Mali: Serious human rights abuses
Amnesty International has documented dozens of cases of detainees being tortured or ill-treated after being arrested for having alleged links with armed groups. The organization also documented more than 20 cases of extrajudicial-executions or enforced disappearances. Amnesty International’s delegates spoke to more than 80 of the 200 detainees held in the capital Bamako, most of them charged with acts of terrorism and other offences. Many reported being tortured or ill-treated. Some were denied medical treatment. A number of them had marks and scars of burnings and cuts – including on their backs, chests and ears. At least five detainees died in the facility in April 2013, most of them apparently as a result of the appalling conditions of detention and lack of medical care. Mali authorities recognized that some human rights violations had been committed and said a number of cases were being investigated, but so far no one has been brought to justice.
Pray: that all those responsible for human rights abuses will face justice and for a lasting stabilization of Mali. (Tit.3:1-2
David Cameron praises the work of churches
David Cameron's Big Society Awards recognise outstanding people and organisations whose work improves lives and strengthens communities. On Monday The Cinnamon Network was given a Big Society Award as the Prime Minister recognized the widespread work of various churches in their communities. The Cinnamon Network was launched in 2010 and is a community of 100 CEOs of charities, social enterprises and church denominations who passionately strengthen the muscles of local churches for community transformation. It is a partnership between Make It Happen, Piercing Blue and Tearfund and their vision is to see the UK Church meet the growing social needs within our communities. David Cameron said he was pleased to be able to give The Cinnamon Network this award in recognition of the work with jobs clubs, street pastors and supporting churches to address issues in their neighbourhoods.
Praise: God for the unity of the Church in the United Kingdom that is displayed through these initiatives and ask Him to continue to pour out his blessings on these enterprises. (Ps.133)
More: http://godandpoliticsuk.org/tag/big-society-awards/
David Cameron praises the work of churches
David Cameron's Big Society Awards recognise outstanding people and organisations whose work improves lives and strengthens communities. On Monday The Cinnamon Network was given a Big Society Award as the Prime Minister recognized the widespread work of various churches in their communities. The Cinnamon Network was launched in 2010 and is a community of 100 CEOs of charities, social enterprises and church denominations who passionately strengthen the muscles of local churches for community transformation. It is a partnership between Make It Happen, Piercing Blue and Tearfund and their vision is to see the UK Church meet the growing social needs within our communities. David Cameron said he was pleased to be able to give The Cinnamon Network this award in recognition of the work with jobs clubs, street pastors and supporting churches to address issues in their neighbourhoods.
Praise: God for the unity of the Church in the United Kingdom that is displayed through these initiatives and ask Him to continue to pour out his blessings on these enterprises. (Ps.133)
More: http://godandpoliticsuk.org/tag/big-society-awards/
Uruguay: Light in a dark place
Afro–Brazilian–Spiritism is the largest growing religion in Uruguay. However recently there has been a revival of Christianity and the number of evangelicals is growing in the midst of an epidemic of divorce, suicide and abortion. Last year a young woman imprisoned for drug trafficking found freedom in Christ behind bars. She was recently released with her two-year-old daughter and is attending a church north of Fray Bentos. This is thanks to the work of Rev Gonzalo and Leticia Soria and their team at La Trinidad church who do weekly visits to the local prison. ‘Baptism in a prison was a unique experience,’ Gonzalo said. ‘A dozen inmates accompanied Johana and her daughter and applauded as they were baptised.’ Now released, Johana and her daughter remain in faith.
Praise: God for the international work of prison ministries and ask for his continued protection over those who find Jesus in dark places. Pray also for more of God’s powerful Holy Spirit to fall across Uruguay. (Is.9:2)
Uruguay: Light in a dark place
Afro–Brazilian–Spiritism is the largest growing religion in Uruguay. However recently there has been a revival of Christianity and the number of evangelicals is growing in the midst of an epidemic of divorce, suicide and abortion. Last year a young woman imprisoned for drug trafficking found freedom in Christ behind bars. She was recently released with her two-year-old daughter and is attending a church north of Fray Bentos. This is thanks to the work of Rev Gonzalo and Leticia Soria and their team at La Trinidad church who do weekly visits to the local prison. ‘Baptism in a prison was a unique experience,’ Gonzalo said. ‘A dozen inmates accompanied Johana and her daughter and applauded as they were baptised.’ Now released, Johana and her daughter remain in faith.
