Exloring Life Eternal

How to pray for Iraq:


Go to:
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/Display.asp?Page=prayIraq

WEST BANK CENTER DESTROYED
Armed militants firebombed the Living Stones Christian student centre on the West Bank community of Bir Beit on February 28, leaving the spray-painted warning to "Get out of here." No one was injured. The Palestinian Bible Society bookshop in Gaza also suffered damage from small pipe bombs and was temporarily closed after death threats to staff. Christians continue to have a positive attitude but ask others to pray. Bible Society Director Labib Mandanat says the tiny Christian community associated with the Bible Society in Gaza has impacted Muslims with the love of Christ. "Out of this chaos, God has brought good."
[CHRISTIAN POST 12 March '06]


LITERATURE MINISTRY CONTINUES IN IRAQ DESPITE VIOLENCE
As violence in Iraq continues to escalate, Open Doors remains committed to
carrying out its ministry in the country. Last year staff distributed 20,000 Arabic children's Bibles, set up 12 libraries for adults and children in churches nationwide, translated six children's booklets and produced a special music cassette. This year copies of the handbook, "Counseling Youth," as well as a newly published daily devotional called "One Year Through the Bible" and the "Chronicles of Narnia" series will be distributed throughout the country. Open Doors will also produce and print 40 brochures and leaflets concerning medical issues, opening opportunities to build bridges between Muslims and Christians. [HCJB/OPEN DOORS 27 Feb.'06]


CHRISTIAN SITES A 'HIT' IN MIDDLE EAST
A boom in Christian websites is occurring in the Middle East. According to the Strategic Resource Group (SRG), these websites are receiving nearly 9 million hits per month and more than 2,000 Arabic Bibles are downloaded from the internet each month. One Christian organisation that hosts chat rooms for Arabic-speaking visitors estimates that more than 42,000 people visit these Christian sites every day. More than half of the population in the Middle East is 25-years-old or under and most have easy access to computers, either in their homes or in public venues such as internet cafes and schools. [ASSIST 9 Feb.'06]
Go to: http://www.srginc.org
Go to: http://www.assistnews.org

PERSECUTION LIST
Open Doors' annual "World Watch" list of 50 countries where Christians are subjected to the most persecution puts North Korea in first place, followed by Saudia Arabia, Iran, Somalia, Maldives, Bhutan, Vietnam, Yemen, Laos and China. Open Doors President Carl Moeller contends that the communist government of North Korea has detained more political and religious prisoners than any country in the world. In addition to North Korea, countries with communist governments include Vietnam, Laos and China. Islamic-dominated countries are Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, Maldives and Yemen. 70 expatriate Christians in Saudi Arabia were arrested in 2005 during worship in private homes, in what has been called this country's largest crackdown on Christians in a decade. Iran moved from number 5 to number 3 after the election of a hard-line conservative president. [OPEN DOORS]
http://www.opendoorsusa.org


BACKPACKER'S MAGAZINE (HEBREW)
A 12 page, full colour, glossy magazine is filling a unique gap in reaching out to Israeli young people. 7,000 copies of the 4th edition of "Lo B Mikre," which means Not By Chance, has hit the streets this March. The magazine bears the subheading 'The alternative magazine for different life,' and includes personal testimonies, comics and articles about current topics like the DaVinci Code and Santo Daime cult that is gaining popularity in Israel.
Go To: http://www.lo-bemikre.co.il/]


RESOURCES:
A helpful website for news and prayer about ISRAEL, or for those who want to explore the Jewish roots of Christianity: www.saltshakers.com

Debbie Meroff
Reply-To: newsbytes-owner@yahoogroups.com
N E W S * B Y T E S - February 2006
*************************************************
A Free Service of OPERATION MOBILISATION NEWS & INFORMATION*

TEL AVIV: GAY CAPITAL?
Israel tourism officials have announced that they plan on turning Tel Aviv into the gay capital of the world. "Tel Aviv and gay people are a perfect fit," said an official with the Israel Hotel Association (IHA). The idea was born when IHA Director-General Eli Ziv visited London to participate in the 2005 World Travel Market exhibition and met with representatives of the homo-lesbian travel industry. "We are drafting plans to encourage gay tourism from Germany, England and Holland," said Ziv. Tourism Ministry Director-General Eli Cohen said he would offer any financial assistance necessary. Tel Aviv hosts the largest Gay Pride Parade in Israel, drawing up to 100,000 people. [Ynetnews.com]

