A prayer for Pentecost
The National Day of Prayer and Worship (NDOPW) is encouraging Christians to pray for the world this Pentecost. NDOPW has written a special prayer that Christians can use: See: http://www.ndopw.com/content/pages/documents/1368179709.pdf Jonathan Oloyede, NDOPW convener, said: 'I believe strongly that this Pentecost Sunday must demonstrate even more than ever before the current move of God in our land. Let us celebrate the growing unity and increasing levels of prayer and collaboration amongst many groups and organisations. The NDOPW is encouraging Christians to pause at 12 noon each day o say the Lord's Prayer over the land. Christians are also being invited to share what God is saying to them via Twitter using the hashtag #pentecost13 It is our vision to see the British Isles and Ireland saturated with prayer so that God's Glory may fill the land. Join us in this quest to see the hand of God show up in these Isles as we unite in prayer.’
Pray: together with the many thousands of Christians across the world praying for the nations. (2Chr.7:14)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/a.prayer.for.pentecost/32478.htm#
Swansea measles: Drop in clinic attendance sparks concern
Health officials looking to control the Swansea measles epidemic have expressed concern at a fall in numbers attending the latest MMR clinics. Drop-in clinics have been held for more than a month but only 381 vaccinations were given last weekend. Abertawe Bro Morgannwg health board is ‘particularly concerned’ because 9,000 young people have still not had the jab. The number of local measles cases stands at 1,094. Drop-in clinics have already given more than 7,500 vaccinations at the weekend sessions in Bridgend, Neath and Swansea over the past four weeks. But after the recent low turn-out, the health board's director of public health Dr Sara Hayes said: ‘We are particularly concerned because our records show there are 9,000 four to 18 year olds in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg area who have not had their MMR.’
Pray: for success of the drop-in centres and especially for the take-up of those who have yet to be vaccinated. (Pr.3:8)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22513562
Better reporting of hate crime ‘a must’ for Europe
Eight out of ten instances of violentattacks on members of the LGBT community in Europe go unreported, according to a report published (15 May). According to the report, compiled by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, and based on the experiences of 93,000 respondents across the European Union, around LGBT) people in Europe have suffered some form of violent attack. However, the huge majority of those attacks go unreported. This is part of a growing trend in Europe, says agency director, Morten Kjaerum. A report to be published in the autumn on anti-Semitism reveals that around 85% of Jewish respondents who faced attacks based on religion said they did not report the incidents. ‘There is an acceptance that violence is an everyday occurrence for these people,’ he said. In addition, there exists a ‘devastating’ lack of confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Pray: that the reactions of people to the LGBT community will not be hatred but God’s love. (1Jn.3:10)
More: http://www.neurope.eu/article/bette r-reporting-hate-crime-must-europe
Better reporting of hate crime ‘a must’ for Europe
Eight out of ten instances of violentattacks on members of the LGBT community in Europe go unreported, according to a report published (15 May). According to the report, compiled by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, and based on the experiences of 93,000 respondents across the European Union, around LGBT) people in Europe have suffered some form of violent attack. However, the huge majority of those attacks go unreported. This is part of a growing trend in Europe, says agency director, Morten Kjaerum. A report to be published in the autumn on anti-Semitism reveals that around 85% of Jewish respondents who faced attacks based on religion said they did not report the incidents. ‘There is an acceptance that violence is an everyday occurrence for these people,’ he said. In addition, there exists a ‘devastating’ lack of confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Pray: that the reactions of people to the LGBT community will not be hatred but God’s love. (1Jn.3:10)
More: http://www.neurope.eu/article/bette r-reporting-hate-crime-must-europe
Oil company offices raided in EU pricing probe
The offices of several firms involved in the oil market hav e been raided by European Commission officials. The commission said it had concerns that ‘the companies may have colluded in reporting distorted prices’. It did not name the firms, and said the raids did not mean the companies were guilty of any charges. BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Norway's Statoil and the pricing agency Platts confirmed that they were working with the authorities in their inquiries. The investigation relates to the pricing of oil, refined products and biofuels. Even small distortions of assessed prices may have a huge impact on the prices of crude oil, refined oil products and biofuels purchases and sale s, potentially harming final consumers,’ the Commission said. As part of the investigation, the Commission said it was examining whether the companies may have prevented others from participating in the pricing process ‘with a view to distorting published prices’.
