Message

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 22 - January 2005
To contact us, or discontinue, write only to worldconv@aol.com -
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The world has been shocked by the devastation wrought by the massive earthquake and resulting tsunami in Southeast Asia. On behalf of our global family we express deepest sympathy to all who have suffered loss of family, friends and possessions. May you know the comfort of our Lord's presence at this time of grief.

While the World Convention is not conducting an appeal we would encourage all supporters to make a donation through their local network to assist those who are suffering. If you need information on where to send your support please contact our Nashville office.

Doctoral Degree with Distinction

Saleem Massey of the Pakistan Christian Evangelical Service received his doctorial degree with distinction on October 16, 2004 from European Theological Seminary, Birmingham, U.K. He wrote his thesis on "A Critical Analysis of the Self-Claims of Jesus Christ with Special Reference to the Quran." We congratulate Saleem on this achievement.

Alan Todd (NZ) reports on the proposed new NGO bill being pushed through by the Zimbabwe government. "One of the dangers appears to be the formation of a State Church Council which will probably be given powers to control activities of the churches. All churches will be required to register with the Council. Failure to do so will result in a ban. The State Church Council will be put in place before the next General Election in March 2005. Once registered, each church group will have to abide by the terms of the bill including a restriction on the churches from doing some charity work because this is not considered to be "religious work". The bill will also give the Government (i.e. ZANU Party) the right to attend church services and campaign. If the church is perceived to be anti-ZANU, it could be banned and the church building taken over by the State."

On December 31 Robert Smith concluded as National Executive Officer of the Australian Churches of Christ. The new acting National Executive Officer is Nigel Pegram, sub-editor of The Australian Christian. We thank Robert for his years of dedicated service and welcome Nigel to this vital leadership role for the Australian Churches. Former National President Peter Overton will begin as Executive Director of the Australian Churches of Christ Overseas Mission Board Inc. on February 1^st.

First Christian Church Columbia, Missouri has come up with a novel way to assist their local community. They collect flip-top can tabs for Ronald McDonald House. The tabs, made of higher quality aluminum, are recycled. The cash then buys supplies for Ronald McDonald House's 14 bedrooms, plus bathrooms and kitchen. The house is a brief home away from home for some 800 families every year who could not otherwise afford to come to be with their children who are hospitalized. So far the Church has donated 183 lbs. 6oz. of can tabs.

Despite a survey that recently found that a declining number of people in the Netherlands are attending church, a new Dutch translation of the Bible has "catapulted" onto the bestseller lists. The first copy of the New Bible Translation was presented to Queen Beatrix on October 27 and released to the public two days later. One week after its launch, three of the various editions of the Bible were on the 10 top best sellers list. The launch of the new translation triggered several Bible reading marathons throughout the Netherlands. One marathon lasted for five days where about 400 people took turns to read aloud the entire text of the new translation. (REC News Exchange)

Alberta Bible College Canada has begun a TESOL program. The curriculum is designed to equip English speakers who desire to meet the growing call for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. The program will be TESOL Canada (an accrediting body) certifiable, and can be used towards ABC's Bachelor of Religious Education, International Studies Major or towards a BA, TESOL Ministry Major. The college reports that more of their female graduates have been involved in teaching English overseas, than any other vocational ministry.

Women representing 12 regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) participated in the 2004 Woman-to-Woman Worldwide (WWW) delegation. This year's trip took 19 participants to Kenya, East Africa from Nov. 8-23. WWW allows Disciples women to travel internationally each year to experience life with Christian women in other parts of the world.

Training Christians for Ministry (TCM) who prepare people for ministry in Eastern and Central Europe has expanded its student intake from 346 in 2000 to over 600 in 2005.

11-12 Ministers Week at Phillips Theological Seminary Tulsa, Okla. - Presenter Dr William Tabernee

21-22 Christian Church in South Carolina Clergy and Mates Retreat - Presenter Dr Carolyn Higginbotham

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."

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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NASHVILLE USA

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