New Articles
these we write ourselves
Literacy
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Out of 6.9 billion people in the world as of 2010, an estimated 5 billion are adults (leaving almost 2 billion children and youths under the age of 15). Of the adults, some 4.1 billion are literate, and 938.7 million are not (statistics from the Status of Global Mission 2010, archived at http://www.globalchristianity.org). This is [...]
5 comments
Out of 6.9 billion people in the world as of 2010, an estimated 5 billion are adults (leaving almost 2 billion children and youths under the age of 15). Of the adults, some 4.1 billion are literate, and 938.7 million are not (statistics from the Status of Global Mission 2010, archived at http://www.globalchristianity.org). This is [...]
2010 Status of Southern Europe
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The nations of Southern Europe were once great empires, but most have lost the glories of past positions and are struggling to advance into the modern global economy.The individual countries are fairly small, having few precious commodities but abundant natural resources like timber, water and metals. Many are landlocked, but sit on key trade routes [...]
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The nations of Southern Europe were once great empires, but most have lost the glories of past positions and are struggling to advance into the modern global economy.The individual countries are fairly small, having few precious commodities but abundant natural resources like timber, water and metals. Many are landlocked, but sit on key trade routes [...]
Infant Mortality
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During the early years of the church, one of the factors contributing to its survival was charity. Rodney Stark in “Cities of God: the real story of how Christianity became an urban movement and conquered Rome” gives numerous details: Christians cared for each other, and in an age when disease was dominant, the charity of [...]
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During the early years of the church, one of the factors contributing to its survival was charity. Rodney Stark in “Cities of God: the real story of how Christianity became an urban movement and conquered Rome” gives numerous details: Christians cared for each other, and in an age when disease was dominant, the charity of [...]
2010 Status of Russia
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Russia is the focus country for Eastern Europe (which we covered last week). It is the largest country in the world, spanning all of Asia and nearly half of Europe, and is the world’s largest in terms of forest reserves, minerals, and energy resources. Its lakes contain nearly a quarter of the world’s fresh water. [...]
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Russia is the focus country for Eastern Europe (which we covered last week). It is the largest country in the world, spanning all of Asia and nearly half of Europe, and is the world’s largest in terms of forest reserves, minerals, and energy resources. Its lakes contain nearly a quarter of the world’s fresh water. [...]
2010 Status of Eastern Europe
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Eastern Europe (Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine) has one of the largest landmasses of any region in the world. Russia is the largest country in the world, and Ukraine is the second largest in Europe. The region is rich in resources, with farmland, timber, oil and rare metals. It [...]
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Eastern Europe (Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine) has one of the largest landmasses of any region in the world. Russia is the largest country in the world, and Ukraine is the second largest in Europe. The region is rich in resources, with farmland, timber, oil and rare metals. It [...]
Step by Step to Crossing Cultures
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Most people don’t just leap directly into going overseas to live the rest of their lives in a foreign culture. They start with little stepping stones. You can take these steps intentionally, or you can help someone else do it, much like you would help a little child put their toe into the water, and [...]
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Most people don’t just leap directly into going overseas to live the rest of their lives in a foreign culture. They start with little stepping stones. You can take these steps intentionally, or you can help someone else do it, much like you would help a little child put their toe into the water, and [...]
Gawkers: I’m okay
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We love to gawk. Especially at things that have gone wrong. I think we like to gawk at terrible things because we can thump our chest and say “see, I’m okay. I’m not as bad off as that guy.” When we read about awesome things, awe inspiring things, thumping our chest and saying “I’m okay” [...]
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We love to gawk. Especially at things that have gone wrong. I think we like to gawk at terrible things because we can thump our chest and say “see, I’m okay. I’m not as bad off as that guy.” When we read about awesome things, awe inspiring things, thumping our chest and saying “I’m okay” [...]
Drive Journal: Unleash your Vision
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The first element of swarming is to identify and unleash the passion of your vision. In this journal, I track various articles related both to vision and execution. Seth Godin: Moving the line (the power of a zealot). Most of us don’t live on the extremes: we live in the middle. Zealots don’t move us [...]
