Bangladesh/Burma: Cyclone
Cyclone Mahasen’s main victims are likely to be people who’ ve already been forced out of their homes. For 70,000 displaced refugees in western Burma the choice was wait until Cyclone Mahasen swallows their low-lying camps on Wednesday or run back to higher ground were they were violently forced from. Human Rights Watch has been issuing warnings for months about dangers posed by the oncoming rainy season. Their Asia director said, ‘If the government fails to evacuate those at risk, any disaster that results will not be natural, but man-made.’ Cyclone Mahasen travelled towards Burma and Bangladesh over the Bay of Bengal with wind speeds of at least 45 knots (85 kilometers per hour) Speeds are expected to reach 70 knots as it strikes land. In Bangladesh hundreds of thousands of people were being evacuated from coastal areas. On Wednesday authorities raised the danger level to seven out of 10 for low-lying land where the cyclone is estimated to reach by Thursday. See: http://qz.com/84870/cyclone-mahasens-main-victims-are-likely-to-be-people-whove-already-been-forced-out-of-their-homes/
Pray: for the tens of thousands of refugees living in Burmese camps who are at risk and for the thousands being evacuated in from Bangladesh coastal villages. For the agencies who will minister to the survivors (Ps.123)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22537615
Israel: Reconciliation
Many Christian ministries are working in Israel towards reconciliation in challenging situations. The following are just two.We are asked to partner in prayer with ‘Musalaha’ Ministryof Reconciliation as they prepare for their national women’s reconciliation training event. Palestinian and Israeli women from all over the country will be meeting for training, fellowship, and prayer between May 23rd and May 25th on the topic of Reclaiming Identity. Also on May 15th and May 31st their local women’s groups who have just begun training will be meeting in Nazareth and Haifa; and we have been asked to pray for the process and that a spirit of fear would be driven from them. Also, working towards reconciliation between communities is ‘Bridges for Peace’. An expanding body of individuals and groups with a desire to see Christians and Jews working side byside for better understanding of each other. Reconciliation for a more secure Israel. See: http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/
Pray: for a harvest of changed lives as God works through these a nd other reconciliation ministries in Israel. (Job 5:16-18)
More: http://www.musalaha.org/
Iran: Christians returned to jail
An Iranian high court has upheld the prison sentences of four Christians for converting to the faith from Islam. The decision means Pastor Farhad Sabokrooh, of the Iranian Assemblies of God, his wife Shahnaz Jayzan, and church workers NaserZaman-Dezfuli and Davoud Alijani have had to return to jail. They were arrested in December 2011 after their church in the southern town of Ahwaz was raided by authorities during Christmas celebrations. They were sentenced to one year in prison for ‘converting to Christianity and propagating against the Islamic regime through evangelism’. They were temporarily released but were summoned to court on 1 May and re-arrested. Christian Solidarity Worldwide has observed a crackdown on Christians since last December. Two other AoG pastors, Farshid Fathi and Saeed Abedini, are being held in Evin prison along with Church of Iran member Alireza Seyyedian and Mostafa Bordbar, who was arrested in Tehran in December.
Pray: for these and the many others who have been jailed for exercising their right to change their religion and follow Christ privately and in communion with others. (in breach of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which Iran is obliged uphold). (Ps.142:6-7)
More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.returned.to.jail.in.iran/32448.htm
Greetings to all IPC brothers and sisters around the world from Birmingham, England.
As many of you know we have been on a long journey to see the fulfillment of a vision to see a World Prayer Centre built and established here in the heart of the UK. By God's grace we have learnt and continue to learn the Isaac principle of what it means for God to establish a heaven to earth promise. Since 1992 we have been on the journey and amid the joys and at times frustrations rejoiced at the goodness of God as we have journeyed.
As we have journeyed God has opened many doors for us as a team both in this nation and the nations. We continue to call Christians from across the denominations to stand in unity together to pray for the nation and the nations. We would especially ask for your prayers as on June 15 we are organising "Trumpet Call 2013" at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. We are inviting up to 2500 Christians to come and stand together in humility and unity to ask God for His mercy on our land and its peoples. We would be deeply honoured if you would join with us in prayer on that day. (We will happily read any messages of support).
With regard to the Centre being built, we still have the land that was donated to us (subject to planning) and in the next few months we are awaiting the release of the land from the present restrictions. Once that has happened we shall then seek to apply for planning permission and then see how God is going to bring what He has promised to fulfillment.
Thank you for your fellowship, friendship and prayers. We count it a privilege to be part of God's family with you.
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Latest C of E figures "heartening" says bishop
Statistics released by the Church of England show an increase in the number of young people attending weekly church services in addition to a rise in adult and child baptisms. The number of people attending Christmas services also rose by 14.5 per cent between 2010 and 2011, reaching a total of over 2.6 million. A growth in church attendance was recorded in a total of 20 of the Church of England's 40 regional areas, while nationally there was a 1.2 per cent increase in children and young people attending to 216,928. The Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham James, said: “The attendance figures are heartening, especially the very strong growth in Christmas day attendance. “The encouraging news of further growth to come even on these high figures is very welcome and points to a growing trend. “Also welcome is the stabilising of the numbers of those who attend church services on a weekly basis.
