Egypt: Forgiveness by Christians opens doors and a hunger for truth
Three years after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down in the wake of nationwide protests, Christian workers in Egypt are finding an openness rarely experienced before. Forgiveness, and the non-retaliation of Christians, were both unexpected and unprecedented, but have had a huge impact on many non-Christians. Egyptians are now openly questioning their traditional faith, and expressing doubts aloud, said Patrick Stein, a Christian worker in Egypt and leader of a church-planting team there. To doubt isn't rare, but to openly challenge beliefs is. ‘They are hungry for truth in a way that was not present before,’ said Stein. ‘If I am talking to people at a teashop, people around who are not a part of the conversation will often stop me afterwards and want to know more,’ he said. ‘They will ask me their deep questions that have been troubling their hearts for years.’
Romania: Presidential election victory for Christian candidate Klaus Johannis
Romania has a new President, Mr Klaus Johannis. The new president has a personal relationship with the Lord. (See last week’s Prayer Alert) Thank you for your prayer support. The Lord is setting free the Romanian people after 70 years of the demonic influence of communism. Mr Johannis started the election day worshipping the Lord in his local church in Sibiu. There are many things to be shared about the election, but one is clear for all: around 3:00 pm the people started to vote in huge numbers on behalf of Mr Johannis until the end of the legal time. The difference is almost incredible for the politicians: Mr Johannis won by a margin of over 8%. This was considered as an answer to the prayers of His people and God's intervention in the nation.
Egypt: Forgiveness by Christians opens doors and a hunger for truth
Three years after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down in the wake of nationwide protests, Christian workers in Egypt are finding an openness rarely experienced before. Forgiveness, and the non-retaliation of Christians, were both unexpected and unprecedented, but have had a huge impact on many non-Christians. Egyptians are now openly questioning their traditional faith, and expressing doubts aloud, said Patrick Stein, a Christian worker in Egypt and leader of a church-planting team there. To doubt isn't rare, but to openly challenge beliefs is. ‘They are hungry for truth in a way that was not present before,’ said Stein. ‘If I am talking to people at a teashop, people around who are not a part of the conversation will often stop me afterwards and want to know more,’ he said. ‘They will ask me their deep questions that have been troubling their hearts for years.’
C of E: New school standards are dangerous and divisive
The Church of England (C of E) is the latest institution to brand new standards requiring schools to actively promote ‘British values’ as dangerous and divisive. The Department for Education has been accused of rushing through a consultation on the school standards, which was published in July. The standards came into force in late September. The C of E’s submission to the consultation speaks of the ‘danger’ of regulating under such loose terms, describing the standards as a ‘negative and divisive approach’. Nigel Genders, Chief Education Officer for the C of E, cautioned that: ‘British values’ cannot be allowed to become a test or an assessment of whether somebody is ‘safe’ or ‘loyal’. Genders went on to argue that ‘extremism thrives when religion is banished to dark corners’. He added, ‘more importantly, if we reject all forms of religion from our schools, we are failing to prepare young people for the realities of life’.
Church plans savings clubs in primary schools
Children as young as four could have the chance to join savings clubs in an attempt to prevent them getting into debt later in life. The Church of England is proposing a network of clubs in primary schools, run by run by credit unions, to help raise children's financial awareness. Under the plans, they would be able to save small, regular amounts of money. They would also take part in running the groups, such as working as junior cashiers or bank managers. Parents and school staff could also sign up to the clubs, with mothers and fathers able to set up accounts to save for particular expenses, such as trips and school uniform. The Church says practical learning would be reinforced by classroom teaching materials. The proposed teaching resources would cover areas such as understanding the role money plays in our lives, how to manage money and managing risks and emotions associated with money.
Police fail to record one in five of all crimes reported to them
More than 800,000 - or one in five - of all crimes reported to the police each year are not being recorded by officers, a report suggests. The problem is greatest for victims of violent crime, with a third going unrecorded. Of sexual offences, 26% are not recorded. An HM Inspectorate of Constabulary report looked at more than 8,000 reports of crime in England and Wales. The watchdog said the failure to record crime properly was ‘indefensible’. Home Secretary Theresa May described the findings as ‘utterly unacceptable’, but police representatives said the situation had improved since the study. An unrecorded crime is classed as one that is reported to the police but not recorded as an offence. It means an investigation into the alleged crime is unlikely to happen.
Celebrate the second half of life, say Methodists and Anglicans
In today's society, growing older is often seen as a reason for sadness or regret. But the Methodist Church and the Church of England have published a new resource which urges Christians to celebrate and affirm the 'second half of life'. Through creative discussion material, 'Seasons of My Soul' offers people a chance to explore and share with one another key aspects of their lives and experiences. It focuses on eight themes for discussion; identity, memories, transition times, wisdom, roles and relationships, forgiveness and reconciliation, death and dying, and the celebration of life.‘Often when talk about the demographic of church attendance, we concern ourselves more with those who are not within our church communities than with celebrating and resourcing those who are’, said Doug Swanney, Connexional Secretary for the Methodist Church. ‘Seasons of My Soul is a creative way of redressing this balance.’
Persecution of British Muslims who change their faith
A growing number of Christians in Britain who come from a Muslim background are facing persecution, warns Release International. They include Yasmin whose ex-husband planned to kill her. She was attacked in the street and taken under police protection because she became a Christian. Yasmin even relocated to another part of the country but her ex-husband tracked her down and demanded custody of their children. Her case is not isolated - Christian Concern For Our Nation have launched a safe haven initiative for Christian converts from Islam and offer confidential advice and support to those considering leaving Islam. They may even help individuals to relocate through a specialist team who will be the public link between those in danger and those offering refuge. They believe there are 1,100+ Muslim-background believers throughout the UK who are at risk. The real figure may be considerably higher. See also
Final approval given for women bishops at General Synod
On Monday The Church of England today gave the final seal of approval to the appointment of women bishops, following the passing of legislation by the General Synod in July. At the Synod's meeting at Church House, an amendment which states that ‘A man or woman may be consecrated into the office of bishop’ was written into Canon Law following a final show of hands. Six officers signed the instrument of enactment before members of the Synod. The House of Bishops was scheduled to meet immediately after the close of Synod. Archbishop of York John Sentamu, prayed for unity within the Church following the motion being carried. The legislation was approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords last month and has also already received royal assent.
The war against diabetes rages on
Diabetes is an increasingly serious problem in Europe. Today, at least 32 million Europeans are suffering from the disease. In 2030, that number is expected to have risen to more than 38 million. The EU and tits member states have an opportunity to lower this estimate and reverse this trend. If we act now, we can save lives, improve the quality of life of those affected and save money in the long run. According to the In ternational Diabetes Federation, member states are currently facing and addressing the challenge of diabetes in different ways and at different paces. However, they all have one thing in common. The number of people suffering from the disease is growing. Some countries have been focusing on treating those suffering from the illness, while others have been concentrating on prevention.