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newsmakers The Gospel Missionary Union recently changed its name to Avant Ministries; Avant means to move forward at a quickened pace in new and sometimes unconventional ways.

Operation Mobilization founder George Verwer stepped down as OM’s international director. Peter Maiden, associate director of OM the past 18 years, assumed Verwer’s post. Verwer will continue traveling, speaking and championing the cause of missions and the gospel worldwide.

Chinese evangelist Nora Lam, who pioneered missionary ministry for women while spearheading efforts to aid underground believers in China, died February 2 at the age of 71. Lam, a native of Shanghai, also authored the book China Cry, an account of her suffering under the communist persecution perpetrated by Chinese leader Mao Tse Tung throughout the middle part of the twentieth century.

Tom Langley recently assumed the role of executive vice president for World English Institute. Langley was a former missionary in Romania.

Doug Mazza was named president and chief operating officer of Joni and Friends, a ministry to serve disabled people around the world. Mazza was promoted from executive vice president. Joni and Friends programs include refurbishing and distributing used wheelchairs in developing countries, providing weekly radio programs, and family retreats for the disabled, their caregivers and family members.

calendar May 2004: Interaction International will present an Educational Planning Seminar for missionary parents with limited educational options for their children. For more information, contact Interaction International, Attn: Educational Planning Seminar, P.O. Box 863, Wheaton, IL 60189, call 630-653-8780 or visit www.tckinteract.net

May 7-8: The Third Annual Eye for All Who Care Conference will be held in Houston, Tex. This ministry focuses on helping missionaries provide eye care and eyeglasses to those they minister to. To register or for more information, call 866-398-7525 or visit www.infocusonline.org

May 24 – June 2: The Christian Economic Development Institute will offer a training session at the Assumption Personnel Training Center in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Jim Gustafson, professor of Intercultural Studies at Tokyo Christian University, will be the keynote speaker. The Christian Economic Development Institute equips people who wish to minister to the poor. For more information call 706-419-1805 or visit www.chalmers.org

June 21-22: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with hold the Trinity Consultation on Missiology 2004 at the school in Deerfield, Ill. The theme is “Doing Theology in a Globalizing World.” For information or to register call 847-317-8125.

August 14: Global Harvest Ministries will host the Global Harvest 40/70 Window initiative in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This strategic prayer event will focus on Reaching the 40/70 Window. Look for more information at www.globalharvest.org

resources The World Bible Translation Center has made available its recently published Easy-to-Read Arabic New Testament. Free text downloads of the translation will soon be available on WBTC’s Web site at www.wbtc.com

Free Web-based time zone calculator: A quick reference for the time zones that matter most to you. Create a personalized world clock. Check it out at www.timeanddate.com