UK cases to go before European Court of Human rights
Christian Concern intend to bring two legal cases before the European Court of Human Rights in the new year, those of Gary McFarlane, a relationship counsellor from Bristol dismissed for gross misconduct by Relate for refusing to confirm he would provide directive sex therapy to homosexual couples due to his religious beliefs. Also Shirley Chaplin, an NHS nurse faced with disciplinary action after being told she was no longer permitted to wear her cross while at work on health and safety grounds. The NHS Trust indicated they would permit exemptions in their uniform policy for religious and cultural symbols that were ‘mandatory’ within the religion. An employment tribunal found that she had not been discriminated against on the basis of her religious beliefs.
Pray: for Christians in the British Isles to be free to continue and exercise their role in the workplace proclaiming and demonstrating Christian truths. (2Cor.12:12)
Excessive drinking is a significant problem
A YouGov survey has revealed that 61 per cent of UK adults believe that excessive drinking is a problem (from minor to major) in their neighbourhood. The survey, carried out on behalf of The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church, asked people to judge the effects of alcohol on the area within walking distance from their home, or where they use local facilities. They believe that enforcing a minimum per-unit price could be part of the solution to this problem, a move that has already been taken by the Scottish Government and that has been backed by health watchdog, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). Although the UK Government shows no sign of enforcing a minimum per-unit price nationally, the initiative is being considered by a number of local councils, including Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.
Pray: that the authorities will be able to get a grip on this problem. (Eph.5:18)
Unwanted gifts help the homeless
Ended up with something you didn't want this Christmas? One charity is asking Brits to donate that unflattering jumper or umpteenth bubble bath set and help the homeless. Any unwanted Christmas gifts donated to Anchor will be sold on and 100% of the profits put towards its work with the homeless. The gifts will be sold through eBay and the proceeds used to sponsor a room for a homeless person. Additionally, people can sell their unwanted gifts individually and donate the amount to Anchor. Anchor House is helping thousands of homeless from its base in Canning Town, in the east London borough of Newham, the third most deprived ward in England and Wales. The centre provides accommodation for up to 180 single homeless people each year. A wide range of accredited vocational training courses are on offer to residents and the local community in construction, electrical, plumbing and distance learning.
Pray: for the success of this initiative and that many would be helped. (Ac.2:45)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/unwanted.gifts.help.the.homeless/29068.htm
Shortage of doctors leaves health care in crisis
The NHS is facing a chronic shortage of family doctors after official figures showed some GPs were responsible for 9,000 patients. More than a million people were registered with a GP who served more than 3,000 patients, almost twice the average list size of 1,600. Dr Michael Dixon, chairman of the NHS Alliance, said it was a question of whether doctors were ‘able to cater as well for each patient with a list once they get much over 2,000 or 3,000’. He said shortages were already being seen in inner cities, but recruiting GPs had become a problem even in affluent rural areas such as his practice in Devon. England has 25,000 family doctors, but there are growing concerns that the NHS faces a retirement crisis. One in eight GPs is planning to retire within two years. The shortages have been exacerbated by the retirement of a generation of Asian GPs who came to Britain during the 1960s and 1970s.
Pray: that there would be an increase in those called to serve the people as medical doctors.
Kirk minister urges more action on homelessness
Homelessness kills, yet it seems like the world is still walking on by while it happens, says a senior Church of Scotland minister. On average a homeless person dies 30 years before their neighbours and while that statistic is shocking, it is no surprise, writes Rev Ian Galloway, Convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council, in his regular blog. Mr Galloway declares: ‘It’s not just the lack of a roof – it’s the lack of purpose, identity, place and belonging that grinds down the souls of those who have nowhere to lay their heads each evening. Homelessness kills and it seems like the world is still walking on
by.’ Mr Galloway writes: ‘It is not just beds, food and a roof we need to find that will cost a lot but when human lives are at stake, it seems a small price to pay.’
Pray: that the homeless will find purpose and identity in Christ. (1.Cor.4:11)
Russia: Evangelism at Christmas
For weeks, evangelical churches across the lands of Russia have been praying for their annual Christmas outreaches, culminating in Russian Christmas on January 7. Slavic Gospel Association sponsored Immanuel’s Child outreaches will be a key part of these evangelistic efforts. We eagerly await their wonderful reports - which sometimes do not arrive until later in the spring due to the remoteness of some locations. As several SGA sponsored missionary pastors relate, the fruit of the previous year’s outreaches often lead to further ministry opportunities. In Lyubashevka, Ukraine. the Lord opened doors for us among the local Roma people. After we conducted Christmas services last year, a Roma woman named Kalava allowed us to conduct a group Bible study in her house. We have these studies every Saturday. About ten adults and the same number of children are attending, and we are planning to start a children’s ministry in this village. Every time, some new people come to our study. They open their hearts, telling us of their worries and problems.
