News from The Alliance World

Alliance Missionaries Safe after Riot
[Thu, 3 Jul 2008 11:11:42 -0600]
A sate of emergency remains in effect in Mongolia after violence erupted earlier this week in Ulaanbaatar, the nation's capital, leaving five people dead. Thousands took to the streets to protest alleged fraud after the recent general election. All is well with Alliance personnel serving in Mongolia. "Our workers were not affected by the turmoil, and things are almost back to normal," said an Alliance spokesperson for the Mongolia team.  

Gulf Coast Ministries Growing
[Tue, 1 Jul 2008 14:48:25 -0600]
Nearly three years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, Alliance ministries that began with relief efforts are flourishing. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pastor Randy Knighten oversees several outreaches through the ministry center that was established immediately after the hurricane. An after-school program assists a dozen children, grades 3 through 8, with school work. “The successful program just completed its first year,” says Knighten. A food pantry ministry, a job skills class, and three years of Vacation Bible School have impacted a community of displaced people after the storm forced their relocation to Baton Rouge.  
 
In Wavleland, Mississippi, Mark Young has assumed leadership of Christian Life Center (CLC) and its ongoing relief efforts to help the community rebuild homes and lives. Volunteers continue to pour in, most recently 75 young people representing four youth groups that “painted, cleaned, dug, prayed and represented Christ well as His ambassadors,” says Young.  
 
Although the church plant is still in the early stages of development, the youth ministry is taking off. “Many who were completely uninterested in God a few months ago now have opened their hearts to Him,” Young says. “One young woman who has been a part of our community for the past 10 months recently made a commitment to follow Christ and has been instrumental in bringing many kids to hear the gospel.”  
 
As the church grows and temporary workers transition in and out, Young is praying that some of them will sense God’s call to permanent ministry in Waveland. “Workers are needed to minister to the people who come to CLC seeking help and hope,” he says. 
 

Balkan Youth Turn to God
[Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:04:02 -0600]
Nearly 1,000 young people participated in a recent Balkan-wide youth conference, where an Alliance ministry team led worship. The purpose of the conference was to encourage Balkan youth to turn their hearts toward God. "It was exciting to see the churches of the Balkans working together to inspire the next generation of believers," said Petula Meyers, an Alliance worker who serves in the region. "Pray that the next generation will have hearts fully devoted to the work of His Kingdom in the Balkans."  

Another Day of Trouble in Guinea
[Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:39:47 -0600]
By Alliance missionaries 
 
The morning was quiet, almost as if the neighborhood was deserted. Even the roosters didn't crow. It didn't surprise us. Yesterday was another day of trouble in the capital, and it seemed that everyone remained inside, out of sight and out of harm's way. A few weeks ago the military revolted; now it is the police, joined by customs officials.  
 
Two days ago, they went on strike. Some of them broke into one of the main police stations, stole the weapons, and took several high officials hostage. Word was they were looking for the minister of security. Yesterday, shootings and small skirmishes took place between the military and police. One incident occurred at about 5 p.m., not a half-mile from our house; the staccato of rifle fire spoke of how serious a turn things were taking. 
 
It seems that the country is slowly coming apart at the seams. Tomorrow, the long-threatened teachers' strike is set to start. And how will things fall out? That, only the Lord knows. So we sit, watch, and pray. Thank you for your prayers.  

Anti-Smoking Event Draws People to Jesus
[Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:05:23 -0600]
An outdoor outreach by an Alliance church in Russia drew many onlookers as believers celebrated the power of Jesus to free people from addictions. The event took place on May 31, designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "World No Tobacco Day." While the WHO urged governments that day to impose a ban on all tobacco adverting, the C&MA outreach featured the testimonies of Christians who had been freed from nicotine addictions. In addition, "two praise bands performed songs proclaiming the One who frees people from their sins," said Alliance missionaries Steve and Wendy Lovell. "Several Christians mingled with the passersby, explaining the four spiritual laws. Those who wished to do so could exchange their cigarette for a lollipop."  
 
