salvation is not by works - it's a free gift - then they are open."

According to the Mandaluyong Pastors Association in Manila, leading church-growth researchers and Christian leaders agree that one of the longest and most fruitful Christian awakenings is happening in the Philippines.

The number of evangelical Christians has grown at a consistent rate of 8 to 10 percent per year over the last 22 years, and the number of evangelical churches is now estimated at 29,000. Chito Navarro, a leader with the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) points out that some 33 percent of the Philippine villages have an evangelical church.

PCEC's National Church Planting Program was created as a way of establishing valuable networks and support resources among the evangelical denominations, churches, and ministries. Among these are a partnership with major denominations and mission groups; a network of Philippine evangelists with over 400 registered members nationwide; a network of ministerial fellowships in nine of the 12 regions in the Philippines, and a partnership with the Far East Broadcasting Company, which is the leading Christian radio station in the Philippines.

The Don Clowers Ministry, associated with Grace Family Church in Irving, Texas, has a special ministry in the Philippines designed to "touch hearts and change lives through helping at feeding centers, providing medical supplies, and ministering one-on-one to personal needs."

"Pastor Clowers has been going to the Philippines for a number of years," says Gloria Walters, an associate pastor at Grace Family Church who was fielding media calls Monday. "He is on television in Southeast Asia and also runs a ministry specifically for Filipino pastors. Some 40,000 people were projected to attend the Destiny Conference Crusade this past weekend."

Walters says that "because of the difficulties in communicating with the Philippines, we do not have a lot more information than has been reported on the news. However, we, as a congregation, have been praying for all those whose lives have been touched by this tragedy."

Clowers, who was in Manila with his wife and son, asked for donations for the victims and said he would cover some expenses related to the fire, but he did not give details.

A number of the victims were couples, hence, leaving their children orphans. The Quezon City government promised to shoulder only the autopsy and embalming expenses; the rest (e.g. transportation, burial expenses, etc) will be taken care of by the families.

Bishop Efraim Tendero, national director of PCEC, issued this call for help: "As members of the Body of Christ, we want not only to sympathize with our brethren but also to extend concrete help to them, especially financially. Thus, we urge you to give sacrificially for their immediate and long-term needs."

Christian Aid Ministries is willing to collect and pass on all offerings of help. Checks should be made payable to Christian Aid Mission and designated for "Gift Code PCEC". All such gifts would be tax-deductible and would be transmitted quickly, since they have a Manila-based field office.

To donate online or for more information, please visit Christian Aid

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June 19, 2002, Religion Today, Filipinos Report on Burnham Hostage Mission,

The Philippine military released a report June 17 indicating that soldiers used "extreme caution" on a mission to rescue Martin and Gracia Burnham and Deborah Yap, who had been held hostage by Muslim extremists for the past year. But, according to AP, the report did not clarify how two of the captives were killed. It was during a June 7 ambush of the Abu Sayyaf group by Philippine troops that missionary Burnham and nurse Yap were killed. Burnham's wife, Gracia, was shot in the right thigh but rescued.

The report, signed by the head of military forces in the southern Philippines, said soldiers "used single-shot fire and refrained from using grenades in hopes of sparing the hostages. The Abu Sayyaf rebels were firing in all directions on full automatic," said the officer. "Enemy bullets continued to rain ... near the American hostages." Three rebels were killed and seven soldiers were wounded in the fighting. The Philippine military held a news conference Tuesday to further explain the eight-page report.

According to AP, Martin Burnham was shot in the back, but no one knows who shot him. The military report also did not conclude how Yap was killed, but said "the rescue team believed she was hacked by a bladed weapon judging from the gaping wound she sustained." Soldiers had said earlier Yap was apparently shot in the back.

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Ramadan: Pray for Muslims, Persecuted Christians

. The reality of radical Islam came home to the typical American only after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. But since that day, sometimes public response

Religion Today Summaries - December 2, 2005

in the Philippines was shot dead by a lone gunman on November 28. Jose Pepe Manegdeg III, 37, coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP), had

Religion Today Summaries - March 27, 2012

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world. In today's edition: Philippines Pastors Face Death

Religion Today Summaries - Oct. 16, 2009

Official Va. Episcopal Church Dispute Headed Back to Court Pope Names NIH Director to Vatican Think Tank PastorAbducted and Brutally

