Azerbaijan: Appeals judge to decide fate of Church
A Christian congregation in Azerbaijan is waiting pensively to see if a judge will uphold a court order that banned its right to meet and could ‘liquidate’ the church. ‘They are upset, but at the same time they continue coming out hoping for the best,’ said Mechti Suleymanov, an elder at Greater Grace Church in Baku, Azerbaijan, which has been meeting for roughly 20 years. Judge Tahira Asadova of Baku’s Administrative Economic Court on April 25 ordered the Greater Grace Church to be ‘liquidated’ after the State Committee on Work with Religious Organizations (SCWRO) filed suit against it for failing to register with the committee. The liquidation rendered all activities of the church illegal. The church appealed against the decision on May 24 and is waiting for another ruling, scheduled for July 17, from a judge at the Baku Court of Appeals.
Pray: for the church in Baku that the Court of Appeal will reverse its thoughts on liquidation. (Pr.29:26)
More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/easterneuropeandeurasia/article_1610756.html
India: Attack on Christian community in Orissa raises fears of further violence
The discovery of explosives in one village days ahead of a brutal assault on a Christian community in another village has raised fears of a repeat of the large scale anti-Christian violence in Orissa state, India. A church leader and the 12 families in his congregation were attacked by Hindu extremists on 15 June in the village of Mitrapur. Evangelist Baidhar (50) was making his way home from a prayer meeting in a believer’s home when he was set upon. He was seriously injured and left bleeding on the ground. He was found shortly afterwards by local Christians who took him to hospital. Around 50 Hindus then attacked the Christian community in the village. The assailants looted the homes of the 12 families. The Christians fled the village. A few days before this incident, on 10 June, police seized more than 50 homemade bombs and 12 blocks of dynamite from a hut in Gambhari village, Puri district. The offenders fled and the explosives were taken to the police station to be defused.
Pray: against any recurrence of extremist activities in Orissa state. (Ps.5:11)
Egypt: Coptic Christians wary of Islamist president
Many Coptic Christians in Egypt have reacted gloomily to Mohamed Morsi’s election, fearing they could suffer with an Islamist in power. Representing over 10 percent of the population, the Christian community already complains of discrimination and has been the target of many violent attacks. However, one senior Christian told Euronews of his satisfaction at the democratic process, after decades of military leaders. ‘Thanks to the people’s will, it is really the first time that Egypt has chosen a civilian president in 60 years,’ said Coptic Archbishop Salib Matta Sawiris, explaining that since the July 23 Revolution in the 1950s, all of the country’s presidents have come from the military. In the election run-off, Christians overwhelmingly backed Morsi’s rival, former general Ahmed Shafik. While some in the Christian community might now fear for their freedom and safety, others seem willing to give the new president a chance.
Pray: for the new regime in Egypt that it will learn to work together in peace fully with the military. (Ps.133:1)
More: http://www.euronews.com/2012/06/25/egypt-coptic-christians-wary-of-islamist-president/
Isaiah 16:4 “Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer. The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land.”
Throughout human history, there have been regular times where large numbers of people have had to seek refuge away from their traditional homes. The situation is very difficult for the refugee. They are among strangers who often use and abuse them. God told His children through Isaiah that they should provide shelter to Moabites. And this was one of the people groups the Israelites often fought!
Pray that we will obey the words of Isaiah and give shelter to those who have been our enemies.
The refugee highway spans the globe and is filled with stories of human suffering. The challenges encountered along the highway are complex and include meeting spiritual needs, dealing with emergency crises, providing physical necessities, healing emotional trauma, and advocating for justice. The Refugee Highway Partnership grew out of a vision to connect the many different people involved in ministry at diverse points along the refugee highway. World Refugee Sunday is an opportunity for you to join the churches around the world in praying for refugees and internally displaced people. World Refugee Sunday is celebrated by the Refugee Highway Partnership in cooperation with the World Evangelical Alliance. You can find additional information about refugees and displaced personas at: www.refugeehighway.net. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Website: http://www.refugeehighway.net/events/world-refugee-sunday
World Refugee Sundays: June 17 or 24 (taken from http://www.refugeehighway.net/)
Pray for refugees who are resettling in strange lands. Everything is new and different for them. Protect them from thieves. Help them to communicate well. Give them patience with one another and with those they contact. Above all, pray for them to have the chance to experience Jesus’ saving power.
The Queens Birthday Honours List
This Jubilee year’s Queens Birthday Honours List re-introduced the British Empire Medal which created even more opportunities to recognise the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. The majority of awards recognise people outside the public eye, and this year 72% of award recipients were honoured for charitable or voluntary work in the community. Nicholas Crichton, a District Judge received a CBE for his work with children and families involved in the family justice system. An OBE went to PC Kim White in Kent Police who devoted much time to assisting female members of the gypsy traveller community. Les Isaac received an OBE for his work with Street Pastors. Tony Baldry MP received a knighthood for public and political service. Sir Tony plays a vital role in the link between the Church and Parliament, regularly answering questions on Church matters in the House of Commons. Debra Green of Redeeming Our Communities, has been awarded an OBE for her service to communities.