The bands' concert stage was next to an open-air market, so many people passed by, "initially with displaced looks," said the Lovells. Later, the same faces appeared in the crowd of onlookers, this time bobbing their heads to the music and commenting supportively, "Now this is true propaganda!" People who filled out comment cards indicated the need for similar programs not just once a year but on a regular basis.  

Alliance Churches Spared from Recent Floods
[Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:45:47 -0600]
Floods have devastated communities in the C&MA’s MidAmerica District this spring. More than 20,000 residents evacuated Cedar Rapids, Iowa, following a series of storms that left 15 people dead. Randy Burg, district superintendent, reports, though, that "not one of our churches sustained flood damage, and the damage to Alliance families seems to be minimal." Those families that have been affected are receiving assistance from the church body, and believers are helping in outreach efforts to people outside the church. "It is always good when God's people find ways to minister to one another and to those in the community around them," said Burg. "We want to thank all of the churches that have offered to help with the cleanup. Your prayer support also is appreciated."  
 

Guinea Descends into Chaos
[Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:20:37 -0600]
Alliance missionaries report that the situation in Guinea, West Africa, remains unstable after soldiers negotiated a settlement with the president following a recent uprising. "The army mutiny is not over," said field director Ken Blackwell. "Some demands have been met, but the main camp is still controlled by the mutineers until all demands are met." 
 
Police have been shooting into the air and have made demands similar to those of the army. Also, workers are threatening to strike, and banditry has occurred on highways in broad daylight, which hasn't happened previously. "Please continue praying for Guinea and our team there," said Chris Braun, regional director for Africa.  

Hundreds of Indonesians Attend AIDS Awareness Seminar
[Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:55:13 -0600]
More than 300 people attended an HIV/AIDS seminar in Papua, Indonesia, where the virus is reaching epidemic proportions. Alliance missionary Todd Adams walked three hours up mountainous terrain to take part in the event. Adams had the opportunity to preach from the Word, and his fellow team members from the Alliance church presented vital information on AIDS prevention, including abstinence, using a booklet, skits, and a video.  
 
"This information is new to these people, and they appreciated the church sending its AIDS team to teach them," said Adams' wife, Debbie. "Pray for God's intervention in the ever-rising AIDS problem in Papua. Pray for the people, many of whom suffer from sickness without adequate medical care."  

Burkinabe Hunger for Truth
[Fri, 6 Jun 2008 15:29:07 -0600]
Eleven young men received Christ during a recent Bible study led by Toby Hull, Alliance missionary to Burkina Faso. After presenting the Old Testament account of the Flood, Hull explained that Noah's story foreshadowed the coming of Jesus and how salvation is available only through faith in Christ. He asked the men if any of them wanted to receive Jesus as Savior. All the young men stood to indicate they wanted to trust in Christ.  
 
Hull continued to ask questions to ensure that they fully understood the commitment they were about to make. They gave clear testimony of faith in Jesus. "They understood that just like the people would die in the flood if they were not in Noah's ark, they would be condemned for their sins if they don’t come to Jesus," said Hull. "So, all 11 young men prayed to accept Christ!" 
 
"It is an exciting time to be serving the Lord in Burkina Faso!" said Hull and his wife, Kiersten. "People are so open and hungry for the Truth. God is at work!" 

Update on Guinea Uprising
[Tue, 3 Jun 2008 15:08:07 -0600]
The president of Guinea, General Lasana Conte, has negotiated a settlement with a faction of the army that recently took over the airport and half of Conakry, the capital. The agreement included the release of back pay to the mutinous soldiers. "At present things are calm in Conakry, and businesses are open," said Alliance missionary Dan Ibsen. During the insurrection, most of the mission team was attending its annual field forum in N'Zerekore, about 600 miles away from Conakry.  

Violence Erupts in Guinea
[Thu, 29 May 2008 10:54:51 -0600]
Current Update on Guinea Situation: Reports from Conakry indicate that a faction of the Guinean military has taken control of the airport and half of the capital. 
 
The capital of Guinea is on a narrow peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean with the downtown business district and the presidential palace located at the end of this peninsula. Reports today, Thursday, indicate that the Red Berets, the special presidential guard, have set up barricades and military points of defense at the narrowest part of the pennisula, which is only several hundred meters wide. Citizens and businessmen have evacuated the downtown district. The faction is moving toward a conflict with the Red Berets. 
 