Pray: that the churches' outreach will lead many to find Jesus as Saviour. (2Sa.22:47)
Russia: Evangelism at Christmas
For weeks, evangelical churches across the lands of Russia have been praying for their annual Christmas outreaches, culminating in Russian Christmas on January 7. Slavic Gospel Association sponsored Immanuel’s Child outreaches will be a key part of these evangelistic efforts. We eagerly await their wonderful reports - which sometimes do not arrive until later in the spring due to the remoteness of some locations. As several SGA sponsored missionary pastors relate, the fruit of the previous year’s outreaches often lead to further ministry opportunities. In Lyubashevka, Ukraine. the Lord opened doors for us among the local Roma people. After we conducted Christmas services last year, a Roma woman named Kalava allowed us to conduct a group Bible study in her house. We have these studies every Saturday. About ten adults and the same number of children are attending, and we are planning to start a children’s ministry in this village. Every time, some new people come to our study. They open their hearts, telling us of their worries and problems.
Pray: that the churches' outreach will lead many to find Jesus as Saviour. (2Sa.22:47)
North Korea: Possibility for change
Ten days ago workers on a boat off the coast of North Korea launched helium-filled scripture balloons that floated over the country declaring God's truth and promises. Coincidently as the workers prepared to leave the area Kim Jong Il died of a heart attack We can pray that as the word of God was lifted high over the dark land of North Korea His spirit would now cover and pierce the darkness over and in the land. While the world speculates about the future of North Korea, may we continue to intercede for those who face brutal persecution, imprisoned in labour ‘death’ camps and subjected to starvation and torture. Sister Yang was tortured for a month after being suspected of being a Christian. A woman sitting near Sister Yang had overheard her praying quietly and reported her to the authorities.‘They beat me with a shovel,’ Sister Yang told Voice of the Martyers, ‘Eventually my whole body had turned blue.’
Pray: for many in North Korea to know about Jesus Christ. Pray also for missionaries to continue to be protected as they bring His light to the darkest of places. (Ps.5:11-12)
More: http://etools.vomusa.org/a/vomso/bg_vomso_wdbm-20111220-YearEnd_443.html
Syria: Christians in Christmas lockdown, then demonstrations
As we celebrated Christ’s birth on the 25th, Christians in Homs were afraid to leave their homes in case they were shot by troops surrounding the city. A contact in Homs said, ‘Everyone is afraid of huge massacres and ethnic violence. There has been no electricity for a week and no fuel for heating. No one goes out because he will die. It’s a terrible situation. We trust that Emmanuel is still with us. On the night of the 26th Homs State television spoke of observers meeting the governor of Homs acting with, ‘ unexpected haste’ while the situation in Homs became critical. Activists posted videos of a four day assault with footage showing twisted and bleeding bodies in the streets. On the 27th tens of thousands of protesters bravely thronged the streets of Homs calling for the execution of President Bashar Assad shortly after his army pulled its tanks back and allowed Arab League monitors into the city.
Pray: for the peace of Christ to enter the hearts of the people in Homs and for all that needs to be revealed in Syria to be observed. (Ps.52)
Philippines: Remember typhoon Washi
A missionary within the area writes, ‘A blessed 2012 to all of you! May the Lord’s favour shine on you this coming year. Please remember the people of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City, north Mindanao, as thousands have spent Christmas and New Year in evacuation centres after the damage done by Typhoon Washi. First-hand reports ask for prayer for the emergency workers, especially those who are ministering in trauma care. The people are still traumatised by the sudden onslaught of the typhoon. Many more trained counsellors are still needed apart from actual relief work and supplies. The other issue is the threat of viral infections in the overcrowded evacuation centres. The government of Iligan City has already sent home the evacuees to be managed and cared for by their home villages because of this threat. There are still many more stuck in the evacuation centres with no place to go.'
Pray: for the many Christians caught up in this disaster to know God's provision and enabling to reach out with His love to their neighbours. (Ps.23:4)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/12/2011122752635220496.html