"YEAR OF THE FAMILY"
At its annual Partnership Conference in Cyprus, SAT-7, the Arabic Christian satellite TV channel in the Middle East and North Africa, announced the launch of the "2006 Year of the Family" Campaign. The campaign will include special programs on SAT-7, book distributions and seminars in churches with the aim of strengthening families. SAT-7 is sponsoring the event in association with local churches and Bible Societies in the Middle East. The slogan is "Together we can shape the future!" SAT-7 is also aiming to raise awareness of the needs of the disabled in the Arab world, and expanding programming for youth. [www.sat7.org/]

IRAQI CHURCHES BOMBED
A spate of car bombs exploded outside churches in Iraq on Sunday 29th January in what appears to have been a coordinated attack. The explosions occurred within a half hour period, apparently chosen to coincide with the time at which Christians would be going to church. Two churches in the northern city of Kirkuk and at least two others in the capital Baghdad were targeted. At least three people, including a 13-year-old boy, were killed and an estimated 16-20 people injured. According to some reports as many as 7 churches were bombed. On the same day, Christian students at Mosul University were beaten up by Muslim students. Many Iraqi Christians believe the events were retaliation for the Danish cartoons of Mohammed. [BARNABAS FUND 2 Feb.'06]

FIRST-EVER TURKISH CHRISTIAN SATELLITE TV CHANNEL
A broad coalition of sending organisations and Turkish local churches are pooling resources to start TURK-7 TV, the country's first Christian satellite TV channel. Programs were scheduled to begin airing in January on the same frequency as SAT-7, the successful Christian TV broadcasters for the Arab-speaking world. Initially TURK-7 will be on for 2 hours each Tuesday and Thursday, but it is hoped the channel will eventually have 24/7 programming. Follow-up (audience relations) will be an important part of the effort. Says one leading Turkish pastor, "Television is a very effective method for communicating across the entire nation. The most exciting thing is that TURK-7 is helping Turks to proclaim Christian truths to their own people, in their own language". [www.sat7.org/ ]

BIBLE GROUPS IN ETHIOPIA
Starting at zero four years ago, Ethiopia's capital Addis Adaba now has 185 Bible listening groups meeting regularly to listen to audio cassettes of the Bible and talk about the Scriptures. The groups are part of the Bible Society's "Faith comes by hearing" project. "Many participants have told us how listening to God's Word has changed their lives," states the project director. He says the people come together for fellowship and nourishment from the Scriptures. [BIBLE SOCIETY, EN 1/06]

YOUNG PEOPLE JAILED FOR READING BIBLE
Eritrean military authorities have jailed 75 Protestant Christians at the Sawa Military Training Camp for "reading Bibles and praying during their free time," local sources in the small East Africa nation confirmed. Most of the newly arrested evangelicals, 37 of them women, are student youths doing their compulsory national military service at Sawa, a remote center near Eritrea's mountainous western border with Sudan. The young conscripts had not attempted to conduct a Christian meeting or transgressed any other military law. Muslim conscripts are allowed to have their own copy of the Quran and pray 5 times a day. Since May 2002, the repressive regime of President Isaias Afwerki has closed down all independent evangelical churches and refused to allow their members to meet anywhere for worship. [COMPASS 2 Feb.'06]

RESPONSE TO CHRISTIAN RADIO IN INDONESIA TRIPLES
The coast of Indonesia is being rebuilt after the December 2004 tsunami, although survivors are still dealing emotionally and spiritually with their loss. A new radio station was launched in November by Back to the Bible in North Sumatra, one of the worst-hit areas. The station was launched through relief funds that came into Back to the Bible after the tsunami hit. Several programs are being aired, including a live call-in program. In the future, Aceh-language programming will be added to reach the hard-hit and spiritually needy area of Banda Aceh. The message of hope is resonating with listeners, many of whom write asking difficult questions. Response has nearly tripled since November. [MNN 2 Feb.'06]

INCREASE IN MISSION INTEREST BY STUDENTS
Jerry Rankin of the USA's Southern Baptist International Mission Board says more and more students are showing interest in missions. In 2001 and 2002, the board has seen more candidates than they have ever had in their history, with over 1,000 missionaries dispatched to fields in each of those years. "Even though we have a higher number of retirements," he said, "we're seeing the highest [number] of missionary appointments." This past year, over 3,000 people applied as candidates to be apprentice missionaries, expressing a sense of call to missions. And "these are candidates for our long-term service, accentuated Rankin, "not our short-term service." [CHRISTIAN POST 6 Feb.'06]

