'ChristiaNet'
Monthly Global News and Information for members and friends of the
Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ family of churches around the world from 'World Convention'
Number 21 - December 2004
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Christmas Greetings
To all our regular readers of ChristiaNet we extend Christmas greetings. This is my first solo attempt at writing ChristiaNet. Lyndsay and Lorraine Jacobs departed for New Zealand on November 30th. We wish them well as they settle into a well earned retirement. Thank you to the many supporters of the World Convention who have sent greetings to Rosemary and me as I make the transition into the General Secretary's role. We have been overwhelmed by all the kindness shared with us. We pray that our ministry will encourage the unity of our Stone-Campbell family.
Report from Grenada
Kenroy Clarke, missionary in Barbados, reports that the island of Grenada is rebuilding after the passing of typhoon Ivan. He says; "the Caribbean International Christian Mission (CICM) sent a team of six persons to the island for five days. While there we replaced the roofs of two of the church buildings. We also shipped a twenty-foot container of building and food supplies. The Church in Grenada is very appreciative of all the assistance given to them and asks that you continue to pray for them."
Report from Haiti
Etienne Prophete of Haitian Christian Mission reports; "Everyday in Haiti many people get shot. Everyday businesses close because of violence. One of our teachers had his vehicle taken away from him by force. One of the principles of our school is in hiding because of kidnapping threats. Thugs come to our schools and ask for money to buy bullets all the time. A businessman was charged $10,000 by the thugs. He paid it and closed the business. We would be disheartened by the situation if were not for Christ. Only Christ makes a difference in our lives here." 

United Church of Canada provides educational scholarships for AIDS lectures
The United Church of Canada has made a large grant to the Protestant University of the Congo to provide a series of lectures for students about AIDS. Each year hundreds of thousands of Africans die as a result of this terrible disease. The students, many of whom will become future Congo leaders, will be educated in all aspects of the disease so that they can educate others in the community.
Significant meetings in US
Recently two significant meetings have been conducted in the US within the Stone-Campbell movement. Rochester College and Great Lakes Christian College hosted Restoration Forum XXII October 15 -17 at Rochester College and leaders from a cappella and independent Christian Churches met October 27 - 29 in Grand Prairie, Texas. Both events have been hailed as successful in raising the cooperation between the two groups. Around 300 attended the Grand Prairie event, 200 of these were from independent Christian churches and churches of Christ, and 100 from a cappella churches of Christ. The Christian Standard reports; "Throughout the week attendees heard about instrumental and a cappella churches merging or cooperating to plant a new church."
A home for Christchurch (NZ) Chinese Church
Following 15 years of outreach the Christchurch New Zealand Chinese Church is to have its own home. The Church has been able to purchase a building presently being used by the YMCA as a fitness center. A lot of discussion took place with the local government authorities in order to meet planning regulations.  The church will take possession of the building on December 15th. Opening ceremonies are being planned for April 25th - May 1st 2005.  The church Pastor, Jack Stewart, reports that they have 350 meeting in two congregations and have baptized over 500 people in the past 15 years. Many of these are now scattered throughout the world. The church hopes to open debt free.

Sympathy to Australian evangelist Doug Willis
We sadly report that Joyce, wife of Australian evangelist Doug Willis passed away in her sleep on December 3rd. The Willis family is well known to many in our Stone-Campbell family around the world. Our sympathy is with Doug and his family at this time of grief.
President required
The Disciples of Christ Historical Society seeks applications from suitably qualified people for the role of President. The President will serve as the chief executive officer for the society and collaborate with all manifestations of the church general, regional, and congregational. A commitment to and knowledge of all traditions in the Stone-Campbell Movement and awareness of ethnic minority movements within the strands is requisite. Applications should be forwarded to the chair of the search committee: Dr Laura Hobgood-Oster, Southwestern University, Department of Religion, Box 770 Georgetown, TX 78627-0770. Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a list of references. Electronic copies (Word attachments preferred) can be submitted via email to: hoboster@southwestern.edu. Deadline is March 1st 2005.
News Snippets
- Mark Nichols, long time missionary in Ireland with TEAM Expansion, lost his wife Kelly in Dublin recently following a long battle with a brain tumor. Mark and Kelly have two girls aged 8 and 9. Our prayers are with Mark and his family at this time.
- Recently three typhoons hit the Northern Philippines.  Many of the townspeople affected are Church of Christ members.
- Many are aware of the work of Dr Iris Paul and the Reaching Hand Society in Orissa State India. Unfortunately Dr Paul is having heart problems and may need a by-pass operation. Please pray for her at this time.
- Recently Carmille Yangmi from the Asian Christian Mission at Chiang Mai, Thailand made a three week trip to Myanmar (Burma) to organize a food distribution program in northern Kachin State. These people lost their food crops in recent monsoon floods. Carmille reports the people literally wept for joy saying, "no one has ever shown kindness to us in this way before. God bless you many times over."
- Deaf Ministries International report that they have recently completed construction of a new dormitory at Davao, Philippines. The facilities include accommodation for about 100 children, a church meeting place on the top story able to seat more than 400 people, a "gym" or play area, rooms which have an en suite toilet and bathroom, (17 toilets in all, an improvement on the three or so in the old facility) clinic, office, waiting room, kitchens and guest facilities.

Events for prayer:
- European Mid-Winter Rally.  December 27-31, Hermeskeil, Germany.  Organised  by Christian Churches/Churches of Christ members from the USA & Germany and open to all.  www.midwinterrally.com or info@midwinterrally.com
- January 18-25, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  (Some southern hemisphere countries choose different dates.)  www.geii.org/#wpcu
World Convention seeks to build up fellowship, understanding and common purpose within the Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ family of churches, now serving and witnessing as part of Christ's church in no less than 178 countries.
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1 Corinthians 10:31-32

World Convention (Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ)
4800 B Franklin Road, Nashville TN 37220-1199, USA
Phone +1 (615) 331-1824; Fax  +1 (615) 331-1864
worldconv@aol.com    www.worldconvention.org
General Secretary: Jeff Weston