Ukraine

ADRA Aids Flood Victims

Thousands of Ukrainians have been left without homes after some of the worst flooding the country has seen in over a century. In response, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency has distributed food and personal items to the survivors. The Ukrainian Ministry of Emergency reports more than 40,000 homes were covered by the flood.

SOURCE: Adventist News Network

Michigan

Adventist Woman Commissioned to Serve as Navy Chaplain

Adrienne Townsend has been sworn in as the first Seventh-day Adventist woman to serve as an active duty chaplain in the U.S. Navy. Once stationed, her duties will include: leading worship services, providing counseling and visitation and performing weddings and funerals. Townsend served four years as associate dean of women at Andrews University, and has spent two years training with Gary R. Councell, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries director for the world church.

SOURCE: Adventist News Network

Antigua

Prime Minister Affirms Pathfinders

For the second consecutive year Antigua’s prime minister has been named an honorary Pathfinder by the Seventh-day Adventist youth service organization. Baldwin Spencer received the ranking during a camporee gathering of more than 3,000 Pathfinders from around the Caribbean. The prime minister praised outreach efforts by Adventists and says being named a Pathfinder is, “one of the highest privileges ever accorded me.”

SOURCE: Adventist News Network

Georgia

Churches Damaged by Conflict

At least three evangelical churches in the Georgian region of South Ossetia have been damaged by the conflict between Russia and Georgia. Refugees from the region told reporters that churches in the battleground areas were assisting locals before they were damaged. Churches in neighboring regions are offering aid to those affected by the violence.

SOURCE: www.christianpost.com

China

Bibles Returned to U.S. Christians

A group of American Christians had more than 300 Bibles confiscated by Chinese customs officials when they arrived in the country. When the group, Vision Beyond Borders, appealed to the U.S. Embassy they were told that the Chinese were following a law that forbids bringing religious products into the communist nation for more than personal use. The Bibles were returned to the group when they left China.

SOURCE: www.christianpost.com

India

Missionaries Protest Land-grab

Adventist missionaries in India have been told that the government intends to take all but 24 acres of a 375-acre campus that houses a school for poor children. In order to keep their land, the organization has to obtain special cabinet approval. Other religious groups who are also having their land taken are protesting the ruling in court.

SOURCE: www.telegraphindia.com

Netherlands

World Council of Churches Celebrates 60^th Anniversary

On August 22, in the same church where it held its opening service, the World Council of Churches celebrated its 60th anniversary. Representing 349 churches, denominations and fellowships, it is the largest ecumenical body in the world. Since 1948 the World Council of Churches has focused on efforts to unify the purpose of member churches.

SOURCE: www.oikoumene.org