Missions Moonshot, Outrage Over Pakistan’s Law & New Mexico Pro-Life Partnership

During Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s spring convocation service, President Jason Allen announced a $2.5 million gift and launched a new institutional initiative in partnership with the International Mission Board – what has been dubbed a “missions moonshot.” Specifically, Midwestern Seminary aims to produce 100 new missionaries annually in the years ahead.

Midwestern aims to produce annually 100 individuals who are committed to overseas service to unreached or underreached people groups for a minimum commitment of two years.

Allen referred to Pres. John F. Kennedy’s bold initiative to send astronauts to the moon in the 1960s as he talked about the new missions partnership.
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Pakistan’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill strengthening punishment for blasphemy despite international outcry and security concerns among Christians and other religious minorities there.

Blasphemy already carries punishment as severe as death in the majority-Muslim country, but the Criminal Laws Bill amendment passed Jan. 17 in the National Assembly would increase jail terms from three years to 10 years for insulting the prophet Mohammad’s companions, wives and family members, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reported. Fines of more than $4,343 (1 million Pakistani rupees) would accompany prison time.

VOM encourages widespread prayer for the repeal of blasphemy laws there, and for the “courage, wisdom and protection” of Christians there.
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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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For more than a decade, Legacy Pregnancy Resource Center has not had a permanent location for its ministry. The ministry was started by Taylor Memorial Baptist Church in Hobbes, New Mexico.

Last fall, First Baptist Church in Hobbes voted to donate an unused building on to serve as the center’s future home.

Legacy provides resources to women such as pregnancy tests, classes on various subjects, baby supplies and the opportunity for prayer and relationship building. The new space will allow the center to expand its offerings.

The need for the center is great in this particular area of New Mexico, as Hobbs is close to the Texas border.

The city has been the subject of some controversy regarding abortion law. In November, the city commission unanimously passed an ordinance intended to establish the city as a sanctuary city for unborn children.

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