Guatemala: Suspected drug traffickers kill Pastor
Christians in Guatemala were mourning on Monday, January 30, for a pastor who was shot and killed by suspected drug traffickers on his way to a regional meeting of church leaders in a violent border area near Mexico. 'Church of God' Pastor Neftali Leiva, a father of five daughters, was gunned down last week near the gathering, said his denomination's territorial administrative bishop, Jose Clara Vela. He added that the shooting was witnessed by another pastor. He was quoted as saying that an unknown assailant walked up to the victim without a word and shot him point blank several times. When the shooter saw the witness a short way down the street, he reportedly also fired three times in his direction. The pastor apparently felt the bullets go by and impact the trees behind him, but was unhurt. ‘God’s hand of protection covered me,’ added the unidentified pastor.
Pray: for all those who serve God in challenging places that they will be protected from harm. (Jn.17:12)
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/20282-suspected-drug-traffickers-kill-pastor-in-guatemala
Child Slavery in Africa Continues 10 Years After Cocoa Protocol
Children are still being sold by slave traffickers in Africa and forced to work on cocoa farms that help produce chocolate products for many companies over ten years after lawmakers tried to initiate measures to stop the inhumane practice. The chocolate industry initially resisted, but the Cocoa Protocol, or Harkin-Engel Protocol went into effect in 2011. The voluntary protocol, which was signed by the heads of the chocolate industry, was designed to stop the worst forms of child labour and to make sure the cocoa trade was child-labour free. A researcher that spent five years in the Ivory Coast said that he has seen very little implementation of the original commitments to end child slavery. Kraft-Cadbury says they are working with others in the industry to support the Harkin-Engel Protocol to work towards eliminating the worst forms of child-labour. Nestle say that they believe child labour has no place in their supply chain and they have firmly committed to eradicate unacceptable practices.
Pray: for a greater urgency in the implementation of the protocol by all in the cocoa industry. (Isa.49:16-18)
Iranian Christian convert sentenced to two years in prison
A Christian convert whom security authorities arrested in her home was sentenced to two years in prison by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, reports Iranian Christian news agency, Mohabat News. According to reports sent by reporters of Iranian Christian news agency, Mohabat News, Ms. Leila Mohammadi, a Christian convert who resided east of Tehran, was sentenced to two years of imprisonment after enduring 5 months of uncertainty in notorious Evin prison. Her trial was held on 18 January in Revolutionary Court in Moalem street where she was charged with "collaboration with foreign-dependent groups, broad anti-Islamic propaganda, deceiving citizens by formation of what is called a house church, Insulting sacred figures and action against national security." However she was acquitted of collaboration with foreign-dependent groups because the judge believed she had done that unintentionally. For the other charges she was sentenced to two years in prison and the ruling was delivered to her.
Pray: for God to give Leila courage and strength and to watch over her during her imprisonment. (Dt.31:6)
People have less integrity and it is harming society
British people have significantly less integrity than ten years ago, and it risks harming civic mindedness, new research claims. Adultery, lying and underage sex have all become more acceptable, according to the findings published by Professor Paul Whiteley. He blames the bad examples set by footballers cheating on their wives, the phone hacking scandal, and dodgy financial dealing. And, he says, the implications could be profound for society. The findings show that people with high levels of integrity tend to have a strong sense of civic duty. The Essex Centre for the Study of Integrity has been set up to analyse the issue. Professor Paul Whiteley is the centre’s director. He commented: “If social capital is low and people are suspicious and don’t work together, those communities have worse health, worse educational performance, they are less happy and they are less economically developed and entrepreneurial. It really does have a profound effect.”
Pray: for a return to the unchanging Biblical truths of morality and integrity. (Ps.25:21)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/people-have-less-integrity-and-it-is-harming-society/
Liberia: Warlord repents and turns into a modern day Paul
Joshua Blahyi, a brutal warlord who confessed to killing nearly 20,000 people during Liberia's 14-year civil war, is now an evangelist who is serving God and seeking forgiveness from those he harmed. As a young boy Blahyi was initiated as a tribal priest, participated in human sacrifices for years before later being appointed as ‘spiritual’ advisor to the Liberian president. Blahyi's life changed 180 degrees when Jesus appeared to him as a blinding light and told him that he would die unless he repented of his sins. Now a ‘chilling documentary’ about Blahyi's life has been produced. Said Blahyi in the documentary, ‘It's only Christianity that can help this nation, because Christianity, - is the only faith that tells you to love your enemies - that tells you to accept and forgive the one who hurts you; and that only God is able to turn lives around.’ He freely admitted to his crimes (not knowing what the consequences would be), now he ‘tirelessly preaches the Gospel to everyone he comes across’ and, he is constantly seeking forgiveness from those his crimes affected.
