Indonesia: House church planting among Muslims
The Muslim world is complex. But from the teeming cities of Southeast Asia to the tribal villages of Central Africa to the arid deserts of the Middle East, there is a common denominator in how God is working to draw people to Himself. Mission organization Pioneers launched a video series that tells the story of what indigenous church planting looks like in the Muslim world. The first one is about a city in Indonesia where small groups of Muslim seekers and new believers are gathering to study the Bible, pray and then put their faith in action. In the face of persecution, spiritual warfare and poverty, Jesus is building His church.
Praise: God that His Church continues to grow despite the difficulties. (2Th.2:14)
More: http://www.pioneers.org/multiply/indonesia.aspx
CMS looks for next leader
The Church Mission Society has begun its search for a new Executive Director. It is asking supporters to pray as it seeks a successor to current leader the Rev Canon Tim Dakin, who has been appointed as the next Bishop of Winchester. The recruitment process for Community Leader and Executive Director is being overseen by Martyn Snow, Vice-chair of Trustees. The agency, founded in 1799, is looking for ‘an extraordinary individual’ who is ‘a spiritually mature, committed Christian, passionate about mission and prayer, who can be a compelling role model for the evangelical ideals, ethos and values of CMS’. Mr Snow said the appointment panel had received lots of feedback from supporters about the role. ‘I am therefore writing to ask for your continued prayers for the process,’ he wrote in a message to supporters. Christians are being invited to pray each Friday at noon until the new appointment is made.
Pray: for God to raise up the right person for this important post (Nu.16:5)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/cms.looks.for.next.leader/28948.htm
Act now on problem gambling
A substantial increase in problem gambling in the last four years is unacceptable and needs urgent action, a group of national churches told parliament last week. On Tuesday, 22 November, the Salvation Army, Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs, the Methodist Church, the Evangelical Alliance and CARE (Christian Action, Research and Education) gave evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry into gambling. In their contribution to a parliamentary inquiry on gambling, church groups will tell the select committee that the government must take action on child gambling, the clustering of betting shops and funding independent research, education and treatment. The 2010 prevalence study showed that the number of problem gamblers in the UK has jumped by 50 per cent to around 450,000 since 2007. James North, public issues policy adviser for the Methodist Church in Britain, commented: ‘The figures speak for themselves: problem gambling is on the rise. But the government seems determined to liberalise gambling laws.
Pray: for all those affected by gambling d for the Government to take a more realistic view of the problem. (Ec.5:10)
More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=545
Evangelical leaders speak out on marriage
Following a ‘postcard campaign’ by the Catholic Church in Scotland, (See Prayer Alert 45-2011) evangelical church leaders have followed suit by making the Scottish Government aware that they strongly oppose any move to bring in full homosexual ‘marriage’. Over 70 leaders signed a joint letter which was sent to First Minister Alex Salmond, urging him to maintain the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. When the Scottish Government launched a consultation on the matter, it assured church leaders that they would not be forced to conduct marriage ceremonies for same sex couples. However, widespread concerns still remain amongst Scottish church leaders over the impact of redefining marriage. There is a very real risk of definition-creep. If marriage is redefined who is to say that, for example, polygamy should not be legalised?
Pray: as pressure increases that the Government would listen to the advice the Church is giving. (Heb.13:4)
Basic home care help 'breaching human rights'
Basic care for the elderly in their own homes in England is so bad it breaches human rights at times, an inquiry says. The home care review by the Equality and Human Rights Commission highlighted cases of physical abuse, theft, neglect and disregard for privacy and dignity. It said on many occasions support for tasks such as washing and dressing was ‘dehumanising’ and left people ‘stripped of self-worth’. The findings have added weight to calls for a complete overhaul of the system. Campaigners described the situation as ‘shameful’, while councils, which are in charge of providing such services, said without urgent reform services would just get worse. There are currently nearly 500,000 people who are getting council-funded support in their own homes.
