North Korea: Report from one growing church

The following is a report from a North Korean Church. 'Christian families have grown from nine to fifteen families. Thanks to your generous offering from Cornerstone Ministries International we have purchased an independent home where we can meet together without being discovered. We are bearing fruit according to the seeds that were sown. But we are still very nervous and fearful of being caught. Therefore your prayers are constantly needed.'

Praise:

God for establishing His churches in North Korea in the midst of difficult circumstances. (Rev.2:3)

USA: Native American Christian TV network launched

An influential Native American Christian leader has created a new television network for Native American Christians called the ‘Native Waves Network.’ ‘It is up to the leaders of the native tribes to help our people recognise their gifts and callings and to prepare them to share the new direction for the entire nation,’ says Dr Negiel Bigpond, founder of Two Rivers Native American Training Centre. Bigpond is a fourth-generation minister who has shared the Gospel in 140 native reservations. Charisma magazine named him one of the ten most influential Christian leaders of 2006. On the Two Rivers Training Centre campus, about 15 miles south of Tulsa, Oklahoma, they recently completed a high-definition production studio. A Christian spiritual element already pervades the atmosphere in the studio and will be central to their productions. Television series are planned to bring greater hope, reconciliation, opportunity, cultural preservation and development of music and the arts.

Praise:

God for this new TV network.

Connecting churches and schools on Education Sunday

Christian education charity ‘Transforming Lives for Good’ (TLG) is looking forward to celebrating Education Sunday on 16 February, a day during which churches are encouraged to pray specifically for education in the UK. 74 per cent of British Churches currently involved in youth work, TLG aims to inspire and strengthen this connection through helping to establish long-lasting partnerships between schools, churches and their local communities. By 1785, an estimated 250,000 English children were regularly attending Sunday School. In fact until the 19th century almost all schools that existed were run by the church. TLG is excited to share with modern day churches about how they can help and support children who are struggling. Congregations will be offered practical ways to meet the needs of the marginalised in their own communities and will be encouraged to consider how they might be able to offer their time and resources.

Pray:

that the Church will take up the challenge to support the educational needs of the community. (Pr.9:9)

The 'disconnect' between the Church and men

Two of the largest Christian ministries in the UK have entered into a 10-year partnership with the vision of seeing one million men engage with the Church by 2024. Christian Vision for Men (CVM) and Premier Christian Media will be collaborating on campaigns to engage men with the good news of Jesus, encouraging churches to set up men's groups and make the ordinary man feel more welcome. Carl Beech, director of CVM, will become a media spokesperson on men's ministry within Premier, and a 2,000 seater men's event is being planned to take place in central London in 2015. ‘It is well known that men seem to require more time to respond to the Christian message than women, and take an average five years to come to a position of faith after first hearing the Gospel,’ says Peter Kerridge, chief executive of Premier Christian Media.

Pray:

for many more men to engage with the Christian faith. (Eph.1:13)

British children no longer know Bible stories

Research from the Bible Society has revealed that around half of children are growing up unfamiliar with Bible stories like Adam and Eve and David and Goliath. The research, carried out by YouGov, was released in a report published today by the Bible Society as part of the launch for its 'Pass it on' campaign calling on parents to keep the Bible alive for future generations. The research reveals that there is a growing generation gap of Bible literacy in Britain despite 43% of parents believing it is important for their child to have read, seen or heard Bible stories because they provide values for a good life. Similarly, 40% think they are important to the nation's history and culture, and over a third (36%) say they are classic stories that stand the test of time. Just 12% of parents surveyed said it was not important for children to read, see or hear Bible stories.

Pray:

for many more children to be given the opportunity to hear a full range of Bible stories. (Dt.6:7)

Charity Commission ‘not fit for purpose’, MPs warn

The Charity Commission is ‘performing poorly’, has ‘no coherent strategy’ and is ‘not fit for purpose’, a House of Commons Committee has said. One MP accused the Commission of ‘going after’ a Brethren church, but allowing a ‘terrorist organisation’ to continue, in the Committee’s evidence session last year. The Public Accounts Committee said the Commission ‘continues to perform poorly and is still failing to regulate charities effectively’. The Commission had previously refused to register a Brethren church for charitable status, criticising its position on Holy Communion. That decision came under fire in 2012, with Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke accusing the Commission of suppressing religion. Margaret Hodge MP, who chairs the Committee, said it had found that ‘the Charity Commission is not fit for purpose’. She said that when investigating alleged abuses it ‘too often fails to verify or challenge the claims made. Some of the most serious case of abuse have not been properly investigated’.

