Child sex trafficking threat
Major sporting events such as World Cups and Olympic Games are often preceded by warnings about a rise in prostitution and sex trafficking as a result of the impending influx of spectators. The children’s charity Barnardo’s has warned hoteliers and bar staff near to the Olympic Park in Stratford to be on the lookout for any vulnerable youngsters during the Games, and has produced a leaflet to help those in the travel and hospitality industry to spot the signs of sexual exploitation. Barnardo’s has also called for better data collection of the crime to prevent children being abused during the next few weeks. Chief executive Anne Marie Carrie said, ‘With a huge influx of visitors to the capital everyone needs to play their part in spotting the signs that sexual exploitation is taking place. We must pull together to ensure that protection of vulnerable children is gold standard during the Olympics.’
Pray: for effective communications between the many agencies working to eliminate sex trafficking in our towns and cities. (Ps.17:13)
More: http://www.london24.com/news/crimeolympic_child_sex_trafficking_a_threat_says_charity_1_1453812
Religion playing strong role in background of Olympic Games
In a BBC radio broadcast, Anglican canon Duncan Green called on people everywhere in the world to live together in peace and harmony, in the spirit of the Olympic Games. The Multi-Faith Centre at the Olympic Village will be run by 50 chaplains working on shift around the clock and catering for the spiritual health needs of athletes from countries where Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and other religions are widespread. Many of the Church of England's parishes are planning events to coincide with the Olympic Games, while Anglican and Roman Catholic churches are organizing ‘large screen’ festivals which will bring together as many as 500,000 people. British churches will be supported by thousands of volunteers from Britain, the US, Latin America, and Scandinavia. Christian churches are providing free accommodation for more than 350 family members of athletes who would otherwise not have been able to attend the Games because of costly hotel prices.
Pray: for the volunteers, many working instead of taking a vacation, to experience God’s blessings on all they undertake in His name. (Ps.145:1-7)
Church celebrates Lizzie Armitstead's Olympic win
A church in Otley, Yorkshire, is celebrating the Olympic silver medal win by Lizzie Armitstead as she finished the Women’s Road Race on Sunday. She grew up in Otley and was in Junior Church at the Bridge United Reformed Church. She was also part of the Bridge Church Scout group. Her parents, John and Carol, are still members of the church, and her grandfather, the Rev Jeff Armitstead, is a retired URC minister. The congregation sent a card to Lizzie prior to her big race and sped home from Sunday worship to make sure they didn't miss her fantastic cycle road race. The church had planned a special ‘Sing Olympics’ for the evening worship and the mood was especially celebratory after Lizzie won Team GB's first medal of the London 2012 Games. Church Treasurer Andrew Howard said, ‘Many of the church members have known Lizzie since she was a baby, and have watched her progress over the years. We are all absolutely thrilled that one of our own has had such success.’
Pray: that Lizzie and other Christians living in the Olympic Village will shine and reveal the Light of Christ amongst their fellow Olympians. (Mat.5:14-15)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/church.celebrates.lizzie.armitsteads.olympic.win/30378.htm
Pakistani Christians praying for team
Pakistanis are very excited watching their players show their best performance and send a message of peace to the world. For several years sports events have faced challenges in Pakistan. The memory of winning titles brings back smiles and provides a chance to people of all walks of life to celebrate. According to the Pakistan Olympic Association, ‘There are 18 hockey players, two athletes, two swimmers, a shooter, 23 players, and 16 officials taking part in the 2012 Olympics.’ Assist News Service Pakistan spoke to many Christian sports players and various other people to find out what they are saying about Olympics 2012, and what they expect from their players. Johnson Gill Christian cricket coach and Gospel minister said, ‘I am with my team, and wish them best of luck as Pakistan badly needs to win gold medals to bring back the Games to Pakistan.’
Pray: for international impartiality and the true Olympic spirit to be displayed throughout the Games. (Pr.22:1)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/pakistani.christians.praying.for.their.olympic.team/30365.htm
World hunger summit on last day of Olympics
David Cameron confirmed a hunger summit will be held in London on August 12th, the last day of the Olympics. It was debated by the G8 in May and aims to speed up efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition globally. Heads of states, NGOs and private-sector leaders are expected to attend. No specific targets have been set so far, although NGOs are likely to push for a commitment to significantly reduce malnutrition by the next Olympics. David Cameron said it’s important we remember people in other parts of the world who, far from being excited about the Olympics, are actually worried about their next meal and whether they are getting enough to eat. Save the Children reported, ‘Malnutrition is the underlying cause of death for 2.6 million children each year.’ Beijing, Athens and Sydney claimed regeneration from their Games London's legacy could be enormous if the world follows Britain's lead and helps millions of the world's neediest children.
