Afghanistan: Looking ahead
The Church is growing as local believers are added one by one and in small groups. Some are secret and pray alone, others gather for worship, to pray and receive teaching in small groups. All local believers are at risk of exposure and harm from family members, friends and neighbours. Many are asking, or are uncertain about what will happen in 2014 when officially all foreign troops pull out of Afghanistan - and a mission agency is asking Christians to prayerfully consider interceding throughout 2013 leading up to the 2014 deadline and in particularl to pray for one of the largest un-reached tribal group in the world - the Pushtun people. They have an important regional significance being well-known for their involvement in militancy over the last years and for their hospitality to other affiliated groups. There has been little penetration with the Good News despite many years of work and much sacrifice on the part of workers.
Pray: that believers become salt and light across Afghanistan as they find others they can trust to share in worship, prayer and teaching. Ask God to protect and provide for local believers during 2013. (1Sa.25:6)
More: http://www.joshuaproject.net/people-profile.php?peo3=14327
Iran: Pastor rearrested on Christmas Day
Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was arrested on Christmas Day allegedly because of improperly completed paperwork, denying him the chance to celebrate the birth of Christ at home with his family for the first time in three years. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Present Truth Ministries both reported the news, saying Pastor Nadarkhani was back in Lakan Prison in Rasht serving another 40 days. ‘We are disappointed to hear Pastor Nadarkhani has been returned to prison in such an irregular manner,’ said Mervyn Thomas, CSW's Chief Executive. ‘The timing is insensitive and especially sad for his wife and sons who were looking forward to celebrating Christmas together. We hope that Pastor Nadarkhani will be released without delay once this alleged sentence has been fully served. In November Pastor Nadarkhani thanked all who prayed and advocated for his release during CSW's National Conference in London, where he was a special guest.
Pray: for the pastor's safety, and for his family at this difficult time. Pray also for the un-reached peoples across Iran to have a hunger to know God and meet His Son. (Eph.4:1)
Bangladesh: Christian children vulnerable
Children of Bengali believers from Muslim background are vulnerable. They are a minority in their communities and being identified as Christians poses danger to their lives and their future. When they go to schools, they are taunted, bullied, and pressured by classmates and teachers alike. Twelve-year-old Urmi lived in a predominantly Muslim village. She kept her faith hidden for as long as she could remember. ‘I have many friends in school,’ said Urmi, who belonged to a family of six. ‘The teachers are good and kind to me. But they don't know that my family and I are Christians. My teacher lives in our village and she knows that we are Christians, but I don't think she'll tell it to others. Pray for us - If people (in our village) find out, they might kill us,’ Urmi added.
Pray: for Muslim Background Believers in Bangladesh that God will give them boldness and protection as they practice and share their faith. (Ac.4:29)
More: http://www.opendoorsuk.org/resources/persecution.php?country=bangladesh
Syria: Plight of Christians intensifies
The condition of the Church in Syria is becoming more and more desperate. Christians, their property and their churches continue to be the targets of violent attack. According to a prayer bulletin from Barnabas Aid, a group which provides assistance to the persecuted church, a senior church leader reported some disturbing facts. Christians in Syria also face ‘inflation, poverty, growing of sectarian enmity, shortages of supplies of food and fuel, cold weather, revenge, kidnapping for big amounts of ransom, risks of travelling, frequent Internet cut off and (more).’ While the Christian population of Homs was once 50,000-60,000, just 80 Christians remain in a Christian neighbourhood of the old city in December 2012. They are being held hostage by rebels and prevented from leaving. They’re dying one by one as a result of serious hardships and lack of medication. They are being kept there as ‘human shields’ by Salafist rebel groups to deter government forces from attacking the Christian area, which is now occupied by rebels.
Pray: that all in Syria would know the Lord's peace in these desperate times. May God make a way for them to live in safety in their own country. (Hos.2:18)
Egypt: Worship and prayer in the streets
Less than two years after its democratic revolution, Egypt is in crisis. People are more divided than ever. Many being fearful of the constitution being voted on. A year ago a Night of Prayer drew 70,000 Christians to pray for their nation. On 13th December 2012 between 8,000-10,000 believers from across Egypt's churches gathered again to pray for the current political situation, church unity, repentance and spiritual revival in Egypt. They erupted into chants of ‘Jesus!’ and ‘Egypt!’ holding banners declaring, ‘We want you, Jesus’ and ‘You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.’Held at Cairo's massive Cave Church and televised live by SAT-7 ARABIC and SAT-7 PLUS, extracts from the event were also taken by secular channel ON-TV. Two secular Egyptian newspapers published articles on the event and SAT-7's coverage of it. Over 50,000 have so far watched on YouTube. See: http://www.youtube.com/sat7arabic
Pray: that SAT-7's YouTube clips would speak powerfully to all who watch. (2Ki.17:38-39)
Alcohol Concern and British Liver Trust launch January campaigns
Two national charities have launched different campaigns urging people to cut down on their alcohol consumption. Alcohol Concern is urging drinkers to shun alcohol for January, with benefits which it says include saving money, losing weight and feeling healthier. But the British Liver Trust said people should follow its recommendations throughout the year, including taking 2-3 days off alcohol every week. Liver disease is now the fifth biggest cause of death in the UK. The British Liver Trust said it was on the rise because British culture continues to embrace daily consumption of alcohol, fatty food choices and a lack of exercise.