USA [TRADITIONAL] CHURCHES LOSING ATTRACTION [YET HUNGER REMAINS]
A growing number of Americans no longer view a local church as their primary religious meeting place. A study by the Barna Group shows that new forms of religious experience, such as house churches, marketplace ministries, and cyberchurches, are becoming the norm for millions. Discontent with traditional churches, changes in lifestyle and a desire to get closer to God have spurred a megashift. 2/3 of adults have internet access and the internet now serves as the foundation for faith experiences for more than 1 in 10 adults, although most also use it in tandem with another form of corporate religious experience. [RELIGION TODAY]

SHOCKWAVE! [PERSECUTED CHURCH]
For the fifth year, a prayer initiative organised by Open Doors International's youth branch, "Underground," will involve thousands of youths worldwide in praying for persecuted Christians. The March 3-5 event kicks off in New Zealand and travels across all time zones, both online and in other creative ways such as all-night events or prayer breakfasts. For more information in various languages or to obtain resources visit:
http://www.odshockwave.org/

RESOURCES:
TO ENCOURAGE CHRISTIAN WORKERS, especially those working in difficult or dangerous places, a new 15 minute daily radio program produced by Trans World Radio. For details see www.memcarebyradio.com Audio of programs also available on the web.

"France 2006," 40 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING DAYS FOR FRANCE, will take place from March 1st to April 9th. Prayer guides, promotional leaflets, and a new DVD called "God in France" can be ordered online. See www.objectiffrance.org

KIDS OF COURAGE website helps kids, parents and teachers link up with
mission prayer and projects worldwide: http://www.linkingup.com/

EZINE FOR MOBILIZERS "Missions Catalyst" by Caleb Project is a weekly
bulletin designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide to be a voice
for strategic ministry.
See http://tinyurl.com/ar8ac
email info@cproject.com

==========

NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM News & Information
[OMNI] in London, England. Material may be freely copied and circulated.
Items do not necessarily reflect OM position and questions should be
directed to the original news source. Html version can be found on
www.om.org. Please do not hit "reply" to this email as subscriptions are
automated. For a free e-mail subscription send a message to:
newsbytes-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To unsubscribe write: newsbytes-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

IRAQ: CHURCHES TARGETED AS TENSIONS RISE
from: World Evangelical Alliance
http://www.worldevangelicalalliance.org)
Religious Liberty Prayer List - February 1, 2006
By Elizabeth Kendal

On Sunday, January 29, five car bombs exploded in Kirkuk and
Baghdad between 4:10pm and 4:30pm. Three people were killed by
the Kirkuk bombs which went off outside the Church of the Virgin
and an Orthodox church. In Baghdad, car bombs exploded outside
the Vatican embassy, The Disciples of St. Peter and Paul Orthodox
Church, and an Anglican church. At least 14 people altogether
were injured. An Assyrian Christian source reported that Assyrian
Christian university students in Mosul were beaten by mobs of
Muslim students angry about the cartoons of Mohammed published
in Denmark last September. It appears the church bombings were
also linked to local anger over the Danish cartoons.

Iraqi Christians are extremely vulnerable. Sunnis and Shi'ites are reported to be polarizing along sectarian lines, with social groups and even whole suburbs becoming less mixed and identifying more by religious affiliation. It is also reportedly the same with student groups in universities. As people, groups, and whole communities start to identify by religious affiliation rather than their common Iraqi nationality, the Christian minority find themselves increasingly despised, marginalized, and exposed. They are endangered, without equality before the (Islamic) law, having no retaliation ideology, and lacking security in a lawless Islamic society.

Full story: http://www.evangelicalalliance.org.au/rlc/postings/postings.php?ID=548

Hi David,

This book was one that you commented on more ... & the notes you gave also showed something I have noticed about most people: we tend to get our perspective messed with when we engage with another/our own culture for a long period of time. Many missionaries to Arab countries have a slightly more Palestinian perspective. I sometimes wonder, "Why can't we all just get along?" But then, I remember that this is really only possible at the foot of the cross of Jesus, when we realize that the Lord Jesus effected reconciliation for those who will receive it.

