April 12-19: Zimbabwe in Shambles, Free gospels of John, Gary Weeks' CD, WorldMapper, Update on Abdul; Ted accepted at Oxford, Company named Bookling

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's women now have an average lifespan of 34 years, the lowest in the world, acccording to a UN report released earlier this week. (Men: 37 years.) Zimbabwe was one of the most prosperous African nations just a few years ago. Today, it is in shambles. Inflation is at at least 800% (compare to Canada's: about 2%). Adult HIV prevalence: 20%. AIDS deaths each week: 3,000.

Last year, the dictatorial president Robert Mugabe (82), in an attempt to "clean up" Zimbabwe, ordered the bulldozing of countless slum/shanty town shelters. At least 700,000 already-destitute people--men, women, children--were displaced. People are starving. See a BBC web video about it here and pray for Zimbabwe. (Sources: UN, BBC, ZimbabweSituation.com, ZWNews)

Personal Evangelism
Get a free gospel of John from LivingWater.org. Or make a small donation and get a box-full. Version: "Logos21" (General Editor: Arthur L. Farstad, also Executive Director of the NKJV). Great to give away! Give them to: people you meet, friends, your taxi drivers, etc.

Also good to give away for evangelistic purposes: Gary Weeks' "Eternity" CD. Also free. Contact me if you're interested.

Miscellaneous
Don't forget "Operation Send-him-to-Afghanistan."

Amazing world maps that we can use to pray for the world: WorldMapper. Maps adjusted for population, land area, births, etc.

Update on Abdul Rahman. Received the following from a missionary couple in Afghanistan today:

"Since Abdul Rahman, the convert who was facing a possible death penalty, was moved to Italy his case appears to have moved off the radar. But the issue of freedom of choice in religion will definitely reappear. Some in the streets say he should die as he has disgraced the religion of Islam. Others say that he should have the freedom to choose. Pray for the future of Afghanistan."

Personal News:
For those who know my brother Ted, rejoice with us over his official acceptance to a Postgraduate Diploma of Theology (a prerequisite for a PhD) program at Oxford University (UK) this Fall. That means Ted and I will be based in the same city (London) for the school year 2006/2007!

"Bookling" (and bookling.com) was the winning name in the "Name-that-company" contest. We have defined a "bookling" as an "adorable little creature that loves books." We asked Dave, the one who suggested the name and therefore also the winner of the contest, what he will do with the grand prize - a $50 missions gift certificate. He was unsure how he could possibly spend so much money, but is leaning towards buying some Logos21 gospel of John booklets (above) for his multicultural high school students. :)