Iceland: Revival in Iceland: ‘It's like a child has been born’

Despite a huge, concerted effort by homosexual activists to derail Franklin Graham's Festival of Hope, dramatic testimonies from thousands reveal tears, brokenness, salvation - assurance of a ‘new beginning’ for Iceland. Last Sunday, as Icelanders responded to a Gospel message from Franklin Graham, an emotional night left tears of joy and real hope for a revival to sweep this nation. ‘It was like a child has been born in many ways,’ said Ragnar Gunnarsson, Festival of Hope director. ‘This is what we have been praying for. It means a lot for Iceland,’ Festival of Hope committee chairman Ómar Kristjánsson said. ‘This will be a new beginning.’ After two Festival of Hope nights - and nearly 6,000 in attendance - one question lingered as Icelanders filed out, spiritually charged from a weekend filled with a top-notch choir, a plethora of local artists, two Michael W. Smith worship concerts and hundreds of new believers. Is this the start of revival?

Praise:

God for His blessings and pray that the many new beginnings will establish strong roots. (Ps.5:12)

Update on the Welsh Outpouring

There are updates from Victory Church Cwmbran on their Facebook page. The Prayer Bulletin reports ‘we are now well past the four month mark and new people are still flooding through the doors every evening! It’s amazing to witness God drawing people to experience this wonderful outpouring of God. In the last two nights, 45 people have come to Jesus Christ and put their faith in Him! We rejoice in this and praise Him for all that He is continuing to do. A whole family from India have been coming to the Outpouring and each time bringing more and more friends and relatives with them!’ One lady writes: ‘Last night was incredible at Victory. Even though I was saved 4 years ago, I have still been suffering from depression, due to abuse as a child. Last night Jesus told me that the ‘pain had gone, there is no more suffering’. I feel free and cleansed. Thank you Jesus.’ (See Prayer Alerts 19-20-22-25-28&32)

Praise:

God for His ongoing blessing at Cwmbran. (Ps.112:1)

Families face ‘assault’ from SNP state guardian plan

Parents’ responsibilities would come under attack from a Scottish Government plan to allocate a state guardian for all children, an MSP has said. Liz Smith said the proposal implies it is the state, rather than parents and families, that has the primary obligation for looking after children. The ‘named person’ idea, contained in the Children and Young People Bill, has already been criticised as ‘unhealthy’ and potentially illegal. Now Scottish Conservative young people spokeswoman Liz Smith has said: ‘Implicit in this proposal to have a named person for every child is the insistence that the state has the primary obligation to look after children, rather than the parents and families. That is entirely the wrong way round.’ She also said the idea ‘threatens to take away resources from those children who are the most vulnerable’.

Pray:

for the Scottish Government to focus on protecting vulnerable children rather than assuming responsibility for all. (Mtt.20:25-26)

Jubilee Debt Campaign calls for a 'Jubilee for Justice'

Over 10,000 people have signed the Jubilee Debt campaign petition for a ‘Jubilee for Justice’ calling for cancellation of the unjust debts of the most indebted nations, the promotion of just and progressive taxation policies, and an end to harmful lending which forces countries into debt. At the start of 2013, over 400 faith leaders signed a similar letter to the Prime Minister calling for the same three things to tackle the global debt crisis. The Prime Minister’s response to the faith leaders said that ‘Freeing developing countries from their debt service payments frees up vital resources that can be used to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals’ and that the UK had been doing this through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. The organisation has now written to the Prime Minister again, with six concrete proposals of how the UK government could cancel unjust debts, promote just taxation and control lending.

