World: Most corrupt countries
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is published annually by Transparency International. Surveys and assessments are used to compile an index of the most corrupt countries, asking questions relating to bribery of public officials, kickbacks in public procurement, embezzlement of public funds and questions that probe the strength and effectiveness of public sector anti-corruption efforts. The results released this week found the worst of the 178 countries was Somalia followed by Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma) and Iraq. Brazil was 69th on the list and India 87th. Overall, Transparency International says of the survey: ‘These results indicate a serious corruption problem globally’. Pray: for hidden corruption to be revealed enabling more finances to be released appropriately. (Is.59:1) More: http://www.modernghana.com/news/302074/1/which-is-worlds-most-corrupt-nation.html
Thailand: Worst flooding in decades
A Christian from Thailand writes: ‘At a conference 2 weeks ago the Lord said we will experience great shaking, natural disasters, political upheavals. Is the church ready to act? We are experiencing natural disasters now as I type this. Please pray now! Northern Thailand is experiencing the worst flooding in decades. Last night’s Singapore News showed the reporter in water up to her hips. Churches in Bangkok are putting together survivor kits for the flood victims in northeast and central Thailand: torches, boots, dry food, medicine, powdered milk for children. The situation is getting worse in some areas and spreading to wider areas. Please pray, this is too big and we are doing whatever we can.’ Flooding is affecting over 3 million people. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said it was the worst flooding in 50 years due to larger than normal rainfall affecting dams and reservoirs, plus aggressive housing and business development affecting natural drainage channels. Pray: for God’s enabling for the Church in Thailand as they do whatever he calls them to do. (Ps.60:4-5) More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/27/AR2010102700580.html
Israel: Prayers for rain
Israel is facing a water shortage. Although abundant rainfall in February brought the Lake Kinneret back over its ‘red line’ (the point at which water levels are dangerously low) the country is still recovering from five consecutive dry years. Thursday night was the seventh day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. Jews living in Israel began praying for rain and from that date they will change the phrase, ‘And give blessing’ to ‘And give dew and rain for a blessing,’ in their weekday prayers. Sephardi Jews request ‘dew and showers’. Jews living abroad will begin saying the blessing for rain in several weeks' time. The custom of adding the prayer for dew and rain on 7 Cheshvan dates back to the times of the First Temple and Second Temple. Prayers for rain will be recited until the Passover holiday in the spring. Pray: and join the cry for God to answer his people’s prayers for rain in Israel. (1Ki.8:36) More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8312
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Bedouins' needs
Be'er Sheva District Court cut off 4,000 Bedouins water supply for 24 hours because they don’t want to shoulder a Bedouin water bill. Bedouin children collected water from petrol stations and siphoned water from a water pipe in the area in desperation. ‘They're not under the jurisdiction of Lakiya, but their water bills are sent to us. said the council head referring to the Bedouin residents. Spokespersons for the Bedouins reported, ‘Apparently the children of Be'er Sheva are more important than the children of the Bedouin' diasporas.’ and another said the Bedouin do actually pay for their water, but explained that water use is estimated as those living in villages that are not officially recognized by the state lack water meters and other infrastructure. See. For more INSIGHTS to assist prayer for Bedouins inIsrael, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan click the ‘Info’ button and pray for a forgotten people in need of the knowledge of Christ. Pray: for the nations in spiritual and physical drought to experience God's refreshing power. (Hab.2:14)
Prosecution of Pro-Life protesters dropped
Two pro-life protesters are celebrating after hearing that they will not be facing a criminal prosecution for a silent vigil outside an abortion clinic. The two Christian protesters, Andy Stephenson, 35, and Katherine Sloane, 19, were arrested twice by police in Brighton this summer for standing outside the BPAS clinic in silent protest with a banner showing an early aborted child. The police asked them to take down their banner but on both occasions they were arrested after they refused. Mr Stephenson tried to explain to the police that they had a lawful right to protest. On the second occasion they were held for fourteen hours at Brighton police station and questioned under caution. Today they heard that the threatened criminal prosecution against them had been dropped. Mr Stephenson said: ‘We are very pleased that the right decision has been made. We have to ask why we were held in a police station for fourteen hours and why our banners were confiscated. We will continue to campaign to highlight the dangers of abortion and the killings that happen at these clinics.’ Praise: God and ask Him to show His people many other peaceful ways to demonstrate against ungodly laws. (Ps.139:13)
