Welsh Outpouring update

One incredible thing that we are experiencing here in Cwmbran (see last week's edition) since this Outpouring began is the breadth of Christian representation. As a local church, it is great to be joined with brothers and sisters in the Kingdom from many denominational backgrounds including: Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic, Charismatic, Reformed, Methodist, Free-Methodist and others. This unity, hunger and coming together, is confirmation to us that God is breaking down walls, destroying religious pride and using this as one tool to unite the body of Christ and send her out to the lost and broken, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Every night is different, some nights are completely free, as people experience the presence, joy and power of God. Others are still, peaceful, yet distinctly powerful. Every night, the Gospel is shared, and conversions happen - often before any altar call is made! Click on the ‘More’ link to find out what God is doing.

Praise:

God for this outpouring of His Holy Spirit bringing new life and unity to His church. (Ps.85:6)

Romanian gypsies' revival stirs hope for change

Romania: The European Union has deported more than 1,000 gypsy people in recent weeks, and most are being sent back to Romania where they face a life of poverty and deprivation. But Christian groups are working to bring hope to Romania's gypsies. For many, it has led to a relationship with God. After years of mission work in Romania, Kevin Hoy realized gypsies have often struggled with advancing in Romanian society. In 2009, he witnessed what many call the ‘Toflea miracle,’ where 500 gypsies in southeast Romania were baptized after accepting Christ. It was the largest baptism in Romania's history. Hundreds more in Tileagd answered the call to Christ this year. Hoy prays revival will soon reach the residents of Salard as well. In the meantime, he and his team preach the gospel - without words.

Praise:

God for His blessing on the gypsy peoples. (Ps.80:18)

Trumpet Call: ‘Standing in the Gap’

In June 2012, for the first time in British parliamentary history 80+ Christian leaders from the UK stood alongside Parliamentarians for an hour of silently listening to God in Parliament. They believed God gave:- an urgent warning of judgment, bringing serious crisis in the nation. A challenge to the church to take action, speaking the truth boldly. A promise of restoration - God’s glory returning if we turn and submit to Him. Then in January 2013 a prophecy given to the World Prayer Centre said God would build ‘Standing in the Gap Networks’ a dynamic connecting of His people forging and building through prayer. Networks that change the here and now and the future. The WPC in Birmingham are inviting the church to unite as a network of believers’ on Saturday 15th June at the International Convention Centre to forge and build through prayer and worship a Holy Spirit Presence. For information click the ‘More’ button

Pray:

for release into incredible freedom of prayer and worship, light that will pierce the darkness over our nations. (Jer.1:10)

A prayer for Pentecost

The National Day of Prayer and Worship (NDOPW) is encouraging Christians to pray for the world this Pentecost. NDOPW has written a special prayer that Christians can use: See:http://www.ndopw.com/content/pages/documents/1368179709.pdf Jonathan Oloyede, NDOPW convener, said: 'I believe strongly that this Pentecost Sunday must demonstrate even more than ever before the current move of God in our land. Let us celebrate the growing unity and increasing levels of prayer and collaboration amongst many groups and organisations. The NDOPW is encouraging Christians to pause at 12 noon each day to say the Lord's Prayer over the land. Christians are also being invited to share what God is saying to them via Twitter using the hashtag #pentecost13 It is our vision to see the British Isles and Ireland saturated with prayer so that God's Glory may fill the land. Join us in this quest to see the hand of God show up in these Isles as we unite in prayer.’