Pray: that the elderly will be shown respect and honour in their old age. (Lev.19:32)
Girl Guides considers dropping God
Girls wanting to become Guides, Brownies or Rainbows currently promise to ‘love’ God when signing up to the 101-year-old organisation. However, the association is considering reviewing the wording of its affirmation for new members, to remove religious references. The move comes after parents complained it was unfair to exclude children who had not received a Christian upbringing. The promise is optional but only girls who have taken it can be awarded the movement's highest badges. Christian campaigners yesterday warned that the 600,000-member association risks losing its values if it abandons the religious element of the oath. 'It would be terribly sad,' said Mike Judge, spokesman for The Christian Institute. ‘The Girl Guides has always embraced all people but has its roots in Christian values, which is what has made it so popular and successful. It will be very difficult for it to maintain its values if it removes the ethics from where those ideas spring.’
Pray: for the association to look at other options so that they can retain the promise to ‘love God’. (Mt.22:37)
Cumbria first ecumenical county in England
On Sunday 27th November 2011 at 3pm Church leaders from the Methodist, United Reformed and Anglican Churches in Cumbria will sign an historic ecumenical Declaration of Intent. Supported by the other five main Christian denominations in Cumbria (Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Baptist, Quaker and Church of Scotland) this declaration will mean that Cumbria becomes the first ecumenical county in England with churches agreeing on a county-level to work more closely together for the sake of unity. The service in Ambleside on 27th November will be attended by Church Leaders from all 8 denominations in Cumbria, and by representatives from the national churches involved. A message of support from the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Dr Fykse Tveit, will be relayed during the service. Rt Rev James Newcome, Anglican Bishop of Carlisle said: ‘I am personally thrilled that we are taking a significant step towards an Ecumenical County’.
Pray: for the new concept of an ecumenical county, that it will become a tool empowered by God to spread the Gospel message.pray also that it will prove to be the first of many more. (1Cor.14:26)
More: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.newsDetail&newsid=544
British Soldiers returning from Afghanistan
More and more soldiers are returning from Afghanistan suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many are not coping and are drinking heavily, in some cases leading to violence and wife-beating. Many have suicidal thoughts. This
is becoming a big problem and is affecting Christian families as well as non-Christians. Marriages are suffering and the children are distressed and need protection from witnessing the ugliness of the situation. Combat Stress, the veterans’ mental health charity, said that based on the MoD figures it would mean that 51,000 veterans were likely to show symptoms of mental health problems because of their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is a need for the government to recognise this problem and bring in compulsory post operation counselling for all soldiers.
Pray: that the Lord will heal memories and restore these service men and women. Please pray for the families and the healing of relationships. (Jer.8:15)
Norway: Religious extremism condemned
In the aftermath of attacks last July that killed 77 and were carried out by a self-described ‘cultural Christian,’ Norwegian Christians and Muslims on Nov. 22 jointly condemned religious extremism as ‘contrary to the teachings of our religions.’ Stating, ‘Religious extremists put themselves in the place of God and believe that they are fighting on behalf of God against the enemies of God. Religious extremism is therefore contrary to the teachings of our religions, especially with respect to the basic dignity and rights of all human beings,’ according to a news release. The statement said that religious extremism is part of the global reality, but notes it threatens the life, welfare, and rights of human beings in many local situations.
Pray: for more religious leaders to publicly adopt a balanced stance stand against religious extremism. (Pr.29:26)
Norway: Religious extremism condemned
In the aftermath of attacks last July that killed 77 and were carried out by a self-described ‘cultural Christian,’ Norwegian Christians and Muslims on Nov. 22 jointly condemned religious extremism as ‘contrary to the teachings of our religions.’ Stating, ‘Religious extremists put themselves in the place of God and believe that they are fighting on behalf of God against the enemies of God. Religious extremism is therefore contrary to the teachings of our religions, especially with respect to the basic dignity and rights of all human beings,’ according to a news release. The statement said that religious extremism is part of the global reality, but notes it threatens the life, welfare, and rights of human beings in many local situations.
Pray: for more religious leaders to publicly adopt a balanced stance stand against religious extremism. (Pr.29:26)