Evangelistic army brings Jesus to World Cup

BRAZIL - It's another match day in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and thousands of fans have arrived to support their teams in the World Cup. The government reports 600,000 foreign tourists visited Brazil this month. Many come from Muslim countries like Algeria and Iran, where they may have never heard about Jesus. It's a unique opportunity to help them to hear the Gospel message. That's why churches and ministries including Brazil's Bible Society and Youth With A Mission (YWAM) have deployed a small army of evangelists to the streets and parks of the city. They're enthusiastically greeting soccer fans and sharing the good news of salvation. 100,000 copies of the Bible with individual covers for each host city of the World Cup have been printed and distributed. One fan, who had just experienced a personal tragedy, found a sympathetic listener in Vaneide, a personal evangelist. ‘This man had lost his wife in a fire and became blind,’ she recalled. ‘He stopped and talked with me for half an hour. I told him about Jesus and suddenly he said, 'Now I understand the way to the truth!' And at that moment he gave his life to Jesus.'

Praise:

God for the outreach work and witness of these ministries. Pray for the nurturing of the significant numbers of people who responded, that they will grow in their faith. (Eph 3:17-19)

New green technology could create thousands of jobs in northern England

Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) could create thousands of jobs across Yorkshire, the Humber and the Tees Valley, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Carbon Capture Storage Association (CCSA) announced last Friday. They argue that the concentration of coal and gas-fired power stations, energy-intensive industries and proximity to a significant carbon dioxide storage capacity located deep under the North Sea makes the area well placed to benefit from CCS technology. CCS would enable both power stations and heavy industry to reduce their carbon emissions and could also help maintain the UK’s coal industry. TUC assistant general secretary Paul Novak said, ‘This is exactly the kind of technology needed to rebalance our economy and generate strong and sustainable growth outside London and the South East.’ Despite the clear benefits of CCS technology, it has yet to be fully embraced by the government who must put in place an enduring policy to bring forward additional power and industrial CCS projects in the UK.

Praise:

God for this environmentally-friendly employment opportunity. Pray for the government to act on it and create policies that will facilitate this benefit-rich technology. (Pr.19:20)

New mothers at risk as NHS 'fails to provide depression care'

The NHS has been criticised for failing women who suffer from postnatal depression by denying many of them potentially life-saving services to help them cope. Information from 193 NHS trusts across England reveal that only 50 provide a specialist perinatal mental health service to women around the time they give birth and five others offer some sort of provision. More than half of the trusts disclosed that they do not offer any formal help, even though one in ten mothers experiences postnatal depression. Even among the 50 trusts operating such a service, 26 employ only one dedicated perinatal mental health midwife or doctor and many of those work part-time. Government health advisers recommended seven years ago that such care should be available everywhere. The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) said it was absolutely disgraceful that so few parts of the health service provided specialist help to women, some of whom end up taking their own lives (and their children’s lives) because they cannot cope.

Pray:

for quality care for sufferers of post natal depression. (Ps.34:17-18)

Christian bakers in gay campaign cake row

A Christian-run bakery in Northern Ireland is facing legal action after it declined to produce a pro-gay marriage campaign cake. The McArthur family, who own Ashers Baking Company in Belfast, said they could not fulfil the order because it conflicts with their Christian beliefs about marriage being between a man and a woman. Although the Northern Ireland Assembly has voted three times in recent years against redefining marriage, the taxpayer-funded Equality Commission for Northern Ireland claimed that the bakery had breached equality laws. The bakery’s manager, Daniel McArthur, said: ‘We thought that this order was at odds with our beliefs, and contradicts what the Bible teaches.’ Colin Hart, director of the Christian Institute, which is supporting the company, said ‘This claim, if supported, would establish a dangerous precedent about the power of the state over an individual or business to force them to go against their deeply held beliefs.’

