Isaiah 16:4 “Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer. The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land.”
Throughout human history, there have been regular times where large numbers of people have had to seek refuge away from their traditional homes. The situation is very difficult for the refugee. They are among strangers who often use and abuse them. God told His children through Isaiah that they should provide shelter to Moabites. And this was one of the people groups the Israelites often fought!
Pray that we will obey the words of Isaiah and give shelter to those who have been our enemies.
The refugee highway spans the globe and is filled with stories of human suffering. The challenges encountered along the highway are complex and include meeting spiritual needs, dealing with emergency crises, providing physical necessities, healing emotional trauma, and advocating for justice. The Refugee Highway Partnership grew out of a vision to connect the many different people involved in ministry at diverse points along the refugee highway. World Refugee Sunday is an opportunity for you to join the churches around the world in praying for refugees and internally displaced people. World Refugee Sunday is celebrated by the Refugee Highway Partnership in cooperation with the World Evangelical Alliance. You can find additional information about refugees and displaced personas at: www.refugeehighway.net. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Website: http://www.refugeehighway.net/events/world-refugee-sunday
World Refugee Sundays: June 17 or 24 (taken from http://www.refugeehighway.net/)
Pray for refugees who are resettling in strange lands. Everything is new and different for them. Protect them from thieves. Help them to communicate well. Give them patience with one another and with those they contact. Above all, pray for them to have the chance to experience Jesus’ saving power.
The Queens Birthday Honours List
This Jubilee year’s Queens Birthday Honours List re-introduced the British Empire Medal which created even more opportunities to recognise the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. The majority of awards recognise people outside the public eye, and this year 72% of award recipients were honoured for charitable or voluntary work in the community. Nicholas Crichton, a District Judge received a CBE for his work with children and families involved in the family justice system. An OBE went to PC Kim White in Kent Police who devoted much time to assisting female members of the gypsy traveller community. Les Isaac received an OBE for his work with Street Pastors. Tony Baldry MP received a knighthood for public and political service. Sir Tony plays a vital role in the link between the Church and Parliament, regularly answering questions on Church matters in the House of Commons. Debra Green of Redeeming Our Communities, has been awarded an OBE for her service to communities.
Praise: God for the thousands of extraordinary compassionate and Christ like works being established and flourishing in our communities.
More: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_202128
The Queens Birthday Honours List
This Jubilee year’s Queens Birthday Honours List re-introduced the British Empire Medal which created even more opportunities to recognise the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. The majority of awards recognise people outside the public eye, and this year 72% of award recipients were honoured for charitable or voluntary work in the community. Nicholas Crichton, a District Judge received a CBE for his work with children and families involved in the family justice system. An OBE went to PC Kim White in Kent Police who devoted much time to assisting female members of the gypsy traveller community. Les Isaac received an OBE for his work with Street Pastors. Tony Baldry MP received a knighthood for public and political service. Sir Tony plays a vital role in the link between the Church and Parliament, regularly answering questions on Church matters in the House of Commons. Debra Green of Redeeming Our Communities, has been awarded an OBE for her service to communities.
Praise: God for the thousands of extraordinary compassionate and Christ like works being established and flourishing in our communities.
More: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_202128
'Wow' factor teaches kids about Jesus
Thousands of schoolchildren in the UK will benefit from a £62,000 makeover of a classroom hi-tech mobile pod which teaches about Jesus. Secondary school children visiting GSUS Live will enjoy an up to date experience with a renewed 'wow' factor. It’s run by Christian charity Counties and visits secondary schools across the UK providing lessons for Key Stage 3 pupils. Volunteers from local churches present teachings on fear, forgiveness and rejection to help them discover how Jesus is relevant today, and includes multi-media computer motorised all in one touch computer screens which rise out of tables, new desks and benches for pupils plus improved wheelchair access. One church volunteer helping on it said, ‘The opportunity to be involved in local mission with such a fantastic programme was awesome. The children were amazed at the technology and it was great to show them Christianity is not boring but very much relevant today.’
Praise: God for every hi tec advance that opens doors into His Kingdom.
More: http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/Stories/National?storyaction=view&storyid=55
'Wow' factor teaches kids about Jesus
Thousands of schoolchildren in the UK will benefit from a £62,000 makeover of a classroom hi-tech mobile pod which teaches about Jesus. Secondary school children visiting GSUS Live will enjoy an up to date experience with a renewed 'wow' factor. It’s run by Christian charity Counties and visits secondary schools across the UK providing lessons for Key Stage 3 pupils. Volunteers from local churches present teachings on fear, forgiveness and rejection to help them discover how Jesus is relevant today, and includes multi-media computer motorised all in one touch computer screens which rise out of tables, new desks and benches for pupils plus improved wheelchair access. One church volunteer helping on it said, ‘The opportunity to be involved in local mission with such a fantastic programme was awesome. The children were amazed at the technology and it was great to show them Christianity is not boring but very much relevant today.’
