Police chief warns on spending cuts
One of Britain's most senior police chiefs Sir Norman Bettison of West Yorkshire Police warned that Government spending cuts will leave officers unable to cope with a repeat of the riots that swept the country last year. He said the demand for forces to axe 20% from their budgets by 2015 will put public safety ‘in jeopardy’ and make policing widespread disorder virtually impossible. His fears were echoed by the chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, David Crompton who said minimising the impact on frontline services will become impossible if there are further cuts. 'At the moment we are keeping a lid on things and they are going in the right direction. That is a tribute to everyone in this force.’ Both forces ruled out privatising frontline services and following the example of Lincolnshire Police, which has signed a controversial £20 million contract with security firm G4S.
Pray: that God would give the Government wisdom as they utilise the diverse budgets at their disposal. (Pr.16:16)
Norway called beacon of hope one year after massacre
Bishop Munib A. Younan, President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), has called Norway a beacon of hope and inspiration for the way it has dealt with the horror and pain of last year's massacre. Younan was speaking on 30 July at the week-long St Olav Festival in Trondheim, which runs from 28 July to 5 August, according to a report from Lutheran World Information, the LWF's news service. He spoke following the one-year anniversary of Norway's deadliest attack since the Second World War, where an anti-Muslim extremist on 22 July 2011, killed 77 people in two separate attacks in Oslo and on the island of Utoya where a youth camp was gathered. ‘You have shown, in the way you have processed the horror and pain of 22 July 2011 that you do not accept violence as a means of obtaining social and political change. You represent today - in our tested, pluralistic world - values of social justice, multiculturalism and unity in diversity,’ he noted.
Pray: that Norway will continue to shine as a beacon of hope. (Job.27:8)
Norway called beacon of hope one year after massacre
Bishop Munib A. Younan, President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), has called Norway a beacon of hope and inspiration for the way it has dealt with the horror and pain of last year's massacre. Younan was speaking on 30 July at the week-long St Olav Festival in Trondheim, which runs from 28 July to 5 August, according to a report from Lutheran World Information, the LWF's news service. He spoke following the one-year anniversary of Norway's deadliest attack since the Second World War, where an anti-Muslim extremist on 22 July 2011, killed 77 people in two separate attacks in Oslo and on the island of Utoya where a youth camp was gathered. ‘You have shown, in the way you have processed the horror and pain of 22 July 2011 that you do not accept violence as a means of obtaining social and political change. You represent today - in our tested, pluralistic world - values of social justice, multiculturalism and unity in diversity,’ he noted.
Pray: that Norway will continue to shine as a beacon of hope. (Job.27:8)
Spain foils terror plot involving ultra-light aircraft
Over the years, terrorists have used sports drinks, shoes, and even underwear to hide explosive material. Now, authorities in Spain say three terror suspects were experimenting with ultra-light planes. Spanish authorities believe the terrorists intended to use pleasure craft for far deadlier purposes. They also believe they were linked with al-Qaeda, long known for its obsession with arming aircraft. Today a judge in Spain's National Court will question the suspects and decide whether they'll remain detained. They include a Russian, a Russian of Chechen descent, and a Turk. Authorities arrested the Turk in the southern town of La Linea and picked up the other two in the central town of Ciudad Real.
Pray: for the continued vigilance of the authorities in the face of the variety of ways that terrorists use to attack. (2Tim.4:18)
Spain foils terror plot involving ultra-light aircraft
Over the years, terrorists have used sports drinks, shoes, and even underwear to hide explosive material. Now, authorities in Spain say three terror suspects were experimenting with ultra-light planes. Spanish authorities believe the terrorists intended to use pleasure craft for far deadlier purposes. They also believe they were linked with al-Qaeda, long known for its obsession with arming aircraft. Today a judge in Spain's National Court will question the suspects and decide whether they'll remain detained. They include a Russian, a Russian of Chechen descent, and a Turk. Authorities arrested the Turk in the southern town of La Linea and picked up the other two in the central town of Ciudad Real.
Pray: for the continued vigilance of the authorities in the face of the variety of ways that terrorists use to attack. (2Tim.4:18)
Leaders from all over the world gathered for this significant forum in Uganda. Among the other speakers and delegates were senior leaders in business, many Church leaders and numerous politicians.
It was a privilege to share as a plenary speaker and workshop leader for ‘EXPOSED – Shining a light on corruption’ and Unashamedly Ethical. There was tremendous interest and support for both campaigns, and of course there were many wonderful friends who are leaders and participants in the Global Day of Prayer. I am confident that God’s work has been taken another step forward.
The Lord placed Proverbs 31.8-9 on my heart at the start of the conference:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
One trillion US$ goes missing each year as a result of corruption. Just 1% of the world’s wealth could solve the problem of poverty across the world. Half of the world’s population lives on less that $2 a day. The theme of my presentations was ‘Corruption has a name. Poverty has a face. You have a voice’.
It is so important that Christians rise up to do what Jesus himself did during his earthly ministry. He still calls the body of Christ to do the same today – to stand against injustice, to expose corruption, and to pray and work for God’s loving Kingdom to be established in every sphere of society.
There are a few news stories about EXPOSED going into the press over the next few days. This one by ChristianToday may be of some interest:
<http://www.christiantoday.com/article/exposing.corruption/30421.htm> please do share it with others!