Praise: God for His amazing touch on people's lives bringing forgiveness and love. (Ac.2:17)
More: http://ausprayernet.org.au/newsletter/DisplayNewsletter.php?e_id=00000002334#st3
Liberia: Warlord repents and turns into a modern day Paul
Joshua Blahyi, a brutal warlord who confessed to killing nearly 20,000 people during Liberia's 14-year civil war, is now an evangelist who is serving God and seeking forgiveness from those he harmed. As a young boy Blahyi was initiated as a tribal priest, participated in human sacrifices for years before later being appointed as ‘spiritual’ advisor to the Liberian president. Blahyi's life changed 180 degrees when Jesus appeared to him as a blinding light and told him that he would die unless he repented of his sins. Now a ‘chilling documentary’ about Blahyi's life has been produced. Said Blahyi in the documentary, ‘It's only Christianity that can help this nation, because Christianity, - is the only faith that tells you to love your enemies - that tells you to accept and forgive the one who hurts you; and that only God is able to turn lives around.’ He freely admitted to his crimes (not knowing what the consequences would be), now he ‘tirelessly preaches the Gospel to everyone he comes across’ and, he is constantly seeking forgiveness from those his crimes affected.
Praise: God for His amazing touch on people's lives bringing forgiveness and love. (Ac.2:17)
More: http://ausprayernet.org.au/newsletter/DisplayNewsletter.php?e_id=00000002334#st3
Two Bible ministries join forces
Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) is pleased to announce a new expansion of a long time partnership with United Bible Societies (UBS). The two Christian organizations, each committed to providing God's Word to all the peoples of the world, have agreed to a collaboration that will lay the groundwork for unprecedented access to digital Bible text and audio. This is accomplished by an agreement that brings together UBS's Digital Bible Library and FCBH's Digital Bible Project in a way that will leverage technology for greater access, while also improving efficiency and reducing duplication of work and services. Since UBS and its members have worked closely with FCBH for many years, this new agreement can realistically be viewed as a 21st century extension of decades of mutually committed efforts in the field of Bible engagement and Scripture literacy.
Praise: God for this collaboration in spreading His Word. (Ps.133:1)
Two Bible ministries join forces
Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) is pleased to announce a new expansion of a long time partnership with United Bible Societies (UBS). The two Christian organizations, each committed to providing God's Word to all the peoples of the world, have agreed to a collaboration that will lay the groundwork for unprecedented access to digital Bible text and audio. This is accomplished by an agreement that brings together UBS's Digital Bible Library and FCBH's Digital Bible Project in a way that will leverage technology for greater access, while also improving efficiency and reducing duplication of work and services. Since UBS and its members have worked closely with FCBH for many years, this new agreement can realistically be viewed as a 21st century extension of decades of mutually committed efforts in the field of Bible engagement and Scripture literacy.
Praise: God for this collaboration in spreading His Word. (Ps.133:1)
Firms squirm at shame over human rights
Some of the world's biggest companies are in the running for an award that none of them actually wants. This Friday, two will be singled out as the biggest offenders of the year for ‘contempt for the environment and human rights’. Six have made the short-list – one voted for by the public, the others by the organisers of the Public Eye awards, Greenpeace and the Swiss economic justice group the Berne Declaration. Barclays Capital is described as ‘arguably the fastest-growing food speculator worldwide’ and ‘contributing to sharp rises and falls that cause hunger and poverty.’ Samsung is cited for allegedly failing to protect factory workers from banned and highly toxic substances. The Swiss agrochemical giant Syngenta is short-listed for selling Paraquat, banned in Europe, in the developing world. Whatever the outcome, it is unlikely any of the firms will show up to claim their award. Please use the ‘More’ link to read about the other companies short-listed.
Pray: for all companies to adopt an honest, open and moral approach to their work backed by high standards of corporate and personal integrity. (Pr.10:9)
Hope to reverse exodus of men from church
New Wine and Christian Vision for Men have formed a new partnership aimed at stemming the continuing departure of men from the church. They are joining forces to host events specifically geared towards men who do not feel the Gospel or existing church models are for them. The initiative is being pioneered under the title ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’, and will bring together experts in evangelism and male spirituality to head up seminars and talks. The first event was held just before the New Year at the Soul Survivor Church in Watford and attracted an audience of 700 men. Last Saturday’s event in Manchester was also a full house. Rev Carl Beech, CVM Director, said: ‘Our movement exists to see millions of men in this country encounter the message of Jesus.‘We are hugely excited to be in partnership with New Wine to reach men. We both see reaching men as fundamental.'
Pray: for the success of this partnership in bringing the Gospel message to men in an appropriate and meaningful way. (Ro.1:17)