Zimbabwe: Collapse of the education sector
A Christian Students' Association in Zimbabwe has rebuked the country's power-sharing government for allowing the continuing collapse of the education sector in the country. ‘The cosmetic inclusive government has failed the young people of Zimbabwe as evidenced by the state of the education system,’ a Student Christian Movement said on 16th June, the Day of the African Child, when the killing in 1976 of black South African pupils protesting inferior education, and the compulsory teaching of Afrikaans is remembered. The collapse of the social services delivery system in Zimbabwe is directly linked to the human-created governance crisis and unless this is resolved the children of Zimbabwe will continue going to lecture rooms without lecturers, and getting into libraries without books. Pray: for the power sharing government to release appropriate funds and structures into needy administration bodies. (Dt.25:4)
West Africa: Slow motion famine
‘Warnings of an impending food crisis in Niger sounded by the UN and other aid agencies late last year met with little response from the international donor community. Contributions are starting to trickle in at the UN, but by the time enough aid gets through it will have come too late for many - most of them babies and young children.’ said UN Humanitarian Affairs chief, Jan Egeland. See: http://us.oneworld.net/article/never-again-niger-famine-latest-crisis-that-could-have-been-prevented Pray: for an incredibly effective response to the cry for relief and aid that is needed right now. (Job 5:10-11) More: http://english.aljazeera.net/video/2010621204319754684.html
World: G8 proposal for new 'World Currency’
The Russian President introduced a new coin described as ‘a united future world currency’ as the World's Reserve Currency. The coin bearing the words ‘unity in diversity’ was minted in Belgium. ‘We are discussing both the use of other national currencies including the rouble as a reserve currency, as well as supranational currencies. We really live at a unique time, and we should use it to build a modern, prosperous and strong Russia, that will be a co-founder of the new world economic order.’ Mededev said. Earlier this year the UN called for the replacement of the US Dollar and the creation of a global reserve bank and a new world currency to protect emerging markets from the ‘confidence game of 'financial speculation’. (Advances in digital technology places the world on the verge of an identification system capable of monitoring virtually every human transaction - an ominous development for serious students of Biblical prophecy.) Pray: for God to build His global Kingdom in all areas of our lives as monetary systems are reviewed. (Rev.13:16-17) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/13206-russian-president-shows-new-world-currency-at-g-8-summit
Iran: Alarming report ‘US and Israeli troop concentrations’
Iranian sources report the Revolutionary Guard deploying men and equipment in a ‘war alert’ situation’ in the Caspian Sea region due to increasing US and Israeli military personnel in Azerbaijan. On June 22 a Revolutionary Guards commander tasked with ‘repelling’ an US-Israeli offensive said, ‘reinforcements are being dispatched to West Azerbaijan Province because some western countries are fuelling ethnic conflicts to destabilize the situation in the region.’ Asian News reported ‘12 US warships transited through the Suez Canal a few days ago. Three naval squadrons are currently in the region. Forces appear to be in position for a possible attack against Iran’s nuclear sites. Late July and early August could provide a window of opportunity for action. Iran threatens chaos in Saudi Arabia if it is attacked. Economic factors are determining the timing of the crisis.’ Debka reports confirmed that in the last few days, Israel transferred a large number of bomber jets to bases in Azerbaijan, via Georgia, and US special forces are also concentrated in Azerbaijan in preparation for a strike.’ http://www.asianews.it/news-en/US-military-pressure-increasing-in-the-Persian-Gulf-18743.html Pray: that military and political leaders would act wisely and would seek peace. Pray that the strongholds of violence in the region would be bound. (Ps.5:10-12) More: http://www.debka.com/article/8868/
Iran: Excellent and tragic reports
The number of Christians in Iran has grown from 500 known believers in 1979 to at least 100,000 today. Church leaders have reportedly said that millions can be added to the church in the next few years -such is the spiritual hunger that exists and the disillusionment with the Islamic regime. Iran is a strategic gateway nation with a growing church that will impact the Islamic world. For stories of how God is transforming Iran go to: http://www.iranaliveministries.org/ Against this backdrop we learn of continual crack-downs on Christians by Iran's security forces, the most recent being a raid last Friday on a prayer meeting in Tehran where Christians were praying for fellow believers jailed in earlier raids. The Iranian Church is a growing, secretive, delicate alternative way of life in Iran that many are embracing. They need our continued prayers as they grow into their inheritance. Pray: for God to comfort and protect his children in detention and increase international pressure to allow religious freedom nationally. (Ps.5:3,4)
Pakistan: Groups intent on inciting violence
