Muslim minister says Britain should be more Christian
The only Muslim Cabinet minister has said Britain should become more Christian. Writing in The Telegraph, Baroness Warsi suggested it was ok for Christians to be proud of their religion and that having a strong faith identify could help people to better understand people of other faiths. ‘We need to create a country where people don’t feel like they have to leave religion at the door. That means being proud of Christianity, not downgrading it,’ she said. ‘It means encouraging people to say that their faith inspires what they do. It means supporting religious charities in delivering public services in schools, hospices and rehabilitation.’ Lady Warsi’s message will be assuring to many Christians who have felt under increasing pressure in recent years to keep their faith private, while others have perceived a tendency towards respect for Muslims and intolerance towards Christians. Lady Warsi suggested that Christians should not feel they have to water down their faith.
Pray: for God to give the Christian church and its members greater confidence to proclaim the faith. (Heb.10:35)
Libya: Prayer for new future
Arab World Media are sharing with you so you can pray with understanding. Pray for those 1) who need to work through what they have seen and experienced 2) the hurt and grieving 3) for healing, peace and a sense of community to prevail against fear or despair for the future 4) Many women have been raped - rather than being made to feel dirty and ashamed may they be supported and loved by families and community 5) Those who have committed war crimes to be brought to justice and that those bringing them to justice would do so lawfully 6) the National Transitional Council as it seeks to rebuild Libya and bring stability and for future leadership 7) Government to be just and fair, working against corruption and for the people 8) That all the hurt, suffering and pain would result in something greater than we can imagine and the name of Jesus to be known and glorified by many Libyans!
Pray: for mission agencies and tent makers to reach out to Libyans with the message and hope of Christ while tackling difficult subjects and questions. (Ro.15:21)
More: http://www.arabworldmedia.org/index.php/discuss/40-blog/206-hope-found-libya
Libya: Islamic Sharia Law
Mustafa Abdul Jalil, chairman of the National Transitional Council, declared Libya a liberated nation in a ceremony in Benghazi on Sunday, three days after the death of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi and said ‘Islamic Sharia law will be the basis for the country’s new government.’ He called Libyans to show patience and tolerance as the transitional government begins rebuilding the country after eight months of civil war, promising all legislation will be based on Sharia law, and any laws that contradict Sharia will be nullified. The country's banking system will also be run according to Islamic principles. Jalil also encouraged anti-government protesters in Syria and Yemen to carry on until they ‘achieve their hopes.’
Pray: a new democracy to be birthed that would acknowledge and treat justly all religions in Libya. (Ps.119:45)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2011/October/Libyas-Transitional-Leader-Declares-Liberation-/
Sudan: To be a Muslim state
Sudan’s current constitution theoretically grants freedom of religion, recognising that the state is ‘multi-religious’. On Wednesday 12th October Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir said he plans to adopt an entirely Islamic constitution and strengthen Sharia law, raising the threat level for Christians and other non-Muslims in a ‘Muslim state’. He said, ‘98% of the people are Muslims and the new constitution will reflect this. The official religion will be Islam and Islamic law the main source of the constitution.’ It comes amid reports of increasing threats and pressure on churches in Sudan and targeted assaults on Christians, pastors and churches in the border region of South Kordofan, which has been under attack by the Sudanese military.
Pray: for the safety of over a million Christian southerners still living in Sudan, as well as for non-Muslim and non-Arab northerners. (Ps.20:1)
Egypt: Anti-Christian violence provokes military
Egypt’s military prosecution has summoned two Egyptian activists for questioning over the Army’s attack on a mostly Christian protest two weeks ago. This is another indication that the Army is seeking scapegoats for the violence that killed as many as 28 people. The two activists, Alaa Abd El Fattah and Bahaa Saber, were due at the military prosecutor’s headquarters Tuesday 25th for allegedly inciting violence, but their summons was postponed until this Sunday, after Mr. Abd El Fattah returns from travelling abroad.
Pray: that Egypt’s military will take responsibility or hold accountable the troops that ran over and shot peaceful Christian demonstrators. (Is.32:16-17)
More: http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/anti-christian-violence-provokes-egyptian-military
Thailand: Bangkok serious flood warning
Fears of worse flooding across Bangkok grow and parts of Bangkok could face serious flooding for up to a month. (See Prayer Alert 42-2011) Residents were told to get their belongings to high ground as central Bangkok could be swamped by up to 1.5 metres of water if barriers brake. Current flood water is expected to remain in Bangkok for two to four weeks before going into the sea. The Thai government has declared a holiday from October 27 to 31 to allow people to evacuate their homes at a time of expected high estuary tides. Authorities are pumping out water around the east and west of Bangkok. The Chao Phraya River winds through Bangkok and the city's fate rests on dykes along the river this weekend. Residents have cleared supermarkets of bottled water and are hoarding food such as rice and instant noodles. Tap water has deteriorated since floodwater broke through temporary dikes into a water canal used for producing tap water.
Pray: this will not turn into a humanitarian disaster.
More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2011/10/2011102642316925880.html
Somalia: Christians face more violence
Christians in Somalia were confronted with more violence last Sunday when a suspected Islamic militant blew himself up. The African Union peace mission said the suicide bomber injured two AU peacekeepers. Peacekeepers blamed al-Shabab, a group which wants to establish an even more strict Islamic regime and targets what it considers ‘infidels’ or a ‘person without Islamic faith’ including Christians. Sunday's violence was also a reminder for Christians to be on high alert following new revelations that Al-Shabab beheaded a 17-year-old boy last month.
Pray: the Lord will protect and provide for His people wherever they are living. (Ps.20:1-2)
More: http://www.worthynews.com/11033-somalia-christians-face-more-violence-amid-suicide-attack-beheading
Towards 2012: Nov 2011- Nov 2012 - at a glance
The prayer strategy that has been evolving over recent years is now beginning to come into focus as different ministries, organisations and networks run according to how the Lord has been leading them. Follow the link for some of the main things already in place.
More: http://www.prayerforum.org/towards-2012/
Towards 2012: Nov 2011- Nov 2012 - at a glance
The prayer strategy that has been evolving over recent years is now beginning to come into focus as different ministries, organisations and networks run according to how the Lord has been leading them. Follow the link for some of the main things already in place.
More: http://www.prayerforum.org/towards-2012/
Ethiopia: Transforming the lives of street boys
The Bible is being used to transform the lives of thousands of boys rescued from the streets in Ethiopia. The Lighthouse Boys Home has helped some 6,000 boys since it opened 13 years ago. The Bible Society gives the home copies of the Bible as books and in audio. So along with food, shelter and training they also get to listen to, read and study the Bible – something the home’s Director, Kashun Tesfaye says has transformed hundreds of lives. ‘There are many problems for boys on the streets. If the weather is cold they drink oil from cars to keep warm. They go hungry. They end up eating garbage. They don’t use clean water or drink clean water. The Bible gives these young people hope for the future. I believe that’s because the Bible gives hope to all people. The children are able to understand the word of God and get hope in God,' he says.
Praise: God for the hope that God gives to all those who accept His word. (Jer.29:11)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/transforming.the.lives.of.street.boys.in.ethiopia/28801.htm