Please pray fervently for Dion Forster, Graham Power and their colleagues as they seek to battle corruption through the Exposed and Unshamedly Ethical efforts around the world. Pray that an army of Christian people in every sphere of society will join them in a massive effort to bring reform and eliminate corruption in the nations.
It is particularly strategic to be in prayer for Muslims as they celebrate Ramadan, a month of prayer and fasting, around the world. Here are two websites with information on how to do this:
http://www.30-days.net/
http://www.30-days.net/resources/email/
Night of Power - August 14th. What will you be doing while millions of Muslims are praying?
August 2012 Muslims will celebrate Laylat al-Qadr – the Night of Power. This is the night they believe an angel gave Mohammad the Qur’an. It is also when they expect to have visions and dreams. According to the Qur’an, Laylat al-Qadr is “better than a thousand months.” Muslims seek Allah with greater intensity on this night. They expect to have divinely inspired dreams and see visions. They also believe that on Laylat al-Qadr, special angels perform special missions. If they worship with enough diligence on this night, Muslims think their sins will be forgiven.
Some Muslims expect God to answer their prayers on Laylat al-Qadr. It is also known as the Night of Destiny. Many Muslims spend all night in prayer in hopes of receiving direction or experiencing something supernatural. “Some Muslims rise well before dawn to make their requests, others pass much of the night in prayer,” explains “30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World.” They are encouraged to ask Allah with sincereity and conviction for anything and everything they need…”
Our Call to Prayer:
During the Night of Power, millions will be praying from the Muslim world – what will you be doing? Will you join us as we pray? Will you stand in the gap for Muslims globally? Do you believe God will use your prayers and open their eyes to the revelation of Jesus Christ?
What can I do?
1. Hold a prayer meeting on the Night of Power
2. Follow our Pray4Saudi Initiative on Facebook and Twitter which will have daily prayer points.
3. Pray with leaders globally through Visual Chat
4. Prayerwalk around local Mosques
Pray for:
1. The Lord to reveal Himself to Muslims on this night. Pray for them to have dreams and visions of Jesus Christ. (The Bible, Acts 2:17)
2. The hearts of Muslims to be open to the Gospel. Pray for the veil of deception to be removed from their minds. (The Bible, II Corinthians 4:3)
3. The strongholds of Islam to be demolished. Pray for the lies of this false religion to be exposed. Ask the Lord to set free all who have been deceived and misled by Islam. (The Bible, II Corinthians 10: 4,5)
4. The salvation of the leaders in the Muslim world – especially heads of government, imams, and members of terrorist groups. (The Bible, 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
5. A great harvest of souls as the Kingdom of God come in great power in the Islamic world. (The Bible, I Corinthians 4:20)
As the nation of Sierra Leone prepares for the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentarian elections on Nov. 17th, 2012, please pray for the peace, stability, and tranquility that this nation has enjoyed after ten years of brutal civil war will be maintained.
Please pray for a peaceful, fair, free, and transparent elections and that there will be no violence, vandalism, insurrection, or rigging.
Pray that pastors and church leaders will not get mixed up in politics and compromise their call. There are some pastors and religious leaders who claim to prophesy and give false hope to politicians, that they are the ones the Lord has chosen even when the Lord has not spoken. Please pray that the word will be preached with integrity and not diluted.
Please pray that during this period many will come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 12:32 “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”
The wave is beginning to rise for the 3rd Annual Global Day of Worship on 12.12.12!
This year, the Global Day of Worship team will be leading 12.12.12 from Jerusalem, Israel. We invite the world’s believers and followers of Jesus Christ, the Messiah to give thanks and declare His goodness, faithfulness, salvation as well as deliverance over our lives, families and nations – with special emphasis on Israel.
In four months, the third annual Global Day of Worship will be held in 24 time zones around the world from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in every zone. Imagine a wave of worship beginning at 7 pm in New Zealand and spanning the globe uniting all believers. We will agree with and join the 24 elders, who are spoken of in Revelations 4, and are already worshiping Jesus around the throne. Global Day of Worship on 12.12.12 has a heart to unify many denominations while embracing and celebrating the differences in our expressions of love for Jesus, the Messiah. Join gatherings around the world via www.globaldayofworship.com or create a gathering of worshipers in your area. Let the Global Day of Worship team know and we can help to spread the word.
Afghanistan: Refugees in Pakistan
Pakistan faces international pressure to extend the stay of Afghan refugees beyond 31st December. The Pakistan Government’s response is, ‘When their refugee status expires on December 31st they must leave.’ Pakistan intends to expel 3 million Afghans, 1.7 million of them registered and more than half of these living in camps. Most refugees have lived in Pakistan for more than 30 years, and have nothing to return to; their homes, lands and businesses have been destroyed by war or taken by others. Although they live in extreme poverty they would have even less in their native land. Bukahri, an Afghan tribal elder who has been in Pakistan for 30 years running an electrical shop and doing social work said, ‘I'm not saying we won't go, but at this point in time, Afghanistan is weak and will not be able to take this burden.’
Pray: for Afghanistan to prepare for this influx and for many to have homes land and businesses restored. Pray also for refugees to be introduced to the One who is their shield and provider. (Ps.18:36)
More: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/NH07Df02.html