Kenya: Post elections
In 2007 Kenya’s disputed presidential election descended into violence in which more than 1,000 people were killed. In 2013 strongholds of defeated presidential candidate Raila Odinga are currently peaceful, hopefully reflecting a desire by Kenyans to avoid a repeat of the bloodshed. However, Odinga has refused to concede the election to rival Uhuru Kenyatta and said he would challenge the result in the courts. On Sunday he urged his supporters to refrain from the violence that could once more convulse Kenya. A smooth handover of power this time around is seen as critical to restoring Kenya's reputation as a stable democracy and safe investment destination - an image that was shattered by the mayhem that followed the last election. Other nations have a diplomatic dilemma dealing with a president who is indicted for crimes against humanity, but will be an ally in the fight against militant Islam in the Horn of Africa.
Pray: that the nation would unite in a swift return to normality after the back-to-back election coverage and appeals by presenters for Kenyans to accept the outcome calmly. (Zec.9:16-17)
More: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/03/10/uk-kenya-elections-idUKBRE92907H20130310
Syria: More Christian kidnapping
Syrian Christians continue to request our prayers for their country. They note that, in recent months, there have been increasing numbers of attacks on Christians that seem to be religiously motivated. One example occurred on 9th February when two priests, Michel Kayyal (Armenian Catholic) and Maher Mahfouz (Greek Orthodox), were kidnapped when travelling by public bus between Damascus and Aleppo. The bus was stopped by armed men belonging to one of the groups fighting the government. The gunmen checked the identity documents of all passengers and only the two priests were taken. A Salesian priest travelling with them was not kidnapped. Negotiations for their release are on-going. Other kidnappings have been reported, especially in al-Hasakah Province where some Christians have demonstrated publicly to protest against this alarming new trend. There have been a number of assaults on church buildings and other Christian property. Such attacks are often interpreted as warnings or threats to the Christian communities.
Pray: that the violence in Syria will cease, and peace and justice will be established for all Syrians; those who have been kidnapped will be released unharmed. (Ps.7:9)
Afghanistan: Transition
A Christian in Afghanistan writes, ‘As the coalition forces prepare to withdraw by the end of next year, the local army and police are being trained to take full responsibility for the security of their country. There are many challenges to be overcome, including a lack of basic education for many of the local soldiers and police and a culture of corruption. Also, many in positions of authority lack the leadership skills needed to forge an effective force. The coalition soldiers work closely with their local counterparts to instil technical knowledge and tactical and strategic planning skills. In this process coalition and local soldiers spend many hours together. Pray for the Christians in the coalition to be a strong witness for Christ. A lack of security and rampant corruption have caused many people to distrust the government and thus weakened its authority. Many question whether the central government is prepared to take full responsibility and leadership of the country.’
Pray: that God will place righteous people in positions of authority in the government and the people of the land will learn to trust and support those who are protecting them. (Is.1:26)
Maldives: Teen faces 100 lashes
A 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to eight months of house arrest and 100 lashes in the Maldives. Many in the international community are concerned about the use of Sharia law to inflict such punishment, in this case against a minor. While the girl is Muslim, there could also be troubling implications for anyone who secretly converts to Christianity, an act that is forbidden in the Maldives. Hilary Whiteman of CNN reports that the girl confessed during a court hearing to charges of fornication, having engaged in consensual premarital sex. She is also the alleged victim of sexual abuse by her stepfather, an allegation legally unrelated to her case. She has been given the choice of receiving the lashings now or it can be postponed until she turns 18. CNN was told that though the government considered the teenager to be a victim who should not be flogged, it was unable to intervene in the judicial process.
Pray: for the girl and for a more reasonable justice system, pray also for protection for the handful of believers in the Maldives living in fear of the government, their families and communities. (Ps.25:12)
More: http://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/prayer-updates/2013/03-March/Maldives-Teen-Faces-100-Lashes
Pakistan: 200 Christian homes burnt to the ground
In what has become disturbingly common practice in Pakistan, registering the usual low interest from the international media, once again Pakistan's Christians have been subjected to a hate-fuelled mob attack, hell-bent in their desire to make life unbearable for what little remains of Christ's followers in the region, reports Dignitatis Humanae Institute. Using the well-worn pretext of an alleged breach of the Pakistan's blasphemy law, an armed mob of local Islamists set upon the Christian neighbourhood within Lahore, reportedly attacking at least 200 Christian homes, a collection of shops and two churches in arson attacks. Whether there have been any casualties is yet to be determined. Such wanton destruction now means a large number of Christian families have been displaced, impoverished, and made homeless for nothing they have done personally, but for the hate held against their faith by certain Muslim groups in Pakistan.