...
Peace in Christ Jesus,
Mert

-----Original Message ==>with comment-----
Book Notes by David Mays See more book notes at www.davidmays.org

UNDERSTANDING IRAQ: The Whole Sweep of Iraqi History
William R. Polk
HarperCollins, 2005, 219 pp., ISBN 0-06-06468-6

“Nationalization of the IPC (foreign petroleum conglomerate) was perhaps the most popular move Saddam ever made. It is difficult for foreigners, particularly modern Americans, to understand how bitter the Iraqis were about foreign domination.” (127)

==> My wife is from Indonesia. Aceh had long been a sore spot with Indonesians about USA interferance & "raiding" of oil. Indeed, most American men-Indonesian women couples that we know were involved with the oil trade. Dirty business & a means of spreading Islam in many instances, sad to say!

By God's tremendous grace the tsunami came. Since then Indonesians (including my wife) have come to see that not all those who hold American passports enter their land to steal resources. Which, of course, makes things a little more pleasant when we discuss matters of global politics (Happily, this is not as frequent now). She had also been moved to help raise funds for the region ... & God moved in the hearts of those we knew to give rather generously. I think that if we as the church were to really pray for the worst situations / conflicts, then even greater things would happen.

=====
In 1983 the U.S. identified with the Iraq cause. According to Polk, “To this end, the United States either supplied directly or arranged for others to supply conventional weapons, cluster bombs, anthrax, and other biological weapons materials as well as components for nuclear weapons and equipment to manufacture poison gas.” (132, footnote) [Polk cites a German newspaper article (footnote, p. 146). But I find it difficult to believe. dlm]

==> I do not see why it would be difficult to believe the factual basis for this. The greater question seems to be rather, why would God permit the USA to become so corrupt & yet still have such power? I can only think of one reason: there are still those who go out & spread the good news. Under Clinton, the USA could have had Osama bin-Laden & tried him for involvement with the earlier car bomb in the Twin Towers, but the US declines. ... then the USA reaped the consequences. The USA government is one more rod in the hands of God. But the question we must face is: will the church be willing to serve as the Lord's staff, gathering the flock to Himself? I googled "Iran Iraq USA 1983" and came up with a couple of interesting links rather quickly. Some of the conspiracy sort, yes. But that is essentially what most political books are about anyways.

=====
[That Saddam sold the food for arms, allowing his people to starve, is openly admitted but receives no condemnation here. dlm]

The facts speak for themselves. Saddam will one day have to report to a higher authority (God). However, my understanding is that Polk is a USA citizen ... he is therefore called upon to first call the USA to account. Why should he meddle with other nations before critiquing his own government?

=====
In a 2003 interview with Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, he “cut me off, saying that ‘America has long since decided to attack Iraq and nothing Iraq could do would prevent it.’” (169) [Polk seems to have taken this statement at face value and judged all else by it. dlm]

==> I agree with you here. This is the key problem: listening to politicians too much. They can be sly foxes at times! They want to stay in power & that means "protecting" their own people (i.e. saying what will make them/us feel good = re-election / re-appointment).

=====
American ideologically-driven Neo-Conservatives “proclaimed that America had the right, indeed the obligation, to impose its way of life on the whole world. Iraq was an early step in what was to be a new ‘crusade,’ which would be accomplished by warfare, essentially unending and everywhere.” (186-87)
[Polk’s political bias is stated strongly here! dlm]

==> I am personally concerned about a seeming open acceptance / sometimes delight/comfort in war that is too readily received in the church. I believe we must remember to keep the Good News as our mission, not political aspirations or international expansion & "homeland security." The Methodist Church lost the advance of the Gospel after the Revolutionary war when they put politics ahead of an independent stand. During the Revolutionary War, they were the one church movement that grew. Why? Because they preached a Jesus who was Lord over both the USA & Britain (& the whole earth!) In time they lost view of the Lord's sovereign holiness as a movement & the Lord has shown himself to/through other movements more effectively in later times.

=====
"Those Iraqis who aspire to complete sovereignty are prepared to create complete insecurity." (193)

==> "complete sovereignty" that certainly sounds like a devilish way of putting it! This has the same meaning in English as the Hebrew idiom "knowing good & evil." I take it that this is an exact quote. Indeed, radical independence always tends towards chaos!

