Christians welcome Bedford clampdown on sex clubs

Bedford Council has introduced a 'nil' policy on sex establishments to the delight of local Christians. The Council adopted the measure unanimously, giving it much stronger grounds to refuse applications for new adult clubs in the future. The policy states that ‘there is no locality in the borough that is considered appropriate for a sexual entertainment venue’. Bedford has already refused applications for new sex establishments in recent years, as have other councils, including Oxford and Maidstone. The move was welcomed by the Christian Legal Centre, which has been a strong advocate in opposing sex clubs. Andrea Minichiello Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: ‘We are massively encouraged by the multiple successes we have seen in opposing sex establishments in city centres.'

Praise:

God for the wisdom of the councillors. (Pr.3:13)

The Bible TV series to screen on Channel 5

Richard Desmond's channel buys rights to series watched by more than 13 million viewers on History Channel. It is better known for Celebrity Big Brother and documentaries featuring very long trucks, but Channel 5 will also be home this autumn to a sweeping 10-hour epic, The Bible. A big-budget glossy epic, The Bible was a surprise ratings hit in the US this Easter with more than 13 million viewers on The History Channel, one of its biggest-ever shows. Producers claimed during the making of the show that it had been struck by mysterious omens which indicated the ‘hand of God’, including a sudden swarm of snakes. It remains to be seen whether it works any ratings miracles for Channel 5. The Bible, devotes five hours to the Old Testament and five hours to the New, with a mix of live action and computer generated imagery. It is billed as a production that ‘tries to stay true to the spirit of the book’. (See also Prayer Alert 13-2013)

Praise:

God and pray that the response to this series will have the same result when it is shown on our TV. (Ro.8:31)

Margaret Thatcher, politician and Christian

Baroness Margaret Thatcher, who died on Monday aged 87, was a leader of conviction and much of that conviction rooted in her Christian faith. Daughter of a Methodist lay preacher, her political views were shaped by her religious beliefs. How these two fused together in her mind was outlined in a memorable 1988 speech to the Church of Scotland, a speech with which she explained the Christian basis for her political convictions. She began the speech by telling her audience that she was speaking ‘personally as a Christian, as well as a politician.’ Her speech not only reaffirmed the Christian inspiration for her political views, it also illuminated her conviction that Britain's Christian heritage was worthy of preserving. One of her most memorable quotes for many Christians comes from the words she spoke from the steps of 10 Downing Street after coming to power in 1979. Based on the Prayer of Saint Francis, she said: ‘Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope.’ Click the ‘More’ link and read tributes from many Christian leaders.

Pray:

that Margaret Thatcher’s spiritual example and legacy will be adhered to by her successors. (1Pet.2:21)

Christian printer faces being sued by gay magazine

The Christian owner of a printing firm in Northern Ireland faces being hauled to court over his refusal to print a gay magazine. Nick Williamson, who is being advised by The Christian Institute, says printing the material would go against his religious beliefs. But the editor of MyGayZine, Danny Toner, has approached a solicitor and referred the matter to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Mr Williamson was asked to provide a cost estimate for printing the magazine, timed to coincide with a gay rights march in Belfast. But in an email to Mr Toner, Mr Williamson said he did ‘not feel comfortable’ taking the job on because it ‘would be in contradiction to my own faith’. Mr Williamson had initially explained: ‘Unfortunately due to the nature of the magazine we are unable to give a quote.’ But Mr Toner said ‘If we can take the printer to court, we will’.

Pray:

for understanding and respect of each other's views that will resolve this matter without litigation. (Ro.8:7)

UK can lead G8 on global poverty, say religious leaders

Religious leaders from across the G8 countries have called on heads of government to follow the UK in fulfilling existing commitments to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on aid. Over 70 religious leaders emphasised in a letter to the Financial Times that from April 5, only 1,000 days remain to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the 2015 deadline. 'With a focus on tax, trade and transparency', the religious leaders argue, 'the UK Presidency of the G8 has the potential to advance the MDG agenda in ways that will strike at the underlying causes of poverty, in particular by ensuring the wealth created by developing countries is not lost through unfair tax practices, a lack of transparency or a failure to secure the benefits of trade for these countries. Meeting the remaining targets, while challenging, is possible, - but only if governments do not waver from the moral and political commitments made over a decade ago,' the letter stresses.