Pray:

for the Charity Commission to improve its work so that the public can have greater confidence in its decision making. (Jer.20:11)

Majority of teachers are prepared to educate children about porn

Out of the 451 Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) members surveyed, 40 per cent said the young people they work with have already viewed porn, and 75 per cent said the biggest effect of this was a use of sexually explicit language. It led to more than three-quarters of teachers saying the dangers of pornography should be taught in an age-appropriate manner to pupils, as either part of sex and relationships education (SRE), or personal, social and health education (PSHE). Andrew Simpson, a secondary teacher in an academy in Kent, said: ‘I believe this is the biggest threat to young people today and, unfortunately, we have not kept up with technology and have let young people down. The Government must tackle this issue if they don't want to see the concerning behaviours continue into adulthood.’ Of the teachers surveyed, 55 per cent would be prepared to teach the topic themselves if they received specific training.

Pray:

for discussion and consultation on this issue so that a quality curriculum led by well-trained teachers could address the dangers of pornography. (1Co.6:8)

Jersey: Deanery split: 'Cooling-off period' needed says rector

Jersey's longest-serving Anglican rector is warning that a split between the Deanery of Jersey and its mainland diocese could damage the Church of England in the island. In January, it was announced the Channel Islands were to split with the Diocese of Winchester. Now the Reverend Dr Anthony Swindell has called for a ‘cooling-off period’ before any permanent changes are made. For now, the Bishop of Dover will oversee the islands. The rector of St Saviour's Church, Dr Swindell said there were lots of ‘possible solutions if we really want to be connected to a Diocese in England, which could presumably absorb a tiny deanery, which is what we are. We need to take a deep breath and wait. There's no hurry, it's possible to have a cooling-off period and we do not need to rush into an unproven structure.’ Mr Swindell warned islanders that 500 years of history between Jersey and Winchester should not be thrown away lightly.

Pray:

that those who are responsible for the decision will be guided by the Spirit. May God’s will be done! (Mt.6:10)

Italy: Migrant influx incessant and massive, says minister

More than 2,000 migrants landed on Italian shores in January, the government says, compared to just 217 in the same month last year. Deputy Interior Minister Filippo Bubbico said that a total of 42,925 migrants reached Italy by sea last year, an increase of 325% on 2012. The figures do not include migrants who died making the perilous sea crossing. Last October more than 400 people drowned in two shipwrecks near the island of Lampedusa, the closest Italian territory to North Africa. Italy has been seeking help from other EU states to deal with the migrant influx. ‘In 2013, Italy was subjected to an incessant and massive influx of migrants from North Africa and the Middle East,’ Mr Bubbico told parliament. He said that a total of 2,925 vessels of various shapes and sizes landed on Italian shores last year, carrying about 43,000 people, including nearly 4,000 children.

Pray:

for the continuing influx of migrants and for the authorities handling the situation. (Ps.10:12)

Russia: Gunman 'kills two' inside Sakhalin cathedral

A gunman has opened fire inside a cathedral on the eastern Russian island of Sakhalin, killing a nun and a churchgoer, say reports. Six other people were wounded in the incident - most were said to have been shot in the legs and were not critically hurt. An employee at a private security firm was detained at the scene in the main city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The motives of the man, who is said to be about 25 years- old, was not clear. There was no apparent link to the Winter Olympics taking place in Sochi about 7,500km (4,700 miles) to the west. The Investigative Committee - Russia's main federal investigating authority - said psychiatrists would try to determine the suspect's mental condition, reported Reuters News Agency. Reuters quoted the regional leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Tikhon, as saying a prayer service would be held at the cathedral later on Sunday.

Pray:

that the authorities will discover the reason for this shooting and stop any further incidents. (Ps.5:11b)

USA: Proposed new sanctions on Iran

Recently Iran began halting the most controversial elements of its nuclear programme as part of a landmark deal struck with world powers in Geneva. The deal ended a decade-old crisis, based on Iran not being honest about its nuclear programme (which became public in 2002, when an opposition group revealed discreet construction of a uranium enrichment plant and a heavy-water reactor). This week fifty-nine senators have co-sponsored bill S1881, a critical bipartisan legislation to keep the pressure on Iran and impose new sanctions. Similar legislation has already passed the House of Representatives. If this bill were ever brought for a vote it would pass the Senate by a wide margin. The Obama Administration said this bill will kill diplomacy with Iran and the President has called it a ‘march to war’ since it will effectively end nuclear talks. (See: http://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th/senate-bill/1881/text )

Pray:

for American politics to take a back seat to American and global security. (Ps.2:10-11)

Kenya: Terrorists targeting Christian pastors

‘We as pastors in Mombasa are living in fear. Pastors are being eliminated one by one.’ said a Christian leader requesting anonymity for security reasons. ‘We need prayers that the church will survive these attacks. We are being targeted by radical Muslims.’ Al-Shabaab terrorists are suspected of killing 59 year-old assistant pastor Kazungu Kadenge at his Church last week. Area Christians believe hard-line Muslims were upset at Kadenge for evangelizing near the mosque and for informing authorities about security threats. Police said gunfire from the mosque was directed at them before they fired live rounds and tear gas in the assault on the site. Some youths raised the black flag of Al-Shabaab at the mosque that day. A police official said, ‘This is not a mosque for prayers but a base for recruiting Muslim youths to engage in terrorist activities.’ (Al-Shabaab took responsibility for the Westgate Shopping Mall atrocity in 2013 which killed 67 and dozens still unaccounted for).