Pray: that the investigation into the oil market will reveal the truths and bring fair and just pricing. (Lev.19:15)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22530379
Oil company offices raided in EU pricing probe
The offices of several firms involved in the oil market hav e been raided by European Commission officials. The commission said it had concerns that ‘the companies may have colluded in reporting distorted prices’. It did not name the firms, and said the raids did not mean the companies were guilty of any charges. BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Norway's Statoil and the pricing agency Platts confirmed that they were working with the authorities in their inquiries. The investigation relates to the pricing of oil, refined products and biofuels. Even small distortions of assessed prices may have a huge impact on the prices of crude oil, refined oil products and biofuels purchases and sale s, potentially harming final consumers,’ the Commission said. As part of the investigation, the Commission said it was examining whether the companies may have prevented others from participating in the pricing process ‘with a view to distorting published prices’.
Pray: that the investigation into the oil market will reveal the truths and bring fair and just pricing. (Lev.19:15)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22530379
NIGERIA: State of emergency in 3 areas
In a nationwide broadcast Tuesday evening President Goodluck Jo nathan took direct control of security in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. In imposing the state of emergency he wielded extra-ordinary powers under the 1999 constitution, when invoked this authorizes the presidency to govern these states directly, by-passing their governors. President Jonathan said, ‘The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the north. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolv e.’ Adding, ‘I hereby declare a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states’ He was forced to take the measure after several attempts to get Boko Haram, to disarm proved abortive.
Pray: for minimum violence as troops are deployed. Pray for all security agencies involved in these operations and for an end to insurgents and terrorists. (Ps.68:28)
Middle East: Christian persecution
The mass exodus of millions of Christians from one part of the Islamic world to another as the result of persecution by Muslims has reached epidemic proportions warns the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. Christians may completely disappear from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Egypt. The report also said, ‘This matter of Muslim persecution of Christians is a humanitarian crisis.’ The Christian Post reported this week, ‘With all of the unrest being reported in countries like Egypt, Syria and Libya, the real untold story is the record number of Christians leaving the Muslim world because they are being targeted for kidnapping, plundering and beheadings. Regions and towns that were once populated with Christians are now emptied. The crisis for Christians goes beyond Middle East, Nigeria is now the country with the highest number of slaughtered Christians. Last year over 900 Christ-followers were victims of Boko Haram and other Islamic militants. See item 1 above and go to http://global.christianpost.com/news/islam-expert-warns-christians-may-completely-disappear-from-iraq-afghanistan-egypt-95556/
Pray: that persecution and unrest would motivate Muslims 'To Know Christ' (Ps.42:7)
Afghanistan: Taliban attacks on British Forces
The Taliban has announced the beginning of its Spring military offensive with the launching of attacks on military bases, convoys and Afghan officials, including members of the government's peace council, who are working to reconcile with top insurgent leaders. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of attacks against our forces over the last couple of weeks with many injuries, following the attack on the mastiff where 3 soldiers were killed and 6 injured. We are asked to pray for the safety of our servicemen and women in Afghanistan, and peace for their families back home in constant unease of a knock on the door. (Rom.12:12)
Pray: that the Taliban will be thwarted. For protection for the armed forces. (Ps.121:1-3a)
More: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/taliban-announces-spring-offensive-2277031.html
Pakistan: 3 priorities for new government
Elections were completed last weekend. Although there were demonstrations and terrorist attacks (sadly over 130 lost their lives) those elected are relatively clearly defined and the country can move forward. Pakistan is on the brink of economic collapse and its citizens have suffered horribly from a recent spike in terrorism. Please pray for the new government to successfully employ wise tactics for both these desperate situations. There are tensions with neighboring Afghanistan and India, along with the frustrating and unpopular counter-terror partnership with the United States. Please pray for wisdom for Nawaz Sharif, that he may turn his country in the right direction. In the past Sharif displayed more interest in consolidating his political power than governing effectively. If his third time in office is to be different, he will need to focus on the economy, domestic order and foreign relations.
Pray: also for the openness of new leadership to hear the voices of the religious minorities and allow them to live in peace.( Pr.4:6)