Afghanistan: Evangelism, crime and refugees
Evangelism: The local church continues to grow as believers are added one by one in small groups. We are asked to pray that new believers will find others they can trust to share in worship, prayer and teaching. Crime: Authorities plan to destroy 15,000 hectares of poppy fields this year in an effort to limit the heroin trade that fuels violence and corruption. Criminal elements and the Taliban profit from the heroin trade. Pray that farmers will find other crops to provide income and food for their families. Refugees: Nearly half a million people displaced by war and violence are living in primitive camps in makeshift tents around major cities. They suffer from shortages of food, clothing and fuel. The government and humanitarian agencies are struggling to meet the needs of so many. Pray that more resources can be made available to help the people living in these camps and that the resources will be used effectively.
Pray: for protection for the emerging church, peace in the land and for many refugees to return to their homes. May God meet all their needs. (Ps.9:3-4)
More: http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/afghanistan-to-destroy-poppy-fields-1.1493945#.UWU4eldKI78
Central African Republic: Coup affects Christian enterprises
In a coup which began at the end of March, and which African heads of state refused to recognize as legitimate, nearly $300,000 of equipment was looted from a Christian radio station. The coup began when about 5,000 Seleka rebel fighters poured into the capital city of Bangui and ousted President Francois Bozizé to set up their own self-proclaimed president. Looting and vandalism at a Christian radio station were extensive with equipment destroyed or stolen by looters valued at nearly $300,000. The radio station is off the air indefinitely. The son of one station employee died from wounds during the disorder near the base camp of ICDI, the Global partner that operates the station. The ministry's total losses included well-drilling equipment, broadcast equipment, six vehicles and other property stolen from ransacked ICDI facilities. The homes of four staff families were also looted. A staff member's son abducted by rebels on Easter Sunday escaped and is now safely home.
Pray: God’s comfort for all who lost loved ones and for Christian initiatives to be quickly restored. (Jude1:17-21)
More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2013/s13040021.htm
The Bible TV series to screen on Channel 5
Richard Desmond's channel buys rights to series watched by more than 13 million viewers on History Channel. It is better known for Celebrity Big Brother and documentaries featuring very long trucks, but Channel 5 will also be home this autumn to a sweeping 10-hour epic, The Bible. A big-budget glossy epic, The Bible was a surprise ratings hit in the US this Easter with more than 13 million viewers on The History Channel, one of its biggest-ever shows. Producers claimed during the making of the show that it had been struck by mysterious omens which indicated the ‘hand of God’, including a sudden swarm of snakes. It remains to be seen whether it works any ratings miracles for Channel 5. The Bible, devotes five hours to the Old Testament and five hours to the New, with a mix of live action and computer generated imagery. It is billed as a production that ‘tries to stay true to the spirit of the book’. (See also Prayer Alert 13-2013)
Praise: God and pray that the response to this series will have the same result when it is shown on our TV. (Ro.8:31)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013/apr/08/channel-5-the-bible
The Bible TV series to screen on Channel 5
Richard Desmond's channel buys rights to series watched by more than 13 million viewers on History Channel. It is better known for Celebrity Big Brother and documentaries featuring very long trucks, but Channel 5 will also be home this autumn to a sweeping 10-hour epic, The Bible. A big-budget glossy epic, The Bible was a surprise ratings hit in the US this Easter with more than 13 million viewers on The History Channel, one of its biggest-ever shows. Producers claimed during the making of the show that it had been struck by mysterious omens which indicated the ‘hand of God’, including a sudden swarm of snakes. It remains to be seen whether it works any ratings miracles for Channel 5. The Bible, devotes five hours to the Old Testament and five hours to the New, with a mix of live action and computer generated imagery. It is billed as a production that ‘tries to stay true to the spirit of the book’. (See also Prayer Alert 13-2013)
Praise: God and pray that the response to this series will have the same result when it is shown on our TV. (Ro.8:31)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013/apr/08/channel-5-the-bible
Christians welcome Bedford clampdown on sex clubs
Bedford Council has introduced a 'nil' policy on sex establishments to the delight of local Christians. The Council adopted the measure unanimously, giving it much stronger grounds to refuse applications for new adult clubs in the future. The policy states that ‘there is no locality in the borough that is considered appropriate for a sexual entertainment venue’. Bedford has already refused applications for new sex establishments in recent years, as have other councils, including Oxford and Maidstone. The move was welcomed by the Christian Legal Centre, which has been a strong advocate in opposing sex clubs. Andrea Minichiello Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: ‘We are massively encouraged by the multiple successes we have seen in opposing sex establishments in city centres.'