Pray:

together with the many thousands of Christians across the world praying for the nations. (2Chr.7:14)

Critics pan barrister’s call to lower age of consent to 13

Critics have hit out at a barrister who called for the age of consent to be lowered to 13, saying her comments were ‘foolish’ and ‘despicable’. Barrister Barbara Hewson said a change in the law would end the ‘persecution of old men’, in the wake of recent high-profile arrests over alleged historic sex offences but lawyer Malcom Underhill, writing for The Daily Telegraph, said the call is ‘one of the most foolish proposals on the issue of child welfare that has been laid before the public’. Mr Underhill warned that in lowering the age of consent, the risk of paedophiles ‘taking advantage of innocent children for their iniquitous ends will become even greater’. He added, ‘this proposal must be snuffed out as quickly as possible, to protect the most vulnerable in society’. But gay-rights activist Peter Tatchell says there should be a serious debate about the issue,

Pray:

for all parties to recognise the danger to our youngsters inherent in this proposal. (Gal.5:19)

Hospital staffing levels unsafe, senior nurses warn

Staffing levels on hospital wards across England are unsafe and could put patient’s lives at risk, a group of senior nurses has warned. Wards across the country often have just one registered nurse looking after eight patients, The Safe Staffing Alliance (SSA) has said. There is a worry that this ratio could be regarded as the minimum acceptable of staffing when it in fact puts patients at risk, warned the alliance which was formed last summer. The SSA says research shows that when nurses are asked to look after more than eight patients there is an increased in risk of harm or death. The warning comes as a poll for the Sunday Mirror and the Nursing Standard journal found that more than three quarters of nurses believe a scandal similar to that in Mid-Staffordshire could happen again. In the poll of 2,000 nurses, 40% said on their last shift there were not enough staff to provide a safe level of care.

Pray:

for the NHS to take such warnings seriously and that all parties will work together to ensure high quality patient safety and care. (Col.3:23)

Is your church as welcoming as you think?

The Methodist Church in Britain wants to develop a ‘culture of welcome’ in local churches with the launch of a new online resource. The free online resource - First Impressions Count - is a workshop designed to help churches reflect on the welcome that a visitor experiences when they first walk through the door. It aims to tackle the intimidation and anxiety that a newcomer might feel when entering a church for the first time Ed Mackenzie, Evangelism, Spirituality and Discipleship Officer, said: ‘It can be intimidating to visit a church for the first time, and the welcome a visitor receives has a huge impact on whether or not they choose to return. First Impressions Count is designed to help churches improve their quality of welcome, and takes account of a culture increasingly unfamiliar with Christian faith and worship.’

Pray:

for all churches in all denomination to be open and willing to review how they welcome new visitors. (Mat.10:40)

Latest C of E figures ‘heartening’ says bishop

Statistics released by the Church of England show an increase in the number of young people attending weekly church services in addition to a rise in adult and child baptisms. The number of people attending Christmas services also rose by 14.5 per cent between 2010 and 2011, reaching a total of over 2.6 million. A growth in church attendance was recorded in a total of 20 of the Church of England's 40 regional areas, while nationally there was a 1.2 per cent increase in children and young people attending to 216,928. The Bishop of Norwich, the Right Rev Graham James, said: ‘The attendance figures are heartening, especially the very strong growth in Christmas day attendance. The encouraging news of further growth to come even on these high figures is very welcome and points to a growing trend. Also welcome is the stabilising of the numbers of those who attend church services on a weekly basis.’

Pray:

for this trend to continue and that the Gospel will reach out to an increasing audience. (Heb.10:25)

Swansea measles: Drop in clinic attendance sparks concern

Health officials looking to control the Swansea measles epidemic have expressed concern at a fall in numbers attending the latest MMR clinics. Drop-in clinics have been held for more than a month but only 381 vaccinations were given last weekend. Abertawe Bro Morgannwg health board is ‘particularly concerned’ because 9,000 young people have still not had the jab. The number of local measles cases stands at 1,094. Drop-in clinics have already given more than 7,500 vaccinations at the weekend sessions in Bridgend, Neath and Swansea over the past four weeks. But after the recent low turn-out, the health board's director of public health Dr Sara Hayes said: ‘We are particularly concerned because our records show there are 9,000 four to 18 year olds in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg area who have not had their MMR.’