Pray: for God’s mercy and protection for His people as they face such persecution.
More: http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue18984.html
STOP PRESS: Pope Francis is an 'inspired choice'
Catholic leaders in the UK have spoken of their delight over the election of Pope Francis. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor praised the selection of a ‘humble, very simple and very intelligent man,’ and said the Church was ‘very blessed. Above all, I think he is a holy man, a spiritual man and I think he will bring a new kind of style to the Catholic Church,’ the Cardinal told the BBC. He noted the significance of the Pope's choice of the name Francis, known as a man of the poor. Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor said ‘the simplicity of Pope Francis’ life would be a great example to people. For many people, this may be a surprise selection. For me, it was an inspired choice and I am very, very happy not only for the Catholic Church but for the world,’ he said.
Pray: that Pope Francis will be inspired by the Holy Spirit as he takes on the role as leaderof the world-wide catholic Church.
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/pope.francis.is.an.inspired.choice/31830.htm
Miracles reported on set of Bible mini-series
The hit miniseries The Bible is setting records on cable television for the History Channel, with as many as 13 million viewers tuning in for the blockbuster. But certain aspects of the filming were even more remarkable, as producer Mark Burnett reports highly unusual occurrences behind-the-scenes that he labels miracles. The epic five-part series, which runs through Easter, is the most-watched entertainment programme on cable television, according to ABC’s Good Morning America. The making of the TV behemoth was filled with strange happenings that Producer Mark Burnett can’t quite explain. For example when the actor who portrays Jesus told Nicodemus ‘The Holy Spirit is like the wind,’ a strong rushing wind that felt like the exhaust behind a 747 almost blew the set over and sustained for 20 seconds, Burnett told Entertainment Weekly. ‘Everyone just looked at everyone like, ‘What just happened?’ Burnett said.
Praise: God for the power of the wind of the Holy Spirit that blows where it will. (Jn.3:8)
More: http://blog.godreports.com/2013/03/miracles-reported-on-set-of-bible-miniseries/
Miracles reported on set of Bible mini-series
The hit miniseries The Bible is setting records on cable television for the History Channel, with as many as 13 million viewers tuning in for the blockbuster. But certain aspects of the filming were even more remarkable, as producer Mark Burnett reports highly unusual occurrences behind-the-scenes that he labels miracles. The epic five-part series, which runs through Easter, is the most-watched entertainment programme on cable television, according to ABC’s Good Morning America. The making of the TV behemoth was filled with strange happenings that Producer Mark Burnett can’t quite explain. For example when the actor who portrays Jesus told Nicodemus ‘The Holy Spirit is like the wind,’ a strong rushing wind that felt like the exhaust behind a 747 almost blew the set over and sustained for 20 seconds, Burnett told Entertainment Weekly. ‘Everyone just looked at everyone like, ‘What just happened?’ Burnett said.
Praise: God for the power of the wind of the Holy Spirit that blows where it will. (Jn.3:8)
More: http://blog.godreports.com/2013/03/miracles-reported-on-set-of-bible-miniseries/
God among the clubbers
Every year thousands of young people head out to the sunny coasts of Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain) for the super clubs, cheap booze and sex. Lucy Hardy from the UK has also spent her last couple of summers out on the main strip in Ibiza, but she is not your average holiday party animal. She works with Third Space Ministries, an organization that shares God’s love in places such as night clubs, gyms and coffee shops. Ibiza is the clubbing capital of Europe. In the centre of San Antonio, the main clubbing strip, Christians established a place of prayer and outreach. They’re on duty every evening until the early hours of the morning. ‘One group will go out on to the streets and one group will stay in the prayer room,’ Lucy explains. ‘We walk around in pairs down the main clubbing strip, praying: God, who specifically do you want us to go to?’ This regularly leads to amazing encounters.
Praise: God for all those who are called to reach out to the clubbers in Ibiza. (Ps.18:16)
God among the clubbers
Every year thousands of young people head out to the sunny coasts of Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain) for the super clubs, cheap booze and sex. Lucy Hardy from the UK has also spent her last couple of summers out on the main strip in Ibiza, but she is not your average holiday party animal. She works with Third Space Ministries, an organization that shares God’s love in places such as night clubs, gyms and coffee shops. Ibiza is the clubbing capital of Europe. In the centre of San Antonio, the main clubbing strip, Christians established a place of prayer and outreach. They’re on duty every evening until the early hours of the morning. ‘One group will go out on to the streets and one group will stay in the prayer room,’ Lucy explains. ‘We walk around in pairs down the main clubbing strip, praying: God, who specifically do you want us to go to?’ This regularly leads to amazing encounters.
Praise: God for all those who are called to reach out to the clubbers in Ibiza. (Ps.18:16)