Pray:

for world Governments and the IMF to recognise the need for debt cancellation and ending unjust taxation. (Lev.25:28)

Christian street preacher arrested again in Scotland

A church minister in Scotland has been arrested for the second time in a week while street preaching. The Rev Josh Williamson was arrested last week for ‘breach of the peace’ and again on Saturday in relation to the same charge. Both arrests occurred while he was preaching on Perth High Street. After his arrest on Saturday, he was to be held in custody until Monday but was instead released at 9.30pm on Saturday evening after being held for over five hours in the cells. Mr Williamson said that although he had been released, he was unsure as to whether this was the end of police action against him. ‘It is hard to tell you what is going to happen as we don't know,’ he told ChristianToday.com. ‘At this stage I have been released while the police assess if they will charge me. I just have to wait to see what happens.’ (See also Prayer Alert 39; 37; 31 & 28-2013)

Pray:

for Mr Williamson and other street preachers that they will continue to stand up against pressure from the authorities. (1Cor.9:18)

Christian doctor sacked for emailing a prayer to cheer up colleagues

A Christian doctor who was sacked because he emailed a prayer to his colleagues has claimed hospital managers targeted him as an NHS whistleblower after he lost an appeal against his dismissal. Consultant paediatrician Dr David Drew, 65, sent a 16th-century prayer by St Ignatius Loyola around his department in April 2009, hoping it would be motivational. Dr Drew, who had an unblemished 37-year career in the NHS, was told to ‘keep his religious beliefs to himself’ by a review panel, which was called to investigate his conduct in March 2010. After refusing to accept their findings, he was sacked from Walsall Manor Hospital, where he worked as a clinical director. Today the father-of-four, who lives in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, with his wife Janet, 63, said the email had been used as a smokescreen to push him out of his post. (See also Prayer Alert 14-2012)

Pray:

for Dr Drew - that his faith will stand firm against those who wish to get him dismissed. (Ps.119:84)

'Bionic man' warns of ethical minefield

Bertolt Meyer, the academic known as ‘the bionic man’, said yesterday that scientists and engineers should not be allowed to launch some technological advances on the open market without a prior ethical debate. Meyer, a key speaker at the first FutureFest event last weekend, has had a cutting-edge £40,000 artificial lower arm and hand since 2009. He queried whether the public ought to let the laws of supply and demand decide how the human race moves towards a probable ‘bionic’ future; a time where the bodies of those with access and money can be enhanced and augmented. ‘We are reaching the point where people with artificial limbs may have an advantage. It they start to appeal to everyone, a mass market will develop,’ he said. Engineers on the frontline of research are not always prepared to think through the impact of their work and the ethical dilemmas involved, he argued.

Pray:

for a considered international debate about the ethics and availability of developments in human bionics. (1Cor.6:19-20)

UK A&Es seeing 'drunk children'

Nearly 300 children aged 11 or under were admitted to A&E units across the UK last year after drinking too much, a BBC Radio 5 live investigation shows. Revealing UK-wide data for the first time, it said a total of 6,500 under-18s were admitted in 2012-13. Among teens, more girls than boys are now being admitted, a reversal of the past trend. Morten Draegebo, an A&E consultant at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, said children were exposing themselves to significant danger. Elaine Hindal, chief executive of Drinkaware, said the incidence of drunkenness among under-11s was ‘really alarming’ and parents must be vigilant. ‘It's really unlikely that children are buying alcohol. When children tell us they get alcohol from home, primarily from their parents and from friends,’she said. 'But parents need to simply be aware of the dangers of drinking, particularly with younger children. Their bodies can't take it, they're more at risk of alcoholic poisoning and are more likely to be a victim of alcohol-related violence.’

Pray:

for a greater awareness of this problem, especially by parents and also for better advice to children about the dangers of drinking. (Jn.14:27)

Channel 4 to feature couples having sex in a box

Three couples, including a gay couple, will have sex in a box in front of a studio audience as part of a new Channel 4 series. But the broadcaster has been accused of grabbing ratings under a cover of trying to counteract the ‘explosion of online pornography’ During the programme, to be aired on 7 October, volunteer couples will be interviewed by presenter Mariella Frostrup after they have had sex in a sound-proofed and opaque cube. Comedian Bridget Christie highlighted that showing more sex ‘isn’t necessarily the answer’ to the problem of pornography. She said: ‘How to boost your ratings while pretending to help society? Fight sex with sex!’ And relationships expert Donna Dawson said in a BBC Radio 5 Live interview that this is an ‘extremely unnatural’ situation, and is being shown simply to excite viewers.

