Posted: 06/20/2013 at 6:36am | IP Logged

News From British Isles, Ireland, Europe and Worldwide

	Post Trumpet Call update In Birmingham last weekend 1100 intercessors prayed for the British Isles in the midst of brokenness. There were awesome moments as different groups gathered at the Cross during the day, under 30s, people from nations outside the UK and those praying for the return of prodigals. Within hours of that heart cry the following message was sent to the World Prayer Centre from a church leader in East Sussex. ‘Well, we had 7 prodigals this morning - 3 said ‘I'm coming home’ - and 11 fatherless teens off the estate turned up out of the blue - never been in church before. Just happened to be the Father’s Day special and probably 90% were from awful home situations. God moved in very deep ways! Such mind blowing stuff happening and electric atmosphere! Let us thank God together and let us continue to press in to Him as we boldly go out to proclaim His goodness to a broken and hurting world. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness!' To continue to pray into Trumpet Call’s 30 day prayer vigil click on the link below Praise: and give thanks to God for answered prayer, and a clear prophetic message to the church to stand up and proclaim Biblical truths as He leads us to build and to plant. (Jer.1:10) More: Welsh Outpouring Update – 65 days on! A brief report from the Victory Church website: ‘We are so excited at what God is doing. Initially, many people were reluctant to accept that God had broken through, but 65 days on, it is undeniable that God is moving sovereignly. We have now seen 642 salvations and have 15 pages of healing testimonies! Visitors have continued to pour in from across the globe and we are grateful to God for the opportunity of hosting His presence is such a way. As people have been dramatically impacted we as a church have found ourselves drawn much deeper with Him. People ask, ‘Is what’s happening a revival?’ Our response, thus far, is that what we are seeing here in Wales is an Outpouring of God's Spirit. On Wednesday night we had the privilege of baptising another thirty people all who have come to faith during the outpouring! We praise God for this, He is building His Church.’ (See also Prayer Alert 19-20&22-2013) Praise: God for the continued blessing upon His people. (Ps.85:6) More: Return to Top
	Police in the news On Tuesday the BBC reported - The High Court ruled that London police officers who took the personal details of a woman ‘kettled’ during a trade union rally in 2011 acted unlawfully. - Gwent's police and crime commissioner said it will be three months before he appoints a new chief constable after he told the previous top officer to retire or be removed. Also on Tuesday Kent's police chief has admitted there was a ‘distortion of activity’ by the force to achieve crime statistic targets. 25% of crimes recorded as ‘no-crimes’ were wrongly classified, among them rapes and robberies. The Guardian reported nine Essex women died despite contact with Essex police, a force that had previously been the subject of highly-critical reports. On Monday the Home Office announced undercover police are to face tighter regulation following officers having sexual relationships with their targets and adopting the identities of dead children. Also on Tuesday in West Yorkshire a corrupt detective who stole enormous amounts of seized drugs to sell them back on to the streets was jailed for 23 years. Pray: for our police force, Lord lead them not into temptation, but deliver them from evil. Amen. (Am.5:24) More: RC midwives to face abortion objection ruling challenge Two Roman Catholic midwives with conscientious objections to abortion who won their case against the NHS may now face a further legal challenge. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has announced it will appeal Scotland’s supreme civil court ruling that Mary Doogan and Connie Wood would not have to delegate, supervise or support staff involved in abortions. Pro-life group the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) backed the midwives’ legal fight. SPUC’s General Secretary Paul Tully said: ‘We are disappointed, particularly for Connie and Mary, as this means prolonging this lengthy case even further’. (See Prayer Alert 18-2013) Pray: that this challenge to the nurses' objections will be stopped and the previous result upheld. (Job.5:8) More: 'There is no Christian vision without a recovery of prayer' The Bishop of London Dr Richard Chartres has delivered a challenging message to Christians about the need for the Church to be confident in living and speaking the gospel, and being compassionate in serving communities. He was delivering a lecture in Westminster hosted by Premier Christian Media Trust and titled 'Building Jerusalem in England's green and pleasant land'. ‘There is no Christian vision without a recovery of prayer,’ he said. ‘One of the weaknesses of the contemporary church is that it gives its members very little help in how to pray.’ In addition to the need for prayer, Dr Chartres also mentioned how ‘re-engaging with the Bible’ is also essential in creating a ‘fresh Christian vision’. ‘All renewal movements within the history of the Church have been associated with a fresh engagement with Scripture,’ he continued. Pray: that the Church will take up the challenge and engage in prayer. (Ps.54:2) More: Buckingham Palace dragged into row over gay marriage in Parliament Buckingham Palace is being consulted over proposals to change a historic Parliamentary chapel into a multi-denominational room so that it can be used to conduct same sex marriages. MP Chris Bryant proposed that St Mary Undercroft in Westminster be turned into a ‘multi-faith’ space to allow some minority groups to perform same sex weddings in Parliament. The move would require the Church of England to break its ties with the Anglican chapel through legislation brought forward by Parliament or the Church’s General Synod. The demand has the support of John Bercow, the Speaker, putting him in opposition to the Archbishop of Canterbury who is being kept informed of the row by parliamentary officials. The Queen’s private secretary Sir Christopher Geidt is being consulted over the plans which are strongly backed by Equalities Minister. Permission from the Queen will be needed for the plans to go ahead due to her role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Pray: the Queen will not be asked to take any action that would go against her coronation oath to maintain in the Church of England, the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government by law established in England. (ITim.2:1-4) More: Safeguard Children This article is not an advertisement for the Sunday Times Campaign to Safeguard Children, however the initiative needs our prayers to protect it as it gains momentum across the nation. The grim statistics of Child pornography are 36% of the internet is pornography; 1 in 4 search queries is about porn; A third of all downloads are porn; Online porn makes $3,000 a second; Latest child victim is 16 year old Charlie Booth who shot himself after receiving a police warning for sexting a girl. Following on from their Symposium last week, The Sunday Times launched a campaign to safeguard children from online pornography. This is intended to increase public pressure on the Government as it goes into talks with the search engines and Internet Service Providers (ISP's): there was a Summit hosted by the Culture Secretary Maria Miller Tuesday during the G8 summit. Pray: that the Sunday Times campaign will achieve all it has set out to do, pray also for the Culture Secretary Rt.Hon Maria Miller as she speaks out on this issue. (Ps12:6-8) More: Pray for the Armed Forces The senior chaplains in the Armed Forces, together with the Armed Forces, bishops are encouraging congregations throughout the country to remember the men and women of the Armed Forces in their prayers, particularly on the Sunday after the Armed Forces Day. This is an important development of the vision of the Military Christian Organisations to get the nation praying, individually, in organisations, fellowships and churches in intercession for our Armed Forces and in support of our Chaplains. We are asked to pray that Churches throughout the nation will include prayer for the Armed Forces on Sunday 30 June following the Armed Forces Day and that this will become set into the church calendar. Pray: for a nation-wide focus on the Armed Forces during the week leading up to this day and that Christians throughout the country will be praying daily for them. (1Th 5:16-18) More: Increase in sexually transmitted infections in 2012 Last year saw a five per cent increase in new diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections. According to data published by Public Health England today, figures rose from 428,255 in 2011 to 448,422 in 2012. PHE said the increase was mostly due to improved data collection. However, it warned that the continuing high rates of STI in England ‘suggest too many people are still putting themselves at risk through unsafe sex’. It said this was particularly the case among young adults and men who have sex with men (MSM). With 206,912 new diagnoses last year, chlamydia remains the most common STI diagnosis. New cases of gonorrhoea rose 21% overall, from 21,024 in 2011 to 25,525 in 2012. The MSM community saw a 37% increase in gonorrhoea diagnoses. Under-25s experienced the highest rates of STI, accounting for 64% of chlamydia and 54% of genital warts diagnoses among heterosexuals in 2012. Pray: that this growth in STI’s will be reversed. (Ps.38:3) More: Return to Top