Pray:

for success of the drop-in centres and especially for the take-up of those who have yet to be vaccinated. (Pr.3:8)

Better reporting of hate crime ‘a must’ for Europe

Eight out of ten instances of violent attacks on members of the LGBT community in Europe go unreported, according to a report published (15 May). According to the report, compiled by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, and based on the experiences of 93,000 respondents across the European Union, around LGBT) people in Europe have suffered some form of violent attack. However, the huge majority of those attacks go unreported. This is part of a growing trend in Europe, says agency director, Morten Kjaerum. A report to be published in the autumn on anti-Semitism reveals that around 85% of Jewish respondents who faced attacks based on religion said they did not report the incidents. ‘There is an acceptance that violence is an everyday occurrence for these people,’ he said. In addition, there exists a ‘devastating’ lack of confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Pray:

that the reactions of people to the LGBT community will not be hatred but God’s love. (1Jn.3:10)

Oil company offices raided in EU pricing probe

The offices of several firms involved in the oil market have been raided by European Commission officials. The commission said it had concerns that ‘the companies may have colluded in reporting distorted prices’. It did not name the firms, and said the raids did not mean the companies were guilty of any charges. BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Norway's Statoil and the pricing agency Platts confirmed that they were working with the authorities in their inquiries. The investigation relates to the pricing of oil, refined products and biofuels. Even small distortions of assessed prices may have a huge impact on the prices of crude oil, refined oil products and biofuels purchases and sales, potentially harming final consumers,’ the Commission said. As part of the investigation, the Commission said it was examining whether the companies may have prevented others from participating in the pricing process ‘with a view to distorting published prices’.

Pray:

that the investigation into the oil market will reveal the truths and bring fair and just pricing. (Lev.19:15)

NIGERIA: State of emergency in 3 areas

In a nationwide broadcast Tuesday evening President Goodluck Jonathan took direct control of security in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. In imposing the state of emergency he wielded extra-ordinary powers under the 1999 constitution, when invoked this authorizes the presidency to govern these states directly, by-passing their governors. President Jonathan said, ‘The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the north. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.’ Adding, ‘I hereby declare a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states’ He was forced to take the measure after several attempts to get Boko Haram, to disarm proved abortive.

Pray:

for minimum violence as troops are deployed. Pray for all security agencies involved in these operations and for an end to insurgents and terrorists. (Ps.68:28)

Middle East: Christian persecution

The mass exodus of millions of Christians from one part of the Islamic world to another as the result of persecution by Muslims has reached epidemic proportions warns the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. Christians may completely disappear from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Egypt. The report also said, ‘This matter of Muslim persecution of Christians is a humanitarian crisis.’ The Christian Post reported this week, ‘With all of the unrest being reported in countries like Egypt, Syria and Libya, the real untold story is the record number of Christians leaving the Muslim world because they are being targeted for kidnapping, plundering and beheadings. Regions and towns that were once populated with Christians are now emptied. The crisis for Christians goes beyond Middle East, Nigeria is now the country with the highest number of slaughtered Christians. Last year over 900 Christ-followers were victims of Boko Haram and other Islamic militants. See item 1 above and go to http://global.christianpost.com/news/islam-expert-warns-chri stians-may-completely-disappear-from-iraq-afghanistan-egypt- 95556/

Pray:

that persecution and unrest would motivate Muslims 'To Know Christ' (Ps.42:7)

Afghanistan: Taliban attacks on British Forces

The Taliban has announced the beginning of its Spring military offensive with the launching of attacks on military bases, convoys and Afghan officials, including members of the government's peace council, who are working to reconcile with top insurgent leaders. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of attacks against our forces over the last couple of weeks with many injuries, following the attack on the mastiff where 3 soldiers were killed and 6 injured. We are asked to pray for the safety of our servicemen and women in Afghanistan, and peace for their families back home in constant unease of a knock on the door. (Rom.12:12)

Pray:

that the Taliban will be thwarted. For protection for the armed forces. (Ps.121:1-3a)

