Summer holiday Bible reading as Sir Cliff gets on board
Churchgoers are being encouraged by Sir Cliff Richard to make the most of their summer holiday by recording their favourite Bible chapter on the beach or wherever they are spending their break. The King James Bible Trust has this week released new easy to follow summer recording guidelines for their ambitious YouTube project to get the whole Bible read aloud online, with the support of the Summer Holiday popstar. A range of figures from the Church, politics and the arts have already supported the project including the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams who recorded Job 38. The YouTube recordings are part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of the King James Bible.Sir Cliff who plans to record his chapter in the autumn said this week: ‘ The King James Bible was translated to be read out aloud and the YouTube Bible is a great modern way of fusing this wonderful old literary text with a worldwide digital phenomenon.
Pray: for this original approach to speaking and spreading the Word of God. (Dt.32:1)
Government Sharia inquiry ceases after ‘challenges’
An investigation into how Sharia courts are operating in the UK has been dropped after the inquiry faced ‘challenges to undertaking more robust research’, reports Christian Concern for our Nation. The Ministry of Justice probe was launched due to concerns that some judgments of Sharia courts contravene English law. The Ministry of Justice said ‘The challenges to undertaking more robust research were that the councils are generally run on a volunteer basis, were short staffed and very busy, so there were practical difficulties in speaking with respondents.’ Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, commented: ‘The activity of Sharia courts in this country is shrouded in secrecy. The failure of these councils to co-operate with the Government investigation does not alter this impression. It is important that the truth comes to light both to ensure that they are complying with English law and for the protection of women and children.’
Pray: against the bland acceptance of a situation just because it is challenging to investigate it. (Rev.3:2)
Equality Commissioner: we’ll backtrack on religious liberty
The equality commission’s commitment to protect religious liberty in the workplace has been put in doubt by one of its own commissioners. Angela Mason claims the commission will break its promise to support the principle of ‘reasonable adjustment’ for the religious beliefs of staff in the workplace. She was formerly head of homosexual activist group Stonewall and currently sits as a commissioner on the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Last month the commission issued a public statement saying it would intervene in four religious liberty cases going to the European Court of Human Rights. Yesterday homosexual news website, Pink News, reported Angela Mason saying: ‘The commission has already decided not to put forward ‘reasonable adjustment’ arguments if we do continue with our intervention.’ putting the commission’s commitment to religious liberty in doubt. Her comments have been welcomed by Stonewall, but the commission has not formally responded.
Pray: that the Equality Commission will not be so swayed and will honour its commitment to reasonable adjustment. (Ps.106:3)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/equality-commissioner-well-backtrack-on-religious-liberty/
Agapé to unveil vision for UK
Christian ministry Agapé is set to unveil its vision for spiritual transformation in the UK this month. It is holding a celebration at the Broadway cinema in Nottingham on August 20 during which its new national director, Lesley Cheesman, will be commissioned. The event will showcase the work of Agapé and its ministry partners, and include the premiere screening of Agapé's new short film, also called 'Reckless Love for a Reckless Nation'. The film examines the state of the nation, highlighting both the challenges the church in the UK must face and Agapé’s distinct role in the body of Christ. Ms Cheesman said, ‘Shouldn’t everyone in the UK have the opportunity to hear the message of Jesus and witness the counter-cultural values of God’s Kingdom being put into practice? ‘We hold the belief that this can happen in our lifetime! We want to work closer with the wider Church to see lives changed and devoted to Jesus 100%.’
Pray: for Lesley as she is commissioned and for the work of Agapé in spreading the Gospel message. (Col.1:25-26)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/agap.to.unveil.vision.for.uk/28390.htm
A BBC News report included video footage appearing to show the execution-style killing of 16 policemen in the restive north-west of Pakistan was released by the Taliban. The article says:
“About the current situation in the Nuba Mountains, there is intensive fighting going on…A continued fighting jets bombardment all over the Mountains is a daily program for the Sudanese Government. Twenty people were killed in Kurchi three weeks ago. Three victims died in Alatmor village. Hundreds are reported injured. The report from the Sudanese Government says that the military should clear the Nuba Mountains and destroy all churches built by the Samaritan Purse, but we trust that God the Creator of the universe will not allow this to happen to His beloved creation. Brother…we are God’s children, and we confidently own His protection and strength.”