Persecution against Christians continues to escalate in Eritrea

The brutal crackdown against evangelical Christians in Eritrea seems set to continue. Since the start of the year, hundreds of believers have been arrested, subjected to interrogations, food deprivation and torture - with many being ordered to sign documents renouncing their faith.
...
"The president of Eritrea, he has basically made the evangelical church enemy number one of the state and is going about on a ruthless campaign to try to eradicate and shut her down," said Kevin Turner, president of Strategic World Impact, a ministry assisting persecuted Christians worldwide.

Pray for:
* The people of Eritrea need deliverance. Continue to pray for either a change of heart or the removal of the Eritrean government.
* The nearly 1,800 Christians imprisoned, that their faith in Christ would grow during their time in prison, and that their trials would produce lasting growth in the Eritrean Church. Pray that God would strengthen and encourage all those in prison and be especially close to those who are suffering any kind of torture. Pray also that He would convict their torturers and cause them to repent.
* The families of the 26 pastors in prison who have had their bank accounts frozen. Ask God to provide supernaturally for these families. Pray also that the families of prisoners will be able to visit their loved ones. Pray that the congregations of the 26 imprisoned pastors will continue their ministry and reach out to others.
* Freedom of worship to be granted to people of all faiths.
* The total healing of pastor Oqbamichael Tekle-Haimonot, who has just been released after 10 months in detention during which he suffered a mental breakdown as a result of hard labor, solitary confinement and other mental and physical deprivations.
* God to strengthen and encourage the Orthodox Patriarch, Abune Antonious, who has been stripped of his administrative powers and placed under house arrest.
* The safety of all the people who are fleeing Eritrea. Many have died attempting to cross the desert and the Red Sea. Others have drowned in the Mediterranean as they seek to reach Europe.
* The E-Petition Campaign for Eritrea to put pressure on the Eritrean government to release the Christian prisoners.
* Violence in the country to decrease, especially against Christians.
* Christians to be able to worship in freedom and in peace in all regions of the country.
* A great spiritual awakening among Muslims to have a revelation and encounter with the LORD.
Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors, International Christian Concern.

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The 10/40 Window nations will be impacted because of your prayers and financial partnership! If you would like to order your bundle of Praying Through the Window 8: The Persecuted Church in the 10/40 Window prayer calendars for your church, friends, and family to join the millions praying for the 10/40 Window, visit www.win1040.com/resources/.
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Arrests Made Over Sulawesi Christian Schoolgirl Beheadings

Five men have been arrested in connection with the recent beheadings of three Christian schoolgirls in Indonesia. The Indonesian military said the men, including a former or retired soldier, were being held for questioning, the British Broadcasting Corporation said, Assist News Service reported.
...
"It is clear this latest attack on an innocent schoolgirl is designed to provoke further religious violence on Sulawesi," CSW's advocacy director Tina Lambert said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their daughter. We urge the Indonesian government to do more to protect the innocent and prevent a return to widespread inter-religious violence."

Pray for:
* Thank the LORD that the five perpetrators of the beheadings of the three girls have been caught. Pray that true justice will prevail. Pray that everyone associated with these brutal murders are also arrested.
* Thank the LORD for the good recovery of Noviana, the fourth girl in the beheadings attack who escaped, fleeing with slash wounds across her face.
* The government to have wisdom and strength in dealing with radicals who promote violence and persecution. Pray that the government will protect all of its citizens regardless of their religion, wisdom and conviction.
* Ivon's recovery. Pray for God's comfort and strength for her family, as well as Siti's family.
* The testimony of the Poso Christians to hold strong and to demonstrate Christ's love in the midst of the terror they are facing.
* The murders to not deter Christians and Muslims from being friends, loving and caring for one another in Poso and throughout Indonesia.

Source: IndonesiaWatch
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Iraq's Constitution Adopted

The vote on the constitution was 78.59 percent for ratification and 21.41 percent against, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq said. The charter required a simple majority nationwide with the provision that if two-thirds of the voters in any three provinces rejected it, the constitution would be defeated.
...