Pray:

that this show will not over-glorify voyeurism as so many Channel 4 shows do. (1Th.4:3)

France: Woman arrested for alleged Al Qaeda Links

On Tuesday officers with France's DCRI domestic intelligence agency arrested a 21 year old Paris woman, at her apartment in the working-class Belleville district of Paris, who is suspected of possible links to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. She was arrested as part of an investigation by anti-terror officers into a case of ‘criminal association in connection with a terrorist enterprise.’ Based in Yemen, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is considered one of the deadliest franchises of the international militant network. We are asked to pray against recruitment tactics by terrorist organisations at the time of Hajj. See item 3 World Article

Pray:

against all attempts to radicalize young Western Muslims in Islamic communities across the world; and may the seekers of God and His Ways be touched by the Holy Trinity. (Jn.14:6)

European pro-life initiative gains one million supporters

An initiative to propose to the European Parliament a ban on the funding of embryo-destructive policies has gained one million signatures, ensuring the proposal will be received at the legislature, reports Catholic News Agency. The initiative, ‘One of Us,’ seeks to 'protect the dignity, the right to life and the integrity of every human being for all human persons at all stages of development,' according to the organizers' website. The proposal is a European citizens’ initiative, which is a means for EU citizens to introduce proposed legislation to the EU Parliament. In announcing this legislative proposal process, the European Commission has stated that in order to be introduced to the parliament, citizens’ initiatives must receive more than one million signatures from EU citizens, and a minimum number of signatures from at least seven of the 27 countries in the EU within a year of their introduction.

Pray:

that the success of this initiative will just be a beginning leading to right to life legislation.

INSIGHT: Iran’s change in direction?

On Saturday President Hassan Rouhani returned from America and was cheered at Tehran airport by his supporters praising him for reaching out to President Obama. This was followed by hard-line protesters hurling eggs and a shoe at him and blocking the road by praying on the pavement. The incident illustrates the tensions in Iran as Mr. Rouhani attempts to begin to heal the rift between Iran and the West through a historic trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/world/middleeast/clashes-a s-iranian-president-returns-to-tehran.html?hp Three days later the Israeli Prime Minister addressed the UN General Assembly, stating that the new Iranian President is a ‘wolf in sheep's clothing’ who is seeking to mislead the world about the country's nuclear programme. For historical events, and recent incidents to help you discern some of the roots that have shaped Iran’s attitudes and values click the MORE link for this week’s INSIGHT article.

Pray:

for change in Iran, for leaders to embrace God’s transforming purposes for the region. May President Rouhani be used by God as Cyrus king of Persia was used and appointed in ancient times to build not tear down God’s provision. (2 Chron.36:23 & Dan.6:26)

Israel: Prayer vigil for Jerusalem - October 6th 2013

God is stirring the hearts of His people to pray for both Jew and Arab in Jerusalem in response to what is happening in the world today. This Sunday tens of millions of Christians in literally every corner of this planet will unite for the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem (DPPJ). The multinational, multi-denominational global prayer movement was started in 2002 by Evangelical Christian leaders with the statement, ‘We are gathering together in Jerusalem during the season of the High Holidays and declaring that Christians will continue to pray for G-d’s peace to come to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. We will remind G-d of His promises, and we will remind Israel’s detractors that Israel is not alone.’ In 2013 this prayer call has come from more than 1,200 global leaders. To view a partial list of these leaders go to: http://www.daytopray.com/difference/resolution/leaders

Pray:

that many will join the Global chorus of prayer - for God surely hears the cry of His intercessors, and praise God for a Church in Unity. (Ps.122:6-7).

Mecca: Hajj October 13th to 15th

Once a year, Muslims of every ethnic group, colour, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca to stand before the Kaaba praising Allah. It is a ritual designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by presenting everyone as equal in the eyes of Allah. The Hajj is designed to make Muslims feel the importance of life here on earth and the afterlife by stripping away all markers of social status, wealth and pride. In the Hajj all are considered truly equal. The Hajjis or pilgrims wear simple white clothes, perform acts of worship and they renew their sense of purpose in the world. Christians are invited to pray throughout the Hajj for the millions of Muslims from all over the world who will flock to Mecca to perform the rituals and follow the steps of Muhammad their prophet. For a prayer guide and brief prayer video click on the MORE link.

