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News Briefs

UNITED STATES

Minnesota pastor Jonathan Reckford was unanimously named CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, an organization which builds homes in more than 100 nations around the world. Having worked in leadership positions in several public-sector corporations, including Best Buy, Inc. and Circuit City, Reckford most recently served as executive pastor for Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, MN, USA. Reckford will begin his official duties as CEO in early September. (Habitat for Humanity)

UNITED STATES

Food for the Hungry president and CEO Ben Homan was recently appointed chairman of the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA), a division of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Homan has served on the advisory committee since May of 2004 and currently also serves as president of the Association for Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations (AERDO). Through his work with Food for the Hungry, Homan has traveled to more than twenty-five nations, bringing emergency relief and development programs to those in need. Homan will chair his first ACVFA meeting October 19 in Washington, D.C. ACVFA was established after World War II in an effort to link U.S. government and private voluntary organizations together in providing humanitarian assistance and development work overseas. (ASSIST News Service)

UNITED STATES

One of the most damaging natural disasters in the history of the United States occurred when Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast just before sunrise August 29, creating loss of life and massive destruction of homes and businesses. Hurricane Katrina, a category 5 storm, hit land just east of New Orleans, Louisiana, before moving farther inland. Millions are affected throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Christian organizations have been mobilizing forces, providing meals and supplies to millions who have lost everything in the wake of this storm. Although the number is uncertain (as of 9/1/05), thousands are thought to have died due to the hurricane, subsequent flooding and other causes. Several denominations and ministries such as the Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Convention and Operation Blessing have stepped in to help, many as part of the Christian Emergency Network (CEN). CEN was established after September 11, 2001, by several Mission America Coalition partners (the Mission America Coalition is the U.S. Lausanne Committee) to respond effectively in a national crisis, giving the hope of Jesus Christ. Read the reflection by Lon Allison >>

CANADA

Nearly 6,200 members of the Christian Reformed Church recently gathered at the Guelph Sports and Entertainment Centre in Ontario in what organizers call the largest CRC gathering in Canadian history. The event was a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the church and was done in conjunction with a ten-week coast-to-coast Canadian bike ride. More than 150 cyclists and support team members were welcomed into the arena during the event. The two-hour, standing-room-only service included worship, a message from retired CRC pastor Henry Wildeboer and an opportunity to support a massive church-planting campaign. (Christian Reformed Church Communications Department)

INDIA

Nearly 35,000 Dalit or untouchable children in Tamil Nadu are receiving free education and food through Gospel for Asia’s (GFA) program, Bridge of Hope. With 260 million of the 300 million Dalits in India being children, GFA founder K.P. Yohannan believes helping these young ones not only offers them hope, but provides an opportunity to reach the parents. Since the massive tsunami that hit the region in December 2004, twenty centers have been built along the southern coast of India. Over 20,000 children are receiving education, guidance and hope in these areas through Bridges of Hope centers. (ASSIST News Service)

BANGLADESH

Two workers for Christian Life Bangladesh, a partner agency of Campus Crusade for Christ, were recently murdered in Faridpur for their work in local health awareness programs and their part in the showing of the JESUS film. Lipial Marandi, 21, and Tapan Kumar Roy, 27, had spent the last eight months in the Bangladesh region, ministering to both the physical and the spiritual needs of the Bengali people. The Bengali Christian community is uniting together to hold a rally for those murdered. (Campus Crusade for Christ)

AUSTRALIA

A five-week media and advertising campaign to reach the people of Australia began August 8th. Bible Society NSW, in cooperation with more than 300 congregations representing all major Christian denominations, launched the first-ever prime-time media campaign, "Jesus. All about Life" (JAAL). The South Australian capital of Adelaide, with a population of nearly two million, will serve as the center of the campaign. Prime-time television commercials, radio advertising and billboards will offer messages of hope to millions. Each media outlet will encourage viewers or listeners to visit a website or call a phone number to receive a 120-page book containing both a description of the person of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Luke. (ASSIST News Service)