Record number visit Bethlehem
The little town of Bethlehem has seen the highest number of Christmas pilgrims in a decade, according to the Israeli military. More than 100,000 people from around the world gathered in the birthplace of Jesus this Christmas, up from 50,000 the previous year. The increase in tourists is most likely down to a decrease in violence between Palestinians and Israel in recent years. Included among the pilgrims are about 500 Christians from Gaza Strip who were granted a rare holiday entry permit by Israel. There are about 3,500 Christians among Gaza’s 1.5 million population. Palestinian officials said all 24 of Bethlehem’s hotels were fully booked. The Middle East’s senior Catholic cleric Fuad Twal travelled to Bethlehem from Jerusalem and held a midnight mass at St Catherine’s Church, next to the Church of the Nativity. Twal called for peace and reconciliation between Israel and Palestinians. Praise: God for this increased number of pilgrims gathering to worship at the stable. (Lk.2:15)
Christians leaders pray for the nation
Christian leaders from a wide variety of denominations, ministries and prayer networks gathered earlier this month at New Life Christian Centre in Wembley to unite together and mobilize the church to fast and pray for the nation throughout 2011. ‘We were delighted to see 60-70 leaders from around the nation and there was an excellent response from those who were present,’ said Ian Christiansen Senior Minister of New Life Christian Centre. He added: ‘We heard from Anglican minister Keith Powell from the West Country who shared how God has spoken to him about 2011 being a pivotal year for fasting and praying.’ Global Day of Prayer London Convener Jonathan Oloyede said ‘This is the time for leaders to lay down their titles, brands and denominational labels and unite together at the cross in prayer. If we can truly covenant together in unity we will see restoration, renewal and revival in our generation.’ Praise: God for His call to unity and prayer. May we all be obedient and answer that call. (Eph.4:13)
Christians leaders pray for the nation
Christian leaders from a wide variety of denominations, ministries and prayer networks gathered earlier this month at New Life Christian Centre in Wembley to unite together and mobilize the church to fast and pray for the nation throughout 2011. ‘We were delighted to see 60-70 leaders from around the nation and there was an excellent response from those who were present,’ said Ian Christiansen Senior Minister of New Life Christian Centre. He added: ‘We heard from Anglican minister Keith Powell from the West Country who shared how God has spoken to him about 2011 being a pivotal year for fasting and praying.’ Global Day of Prayer London Convener Jonathan Oloyede said ‘This is the time for leaders to lay down their titles, brands and denominational labels and unite together at the cross in prayer. If we can truly covenant together in unity we will see restoration, renewal and revival in our generation.’ Praise: God for His call to unity and prayer. May we all be obedient and answer that call. (Eph.4:13)
Non-stop prayer transforming Arizona
The ‘Torch’ is a non stop prayer journey across Arizona that has impacted all levels of society, bringing unity and decimating crime rates. It was launched on Dec. 31st 2008 by15 people from 13 churches committed to fill 2009 with continual prayer by 52 prayer teams each covering one week of non stop prayer within their community of churches. As one team finished their week of prayer a person from the host church travelled to the next host location passing on a cheap camping lantern. The new hosts started their week with the lantern and a time of worship and sharing stories of what God has done and is doing. This non stop prayer continued through the following two years. The police report amazing crime rate decrease and the churches have seen incredible fruit including salvations, deliverances, new jobs and family reconciliations.The Torch will have been in almost 40 cities by the end of 2010 Praise: to God for the faith and perseverance of the team and may God continue to birth new prayer initiatives in the coming year. (Mk.9:23)
Non-stop prayer transforming Arizona
The ‘Torch’ is a non stop prayer journey across Arizona that has impacted all levels of society, bringing unity and decimating crime rates. It was launched on Dec. 31st 2008 by15 people from 13 churches committed to fill 2009 with continual prayer by 52 prayer teams each covering one week of non stop prayer within their community of churches. As one team finished their week of prayer a person from the host church travelled to the next host location passing on a cheap camping lantern. The new hosts started their week with the lantern and a time of worship and sharing stories of what God has done and is doing. This non stop prayer continued through the following two years. The police report amazing crime rate decrease and the churches have seen incredible fruit including salvations, deliverances, new jobs and family reconciliations.The Torch will have been in almost 40 cities by the end of 2010 Praise: to God for the faith and perseverance of the team and may God continue to birth new prayer initiatives in the coming year. (Mk.9:23)
