USA: Corruption in politics exposé
Author Peter Schweizer has researched financial and political records of deals and stock trades, done by US politicians including the timing of briefings, votes on bills, and every other point of leverage in Washington to produce a book described as 'a manifesto for revolution'. It reveals how politicians get rich at the expense of ordinary Americans. Insider trading is illegal on Wall Street, but American politicians are exempt from that law and it is routinely practiced among members of Congress. Normal individuals cannot get in on IPOs at the asking price, but politicians can and have been funnelling hundreds of millions of dollars to their supporters, ensuring more campaign donations. An entire class of investors now make all their profits based on influence and access in Washington. Schweizer's research shows top politicians exit office with millions more than credible based on their salaries and perhaps some patient investing.
Pray: that the partnership between congress and Wall Street would be fully explored, with the research honestly investigated and questions answered clearly. (Mt.23:23)
More: http://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message1707199/pg1
Middle East: Prayer needed
Bahrain: Government protesters were tear gassed when clashes erupted during a procession marking the death of a 16-year-old killed by a police vehicle. The teen's death heightened tensions ahead of the release of a much-awaited report on the sectarian strife in the kingdom. Egypt: 38 protesters have died this week - Monday the cabinet resigned amid clashes between police and protesters demanding political change; Wednesday tens of thousands of protesters rejected efforts to speed up a presidential election, demanding Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi step down immediately in favour of an interim civilian council. Israel/Syria/Libya:use of landmines in 2011 has been the highest for seven years. Hezbollah and its Shiite ally, the Amal Movement led by Speaker Nabih Berri, vowed Monday to stand by Syria and Iran against U.S. and Israeli threats to attack the two countries.
Pray: for God in His mercy to enable peace, justice and hope to flow through communities in the face of fear and injustice. (Ps.35:22)
More: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/default.aspx#axzz1eWLzw72u
Pakistan: Evangelist killed
Evangelist Jameel Saawan was shot dead in Karachi on Nov. 16th by an unidentified gunman in a radical Muslim group's targeting of a Christian. As he opened the doors of his cosmetics shop a young man appeared and shot him in the neck and face, then fled on a motorcycle with two others. Saawan was a widely respected member of the Christian community who visited several families every day to share the Bible. He received death threats two years ago after voicing his desire to start a welfare organization for poor Christians but had not been threatened recently. Saawan's son said, ‘We firmly believe my father was killed because of his preaching of the Bible, there is no other reason. It wasn't a robbery, the assassin walked towards my father and shot at him.’
Pray: that Jameel’s family would know God's comfort, and for the Christian community to know His peace and protection. (Ps.120)
More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/pakistan/article_123411.html
Vietnam: House Church attacked
A house church in Hanoi faces uncertainty over where to worship after armed men broke up their meeting, seriously injuring a dozen Christians including women and children. Three were evacuated to an undisclosed hospital in Ho Chi Minh City after local hospitals refused to examine or treat them. (Vietnamese doctors dare not treat or even examine victims of religious persecution.) Pastor Nguyen Thi Lan is a recently-retired Communist Party official who converted to Christianity last year. Within that short time she has led 50 people to the Christian faith, angering fellow villagers who threatened to kill her if she continues to organize church meetings. Pastor Nguyen Danh Chau was brutally injured with internal injuries to the kidneys, liver and other organs, and left unconscious. Another victim was hit with a steel shovel on her chest and stomach as well as her back, in considerable pain but not admitted to hospital.
Pray: for God to give his wisdom and protection to the growing unregistered house church movement of 2,200+ meeting in over 35 congregations. (Ps.22:19-20)
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/19146-news-alert-vietnam-house-church-attacked-12-injured
Global: Opposition to proposed cluster bomb accord
Between 18th and 25th of November the United Nations discussed a new international law on cluster bombs. Religious groups are opposing proposals currently being discussed saying it would put more civilians at risk than an existing treaty. The new law supported by the US, Russia, Israel, China and India would mandate the destruction of all cluster bombs produced before 1980, but allow stockpiled weapons to be used for up to 12 years. It would also allow the continued use of munitions that had a failure rate of less than 1% . A cluster bomb releases smaller ‘bomblets’ designed to kill civilians, damage vehicles and enemy munitions. The Oslo Convention 2010 was ratified by 111 countries and imposed a comprehensive ban on cluster bombs and ordered the destruction of existing stockpiles. The five countries supporting the new law have not signed the Oslo Convention.
