Circle of Friends

It has been some time since I've had any news from A Circle Of Friends in the newsletter. Earlier this year, upon learning of my health issues, I stepped down as Chairman of A Circle Of Friends and turned it over to Urs Schweizer in Zurich until I decided to continue this ministry, or close it down. In July, I decided to continue it.
I have been working with the people in England at the Peace One Day project. This year we have been coordinating with numerous other peace organizations at repeatedly contacting world leaders and United Nations ambassadors asking them to recognize UN Resolution A55282 - a global day of peace on September 21. This is much like the Just 1 Day effort that we led out of Peoples Church in 2004. In fact, many of the other groups working on it also helped ACOF do Just 1 Day - Bridges For Peace, Grandmothers For Peace, Global Council of Peace, Women in Black and the Star Council. What great friends we've made as the battle for peace continues.
I have also been dealing with new friends on the other side of the Atlantic about a little project we have been working on for over a year now called The Chrysalis Project. While nothing may come of it, it's still always nice to add new friends to our fellowship.
Regina in China reports that there has been an upturn in government attempts to end their bible ministry there through violent raids with much destruction and injury. They usually gather in groups of 80 to 120 to worship in places where they won't attract attention but government and local authorities will only allow so much before they crack down again and again. Keep these pioneers for God in your prayers.
Please also remember to keep in your prayers: Our brothers and sisters at All Saints Church in Beirut as a fragile cease fire takes hold. We still have not heard if they have returned to church or even if there IS a church still there.
Our brothers and sisters in Mexico which is going through a VERY uneasy and potentially dangerous time with President Fox stepping down and two different men claiming the presidency.
Jean Pierre & Chantal van Noppen In Brussels, Belgium need our continued prayers for Chantal's VERY serious illness. Pastor Dung Nguyen in Vietnam has been forced out of his church by the local government there and is searching for guidance.
Carol Partridge of Macedonia, who worked with us here during our Meals On Wheels outreach this spring just got married and is coming home to the United States in a few weeks. She may stop to join our worship service on October 29th and maybe even talk about HER Meals On Wheels at the UMC in Macedonia.
And lastly, I need help! I am putting together a booklet called "Christmas Around The World" that is, essentially complete. But I want to make and sell copies of it to raise funds for ACOF efforts and I need help printing, collating, binding and promoting it here at church, the church fair, etc. Does Peoples have a binding machine? Would anyone like to help me put a few together? I have a master copy complete if anyone would like to see it.
Till next time
Kevin Malcom