	France: Mayor faces jail for gay wedding refusal A French mayor is facing up to five years in prison and a fine of up to £63,000 for declining to carry out a same-sex marriage. Jean-Michel Colo, a mayor in South West France, rejected a wedding application from two men and says he stands by his decision. But under French law, discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation can be punishable by up to half a decade in prison and up to a 75,000 Euro fine. He could also be removed from office, or face suspension over the move – which is being supported by his deputies. Mayor Colo said while it is up to individuals what they do in the privacy of their own homes, ‘if you ask me as the mayor to support it, then I am very uncomfortable with it’. Speaking to a French newspaper, the French Interior Minister said elected officials ‘who do not respect the laws of the republic will risk significant sanctions’. (See Prayer Alert 17-2013) Pray: for Jean-Michel that he will be given the strength to stand by his decision and receive support for his beliefs. (Lev.20.13a) More: Belgium: Considers euthanasia for children Belgium’s federal parliament is close to introducing a ‘right to die’ for sick children, according to reports in a Belgian newspaper. Der Morgen has said that a consensus is forming around proposed legislation which would allow children, whose situation is deemed dire enough, to opt for euthanasia. Euthanasia is already legal in Belgium. A law legalising the practice was introduced in 2002 but restricted it to people aged 18 or over. If the law passes, Belgium would become the first country to legalise euthanasia for children. The bill was introduced in December by the Socialist Party. It would lay out guidelines for doctors to assess on a case by case basis whether a child is mature enough to make the decision to end their life and whether the child’s illness is serious enough to warrant euthanasia. Leader of the Socialist party, Thierry Giet, said: ‘The idea is to update the law to take better account of dramatic situations.’ (See also Prayer Alert 01-2013) Pray: that these proposed changes will not be accepted. (Ps.119:126) More: Return to Top
	NIGERIA: Islamists drive farmers from their land Islamic militants have driven 19,000 rice farmers from their land in northeast Nigeria while a military crackdown is preventing thousands more from working their fields, raising fears of imminent food shortages adding to the misery in northeast Nigeria. The abandoned area is fertile, a regional bread basket created by the receding waters of Lake Chad. General hunger is anticipated this year because all roads linking the cities to the farming hinterlands have been closed down. Farmers have been locked out of their lands while those in the hinterland cannot come to the city for tractors or labourers for the next cropping. Meanwhile violence continues with 13 people killed when extremists attacked a boarding school for five hours in Damataru state capital on Sunday night. A student who survived by hiding under a bed said dozens of Boko Haram ordered students to take them to the teachers’ quarters, where they opened fire on teachers and students. Pray: for an end to the attacks that are terrorizing the population of northeast Nigeria; for minimum violence as troops are deployed. (Ps.68:28) More: Iran: A 'victory for moderation' says new President President Hassan Rouhani said, ‘a new opportunity has been created for those who truly respect democracy, interaction and free dialogue.’ He oversees an Iran whose social and economic situation is deteriorating, unemployment rising, inflation at unprecedented levels and many combining several jobs because the wage does not counterbalance inflation. There’s an increasing gap between rich and poor. Workers have no right to organise freely. Attempts to establish independent trade unions have been harshly repressed and labour leaders imprisoned on charges including ‘acting against national security’ and ‘spreading propaganda against the system.’ Over 50% of the population live under the poverty line. White House spokesman Jay Carney stopped short of congratulating Mr Rouhani urging him instead to heed the will of the Iranian people. ‘We respect the vote of the Iranian people and congratulate them for their participation in the political process,’ he added. This week on 20th June at Iranian embassies worldwide there will be demonstrations for imprisoned Pastor Saeed Abedini and human rights abuses. See also: http://www.fidh.org/iran-rising-poverty-declining-labour-rig hts-13403 Pray: that Mr Rouhani's change in style would address poverty, human rights issues and be flexible in dialogue towards the US and key UN Security Council members. (Mat.12:20) More: Tanzania: More violence alarms through Church On the Zanzibar archipelago, Islamic militants bent on wiping out all Christians from the islands have burnt and looted churches and threatened persecuted Christians with death. The push for the spread of Islam is less violent but equally persistent on the mainland. If successful, it could threaten the presence of the Church on the Zanzibar archipelago. Over the last year violence has been steadily increasing while at the same time becoming more public. Last month a deadly church bombing occurred with more violence continuing on into this month. Two weeks ago the home of Pastor Robert Ngai in north-eastern Tanzania was broken into by a large group of radical Muslims with machetes. The pastor received serious cuts on his hands and arms when he raised them to protect his head from the blows. Local doctors said the injuries were beyond their ability to treat and he was rushed to a larger city hospital. Tanzania is a Christian majority country with a substantial Muslim population with a strong Islamist drive toward the Tanzanian ‘House of Islam.’ Pray: that pressure from Islamic extremists will be resisted and freedom of religion protected. Pray for protection for church leaders on Zanzibar and Pemba islands. Pray that Christians will have courage to share God’s love with Muslims. (Ps.20:1) More: Brazil: Protests catch authorities on the back foot On June 13th the NY Times reported, ‘Protests by an increasingly forceful movement against increases in bus fares shook Brazil’s two largest cities on Thursday night, the fourth time in a week that activists have taken to the streets in demonstrations that have been marked by clashes with security forces.’ Since then the violence has steadily worsened to encompass more than 100,000 people sweeping through at least a dozen major cities on Monday night. Protesters are calling for better public services and an end to corruption. With organisers planning further protests the authorities appear to be uncertain what to do next. Police in some regions cracked down hard. Pray: for President Dilma Rousseff to recognize what steps to take in addressing corruption, and ending the demonstrations peacefully. (Ps.17:19-20) More: Afghanistan: Taliban open door to peace talks The Taliban set the stage for peace talks with envoys of President Hamid Kharzai and the US, establishing a venue and an opening to the Afghan leadership just hours after Kabul took over nationwide security responsibilities. US Taliban discussions in Qatar on Thursday follow the Taliban opening a political office on Tuesday in Doha and making a gesture toward renouncing links to international terrorism. Until now the Taliban have publicly refused to negotiate with Kabul's representatives, dismissing Mr. Kharzai as an American ‘puppet.’ On Tuesday the insurgent group said its representatives in Doha would meet Afghans ‘in due appropriate time.’ The Taliban announced the office opening (the result of lengthy behind-the-scenes negotiations involving the US, Pakistan, Mr. Kharzai and Qatar) shortly after the US-led coalition formally transferred the security lead to Afghan forces. The coalition will now shift to a support and advisory role. Pray: for this important step toward reconciliation to move forward without cultural, constitutional, political or religious hindrances. Pray for an end to verbal and physical warfare. (Ac.2:40) More: Canada: Government prayer Sunday On 30th June Churches across Canada will enter into their 7th annual ‘Government Prayer Sunday’ and unite in intercession for their government, their Christian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and the provinces. A number of the provinces have become battlegrounds needing national and international prayer support. Manitoba has proposed anti-bullying legislation, Ontario has radical sex-education and Quebec has euthanasia legislation and the proposed Charter of Secularism. June is when the big ‘Pride’ marches occur in Vancouver and Toronto. We are asked to pray for the love of God to be revealed to the Gay/Lesbian community. May the Canadian Church respond with bold love while holding to the biblical position of sexuality. Pray also for First Peoples' Leaders to have wisdom, grace and protection. Pray also for the Church to have a garment of praise settle upon them and for new strength and anointing as they lift the name of Jesus over every region on the 30th. Pray: For the Lord's presence in all government decisions, pray also for the Canadian Church to experience a fresh level of unity in prayer and declaration. (Ps.18:13-14) More: Bangladesh: 100+ Muslims attack Christians Two recent incidents have left priests and seminary students severely beaten. On June 5th Muslim extremists went to Tumilia mission and attacked Fr. Abel when he came out of his room. Some say they went with the intention of robbing the property, however International Christian Concern confirm it was ‘targeted persecution by Muslims on Christians.’ On June 6th a Muslim man died from a heart attack during a conflict regarding trespassing by Muslims on Christian land to steal mangos. Blaming the Christians for the man's death, the Muslims attacked the entire village. Two villagers fled to the Catholic Church's mission compound. A Muslim mob of 100+ armed with weapons stormed the compound. The police arrested some Christians but did not take any action against the Muslims who were trespassing on Catholic land. The priests are afraid to do anything against the perpetrators. Muslim extremists are protected by the Muslim ruling party. Pray: for the Bangladesh Christians living without security from the government, pray God’s protection over them. Pray for an end to attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh. (Ps.102:28) More: Source: Prayer Alert - World Prayer Centre UK