Pakistani Muslims Accused of Rape Allegedly Attack Sisters

then and youngest among her sisters, was ruined by all four Muslim gang members, and later they abducted her and kept her at an undisclosed locality," Gill said

India: Third Wave of Floods Devastates Assam

. The rising Brahmaputra river has left thousands homeless and 17 dead. Many Gospel for Asia missionaries and church members are among those affected. Many

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Against Missionaries. Articles from “Green Anarchist” (Various ...

theanarchistlibrary.org/library/various-authors-against-missionaries-articles-from-green-anarchisttheanarchistlibrary.org/library/various-authors-against-missionaries-articles-from-green-anarchist

The military use the missionaries' airstrips, and enter with guns instead of bibles in their ... Leadersare appointed rather than elected to their posts. ... The NTM denied the allegations strongly despite such overwhelming evidence. ... the doings of foreigners in Venezuela'sremote regions, spoke of their scientific espionage

Barack Obama - Zionist Wolf in Sheep's Clothing - NSA, CIA & Spies

www.nogw.com/cia.html

Ex-C.I.A. Aides Say Iraq Leader Helped Agency Thu Jun 10, 2004 ... Negroponte has denied involvement, and prior to his confirmation by the .... US diplomat fleesVenezuela rather than face charges of CIA espionage PDF ...... CIA-Contractor Christian Aviation MissionariesSmuggling Afghan Heroin PDF February 13, 2006 .

Frederick Russell Burnham - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Russell_Burnham

Burnham eventually moved on to become involved in espionage, oil,... Burnham was born to amissionary family on an Indian Reservation in Tivoli, Minnesota. ....Mlimo, the Matabele spiritual leader, is credited with fomenting much of the anger .... back to the railway, placed his charges, and blew up the line in two places

Venezuela - US Department of State

www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2006/71478.htm

The Venezuelan Evangelical Council estimated that evangelical Protestants constituted ... A variety of foreign missionary groups operated in the country, including ... The NTM appealed the order to the Supreme Court, which denied an ... As of May 2006 the Government had formallycharged one person for the crime but ...

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Nomenclature of an Assassination Cabal by William Torbitt

www.whale.to/b/torbitt.html

Albert Osborne, Missionary for the A.C.C.C. and the Cabal. ... Chief Justice Warren and other members of the Commission charged to investigate ... Directly under the two-pronged leadership of Division Five and the DIA was the Control ...Command in his position as head of counter-espionage activities in the United States.

South America | World Views | an SFGate.com blog

blog.sfgate.com/worldviews/category/south-america/

“Ideologically aligned leaders, including Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, Brazil's Luiz Inacio ... On leaving government, he was put on trial on charges of corruption. ....Thus, the BBC observes, perhaps the current crisis amounts to “adispute about ..... in which masses of missionaries set out to convert the locals to their imported

Tribe Rises "From Fear to Faith"
A tribe of spirit worshipers in the Philippines has traveled a long road in 20 years -- from fear to faith. ...The 30,000 Higaunon
Sudan Gaining Attention; Ministry Helps Boy Soldiers
by government warplanes; women and children have been abducted and sold into slavery." According to Cybercast News Service (CNS), Bush said he will pressure
Religion Today Daily Headlines - August 14, 2012
Compiled & Edited by ReligionToday Editorial Staff

Books in Uzbekistan Philippines: Ministries Respond in Wake of Devastating Floods Christians, Conservatives Applaud Ryan
Religion Today Summaries - January 31, 2005
-Responsibility For Anti-Semitism Christian Boot Camps Equip Believers for Biblical Witnessing Christian FamilyAbducted, Humiliated And Beaten
Religion Today Summaries - Oct. 29, 2008
to Support Gays Islamic Mlitants Hiding in Philippines' South Poll: 1 of 2 Americans Praying for Finances, Jobs Schullers Part Ways for TV
Flag on the Play: Tebow Ad Sparks Angry Conduct
missionaries in the Philippines when Pam found out she was expecting. After a series of grave complications, doctors encouraged her to abort the baby
Religion Today Summaries - Aug. 28, 2009
Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world. In today's edition: South Korea Mulls Restricting Missionary
Christian Missions in the Third Millennium
to be worshipped among all the peoples of the earth. The impulse of the missionary conviction is drawn from the assurance that God saves sinners, and that He

