Nigeria: Thousands displaced by violence
Armed Fulani tribesmen displaced 4,000 in a series of attacks on villages in Bauchi state in predominantly Muslim north. Pastor Markus Kele of the Church of Christ in Nigeria was among those killed in Lim village in the most recent attack last Wednesday. Church sources reported 463 homes, 11 shops and 13 churches set on fire in recent attacks carried out by a group of 2,000 militants from Niger, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto and other northern Nigerian states. We also need to continue to pray for Jos where sectarian violence continues with two hundred killed in 2011. The division between Muslim north and Christian south sees the Plateau State and its capital Jos sitting in the middle where Christians and Muslims are locked in a cycle of attacks and revenge killings. While some attacks on Christians are perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen seizing property many are sectarian in nature. See: Pray: for God to comfort those living in fear, and facilitate dialogue between Christians and Muslims that results in peace. (Ps.5:11,12)
Middle East: Democracy concerns
Many see toppling dictators as a victory for democracy. But within this movement are concerns for Christians. The democracy model unfolding in these lands, possibly a result of mob rule, is a democracy where Islamists are likely to control governments, exclude minority faiths and Christians live in fear. A December 2010 survey of Middle Eastern Muslims’ attitudes found 84.4% of Egyptians believe Christians converting from Islam should be publicly executed. Among Egyptians who say Islam is playing a large role in politics, 95% believe that this is a good thing. If this poll is even remotely accurate Egypt is clearly not a society ready for democracy. Look past the cover of the Muslim Brotherhood to see that contents of its book include the institution of worldwide Sharia law and establishment of a global Islamic caliphate that brings about the peace and domination of Islam forever. Pray: that revolutions will usher in a democracy that embraces minority faiths as it stands against tyranny. (Is.9:4-6) More: http://www.crosswalk.com/news/in-the-arab-spring-christians-fear-religious-freeze.html
Yemen: Perilous protests
Of all the uprisings and protests that have swept the Middle East this year none is more likely than Yemen to have immediate damaging effects on U.S. (and the west’s) counterterrorism efforts. Yemen is considered a key ally by Washington because it is home to al-Qaida's most active franchise, and if the President of Yemen’s government crumbles so will Washington's influence in Yemen. For two years the Obama administration has had a relationship of convenience with Yemen. The U.S. kept the Yemeni government armed and flush with cash. In return Yemen's leaders helped fight al-Qaida or, as often, looked the other way while the U.S. wrestled with them. A bomb mailed to Britain last year travelled from Yemen and was discovered due to ‘information received,’ by the west. Pray: for God inspired international relationships to be nurtured, and ungodly schemes to fail.(Is.9:2) More: http://www.startribune.com/nation/118415409.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiacyKUzyaP37D_MDua_eyD5PcOiUr
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Japan: How should we pray?
Operation World states 70 percent of Japanese claim no personal religion but a majority follow rituals of Buddhism or Shintoism. Only 1.5 percent follow Christ. We can pray for God to enable the small church in Japan to reach out to the suffering and be a shining light in the middle of darkness. We can also pray that Missionaries and Christian organizations going to Japan will be anointed by God to reveal His love and compassion, so that Japanese hearts will be changed forever. We pray that the many facing an uncertain future will seek comfort in God and be strengthened and encouraged. For a summary of OMF insights into prophetic intercession for Japan click the 'info' button. Pray: for believers to be a bold witness in every circumstance, and for God to use this tragedy for good ushering many into His Kingdom in the days ahead. (Is.63:8)
Call for end to banking greed
Another financial crisis threatens unless tougher banking regulations are introduced and borrowers learn to live within their means, the Association of Christian Financial Advisers has warned. ACFA Aidan Vaughan attacked the more aggressive activities of investment bankers, namely credit derivatives, as he warned that unrestrained investment banking activities could lead to even bigger financial crises in the future. ‘ACFA strongly encourages Mervyn King, the Governor of the Bank of England, to stand up to the banks,’ he said. ‘The public is angry especially when they see bankers again earning huge bonuses when it is tax payers’ money that has rescued the day. For most people, taxes are rising, wages are static, inflation is rising, living standards are falling and government expenditure is being cut dramatically. The basic biblical principle of ‘spending less than you earn’ has been ignored on a massive scale.’ Pray:for the banking industry to adopt an open and fair approach to their role in the economic life of Britain. (Ps.15:5)
Frocks and pompoms for primary school boys
