Short stuff

Religious No More: Building Communities of Grace and Freedom by Mark D. Baker has been released in Spanish. Baker, a professor at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, spent 10 years as a missionary in Honduras, where he and his wife Lynn developed a special relationship with a church in a squatters’ community. Through conversation and questions during a study of Galatians, the idea for a book was born. The Spanish edition is not simply a translation; Baker replaced sections that focused on the North American context with material more applicable to a Latin American audience.

—MBBS release

Video games for Christians are now being developed to provide an alternative to the sex and violence of games such as Grand Theft Auto. Some games, which emphasize narrative stores and learning rather than action, should be ready for the Christmas market.

—wired.com

Left Behind: World at War, the latest in the Left Behind movie series, opens this October in churches, not theatres. Instead of renting out or buying all the seats in a theatre, participating congregations will play the film in their churches with a DVD. Box office take from ticket sales can be designated to benefit whatever program they desire. The cast of leading characters in this movie is similar to previous Left Behind films.

—Cloud Ten Pictures

To encourage their attenders to read Scripture each day, SunRidge Community Church, Kelowna, B.C., has a Bible reading schedule, a daily devotional and a guide to journalling on their website.

—SunRidge Community Church

The Celebration 2005 national initiative closing event is now available on DVD. It includes Brian Doerksen in concert, as well as words and prayer from Bruce Clemenger, president, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. For a copy contact Customer Service at 905-479-5885 x236.

—Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

Gospel Chapel Celebration 2005 happened June 18 together with other churches in their community. They had a car wash, gave away water, hot dogs and haircuts and did face painting – all free. An evening concert planned for the park had to be moved indoors due to rainy weather.

—Gospel Chapel, Grand Forks, B.C.

Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO) should be ready to launch by the end of 2005. GAMEO is an expansion of the Canadian Mennonite Encyclopedia Online, and will include the content of the 5-volume Mennonite Encyclopedia.

—news release