Prosecution of Pro-Life protesters dropped
Two pro-life protesters are celebrating after hearing that they will not be facing a criminal prosecution for a silent vigil outside an abortion clinic. The two Christian protesters, Andy Stephenson, 35, and Katherine Sloane, 19, were arrested twice by police in Brighton this summer for standing outside the BPAS clinic in silent protest with a banner showing an early aborted child. The police asked them to take down their banner but on both occasions they were arrested after they refused. Mr Stephenson tried to explain to the police that they had a lawful right to protest. On the second occasion they were held for fourteen hours at Brighton police station and questioned under caution. Today they heard that the threatened criminal prosecution against them had been dropped. Mr Stephenson said: ‘We are very pleased that the right decision has been made. We have to ask why we were held in a police station for fourteen hours and why our banners were confiscated. We will continue to campaign to highlight the dangers of abortion and the killings that happen at these clinics.’ Praise: God and ask Him to show His people many other peaceful ways to demonstrate against ungodly laws. (Ps.139:13)
African Christians pray for US revival
Tens of thousands of African Christians gathered to pray for a spiritual awakening in the U.S. The Africa Prays for America event drew an estimated 50,000 believers to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.and was hosted by the African Strategic Leadership Prayer Network (ASLPN), a coalition of African church leaders in the U.S. and abroad. ASLPN leaders say, the United States has been sending missionaries to Africa for a long time and now African Christians have returned the favour. ‘We recognize that America desperately needs revival, and if there's one thing Africa can give and do for America, it's to pray,’ says Bishop Darlingston Johnson from Liberia. Praise: God for the thousands of African believers sent to America on a missionary journey and join them in the cry for a spiritual shift and new awakening in America. (Eph.5:14) More: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/29393-african-christians-to-pray-for-us-revival-
African Christians pray for US revival
Tens of thousands of African Christians gathered to pray for a spiritual awakening in the U.S. The Africa Prays for America event drew an estimated 50,000 believers to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.and was hosted by the African Strategic Leadership Prayer Network (ASLPN), a coalition of African church leaders in the U.S. and abroad. ASLPN leaders say, the United States has been sending missionaries to Africa for a long time and now African Christians have returned the favour. ‘We recognize that America desperately needs revival, and if there's one thing Africa can give and do for America, it's to pray,’ says Bishop Darlingston Johnson from Liberia. Praise: God for the thousands of African believers sent to America on a missionary journey and join them in the cry for a spiritual shift and new awakening in America. (Eph.5:14) More: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/29393-african-christians-to-pray-for-us-revival-
Welcomed back to Church
There were around 6,500 more people in Baptist churches on September 27, according to figures collated from reports on the day. The Big Welcome, or Back to Church Sunday, saw at least 475 Baptist churches taking part, with an average of 13.7 extra attendees. A quarter of those taking part had not done so before. If, as in previous years, around 12 per cent of those attending decide to become regular worshippers, this translates to another 780 people becoming part of Baptist churches. The Revd Ian Bunce, head of the Baptist Union of Great Britain's mission department, said that the event had gone very well. 'A number of churches have been surprised at how successful it has been,' he said. 'People are now saying that they need to put these principles into the everyday lives of their congregations, rather than leaving it to a particular Sunday.' (See also Prayer Alert 3710) Praise: God for all those who have returned to Church and may the principles of Welcome Back become part of everyday Church. (Heb.10:25)
Welcomed back to Church
There were around 6,500 more people in Baptist churches on September 27, according to figures collated from reports on the day. The Big Welcome, or Back to Church Sunday, saw at least 475 Baptist churches taking part, with an average of 13.7 extra attendees. A quarter of those taking part had not done so before. If, as in previous years, around 12 per cent of those attending decide to become regular worshippers, this translates to another 780 people becoming part of Baptist churches. The Revd Ian Bunce, head of the Baptist Union of Great Britain's mission department, said that the event had gone very well. 'A number of churches have been surprised at how successful it has been,' he said. 'People are now saying that they need to put these principles into the everyday lives of their congregations, rather than leaving it to a particular Sunday.' (See also Prayer Alert 3710) Praise: God for all those who have returned to Church and may the principles of Welcome Back become part of everyday Church. (Heb.10:25)