DEC Pakistan floods appeal
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has publicly announced the launch of the ‘DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal’ in response to the monsoon catastrophe. Special broadcasts began yesterday on the BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, Channel Five and independent radio stations and will continue. The money raised will help fund the life-saving work in Pakistan of the DEC’s members and their partners. Responses to the Pakistan Floods Appeal are being made by all the DEC agencies, namely: ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, CARE International UK, CAFOD, Christian Aid, Concern, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision. The special broadcasts will be presented by well-known figures and mark the formal launch of the Appeal. Automated telephone lines and the DEC website, SMS, post and over the over-the-counter donations at Post Offices and banks are open for donations. The automated donation line is 0370 60 60 900 and website (See also World Article following.) Pray: for a huge response from the British people to alleviate this humanitarian disaster. (Ac.20:35)
Death in Ireland becomes global flashpoint over abortion
Pro-choice activists from Ireland to India are protesting the death of Savita Halappanavar, a 31-year-old Indian woman who was denied an abortion at a hospital in Galway, Ireland, in late October. In Dublin, an estimated 6,000 protesters rallied to legalize abortion in heavily Catholic Ireland, which has stringent anti-abortion laws. Similar marches in Galway, where Halappanavar died, and at the Irish Embassy in the Indian capital Delhi called for the Dublin government to amend the abortion law or abolish it entirely. Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny says he will not rush into a decision on the right to abortion. He called any connection between Halappanavar's death and Irish abortion law a ‘tragic coincidence.’ Doctors are still investigating Halappanavar's death to determine whether an abortion would have made a difference or not.
Pray: for sensitivity by the Irish authorities especially in cases of medical requirements. (Pr.31:9)
DDuncan Smith asks for tax break for married couples
The Work and Pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, urged the Prime Minister on Wednesday to recognise marriage in the tax system in an effort to encourage ‘couple formation’ and stable families, reports Christian Concern for our Nation. The Prime Minister had pledged to introduce a tax incentive for married couples before the last election but has not, as yet implemented the policy. Mr Duncan Smith sees the family as a foundational element to a stable society and he highlighted the need to address the ‘bias’ against married couples. Andrea Williams of Christian Concern said, ‘The family is indeed the bedrock of a stable and successful society. It is high time the Government implemented policies which promote marriage and the family.’
Pray: that the PM will recognise and implement reforms that build stable families. (Is.30:20,21)
Day of prayer for the media
The Church and Media Network is inviting Christians and churches to pray for the media. The Christian organisation exists to build a bridge between the church and the media. It is encouraging all churches and Christians to mark Sunday 12 May 2013 as a special day of prayer dedicated to the media. Churches are encouraged to contact their local newspaper, radio and TV station to find out what they would like prayer for, and to invite local editors to speak at church events. Reverend Tony Miles, of BBC Radio 2's 'Pause for Thought' and chairman of the Church and Media Network said: ‘The British media is under scrutiny as never before. Illegal and unethical practices by some journalists have combined with tough economic times and pressures from new technology to make these challenging times for everyone working in the media.’
Pray: that our prayers will bless those in the media and that God will protect them from unethical practices. (Ph.4:9)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/day.of.prayer.for.the.media/32255.htm
Day of prayer for Ireland
Christians from different churches in Ireland have felt drawn to join together to issue a call for prayer for their nation at this time. Ireland is undergoing a period of economic, political and social upheaval, shaking the very fabric of its society. In the midst of this upheaval Christians are calling for prayer to seek God’s help in a very definite way, and meeting to ask God for His intervention. They have invited churches to plan events and gatherings for prayer. Join with them on Friday the 3rd December 2010, to pray for Ireland. They are asking people to pray individually at home, in groups, at special church services, at work, at school, in colleges, wherever. They suggest that times of prayer can be short or long, using favourite forms of prayer, or at a church service, mass, bible study etc.
Pray: for the Lord to help Ireland in response to their day of prayer. (2Ch.6:19)
More: http://www.irishchristians.ie/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=13:a-day-of-prayer-for-ireland
Dawn raid in Home Counties
A gang of eight Asian men aged between 20 and 28 were arrested in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire on suspicion of being part of a Home Counties paedophile ring, after a girl told police how she'd been raped and abused for five years from the age of 12. Only one victim has come forward so far, detectives believe the paedophile ring is responsible for abusing others. Many believe sex abuse reports 'turn a blind eye to Asian gangs' even though they account for a quarter of all cases. There is only one organisation serving the needs of parents, carers and wider family of child sexual exploitation victims in the UK. It is called CROP’ and has a family-centred approach to tackling child sexual exploitation by supporting, encouraging and enabling parents and families to be actively involved in responding to the devastating, complex and multiple issues that arise as a result of the sexual exploitation of their child. See http://www.cropuk.org.uk/
Pray: for more courageous victims to come forward. Pray for additional organisations to minister to the abused and may all that is hidden be revealed. (Ps.9:16-18)