One of the worst storms in two centuries struck Central America on October 26, 1998. During the six days Hurricane Mitch battered Nicaragua, winds of 180-200 m.p.h., accompanied by torrential rain, created flash floods and mud flows that demolished the homes, crops and cattle of tens of thousands of people. Even more devastating was the loss of human life, estimated at 11,000. Larry and Bev Smith, Executive Administrator for Central America and the Caribbean, traveled to Nicaragua for two weeks in November to distribute goods purchased by donations sent to ABWE's Nicaragua Relief Fund. In addition to large amounts of clothing, the Smiths supplied 19 churches... Read More.

Africa has been called the "dark continent." For the thousands who have lost their sight, it will always be a land of darkness, both physical and spiritual. While my husband Dal and I worked in the Niger Republic, my heart was burdened for its many blind people. Most became beggars just to survive. I thought, If I could teach them Braille, they would be able to read the Bible and learn about Jesus Christ. I learned Braille and prepared lessons for students to read with their fingers. Excitement ran through the village as "those without eyes" read dots on paper... Read More.

"I praise the Lord I was born deaf," Mr. Hamayumiba, father of three and an advertising director of the largest department store in Kagoshima, told us. "If I hadn't been born deaf, I may have never heard the gospel or would have been too proud to listen." Mr. Hamayumiba is among the 20 deaf adults who make up a third of those attending the Living Hope Baptist Church in Aira, just north of Kagoshima, Japan. At Living Hope the deaf in the church are not an isolated group, but serve in positions of leadership just as the hearing do. Nearly every second Sunday, the worship leader is deaf. Often everyone in the church signs the songs and verses. The deaf are seen as a group with special language needs but with God-given gifts and abilities that He can use... Read More.