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The first element of swarming is to identify and unleash the passion of your vision. In this journal, I track various articles related both to vision and execution. Seth Godin: Moving the line (the power of a zealot). Most of us don’t live on the extremes: we live in the middle. Zealots don’t move us [...]
Technology Journal: July 2010
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0. General Everything you ever need to know by John Naughton in the Guardian is a long but thoughtful analysis of the impact of the Internet. Growth of the Internet from 1998 to 2008 [INFOGRAPHIC] Undersea Cable Set To Boost West Africa Broadband (Epicenter) 1. Translation The Mojofiti social networking website uses real-time machine translation [...]
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0. General Everything you ever need to know by John Naughton in the Guardian is a long but thoughtful analysis of the impact of the Internet. Growth of the Internet from 1998 to 2008 [INFOGRAPHIC] Undersea Cable Set To Boost West Africa Broadband (Epicenter) 1. Translation The Mojofiti social networking website uses real-time machine translation [...]
Statistical Journal: July 2010
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Mobile phones worldwide Total cell phone subscribers, 2010: 5 billion Total mobile broadband subscribers, 2010: 1 billion Total mobile broadband subscribers, 2009: 600 million Source: International Telecommunications Union As more and more people are using cell phones for communications, banking and even Internet access, we will need to modify websites and evangelistic material to be [...]
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Mobile phones worldwide Total cell phone subscribers, 2010: 5 billion Total mobile broadband subscribers, 2010: 1 billion Total mobile broadband subscribers, 2009: 600 million Source: International Telecommunications Union As more and more people are using cell phones for communications, banking and even Internet access, we will need to modify websites and evangelistic material to be [...]
The solution is not to get “prayed up.”
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Ever hear this: “Are you prayed up enough?” Or “I’m just not prayed up.” Or “we need to get prayed up.” Unfortunately we often say this in a way that suggests if we were “prayed up” enough, then everything would be okay. “Get prayed up,” wrote one blog I came across, “and good things will [...]
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Ever hear this: “Are you prayed up enough?” Or “I’m just not prayed up.” Or “we need to get prayed up.” Unfortunately we often say this in a way that suggests if we were “prayed up” enough, then everything would be okay. “Get prayed up,” wrote one blog I came across, “and good things will [...]
In the long run
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…we’re all dead, says Seth Godin. I beg to differ. I have faith that, in the long run, we (at least those who follow Christ) will live forever. In the Long Run: I can learn to sing. (It might take decades, but…) I can explore the solar system. (It might take hundreds of years, but…) [...]
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…we’re all dead, says Seth Godin. I beg to differ. I have faith that, in the long run, we (at least those who follow Christ) will live forever. In the Long Run: I can learn to sing. (It might take decades, but…) I can explore the solar system. (It might take hundreds of years, but…) [...]
Portable Missions Libraries
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With the latest update, iBooks will now accept PDFs – retaining their full formatting. This means the iPad (or the iPhone) could become significant portable libraries of missions material. Any PDF (e.g. Mission Frontiers, the Perspectives reader, the World Christian Foundation courses, missions e-Books, etc) could be easily viewed on an iPad.
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With the latest update, iBooks will now accept PDFs – retaining their full formatting. This means the iPad (or the iPhone) could become significant portable libraries of missions material. Any PDF (e.g. Mission Frontiers, the Perspectives reader, the World Christian Foundation courses, missions e-Books, etc) could be easily viewed on an iPad.
How2: Step your church to the world
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http://bit.ly/a0ijgx – This is an interesting new resource from Catalyst Services: a step by step manual walking your church through a process of discovering, select, and implementing a “high impact cross-cultural initiative.” I haven’t personally seen or reviewed it, but according to the website it incorporates “best-practice recommendations of over 100 church partnership practitioners highlighted [...]