Pray: for international Christian groups currently working to eradicate these weapons to be successful – the Mennonites in the US, Tasmania Australia and Canadian churches and the Church of England. (Php.4:1)
More: http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2011-11/faith-groups-oppose-proposed-cluster-bomb-accord
Burma: Plight of ethnic nationalities
CSW reported Burma's ethnic people are being neglected, highlighting regular use of rape, forced labour, religious persecution, torture and killings in Kachin State where the Army has been waging an offensive against ethnic civilians since breaking a 17-year ceasefire in June. The pastor of a Baptist Church was arrested at 3pm on Nov. 17th while in a store speaking on the phone. Local sources say no reasons were given for his arrest and his whereabouts are unknown. A mother of a 14-month old baby was captured by the Army and forced to work as a porter. She is believed to be held in a camp and repeatedly gang-raped. The Army commander promised her family she would be released by Nov. 2nd but she was not released. An assistant to the pastor of an AoG church died on Nov. 7th a day after severe torture when soldiers attacked and looted the church.
Pray: for the Burmese regime to stop attacking its citizens, and begin a process that will secure peace and protect human rights. (Pr.18:4-5)
More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue14628.html
Kazakhstan: Laws restricting freedom of religion
Kazakhstan has recently closed mosques, churches and prayer rooms in prisons, citing two laws restricting freedom of religion or belief. ‘Mosques and Russian Orthodox churches were built in prisons in violation of building regulations and the law. They are illegal - that's why they are being closed down.’ Kazakhstan has also started closing prayer rooms in social care institutions. ‘We're all in shock,’ Fr Vladimir Zavadich of the Orthodox Church said. ‘We didn't expect this from our government. Now we fear this will happen everywhere.’ Orthodox Bishop Gennady of Kaskelen stated that this took away ‘the last consolation from those people who, for health reasons, find themselves in a desperate, helpless situation’. He described calls to bar priests from such homes, hospices and old people's homes as ‘inhumane’.
Pray: that Christians might meet for worship without needing state permission. (Pr.21:15)
More: http://www.forum18.org/index.php
America: Condoleezza Rice says, ‘Turn to the Holy Spirit’
Condoleezza Rice recently told students at the University of Mobile that asking God for guidance has been the driving force of her career - and that yielding to a ‘higher power’ in difficult times is always beneficial. The former Secretary of State told 400-plus students that her Christian faith and the decisions she makes are inseparable, and urged them to follow the Holy Spirit, as she has, to remain optimistic and persevere. ‘It's not that you say, 'Well, is this the right thing to do?' It's that you ask for guidance and are always aware that you have a higher power to which to appeal.’ Rice was, answering a question about how her faith impacted her role as Secretary of State ‘The best part about being a person of faith is that I could be continually optimistic even in hard times, I don't know how people who can't appeal to the Holy Spirit get through those hard times,’ she continued.
Pray: that across the world God would raise up more Christian leaders and anoint them to talk publicly about their faith. (Ps.40:4-6)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/November/Condoleezza-Rice-Shares-Faith-with-Alabama-Students/
Syria: Descent into civil war?
Army defectors attacked and destroyed parts of the Air Force Intelligence building in Harsata, (a major military base near Damascus). It is the Free Syrian Army's most high-profile attack since anti-government protests began. The rebel army was formed by military defectors opposed to Mr Assad and affirmed 15,000 members by mid-October, saying more soldiers and officers are defecting every day. They work alongside the Syrian people to topple the government and ‘stand up to the irresponsible military machine which is protecting the regime’. The government has severely restricted access for foreign journalists, and reports of violence are extremely difficult to verify. The BBC's Jon Leyne, in Rabat for the Arab League meeting, says reports of the attack show how the situation in Syria is becoming more serious by the hour. It is also a graphic illustration of how the conflict is moving close to being a civil war which might affect the whole region; rather than a fight between unarmed protesters and the government.
Pray: and call to God, for all those in distress, and may Jesus Christ reveal his truth and wisdom and change the hearts of those in authority. (Ps.55:18 & 139:20-21)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15752058
India: Two Christian communities attacked
Ultra-nationalist Hindu Bajrang Dal activists attacked members of two different Christian communities engaged in a prayer service, accusing them of practicing forced conversions. The episodes took place on November 12th and 13th in Karnataka.The assaulted Christians are now in prison. This brings to 40 the number of attacks against the Christian community of the state in 2011. ‘Two incidents in two days belie every promise regarding religious freedom made to the Christian community by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, a member of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). Collusion between the government of the BJP and the Sangh Parivar is very real, the attacks are deliberate and meticulously planned. As long as these movements escape the harsh measures of the Indian criminal justice system, violence will continue.’
Pray: for freedom of public worship for Christian minorities across secular India. (Ps.71:1)