In This Issue: Praying for celebrity diplomacy and translations that transform
- SIERRA LEONE: Violence Erupts at Orthodox Mission Run by Former Australian Rock Star
- CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: New, Modern Bible Translation
- VIETNAM: Rare Religious Rights Success
- NEPAL: Tibetan Mother Believes, But Cannot Count Herself a Christian
Greetings!
In February Dennis Rodman visited North Korea. Last month Jennifer Lopez performed in Turkmenistan. Celebrity diplomacy is not new. It’s what Shirley Temple did when she grew up, and Charles Lindbergh and Jane Fonda visited the enemies of their times. Many celebrities get a hefty payout from these wealthy dictators. If stars are going where missionaries are not welcome, how might we pray for these forays?
I almost dismissed this news as having little or nothing to do with God’s kingdom, but then I came across the story of former rock star Themi Adams, who went from being idolized in the seventies to serving and worshiping Jesus in West Africa today. Read some of his story below.
I asked how we might pray. I’ll give it a go. Lord, may you teach celebrities about true worship and somehow use them in the hard places to advance your kingdom.
If celebrity diplomats don’t convince you of globalization’s reach, read Bagpipes Play Up A Storm in Pakistan’s Boom Town. There must be a prayer for this one, no?
blessings,
Pat
Missions Catalyst is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry. Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely! For additional news stories, follow us on Twitter.
Pat Noble has been the “news sleuth” for Missions Catalyst since 2004. In addition to churning out the news, she is working to create a SWARM (Serving World A Regional Mobilizers) in Northern New York using the NorthernChristian.org website. You can connect with her at www.whatsoeverthings.com.