Priestly vocations on the rise
This September saw the numbers entering English seminaries to become Catholic priests at their highest level in a decade. Fifty-six men began the journey towards priesthood this year. ‘The number of people responding to the call of Christ to be priests has been rising slowly but surely, and may rise further as people respond to the visit of Pope Benedict.’ said the Chairman of the Vocations Directors of England and Wales. Many dioceses and religious orders now run discernment groups for young men and women where all vocations are discussed. Such groups encourage lay, religious and priestly vocations. The director of the National Office of Vocation said, ‘When everybody in the Church takes seriously Newman’s insight that ‘God has created me to do him some definite service,’ then a greater number discover their call to the priesthood and religious life.’ Praise: God for all those who hear Christ's calling to join His church and follow His paths for their lives. (Mt.4:19)
Priestly vocations on the rise
This September saw the numbers entering English seminaries to become Catholic priests at their highest level in a decade. Fifty-six men began the journey towards priesthood this year. ‘The number of people responding to the call of Christ to be priests has been rising slowly but surely, and may rise further as people respond to the visit of Pope Benedict.’ said the Chairman of the Vocations Directors of England and Wales. Many dioceses and religious orders now run discernment groups for young men and women where all vocations are discussed. Such groups encourage lay, religious and priestly vocations. The director of the National Office of Vocation said, ‘When everybody in the Church takes seriously Newman’s insight that ‘God has created me to do him some definite service,’ then a greater number discover their call to the priesthood and religious life.’ Praise: God for all those who hear Christ's calling to join His church and follow His paths for their lives. (Mt.4:19)
Iraq: Christians determination to stay
The massacre at the Church of Sayyidat al-Najat is one of the most savage attacks inflicted on Christians of Iraq since 2003. Christians have been kidnapped, tortured, raped, evicted from their homes and threatened to convert to Islam or leave or die. Over sixty houses of worship have been destroyed, 17 Christian leaders kidnapped, some tortured and five killed including the bishop of Mosul and a Protestant pastor. Despite all efforts to drive Christianity from its Middle East heartland there is still a large number of the faithful who are determined to stay - come what may, saying this is their country in which their ancestors lived for thousands of years. On Sunday they gathered in the damaged church still stained with the blood of its martyrs and Muslims who were indignant at what happened showed their solidarity with the Christian community by joining them. Pray: though afflicted may they not be crushed, though perplexed may they not despair, though persecuted they will never be forsaken, and when struck down may they rebuild. (2Cor 4:8-10) More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.in.iraq.the.determination.to.stay/27065.htm
China: House Church raided
ChinaAid reported that early Friday morning more than 10 believers were taken away by officials; five of them were not released until that afternoon. Without going through any paperwork government officials confiscated items belonging to the church. A ChinaAid spokesperson said, ‘In this process of persecution and growth the Chinese church is encouraged to play well the role of Samaritans, abandon excuses of cowardice and bravely face dark and violent forces of the government by adhering to the principles of Christian ethics and morality. They should unite and help each other, firmly refusing to compromise; and produce greater light and salt.’ ChinaAid expresses deep regret at the ‘ultra-leftist policies’ that the Chinese government is pursuing recently. Pray: that the church will grow increasingly mature in the storm of persecutions and eventually the name of Jesus Christ will be glorified in the region. (Ac.10:35)
Egypt: Christian homes torched
Tuesday night Muslims set fire to at least 10 houses belonging to Coptic Christians in a village south of Cairo over rumours that a Christian had an affair with a Muslim girl. Several people were arrested and security forces sealed off the village of al-Nawahid to prevent the violence from spreading to neighbouring villages. The attacks started after locals spotted a young Copt and a Muslim girl together at night inside the village cemetery. Both were put under police custody as authorities investigate. Coptic Christians make up 10 percent of Egypt's 80 million people. Copts and Muslims generally live in peace, though human rights groups say attacks on Copts are on the rise, underscoring the government's failure to address chronic sectarian strains in a society where religious radicalism is gaining ground. Pray: for the rights of Christians in Egypt to be recognised and equalled to those enjoyed by Muslims. (Mk.13:13) More: http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/muslims-torch-christian-homes-in-southern-egypt-1.325018
Iran: Death sentence for Christian
