Uruguay: Light in a dark place
Afro–Brazilian–Spiritism is the largest growing religion in Uruguay. However recently there has been a revival of Christianity and the number of evangelicals is growing in the midst of an epidemic of divorce, suicide and abortion. Last year a young woman imprisoned for drug trafficking found freedom in Christ behind bars. She was recently released with her two-year-old daughter and is attending a church north of Fray Bentos. This is thanks to the work of Rev Gonzalo and Leticia Soria and their team at La Trinidad church who do weekly visits to the local prison. ‘Baptism in a prison was a unique experience,’ Gonzalo said. ‘A dozen inmates accompanied Johana and her daughter and applauded as they were baptised.’ Now released, Johana and her daughter remain in faith.
Praise: God for the international work of prison ministries and ask for his continued protection over those who find Jesus in dark places. Pray also for more of God’s powerful Holy Spirit to fall across Uruguay. (Is.9:2)
Trumpet call - Praying for our nations
Many are sensing the importance of the day of prayer and worship to be held in Birmingham on the 15th of this month. The British Isles are in increasing turmoil as we see and experience the consequences of ungodly decisions made both in the past and by our National leaders today. These decisions not only affect us but will also affect generations to come. When God’s people unite in prayer and worship God commands a blessing,(Ps.133). Prayer makes a difference and changes circumstances and situations. The venue for this event is The International Convention Centre in Birmingham and the day will be centred around Jeremiah 1:10 with prayer, testimony, thanksgiving, worship and Word; looking at the roots that have caused brokenness, distress and danger across our nations; then there will be prayer for the release of God’s Kingdom in our villages, towns and cities.
Pray: for a mighty outpouring of God’s spirit as intercessors break up the un-ploughed ground. Ask Him to do immeasurably more than expected. (Hos,10:12 & Eph.3:20)
More: http://www.worldprayer.org.uk/about-us/trumpet-call/trumpet-call-2013/
Freedom of religion
Over the past year we have been praying for Nadia Eweida, Shirley Chaplin, Lilian Ladele and Gary McFarlane as they took freedom of religion cases to the European Court of Human Rights. Last Tuesday three of the cases finally reached the end of the road when the EHCR's Grand Chamber rejected the appeals. When the cases had previously been heard in January Nadia’s (which involved the wearing of a cross in the workplace) was successful. The other three were rejected. Their lawyers decided to apply for a hearing by the Grand Chamber, but the judges have now rejected the requests. These rulings indicate that some of the religious foundations of our society are being replaced by an academic belief in equality for all where religion is put on an equal footing with a variety of sections of British society. Christian belief no longer defines the law, but instead is increasingly subject to it.
Pray: that commerce, industry and governments would cease using ‘equality’ in a self-important way. (Ex.20:3,4)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/grand-chamber-rejects-christians-cases
Leprosy Mission says levy on charities 'unfair'
The Leprosy Mission has hit out at suggestions that the Treasury might take a share of Gift Aid or impose a levy on charities. The call came from the Charity Commission, which has warned that it will not be able to cope with the Treasury's request to make a further saving of 10 per cent in the year 2015/16. The Leprosy Mission said, however, that it was "unfair" to take a slice of gift aid to plug the Government's spending cuts. Peter Walker, national director of The Leprosy Mission said a levy could put people off giving while penalizing recipients of the money. ‘If the Government wants a Big Society, it is responsible for providing the framework for the charitable sector to operate effectively, which includes rigorous investigation where necessary,’ he said. ‘The charitable sector is paramount to the delivery of the Big Society and it is, therefore, unreasonable for the government to expect charities to pay to regulate the sector.’
Pray: that this proposal will not become policy and that charitable donation remains entirely with the charity receiving the gift. (Pr.22:16 )
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/leprosy.mission.says.levy.on.charities.unfair/32723.htm
Central Europe Floods
Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic are dealing with record levels of flooding. Cities in southern and eastern Germany have been on high alert as heavy floodwaters swell rivers including the Elbe which has been rising since Monday lunchtime. In Halle an appeal went out to residents asking for help to reinforce flood defences while Dresden was preparing for water levels 5m higher than normal. By Tuesday afternoon river levels in Prague had begun to fall as floodwaters moved north. Overnight flood barriers on the River Vltava in the south of the country were raised releasing a torrent of water, which had implications on the Elbe. The city of Regensburg has declared a state of emergency. Hungary has also declared a state of emergency. Floodwaters on the Danube are expected to peak there on Thursday. Germany has drafted in the army to help with flood defences. In the Bavarian town of Passau, floodwaters reached a level not seen since the 16th Century, but have now begun to recede.
