Scottish police drop charges against Christian street preacher

A former LA deputy sheriff arrested while street preaching in Scotland has been told by police he will no longer face charges. Tony Miano was arrested in Dundee after a member of the public complained he had been using ‘homophobic language’. (See also Prayer Alert 02-2014) He was on a weeklong street-preaching mission in the city in January with evangelist Josh Williamson when he was arrested under hate-crime legislation. The Christian Legal Centre, which represented him, said he was held by police for 24 hours and that they refused to watch video footage of his street preaching. Mr Miano, 50, said it ‘took months’ for the prosecutors to watch the footage. ‘When the prosecutors finally managed to get the video footage off my camera they could plainly see that the accuser had made allegations about my speech that were simply untrue,’ he said.

Praise:

God for the decision to drop charges against Mr Miano and his freedom to speak. (1Tim.4:13)

Myanmar: God hears children's prayers

When children pray, God seems to move more powerfully. John Robb, chairman of the International Prayer Council, shares this observation with confidence. He witnessed it when he was director of prayer at World Vision, a large international development and child-care organization. ‘Staff often observed the Lord’s miracles when our project children prayed. We actually surveyed this phenomenon in five very poor countries where staff asked the kids to pray for specific infrastructural changes, such as the resolution of community splits, and many other needs. They did this for two years, and all were astonished by the miracles that occurred. When the children prayed, the parents got healed from terminal illness, governments chose those villages for the wells or the clinics, or the terrorists were kept out of those communities where the kids were praying.’

Praise:

God for the way He has used children in prayer to bring miracles to people. (Ps.77:14)

'Revenge evictions' rising, says housing charity

New figures from the helpline of the housing and homelessness charity Shelter show a massive rise in calls from renters at risk of losing their homes. Shelter have called for better protection for renters as the research shows that these calls have more than doubled in the past two years. Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive, said that the figures were ‘yet more evidence of the shocking reality that renters across the country are facing every day’. With recent research showing that more than 213,000 people have faced eviction in the past year after asking their private landlord for repairs, he says it is time to act. 'Calls to our helpline from renters are soaring and revenge evictions are becoming all too common. Private renting is close to crisis point: this can’t go on. The government has to protect England’s nine million renters from unfair evictions’, he said.

Pray:

for the Government to review the law so that it will stop revenge evictions. (Lev.19:18)

Exploring the Family Ministry Landscape: Major UK research project

A major research project will reveal the scope of families work in the majority of UK Churches. Exploring the Family Ministry Landscape is thought to be the first project of its kind in the UK and will look at what churches are doing to support families, as well as the range of training and resources that are already available. ‘Families come in all shapes and sizes, and society's understanding of what 'family' means has changed over the years,’ said Gail Adcock, Families Ministries Development Officer. ‘Family matters,’ added the Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, ‘whether it's a single parent family, blended families, immigrant families or everything in between. The Church has a duty to support people in their relationships and in the challenges they face. We haven't got it all figured out just yet - and I hope this project will help us learn and grow as a community of faith for whom family matters.’

Pray:

for the research project so that its findings will help the Church become more effective in its family ministry. (Eph.3:14-15)

Over 8 million abortions since 1967 Act

The number of abortions has risen to more than 8 million in Great Britain since the practice was legalised, according to the latest Department of Health statistics for 2013. MPs have criticised the way abortion is increasingly used as a form of ‘contraception’, as the new figures also show more than a third, 37 per cent, of abortions for resident women were repeat abortions. In total, there were 190,800 abortions in England and Wales last year. In 2012, 33 women were found to have had at least their ninth abortion, compared to 49 last year. Responding to the statistics, Labour MP Jim Dobbin said: ‘Why, in a country which apparently abhors abortion being used as a method of contraception, do the figures for repeat abortions keep rising? The UK is a rogue state when it comes to abortion. Our abortion time limit is double that of nearly every other member of the EU.’