Pray:

for seekers to encounter ‘The Son and the radiance of God’s glory’ and see ‘the exact representation of Him who sustains all things by his powerful word’ as they discover God's provision for the purification from sins. (Heb. 1:3)

Pakistan: Christians need more protection

Following the latest double suicide bombings of two churches, protests and vigils have taken place across Pakistan demanding better protection. Local authorities have been accused of not following up on previous bomb threats or taking any action to protect the community preceding the attack. UK human rights organization ‘Global Minorities Alliance’ said, ‘the government has failed to protect the minorities’ and similar comments came from the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales who agree that the Pakistani Government must do more to protect Christians who show great courage in giving witness to their faith in the midst of terrorists' violent ideology. Release International appealed to Christians in the UK to stand by their persecuted Pakistani brothers and sisters and added, ‘Pakistan must take immediate and effective action to protect its Christian minority.

Pray:

for all who were bereaved and those who were injured or live in fear because of the tragedy. Pray also for all who are being attacked and killed simply because of their faith. (1Cor.4:12)

Nigeria: Aftermath of innocents killed in cold blood

Last Sunday Boko Haram attacked the College of Agriculture in a dawn raid. Innocent pupils were gunned down in cold blood while still in their beds. Amnesty International stated that the attacks on schools had become more vicious and brutal since the beginning of 2013. Several trucks of soldiers have moved into the area and soldiers are also fighting the insurgents at one border community between Borno and Yobe states where the terrorists burnt a Dangote truck and killed seven people. Military officials confirmed that fighting is still going on between the terrorists and the men of the Joint Task Force in a forest area between Yobe and Borno states where the terrorists were sighted. Trade union, religious and traditional institutions are calling political and opinion leaders in the northeast to intervene urgently to end the cycle of barbaric violence by the sect.

Pray:

for all in authority throughout Nigeria to be empowered with God’s wisdom and discernment, covered with His protection and enabled to overcome the evil attacking the country at this time. (Ro.12:21)

USA: Divided

The US government has shutdown because of the stubbornness of the executive branch, the President and Congress not being able to agree on the budget and the debt level. The GOP (Grand Old Party = Republican) is almost two parties these days - the standard Republicans and tea party Republicans. While not polar opposites, the factions have different approaches to changing government. Both want to cut federal spending, but for the tea party defunding the president's signature health care law and slashing deficit spending are causes worth staking a political career on. On Tuesday the president said it was ‘strange that one party would make keeping people uninsured the centerpiece of their agenda.’ The shutdown could cost the still-struggling U.S. economy about $1 billion a week in pay, a three- to four-week shutdown would cost the economy $55 billion. These things are important on the world scene and to the United States and its role within the world and the stability of the current world order.

Pray:

that this high-stakes game of political chicken will not further damage American or Global economy. Pray for God to anoint His leaders with the wisdom and humility needed at this time. (Mat.5:9)

Global: Climate change

A UN report on global warming suggests Britain's climate could cool in the next 80 years. The Intergovernmental Panel gave a clear prediction of global warming affecting currents in the Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf Stream will weaken by 20% to 44% by the end of the century. The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the equator to the west coast of Britain, making the country’s climate warmer than it otherwise would be. Such a Gulf Stream cooling will cause a 1.8F drop in Britain and disrupt weather patterns. As long ago as 2007 a UN report stated, ‘Up to a billion people in Asia could be adversely affected by global climate change, 400 million people could struggle to find drinking water, farmers would not be able to irrigate their land, Hydro-electric power stations would generate less electricity and India's economic growth could be affected as India could be one of the big losers from climate change.’ See: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6532127.stm

Pray:

for international governments to consider scientists' warnings when making decisions that could impact the weather. (Ps.24:1-4)