Pray:

for a positive response and continued commitment to the MDG by the G8 leaders. (1Jn.3:17)

Young Christians inspired to speak of Jesus in public life

Christian Concern's fourth Wilberforce Academy brought together students and young graduates at Trinity College, Oxford last week. The Academy is held annually by the advocacy group to equip the next generation of Christian leaders in public life. The former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey opened the three-day gathering with a call to ‘maintain a public witness and stand just as much as Wilberforce was called upon to do in his day. You are like shock troops who are called to lead in the battle. You are here to take the fight wherever it leads,’ he said. Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali expanded on the themes of his new book, Triple Jeopardy for the West, in which he warns of the challenges posed by aggressive secularism, radical Islamism and multiculturalism. Roger Trigg, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick, highlighted the importance of religious freedom as a cornerstone for other vital freedoms.

Pray:

for all those who attended this event that they will respond to the call to leadership to 'fight the good fight'. (Eph.6:14-15)

Church Army launches ‘Inside Out Mission in Community’

UK-based Christian organisation Church Army, has launched its newest campaign, ‘Inside Out Mission in Community’, featuring projects where their evangelists are seeing lives transformed. In a Church Army press release the charity said that in the coming months various projects will be highlighted: Where our evangelists are transforming whole neighbourhoods by living and working in communities. As it says in John 1:14: ‘The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.’ Church Army, which has been going since 1882 aims to be a leading organisation in the training, equipping and deploying of evangelists, to develop appropriate and relevant forms of Christian community for pioneering situations. Wilson Carlile founded Church Army and believed the Christian message had to be shared through words and action and he encouraged all manner of people to witness to their faith.

Pray:

that this new campaign will reach the very heart of the communities with the gospel. (Jn.1:14)

Is modern life making us lonely?

It can be hard to admit to feelings of loneliness, but one in 10 Britons is lonely. It's not just an issue for the elderly - loneliness is rising among the young. So are we all destined to be lonely? ‘No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main,’ wrote the poet John Donne in the 17th century. Some people seek isolation, but few choose to be lonely. Loneliness not only makes us unhappy, but it is bad for us. It can lead to a lack of confidence and mental health problems like depression, stress and anxiety. Studies have consistently shown that one in 10 of us is lonely, but a report by the Mental Health Foundation suggests loneliness among young people is increasing.

Pray:

for all those who find themselves lonely and in need of relief from the symptoms of loneliness. (Ps.25:4-5:16)

Sharia courts putting women at risk, CPS warns

Sharia courts are putting women at risk of violence from abusive husbands, the Crown Prosecution Service has warned. The courts, which issue rulings according to Islamic law, have been found to be giving Muslim women advice which experts warned may place them in danger. Undercover filming in some of the 85 councils operating in mosques and houses across the country has revealed that the courts, which are run by sharia councils, are ruling in favour of men meeting estranged wives or having access to children when they have been found to have been abusive. Sharia law has no formal place in any of Britain’s legal systems. However, the investigation found courts in London which follow it were making rulings on domestic and marital issues according to Islamic law which appeared at odds with English family law. It is suggested that Sharia courts may act contrary to English courts in matrimonial and child care issues.