Pray:

against the rise of Al-Shabaab activities in Kenya, (Ps.42:9) for the authorities to have the discernment and wisdom needed to tackle this threat to their country and for the Church to be protected .(Ps.42:11)

Syria: Aid mission stalls amid talks deadlock

On Tuesday at a US Senate hearing James Clapper the National Intelligence Director, said he was convinced that documents alleging torture and murder in the Syria conflict were authentic. ‘They're terrible. And when you consider the humanitarian disaster in addition to the 2.5 million refugees, the seven million that are internally displaced, the 134,000 plus people that have been killed, it is an apocalyptic disaster.’ Tuesday’s peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition began with a minutes silence for the 130,000 killed.Many had positive hopes the talks would end Syria's three-year civil war. However, Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN-Arab League envoy said the second round of ‘Geneva 2’ so far was as ‘laborious’ as the first and ‘without much progress’. The absence of breakthrough coincided with more reports of bombs being dropped on Aleppo and Syria's Red Crescent operations suspended temporarily though they hope to get more people out and food aid in soon. See also: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/evacuation- from-syria-homs-set-resume-201421282113173158.html

Pray:

for food and first aid supplies to reach besieged areas and for constructive talks between regime and opposition leaders. (Deut.33:29b)

Australia: ‘Come Heckle Christ’ comedy act

Melbourne comedian Joshua Ladgrove will appear at Adelaide’s Fringe Festival from February 14 to March 16. His show ‘Come Heckle Christ’ is promoted as, ‘the perfect show for disgruntled former Christians, those easily offended, atheists and anyone who enjoys yelling at Jesus whilst watching a dramatic re-enactment of everyone's favourite fairy-tale - the crucifixion of Jesus the Christ.’ Ladgrove has a Youtube clip entitled ‘A Christmas Message from Jesus ’ where he frequently blasphemes the name of Jesus with foul language. The Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson, wrote to the Premier asking that the show be stopped. A spokesman for the National Civic Council said, ‘There is a constant stream of offensive programmes and events aimed at Christians these days and Christians seem often to be in the firing line and sometimes these things are best left to pass. Blasphemy however, is something different. We felt we had to stand up and be counted.’

Pray:

for preservation of Australian freedom of speech but against blasphemous public performances. (Ex.20:7)

North Korea: US ambassador seeking release ofmMissionary

At last Thursday’s National Prayer Breakfast President Obama prayed for the release of American missionary Kenneth Bae. This week America announced disappointment after North Korea rescinded for a second time an invitation to discuss his release. North Korea announced publicly in May 2013 it would not use the fate of Kenneth Bae as a political bargaining chip. Bae, who operates an American tourist company, was arrested in November 2012 not far from Yanji where some Christian groups provide aid to North Korean refugees. It is stated that Bae has made a number of trips to North Korea to assist orphaned children. In a video recording released last week Bae states he is concerned about his health after being sent back to the labour camp following his hospital release. ‘I know if I continue for the next several months here I will probably be sent back to the hospital again.’ he said.

Pray:

for Kenneth Bae’s family to be resilient at this time and for the United States to secure Kenneth’s release. (2Sa.22:6-8)

Iraq: Life appears worse now than under Saddam

At a US Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations it was said, ‘As we witness the black flag of al-Qaeda again flying over cities such as Fallujah we wonder how it is that for Christians in Iraq life appears to be worse now than it was under Saddam Hussein.’ Archbishop Francis Chullikat, who served as the papal nuncio to Iraq said the violence children have seen - including witnessing the killings of Christians - will ‘leave a lasting scar’ on that generation. Iraqi Christians are one of the oldest surviving continuous Christian communities in the world. The majority are Eastern Aramaic-speaking ethnic Assyrians and Chaldeans with much smaller numbers of Armenians, Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen. There were over 1.4 million Christians in Iraq in 1987 that number had dropped to less than 450,000 by 2013. Christians live primarily in Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, Arbil and Kirkuk and in Assyrian towns and regions such as the Nineveh Plains in the north.

Pray:

for communities inside and outside Iraq to be kept in the shelter of God’s presence. (Ps.31:20)

India: 2013 Christian persecution

A report published by Catholic Social Forum listed the top 10 states in the country where Christians face most persecution in 2013. Karnataka continues to stay on top despite the ‘change of government’ with 43 cases of anti-Christian attacks out of 200 major incidents documented. In the second spot is Maharashtra, which the report claimed is the new 'Hindu laboratory' with 25 cases, Andhra Pradesh with 25 cases and Odisha with 14 cases continue to remain high. These attacks are not stray incidents but there is ‘systemic and institutional persecution’. The report noted that many attacks went unreported due to various reasons. Documented cases ranged from being murdered for the faith and being brutally assaulted to being raped and jailed for propagation of what one believes in.

Pray:

for authorities to act on this report and take the necessary measures to stop anti-Christian persecution. (Ps.72:4)