Pray:

against this trend of using abortion and repeat abortions as a form of contraception. (Lk.15:21)

Controversial GM babies plan – not a straightforward issue

A scientific panel has said that controversial techniques to create three- and four-parent babies are not ‘unsafe’, but further tests need to be completed. Professor Andy Greenfield, who chaired the panel, said safety was ‘not a straightforward issue’. If Westminster approves the techniques, the UK will become the only country in the world to legalise the creation of three- or four-parent embryos. Fiona Bruce MP said: “The international community is wholly against these techniques. The UK would be setting a very dangerous precedent in adopting them and isolating itself from the rest of the world. Lord Alton of Liverpool said: ‘Given the safety concerns which have been raised, the unresolved ethical questions, and a practice which runs contrary to international consensus, it would be prudent for the UK to wait at least until these issues have been resolved before being stampeded into a decision which has such far-reaching consequences.’

Pray:

for the Government to prudently wait on this matter that has so many issues to be resolved. (Pr.13:6)

Delays in cancer tests may put lives at risk

Cancer patients' chances of survival could be put at risk by growing delays in the NHS carrying out tests that can diagnose the disease, experts have warned. The number of patients in England waiting longer than the recommended six weeks for investigations such as MRI and CT scans has doubled in a year. In April, the figure reached 16,981 - or 2.2% of all the patients waiting for such tests. Macmillan Cancer Support called the delays ‘worrying’ and said each hospital has a responsibility to meet the targets. But, it added, ‘this Government and the next one also need to take responsibility’. The charity's chief executive Ciaran Devane said: ‘It is extremely worrying that the proportion of people who face delays in receiving vital tests which can diagnose cancer has doubled since this time last year. Only two weeks ago we heard that more people are waiting longer to start treatment and now more people are waiting longer just to get diagnosed.’

Pray:

for all parties to work together to ensure that no one should have to wait more than 6 weeks for diagnostic tests. (Heb.10:24-25)

Forced marriages outlawed in UK

The UK has today brought into effect a law which marks forced marriage as a criminal offence. New legislation means that anyone found guilty of forcing another person into marriage in England and Wales faces a prison sentence of up to seven years, and the law also applies to British nationals forced into marriages without their consent abroad. A proposed change in law was first announced in 2012, when Prime Minister David Cameron declared: ‘Forced marriage is abhorrent and little more than slavery. To force anyone into marriage against their will is simply wrong.’ He continued: ‘I want to send a clear and strong message: forced marriage is wrong, illegal and will not be tolerated’. Home Secretary Theresa May, who has condemned forced marriage as ‘a tragedy for each and every victim’, has now welcomed the new legislation, saying the UK is at the forefront of the campaign to end the practice, which is particularly prevalent in South Asian cultures.

Pray:

that this law against forced marriage will lead to an end to the practice. (Neh.10:30)

‘Sinister’ Scottish law puts State in place of parents

The Scottish NHS has written to parents saying that all future correspondence and medical reports about their children will be shared, without their consent, with a ‘Named Person’ appointed by the State to oversee their children’s interests, reports Christian Concern for our Nation. The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill has been described as ‘sinister’ for introducing a 'Named Person' scheme to take effect in 2016, which it is claimed will potentially criminalise good parents and undermines the family. The Archbishop Cranmer blog makes the accusation and says SMPs have ‘effectively passed a bill which nullifies parental rights and endows the state with higher baby-sitting authority’ than parents.'

Pray:

that even now the authorities will reconsider some of the controversial aspects of this law.

Rome: Archbishop Justin Welby visits Pope Francis

On Monday Pope Francis met with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and much of their official discussion was confirming the need for the world-wide church to persevere in a united commitment to eradicate human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Pope Francis said, ‘Notable collaborative efforts have been initiated on the ecumenical level and in cooperation with civil authorities and international organizations. Many charitable initiatives have been undertaken by our communities, and they are operating with generosity and courage in various parts of the world. I think in particular of the action network against the trafficking in women set up by a number of women’s religious institutes. Let us persevere in our commitment to combat new forms of enslavement, in the hope that we can help provide relief to victims and oppose this deplorable trade. I thank God that, as disciples sent to heal a wounded world, we stand together, with perseverance and determination, in opposing this grave evil.’ See also here

Pray:

for the estimated 29.8 million people living in conditions of modern slavery today.