A teacher training pack, supported by a Government agency, says boys in primary schools should be encouraged to try on dresses or dance with pompoms in the cheerleading team. The pack is produced by Stonewall, Britain’s top homosexual lobby group, and has been sent to primary schools. An accompanying DVD, backed by the Teacher Development Agency (TDA), features primary school teachers giving ‘best practice’ tips from their own experience. One head teacher says pupils should be taught to be resilient to the values of their parents and grandparents. According to the Mail on Sunday, Stonewall received a £25,000 grant from the TDA, a Government agency. In addition, officials at the DfE are consulting with Stonewall on the Government’s current review of sex education guidance. The Christian Institute’s Mike Judge said: ‘Perhaps the most disturbing thing is teaching children to resist the values of their parents and grandparents.’ Pray: for recognition by the Government that such widely imposed curriculum changes, without parental consultation is a step too far. (Dt.5:16) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/video-frocks-and-pompoms-for-primary-school-boys/
Sex education materials should be licensed
Sex education resources should be licensed to ensure they are age-appropriate, an MP has said, following concern among parents about ‘inappropriate’ materials. Andrea Leadsom’s comments come in the same month that a report by The Christian Institute highlighted shocking resources being pushed by public bodies for use in schools. One such resource encourages primary school pupils to learn about anal intercourse, oral sex and prostitution. (See Prayer Alert 11-2011) Mrs Leadsom, the MP for South Northamptonshire, asked if the Education Secretary Michael Gove was ‘aware of the great concern of some parents about the inappropriate material being shown to their five-year-old and seven-year-old children under the guise of sex and relationship education’. Education Minister Tim Loughton replied, saying he shared some of her concerns. He noted the current Government review into personal, social and health education, of which sex and relationship education is a key part, and said he would welcome the MP’s further input into the review. Pray: that those in authority will be given Godly insight when preparing teaching materials for the young. (Pr.3:21)
Is marriage worth defending?
By many measures, marriage has weakened in our society over the past two generations. Fewer people marry. More people divorce. Increasing numbers of people move through a series of sexual relationships without ever forming a lasting marriage. Not only the practice but also the understanding of marriage has shifted. Our society’s view of marriage, centred on mutual emotional satisfaction, is already far from classic Christian teaching. Now pro-homosexuality advocates are seeking to radically redefine the institution, reducing it to a relationship between any ‘two people who love each other’. Amidst all this conflict, is it worth the cost for Christians to continue to defend and promote this embattled institution? The Bible teaches that God brought together man and woman for the good of all humankind. Marriage is the most basic building block of human society. Almost every known culture distinguishes the marriage of man and woman from other relationships. Pray: that marriage would be restored to its rightful place in our society as God intended. (Heb.13:4) More: http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2011/03/22/is-marriage-worth-defending-2/
Churches against sexual violence in Africa
The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams is lending his support to a new church coalition working to end sexual violence against women. The Silent No More coalition consists of the Anglican Communion, Lambeth Palace, Tearfund, Christian Aid and Restored. Its formation coincides with the launch of the Silent No More report documenting the role of the church in response to sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Liberia. The report was launched Monday at Lambeth Palace, as the coalition’s first step towards addressing the silence, pain and stigma faced by survivors of sexual violence. Speaking at the launch, Dr Williams said: ‘It is of the first importance that churches and all communities of faith continue to hold before the world’s eyes the absolute priority for justice and dignity for all’. Pray: that this initiative and others in the Silent No More campaign will raise awareness and achieve lasting results. (Ps.11:5)
Church criticises government's alcohol 'responsibility deal'
The Methodist Church has criticised the Government's ‘responsibility deal’ to tackle alcohol abuse, saying that it prioritises the drinks industry over the vulnerable. Rachel Lampard, Public Issues Team Leader for the Methodist Church, said:’ We are totally unconvinced that the Government’s proposed ‘responsibility deal’ on alcohol regulation will be effective in reducing the problem of harmful drinking.’ The deal covers voluntary agreements with the drinks industry on matters such as promotions and labelling. Six medical organisations, including the BMA and Alcohol Concern, have walked away from this deal on the grounds that it favours the drinks industry, and places no limits on pricing or advertising. ‘We have an opportunity to reverse the devastating effects of years of under-regulation of the drinks market. If the Government means to keep its promises around harm reduction, alcohol policy should be informed strongly by medical evidence and not sidelined by the pressures of the industry.’ Pray: that the needs of the consumer, especially the vulnerable will take priority over commercial profit. (Lk.21:34) More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=494