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http://bit.ly/a0ijgx – This is an interesting new resource from Catalyst Services: a step by step manual walking your church through a process of discovering, select, and implementing a “high impact cross-cultural initiative.” I haven’t personally seen or reviewed it, but according to the website it incorporates “best-practice recommendations of over 100 church partnership practitioners highlighted [...]
Vulnerabilities Journal: June 2010
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Each month we keep an eye on 15 major issues and here link to articles on major events in each category. These are global ‘vulnerabilities’ that can cause significant challenges or opportunities for the church and missions. Some categories will be empty month to month; we keep the categories standard. General Somalia in crisis: Drought, [...]
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Each month we keep an eye on 15 major issues and here link to articles on major events in each category. These are global ‘vulnerabilities’ that can cause significant challenges or opportunities for the church and missions. Some categories will be empty month to month; we keep the categories standard. General Somalia in crisis: Drought, [...]
Miniposts & Journals
little bits collected all over, irregular
When will Bible translation be finished?
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Eddie Arthur has a new post up discussing the complexity of answering a “finishing” question. He points out that it’s a lot easier to answer the question of “when will the end begin” than it is to answer “when will the end, end.” And then, at the end, he suggests one possible answer. (But you’ll [...]
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Eddie Arthur has a new post up discussing the complexity of answering a “finishing” question. He points out that it’s a lot easier to answer the question of “when will the end begin” than it is to answer “when will the end, end.” And then, at the end, he suggests one possible answer. (But you’ll [...]
Rick Warren on 7 Keys to Paul’s success
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“Even blinded, Paul knew he was headed to Damascus. Steps to take keep your direction in life and ministry.” See Rick Warren’s “Seven characteristics of successful ministry, part 1.” Useful in the vision category of swarming!
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“Even blinded, Paul knew he was headed to Damascus. Steps to take keep your direction in life and ministry.” See Rick Warren’s “Seven characteristics of successful ministry, part 1.” Useful in the vision category of swarming!
“Top Ideas” & Visions, Promises & ideas in the shower
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Lifehacker points to Paul Graham’s The Top Idea in Your Mind. “…the idea one thinks about when allowed to think freely—in the shower, for example—is more than a quiet obsession… a top idea in your head is getting all kinds of free, enthusiastic thinking that other ideas aren’t getting.” Graham goes on to talk about [...]
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Lifehacker points to Paul Graham’s The Top Idea in Your Mind. “…the idea one thinks about when allowed to think freely—in the shower, for example—is more than a quiet obsession… a top idea in your head is getting all kinds of free, enthusiastic thinking that other ideas aren’t getting.” Graham goes on to talk about [...]
Dan Pink discusses what drives us
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Why do people like swarms? Dan Pink’s research here uncovers three reasons. (But swarms have one big problem: most of them are not profitable. So the money issue is still on the table.) Watch and comment!
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Why do people like swarms? Dan Pink’s research here uncovers three reasons. (But swarms have one big problem: most of them are not profitable. So the money issue is still on the table.) Watch and comment!
YWAM’s swarm grows over Mongolia
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See “YWAM 50th Celebration in Mongolia.” The first base launched in Erdenet in 1998. Now, a little more than 10 years later, they have 5 bases and over 80 staff—most first generation believers. That means a new base has been launched at least every other year (although it would be interesting to plot out the [...]
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See “YWAM 50th Celebration in Mongolia.” The first base launched in Erdenet in 1998. Now, a little more than 10 years later, they have 5 bases and over 80 staff—most first generation believers. That means a new base has been launched at least every other year (although it would be interesting to plot out the [...]
Google Docs translates to 53 languages
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Mashable reports on a new feature: write your document in Google Docs, and then select “Translate document” from tools and translate it into 53 languages. What will this do for mission tools? Build simple docs in Google Docs and then hit translate! OR: Mashable rapports sur une nouvelle fonctionnalité: écrire votre document dans Google Docs, [...]
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Mashable reports on a new feature: write your document in Google Docs, and then select “Translate document” from tools and translate it into 53 languages. What will this do for mission tools? Build simple docs in Google Docs and then hit translate! OR: Mashable rapports sur une nouvelle fonctionnalité: écrire votre document dans Google Docs, [...]
