'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 27 – June 2005
To contact us, or discontinue, write only to worldconv@aol.com 
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Situation worsens in Zimbabwe:

We have received reports of increased violence against citizens in Zimbabwe. One report was of police dismantling market stalls in the streets of Bulawayo and confiscating all the traders’ goods. These stalls are not illegal and the traders are usually poor rural folk who have brought goods to sell in the city in order to survive. Another report details “100 riot police with AK’s and bulldozers demolishing houses because they are too close to the airport, yet these houses have been standing for many years.” The BBC's Themba Nkosi says that Police in Zimbabwe have fought running battles with residents of one of the oldest townships of the second city, as they demolished illegal structures. Makhokhoba in Bulawayo was the centre of resistance to colonial rule. A police spokesman said that more than 20,000 structures had been destroyed and 30,000 arrested in the three-week nationwide operation. The opposition says "Operation Murambatsvina [Drive out rubbish]" is punishment for urban dwellers who mostly voted against the ruling Zanu PF party in March elections. President Robert Mugabe said it is needed to "restore sanity" to Zimbabwe's towns and cities. The crackdown, which the United Nations says has left some 200,000 people homeless, has been condemned by Zimbabwe's churches, teachers and doctors. Zimbabwe's teachers' association said it had been a "catastrophe". There is grave concern for the people of Zimbabwe. Already the economic situation and drought is placing the community at extreme risk, basic commodities such as bread and milk are difficult to find. Lines for fuel snake around city blocks and still there is little or none on sale. Vice President of the World Convention Mr. B.J. Mpofu who lives in Bulawayo and is an elder of Makhokhoba Church of Christ, has asked that we place an urgent call for prayer before our people, he says; “please do not allow Zimbabwe to become another Rwanda, we need your prayers for God to intervene.”

New President named for World Bible Translation Center

World Bible Translation Center announces the appointment of Gary L. Bishop as President on May 12, 2005. Bishop has been serving for the past year in the position of Vice-President for Development. Bishop served as President and CEO of Mission Aviation Fellowship headquartered in Redlands, CA for six years prior to joining WBTC in 2004. Before moving into ministry leadership, Bishop served as Executive Director for Pittsburgh International Airport, and as an Executive for AT&T Corporation. The World Bible Translation Center has completed 31 New Testaments and 15 Bibles in the last 31 years. More than 3.2 million of the Center’s Bibles, New Testaments and Scripture portions were distributed during 2004.

Great-Granddaughter of Alexander Campbell Dies:

The great-granddaughter of Alexander Campbell, Elizabeth Decima Barclay Martin, died May 30 in Scottsbluff, Neb. Born in 1919, she was named after Campbell's youngest daughter, Decima Campbell Barclay. The graveside service was held June 3 in Pawnee City, Neb., where she and her husband raised their three sons. Martin was a member of Disciples churches in Pawnee City and Sun City, Ariz., as well as Scottsbluff, Neb. She was a schoolteacher for many years.

Former Regional Minister of Pacific Southwest Dies

Charles Malotte, former Disciples of Christ regional minister of the Pacific Southwest from 1969-1985, passed June 5. He served on the boards of the Disciples Seminary Foundation, Chapman University, California Christian Home, United Christian Missionary Society and National City Christian Church Corporation in Washington, D.C. A graduate of Phillips University and Brite Divinity School, Malotte ministered at churches in Texas, Ohio and the Philippines.

Reaching Muslims

An evangelical satellite network is making a big impact in the Muslim world. Back in 1996, SAT-7 began broadcasting Christian programming two hours a week to the Middle East and North Africa. Today the network broadcasts 24 hours a day. Recently, surveys conducted by audience research firm InterMedia found SAT-7 has six million occasional viewers and 2 to 3 million people watching either daily or at least once a week. The station continues to appeal to Muslims viewers and others whose hearts may be ready to respond to the gospel's saving message. SAT-7 recently began broadcasting to parts of Australia and continues to expand its ministry in other areas of the world, particularly in places that are officially hostile to the gospel, but where Muslims and other non-Christians are hungry for the truth of God's Word. Allie Martin, Agape Press

World Convention Breakfast

The World Convention will conduct a special breakfast meeting at the Disciples of Christ-Christian Church General Assembly in Portland, Oregon. The breakfast will be at 7am on Monday 25^th at the Double Tree PNW Ballroom, cost is $10 per person. The General Secretary will share an update of the latest news from World Convention including plans for the 17^th Convention in Nashville 2008. Tickets are available from the World Convention office (615) 331 1824 or email; worldconv@aol.com

News Briefs

Asia Pacific Christian Mission International – Indonesia, report they have recently baptized 70 people and planted three new churches in this the largest Muslim nation in the world. In August they plan the send out 10 new Church Planters to eight provinces. Christian Riders Ministry a US based ministry to motorcycle riders has just established a new ministry called Jesus Christ Ambassadors Motorcycle Ministry. In essence it is a church based small group program that will provide motorcyclists within the Church a way to do local ministry. Jeff and Monica Fife working with a newly established Church at Campo Limpo, Brazil report that they are averaging between 50 and 60 adults and about 35 children at Sunday Services. They have plans to plant a further 2 Churches as funds become available. Indian Pastor Bhimrao Thavare has been appointed Field Director for the Australian Churches of Christ work in the Fiji Islands. Pastor Thavare comes from the Conference of Churches of Christ work in Western India, he has been serving in Fiji for three years.  On June 18 there will be a gathering of the Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Britain to explore ways of establishing new congregations. Evangelist Reggie Thomas reports that the 40^th  Convention of the Churches of Christ/Christian Churches in the Philippines was an outstanding and inspirational success.  Over 500 registrations were received and almost 700 attended the closing service. Haitian Arnold Garcon of North Haiti Mission conducted a successful mission in Peru. He was able to distribute used clothing and Bibles to encourage the Churches.

Diamond Campaign

Giving a gift to the Diamond Campaign is a great way of celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the World Convention. Those who give a gift of $75 US or more will receive one of our specially cast anniversary key rings.  With a gift of $750 US you choose between a gift of “The Encyclopedia of the Stone Campbell Movement”, or a special desk top 75^th anniversary crystal paper weight. Those who give a gift of $1000 US will receive a free entry to the 2008 World Convention (What a great way for Churches to reward to their Pastor!).

Events for prayer:
- June 18 Gathering of Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Britain to explore ways of establishing new congregations.

- June 24 – 25 Annual Meeting of the Australian Churches of Christ Overseas Mission Board & Churches of Christ Overseas Aid

- June 25 Cane Ridge Day - all welcome to share at this historical site.

- June 28 – 30 North American Christian Convention (Midwest) Southland Christian Church, Lexington, KY

- July 12 – 14 North American Christian Convention at Jacksonville, Florida.

- July 23 – 27 General Assembly Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Portland, Oregon.

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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“Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” 1John 2:6.