Pray:

for Sharia courts to operate within British law and to ensure that the safety of women and children is of the highest priority. (Ac.10:43)

Hungary: Constitutional changes threaten its religious freedom

The Hungarian government has been criticized for changes to the country’s constitution that threaten religious freedoms and other rights. Constitutional amendments adopted by the government in March were the latest in a series of changes described by Human Rights Watch (HRW) as ‘problematic’. For example, a new law granted state recognition to only 14 religious groups while refusing to recognize the rest, resulting in the loss of official status for more than 300 Protestant groupings and minor Catholic religious orders. Although the Hungarian Constitutional Court struck down some of the laws introduced by the government, the latest amendments reintroduced the same laws by changing the constitution and cancelling the Constitutional Court’s power to overrule those changes. HRW has called for the EU to consider suspending Hungary’s voting rights and a spokesman for the European Commission said it won't rule out sanctions to ensure that Hungary complies with EU law.

Pray:

that the government will reconsider its constitutional amendments which are threatening religious rights. (Pr.31:9)

Bulgaria: Praying for hope after suicides

Bulgaria held three days of special prayers against suicide and nationwide pessimism after at least seven people set themselves on fire while protesting against poverty and corruption. The prayers were requested by the country's president Rosen Plevneliev who says he wants to help heal the spiritual wounds of the nation amid growing public desperation. Prayers reverberate throughout churches in Bulgaria, a heavily Orthodox nation. Worshippers remember five Bulgarians who died and two who remain in critical condition by self-immolations that have shaken the conscience of this Balkan nation. Prayers are held by all main Christian churches, including the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant denominations, as well as the Jewish and Muslim communities.

Pray:

that this call to pray by the president will result in healing the spiritual wounds of the nation. (Jer.33:6)

NIGERIA: Easter attacks - 80 Christians killed

Easter violence left 80 dead and 4,500 displaced. On Easter Sunday Muslim cattle herders attacked three Christian communities of the Ataka group in a remote area of Kaduna State. Authorities said fighting between Muslim cattle herders and Christian villages killed nearly 60 people in recent days. Following Sunday's violence thousands of villagers fled to the nearby hills. Local government estimated 4,500 people were displaced and two camps have been has set up to house them. Some who returned to assess the damage were also murdered according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Assailants razed several homes. Many displaced are staying in the local Primary School and in nearby villages. The latest violence came after 36+ people died and dozens of houses were burned in neighbouring Plateau State when ethnic Fulani Muslims raided Christian villages in Holy Week. The systematic manner in which these attacks now occur indicates a greater degree of organization than has previously been the case.

Pray:

for the families of those who lost their lives and pray that the state governments will provide urgent assistance to the injured and displaced. (Ps.140:6-8)

Israel: Arabs joining Syrian rebels pose a threat

Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) recently arrested 19 year old Nasser Masarwa, an Israeli Arab on suspicion of fighting with rebels in Syria. They believe he originally joined global jihadi elements in Syria to try to locate his brother who is fighting with the Syrian rebels. Nasser underwent military training with rebel forces, - including weapons training and was offered the possibility of carrying out a suicide bombing against the army of the Assad regime. Nasser said he refused this. Security forces said, ‘Arab Israelis who travel to Syria are exposed to radical ideology and could be exploited for a terror attack in Israel due to their knowledge of targets in the country.’- adding that this represented a serious national security issue. On Wednesday Nasser was charged with ‘contact with a foreign agent, illegal military training, and travelling to an enemy state.’

Pray:

for the peace of Jerusalem. (Ps.122:6)

Iran: Nuclear talks and Earthquake

On Tuesday a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck close to Iran's nuclear power station, killing at least 37 people and injuring 850 more. The distance between the earthquake focal point and the nuclear power plant was 80km. The quake was felt across the Gulf in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where workers were evacuated from high-rise buildings as a precaution. Meanwhile on the same day EU Nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers in Kazakhstan revealed that 'the two sides remain far apart on substance.' At a P5+1 international meeting Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman urged the world powers to recognize the Islamic Republic’s nuclear rights and take confidence-building measures with Tehran. He reiterated that the Islamic Republic will use its nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes and the development of the country. Israel and other allies fear Iran is pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy programme. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4364580,00.html