Pray: for the thousands who have been forced to leave their homes, particularly the farmers, the frail and elderly; pray also for governments and NGO’s bringing relief where roads and bridges have been destroyed. (Ps.18:6)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22752544
Central Europe Floods
Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic are dealing with record levels of flooding. Cities in southern and eastern Germany have been on high alert as heavy floodwaters swell rivers including the Elbe which has been rising since Monday lunchtime. In Halle an appeal went out to residents asking for help to reinforce flood defences while Dresden was preparing for water levels 5m higher than normal. By Tuesday afternoon river levels in Prague had begun to fall as floodwaters moved north. Overnight flood barriers on the River Vltava in the south of the country were raised releasing a torrent of water, which had implications on the Elbe. The city of Regensburg has declared a state of emergency. Hungary has also declared a state of emergency. Floodwaters on the Danube are expected to peak there on Thursday. Germany has drafted in the army to help with flood defences. In the Bavarian town of Passau, floodwaters reached a level not seen since the 16th Century, but have now begun to recede.
Pray: for the thousands who have been forced to leave their homes, particularly the farmers, the frail and elderly; pray also for governments and NGO’s bringing relief where roads and bridges have been destroyed. (Ps.18:6)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22752544
Germany: Human trafficking
Women from abroad who escape prostitution are considered ‘illegal immigrants’ in Germany and only allowed to remain during the criminal proceedings when they testify against the perpetrators. Although they take a great personal risk by making a statement they are deported when the case is closed – generally without financial compensation. There have been many unsuccessful resolutions by interior ministers to reform Germany’s prostitution laws. After pressure from Brussels, the coalition will now introduce new laws before the summer recess. The Justice Minister needs to amend the criminal law, the Economy Minister has to change the trade and industry regulations so that brothels can receive some guidelines. Also the Interior Minister must clear the way for foreign women who are in forced prostitution to be assured a safe haven in Germany. We are asked to pray that all party political obstacles will be cleared away so that victims get effective protection under the law. (Proverbs 31 v.8-9)
Pray: for protection laws to be passed speedily before the summer recess and that human trafficking rings will be uncovered and broken up. (Psalm 44 v.23-26)
More: http://ec.europa.eu/anti-trafficking/search.action
Germany: Human trafficking
Women from abroad who escape prostitution are considered ‘illegal immigrants’ in Germany and only allowed to remain during the criminal proceedings when they testify against the perpetrators. Although they take a great personal risk by making a statement they are deported when the case is closed – generally without financial compensation. There have been many unsuccessful resolutions by interior ministers to reform Germany’s prostitution laws. After pressure from Brussels, the coalition will now introduce new laws before the summer recess. The Justice Minister needs to amend the criminal law, the Economy Minister has to change the trade and industry regulations so that brothels can receive some guidelines. Also the Interior Minister must clear the way for foreign women who are in forced prostitution to be assured a safe haven in Germany. We are asked to pray that all party political obstacles will be cleared away so that victims get effective protection under the law. (Proverbs 31 v.8-9)
Pray: for protection laws to be passed speedily before the summer recess and that human trafficking rings will be uncovered and broken up. (Psalm 44 v.23-26)
More: http://ec.europa.eu/anti-trafficking/search.action
Nigeria: Bishops condemn persecution of Christians
At an International Conference on ‘Religious Freedom and Tolerance’ clergymen from different denominations condemned the violent persecution of Christians in the north, as they discussed the current situation with Christian Solidarity International, Christian Defense Force, Human Capital Development, Governors and University academics. They endorsed the emergency rule imposed by President Jonathan in parts of the north where out of 52 churches 50 have been destroyed by Boko Haram terrorists. Also it was suggested Christians in the North be asked to consider relocating to the East to avoid more casualties.
Pray: for concerted action and prayer to contain efforts to destabilize Nigeria and to bring about a Godly solution. (Ps.125:3-5)
More: http://www.spyghana.com/bishops-condemn-persecution-of-christians-in-nigeria/
INSIGHT: Egypt’s constitution
Egypt's top court has ruled that the upper house, or Shura Council, and a panel that drafted a new constitution are invalid. But the court said the Shura would only be dissolved after new elections. Elections were supposed to take place in April, however a number of Islamists from the Muslim Brotherhood, the Freedom and Justice Party, and the Al Nour Party stated elections were to be postponed until 2014. Mr Morsi's Freedom and Justice party, the Muslim Brotherhood's political wing, holds 42% of the Shura Council's seats and can easily gain a majority with support from conservative allies. Opponents say the president has used the council to rush through an Islamist agenda and laws that have too many loopholes. There was high security at the court building in southern Cairo ahead of the latest ruling. The Spiritual face of Egypt is changing. For insights into this change click the more button.
Pray: for the Coptic Church (the largest body of Christians in Egypt) to be a witness not only to the people of Egypt, but also the Middle-Eastern region. (Ps.17:8,9, 15)
More: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=448&Itemid=93