According to ww.presenttruthmn.com, the official death sentence verdict has now been delivered in writing to Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, stating that he is to be hung for the crime of apostasy. There are 20 days to appeal the verdict, and Youcef’s attorney is now beginning the process of the appeal. The prayer burdens surrounding this development are many, - that God would grant him peace in this hour, that God would move on his behalf, and that he would be delivered! Pray also for his wife and children at this extremely difficult time; a spokesman for Truth Ministries said, ‘We trust our great Lord to give her the peace that comes only from the True Comforter.’ Pray: for Pastor Youcef and other Christians in prison for their faith to be daily strengthened. (Jas. 5:16)
Iran: Supreme Leader speaks against House Church movement
House church leaders fear an increased wave of persecution following a speech by Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who warned against the ‘network of house churches’ that ‘threaten Islamic faith and deceive young Muslims’. His comments came in the context of warning against what he believed to be attacks against the pure principles of Islamic faith, including Hollywood films and cartoons that are at odds with Islam. A church leader from Iran said, ‘I think this is the first time that he has openly agitated against the house church movement and mentioned it specifically. Speeches like this often have far reaching consequences in the country. Not that the people of Iran react with violence against Christians, but behind the scenes, the security services and religious police will take measures. That is what leaders of house churches fear the most at this moment.’ Pray: that the speech will attract more Iranians to Christ now the House Church movement is officially recognised, and for government plans against Christians to be thwarted. (Pr.2:33)
Haiti: Cholera and riots with political agenda
Health officials say the cholera bacteria now raging through Haiti is a very virulent strain matching those commonly found in South Asia, so rioting Haitians believe the cause of the Cholera epidemic in Haiti originated from Minustah peacekeepers from Nepal. Rumours have spread for weeks that latrine discharges at a Nepalese peacekeeper camp are to blame, even though the U.N. says the soldiers there have tested negative for cholera. With a presidential election on November 28th the U.N. sees more than just health concerns involved. Protests were not spontaneous because they all began at around 6 a.m. on Monday suggesting a level of politically motivated coordination by Haitians who oppose the election. ‘This was a clear message to boycott the election,’ said a government official. Nevertheless the riots have closed airports and roads, and are stopping much needed aid reaching people dying from a disease that can kill in 4 hours. Pray: for hospital staff, health workers, and aid organisations to be enabled and strengthened as they work to combat the spread of the disease. (Ps.28:2) More: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2031665,00.html
UN: Petition for justice
Catholic, Protestant and Muslim leaders and non-governmental organisations have slammed a death sentence imposed on Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of two convicted on blasphemy charges for proclaiming her faith in Pakistan. She is the first woman sentenced to death for such an offence. Bibi’s lawyers visited her in prison to prepare her application for an appeal, Meanwhile, Freedom International has formed an online petition calling on the United Nations to shine the international spotlight on Bibi’ plight. ‘We believe that it is imperative that the United Nations exerts pressure on the Pakistani government to steadfastly enforce law protecting the humanitarian rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.’ CFI President Jim Jacobson said in a statement. Bibi was beaten, arrested for blasphemy and sentenced to death after standing for her Christian beliefs. The sentence was handed down on Sunday. The online petition for Bibi’s release is at: http://www.christianfreedom.org/news/petion-to-free-asia-bibi/ Pray: for the United Nations pressure to achieve Bibi’s release and the repeal of Pakistan’s blasphemy law. (Ex.23:6)
UN: Petition for justice
Catholic, Protestant and Muslim leaders and non-governmental organisations have slammed a death sentence imposed on Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of two convicted on blasphemy charges for proclaiming her faith in Pakistan. She is the first woman sentenced to death for such an offence. Bibi’s lawyers visited her in prison to prepare her application for an appeal, Meanwhile, Freedom International has formed an online petition calling on the United Nations to shine the international spotlight on Bibi’ plight. ‘We believe that it is imperative that the United Nations exerts pressure on the Pakistani government to steadfastly enforce law protecting the humanitarian rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.’ CFI President Jim Jacobson said in a statement. Bibi was beaten, arrested for blasphemy and sentenced to death after standing for her Christian beliefs. The sentence was handed down on Sunday. The online petition for Bibi’s release is at: http://www.christianfreedom.org/news/petion-to-free-asia-bibi/ Pray: for the United Nations pressure to achieve Bibi’s release and the repeal of Pakistan’s blasphemy law. (Ex.23:6)