Albania: 2300 make decisions for Christ
At the fall of Communism and state-imposed atheism 20 years ago there were only five known believers in Albania. But recently local churches and Luis Palau collaborated to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to more than 20,000 people at Tirana’s Mother Teresa Square. TiranaFest with Luis Palau, a massive evangelistic campaign, took place in Albania’s capital, Tirana, on September 22-23. The square resounded with live music, athletic exhibitions, and a clear presentation of the Good News by Luis Palau and others. ‘This was totally different, something that has never happened in Tirana,’ Pastor Paulin Vilajeti of Albania Christian Center said. ‘Because people were attracted by different events, I believe and I hope that God touched different generations – from children to the old people.’ Local church leaders acknowledged the campaign as one of the largest faith gatherings – and the largest movement of churches – Albania has ever seen. See also Prayer Alert 34-20123
Praise: God for the growth of the Church in Albania and for the many decisions for Christ at the TiranaFest. (Joel.3:14)
More: http://blog.godreports.com/2012/10/2300-make-decisions-for-christ-in-albania/#more-2244
Albania: 2300 make decisions for Christ
At the fall of Communism and state-imposed atheism 20 years ago there were only five known believers in Albania. But recently local churches and Luis Palau collaborated to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to more than 20,000 people at Tirana’s Mother Teresa Square. TiranaFest with Luis Palau, a massive evangelistic campaign, took place in Albania’s capital, Tirana, on September 22-23. The square resounded with live music, athletic exhibitions, and a clear presentation of the Good News by Luis Palau and others. ‘This was totally different, something that has never happened in Tirana,’ Pastor Paulin Vilajeti of Albania Christian Center said. ‘Because people were attracted by different events, I believe and I hope that God touched different generations – from children to the old people.’ Local church leaders acknowledged the campaign as one of the largest faith gatherings – and the largest movement of churches – Albania has ever seen. See also Prayer Alert 34-20123
Praise: God for the growth of the Church in Albania and for the many decisions for Christ at the TiranaFest. (Joel.3:14)
More: http://blog.godreports.com/2012/10/2300-make-decisions-for-christ-in-albania/#more-2244
Paraguay: 'Altar of prayer' evidence of revival
The 24 hours of uninterrupted prayer starting every Sunday at 6am involves thousands of people from all Christian denominations, in 85 locations around the country. At that time a small group gather to pray on the top of the hill called Lambaré. This hill overlooking Asunción has become an altar of prayer for many families in Paraguay. ‘Christian groups, churches and denominations, whatever we all understand that the personal, spiritual revival movement reaching out to our neighbours and the country in general, is accomplished through prayer,’ Some individuals report miracles taking place since they have gathered to pray, including people healed without any medical explanation. But above all, these believers pray for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to reach the whole the country, including government authorities. ‘There is a biblical mandate to pray for our country's authorities and we are pleading to God that they be driven by divine wisdom to do the best for our people,’ Zully Yegros, a church-goer, said.
Praise: God for the ‘altar of prayer’ and the evidence of God’s answers to prayer. (Jer.29:7)
More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=40661&PN=1&TPN=1
Paraguay: 'Altar of prayer' evidence of revival
The 24 hours of uninterrupted prayer starting every Sunday at 6am involves thousands of people from all Christian denominations, in 85 locations around the country. At that time a small group gather to pray on the top of the hill called Lambaré. This hill overlooking Asunción has become an altar of prayer for many families in Paraguay. ‘Christian groups, churches and denominations, whatever we all understand that the personal, spiritual revival movement reaching out to our neighbours and the country in general, is accomplished through prayer,’ Some individuals report miracles taking place since they have gathered to pray, including people healed without any medical explanation. But above all, these believers pray for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to reach the whole the country, including government authorities. ‘There is a biblical mandate to pray for our country's authorities and we are pleading to God that they be driven by divine wisdom to do the best for our people,’ Zully Yegros, a church-goer, said.
Praise: God for the ‘altar of prayer’ and the evidence of God’s answers to prayer. (Jer.29:7)
More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=40661&PN=1&TPN=1
Churches challenge Government's green commitment
The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, the Quakers in Britain and the United Reformed Church have warned that the draft Energy Bill undermines the Government's commitment to meet the UK's carbon targets. They say the Bill will encourage the construction of more coal and gas-fired power stations, which environmentalists oppose because they produce high levels of carbon emissions. The Churches back recent recommendations from the Committee on Climate Change advising the Government to cut down on carbon-producing energy sources in order to reach the UK's carbon targets. They pointed to a recent study by World Wildlife Fund -UK, which showed that the UK could achieve at least 60 per cent of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030. The Churches want the Bill to incorporate the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendation of a 2030 decarbonisation target.