Pakistan: 3 priorities for new government

Elections were completed last weekend. Although there were demonstrations and terrorist attacks (sadly over 130 lost their lives) those elected are relatively clearly defined and the country can move forward. Pakistan is on the brink of economic collapse and its citizens have suffered horribly from a recent spike in terrorism. Please pray for the new government to successfully employ wise tactics for both these desperate situations. There are tensions with neighboring Afghanistan and India, along with the frustrating and unpopular counter-terror partnership with the United States. Please pray for wisdom for Nawaz Sharif, that he may turn his country in the right direction. In the past Sharif displayed more interest in consolidating his political power than governing effectively. If his third time in office is to be different, he will need to focus on the economy, domestic order and foreign relations.

Pray:

also for the openness of new leadership to hear the voices of the religious minorities and allow them to live in peace.( Pr.4:6)

Bangladesh/Burma: Cyclone

Cyclone Mahasen’s main victims are likely to be people who’ve already been forced out of their homes. For 70,000 displaced refugees in western Burma the choice was wait until Cyclone Mahasen swallows their low-lying camps on Wednesday or run back to higher ground were they were violently forced from. Human Rights Watch has been issuing warnings for months about dangers posed by the oncoming rainy season. Their Asia director said, ‘If the government fails to evacuate those at risk, any disaster that results will not be natural, but man-made.’ Cyclone Mahasen travelled towards Burma and Bangladesh over the Bay of Bengal with wind speeds of at least 45 knots (85 kilometers per hourSpeeds are expected to reach 70 knots as it strikes land. In Bangladesh hundreds of thousands of people were being evacuated from coastal areas. On Wednesday authorities raised the danger level to seven out of 10 for low-lying land where the cyclone is estimated to reach by Thursday. See: http://qz.com/84870/cyclone-mahasens-main-victims-are-likely -to-be-people-whove-already-been-forced-out-of-their-homes/

Pray:

for the tens of thousands of refugees living in Burmese camps who are at risk and for the thousands being evacuated in from Bangladesh coastal villages. For the agencies who will minister to the survivors (Ps.123)

Israel: Reconciliation

Many Christian ministries are working in Israel towards reconciliation in challenging situations. The following are just two. We are asked to partner in prayer with ‘Musalaha’ Ministry of Reconciliation as they prepare for their national women’s reconciliation training event. Palestinian and Israeli women from all over the country will be meeting for training, fellowship, and prayer between May 23rd and May 25th on the topic of Reclaiming Identity. Also on May 15th and May 31st their local women’s groups who have just begun training will be meeting in Nazareth and Haifa; and we have been asked to pray for the process and that a spirit of fear would be driven from them. Also, working towards reconciliation between communities is ‘Bridges for Peace’. An expanding body of individuals and groups with a desire to see Christians and Jews working side by side for better understanding of each other. Reconciliation for a more secure Israel. See: http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/

Pray:

for a harvest of changed lives as God works through these and other reconciliation ministries in Israel. (Job 5:16-18)

Iran: Christians returned to jail

An Iranian high court has upheld the prison sentences of four Christians for converting to the faith from Islam. The decision means Pastor Farhad Sabokrooh, of the Iranian Assemblies of God, his wife Shahnaz Jayzan, and church workers Naser Zaman-Dezfuli and Davoud Alijani have had to return to jail. They were arrested in December 2011 after their church in the southern town of Ahwaz was raided by authorities during Christmas celebrations. They were sentenced to one year in prison for ‘converting to Christianity and propagating against the Islamic regime through evangelism’. They were temporarily released but were summoned to court on 1 May and re-arrested. Christian Solidarity Worldwide has observed a crackdown on Christians since last December. Two other AoG pastors, Farshid Fathi and Saeed Abedini, are being held in Evin prison along with Church of Iran member Alireza Seyyedian and Mostafa Bordbar, who was arrested in Tehran in December.

Pray:

for these and the many others who have been jailed for exercising their right to change their religion and follow Christ privately and in communion with others. (in breach of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which Iran is obliged uphold). (Ps.142:6-7)