‘Revival’ in South African schools
‘God is moving among the youth of South Africa,’ says Matt Hogarty, principal of Oasis Christian Academy in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. He says that as a result of what God has been doing at Oasis, a team from his school was invited to minister at a Government school in Pietermaritzburg and about 500 (learners) pupils there committed their lives to Jesus and there was a powerful time of ministry during which children opened up about issues of abuse and trauma in their lives. Source: Gateway News.
Praise: God and pray that this movement will continue. (Heb.10:22-24)
More: http://revivalmedia.org/2013/08/30/revival-in-south-african-schools-319-report-31/
‘Dare to be a Daniel’
The UK Bible Society is encouraging a generation of believers to ‘Dare to be a Daniel,’ as they partner with Christian organizations hosting a road show tour called SUSA, - the Biblical city from which heroes of God hailed. SUSA aims to educate, inspire and equip Christians to see involvement in politics as being Biblical, and possible. The tour enables Christians to hear leading speakers share their testimony demonstrating God's people being 'salt and light' in the public square; followed by questions and answers. Senior Parliamentary Officer for Bible Society said, ‘Christians are compelled by the love of God to serve and lead locally and nationally in politics, and our historical contribution is vast; there is a growing Christian community in Parliament. We hope the SUSA tour will encourage more Christians to get involved in day-to-day political life, be that locally or nationally'. Praise: God for initiatives that reach into modern society with the Christian message More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8775
‘Better Life Chances’ initiative
Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Against Crime (GMAC) have recently invited Redeeming Our Communities to join the Integrated Neighbourhood Management Partnership Team. The purpose of this team is to pilot an initiative across 10 targeted areas in the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester. This initiative, called ‘Better Life Chances’, is a 12-week pilot programme designed to bring service-providers into a streamlined effort to tackle deprivation problems experienced by families. Redeeming Our Communities’ role is currently focused on rolling out ROC Cafés across these targeted areas. As a proven model in reducing anti-social behaviour among youth, the ROC Café has been identified by GMAC as a key project which meets the objectives set out in Better Life Chances. Praise: God for the partnership of professionals and enthusiastic workers as they bring resources to needy areas. More: http://www.redeemingourcommunities.org.uk/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=246111
Zimbabwe Anglicans celebrate return to churches
A Godalming curate was in Zimbabwe earlier in the month to join Anglicans celebrating the return to their churches after five years in exile. Anglicans in the eastern Diocese of Manicaland were finally able to return to their churches and cathedral after being barred from places of worship for the last five years. They were forced from their buildings when two renegade bishops in Manicaland and Harare attempted to take control of diocesan properties. Even as they worshipped outside, they faced violence and harassment. All the while, priests were not funded and church assets were stolen. The hardship only came to an end when Zimbabwe's Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Anglican Church and legally restored their ownership of the buildings. The focus of the weekend's celebrations was on forgiveness. Joining them was the Reverend Kate Wyles, whose father's family were missionaries in Manicaland.
Praise: God for this change and the court's move to bring freedom to worship again to the Anglican Church. (Jer.34:15)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/zimbabwe.celebrate.return.to.churches/32139.htm
Youth lead the way in Manado, Indonesia for a Citywide Evangelistic Campaign
In Manado, the Christian community is thriving. Yet, like so many other places around the world, young people are turning away from their faith in record numbers. Distracted by secular culture and worldly influences, they have come to be known as the lost generation. Andrew Palau knows the story all too well. As the son of renowned evangelist Luis Palau he lived a life of rebellion until the age of 27 when he finally embraced the truth of the Gospel. Taking the message of Jesus and his own story of redemption to Manado, Andrew had the privilege of joining with hundreds of local believers to accomplish the massive evangelistic festival, August 26-31. This youth-led campaign took months of planning and prayer. It included the partnership of hundreds of local churches, city officials and thousands of Indonesian believers. By the end of the festival and week of outreach events, more than 3,500 decision cards were received and 7,000 copies of the Gospel of John had been distributed.
Praise: God for the move of His Holy Spirit in bringing so many young people into His kingdom. (Ps.68:32)
More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=44179&PN=1
Young Christians have fun and develop their faith
The summer has seen a rash of events for new generations - here is an insight from some participants around the Diocese of Lichfield. While students of all ages enjoy the long break over the summer, many from churches and youth clubs around the diocese have spent a little of that time having fun and developing their faith. Over four and a half thousand young people from around the country gathered at Stafford Showground for the annual Soul Survivor event at the end of July; five days of exuberant worship, teaching, sport, food and culture. In contrast, the diocesan youth retreat centre, Dovedale House on the Staffordshire Moorlands is playing host to a much smaller and deliberately quieter event. Called Breathe, it promises quietude, time to meditate and escape from hectic term-times as well as a wide choice of activities. And no leaky tents!
Praise: God for Soul Survivor and all the other events throughout the summer that are designed to stimulate faith. (Ps.89:19)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/young.christians.have.fun.and.develop.their.faith/33734.htm