Religion Today Summaries - May 20, 2010
in Darfur, Sudan Indian Missionaries Call It a 'Privilege' to Suffer Muslim Teachers in Pakistan Allegedly Abuse Christian Students Hurricane Season
Missionary Grieved over Christian's Apathy for Missions
the opportunity to hear the gospel,” he noted. The Ghanaian missionary maintained that his desire was to, not only preach but also raise disciples from among
Journeymen Take Tough Assignments
of missionary work around the world. ...Journeymen are active in developing nations , Glenn Prescott of the Southern Baptist Convention's International
Love Your Enemies: Forgiveness in Rwanda
; Benigno Aquino, the Philippine hero; Baroness Carolyn Cox; and Senator Sam Brownback. These are men and women who, as executive director of the Center
Somali Christian Killed, Four Children Kidnapped
they suspected someone had informed the insurgents of Fataho's faith. The assailants abducted his wife and children, later releasing her on the condition
Ethnic Cleansing Resumes in Sudan’s Oil Fields
, supported by helicopter gunships. Among the villages reportedly destroyed are: Rubjich, Rekyoul, Gottong, Giil (Leer County), and Riak, Wangbith
Religion Today Summaries -- June 21, 2004
, activists are deliberately getting themselves arrested to draw attention to the crisis in western Sudan. Rep. Hoeffel isamong those who support a joint
Religion Today Summaries - July 29, 2004
in the church for more than 20 years, was among those arrested and is currently being held in Xinjiang. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW

Religion Today Summaries - December 7, 2004

Activity Impacts Christian Ministry Pakistani Christian Mother's Children Abducted by Muslim Ex-Husband Modern-Day Apostle Serves
Ecumenical Accord Reached on Proselytizing: Did You Know?
WASHINGTON (RNS)-- Christian missionaries should renounce all "deception and coercive means" of winning converts, according to an agreement
Pew Conducts a 10-country Survey of Pentecostals
that are present among Republican-oriented evangelicals in the United States? A new study from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life tries to answer just

Missionary Journalist Follows 'God's Beat'

Religion Today Summaries - June 4, 2010
of the Muslim boys a 14-year-old Christian girl accuses of raping her. The girl accused Muhammad Noman and Muhammad Imran, both 17, of abducting her from her
Atheists Fight Ground Zero Cross, Internet Porn, AIDS & more
by Philippine troops that missionary Burnham and nurse Yap were killed. Burnham's wife, Gracia, was shot in the right thigh but rescued. The report, signed
Religion Today Summaries, March 4, 2003
Rebels in Philippines Kill Fourteen Christians Including Children Bible School Wins Fight to Drop 666 in Phone Number Bush Administration
Southern Baptists Reach Out to Rowdy World Cup Fans
Normally tidy Japan is packed with rowdy soccer fans for the World Cup, and Southern Baptist International Mission Board missionaries are joining
Domestic Missionaries Search for Converts Online
July 13, 2009 ORLANDO, Fla. (RNS) -- For centuries, missionaries have ventured to the farthest reaches of the globe to share the gospel
Be Separate
December 19, 2006 ‘Come out from among them and be separate” is advice given by the Apostle Paul. It is advice that has been taken by several

Religion Today Summaries, November 5, 2002

Left's' Election Effort Blasted Philippines: Evangelistic Progress Amid Bomb Blasts and Terrorist Attacks Healthy Churches are Marked by Great
Religion News Summaries - Oct. 9, 2009
Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world. In today's edition: Starvation Adds Threat toPhilippines

Not the Lord's Army

Corrupt Police Turn to Christ
regular daily features will be returning at the end of this retrospective. Soldiers of the Philippine National Police are referred to disdainfully
Christian Missions in the Post-Colonial Age
respected and established missionary organizations. Rick and Carrie Maples want to see an indigenous form of Christianity emerge among the Samburu
Language School in Costa Rica Trains for Global Ministries
.” Mega churches are not among those sending their students to the institute, she said. Many of them send theirmissionaries straight to the field either

Bethlehem, Rome, Burnhams and Muslim Garb Case

The Gospel on Offense: The Faith of Tim Tebow
's father, Bob, a missionary in the Philippines, had been weeping over the millions of babies aborted in America. It was then that he prayed, "God, if you