Pray:

that God would speak and achieve His purposes through the international community regarding Iran’s intentions. (Ps.33:10-11)

North Korea: Legacy of war

North Korea warned foreigners to leave South Korea because ‘the two countries are on the brink of war’. Observers say this is mostly bluster to bolster Kim Jong Un’s image. However America's allies are taking precautions. Japan has deployed two interceptor missiles capable of engaging a North Korean rocket. North Korea founds its historical legitimacy on its ferocious animosity against U.S. imperialism and is what makes the current moment so dangerous. - SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS reveal that North Korea has deep political roots going back much further than 1945. Wedged awkwardly between China, Russia and Japan, the Korean Peninsula has long been a bloody battleground for greater powers. Korean rulers only managed to survive by playing one foreign power off against the other and by offering subservience, mainly to Chinese emperors, in exchange for protection. This legacy has nurtured a passionate fear and loathing of dependency on stronger countries.

Pray:

that North Korea will turn from the state religion of Juche (Ps.4:2-3) Pray also against an all-out holy war on the west. (Ps.4:8)

Azerbaijan: Baptist leaders fined for worshipping

The leaders of two small Baptist churches in north-west Azerbaijan have been given heavy fines for holding worship services – and threatened with even tougher penalties unless they stop. At a hearing on Good Friday, judges fined pastors Zaur Balayev and Hamid Shabanov 1,500 AZN (£1,270) each. The average wage in Azerbaijan is £200 a month. The two pastors have suffered persecution for more than 15 years, according to Archbishop Malkhaz Songulashvili of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia. They have also been warned that if they do not comply with the decision of the court they will be either fined for a bigger amount or arrested. Archbishop Malkhaz said restrictions on religious liberty could get 'out of control' unless the court decision was challenged by international organisations. Pastor Hamid was briefly detained in November when police raided a church meeting at his house (Prayer Alert, November 9). The two pastors plan to appeal against the court decision.

Pray:

that God will strengthen the persecuted church (Ps.23:4) May He unite church leaders and international organisations to bring about religious freedom in Azerbaijan. (Ps.23:3)

Afghanistan: Evangelism, crime and refugees

Evangelism: The local church continues to grow as believers are added one by one in small groups. We are asked to pray that new believers will find others they can trust to share in worship, prayer and teaching. Crime: Authorities plan to destroy 15,000 hectares of poppy fields this year in an effort to limit the heroin trade that fuels violence and corruption. Criminal elements and the Taliban profit from the heroin trade. Pray that farmers will find other crops to provide income and food for their families. Refugees: Nearly half a million people displaced by war and violence are living in primitive camps in makeshift tents around major cities. They suffer from shortages of food, clothing and fuel. The government and humanitarian agencies are struggling to meet the needs of so many. Pray that more resources can be made available to help the people living in these camps and that the resources will be used effectively.

Pray:

for protection for the emerging church, peace in the land and for many refugees to return to their homes. May God meet all their needs. (Ps.9:3-4)

Central African Republic: Coup affects Christian enterprises

In a coup which began at the end of March, and which African heads of state refused to recognize as legitimate, nearly $300,000 of equipment was looted from a Christian radio station. The coup began when about 5,000 Seleka rebel fighters poured into the capital city of Bangui and ousted President Francois Bozizé to set up their own self-proclaimed president. Looting and vandalism at a Christian radio station were extensive with equipment destroyed or stolen by looters valued at nearly $300,000. The radio station is off the air indefinitely. The son of one station employee died from wounds during the disorder near the base camp of ICDI, the Global partner that operates the station. The ministry's total losses included well-drilling equipment, broadcast equipment, six vehicles and other property stolen from ransacked ICDI facilities. The homes of four staff families were also looted. A staff member's son abducted by rebels on Easter Sunday escaped and is now safely home.

Pray:

God’s comfort for all who lost loved ones and for Christian initiatives to be quickly restored. (Jude1:17-21)