Praise: God for the thousands of extraordinary compassionate and Christ like works being established and flourishing in our communities.
More: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_202128
The Queens Birthday Honours List
This Jubilee year’s Queens Birthday Honours List re-introduced the British Empire Medal which created even more opportunities to recognise the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. The majority of awards recognise people outside the public eye, and this year 72% of award recipients were honoured for charitable or voluntary work in the community. Nicholas Crichton, a District Judge received a CBE for his work with children and families involved in the family justice system. An OBE went to PC Kim White in Kent Police who devoted much time to assisting female members of the gypsy traveller community. Les Isaac received an OBE for his work with Street Pastors. Tony Baldry MP received a knighthood for public and political service. Sir Tony plays a vital role in the link between the Church and Parliament, regularly answering questions on Church matters in the House of Commons. Debra Green of Redeeming Our Communities, has been awarded an OBE for her service to communities.
Praise: God for the thousands of extraordinary compassionate and Christ like works being established and flourishing in our communities.
More: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_202128
'Wow' factor teaches kids about Jesus
Thousands of schoolchildren in the UK will benefit from a £62,000 makeover of a classroom hi-tech mobile pod which teaches about Jesus. Secondary school children visiting GSUS Live will enjoy an up to date experience with a renewed 'wow' factor. It’s run by Christian charity Counties and visits secondary schools across the UK providing lessons for Key Stage 3 pupils. Volunteers from local churches present teachings on fear, forgiveness and rejection to help them discover how Jesus is relevant today, and includes multi-media computer motorised all in one touch computer screens which rise out of tables, new desks and benches for pupils plus improved wheelchair access. One church volunteer helping on it said, ‘The opportunity to be involved in local mission with such a fantastic programme was awesome. The children were amazed at the technology and it was great to show them Christianity is not boring but very much relevant today.’
Praise: God for every hi tec advance that opens doors into His Kingdom.
More: http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/Stories/National?storyaction=view&storyid=55
'Wow' factor teaches kids about Jesus
Thousands of schoolchildren in the UK will benefit from a £62,000 makeover of a classroom hi-tech mobile pod which teaches about Jesus. Secondary school children visiting GSUS Live will enjoy an up to date experience with a renewed 'wow' factor. It’s run by Christian charity Counties and visits secondary schools across the UK providing lessons for Key Stage 3 pupils. Volunteers from local churches present teachings on fear, forgiveness and rejection to help them discover how Jesus is relevant today, and includes multi-media computer motorised all in one touch computer screens which rise out of tables, new desks and benches for pupils plus improved wheelchair access. One church volunteer helping on it said, ‘The opportunity to be involved in local mission with such a fantastic programme was awesome. The children were amazed at the technology and it was great to show them Christianity is not boring but very much relevant today.’
Praise: God for every hi tec advance that opens doors into His Kingdom.
More: http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/Stories/National?storyaction=view&storyid=55
Court hears ‘locked-in’ syndrome case
A High Court hearing has begun on the case of a paralysed man who wants legal protection for any doctor who helps to end his life. Tony Nicklinson, 58, from Wiltshire, suffers from locked-in syndrome brought on by a stroke in 2005. He is almost completely paralysed and has to communicate through a special computer. The High Court has heard similar cases on assisted suicide, but the extent of Mr Nicklinson’s paralysis means that a doctor would have to end his life for him, a practice known as euthanasia. Mr Nicklinson told the BBC that his life was a 'living nightmare' and that it was 'unacceptable' in 21st century Britain to be denied the right to take his own life because he was physically handicapped. Mr Nicklinson is asking the court to rule that the existing law breaches his human right to die at his own choosing.
Pray: for wisdom and guidance from God when debating this sensitive and difficult matter. (Jas.1:5)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/court.hears.lockedin.syndrome.case/30099.htm
Childcare review launched as nursery reforms urged
Downing Street is launching a review of childcare and child-minding to see how it can be made more affordable by cutting red tape. Government research suggests six out of 10 parents feel there is insufficient childcare in their area. The move comes as an official review of early years education in England calls for all nursery staff to have A-level standard professional qualifications. The Nutbrown Review also wants their maths and literacy skills strengthened. Prof Cathy Nutbrown was asked by the government to look at how the childcare workforce could be strengthened. In her report, she says the current system of early years qualifications is not ‘equipping practitioners with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need’ to give babies and young children a good start. She warns that there are too many qualifications and calls for them to be strengthened.
Pray: that following the review the government will raise the standards of childcare and that parents will take their roll and responsibilities seriously. (Pr.9:9)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18496847