7 simple rules to swarm
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A friend just asked me if I had any basic tips for decentralized networks. I ripped these off so fast that I realized they had become second nature to me – and they’re really not bad. So I thought I would post them here. If you want a swarm: 1. Be able to clearly articulate [...]
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A friend just asked me if I had any basic tips for decentralized networks. I ripped these off so fast that I realized they had become second nature to me – and they’re really not bad. So I thought I would post them here. If you want a swarm: 1. Be able to clearly articulate [...]
30 Days of Prayer For the Muslim World
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From Steve Hagerman: This year the thirty-day Muslim observance of Ramadan will be August 11 through September 9th. At this time, devout followers of Mohammed will fast during daylight hours and will have huge feasts after each sunset. Their attention will be largely focused on spiritual matters, and this is an ideal time to bring [...]
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From Steve Hagerman: This year the thirty-day Muslim observance of Ramadan will be August 11 through September 9th. At this time, devout followers of Mohammed will fast during daylight hours and will have huge feasts after each sunset. Their attention will be largely focused on spiritual matters, and this is an ideal time to bring [...]
Success is a gift from making the most of the time
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“…Nor is success simply the sum of the decisions and efforts we make on our own behalf. It is, rather, a gift. Outliers are those who have been given opportunities—and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them. For hockey and soccer players born in January, it’s a better shot at making the [...]
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“…Nor is success simply the sum of the decisions and efforts we make on our own behalf. It is, rather, a gift. Outliers are those who have been given opportunities—and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them. For hockey and soccer players born in January, it’s a better shot at making the [...]
Live as believers because you’re being recorded
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When historians of the future look back on the perils of the early digital age, Stacy Snyder may well be an icon. The problem she faced is only one example of a challenge that, in big and small ways, is confronting millions of people around the globe: how best to live our lives in a [...]
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When historians of the future look back on the perils of the early digital age, Stacy Snyder may well be an icon. The problem she faced is only one example of a challenge that, in big and small ways, is confronting millions of people around the globe: how best to live our lives in a [...]
Kids need to indulge in ‘risky play’, suggest experts
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“Experts have suggested that children should indulge in some amount of risky play to learn to face danger. They have warned that overprotecting children during the summer holidays actually put them at greater risk of harm. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has said by trying to save children from risk, parents are depriving [...]
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“Experts have suggested that children should indulge in some amount of risky play to learn to face danger. They have warned that overprotecting children during the summer holidays actually put them at greater risk of harm. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has said by trying to save children from risk, parents are depriving [...]
Stats in Perspective: 200 ‘witches’ killed each year
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The Straits Times this morning is reporting that 200 ‘witches’ killed each year in India: women lynched after being accused of practising witchcraft. This sounds like a terrible number, but it’s an example of a statistic that can get us carried away. Any one falsely accused and executed is a terrible thing, and should be worked against. [...]
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The Straits Times this morning is reporting that 200 ‘witches’ killed each year in India: women lynched after being accused of practising witchcraft. This sounds like a terrible number, but it’s an example of a statistic that can get us carried away. Any one falsely accused and executed is a terrible thing, and should be worked against. [...]
What is the difference (online evangelism/ministry)
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…between crossing into a different culture in the physical world, and crossing into a different culture in the online world? …between exchanging currency from Dollars to Ringgits, and exchanging currency into a vultural world? …between being a blessing in the context of a natural disaster, and being a blessing in the context of an online [...]
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…between crossing into a different culture in the physical world, and crossing into a different culture in the online world? …between exchanging currency from Dollars to Ringgits, and exchanging currency into a vultural world? …between being a blessing in the context of a natural disaster, and being a blessing in the context of an online [...]
Networks: The Secret of Successful Entrepreneurs
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This Wired.com article is a critically important article to read, with implications for ministries as well as small business, and will become a new source article for me on the power of weak ties and the importance of swarms. “Unless we take our social circle into account – that collection of weak ties and remote acquaintances [...]
