NAPERVILLE, IL (March 25, 2011) - Christian Aid is calling for a special prayer emphasis for an upcoming month of mission outreach events in Chicago that will focus on the needs of native missions in Africa.

The northern Illinois and Indiana focus has been called in response to "a new wave of interest" in African native missions from pastors and leaders in the Chicago area; Christian Aid Mission is planning a special event for interested new friends there on May 19.

During the team's visit to Chicago, they will also make a presentation and exhibit at the National Black Evangelical Association Annual Convention in Oak Lawn; the annual Focus Pastors Conference at Moody Bible Institute, and the U-Turn 2011 Momentum Conference, Dyer, Indiana. In addition they will speak at many church and mission groups almost every night.

Bill Bray "This is the first time we have ever done something like this in Chicago," says Bill Bray, who is serving on the communications staff at the mission's Virginia headquarters.

"However, we have to respond to this new wave of interest - especially now with so many African countries in turmoil, revolution and unprecedented church growth."

The month-long outreach to Chicago will feature a reunion banquet for friends of the mission, churches, individuals as well as interested guests on May 19. The "all nations" fundraising event at the Omega Banquet Hall in Naperville will answer questions and offer an opportunity for more people to get involved in the reformation in foreign missions. The celebrative evening begins promptly at 6 pm at the restaurant, 4S040 Route 59, Naperville.

Reservations are required. For advance tickets contact Dr. David Rhoads at 630-668-2020 or Ivy Bray at Christian Aid Mission, 800-977-5650.

An exciting presentation team from Christian Aid Mission will share the latest news from North Africa and focus on the amazing power of native missions in Africa. A special report is expected from Rae Burnett who will have just returned from a two-month inspection tour of ministries in Africa.

Christian Aid is the oldest and largest indigenous mission's agency in the world, assisting over 800 indigenous ministries to 3000 language groups in 122 countries. The mission aids projects in many of the 54 countries on the African continent.

Rae Burnett For over 15 years, Burnett has spent half her time traveling hundreds of thousands of miles to visit indigenous mission leaders in Africa from Egypt to South Africa. At great risk of being kidnapped or robbed, she routinely distributes financial aid to indigenous missions in areas where foreign missionaries are no longer allowed.

"We are so thankful for friends in the Chicago-area who have underwritten this event," says Bill Bray of Christian Aid. "This banquet will tell the story of how God is using indigenous missions today. It is something every pastor and mission committee member should hear."

Underwriters include Central DuPage Vision Center in Wheaton and the Pastor's Bible Study Hour heard over WYCA Chicago/Hammond.

Because of global changes in missions and the economic effects of the Great Recession, many Bible-believing churches are looking for better ways to carry out their foreign missions programs, according to Bray.

Bill and his wife, Ivy, who are leading the team, have traveled on assignment to work with indigenous mission leaders for 46 years in 65 countries. They believe that they are helping mission-minded Christians fulfill the Great Commission of Christ in a new, more efficient way.

"It's a new day in foreign missions," says the 64-year-old retired foreign correspondent and missionary staff worker. "Indigenous missions carry on where Americans are no longer allowed to go as missionaries."

Dr. Bray is serving as Development Director at Christian Aid. To arrange for Bill and his wife to speak at local churches or schools, call 434-977-5650 or email info@ChristianAid.org

Besides speaking and meetings in the Chicagoland area, the couple will be representing Christian Aid at conferences and conventions this spring in Atlanta (GA), Cincinnati (OH), Gatlinburg (TN), Lancaster (PA), Montgomery (AL), Nashville (TN), Peoria (IL) and Dyer (IN).

ABOUT CHRISTIAN AID: Founded by Bob Finley in 1953, Christian Aid is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. It links American churches and mission-minded individuals to indigenous missions around the world. Today it sends help to over 800 native mission ministries that deploy over 80,000 missionary workers serving the Lord among 3000 tribes and nations. Visit them online at www.ChristianAid.org or call Bill Bray on his cell phone at (434) 227-0811.

Missions Insider is a free email report from Christian Aid, your link to indigenous missionary ministries based in poorer countries overseas, or where evangelical Christians are a persecuted minority. Christian Aid provides headquarters services and representation in the USA for more than 800 indigenous ministries that deploy over 80,000 missionaries on the field, many in countries where American missionaries are not allowed.

Direct inquiries to info@christianaid.org. Please pray for these and other indigenous ministries. To assist them financially, mail your gifts to Christian Aid or call them in to 434-977-5650.

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Christian Aid Mission

P.O. Box 9037

Charlottesville, Virginia 22901

434-977-5650