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
Nigeria: Deadly bombs condemned by World leaders
There is international condemnation of the Christmas Day bomb attacks in Nigeria that killed nearly forty. The White House said the attacks were ‘senseless violence', the British foreign secretary called them ‘cowardly.’ Islamist group Boko Haram said it carried out the attacks. A blast outside a church claimed 35 lives, a police officer died in the city of Jos and four people died in Damaturu. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said the attacks were an unwarranted affront on Nigeria’s collective safety and freedom. The White House said the attacks were ‘terrorist acts,’ and pledged to help Nigeria bring those responsible to justice. The German Foreign Minister said, ‘Even on Christmas Day, the world is not spared from cowardice and the fear of terrorism.’ Israel is sending medical aid to Nigeria and ‘condemned in the strongest terms these attacks carried out on Christmas Day.’
Pray: for Christians to be reassured and comforted, and pray that God will work through the international community and the Nigerian government to prevent further violence. (Ps.23:5-6)
More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2011/s11120116.htm
Arab Spring: One year on
It is a year since the start of the Arab Spring that toppled repressive governments, changed the landscape of the Middle East and North Africa forever and sent shockwaves around the world. Unfortunately for the already-minority Christian population in Muslim-dominated countries like Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, the future is unclear. Will 2012 bring more persecution and marginalization or greater liberty to worship? According to Open Doors USA the signs so far are not encouraging. Many hail the movement as victory for democracy but within the Arab Spring there are troubling incidents against Christians, even those in countries yet un-reached by the revolutionary wave. The model of democracy unfolding could result in the law of mob rule, where Islamists control governments, exclude minority faiths even from police protection, and Christians living in constant terror from the message, ‘There is no place here for Christians’
Pray: against the rising violence towards Christians and Christian establishments, and for God’s mercy to bring a just outcome to the Arab Spring. (Jer.29:11)
More: http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/prayer-updates/2011/December/Arab-Spring-One-Year-Later
Myanmar: Breaking the peace
Last June the Burmese army broke a 17-year cease-fire with the Kachin Independence Organization. The military offensive was aimed at Kachin State which has approximately 90% Christians. Since that event soldiers have killed, raped, and tortured civilians, set houses and churches on fire and pillaged entire villages. Since the 16th of October when Churches were told that Christians must request permission at least 15 days in advance to conduct a range of simple activities, including reading the Bible, conducting a Bible study, holding Sunday school, prayer and fasting, Christians have been finding ways to meet in secret. Churches in Myanmar are already required to obtain permission for any events other than Sunday services, but the new regulations impinge on daily private actions of individual Christians. A pastor forced to flee said, ‘Soldiers took 18 motorbikes, one rice mill, and all the buffalo, pigs, chickens, everything. They are even living in our houses.’
Pray: for the Lord to do battle for our Christian brothers and sisters and for the salvation of members of the Myanmar military. (Ps.10:12;Jos.1:7)
More: http://win1040.com/reporter.php