Pray: that the Government will consider the study seriously as it reviews the Energy Bill and the UK’s carbon targets. (Is.45:8)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/churches.challenge.governments.green.commitment/30781.htm
An opportunity to lead the way in tackling trafficking
Northern Ireland is faced with the opportunity to stride ahead of the rest of the UK in its support for victims of trafficking, or to simply turn its back on our strong abolitionist heritage and do the bare minimum. If the Government chooses to look the other way, then the situation will only worsen with gross violations of the victims' human rights. After a declaration by the Government in 2010 that they would not opt into the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive (in the mistaken belief that we were already fully compliant), charities spoke up and revealed the extent to which this was not the case. The Government U-turned and announced it would opt-in in 2011. The beginning of 2012 saw amendments made in the Lords to a Westminster Bill in an attempt to bring compliance with the Directive.
Pray: for the NI Government that it would opt-in to the EU Anti-Traffiicking Directive. (Ps.94:8)
RE in sharp decline
Religious Education in secondary schools is in sharp decline, according to the National Association of RE Teachers (NATRE), – and the much-heralded English Baccalaurate (EBacc) is a major factor. The EBacc is awarded to students achieving grades A*-C in English, mathematics, two sciences, a foreign language and history or geography at GCSE level. It is also the title of new qualifications designed to replace GCSEs. However, according to NATRE, it is narrowing the scope for other subjects, including RE, as schools concentrate on the EBacc subjects. A poll of schools show a rise in the number saying they do not or cannot teach the subject to the legally required standard. In the poll of 625 secondary schools, NATRE found that 24 per cent planned to reduce the number of specialist RE teaching staff in the next academic year, while only 11 per cent planned an increase. Of those planning a decrease, 82 per cent cited the introduction of the EBacc as a factor.
Pray: that the importance of Religious Education would not be ignored by the educational authorities. (Ex.3313)
More: http://www.methodistrecorder.co.uk/mrhlines.htm
Europe told to 'step up' fight against trafficking
The Council of Europe's anti-trafficking watchdog has urged countries across the continent to step up the fight against human trafficking. The report by GRETA (Group of experts on action against trafficking in human beings) says that human trafficking is a ‘European tragedy’. The annual report claims that women, men and children are falling victim to sexual abuse, labour exploitation or being forced into criminality in countries across the continent. Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said, ‘Many victims are still not being properly recognised or given the support that they need. Furthermore, problems with investigations and prosecutions mean that traffickers are not being sufficiently punished for their crimes. International organisations, national authorities and non-governmental bodies must work together to help put an end to these shocking human rights abuses, which have no place in 21st century Europe,’ he said.
Pray: that the tragedy of trafficking would be recognised and governments would take up the challenge to prosecute perpetrators. (Is.61:8)
Europe told to 'step up' fight against trafficking
The Council of Europe's anti-trafficking watchdog has urged countries across the continent to step up the fight against human trafficking. The report by GRETA (Group of experts on action against trafficking in human beings) says that human trafficking is a ‘European tragedy’. The annual report claims that women, men and children are falling victim to sexual abuse, labour exploitation or being forced into criminality in countries across the continent. Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said, ‘Many victims are still not being properly recognised or given the support that they need. Furthermore, problems with investigations and prosecutions mean that traffickers are not being sufficiently punished for their crimes. International organisations, national authorities and non-governmental bodies must work together to help put an end to these shocking human rights abuses, which have no place in 21st century Europe,’ he said.
Pray: that the tragedy of trafficking would be recognised and governments would take up the challenge to prosecute perpetrators. (Is.61:8)
Philippines: Muslim rebels agree peace deal
The Philippine government has reached a framework peace agreement with the country's largest Muslim rebel group, President Benigno Aquino says. The deal follows long negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to end a 40-year conflict that has cost more than 120,000 lives.The agreement provides for a new autonomous region in the south, on the islsnd of Mindanao where Muslims are a majority in an otherwise mainly Catholic country. The MILF is ‘very happy’ with the deal, a spokesman was quoted as saying. The agreement was reached after talks in Malaysia and is expected to be signed formally on 15 October in the Philippine capital, Manila. A copy of the framework deal says the parties commit to reaching a ‘comprehensive deal’ by the end of the year. ‘This framework agreement paves the way for a final and enduring peace in Mindanao,’ President Aquino said in a speech to announce the deal, referring to the main southern region.
Pray: that this new peace deal will succeed so that Muslims and Catholics will be able to live together in peace. (Ps.34:14)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19860907