XtremeMissionaries Promote God's Peace in Macedonia

ROM's, which share the gospel as well as contain the entire New Testament. According to Clinton, the XtremeMissionaries also minister among the most
Morning-After Pill, Good News Club, Sky Angel & Sudan
of slavery, abductions, and forced servitude in the war-ravaged country. The authoritative investigative report, titled "Slavery, Abduction and Forced
Egypt's Lost Daughters: The Abduction of Christian Girls
] with an alibi.” Mary is only one among hundreds of Christian girls who have been abducted, forced to convert to Islam, and forced into marriage in Egypt
Ministry Finds Oppression in India Complicating Flood Relief
's primary aim is to plant churches among those who have never heard the Gospel. GFA trains and sends nativemissionaries who are already familiar
Young Missionaries Want to Serve
. ...They are among the new breed of short-term missionaries who say they are not too young to serve and want to make a difference in the world. Many say
Korean-American Seminarian Nurtures Native Americans
, is director for the Four Corners Baptist Association of northwest Arizona. Kim said her goal is to "raise up" Native American church leaders from among
Missionary Couple Killed in Mexico
February 4, 2012 A married couple who had served for 28 years as Baptist missionaries in Mexico were murdered on Jan. 31 at their home
Missionary Kids Evacuated from Ivory Coast School
Students are safe and missionary families relieved following the emergency evacuation of a missionary school in Bouake, Ivory Coast. One
Religion Today Summaries - July 24, 2006
for the People of Mumbai Missionary to China Suggests Different Approach with Chinese Govt. What about the Christians in Lebanon? Church Heads

Religion Today Summaries, March 22, 2004

, Parents Vie Against Pro-Homosexual School Club Two Missionaries and One Ugandan Student Killed In Attack Child Development Ministry Sets High
Ministry turns refugees into evangelists
and training missionaries from the ranks of refugees living there. ...Millions of people living in south and central African nations have fled to South
Egypt's Coptic Women Abducted in the Name of Islam
According to a new Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) report , the number of disappearances and abductions of Coptic women is on the rise, all
Religion Today Summaries - Oct. 11, 2010
. According to Ezzedin H. Tago at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, all 13 still face charges. "It (their release) did not mean that their case had been settled
Big Government and Religion: An Inverse Relationship?
it is that church attendance is so low in welfare states such as Denmark and Sweden compared to countries like the U.S. and the Philippines—where government doesn
Missions at Risk--A Failure of Nerve
, some even declaring a "moratorium" on the sending of missionaries charged to preach the Gospel. Among these denominations, the total missionary force
Religion Today Summaries, November 13, 2002
Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC). The bishop of Zipaquira was abducted Monday in San Antonio de Aguilera, near Pancho, in the center of the country
Religion Today Summaries - October 20, 2004
Charisma News Service In what leaders called "a miraculous turn of events," three Gospel for Asia (GfA) nativemissionaries who were abducted
Religion Today Summaries - October 19, 2004
believe, Jesus Christ is the only path to salvation." A significant difference was found among ministers from denominations that are members of the National
Religion Today Summaries - February 8, 2006
'Muhammad' Cartoons Bombs, Hidden Persecution Aimed at Driving Christians out of Iraq Hope Remains in thePhilippines

Christianity is taking hold in the Himalayas

Spirit and the work of indigenous missionaries, Guine Anderson of Hong Kong-based Sowers Ministry said. Sowers trains and helps support native
Religion Today Summaries - September 7, 2004
from their homes or sentenced to death for "offending" a deity. However, native missionaries persevere in spreading the gospel among animist tribes
Religion Today Summaries - January 6, 2006
. Philippine Priest Turns Poor Parishioners into Tech-Savvy e-Traders Father Benigno Beltran of Manila has livedamong his parishioners
Glimmers of Christ's Light in Darkness of Saudi Arabia
heart. Saudi Arabia perennially reigns among the worst persecutors of Christians according to Open Doors' annual World Watch List that ranks
Religion Today Summaries - December 6, 2004
trying to visit communities for discipleship or evangelism. Despite such obstacles, native missionaries are seeing their work among Tibetan refugees
Religion Today Summaries - February 15, 2005
In The United States India: Native Missionaries Reach Out to Untouchables after Tsunami Religious Liberty Advocates Applaud Religious
Religion Today Summaries - July 26, 2005
Second Nationally Broadcast Rally North Africa: Missionaries Face Persecution, Make Progress in Muslim Countries Once
Religion Today Summaries - October 01, 2004
's Sindh province, is recovering slowly after being kidnapped, drugged and beaten severely two weeks ago by bearded assailants. Masih was abducted off a back
Religion Today Daily Headlines - August 8, 2012
Compiled & Edited by ReligionToday Editorial Staff