Praise: God for every hi tec advance that opens doors into His Kingdom.
More: http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/Stories/National?storyaction=view&storyid=55
Court hears ‘locked-in’ syndrome case
A High Court hearing has begun on the case of a paralysed man who wants legal protection for any doctor who helps to end his life. Tony Nicklinson, 58, from Wiltshire, suffers from locked-in syndrome brought on by a stroke in 2005. He is almost completely paralysed and has to communicate through a special computer. The High Court has heard similar cases on assisted suicide, but the extent of Mr Nicklinson’s paralysis means that a doctor would have to end his life for him, a practice known as euthanasia. Mr Nicklinson told the BBC that his life was a 'living nightmare' and that it was 'unacceptable' in 21st century Britain to be denied the right to take his own life because he was physically handicapped. Mr Nicklinson is asking the court to rule that the existing law breaches his human right to die at his own choosing.
Pray: for wisdom and guidance from God when debating this sensitive and difficult matter. (Jas.1:5)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/court.hears.lockedin.syndrome.case/30099.htm
Childcare review launched as nursery reforms urged
Downing Street is launching a review of childcare and child-minding to see how it can be made more affordable by cutting red tape. Government research suggests six out of 10 parents feel there is insufficient childcare in their area. The move comes as an official review of early years education in England calls for all nursery staff to have A-level standard professional qualifications. The Nutbrown Review also wants their maths and literacy skills strengthened. Prof Cathy Nutbrown was asked by the government to look at how the childcare workforce could be strengthened. In her report, she says the current system of early years qualifications is not ‘equipping practitioners with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need’ to give babies and young children a good start. She warns that there are too many qualifications and calls for them to be strengthened.
Pray: that following the review the government will raise the standards of childcare and that parents will take their roll and responsibilities seriously. (Pr.9:9)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18496847
Glasgow Kirk quits Church of Scotland over gay clergy row
A Glasgow Kirk has become the first to split from the Church of Scotland over the issue of gay clergy. St George's Tron Church said it had taken the decision after more than 12 months of thought and prayer.The decision to formally secede from the Church of Scotland was taken by the congregation on Monday. Last year, the Kirk's General Assembly voted to accept gay clergy provided they had declared their sexuality and were ordained before 2009. The 500-strong St George's Tron congregation believes this decision ‘as marginalised the bible’. The decision to formally secede from the Church of Scotland was taken by the congregation on Monday. Rev Dr William Philip, minister of the church which is based in Buchanan Street, said: ‘Our decision to separate from the Church of Scotland is the culmination of careful thought, sincere discussion and prayer for over 12 months’.
Pray: that the decision by St Georges Tron would not lead to conflict or division amongst the churches. (1Cor.12:25)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18441172
Italy: Ministry to refugees
Increasingly Europe is hosting refugees from Islamic countries. The following example is from Italy, ‘Our outreach is in Milan. Italy has one of the lowest birthrates in Europe and is becoming increasingly dependent on immigration to maintain the economic status quo. 40% of immigrants are Muslims coming to Rome and Milan seeking work. This year the Milan government gave official recognition to 17 mosques (there are more illegal ones). Most of the mosques are run by the Muslim Brotherhood, a fundamentalist organization - so Muslims immigrating here are indoctrinated into a fundamentalist Islam. Yet Christian outreach to Muslims is practically non-existent. We have been operating since February out of a local Pentecostal church, witnessing during the days, distributing literature in different languages and holding prayer times with the believers. 10-15 Muslims a day take NTs in their own language .
Pray: for evangelistic European believers to have wisdom as they befriend Muslims, pray for many Bangali, Urdu, Farsi and Arabic church plants.
Germany bans Islamist group amid nationwide raids
German officials launched searches on extreme Islamist groups last Thursday, raiding homes and mosques across the country. The raids resulted in a ban on one Islamist organization, and prompted authorities to open investigations on two others. Authorities say these groups threaten Germany’s security with their adherence to Islamic sharia law and advocation of violence. ‘Such an understanding of Islam has no place in Germany,’ said German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich. The Salafist organization Millatu Ibrahim was outlawed because it calls on Muslims to rise up against Germany’s ‘constitutional order,’ Friedrich said. The Dawaffm and dwr are being investigated to determine whether evidence exists to outlaw them as well. Friedrich said a ‘comprehensive collection of evidence’ had been seized, including laptops, videos, cellphones and other items. This evidence is to be evaluated over the coming days to determine if the two organizations in question should be banned.
Pray: that the authorities will be given wisdom and discernment to handle extremists of all persuasion. (Dt.4:6)