The gateway town of Jhang (the name means war) gives access for the Taliban and al-Qaeda into the west of Pakistan and into Afghanistan. The group Sipah-e-Sahaba, (Warriors of God) have their headquarters in Jhang, and are feared so much that many will not mention their name, calling them ‘green hats’ (turbans). In President Musharraf’s time they were banned and splintered into three groups to disguise themselves. They are now reforming openly as one group. They know there is a spiritual power which they serve, believing it gives them protection. This is making them unusually bold, travelling to Sind and Karachi outside their Punjab homeland. They are the group claiming responsibility for many attacks in the Punjab where Christians and their villages were destroyed. Some of their attacks have been to incite hatred against ethnic groups. (See Prayer Alert 2709) Pray: for God’s intervention in confrontational situations and for His Spirit to protect and lead Christians at this time. (2 Tim.1:7)
EU urged to 'do more' to tackle global food crisis
Top BBC journalist George Alagiah has urged Europe’s decision makers to do more to address the global food ‘crisis.’ The news anchor told a Brussels conference that the world needs to increase food production by 100 per cent by the year 2050 ‘in order to sustain itself.’ He said, ‘As the world’s population continues to grow, and more and more households in emerging economies join the world’s middle class, the demand for animal protein is expected to double by 2050’. The conference was organised by the International Federation for Animal Health Europe (IFAHEurope). Those attending the conference were told that there is an urgent need for realistic policies to address the challenge and the role the animal health industry can play. At present, 1.02 billion people do not have enough to eat, 907 million of these live in the developing world. ‘Some 20 per cent of animal productivity is lost due to diseases in animals’. Pray: that the delegates from this conference would use their knowledge to raise awareness in their home nations. (Pr.12:11)
EU urged to 'do more' to tackle global food crisis
Top BBC journalist George Alagiah has urged Europe’s decision makers to do more to address the global food ‘crisis.’ The news anchor told a Brussels conference that the world needs to increase food production by 100 per cent by the year 2050 ‘in order to sustain itself.’ He said, ‘As the world’s population continues to grow, and more and more households in emerging economies join the world’s middle class, the demand for animal protein is expected to double by 2050’. The conference was organised by the International Federation for Animal Health Europe (IFAHEurope). Those attending the conference were told that there is an urgent need for realistic policies to address the challenge and the role the animal health industry can play. At present, 1.02 billion people do not have enough to eat, 907 million of these live in the developing world. ‘Some 20 per cent of animal productivity is lost due to diseases in animals’. Pray: that the delegates from this conference would use their knowledge to raise awareness in their home nations. (Pr.12:11)
Euthanasia deaths increase in Holland
The number of euthanasia cases in Holland has increased by 13 per cent in one year, prompting the Dutch Government to launch an official inquiry. Last year 2,636 Dutch people were killed by euthanasia, with 80 per cent of the victims dying at home after being administered lethal drugs, whereas in 2008 this figure was 2,331. The rise in euthanasia deaths has prompted the Dutch Health Ministry to launch an inquiry into the nation’s euthanasia laws. Pro-lifers have warned that the increase has been caused by the demise of Holland’s palliative care system. Phyllis Bowman, Executive Officer of Right to Life, said: ‘I am sure that the increase in numbers of people opting for euthanasia is largely a result of inadequate pain control.’ Holland became the first country in the world to legalise voluntary euthanasia in 2002, but the Dutch Government has acknowledged that involuntary euthanasia poses a serious problem. (See story in GB & I above) Pray: that the Dutch Government would reconsider the present law and restore the sanctity of life. (1Cor.3:16-17) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/euthanasia-deaths-increase-in-holland/
Euthanasia deaths increase in Holland
The number of euthanasia cases in Holland has increased by 13 per cent in one year, prompting the Dutch Government to launch an official inquiry. Last year 2,636 Dutch people were killed by euthanasia, with 80 per cent of the victims dying at home after being administered lethal drugs, whereas in 2008 this figure was 2,331. The rise in euthanasia deaths has prompted the Dutch Health Ministry to launch an inquiry into the nation’s euthanasia laws. Pro-lifers have warned that the increase has been caused by the demise of Holland’s palliative care system. Phyllis Bowman, Executive Officer of Right to Life, said: ‘I am sure that the increase in numbers of people opting for euthanasia is largely a result of inadequate pain control.’ Holland became the first country in the world to legalise voluntary euthanasia in 2002, but the Dutch Government has acknowledged that involuntary euthanasia poses a serious problem. (See story in GB & I above) Pray: that the Dutch Government would reconsider the present law and restore the sanctity of life. (1Cor.3:16-17) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/euthanasia-deaths-increase-in-holland/