Global: Child labour/slaves
Although international Labour Organisation data shows a fall in child labour since 2000 critics say the number of working children remains unacceptable. Protecting children from hazardous work and long hours remains a major challenge, with families in poor countries such as Bangladesh heavily reliant on the income they get from sending children to work. There are 168 million children working in situations that fit the ILO definition of child labour. That is "work undertaken by children below the appropriate legal minimum working age", based on its minimum age convention. In Nigeria Child labour is rampant in the gold and mineral mines. More than ten years after Nigeria passed a law banning child labour the International Labour Organisation says there are still fifteen million children working in the country. The plight of children working in Nigeria's mines is especially harsh but for many the paycheck is worth the pain. The children work for a dollar a day to support their families. See also http://www.win1040.com/video.php?clip=Child_Slavery
Pray: for the continued development of successful initiatives to put an end to child ‘recruits’ in terrorist armies, children forced into brothels, child labour in factories, farming and mining. (Ps.10:12)
France: Mayor of Antibes, says ‘no’ to Muslim demands for sharia compliance in schools
Jean Leonetti, Mayor of Antibes, says ‘NO’ to Muslim demands for sharia compliance in schools. He firmly rejected Muslim parents’ demand for the abolition of all pork products in Antibes school cafeterias, adding that Muslims must adapt to France, its customs, its traditions, and way of life, not the other way around. Muslims must understand that it is for them to change their lifestyle, not the French who so generously allowed them into their country. The French are not racist or xenophobic, they accepted many immigrants before Muslims (while the reverse is not true as Muslims do not readily accept non-Muslim foreigners on their soil.)
Pray: that Muslims would learn to live in France adopting the nations ways..
More: http://europenews.dk/en/node/72566
France: Mayor of Antibes, says ‘no’ to Muslim demands for sharia compliance in schools
Jean Leonetti, Mayor of Antibes, says ‘NO’ to Muslim demands for sharia compliance in schools. He firmly rejected Muslim parents’ demand for the abolition of all pork products in Antibes school cafeterias, adding that Muslims must adapt to France, its customs, its traditions, and way of life, not the other way around. Muslims must understand that it is for them to change their lifestyle, not the French who so generously allowed them into their country. The French are not racist or xenophobic, they accepted many immigrants before Muslims (while the reverse is not true as Muslims do not readily accept non-Muslim foreigners on their soil.)
Pray: that Muslims would learn to live in France adopting the nations ways..
More: http://europenews.dk/en/node/72566
Hungary: Rapping parish priest hopes to modernise church
What is the best way to reach out to youngsters, to encourage them to go to church and to live a Catholic life? Parish priest Zsolt Kovesdy from Kunszentmárton, Hungary, has an idea. He is planning to start a radio show playing rap and hip-hop music. The station would, obviously, avoid music containing swearing and inappropriate topics, but his plan is to offer honest words and thoughts about life and the world. Kovesdy believes that the Catholic Church can only reach young people if it modernises its methods and he believes a social radio with modern music and interactive talk-shows could be a good solution. He is already very popular in his parish having organised a range of activities including horse and cart rides and climbing. According to a Hungarian newspaper he even made a skateboard track and let the children use their boardsin the church’s courtyard.
Pray: that Kovesdy will see a growth in the church through these initiatives.
More: http://www.euronews.com/2013/10/07/rapping-parish-priest-would-modernise-church-in-hungary/
Hungary: Rapping parish priest hopes to modernise church
What is the best way to reach out to youngsters, to encourage them to go to church and to live a Catholic life? Parish priest Zsolt Kovesdy from Kunszentmárton, Hungary, has an idea. He is planning to start a radio show playing rap and hip-hop music. The station would, obviously, avoid music containing swearing and inappropriate topics, but his plan is to offer honest words and thoughts about life and the world. Kovesdy believes that the Catholic Church can only reach young people if it modernises its methods and he believes a social radio with modern music and interactive talk-shows could be a good solution. He is already very popular in his parish having organised a range of activities including horse and cart rides and climbing. According to a Hungarian newspaper he even made a skateboard track and let the children use their boardsin the church’s courtyard.
Pray: that Kovesdy will see a growth in the church through these initiatives.