Some 9.8 million Iraqis cast ballots, or 63 percent of registered voters.
...
Pray for:
* Assyrian and Chaldean churches, which are meeting with the Vatican over concerns for the future of the national Iraqi Church.
* The new constitution to be recognized by all and be effective to protect religious liberty for all despite concerns that it will not.
* God to continue to move mightily in Iraq and for many to encounter Christ.
* God's protection for peacekeeping forces in Iraq. Pray for the plans of insurgents to be thwarted and for the violence to stop.
* Terrorists hiding out in Iraq or in any other country to be found and brought to justice. Pray Mark 4:22.
* Iraq to fulfill her destiny and the purpose God has in His heart for Iraq and the nation's people.

JORDAN-BASED MINISTRY DISTRIBUTES AID, BIBLES IN MIDDLE EAST
Manara Ministries, an evangelical relief and development agency based in Amman, Jordan, recently visited the two largest churches in Damascus, Syria,that are hosting Iraqi refugees. “Along with providing 2,000 Bibles, we were able to distribute some food parcels for needy widows in the area,” reports President Issam Ghattas. “We praise the Lord for obtaining government permission to ship 50,000 [Bible storybooks] for children into Syria.” Manara continues to operate Christian bookstores in Amman, Jordan, and Baghdad, Iraq, although book shipments from main suppliers in Cairo, Egypt, are sometimes blocked due to security problems. Manara, along with a local church, has organized the first widows’ conference in Iraq. [ASSIST 25 Oct.’05]

QATAR’S FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN 1,400 YEARS
The reform-minded emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, has
donated land on the outskirts of Doha for the construction of the first
Christian church in that country since the 7th century. The $7 million
Church of the Epiphany, which will open in 2006, will not have a spire or free-standing cross. Christianity was unknown in most Gulf Arab states within a few centuries of the arrival of Islam, but many Christians have migrated to the region since the discovery of oil. Qatar’s Anglican community is roughly 7,000 and 10,000 people. [CSM 10 Nov.’05]

SAT-7 LAUNCHES “2006 YEAR OF THE FAMILY” CAMPAIGN
Serving as the premier Arabic Christian satellite TV channel for millions of people in the Middle East and North Africa, SAT-7 announced today the launch of a new family initiative called the 2006 Year of the Family campaign to give the Christian message through the basic block of a family unit. Beginning next year, SAT-7 will be airing special television programs with the theme "Together we can shape the future!" Launched in 1996, SAT-7 developed satellite broadcasts for Christians of the Middle East and North Africa. Though it started airing only 2 hours of Arabic Christian TV per week, today the channel broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, bringing the message of Christ into millions of homes. [CHRISTIAN POST 10 Nov.’05]

MUSLIMS IN EUROPE
More than 53 million Muslims are currently living in Europe; 14 million of
them reside in the European Union (EU), according to the Central
Institute-Islam Archives in Soest, Germany. Among the 25 EU states France
has the highest number of Muslims – 5.5 million – followed by Germany (3.2
million), the United Kingdom (1.5 million) and Italy (1 million). Taking
into account the whole continent, Russia has 25 million Muslims and the
European part of Turkey 5.9 million. The Muslim population in Germany is
mostly made up of Turkish migrants, but the number of Muslims holding a
German passport has risen to almost one million. Muslim worship in Germany is on the rise. One in five Muslim adolescents worships regularly. The number of converts to Islam has reached a new high in Germany. According to the institute more than 1,100 persons changed their religion to Islam between 2004 and 2005. Approximately 60% of converts were women, most of them converting because they married a Muslim. But the reverse is also true: more and more Muslims in Germany become Christians. Most of them are Iranians in exile. The Islam-Institute believes that altogether more than 100,000 Iranian Shiites have converted to the Christian faith since the Islamic revolution. Most of them live in the United States. [IDEA Nov.’05]

RESOURCES
Visuals International has been printing picture-based Bible lessons for over 45 years. The teacher's texts have been translated in over 85 languages and the lessons used in over 150 countries. Check out what's available at:
http://www.biblevisuals.org or contact info@biblevisuals.org

“Global Missiology” is a free quarterly e-journal with original research and contributions from researchers, practitioners and scholars of international representation with global perspectives. http://www.globalmissiology.org
Email: editor@globalmissiology.org

=====
from:
NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM News & Information
[OMNI] in London, England. Material may be freely copied and circulated.
Items do not necessarily reflect OM position and questions should be
directed to the original news source. Html version can be found on
www.om.org. Please do not hit "reply" to this email as subscriptions are
automated. For a free e-mail subscription send a message to:
newsbytes-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

backdated & editted

Iraq, Middle East

Leader: Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari
Dominant Religion: Shia Islam
Christians: 2-3%
Persecution Ranking: 21st