Praise: God for the international work of prison ministries and ask for his continued protection over those who find Jesus in dark places. Pray also for more of God’s powerful Holy Spirit to fall across Uruguay. (Is.9:2)
Trumpet call - Praying for our nations
Many are sensing the importance of the day of prayer and worship to be held in Birmingham on the 15th of this month. The British Isles are in increasing turmoil as we see and experience the consequences of ungodly decisions made both in the past and by our National leaders today. These decisions not only affect us but will also affect generations to come. When God’s people unite in prayer and worship God commands a blessing,(Ps.133). Prayer makes a difference and changes circumstances and situations. The venue for this event is The International Convention Centre in Birmingham and the day will be centred around Jeremiah 1:10 with prayer, testimony, thanksgiving, worship and Word; looking at the roots that have caused brokenness, distress and danger across our nations; then there will be prayer for the release of God’s Kingdom in our villages, towns and cities.
Pray: for a mighty outpouring of God’s spirit as intercessors break up the un-ploughed ground. Ask Him to do immeasurably more than expected. (Hos,10:12 & Eph.3:20)
More: http://www.worldprayer.org.uk/about-us/trumpet-call/trumpet-call-2013/
Freedom of religion
Over the past year we have been praying for Nadia Eweida, Shirley Chaplin, Lilian Ladele and Gary McFarlane as they took freedom of religion cases to the European Court of Human Rights. Last Tuesday three of the cases finally reached the end of the road when the EHCR's Grand Chamber rejected the appeals. When the cases had previously been heard in January Nadia’s (which involved the wearing of a cross in the workplace) was successful. The other three were rejected. Their lawyers decided to apply for a hearing by the Grand Chamber, but the judges have now rejected the requests. These rulings indicate that some of the religious foundations of our society are being replaced by an academic belief in equality for all where religion is put on an equal footing with a variety of sections of British society. Christian belief no longer defines the law, but instead is increasingly subject to it.
Pray: that commerce, industry and governments would cease using ‘equality’ in a self-important way. (Ex.20:3,4)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/grand-chamber-rejects-christians-cases
Leprosy Mission says levy on charities 'unfair'
The Leprosy Mission has hit out at suggestions that the Treasury might take a share of Gift Aid or impose a levy on charities. The call came from the Charity Commission, which has warned that it will not be able to cope with the Treasury's request to make a further saving of 10 per cent in the year 2015/16. The Leprosy Mission said, however, that it was "unfair" to take a slice of gift aid to plug the Government's spending cuts. Peter Walker, national director of The Leprosy Mission said a levy could put people off giving while penalizing recipients of the money. ‘If the Government wants a Big Society, it is responsible for providing the framework for the charitable sector to operate effectively, which includes rigorous investigation where necessary,’ he said. ‘The charitable sector is paramount to the delivery of the Big Society and it is, therefore, unreasonable for the government to expect charities to pay to regulate the sector.’
Pray: that this proposal will not become policy and that charitable donation remains entirely with the charity receiving the gift. (Pr.22:16 )
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/leprosy.mission.says.levy.on.charities.unfair/32723.htm
Central Europe Floods
Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic are dealing with record levels of flooding. Cities in southern and eastern Germany have been on high alert as heavy floodwaters swell rivers including the Elbe which has been rising since Monday lunchtime. In Halle an appeal went out to residents asking for help to reinforce flood defences while Dresden was preparing for water levels 5m higher than normal. By Tuesday afternoon river levels in Prague had begun to fall as floodwaters moved north. Overnight flood barriers on the River Vltava in the south of the country were raised releasing a torrent of water, which had implications on the Elbe. The city of Regensburg has declared a state of emergency. Hungary has also declared a state of emergency. Floodwaters on the Danube are expected to peak there on Thursday. Germany has drafted in the army to help with flood defences. In the Bavarian town of Passau, floodwaters reached a level not seen since the 16th Century, but have now begun to recede.
Pray: for the thousands who have been forced to leave their homes, particularly the farmers, the frail and elderly; pray also for governments and NGO’s bringing relief where roads and bridges have been destroyed. (Ps.18:6)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22752544
Central Europe Floods
Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic are dealing with record levels of flooding. Cities in southern and eastern Germany have been on high alert as heavy floodwaters swell rivers including the Elbe which has been rising since Monday lunchtime. In Halle an appeal went out to residents asking for help to reinforce flood defences while Dresden was preparing for water levels 5m higher than normal. By Tuesday afternoon river levels in Prague had begun to fall as floodwaters moved north. Overnight flood barriers on the River Vltava in the south of the country were raised releasing a torrent of water, which had implications on the Elbe. The city of Regensburg has declared a state of emergency. Hungary has also declared a state of emergency. Floodwaters on the Danube are expected to peak there on Thursday. Germany has drafted in the army to help with flood defences. In the Bavarian town of Passau, floodwaters reached a level not seen since the 16th Century, but have now begun to recede.
Pray: for the thousands who have been forced to leave their homes, particularly the farmers, the frail and elderly; pray also for governments and NGO’s bringing relief where roads and bridges have been destroyed. (Ps.18:6)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22752544