Israel: Citizens protesting Palestinian release
Recent protests by hundreds of Israelis in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv reflect indignation over the decision to release 104 Palestinian prisoners - many of them convicted terrorists guilty of murder. Polls show 85% of the Israeli public is opposed to their release. Terror victims’ organizations have been vocal in opposition to the government’s decision and are supported by Israelis across the political spectrum. Prisoners' crimes range from cold-blooded murder of people by placing bags over their heads and then shooting them, to Molotov cocktails killing women and children travelling in busses. Protests are also stirring on social media. A Facebook circulated info-graphic compared Israel’s releasing terrorists for the sake of peace, to the United States releasing all the terrorists of Guantanamo Bay in exchange for peace talks with al-Qaeda and the Taliban. A protestor whose brother was murdered by one of the terrorists to be freed said the government are giving the wrong message to Israeli youth ‘that their blood has no worth’.
Pray: for those in authority, that God would reveal his way forward for all negotiations and agreements. (Deut.29:29)
Egypt: Update
Many in Egypt’s Christian ministry are appalled at the misinterpretations of the situation in Egypt being reported by normally balanced international media like the BBC. They are portraying Muslim Brotherhood as the victims of injustice. Prior to the attack on the camp leaders in the Muslim Brotherhood warned, ‘if it’s broken up Christians would be attacked.’ Immediately before and after Morsi's removal his supporters repeatedly blamed Christians for the protests that led to his removal. In sermons across the country imams called for Christians to be attacked. Since Mr Morsi's removal Islamists have painted black X's on Christian shops to mark them for arson and angry mobs have attacked churches and Christians in their homes. Leaflets have been left at Christian homes and businesses demanding them to leave or else face reprisals. Church services have been cancelled either through fear or because the buildings are too damaged. see also: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/egypt.churches.cancelling.services.for.fear.of.attack/33642.htm
Pray: for God to protect and encourage all those living in fear and uncertainty. Ask Him to comfort all who have lost loved ones. (Is.61:2-3)
Sri Lanka: Buddhist nationalism threat
Minorities in Sri Lanka are being threatened by aggressive Sinhalese Buddhist movements asserting supremacy over and leading hate campaigns against ‘ Christian and Muslim extremist groups.’ They claim minority groups pose a threat to the Sinhalese Buddhist majority. The nationalists are inciting violence - almost every week a church, mosque or Muslim business is attacked by extremists. Attacks on Muslims (10% of the population) have attracted some international media coverage but the persecution of Christians (7% of the population) has received little attention. The campaign is becoming increasingly violent. 20+ mosques and 30+ churches have been attacked and 18 churches have been forced to close. Nationalists vowed to shut down the rest. (Traditional ethical and moral Buddhist teachings are governed by avoiding any actions which are likely to be harmful to self or others). Pray that Sri Lankan Christians will powerfully demonstrate the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the wisdom of Biblical teaching at this time.
Pray: for the government to take a stand against violent incidents towards minority groups. (1Tim2:1-2)
Indonesia: Victims of volcanoes
Three villages lie in the path of a tsunami should Mount Hobalt experience a major eruption after rumbling into life on Tuesday. Officials said the area has frequently been hit by tsunamis and the warning level for the volcano was at two on the scale of four. Tuesday’s eruption is the latest in a string of increased volcanic activity in the region following eruptions from Mount Rokatenda that killed five on August 10th. Volcanic earthquakes were also recorded from Mount Werong on Tuesday with 81 shallow tremors in the space of an hour and a half. More than 800 people have been forced to flee their homes since August 7th. They join 2,750 living in temporary shelters in three camps since an eruption last year. Many in the camps are suffering from illnesses and complain, ‘the government has not provided enough assistance’
Pray: for the homeless, the frail and elderly to receive appropriate government attention to their plight, and for God to cause agencies to send appropriate aid.
More: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/volcanoes-rumble-to-life-in-ntt/#more-%27
USA: San Antonio may ban Christians from Government
The San Antonio City Council is setting the stage for an unprecedented attack on religious liberty, particularly for Christians. The City Council is considering an ordinance to add ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ to the discrimination ordinances in the city code. The proposal would ban anyone that has ever opposed (demonstrated bias, by word or deed) homosexuality from being involved in city government and/or performing a city contract/subcontract. The proposed ordinance provides no exemptions for religious beliefs on homosexuality, even beliefs expressed in Church. Christianity has been clear on its teaching that homosexuality is a sin, a deviation from God’s unique design of men and women, for over two thousand years. Both the Old and New Testaments attest to this viewpoint. This makes the likely consequences of this proposed ordinance clear to see - a complete ban of Bible-believing Christians and faith-based businesses from participating in the city government. See also: http://txvalues.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/SA-Ordinance.pdf
Pray: for religious freedom to be upheld in San Antonio and across the United States of America.
