Your IMB E-Letter
Feb. 5, 2014  Images of 2013
The world experienced untold suffering during 2013. Evil, hatred and lostness spread darkness in many places. But IMB workers and their partners were there, easing pain, bringing light and hope, lifting the name of Christ and extending the Gospel to the nations. Watch the year in review and listen to audio comments from the photographers who, themselves, were touched.
 Olympics: Engage Sochi ready to launch
Will Baptists have a witness at the Winter Olympics? Is Sochi safe? Will other issues arise? Marc Ira Hooks speaks to such questions in an interview about the Feb. 7-23 games. Hooks is the creator and co-director, along with Earl Gillespie (name changed) of Engage Sochi, IMB’s initiative focusing on church planting in the host city and on outreach to Olympic competitors and guests from all over the world.
Listen to this Engage Sochi music video: Where the sea meets the snow  A Valentine’s story: Love never leaves
When they were teenagers, Bal and Anila Rai began their love story by whistling at each other using leaves. Forty years have passed and the couple, as high spirited as ever, work together to preserve their traditional music and create worship songs. Get a glimpse of this true love story and watch a video showing how music is made with a leaf.
Check out 10 ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day a little differently this year to show others the love of Christ.  Missionaries: quiet revolutionaries of freedom
Stop apologizing for your missionary roots. Be proud of your spiritual ancestors. They changed the world of their day and ours. Missionaries have spread freedom and education, aided the poor, worked for the empowerment of women and advanced general human progress almost everywhere they have gone.
Visit WorldView Conversation, the blog related to this column.
Listen to an audio version of this column.
 Afghanistan: Prayers for the healing of a country
As Christians we have a calling to intercede for those living in the shadow of death. At this pivotal moment in Afghanistan’s history, may we be faithful to plead with God for a country desperately in need of His mercy. Together, let’s make 2014 a year of prayer for Afghanistan.
Begin by ordering the Afghanistan prayer guide, a 32-page prayer resource divided into four main segments – peace, reconciliation, restoration and hope. Consider leading your church or small group in a focused season of prayer for a people and country loved by God.
 Baptists in Ukraine pray in the face of violence and protests
What began as mostly peaceful dissension is turning into a call to arms as the people of Ukraine fear a return to the old ways of the Soviet Union. IMB worker Brady Sample (name changed) works closely with the Ukrainian Baptist Union, the largest evangelical association of churches in the country, which is calling for members to fast and pray for a peaceful solution to the conflict.
 Weekly Prayer Highlights
A “Cuba Initiative” allows nationals from Latin American countries to travel into Cuba and work alongside Cuban nationals. The JESUS film was recently shown among an unreached people in north Brazil in their heart language. In East Asia 200 people decided to follow Christ following a church Christmas concert. All these situations need prayer for open hearts and for believers as they share their hope.
Read more at Weekly Prayer Highlights – perfect for your midweek prayer meeting and small group. Subscribe to receive Weekly Prayer Highlights directly through e-mail.
 Plan your tomorrow
What does the Bible say about the distribution of our material wealth when we die? Watch Plan your tomorrow and be enlightened by biblical principles and perspectives that are the core values for Christian estate planning.
Train and go!
Looking for missions training opportunities for your church? Ready to impact unreached peoples? Training events and forums are being held all over the country this year. Learn about ministry techniques in sub-Saharan Africa, how to partner in the Americas or how you can “embrace” Central Asia. Join in medical missions, learn about storying. Share your experiences with other churches. Check out these events at a church near you!
 Black Missions Link – special Black History Month editions
During February, our bi-monthly newsletter will become four separate editions for Black History Month, delivered every Thursday of the month. The editions will cover the distant past (1800-1960); recent past (1960-1990); present (1991-2014); and future (2014-2030). Subscribe right away!
 Kids On Mission, Volume 3, Edition 3 -- Beyond the Barriers
Some people are harder to reach than others. The people of North Africa and the Middle East face many barriers to the Gospel. In this release, kids on mission will learn to trust Jesus and go beyond the barriers to tell others about Him.
All editions include a DVD-ROM, leader’s guide and other downloadable resources. Watch this video to see how you can Plug in KOM!
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