Rome braces for 'prophet-predicted quake'
Thousands of people are reported to be staying out of Rome for the next few days, over fears the city will be hit by a huge earthquake. The panic was sparked by rumours that seismologist Raffaele Bendandi, who died in 1979, predicted the city would be devastated by a quake on 11 May. Officials have insisted quakes cannot be predicted and special programmes have run on state TV calling for calm. Experts also say there is no evidence Bendandi even made the prediction. But many people said they were leaving the city to be on the safe side. There are reports of an 18% increase in the number of city employees planning to stay away from work. Other people were more sceptical, or said they would make the most of the capital being slightly quieter.
Pray: that fear would not rule the people and that God would give them true revelation. (Ex.20:20)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13354988
India: Christian television targets viewers in Tamil Nadu
Sammy Tippit’s ministry has launched an ambitious programme to reach people for Christ through a broadcast series in India. The television series titled, Heart-Cry for Revival, is scheduled to go on air during May. An estimated audience of over a million people in Tamil Nadu, India, will view the programme. Sammy Tippit will host the weekly broadcasts that highlight the messages of the Heart Cry speakers. Sammy will also bring a series of messages on personal revival called ‘The Race’. Dave Tippit will have messages for this new generation of younger believers called Earthy Spirituality. These will be presented once per month, the release added. ‘We have a prime spot from 9 until 10 o'clock in the evening on secular stations throughout that whole state,’ Tippit reports. ‘A very interesting thing in that particular state is that the government, through some political manoeuvres, has put a television set in every home.’ Praise: God for this exciting new initiative that the Holy Spirit would bring enlightenment to many. (2Cor.4:6) More: http://www.christianmessenger.in/sammy-tippit%E2%80%99s-tv-program-targets-viewers-in-tamil-nadu/
India: Christian television targets viewers in Tamil Nadu
Sammy Tippit’s ministry has launched an ambitious programme to reach people for Christ through a broadcast series in India. The television series titled, Heart-Cry for Revival, is scheduled to go on air during May. An estimated audience of over a million people in Tamil Nadu, India, will view the programme. Sammy Tippit will host the weekly broadcasts that highlight the messages of the Heart Cry speakers. Sammy will also bring a series of messages on personal revival called ‘The Race’. Dave Tippit will have messages for this new generation of younger believers called Earthy Spirituality. These will be presented once per month, the release added. ‘We have a prime spot from 9 until 10 o'clock in the evening on secular stations throughout that whole state,’ Tippit reports. ‘A very interesting thing in that particular state is that the government, through some political manoeuvres, has put a television set in every home.’ Praise: God for this exciting new initiative that the Holy Spirit would bring enlightenment to many. (2Cor.4:6) More: http://www.christianmessenger.in/sammy-tippit%E2%80%99s-tv-program-targets-viewers-in-tamil-nadu/
Gospel outreach app expands by adding Arabic
www.Bible.is the popular Bible app from the Audio Bible ministry Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH), is now available for use in Arabic. Spoken by more than 221 million people throughout the world, Arabic now joins Spanish and English as the major trade languages available for users to navigate the app. Since their Digital Bible Project started last year, Arabic has consistently been in the top five languages accessed across the multiple platforms offered by FCBH. In addition to the www.Bible.is app, the ministry's Audio Bibles can be accessed via podcast on iTunes, as well as streaming and downloading directly from its website, all free of charge. FCBH currently has Audio Bibles in 538 languages, with 188 of those available for reading and listening on the Bible app, helping make the Digital Bible Project the world's largest resource of Bible recordings and texts. (Faith Comes By Hearing)
Praise: God for the work of FCBH and the way that so many can be reached with the Word. (2Tim.2:9b)
More: http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/newsbriefs.php/1412/05-2011
Gospel outreach app expands by adding Arabic
www.Bible.is the popular Bible app from the Audio Bible ministry Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH), is now available for use in Arabic. Spoken by more than 221 million people throughout the world, Arabic now joins Spanish and English as the major trade languages available for users to navigate the app. Since their Digital Bible Project started last year, Arabic has consistently been in the top five languages accessed across the multiple platforms offered by FCBH. In addition to the www.Bible.is app, the ministry's Audio Bibles can be accessed via podcast on iTunes, as well as streaming and downloading directly from its website, all free of charge. FCBH currently has Audio Bibles in 538 languages, with 188 of those available for reading and listening on the Bible app, helping make the Digital Bible Project the world's largest resource of Bible recordings and texts. (Faith Comes By Hearing)
Praise: God for the work of FCBH and the way that so many can be reached with the Word. (2Tim.2:9b)
More: http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/newsbriefs.php/1412/05-2011
China: 4th week of Church arrests