Pray: that the hunger summit will kick-start genuine efforts to address world hunger. (Ps.82:1-4)
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/jul/27/david-cameron-hunger-summit-olympics
PM on collision course with Church
The Prime Minister David Cameron said he is absolutely determined that the Coalition Government would be ‘legislating for gay marriage in this parliament.’ He went on to say, ‘The promise I can make you is that this coalition government is committed both to changing the law and also working to change the culture and the Conservative party absolutely backs that. This is something that I personally feel very passionately about.’ In a separate development the Scottish Governmen intends to bring forward a bill introducing same-sex marriage in spite of strong opposition. The PM's claim of support from the Conservative party stands at odds with the public statements of various MPs, including Cabinet ministers who oppose the plans. On Friday leading Evangelical Christian groups released a written prayer for marriage' to be used throughout the nation. See: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/christians-urged-to-pray-for-marriage/ The call for prayer has been jointly issued by CARE, Christian Concern, the Evangelical Alliance and The Christian Institute.
Pray: for the debate on marriage in society to be bathed in prayer - and for David Cameron to perceive God’s unique way forward. (Ps.119:18)
Green council accused of 'vilifying' Christian
Britain’s only Green Party council has been accused of ‘violent prejudice’ against Christians as it considers expelling a member who spoke out against same-sex marriage. Christina Summers, a member of Brighton and Hove City Council in Sussex, has been ordered to face a party disciplinary panel after voicing dissent over the issue. She was the only member of the council who at a meeting last week voted against a motion in support of the Government’s plans to allow homosexual couples to marry. Miss Summers, a devout Christian, says that she strongly supports gay rights and the introduction of civil partnerships but could not back the change to marriage laws on religious grounds. She argued that equality did not require changing the traditional definition of marriage and told colleagues it was a matter of ‘freedom of speech’ for her. However, fellow Green councillors voted to launch an ‘official inquiry process’ into her stance, accusing her of bringing the party into disrepute.
Pray: for Christina’s right to express her own belief to be upheld, and may the Green Party respect the principles of free speech. (Ps.19:8)
Estonia: Evangelism and prayer
Last week over a thousand Christians visited Tallinn in Estonia for a week-long series of events designed to share the love of Christ with old and young. They aimed to make the gospel relevant and attractive to those who have never heard the message, or considered it outdated and useless. About 50 projects took place, including serving the needs of the poor and marginalized, offering sports clinics, challenging teens in discussion of life's issues, concerts and seminars for professionals. Everything was bathed in 40 days of prayer as churches asked God to move in mighty and supernatural ways throughout the city.
Pray: for Estonians as they reach out with God's love, pray also for the Estonians organising the Polish Alpha Initiative which could revolutionize the spread of the gospel in Poland. (Ps.80:3)
More: http://prayeurope.com/interact/articles/heartbeat-tallinn-has-arrived/
Estonia: Evangelism and prayer
Last week over a thousand Christians visited Tallinn in Estonia for a week-long series of events designed to share the love of Christ with old and young. They aimed to make the gospel relevant and attractive to those who have never heard the message, or considered it outdated and useless. About 50 projects took place, including serving the needs of the poor and marginalized, offering sports clinics, challenging teens in discussion of life's issues, concerts and seminars for professionals. Everything was bathed in 40 days of prayer as churches asked God to move in mighty and supernatural ways throughout the city.
Pray: for Estonians as they reach out with God's love, pray also for the Estonians organising the Polish Alpha Initiative which could revolutionize the spread of the gospel in Poland. (Ps.80:3)
More: http://prayeurope.com/interact/articles/heartbeat-tallinn-has-arrived/
Romania: Mission team visits church facing closure
While Romania is no longer a communist country, the government is trying to control the Church. Legislation being considered by the Romanian government specifically targets smaller churches. Patrick Klein with Vision Beyond Borders says, ‘The government is making it more and more difficult, there’s talk of closing churches with less than 200 people.’ Vision Beyond Borders sent a mission team of 10 people to Romania to work with a church under threat of closure if this legislation is passed. Despite this threat the church’s ministry is growing and impacting Romania for Christ. One of the elders wife has a gypsy background and they have a heart for the gypsy people and were encouraged when the teams ministered to the gypsies. He said, ‘I really love these people. I want to reach them with the Gospel.’
Pray: for every people group in Romania and neighbouring ex-communist countries, to hear the truth of God's love for them. (Mat.28:19-20)