European Commission President.

The leadership of the Commission has always been a tightly fought contest. In 2014 Britain vetoed the appointment of Guy Verhofstadt, with the French opposed to Chris Patten and leaders settling on José Manuel Barroso instead. The current controversy, coming less than three years before Britain holds a referendum on EU membership. Should the Conservative Party still be in leadership, which has given the election additional importance. EU leaders are expected to make a decision on the next Commission President during a summit next week on the 26th -27th June. The European parliament will hold a confidence vote on the chosen candidate, possibly as early as 15th July. Pray for the new commission president to ensure a fair deal for Britain. See also here

Pray:

for those voting to make wise choices; for the next President to find solutions for current and imminent political concerns; for God’s anointing and blessings on that person. (Pr.21:1)

Iraq: Refugees amid total chaos

Canon Andrew White, affectionately known as 'the Vicar of Baghdad', says Iraq is in total chaos. 500,000 fled Mosul and the emergency has stepped up dialogue between the US and Iran (see item below). Iraq was already coping with large-scale displacement and pressing humanitarian needs resulting from Syria’s civil war sending tens of thousands to seek shelter in Iraq, including Iraqi refugees who fled there after the US-led invasion. Please pray for the refugee agencies already in Iraq to be equipped and able to meet the needs of those who are in despair and have lost everything. Pray for the Red Cross who are there now distributing food, water, shelter and healthcare; for ASUDA providing safe shelters in northern Iraq for women at risk of violence, especially those threatened with ‘honour killing’; for REACH helping communities in northern Iraq engage with the local civil authorities; and for Christian Aid supporting communities badly affected by conflict. William Hague stated the Iraqi government carries the 'heavy responsibility of bringing the situation under control.' See also here

Pray:

for the Government, secular and Christian agencies to collectively bring relief. Pray for those in desperate situations living in fear. (Ps.140:1)

Iraq: International response to crisis

Sunni Islamist militants have attacked Iraq's main oil refinery, causing damage to the site. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged his majority Shi'ite country would do whatever is necessary to protect Shi'ite holy sites in Iraq from ‘terrorists.’ US officials are in direct talks with Iran – uniting against a common enemy. Meanwhile, President Obama considers a range of possibilities, including assistance to Iraqi security forces and carrying out airstrikes, while stressing the need for political unity. Iran recently sent 500 soldiers to aid Iraqi law enforcement officers, but have said that the Iraqi government did not ask for their assistance. The USA has sent 500+ Marines to the Persian Gulf, and increased security at their embassy in Baghdad. Many believe a successful outcome in Iraq is not contingent upon the intervention of any country. There’s a need for Iraq to take steps on the political front to be more inclusive and govern in a non-sectarian manner.

Pray:

that Iraq will not fall apart along secretarian and ethnic lines. Pray against actions that would increase tensions between the Shia-led government and its Sunni allies. (Ps.140:9)

Israel: Kidnap of three boys causes turmoil

Israeli seminary students Naftali Frankel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrah disappeared last Thursday as they hitchhiked towards Hebron. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas is behind the kidnapping. On Monday Israeli security forces rounded up 40 members of Hamas. Palestinians threw rocks when Israeli soldiers entered the al-Jalazoun refugee camp near the West Bank city of Ramallah. Israeli troops responded with gunfire, killing a 20-year-old Palestinian and wounding another. The Israelis also launched pre-dawn raids on the West Bank city of Hebron. Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz, chief of Israel's Armed Forces, said, ‘We have a goal, and that is to find these three boys and bring them home, and to hit Hamas as hard as possible,’ Al Jazeera reported that two groups - ’Islamic State’ and the ‘Brigade of the Free Men of Hebron,’ have claimed responsibility for the kidnappings.