A Chinese ‘illegal’ church refused to follow government orders not to meet in a public square. (See Prayer Alert 16-2011). This week over 31 of its members were arrested, and again, reporters were blocked from the site. The arrests of Beijing's Shouwang Church members came after clergy said they would not buckle to Communist Party pressure. Over 160 were arrested the first week they met outdoors, 50 were arrested the second week and approximately 40 on Easter Sunday. The declining number of arrests is due to many members being under house arrest. On Easter Sunday, over 500 Christians including every church staff member, lay leader and choir member were under house arrest. The church is attempting to meet outdoors because the government blocked all attempts by the church to rent or purchase a building. Members say failing to come together and worship would be an abandonment of biblical commands. Pray: that God would enable the church to fulfil His purposes in the area that he has placed them and be strengthened in the face of all opposition. (Eph.2:10 & Rev.3:11) More: http://www.chinaaid.org/2011/05/4th-week-china-arrests-30-church.html#more
Syria: Christians fear potential persecution
Persecuted Egyptian Maher El-Gohary and his daughter Dina fled to Syria but fearing Islamic opposition to converts in Syria fled to France. Last year in Syria pressure forced believers to leave homes and six Christian meeting places were closed, partly due to the government’s fear of violent Islamic extremists, resistance to increasing conversions to Christianity. An Open Doors worker explained, ‘Under President Assad, Christians have a relatively stable situation where they can operate, a change of government may mean a less favourable situation for Christians. Fear of a worsening situation prevents churches joining protests against the president; trying to take advantage of the liberty that still exists in the country. The problems in Syria did not start as a religious conflict, but it is changing into one; fanatic Muslim groups want to make it religious.’
Pray: for Syrian converts from Islam to be protected, and for an open door for the Gospel in Syria and the whole region at this time. (Rev.3:6)
More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/egypt/article_111398.html
Sudan: 165 killed in clashes
A clash between South Sudan's army and rebel militias resulted in 165 deaths on April 25th. The wave of violence sweeping the new nation is threatening to destabilize it before it can achieve formal independence in July. Violence has been reported in nine of South Sudan's 10 states in 2011, reportedly killing close to 1000 people and displacing 100,000. ‘The closer southern Sudan gets to independence, the more unstable the region appears,’ notes one journalist. As we watch we can pray for the Lord to arise and do battle for this fledgling nation - praying for Him to accomplish His will and purpose for South Sudan. (Ps.68:1; Jer.29:11) Pray: for the spirits of violence, mayhem and terror to be bound asking the Holy Spirit to move throughout Sudan giving peace and hope to the people. (Mat.16:19) More: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/26/3200157.htm
Egypt: Christian governor sidelined - calls for Islamic state
Egypt's new political order has an Islamic character. Statements by leading Muslim Brotherhood figures reveal intentions to implement sharia law. A recent poll revealed support for Muslim agendas and a Christian governor was suspended for three months following Muslim protests at his appointment. Saad Al Husseini, a member of the Brotherhood's Guidance Bureau, expressed the desire to establish Egypt as an Islamic state saying, ‘We would like to lead the society to achieve its Islamic identity in preparation for the Islamic rule.’ Other Brotherhood spokespmen attempted to distance themselves from this and similar statements, saying the movement opposes the imposition of Islamic law in Egypt. But the pro-sharia comments have raised alarm among Egypt's Christians and others who want a secular democracy. Early signs indicate there will be little room for Christians in the new political order. For Prayer Alert Insights into the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt see:
Pray: that the Egyptian constitution which guarantees freedom of religion, but also specifies Sharia be the principal source of legislation, would honour Egyptian Christians rights. (Rev.3:21)
Pakistan: Rioting Muslims attack Christian properties
Saturday 30th April, hundreds of Muslims in Gujranwala rioted after learning police released two Christians accused of desecrating the Quran. A handwriting expert hired by police determined neither Mushtaq Gill nor his son Farrukh were guilty of writing the threatening note accompanying burned pages of the Quran. Soon after they were relocated to an undisclosed location, the mosque loudspeakers declared, ‘More pages of the Quran have been burned in the cemetery.’ Muslim residents and members of extremist groups gathered and attacked Christians’ homes, an elementary school owned by Christian Eric Isaac who was among eight taken into custody for questioning. The Aziz Colony Presbyterian Church building was attacked by people armed with clubs and batons. Rioters clashed with police trying to help besieged Christians. The mob also attacked government offices setting tires on fire on route, and tried to attack the regional police office. Pray: for all who had property damaged and for those in hiding, to know God's peace and protection. Pray also for law and order to be firmly established. (Ex.23:1) More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/rioting-muslims-damage-church-properties-in-pakistan-50069/