The Church and membership, many of whom are Nuban, have been subjects of targeted attacks by the SAF and Government of Sudan police since the violence erupted in Southern Kordofan…Reported human rights violations include: aerial bombardments resulting in destruction of property; forced displacement; significant loss of civilian lives, including women, children, and the elderly; abductions; house-to-house searches; arbitrary arrests and detentions; targeted killings; summary executions; reports of mass graves; systematic destruction of dwellings and attacks on churches.” To download the full report, please click here.
This situation is VERY worrying indeed. Please pray that God would turn into good, what the enemy intends for evil. God still reign supreme – praise Him for that. Please keep fellow brethren in the Nuba Mountains under severe oppression right now in your prayers.
Blessings,
Norman Johnson
Here is an encouraging report on how God is answering prayer for the nation of Pakistan from one who has been intimately involved in the prayer movement there for many years:
“PRAISE for what God did in Global Day Of Prayer!
KARACHI Because of security issues, the Global Day of Prayer was observed a little differently than previously. There were fewer large gatherings in central places. However, many came together in larger churches or courtyards. In a few places, churches congregated together in parks with about 800 attendees. Some of these groups had separate meetings for the children. Those who had the boldness to meet in public places were again and again greeted with comments by Muslims: “You are praying for our country and praying blessings for our country. We do not do that.” What a testimony.
LAHORE Lahore has never had more than about 150 for the GDOP. Last year we divided the city up into four areas. After all their hard work of preparation, some of the leaders were quite discouraged about the turnout for GDOP. After going through what happened in each area with them and adding up the figures they were amazed that 400-430 took part. They were able to rejoice in what God was doing.
OTHER PLACES Other cities took part, and many villages between Lahore and Karachi where there are few Christians met to pray. PRAISE God for what HE is doing. PRAY people will see the need to pray for their country and continue to pray throughout the year.
Prayer is beginning to catch on. The slogan, “Love Pakistan. Pray for Pakistan” is rising up around the country. Another encouraging thing is that more are beginning to reach out to the lost. When you start to "pray and love Pakistan" and give them unreached people groups to love and pray for, it is only natural that God gives them a desire to reach those people. PRAISE God. May this grow.
PRAY for God to raise up strong, effective prayer leadership from within the Pak Church. PRAY for the right people to be raised up with both motivational/administrative gifts as well as spiritual leadership.
We asked for prayer for the “BANNING OF THE BIBLE IN PAKISTAN.”
PRAISE - this seems to have quieted down some and is not a frontline item. May it not rise up again.
RAMZAN (MONTH OF FASTING) will be from August 2-29. (Dates depend on the sighting the moon with the naked eye and may vary up to three days within Pakistan.) This is a time when hunger and the extreme summer temperatures cause tempers to flare and fights and riots to break out. Street demonstrations take place. May these not be directed against Christians. It is a time when Muslims desire to appease their god. May they find the TRUE GOD and experience His love.
A 52-page prayer guide to pray for Muslims during this period is found at www.30-days.net.
“Over the last two months, Eritrean authorities have arrested dozens of Christians, including 26 college students, in a fresh crackdown.”
Renewed Crackdown on Christians
News of a fresh wave of arrests in Eritrea has recently come to light. According to the NGO Release-Eritrea, approximately 90 Christians, including several Christian students, have been imprisoned over the last two months following a renewed crackdown on religious freedom by one of the most repressive regimes on the African continent.
Sixty-four Christians were arrested in May this year in Adi Abeito, an area close to the capital city, and detained in Asmara’s 6th Police Station. Six have been released, but there is confusion regarding the whereabouts of the remaining 58 detainees, who are thought either to still be detained in the 6th Police Station or to have been moved to Mitire Prison, where conditions are extremely harsh and torture occurs routinely. During a 2009 CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) visit to Eritrean refugees in Africa, former prisoners described Mitire, an open-air facility located in the desert, where there are poisonous snakes. There are no medical facilities, and prisoners receive very little food. The staple diet is lentil soup, although prisoners can at times bake bread from sorghum. They are made to work hard constructing buildings for officers, and most leave the facility after falling gravely ill. At least twelve Christians are known to have died in custody in Eritrea since the repression in May 2002.