Pray:

that this situation will not escalate into more violence in the region; pray for God to open the gates of mercy and intervene on the boys' behalf. (Ps.144:11-12)

Nigeria: Football fans targeted

On Tuesday 17th June a suicide bomber in a tricycle taxi detonated explosives as people watched Brazil's match against Mexico in Yobe State. A hospital worker said truckloads of injured young men and children were being treated in overcrowded wards. The injuries were ‘horrific’ and more than 20 were seriously injured (Nigeria’s Daily Post newspaper reported scores feared killed). Boko Haram describes football as un-Islamic. Open-air viewing centres where fans watch live football are popular throughout Nigeria. However, authorities warned some states to avoid public World Cup screenings, fearing militant attacks. The state of Adamawa ordered all venues planning to show live football coverage to close, after receiving intelligence of planned bomb attacks. On 1st June 14 people were killed after a bomb blast at a bar screening a televised football match.

Pray:

for the pleasures of family life in Nigeria to return to normal; for areas around World Cup public screenings to be more secure. (Ps.146:9) Pray for an end to the backing that Boko Haram receives from militants in other countries. (Ps.68:1& Ps.71:4)

Egypt: Christian girls kidnapped

A new report from the Association of Victims of Abduction and Forced Disappearance (AVAFD) states that more than 550 Egyptian Christian women and girls have been kidnapped since 2011. The kidnapped women are then forced to adopt Islam and marry their captors. They reported that the women’s ages ranged from 14 to 40. Many are raped; many are not even sought by police. Authorities instead claim the women left their families by choice. AVAFD founder, Ebram Louis said kidnappings have increased in Egypt since Hosni Mubarak fell from power. ‘Before the revolution, five or six girls would disappear each month. Now the average is 15.’ Often before the girls are forced into marriages, the traditional cross which the Coptic minority tattoos on their wrists is erased with acid, according to Terrasanta, a Catholic news service. Some maintain there are Islamic cells dedicated exclusively to the abduction of Coptic Christian girls and young women. See also here

Pray:

police and government would take abduction cases seriously and eradicate the organised network behind the kidnappings. (Ps.40:2)

Sudan: Churches destroyed and schools confiscated

On June 18th officials from the Ministry of Planning and Housing sent bulldozers that destroyed a church-building belonging to the St John Episcopal Church of Sudan, in the Haj Yousif area. A Catholic church-building in the area was also demolished the same day. This happened days after they confiscated three Catholic schools. ‘The government wants to remove all churches from Khartoum,’ a source said.’Tell all churches to stand in prayer for the church in Sudan.' Clergymen said persecution was intensifying following the secession of South Sudan in July 2011, with officials targeting churches they claim to be associated with now unwelcome, largely Christian, South Sudanese in the Islamic-ruled country. A Full Gospel Church was destroyed in the same area two months ago, on the pretext that it belonged to South Sudanese and since they had presumably left, the buildings were no longer needed.

Pray:

the Christians in Sudan will rest in the shadow of the Almighty(Ps. 91:1-) Pray against the policy of an Islamic state that many are attempting to implement in Sudan. (Ps.91:5-8)

India: Uttar Pradesh women targeted in latest killing spree

Another wave of violence is rising in India. Uttar Pradesh women are living in fear following at least four brutal killings in two weeks. At the end of May, teenage Dalit sisters in were raped and hung from a tree. A 45-year old woman was killed in similar manner soon after; last week’s victim was a 19-year old found hanging in the Moradabad area, according to BBC News. ‘the majority of adult women in India feel harassed or abused in one way or another so, it’s a very serious problem,' notes Dave Stravers, President of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India. ‘We believe that the plight of women has to do with values and the understanding of how God created us.’ While violence against women is a major problem worldwide, India took the spotlight in 2012 following a brutal gang-rape in Delhi.

Pray:

that women in India will be protected against harassment and abuse. (Ps.5:11)