Update #1: Alliance workers in Guinea, who currently are attending their annual field forum, report that a possible coup d’etat is taking place in the capital city of Conakry. There have been several days of violence by a faction of the army that seemingly wants to bring about change in the country. Soldiers have captured a number of generals and have taken control of the airport and most of the city. The Alliance mission’s field forum is being held nearly 600 miles from the hostilities, and C&MA missionaries are safe. “We do not know what the future holds,” says one worker, “But please pray that God will be glorified in the lives of His people here.” 

Church with Alliance Roots Dedicated
[Thu, 29 May 2008 09:23:12 -0600]
Alliance missionaries Larry and Nancy Burg recently attended a church dedication in the village of Loonyu, Burkina Faso. “Loonyu holds a special place in our hearts,” say the Burgs, “as it is the home village of many of our friends and pastors around Burkina Faso.”  
 
Claiming a rich Alliance heritage, the Loonyu church began in 1938 with pastor Moise Traore, who suffered greatly for his faith yet persevered through persecution. The Burgs, who attended the event with colleagues Larry and Karen Wolters, report that today, the village is approximately 95 percent Christian. “The existing building was bursting at the seams,” says Larry, who participated in the expansion project. More than 2,500 people attended the dedication ceremony for the new sanctuary.  

Teens Feed the Poor
[Tue, 20 May 2008 14:21:56 -0600]
Nearly $10,000 was raised to feed the poor by members of WIRED, a youth group led by Alliance missionary Leanna Giesige, who serves in Burkina Faso. “When I finished [counting the money], I was dumbfounded,” says Giesige of the students’ generosity. “Due to God opening His storehouses through these teens, we were able to give grain to 600 families, which include approximately 5,000 people.”  
 
Although all of the estimated 20 metric tons of corn was distributed, nearly 200 hungry Burkinabé people lingered, begging for food to be shared with them. “It was one of the most heart-wrenching scenes of desperation,” says Giesige, who seized the teachable moment. “I told my group that we need to praise the Lord that he chose us to feed 600 families and use the memory [of those who did not receive] as a reminder of the great need and the reason we sacrificed and gave.”  
 
Approximately 45 teens participated in the food distribution project, which was facilitated by CAMA and ACCEDES, the relief arms of the U.S. C&MA and Burkina Faso national church, respectively. 
 
 
 

Alliance Hosts English Camp in Thai Prison
[Tue, 13 May 2008 10:25:19 -0600]
Prison officials in Thailand have given Team Isaan, an Alliance church-planting initiative, permission to conduct an English camp in two prisons where C&MA missionaries have been ministering. A short-term team from an Alliance church in Washington State has traveled to Thailand to teach the camp from May 12-14. This will be an opportunity to further build relationships among inmates and officials at both prisons. "Pray that the Lord will use this camp to advance His Kingdom within and outside the prison walls," said Alliance missionaries Jim and Kathy Sappia, who minister with Team Isaan. 

Myanmar Cyclone Relief
[Thu, 8 May 2008 11:40:09 -0600]
CAMA, the Alliance relief arm, will be making contact with C&MA church leaders in Myanmar to help with recovery efforts after a tropical cyclone ravaged the country. The death toll from a tropical cyclone that ravaged Myanmar could exceed 100,000, according to a U.S. envoy.  
 
The figure is almost five times the 22,000 fatalities estimated by the Myanmar government. A United Nations official reports that nearly 2,000 square miles are still under water. Lack of clean water, food, and medical supplies have prompted fear of communicable disease. Yangon, the main city, and surrounding rice-growing areas have been the hardest hit. The C&MA of Myanmar has a Bible school there as well as ministries in neighboring villages. 
 
"A compassionate response during a disaster tangibly expresses Christ's love and opens doors for other ministries," said Phil Skellie, director for CAMA. "Our initial goal is to raise $250,000 to assist with providing clean water and food, essential housing supplies (cooking utensils, basic furnishings) and materials for rebuilding homes." 
 
 

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