Praise: God for the wisdom of the councillors. (Pr.3:13)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.welcome.bedford.clampdown.on.sex.clubs/32064.htm
Christians welcome Bedford clampdown on sex clubs
Bedford Council has introduced a 'nil' policy on sex establishments to the delight of local Christians. The Council adopted the measure unanimously, giving it much stronger grounds to refuse applications for new adult clubs in the future. The policy states that ‘there is no locality in the borough that is considered appropriate for a sexual entertainment venue’. Bedford has already refused applications for new sex establishments in recent years, as have other councils, including Oxford and Maidstone. The move was welcomed by the Christian Legal Centre, which has been a strong advocate in opposing sex clubs. Andrea Minichiello Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: ‘We are massively encouraged by the multiple successes we have seen in opposing sex establishments in city centres.'
Praise: God for the wisdom of the councillors. (Pr.3:13)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.welcome.bedford.clampdown.on.sex.clubs/32064.htm
NIGERIA: Idolatry and occult
The increased dependence of Nigeria’s political and even 'so called' church leaders on occult powers is very worrying. The experiences of two State governors in Anambra and Ogun were publicized but many other governors and their cabinets are involved in swearing to oaths at shrines to affirm allegiance. This is ungodly because idolatry brings about God's wrath in many ways. We are asked to pray for a move of God's spirit across the land, bringing transformation and renewal. Pray that all leaders involved in occult practices will be convicted by God and repent of their wickedness.
Pray: that those who have trusted in the true God will have excellent results in their governance and this will be a good example for those who are trusting the devil. (Dan 1:10)
North Korea: New strategic line
In recent weeks the communist state has issued a series of threats against both South Korean and US targets, to which the US has responded with high-profile movements of advanced aircraft and warships around the Korean peninsula. (See Prayer Alert 12-2013) Most people believe North Korea does not want all-out war, even though they intend restarting facilities at its Yongbyon nuclear complex. The move came a day after Pyongyang announced a ‘new strategic line focusing on its nuclear programme and economy.' Life in North Korea is famine ravaged. A man in South Hwanghaewas killed by firing squad after it was learned he had eaten his two children, the Sunday Times reported recently. North Korea would neither confirm nor deny the account of the execution but it is not the first time that the communist regime is believed to have punished residents who resorted to cannibalism in order to stay alive. Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/report-starving-north-korean-father-resorts-cannibalism-article-1.1250773#ixzz2PO2jG2i6
Pray: that the aggressive rhetoric and military posturing will not result in counter-actions and pray for stability and calm communications. (Ps.2:1-2 & Ps.113:4-6)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/02/us-north-korea-nuclear-plan
Saudi Arabia: Declares destruction of all churches in region
Earlier this month news reports surfaced out of Saudi Arabia that raised the red flag for Christians. Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for the Voice of the Martyrs USA, says, ‘The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia has declared that it is ‘necessary to destroy all the churches of the region.’ Saudi Arabia is ranked second on the Open Doors World Watch List of 50 countries where persecution of Christians is the most severe. There is no provision for religious freedom in the constitution of this Islamic kingdom. The Grand Mufti said this in a meeting with Kuwaiti officials wanting to confirm Sharia’s position on churches and he said, ‘If you have churches in Kuwait they should be destroyed.’ The interesting thing about this is that there are no churches in Saudi Arabia. There are no church buildings that are allowed to exist there. So he was trying to export this ideology to the surrounding countries.
Pray: for God’s protection to be over churches in Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. May the UN Human Rights Council take a stand for freedom of religion in the area. (Ps.3:7-8)
More: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/18380
Lebanon: Palestinians are Syria's 'double refugees'
Refugee camps were set up by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in 1949 for Palestinian refugees. The Shatila refugee camp, which was already overcrowded, is now home to around 33,000 Palestinians seeking refuge in Lebanon where they face overcrowding and poor conditions. At least a fifth of the houses in the camps are not fit to live in, with many lacking walls, roofs, windows or toilet facilities. In camps where homes do not have water or electricity, there are concerns that the increase in refugees will trigger hygiene issues. Palestinians already living in the camps are doing what they can to support the new arrivals, but as Palestinians are not permitted to work in many professions in Lebanon, they mostly work in low-paid jobs, meaning their own resources are thin. There are as many as 15 people living in one room. Many are ill and malnourished. Inflation and the lack of jobs means refugees can't afford to eat properly and children are facing years out of education.
Pray: for the release of more resources for Palestinian and Syrian refugees. May God in His mercy raise up more agencies to provide assistance to those at risk of falling through the support net. (Ps.140:12)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/palestinians.are.syrias.double.refugees/32018.h