Killed Monday Night in Worship Service Attack Kidnappings, Abductions, Forced Conversions of Christian Girls in Pakistan Continue
Religion Today Summaries, July 23, 2003
of Missionary Children Abuse Pastors, Nuns Suffer Abuse in 'Evangelical Capital' New Poll Shows Generation Gap in Opposition to Same-Sex 'Marriage

Religion Today Summaries - June 5, 2009

Marriage India's New Government Vows to Protect Minorities Missionary Shot to Death in South Africa Author Max Lucado Appeals for Child
Religion Today Summaries - November 2, 2004
Aid A month ago, Missions Insider published the story of a team of native missionaries in Nepal who were abducted by Maoist insurgents. Christian Aid
Religion Today Summaries - December 13, 2005
for Major New Zealand Crusade Prayers for Kidnapped Peace Workers Continue as Deadline Passes KidnappedMissionary Returns
Compassion International Children Dead, Missing After Philippines Flood
December 21, 2011 Nearly 1,000 are dead and tens of thousands have been affected after flash flooding in Mindanao,Philippines, during
Religious Differences Seen as Biggest Challenge to Peace in Sudan
the high level of "suspicion" among the Sudanese people. "Any complacency and lack of church participation may derail the peace process." It was also up
Forgotten Girls: Behind Prison Bars in Pakistan
witnesses won't testify against the man." The most vulnerable among us…Surely no one could be more vulnerable than a poor, illiterate girl in Pakistan
Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 4, 2007
Prayer Treated Equally in Baptist Missionary Screening Islamist Radicals Release Women Accused of being 'Prostitutes' Study: Even Most Non

Violence Mars Christmas In Pakistan; Indonesian Christians Enjoy Quiet Holiday

disruption in Indonesia, Christians in Pakistan were once again targeted by those hostile to their faith. Violence also hit the Philippines, although security
Religion Today Summaries, July 31, 2003
, among them Yasser Arafat, warned there would be "grave consequences" if Israel allowed Jews to visit the site. Visits to the site, which resumed several
Relief Agencies Hard at Work in Typhoon-Stricken Philippines
Philippines after back-to-back typhoons ravaged the region last week. Some say the worst is over, but degree of difficulty always is in the eye
People Group Adoption Opens Church's Heart to Lost World
. They believe their village will be greatly blessed today because Allah sent these guests. As Southern Baptistmissionaries Brad Thompson and Ben Sustar talk
Religion Today Summaries - September 28, 2004
being reached is the Tchito, located in southern Benin. Since January, missionaries have worked to establish a presence among this people. At first
Religion Today Summaries – June 6, 2005
Eritrean Police Arrest 250 Wedding Guests Author Highlights Faith On The Battlefield U.S. Missionary Abroad Faces Western Europe's Anti
Religion Today Summaries - Sept. 17, 2008
of Uttarakhand, Hindu activists reportedly attacked a group of Indian missionaries in early August, and in September, activists abducted four young children who
U.S. Embassies Around the World Close for Muslim Eid al-Fitr Holiday
the Philippines and Nigeria -- closed for the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday this week. The U.S. Embassy in Estonia sent out Eid greetings, and in Kabul an Eid greeting
Religion Today Summaries - January 20, 2005
Expression in Public Square Christian Leader: Bible Display Removal Order Proves Christians Need to Know Their Rights Missionary Group
The Rebirth of Christianity: The Gospel Thrives in the East
: The Hidden Miracle . "Yet a whopping two-thirds of the world's population -- 3 billion people -- remains unreached." As many missionary-minded believers