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This Wired.com article is a critically important article to read, with implications for ministries as well as small business, and will become a new source article for me on the power of weak ties and the importance of swarms. “Unless we take our social circle into account – that collection of weak ties and remote acquaintances [...]
Chrome: a Case Study in Rapid Iteration
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A New Version Of Google Chrome Now Due Every Six Weeks. The reason: Google is creating many few features at ever greater speeds and want to get them to users – however, it also ends up easing the pressure on developers. When releases are slow (e.g. every 6 months or so) designers get pressured to [...]
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A New Version Of Google Chrome Now Due Every Six Weeks. The reason: Google is creating many few features at ever greater speeds and want to get them to users – however, it also ends up easing the pressure on developers. When releases are slow (e.g. every 6 months or so) designers get pressured to [...]
Elsewhere
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Iranian Christian Church Worker Held Prisoner for Possessing a Bible
"An Iranian Christian believer is being held in Iran s notorious Evin prison solely for owning a Bible."
"An Iranian Christian believer is being held in Iran s notorious Evin prison solely for owning a Bible."
Open Doors Ministry Makes Impact around the Globe
"Open Doors is making a huge impact around the world with its projects this year. Here is a look at three of them."
"Open Doors is making a huge impact around the world with its projects this year. Here is a look at three of them."
Vacation Bible Schools on the Mission Field
"In a small Asian border town, a team of staff and students from a local Bible college conducted a Vacation Bible School in a local believer’s home. The children were so happy that team brought VBS to them. The VBS kicked off with prayer and sing..."
"In a small Asian border town, a team of staff and students from a local Bible college conducted a Vacation Bible School in a local believer’s home. The children were so happy that team brought VBS to them. The VBS kicked off with prayer and sing..."
Christian Evangelist And Believer Attacked By Hindu Radicals In Madhya Pradesh State, India
"A group of Hindu radicals attacked a Christian evangelist and a believer traveling with him during a ministry visit on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Balaghat village in Madhya Pradesh State, India."
"A group of Hindu radicals attacked a Christian evangelist and a believer traveling with him during a ministry visit on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Balaghat village in Madhya Pradesh State, India."
Ministry produces, delivers food worldwide
"Last year, Gleanings for the Hungry ministry produced 4 million pounds of food for partnering churches and missions agencies. As part of their partnership, Convoy of Hope transports donated goods to Gleanings for the Hungry and they transport the final product to Convoy of Hope — this allows both agencies to help feed the hungry."
"Last year, Gleanings for the Hungry ministry produced 4 million pounds of food for partnering churches and missions agencies. As part of their partnership, Convoy of Hope transports donated goods to Gleanings for the Hungry and they transport the final product to Convoy of Hope — this allows both agencies to help feed the hungry."
The Day of the Child
"This upcoming seminar kicks off the Year of the Child for AG World Missions and Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge."
"This upcoming seminar kicks off the Year of the Child for AG World Missions and Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge."
How to Conduct Your Own Business Audit
" Last week I headed out for the Sunday morning long run, and my legs decided not to cooperate. After four miles, it was time to pack it in. Bummer—so I tried again a few days ago. The same thing ha ... "
" Last week I headed out for the Sunday morning long run, and my legs decided not to cooperate. After four miles, it was time to pack it in. Bummer—so I tried again a few days ago. The same thing ha ... "
Africa: Race on for BP's African Assets
"BP Plc is in talks with India's Reliance Industries and Essar Group to sell its African retail assets, including those in Namibia, that could be worth as much as US$500 million, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters yesterday."
"BP Plc is in talks with India's Reliance Industries and Essar Group to sell its African retail assets, including those in Namibia, that could be worth as much as US$500 million, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters yesterday."
Zimbabwe: 'Operation Shut Your Mouth'
"The violence and intimidation being perpetrated by ZANU-PF to sabotage the constitutional outreach programme has turned into a fully-fledged official campaign dubbed, Operation "Vhara Muromo", which means "Shut Your Mouth"."