Global: Anti-corruption campaign
‘EXPOSED’ is aiming to collect at least a million signatures against corruption that will then be presented at the G20 meeting taking place in November 2014. The World Council of Churches is encouraging its member churches to get involved with this global campaign that highlights a trillion US dollars going missing from the global economy through bribes, dishonest deals and tax evasion - money that could be spent on lifting millions of people out of poverty
Pray: that this campaign will grow over the coming months – pray for many to respond to the issue of corruption being propagated by economic structures, value systems and greed. (Ps.45:3-4)
Miguel Angel Trevino Morales, the leader the Zetas drug cartel has been arrested in Mexico.
Mexican marines apprehended Miguel Angel Trevino Morales near Nuevo Laredo, which is near the Texas border. Morales was wanted on both sides of the border, with Mexico and the U.S. offering hefty rewards.
Mexican authorities say he had $2 million, eight weapons and hundreds of ammunition cartridges with him when he was captured in a pickup truck. Morales had two other people with him. The 40-year-old is accused of ordering the kidnapping and killing of hundreds of migrants. He faces charges of organized crime, homicide, torture and money laundering.
Praise God, He is answering! The majority of Mexico’s most wanted drug cartel leaders have been apprehended or otherwise removed from their ruthless, bloodthirsty occupation as His people there and around the world have prayed! Let’s continue to pray that “El Chapo” Guzman and other remaining drug kingpins will be found and arrested and that the Mexican government will have God’s wisdom and help in carrying out this battle with organized evil in their country.
Chief rabbi Lord Sacks accuses David Cameron of failing to promote marriage
Britain's chief rabbi, Lord Sacks, has accused David Cameron of failing to do enough to encourage marriage and says multiculturalism in Britain has "had its day". Lord Sacks said the prime minister should recognise marriage in the tax system and do more to support mothers who stay at home to look after their children. "I think the government has not done enough [to encourage marriage]," he said in an interview with The Times. "Although I don't take a political stance ... I don't think the government has done enough at all." Lord Sacks said the estimated £9bn-a-year cost of family breakdown and "non-marriage" meant the state had a direct interest in promoting marriage. "[The government] should certainly recognise marriage in the tax system, it should certainly give more support to mothers who stay at home or for childcare provision," he said. "I don't believe in getting involved in the details but the principle is pretty clear."
Pray: for a renewed Government support for marriage after years of policies that have undermined it. ( )
More: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/aug/19/rabbi-lord-sacks-david-cameron-failing-marriage
Fracking could alleviate suffering of poor people, says Church
The Church of England has criticised "blanket opposition" to fracking and called for a debate that takes the poor and less costly energy sources into consideration. In a statement on the issue, the Church said it did not have an official policy on hydraulic fracturing but suggested the pros and cons needed to be viewed through a wider lens. In particular, the Church suggested fracking could alleviate fuel poverty and the suffering of the poor. The Chair of the Church of England's group on Mission and Public Affairs, Philip Fletcher said "Fuel poverty is an increasingly urgent issue for many in society - the impact on energy bills is felt most by the least well off. Blanket opposition to further exploration for new sources of fuel fails to take into account those who suffer most when resources are scarce." However, the Church said that fracking should be properly regulated and steps taken to minimise the risks.
Pray: for a fair and balanced debate on the pros and cons of fracking that avoids melodramatic misinformation so that the nation can make an informed judgement. (Job 28:12)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/fracking.could.alleviate.suffering.of.poor.people.says.church/33614.htm
Problems of Forces personnel switching to civilian life
The shock of leaving the Armed Forces took its toll with alcohol and mental health problems, unemployment and family break-ups according to the Forces in Mind Trust. Veterans’ alcohol problems had the biggest effect, costing an estimated £35 million in 2012, followed by mental health problems costing £26 million. The costs are predicted to rise this year because of the loss of thousands of jobs in recent months in defence cuts. The trust, which campaigns to make it easier for veterans to settle back into civilian life, said the great majority made the jump successfully, but it was still surprised by the scale of the costs. The report found the culture shock for those leaving the forces has been underestimated. Andrew Curry, author of the report, said: “Even those who have gone through a good transition said they found their experience of civilian life and the workplace to be a shock.”
Pray: for members of the armed forces as they make the transition to civilian life and that they will receive appropriate support. (Ps.55:22)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/ben-farmer/10243464/Problems-of-Forces-personnel-switching-to-civilian-life-cost-114m.html