Kosovo was declared independent from Serbia in February 2008. Its spiritual future at this time is uncertain. Muslim beliefs play an influential part in the traditions and cultures of the Albanians. There is a need for God to raise up a grass roots prayer movement in Kosovo with strong spiritual leaders in the Kosovan churches. Let us claim the  scriptural promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 for Kosovo! During 2015 there will be a wave of small pockets of Christian outreach please pray for the Christian English clubs that have opened this Spring. Pray for the students to be excited and have open hearts for the Gospel. Pray for increased unity and humility among churches so that Christians will become a stronger witness for Christ. Pray for open doors to preach the Gospel boldly among Muslims in Kosovo. Pray also for the American Christian Summer Camps being run through 2015. Pray for unity as partnering American churches provide volunteers.

Pope Francis asked forgiveness for the Catholic Church's persecution of members of a small evangelical church in Italy whose leader was excommunicated and followers branded as heretics during the Middle Ages. Francis made the appeal during the first-ever visit by a pope to a Waldensian house of worship. The Waldensian church was founded in the 12th century by a wealthy merchant from Lyon, France - Pierre Valdo, who gave up his belongings to preach a Gospel of simplicity and poverty that condemned papal excesses. He was excommunicated and his followers persecuted as heretics by Rome. The Waldensians today are united with the Methodist Church of Italy and claim 45,000 followers, mostly in Italy, Argentina and Uruguay. ‘On the part of the Catholic Church, I ask your forgiveness, I ask it for the non-Christian and even inhuman attitudes and behaviour that we have showed you,’ Francis said sombrely from the altar. ‘In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us!’

MLA Martin McGuinness, of Sinn Féin, has stated that his party will support the budget bill. He said the bill will create the space to resolve the difficulties facing the Executive. He said, ‘We need to ensure that the Executive has the resources to continue to build a peaceful, inclusive and tolerant society.’ There remains a fundamental challenge for the Executive around welfare protections. But while we explore a way forward on this issue, the other important elements of the Stormont House Agreement, including the essential legacy mechanisms, should and must proceed. This budget bill does not involve any reduction in social security support for the most vulnerable in our society and it does not contain any reductions as a consequence of the £25 billion of further cuts announced by the Tories.’

Reykjavik University is set to launch an international training programme aimed at fishery industry leaders and specialists, with organisations such as HB Grandi and Matis playing a key role. The university is working alongside Fisheries Iceland and Icelandic food and biotech company Matis as well as other university certified research groups. The initiative is targeting those who wish to expand their knowledge on ocean science and fisheries, marketing, fish processing, the latest developments in innovation and technology and how economics is impacting the industry. Starting in October this year, it is to be taught in three periods, with focus on industry management, operations and innovation. The next phase will be held in February next year, with emphasis on fishing and fish farming, while the third period will take place in May and focus on further processing and fish product marketing.