Cumbria Police payout for arrest of Christian
In a second similar case in recent days, a Christian street preacher has won £7,000 plus costs from Cumbria Police in settlement for a claim of wrongful arrest, unlawful imprisonment and breach of his human rights. The police have accepted they acted unlawfully. Mr Mcalpine was preaching from the Bible in Workington town centre on 20 April 2010. His sermon contained no mention of homosexuality. When he finished he was approached by Police Community Support Officer, Sam Adams. Even though Mr Mcalpine had never mentioned homosexuality, PCSO Adams warned him that he could be arrested if he made homophobic remarks. Mr Mcalpine replied that he was not homophobic, but he sometimes preaches that homosexual conduct is a sin because that is what the Bible says. Uniformed police officers were called to the scene and wrongly informed Mr Mcalpine that ‘it is against the law’ to describe homosexual conduct as a sin. (See Prayer Alert 1910) Praise: that this will provide clarification for the police and all those involved in such matters leaving preachers unhindered in future. (Pr.1:5) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/cumbria-police-payout-for-arrest-of-christian/
Cumbria Police payout for arrest of Christian
In a second similar case in recent days, a Christian street preacher has won £7,000 plus costs from Cumbria Police in settlement for a claim of wrongful arrest, unlawful imprisonment and breach of his human rights. The police have accepted they acted unlawfully. Mr Mcalpine was preaching from the Bible in Workington town centre on 20 April 2010. His sermon contained no mention of homosexuality. When he finished he was approached by Police Community Support Officer, Sam Adams. Even though Mr Mcalpine had never mentioned homosexuality, PCSO Adams warned him that he could be arrested if he made homophobic remarks. Mr Mcalpine replied that he was not homophobic, but he sometimes preaches that homosexual conduct is a sin because that is what the Bible says. Uniformed police officers were called to the scene and wrongly informed Mr Mcalpine that ‘it is against the law’ to describe homosexual conduct as a sin. (See Prayer Alert 1910) Praise: that this will provide clarification for the police and all those involved in such matters leaving preachers unhindered in future. (Pr.1:5) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/cumbria-police-payout-for-arrest-of-christian/
BBC TV will broadcast Nativity to several million
The BBC will air a new dramatisation in prime time on BBC 1 of all the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ in the week leading up to Christmas. Four half-hour episodes at 7pm will follow the biblical narrative and highlight the identity of Jesus God’s Son coming to earth in fulfilment of God’s promise. It is expected to attract audiences of several million. Andrew Marsh will debate the nativity on Radio 5 Live Praise: God for enabling modern technology to reveal the reality and relevance of Jesus Christ to our nation. (Is.35:5)
BBC TV will broadcast Nativity to several million
The BBC will air a new dramatisation in prime time on BBC 1 of all the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ in the week leading up to Christmas. Four half-hour episodes at 7pm will follow the biblical narrative and highlight the identity of Jesus God’s Son coming to earth in fulfilment of God’s promise. It is expected to attract audiences of several million. Andrew Marsh will debate the nativity on Radio 5 Live Praise: God for enabling modern technology to reveal the reality and relevance of Jesus Christ to our nation. (Is.35:5)
INSIGHT: Most Britons behind Christian’s in workplace
A new poll commissioned by Christian Concern to coincide with the launch of its Not Ashamed campaign revealed, ‘most Britons think Christians should be able to follow their conscience in the workplace without facing disciplinary action from their employers.’ The organisation and its sister group, the Christian Legal Centre, have been involved in the legal defence of numerous Christians penalised by their employers. Out of more than 1,000 adults polled by ComRes, seventy-three per cent agreed that the right to wear Christian symbols such as a cross in their workplace should be protected by law. Eighty-seven per cent felt it was wrong for healthcare workers to be threatened with the sack for offering to pray with patients. The poll’s findings are an indication that the attitudes of some politicians and employers are out of step with the feelings of the majority of the population when it comes to public expressions of faith. See: For an encouraging Insight into God's provisions for our nation click the ‘Info’ button. Praise: and thank God for His continued presence in the midst of us. (Ps.132:15)