Meanwhile, Alcohol Concern has launched its Dry January campaign, urging people to take a month off drinking alcohol. The charity said it wanted to get people thinking and talking about their drinking, and it hoped these conversations would continue long after this month.
Pray: for an improved awareness of the health risks of drinking alcohol and that the message will be heard and acted upon. (1Cor.6:12)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20880957
Tighter restrictions on cosmetic surgery urged
Responses to a public consultation on cosmetic surgery have shown strong support for a ban on cut-price deals and aggressive selling. A summary of responses from patients, the public and industry has been published as part of the review set up after the PIP breast implant scandal. Cosmetic surgeons said procedures should not be sold as 'a commodity'. GP Dr Rosemary Leonard, the BBC Breakfast doctor and review committee member, said patients should always talk to a doctor first. 'It is wrong that the first consultation is with a sales person rather than a medical professional,' she said. 'Surgery - indeed any cosmetic intervention - is a serious step, and a patient must be told about the immediate side effects after surgery as well as any potential long term effects on their health.' A final report, by Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS medical director leading the English review, is due in March 2013.
Pray: for a greater acceptance of one's own body and that poor practice in cosmetic surgery be eliminated. (Php.2:3-4)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20850284
Christians have no right to refuse to work on Sundays, rules judge
Judges have been accused of diluting the rights of Christians after a key judgement on whether they can refuse to work on Sundays. A new ruling by a High Court judge - the first on the issue in nearly a decade - says that Christians have no right to decline working on Sunday as it is not a “core component” of their beliefs. The judgement - which upholds an earlier decision - means that individual Christians do not have any protection from being fired for not working on Sundays. Campaigners said the decision puts Christians at a disadvantage to other religions such as Muslims, Jews and Sikhs. and means the judiciary are deciding what the core beliefs of Christians can be, which they say is an interference in the right to practise religion. They pointed to cases where the courts offered protection to other religions even when only a minority of adherents were affected.
Pray: for all Christians around the world who find that secular requirements contradict their practice of faith. (Ex.20:8 and Mk.2:27)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9770825/Christians-have-no-right-to-refuse-to-work-on-Sundays-rules-judge.html
Church secures place in regeneration project
The Diocese of London is set to establish the first new church presence in a new community in London for 40 years. It has entered into a partnership with Lee Valley Estates for a new facility at the heart of the Hale Village regeneration project in Tottenham that will include use as a church. This is the first time that the Church of England in London has entered into a long-term relationship with a developer to put urgently needed community facilities, including a place of worship, in the heart of a major regeneration area. Under the terms of the agreement, the Diocese of London will take out a 250 year lease on the facility. The £14million development secured planning permission in July this year and will include a community centre, nursery, café, residential accommodation. It will also be able to hold community events and religious ceremonies like weddings and baptisms.
Pray: for regeneration in Tottenham and especially for spiritual renewal too. (Ac.2:47)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/church.secures.place.in.regeneration.project/31365.htm
European Council President points to Christ
Not many people would see the European Union as 'Christian', but Jeff Fountain, former director of YWAM Europe and currently heading up the Schuman Centre for European Studies in the Netherlands, points to the Christian conviction of the European Union’s founding father Robert Schuman: ‘We are called to bethink ourselves of the Christian basics of Europe by forming a democratic model of governance which through reconciliation develops into a ‘community of peoples’ in freedom, equality, solidarity peace which is deeply rooted in Christian basic values.’ (Robert Schuman, 1958) Although the overwhelming trend in Europe has been one of secularisation, which has been reflected in the general tenor of EU policy making, Christians have carried key roles in the EU, bringing their influence to bear where possible. The current president of the European Council, Belgian Herman van Rompuy, is a devout Christian. At the annual prayer breakfast of the European Parliament a few weeks ago he talked openly about his Christian faith.
Praise: God for all Christians in positions of authority who have opportunities to share their faith. (Heb.13:16)
More: http://joelnews.org/#6cc/custom_plain