Iraq is diverse in many ways. Geographically, there are deserts, there are fertile lands--well watered by the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, and there are mountainous parts in the north. Ethnically and religiously, about 55% of the population is predominantly Arab Shi'ite, 20% Arab Sunni, 20% Kurdish Sunni, and 5% comprised of other groups, including Turkmen Muslims, and Armenian and Assyrian Christians. Politically, Iraq is in transition. Saddam Hussein's rule ended in April 2003. Prime Minister Jaafari now heads an interim government, working toward the approval of a new constitution and further elections. During this period of much change, the number of evangelical Protestant churches in Baghdad increased from five in January to 2003 to 15 in 2004.

<+><
Prayer points:

= Pray for daily strength for each Christian, especially those living amidst the threat of violence and crime.
= Pray that the diversity of the Church will be a source of creativity and strength not of division and weakness.
= Pray for the establishment of peace, good government, freedom, religious liberty and democracy in Iraq.

<+><
Dear LORD Jesus, Prince of Peace, may Your peace reign in the hearts and minds of those in Iraq who seek You. Uphold Your Church in these days. Grant success to all who are striving for peaceful and godly governance. We pray that the government of Iraq would truly be a government for all Iraqis, and that it would protect minorities including Iraqi Christians. Amen.
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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, Voice of the Martyrs USA, and 3P Ministries.
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."

CHURCH IN IRAQ HELPS BELIEVERS IN NEW ORLEANS
A 300-member church in Iraq's northern Kurdistan governance is providing aid to Hurricane Katrina victims in the U.S. The church is collecting money to help the Adullam Christian Fellowship Church in an area that was hit hardest by the flooding. "We saw the pictures of the devastation on television," said Rev. Hazem, pastor of the two-year-old Kurdzman Church in Iraq. "We were motivated to help the people of New Orleans rebuild so we called our friends at World Compassion to see how to get money to Louisiana." World Compassion has been working in Iraq since U.S. forces entered. Randy Millett, pastor of the Adullam Christian Fellowship, most of whose 359 members are still homeless, was surprised but delighted by the Iraqi church's help. "We've been destroyed, but we will rebuild," he said. "And we're grateful for our friends around the world--including those in Iraq--who are standing with us during this difficult time." [ASSIST 26 Sept.'05]

Mission Focus #398

PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FROM THE TRAGEDY OF HURRICANE KATRINA. PRAY FOR IRAQIS WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM THE STAMPEDE OF SHIITE MUSLIMS WHERE OVER A THOUSAND DIED.

“Pray!” “Pray for the people who are suffering from the tragic disaster of Hurricane Katrina!” From many places of the world people said these words when they heard about the terrible disaster that had hit the south coastal area of the U.S. One Christian woman from India expressed some of her thoughts: “In your country, every one will get a new chance to stat again. Not so in our country. However, there is such gratefulness shown when poor people receive help in India. The very poorest person in the world has the greatest treasure when he finally turns to God and knows His love. I pray that the people in America, especially those who are suffering from Hurricane Katrina will realize that God does not want people to suffer, but He wants them to give all of their hearts and lives to Him. May those who do not know the Lord receive Him through the giving hearts of believers in America who are helping the victims of this tragedy.”

Many of the people living in New Orleans have been participants in various forms of spirit worship, such as voodoo and other cultic practices that cause serious spiritual problems. PRAY that this disaster will draw hearts closer to the true God for comfort, hope and guidance. PRAY that the sovereignty of God’s loving rule will be known to many who are going through this tragic event. PRAY that those who have been caught in darkness, depression, fear and sadness will truly come to give their lives over to God and receive a new life. PRAY for wisdom in regards to all redevelopment from the damage of this disaster. PRAY that a health crisis due to diseases that could happen from this disaster will not happen.

PRAY FOR IRAQ. PRAY for the families who are in shock and who are mourning family members killed in the stampede. It occurred while people were walking to a religious service at a Shiite mosque in Baghdad. The people became fearful when hey received a false warning of a bomb threat. Over a thousand died. PRAY that many will turn to God.