Religion Today Summaries - December 8, 2005

Muslims, Christians Foster Peace Efforts in the Philippines Some Megachurches Closing for Christmas Associated Press
Jordanian Christian Killed in Lebanon Attack
to the home of a European missionary family thought to have been targeted in the attack. Jamil Ahmed al-Rifai, 28, died instantly when a 4
Religion Today Summaries - Mar. 6, 2008
,' Despite New Anti-Conversion Law GFA Missionary Kidnapped in Assam, India Northern Nigerian Church Survives Arson by Muslims Global
Religion Today Summaries - June 7, 2011
, burning a church and possessing weapons with the purpose of carrying out terror (acts)." The clashes were allegedly sparked by rumors among the Islamic
For Naturalists, E.T. Has to Call Eventually
." If Hawking is right, then alien abductions and strange probes are the least we have to fear from little green—or is it gray?—men. On a more substantial note
Religion Today Summaries - Jan. 19, 2009
rights organization, Parvisha Alam, 18, and her 14-year-old sister Sanam of Gujranwala, Pakistan, were abducted Nov. 12 by a neighbor, Mohammed Irfan, who
Religion Today Summaries - June 29, 2009
Across America came home Wednesday (June 24) bearing Scripture verses inscribed by 31,173 people. Among them: a little girl who guided her blind sister
Religion Today Summaries - Feb. 3, 2010
to expand awareness of a missing Chinese human rights lawyer on the first anniversary of his disappearance. On Feb. 4, 2009, Gao Zhisheng was abducted from
Saudi Money in Terrorist Hands
and FBI did not aggressively pursue leads that might have linked the terrorists to Saudi Arabia. Among those leads is the reported monetary donation

Entangled by the Cares of the World
October 26, 2005 A story in the paper tells of conservative Episcopalians in Nigeria lamenting that those who sentmissionaries to them years

'Father' and 'Son' Ousted From Trinity in New Bible Translations
because the terms are "offensive to Muslims" is stirring a controversy among critics, according to Yahoo! News . Wycliffe Bible Translators, Summer
Bringing Hope to Japan at Christmas
survivors are searching for answers, Mission Network News reports . "Every year there is widespread curiosity about Christmas among the Japanese," said Ross
Religion Today Summaries, June 18, 2003
, Young Missionary Tells Pastors Presbyterian Pastor Ousted for Marrying Gay Couples Kevin Eckstrom, Religion News Service A Presbyterian
Religion Today Summaries - May 6, 2008
, Barna Survey Says Missionaries Struggle as Dollar's Value Declines Taxpayer Dollars Fund Islamic Public School in Minnesota
Christians in Costa Rica Reach Out to Troubled Teens
Longworth, a missionary with the Latin American Mission-Canada who is working with Costa Rican Christians to establish the facility. "There are a number
Religion Today Summaries - March 24, 2006
among the world's most un-reached peoples – those who have never heard a Gospel message. More than 15,000 native missionaries are now on the field
Iraqi Refugees Don't Spare Much Thought for U.S.
to live. "America!" he says, a wide grin crossing his face. Yet among the throngs of refugees coping with the loss of family members, homes
Project 250: Strategy for Changing a Nation
to the centers every month to meet with the director and their fellow missionaries to talk about their work and to pray for one another. Periodically, they attend

_____________________________________________________________________________

Christians in Venezuela Ponder Political and Social Action
serve their country. This is Part 2 of 2. In spite of major internal opposition, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has made his mark among the poor
____________________________________________________________________________

Religion Today Summaries - June 23, 2003
in Wake of Nuclear Threat Missionaries Attacked, Sued in India Gay British Bishop Defends Stance on Homosexual Relationships Christian
Religion Today Summaries - Sept. 18, 2007
' of Indian Dalits Sparks Hindu Protest Baptist Mission Board Envisions 3,000 More Missionaries US Religion Report Faults Iraq, China
Religion Today Summaries - February 18, 2005
Charisma News Service An Oklahoma evangelist is training young missionaries in one of the nation's most unlikely places: public schools. Bob Heath
Religion Today Summaries - August 23, 2005
as their families. Jeff Shreve, president of Underground, says in the last 18 months more than 900 Christians have been imprisoned, and among those 900 are many young
Religion Today Summaries - September 16, 2005
Victims Spurs Online Prayer Rally Churches Urged to Join Week of Prayer for North Korea - September 19-25 India:Missionaries Homeless after
Religion Today Summaries - March 17, 2006
the nation in January 2006. Among the different people groups measured, evangelicals were twice as likely as non-evangelical born again adults and almost five
Muslims in Nigeria Kidnap, Convert Christian Children
Abduction of boys and girls by Islamists in northern state increasingly common. SOKOTO, Nigeria – Beginning in November of last year, 13-year
Bible training is precious to Asians
workers in 1999. GCI is a "mobile training program" that brings Bible teachers to Christian leaders in nations wheremissionaries are forbidden
Rest in Peace, John Stott
for this Congress—possibly the greatest Evangelical gathering of missionary leaders in history up to that point in time—John Stott was the chief author

StevenWarRan

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

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Churches Challenge IRS: Ban on Discussing Politics Unconstitutional

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