Pray: for this trend to continue and that the Gospel will reach out to an increasing audience. (Heb.10:25)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/latest-cofe-figures-heartening-says-bishop
Is your church as welcoming as you think?
The Methodist Church in Britain wants to develop a "culture of welcome" in local churches with the launch of a new online resource. The free online resource - First Impressions Count - is a workshop designed to help churches reflect on the welcome that a visitor experiences when they first walk through the door. It aims to tackle the intimidation and anxiety that a newcomer might feel when entering a church for the first time Ed Mackenzie, Evangelism, Spirituality and Discipleship Officer, said: "It can be intimidating to visit a church for the first time, and the welcome a visitor receives has a huge impact on whether or not they choose to return. First Impressions Count is designed to help churches improve their quality of welcome, and takes account of a culture increasingly unfamiliar with Christian faith and worship."
Pray: for all churches in all denomination to be open and willing to review how they welcome new visitors. (Matt.10:40)
More: http: http://www.methodist.org.uk/news-and-events/news-releases/is-your-church-as-welcoming-as-you-think
Hospital staffing levels unsafe, senior nurses warn
Staffing levels on hospital wards across England are unsafe and could put patient’s lives at risk, a group of senior nurses has warned. Wards across the country often have just one registered nurse looking after eight patients, The Safe Staffing Alliance (SSA) has said. There is a worry that this ratio could be regarded as the minimum acceptable of staffing when it in fact puts patients at risk, warned the alliance which was formed last summer. The SSA says research shows that when nurses are asked to look after more than eight patients there is an increased in risk of harm or death. The warning comes as a poll for the Sunday Mirror and the Nursing Standard journal found that more than three quarters of nurses believe a scandal similar to that in Mid-Staffordshire could happen again. In the poll of 2,000 nurses, 40% said on their last shift there were not enough staff to provide a safe level of care.
Pray: for the NHS to take such warning seriously and that all parties will work together to ensure high quality patient safety and care. (Col.3:23)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10051983/Hospital-staffing-levels-unsafe-senior-nurses-warn.html
Critics pan barrister’s call to lower age of consent to 13
Critics have hit out at a barrister who called for the age of consent to be lowered to 13, saying her comments were “foolish” and “despicable”. Barrister Barbara Hewson said a change in the law would end the “persecution of old men”, in the wake of recent high-profile arrests over alleged historic sex offences but lawyer Malcom Underhill, writing for The Daily Telegraph, said the call is “one of the most foolish proposals on the issue of child welfare that has been laid before the public”. Mr Underhill warned that in lowering the age of consent, the risk of paedophiles “taking advantage of innocent children for their iniquitous ends will become even greater”. He added, “this proposal must be snuffed out as quickly as possible, to protect the most vulnerable in society”. But gay-rights activist Peter Tatchell says there should be a serious debate about the issue,
Pray: for all parties to recognise the danger to our youngsters inherent in this proposal . (Gal.5:19)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/critics-pan-barristers-call-to-lower-age-of-consent-to-13/
Welsh Revival 2013
‘On Saturday night, once again, 15 people cried out to Jesus to save them. People are not just praying a sinner's prayer but are so moved by the Holy Spirit that they realise their need before God.’ In Victory Church Cwmbran there is a Holy Spirit outpouring and the focus is Jesus. A sample of a recent blog states.‘The place erupted with praise and the atmosphere was what can only be described as supercharged. God began breaking into people’s lives. People with mental illness responded to an alter call. Many have got in touch to say that they feel completely healed!’ and ‘One young man suffering depression and addiction and currently on Methadone stated G od has released him from a prison in his mind’. A woman with severe knee problems for many years is completely heal ed. People continue to be filled with the fire of God. Passion for the Saviour is at a new level, people are hungering and thirsting for the presence.’ The outpouring continues!
Praise: God for powerfully using Victory Church Cwmbran, we pray it will spread right across Wales and the UK.
More: http://www.victorychurch.co.uk/saturday-update-cwmbran-outpouring
Welsh Revival 2013
‘On Saturday night, once again, 15 people cried out to Jesus to save them. People are not just praying a sinner's prayer but are so moved by the Holy Spirit that they realise their need before God.’ In Victory Church Cwmbran there is a Holy Spirit outpouring and the focus is Jesus. A sample of a recent blog states.‘The place erupted with praise and the atmosphere was what can only be described as supercharged. God began breaking into people’s lives. People with mental illness responded to an alter call. Many have got in touch to say that they feel completely healed!’ and ‘One young man suffering depression and addiction and currently on Methadone stated G od has released him from a prison in his mind’. A woman with severe knee problems for many years is completely heal ed. People continue to be filled with the fire of God. Passion for the Saviour is at a new level, people are hungering and thirsting for the presence.’ The outpouring continues!
Praise: God for powerfully using Victory Church Cwmbran, we pray it will spread right across Wales and the UK.
More: http://www.victorychurch.co.uk/saturday-update-cwmbran-outpouring