More: http://www.euronews.com/2013/10/07/rapping-parish-priest-would-modernise-church-in-hungary/
Bible_from_court_oath
Deployed members of the Armed Forces with sick relatives at home.Many of our service personnel serving in various areas around the world, but especially those in Afghanistan, are having to cope with the knowledge that loved ones are seriously ill back home. Elderly parents, grandparents and sick children can cause real concern but unless they are dangerously ill the soldier cannot get compassionate leave to be with them. This can cause extra stress on top of the deployment duties and a sense of helplessness and isolation at the time of the families needs. Pray: that those soldiers affected will have peace about their loved ones while on active duty so they are not distracted and remain vigilant.
Pray that those caring for the sick will be are strengthened and receive the support they need. (Is.54:13)
More: http://www.afcu.org.uk/
Magistrates Association to discuss scrapping Bible from court oath
The Magistrates Association will put forward a motion to scrap the Bible from the court oath in October. The motion has been met with wide criticism especially as the last census revealed that an overwhelming 60% of people in British were of Christian faith and that such a move would undermine Britain’s Christian heritage in favour of secularism. Many critics have argued that parts of British law itself were founded on the Bible, a standard which has infiltrated and determined our morality, lifestyle and tradition for many centuries. If this is taken away, one only has to question what secular standard will take its place. The Magistrates Association which represents 23,000 lay agistrates will this month discuss concerns that many people do not take the oath seriously. Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop of Rochester said: ‘This could be the slippery slope towards the increasing secularisation of society. Where will it end - with the Coronation Oath?’
Pray: for the Association as it considers this decision that they will not reject the basics of law based upon the Bible. (Is.54:17b)
More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=9348&this=Magistrates_Association_to_discuss_scrapping_
David Cameron ‘privately regrets’ redefining marriage
David Cameron said he wouldn’t have pushed through gay marriage had he known beforehand how alienated grassroots members would feel, it has been revealed. In quotes disclosed in a book by a newspaper columnist, the Prime Minister told one ally: ‘If I’d known what it was going to be like, I wouldn’t have done it.’ But he now denies regretting the legislation, saying in an interview: ‘I don’t think I expected quite the furore that there was. It’s clearly been very difficult for some people to take on, and I completely understand and respect that. I am passionate about marriage. I think it’s a great institution, and I think it should be available to people who are gay as well as those of us who aren’t.' Matthew d’Ancona’s book ‘In It Together’ gives a series of insights into the Prime Minister and his dealings with the cabinet.
Pray: that the comments made by the PM will lead to a deeper understanding and sensitivity. (Job.32:8)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/david-cameron-privately-regrets-redefining-marriage/?e041013
Cabinet reshuffle: Government and Labour make changes
All three main Westminster parties have been reshuffling their teams. David Cameron has promoted three women, though none of them have been given a cabinet post. Across the board, women are taking more prominent roles - a net increase of four in government, and 44% of Labour's shadow cabinet are female. The only change in the coalition cabinet comes with the Liberal Democrat Alistair Carmichael as the new Scottish Secretary. There have also been changes to the Labour team.Shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg has been replaced by Tristram Hunt while Jim Murphy, another senior figure, is moved from defence to international development. Andy Burnham is to stay as shadow health secretary. Mr Moore was the only cabinet minister to lose his job in Monday's coalition reshuffle, which has largely focused on middle-ranking and junior ministerial positions. Has the political territory shifted, or is it just the personalities that have been moved?
Pray: for the members of our government and those involved in the reshuffle that God will give them insight and guidance in their role. (Pr.1:5)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19475248
Praying for HOPE 2014
We are praying that 2014 would be a consolidation year where churches will work together around the Christian calendar, festivals and new mission initiatives to bring good news to our lost and broken nations starting on 18 October 2013 to 31 January 2014. To launch this year of mission, World Prayer Centre and all the partners of HOPE 2014 are encouraging us to pray together with Christians around the country using the Prayer for Today Hope Daily Prayers (published by UCB). Using the prayers and themes when praying alone, in home groups, as a church, as groups of churches or in Christian organisations. Every Sunday there is a written prayer which can be used in worship services. This Season of Prayer starts on 18th October 2013 at the Excel Centre, London at the Festival of Life night of prayer hosted by Redeemed Christian Church of God where it is expected that 40,000 people will meet to pray.
Pray: that the Church would take up the challenge to pray and make this a consolidation year of mission. (Lk.2:10)