Arrest and ‘Disappearance’ of 26 College Students
On 2 June, 26 college students from Mai-Nefhi College of Technology, southwest of Asmara, were arrested. Their whereabouts is yet to be confirmed although some sources report that they too may have been transferred to Mitire Prison. The circumstances surrounding these arrests are unclear; however, Release-Eritrea reports that on previous occasions the authorities have detained Christian students for alleged unwillingness to participate in Independence Day Celebrations.
Thousands of Christians Imprisoned Since 2002
In May 2002, the Eritrean Government effectively banned all but the Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran churches of Eritrea. Since then, thousands of Christians have been detained and held in appalling conditions, often in military prisons, underground cells, or in metal shipping containers in searing desert heat. Between 2,000 and 3,000 Christians are currently being held without charge or trial. Several people have died in prison as a result of torture, treatable illnesses and malnutrition. The regime also harasses “permitted” churches. Around 1,700 Orthodox clergy of all ranks have been forced out of the church, and at least 24 are known to be detained, including the legitimate Orthodox patriarch, Abune Antonios.
To find out more, visit the Eritrea country page: www.csw.org.uk
Please pray for His encouragement and deliverance for fellow believers suffering extreme persecution in Eritrea and elsewhere in our world.
Zetas cartel founder Jesus Enrique Rejo Aguilar and Pedro Ortega Herrera were arrested Sunday. “Mexican authorities said Monday that they had arrested a Zetas drug cartel leader who was connected with the killing of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent this year. Federal police captured Jesus Enrique Rejon Aguilar, known as "El Mamito," Sunday, a top official with the agency said.
Rejon is suspected of being behind numerous deaths in northeastern Mexico, where the Zetas have been engaged in a turf battle with their former allies, the Gulf Cartel. He is also "connected to the attack against agents" of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that killed Agent Jaime Zapata in February, a statement from Mexico's public safety secretary said. Mexican authorities called Rejon "one of the leaders and founders of the Zetas criminal organization." They said he was the third most powerful leader of the drug cartel, which was created by deserters of the Mexican Army's elite forces.
Rejon is also being investigated for the deaths of dozens of Central and South American migrants whose bodies where found in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas at a ranch just 100 miles south of the U.S. border. His arrest was called "a triumph for the Mexican government.”
By Rafael Romo, Senior Latin American Affairs Editor, CNN
July 4, 2011
Late breaking news from CNN on July 25 says that over 1000 involved in human trafficking have been arrested in Juarez and 20 young women were rescued from their grip. President Calderon has given Mexico's Congress 180 days to approve a new nationwide human trafficking law that will greatly streamline how authorities handle such cases across the country”. With increasing frequency, he said, criminal organizations that ship and sell drugs and weapons have added human trafficking to their repertoire. "There are thousands and thousands of cases, in a society that is still unaware of the seriousness of this crime," he said. "We have to break through this curtain ... that is hiding from the Mexicans a criminal reality that is in front of us."
Mexican President Felipe Calderon
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/07/25/mexico.human.trafficking/
Praise God for these wonderful answers to prayer and please keep praying for the arrest of drug and human trafficking criminals and the overthrow of this horrific crime against women and children.
Pray for President Felipe Calderon, his colleagues and officials that they will be given God’s wisdom and protection as they fight this battle with terrible evil. May they experience victory after victory until Mexico is fully delivered!
Bridgebuilders Prayer Network from Arizona reports the following answers to prayer in the Mexican drug war. Praise God for His intervention as we pray!
Praises!:
• Mexico’s federal police have caught the top hitman for the Knight Templar drug gang in the western state of Michoacan, authorities said Wednesday.
• Also in Michoacan, authorities announced the seizure of 44 metric tons of chemicals used to produce methamphetamine.
• Mexican solders found the largest marijuana plantation ever detected in Meixo, a huge field covering almost 300 acres (120 hectares), the Defense Department said Thursday. The plantation is four times larger than the second biggest marijuana fields ever found by authorities.
• Pinal county deputies seized more than 1,800 pounds of marijuana in the Vekol Valley, a well-known smuggling corridor. The marijuana had a street value of more than $1 million.”
They ask our continued prayer for the following issues:
Pray:
• For officials to see the plans of the smugglers with new eyes. May they be alert to all situations and not become complacent in their watching.
• For freedom from drug addiction so there will be no need to supply the demand.
• Especially for the young people to not be drawn into this lifestyle.