"The violence and intimidation being perpetrated by ZANU-PF to sabotage the constitutional outreach programme has turned into a fully-fledged official campaign dubbed, Operation "Vhara Muromo", which means "Shut Your Mouth"."
Africa: Addressing the Role of Religion in HIV Response
"At a church compound in Nairobi's Mathare slum, women and their children line up for food rations. Among them is Zipporah Mueni, an HIV-positive mother of five."
"At a church compound in Nairobi's Mathare slum, women and their children line up for food rations. Among them is Zipporah Mueni, an HIV-positive mother of five."
Christians commanded to love their Muslim neighbors, panelists insist
"HONOLULU (ABP) -- An American missions professor who served more than two decades in Indonesia and an Arab Baptist educator..."
"HONOLULU (ABP) -- An American missions professor who served more than two decades in Indonesia and an Arab Baptist educator..."
Welcome to the Era of Creative Meritocracy
"Imagine a world where the best ideas have the best chance to succeed. No more favoritism that places the wrong people on creative projects. Cut out the middlemen that arbitrarily recommend cost-effici ... "
"Imagine a world where the best ideas have the best chance to succeed. No more favoritism that places the wrong people on creative projects. Cut out the middlemen that arbitrarily recommend cost-effici ... "
Europe's bike gangs spreading
"BRUSSELS - CRIMINAL biker gangs are expanding rapidly into southeastern Europe, authorities warned on Friday, saying that the Hells Angels and other groups were growing bolder and more violent in their activities. Europol, the pan-European police agency, said gangs linked to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and the Bandidos had moved into Albania, Bulgaria and parts of Turkey to focus on drug-running and other criminal activity."
"BRUSSELS - CRIMINAL biker gangs are expanding rapidly into southeastern Europe, authorities warned on Friday, saying that the Hells Angels and other groups were growing bolder and more violent in their activities. Europol, the pan-European police agency, said gangs linked to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and the Bandidos had moved into Albania, Bulgaria and parts of Turkey to focus on drug-running and other criminal activity."
Suspected Islamists shoot five Christians to death in Pakistan
"A dozen masked men shot five Christians to death as they came out of their church building on July 15, two months after a banned Islamic extremist group sent church leaders a threatening letter..."
"A dozen masked men shot five Christians to death as they came out of their church building on July 15, two months after a banned Islamic extremist group sent church leaders a threatening letter..."
Pastor fined in Belarus
"Pastor Viktor Novik, who leads a Pentecostal congregation in the village of Bolshie Lepesy near Kobrin in western Belarus, has been fined three times in one day for sharing his faith in the open air in a nearby village on three separate occasions..."
"Pastor Viktor Novik, who leads a Pentecostal congregation in the village of Bolshie Lepesy near Kobrin in western Belarus, has been fined three times in one day for sharing his faith in the open air in a nearby village on three separate occasions..."
Another Christian abducted in Kirkuk, Iraq
"A group of armed men abducted a Chaldean Christian man on July 29 in Kirkuk. Yonan (Jonas ) Daniel Mammo, 50, was closing his office in the Almas neighbourhood when three armed individuals got out of a BMW and took him..."
"A group of armed men abducted a Chaldean Christian man on July 29 in Kirkuk. Yonan (Jonas ) Daniel Mammo, 50, was closing his office in the Almas neighbourhood when three armed individuals got out of a BMW and took him..."
Baptists from 105 Countries Unite in Honolulu
"Thousands of Baptists from around the world have converged in Honolulu this week for the 20th Baptist World Congress. Outgoing BWA president David Coffey opened up the gathering challenging Baptists to hear the Holy Spirit."
"Thousands of Baptists from around the world have converged in Honolulu this week for the 20th Baptist World Congress. Outgoing BWA president David Coffey opened up the gathering challenging Baptists to hear the Holy Spirit."
Evangelical Leaders Pan Qur'an Burn Plan
"NAE issues public plea. Richard Land calls it "appalling, disgusting, and brainless.""
"NAE issues public plea. Richard Land calls it "appalling, disgusting, and brainless.""