IRAQ: THE GOOD NEWS
Despite bombings, hostage-taking and political wrangling, some positive news has emerged about the growth of Iraqi churches. In Baghdad, 15 evangelical congregations have started since the removal of Saddam Hussein's regime in April 2003. Officially, only two existed before. Now local Iraqi pastors lead all congregations, and many Christians who fled the country have returned. "The people are open like never before," said Pastor Ghassan Thomas, adding, “Muslims too want peace. Many of them are frightened. When the hostages are killed, often a Quranic verse is used to justify it. So many Muslims are scared of their own God. When we preach that God is love, it is so liberating to them." In the northeast, Iraqi Kurdistan offers a haven for Christian activity as the two rival Kurdish governments reportedly grow in their toleration of Muslims becoming Christians. Kurds compose about 25% of Iraq’s population. Pray that the country’s new constitution will ensure freedom of religion. [COMPASS, 8 July ‘05]

RADICALS IN INDONESIA ORDER 8 MORE CHURCHES CLOSED
A campaign by a radical Islamic group to close down Christian churches in the Indonesian province of West Java has escalated in recent days, reported the Christian human rights group Jubilee Campaign. “Members of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), an organization of Muslim clerics that receives 5 billion rupees (nearly US$600,000) in support from the government of Indonesia, entered 8 churches during worship services on Aug. 14 and ordered the churches to close.” The incident brings to 35 the number of West Java churches shut down since the MUI issued a series of 11 religious rulings (fatwas) at the end of July. [ASSIST NEWS/HCJB 16 Aug.’05]

“CHRISTIANS IN CRISIS”
A Filipino pastor and evangelist who was tortured and scheduled for public hanging in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Christmas Day, 1992, now leads an organisation that supports persecuted Christians worldwide. Wally Magdangal had just two days left when he was spared execution through the intervention of international human rights groups, the U.S. Congress and White House. Accused of blasphemy, Magdangal said he was actually imprisoned for leading an underground church in Riyadh for 10 years. This had become one of the largest churches in Saudi Arabia with between 300 and 700 people attending services. After being deported, he and his family moved to the U.S. where he now operates “Christians in Crisis” [http://www.christiansincrisis.net], visiting heads of state to tell them about the persecution and torture of Christians and other groups in Saudi Arabia. [CHARISMA/CMDNET 6 Aug.05]

ARABIC SAT-7 VIEWERS FORM CHURCH IN SWEDEN
Ten Arabs in a small city in Sweden came to know Christ through broadcasts from the SAT-7 Arabic satellite network. Centres affiliated with SAT-7 in Europe often help viewers find and integrate into local Arabic churches. But since these new believers had no Arab-speaking church in their city, they decided to start their own. [MNN 25 July ‘05]

"BOILER ROOM" PRAYER FOR LONDON
The City of London is the latest location for a new type of prayer community known as "Boiler rooms". The centres owe their name to the claim of Victorian preacher CH Spurgeon that his ministry only bore fruit because of his "boiler rooms" of prayer warriors who prayed in the basement while he preached. The new breed of boiler rooms – five have opened so far – are an initiative of the 24/7 Prayer Network. The latest, in Tabernacle Street, Moorgate, includes lunchtime prayer for the business community and evening "complines" and has seen members praying on the tube in the aftermath of the London bombings. The groups seek to echo monastic principles as a refuge for prayer and hospitality. [NEWSWATCH/CHRISTIANITY 9/05]

GROWING MISSION-MINDED KIDS
Through the OMS International "Kids Can Do" education programme, kids can take a virtual mission trips and support project that make a huge difference. Says Susie Howard of OMS: "In a lot of Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools, the children will actually raise money for a project, but sometimes they really don't know what they're doing. By educating the children they have a better idea of who these people are. They have more compassion for them, tend to pray for them more at home, and hopefully someday be even open to the thought of going somewhere else and doing something." It's a programme not just for kids, but for adults who want to help develop missions-minded kids. For games and more info visit the Kids Corner page on the OMS website www.omsinternational.org [CMDNet 16 July ‘05]

RESOURCES
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is November 6, 2005. Find out more at:
http://www.releaseinternational.org/idop

Treasury of where to look for resources connecting children and missions!
http://missionresources.com/teachingkids.html

Free missionary stories for kids with downloadable coloring sheets from The National Children's Ministries Agency of the Assemblies of God
http://bgmc.ag.org/files/true-missionary-stories/index.cfm

NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM News & Information
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