Bread NEWS 15 - 'Nepal Churches Growing Despite Persecution & Tensions' & 'Thousands of Aboriginal People Converge on Ottawa, Canada'

Nepal Churches Growing Despite Persecution & Tensions Report from Worthy News Asia Service: Advocacy group - U.S.-based International Christian Concern - said that Nepal's churches are experiencing "unprecedented growth" despite reported political turmoil and persecution.  ICC reported that an increasing number of people turn to Christianity in Nepal at a time when the Asian nation faces turmoil, including a strike by the Maoist party. The organisation cited research from mission group, Build International Ministries (BIM), as proof that the Nepali churches grew from a handful in the 1950’s to denominations with over 100,000 active members today.  "Churches are growing by leaps and bounds everywhere," amid difficulties, added BIM President, Sandy Anderson, who spent the last 25 years working with Christians in Nepal.  "We have had a heavy transition in Nepal, but despite the difficult situation the church continues to thrive." ------------------------ Thousands of Aboriginal People Converge on Ottawa, Canada Report from Forgiven (http://www.i4give.ca): Thousands of Aboriginal individuals assembled in Ottawa recently to release the forgiveness that Prime Minister Stephen Harper requested in 2008.  The Prime Minister concluded his apology for Indian Residential Schools by requesting "the forgiveness of the aboriginal peoples of this   country for failing them so profoundly." "At that moment," says Chief Kenny Blacksmith, "the onus was placed on our people as individuals to respond. The only way to come into our full healing as the First Peoples of Canada is to forgive. Forgiveness is not political; it cannot be bought or sold; it cannot be legislated. It is an individual choice that can break the generational cycle of victimization and accusation."