RMM News Bulletin

(From the June 2006 Mosaic) RMM has released the annual list of “Special Projects” – specific ministry needs that are funded outside of RMM’s operating budget. These projects provide opportunities for individuals, small groups, Sunday school classes, etc. to contribute towards a very practical and specific need at an RMM ministry location. This year’s list includes evangelistic outreach in Bangladesh, building projects in Latin America, and funding for an exploratory trip to Nepal. Check out the online version of Special Projects 2006.

Posted by RMM Blog Administrator at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As religious tensions continue to build in Uzbekistan (see previous post), a worker with RMM connections has been ordered to appear in court tomorrow (Friday, May 26). In an email to the RMM office he wrote “It isn't clear if there will be a trial or if it is just an official notice that they will close our NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) office…We are a bit confused about what God is allowing but are excited about it and feel peace in the midst of a bit of weariness.”

The hearing will take place at 10:00 a.m. local time (1:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time) and the outcome will also affect an intern who has been working with the family.

Please join us in praying for these workers and for the local believers with whom they have been working. Pray that God would continue to grant them His peace as they face the court hearing and that His will would be done.

Posted by RMM Blog Administrator at 04:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In its annual report to the Secretary of State earlier this month, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom once again included Uzbekistan, a former Soviet Republic in Central Asia, in the list of countries that “have engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom” in the past year. Noting a law that “severely limits the ability of religious communities to function,” the commission recommended that Uzbekistan be designated a Country of Particular Concern by the United States State Department.

These findings are in line with the report issued earlier in the year by Open Doors International. Their 2006 World Watch List ranks Uzbekistan twelfth on the list of countries with the least religious freedom. (See a PDF document with the complete list and further explanations.) According to Open Doors the situation in Uzbekistan is worsening. “The level of monitoring churches has increased, with local authority and secret police officials visiting and inspecting churches. Several Protestant pastors have been placed under secret police surveillance and have been threatened with arrest if they do not shut down their unregistered churches.”

RMM has ties to workers in this region and within the past week they have reported an increased level of pressure from governmental authorities. Join with us in praying for their ongoing ability to work in this country and for the Uzbek Christians who continue to live in this difficult climate of suspicion and persecution.

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 01:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(From the May 2006 Mosaic) Increase your family’s world awareness as you prepare and eat this Ecuadorian meal. These recipes from RMM missionary Sheila Nolt, for Pollo en Salsa de Tomate, Ensalada Rusa, Ensalada de Fruta and Dulce Tres Leches, are easy to prepare and use readily available ingredients. Download the recipes (in PDF format).

If you've tried making any of these dishes leave a comment and let us know what you thought.

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A group of cyclists from the Goshen, Indiana, area will combine exercise and fundraising for missions this summer as they ride to CMC’s annual conference in Plain City, Ohio, with donations from sponsors going to RMM. The 220 mile trip will begin in Goshen on Monday, July 24, and Merlin Miller, the event organizer, said that the group should arrive in Plain City in the late afternoon on Wednesday, July 26.

RMM is organizing a one-day ride that will allow cyclists to join the Goshen group on the last leg of their ride into Plain City. For more information about participating in the full or partial ride – or if you would like to sponsor a rider – contact the RMM office or visit our website.

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)