Philippines (MNN) -- More than 70 people in the Philippines are still missing following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake. The quake hit the Island of Negros leaving at least 42 dead. You may have sponsored children in the region through Compassion International. Compassion's Kathy Redmond says, "It's an area where we have about 25 child development centers. It looks like Bacolod City was affected, but in our centers we have had no children affected so far." Compassion staffers are still completing their assessment, however. Disaster compounds the need for people to sponsor children. Since Compassion works through the local church, all victims of the tragedy are given aid and more. "When people go in to receive some of their basic survival needs, they are given the Gospel also as a survival need," says Redmond. "So it all happens in the church, and we can see the church transforming communities in that way." Click on Featured Links page at our Web site to sponsor a child or help with other needs.
Egypt (MNN) -- Ruth Kramer with Mission Network News is in Tahrir Square in Cairo with the latest about Egypt's Revolution. "Everybody loves an underdog. That's part of the magnetic draw of Egypt's ongoing Revolution. There's a great deal of future on the line. Christians are finding this is an opportune time to be a part of making history and creating a future. We spoke with pastor Fawzi Wahib, who says it's really the cream of society at the forefront of change. 'You are talking about the cream of the society. The best people, and they are willing to go with you into a very deep discussion about if we don't succeed today, we will have another century before Revolution will come back again.' It's been a chance for Christians to build credibility, too. Many are on the front lines, ready to guide a wave of revival--revival that begins in the revolution of the heart."
India (MNN) -- India's not exactly known to have its prostitution problem under control. But there is an even darker branch of the problem few outsiders know about. Temple prostitution was banned 30 years ago but lives on. The International Mission Board reports that poor families dedicate their baby girls to a goddess in hope of favor. When the girls reach 11 or 12, they are forced to work as prostitutes. But Christian workers are bringing hope to these women with the Gospel. Read more at our Web site.
India (MNN) -- The thirst for the Gospel is great in India, but resources are more than dried up. The work of Audio Scripture Ministries there over the last few months has been overwhelmed. While ASM has been able to record new Scripture recordings and reach new people, it's not enough. JP Sundararajan says a team recently distributed 350 audio Bibles to Mundari speakers. "When I was done with the distribution, the missionary looked at me and said, 'No, we need 5,000 for this village.' For this village he needs 5,000! And for that area--roughly a few villages in that area, they want 9,000 units!" The shortage wasn't a one-time occurrence. "Every time we go to a distribution, it is one of the more heart wrenching scenes you'll see. There are too many people who wait outside these distribution areas. As we walk out, they keep begging with us--pleading with us--for one Bible." But God is moving in amazing ways through the units that have been distributed. You can be part of it. Find more at our Web site, keyword Featured Links.
USA (MNN) -- Food for the Hungry is gearing up for International Women's Day. March 8th is day dedicated to celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women. FH believes there's hidden potential in the lives of women trapped in poverty, and they're helping through programs like "Kitchen Gardens." It helps women earn a living in the third world through home gardening. Through the local church, they find eternal hope. You can help them by walking and running. Find out how at our Web site, keyword Featured Links.
