Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world. In today's edition:

• New Pope Thought To Recognize Threat Muslim Religion Poses For Europe

• Indian Ministry Offers Refuge for Orphaned Children, Prostitutes 

• Christian Parent Arrested After Being Denied Say-So in Son's Education

• Philippines: Indigenous Missions Reach Muslim Tribes

New Pope Thought To Recognize Threat Muslim Religion Poses For Europe
Agape Press

An authority on radical Islam is confident that the new pope recognizes the threat the Muslim religion poses for Europe. Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch believes Pope Benedict XVI sees the growing expansion of Islam throughout the European continent. "He has even spoken openly how the necessity for Europe to recover its Christian roots, if it truly wants to survive, which indicates that he has a clear understanding of the deep crisis that Europe is in," Spencer says. By all indications, he observes, the Roman Catholic pontiff will be an avid fighter against terrorism. The Jihad Watch spokesman notes that Benedict "has already, in his many writings before he became pope, taken a stronger line against the rapid encroachment of radical Islam in Europe than his predecessor ever did." At its current rate of expansion, many analysts predict that Europe will be dominated by Islamic ideals within a decade; Spencer says Pope Benedict has called upon the European nations to reconnect with their Christian heritage before Islam takes over the continent.

Indian Ministry Offers Refuge for Orphaned Children, Prostitutes
Charisma News Service

A Teen Challenge ministry is bringing hope to the abandoned in a large city of India. Since 1990, the Rev. K.K. Devaraj has combed the red-light district of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) offering refuge to orphaned children, addicts and women sold into prostitution. Devaraj, or "Uncle," as he is called, is described by locals as a gentle man with a big heart. Though the city's name has changed, the ministry Devaraj leads is still known as Bombay Teen Challenge (BTC). The outreach operates six safe houses for women rescued from sex work, as well as health clinics and homes for street children and AIDS orphans. BTC sends medical vans daily into the heart of the city to offer food, health care and the chance of a new life. It also operates a drug-detoxification program and offers former addicts education, job training and employment opportunities. Many women are lured to Mumbai under false pretenses, only to find themselves forced into a life of brutality and shame. BTC maintains a constant presence among the brothels, operating a Spirit-filled church in the area and offering prayer, acceptance and hope. Hundreds have responded to his invitation, and Devaraj has no plans to slow down. The ministry operates a night shelter for children whose mothers work in the red-light district, and for those who have been abandoned or orphaned by AIDS. Devaraj also is building a hospice for HIV-positive children. (www.charismanews.com)