Pray:

that the Government will act to address this injustice by bringing in legislation that would protect those who believe that marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman. (Matt 4:4)

Down’s Syndrome shouldn’t be feared, says mum

The mother of a seven-year-old girl with Down’s Syndrome, who hit the headlines for appearing in Sainsbury’s clothing adverts, has said there had been an ‘assumption’ she would abort her daughter. Hayley Goleniowska, 43, and her husband Bob, 59, told the Daily Telegraph they have no limits on their expectations for their daughter Natalia (Natty), who swims, rides horses and is in mainstream school. Hayley said there is a ‘conditioning to fear Down’s syndrome’ and an ‘assumption’ that if the baby tests positive for the condition, you will ‘automatically’ have an abortion. But, she said, ‘we knew who she was - our daughter, not a set of symptoms or predictions for the future’. Hayley has started a blog offering advice and support for parents of children with Down’s Syndrome, which gets 30,000 hits a month. She said, ‘when a family or a mum tells us ‘Your blog has thrown me a lifeline; now I can see what the future could hold’, then we know we’re doing the right thing’.

Pray:

giving thanks - for Hayley and Bob, and other parents who reject widely-held beliefs about Down’s Syndrome and other similar conditions. (Prov 22:6)

NSPCC changes stance on those who cover up child abuse

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the child protection charity NSPCC, has said people who cover up child sex abuse should be prosecuted, and there should be a duty on institutions like hospitals, children's homes and boarding schools to report abuse. He said, ‘If someone consciously knows that there is a crime committed against a child, and does nothing about it because they put the reputation of the organisation above the safety of that child, that should be a criminal offence.’ Until now the charity has opposed all forms of so-called mandatory reporting, but Mr Wanless said the NSPCC would be open to discussions about what form a new law should take. He is currently heading an inquiry about whether the Home Office failed to act on allegations of child sex abuse handed over in the 1980s by former Tory MP Geoffrey Dickens. Another independent inquiry, looking at historical sexual abuse and institutions' protection of children, will be led by retired senior judge Elizabeth Butler-Sloss.

Pray:

that the claims about child abuse in the past will be fully investigated, and that more safeguards will be established against any such abuse in future. (Matt 18:6)

UK Airport Security - electric gadget restrictions extended to more destinations

Mobile phones or tablets with flat batteries will not be allowed on flights as part of new security restrictions. All air passengers flying into or out of UK airports must ensure their electronic devices are charged, following updated guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT). Advice issued at the weekend concerned passengers flying to the United States, but on Tuesday that instruction was widened to affect anyone flying into or out of the UK. No specific routes have been highlighted, and the DfT spokesman said they hope to ‘minimise disruption as far as possible’. The heightened security comes amid reports that two terror networks are working together on a bomb that could evade existing measures. Last week Prime Minister David Cameron said decisions had been made based on ‘the evidence in front of us’ and in co-operation with America. ‘The safety of the travelling public must come first. We mustn't take any risks with that,’ he told the BBC.

Pray:

for the continued vigilance of our border and security services, that acts of terrorism will be thwarted. (Dan 6 :22)

General Synod vote in favour of women bishops likely to succeed this time

This week, beginning on Friday 11 July, the Church of England’s General Synod will be meeting in York. This is always an occasion for the media to highlight debates or decisions which are seen to be controversial or eye-catching. The main item on the agenda is the legislation to consecrate women bishops, which was narrowly defeated at the last Synod meeting in November 2012. This time it is expected to be passed, mainly because of a great deal of behind-the-scenes consultation with those who were opposed on principle, to improve the wording. Tom Sutcliffe (Diocese of Southwark) said, ‘The Measure which is before us this month makes much better provision for most of those who don't believe women can or should be bishops and priests. . . If this Measure were to fail, I think it would be a total disaster.’

Pray:

for all General Synod members, as they debate this important issue on Monday. (1 Tim 2:1-2)

Salvation Army uses sport to help the vulnerable

The Salvation Army is 149 not out - and is using sport to help vulnerable people suffering from addiction problems and homelessness. The Salvation Army, which last week celebrated 149 years since it was founded by General William Booth, believes sport is a powerful tool in helping people recover from addiction problems and homelessness. The organisation has a number of programmes to get people involved in sport, including Partnership Trophy, a football tournament for homeless men and women, summer camps, weekly football matches, hill walking, badminton, tennis and many more. Captain Nick Coke, a Salvation Army minister, is working with people of all ages and backgrounds in east London, teaching them key life skills though sport. He explained: ‘Sport gives confidence, tackles stress, helps in treatment of people with addiction problems, and brings people into their community as well as keeping them healthy. We support them to get back on their feet and help them stay there; sport is a perfect tool for doing this.’

Pray:

for the work of the Salvation Army and for this initiative in particular. (Pr.21:13)

Ukraine conflict: EU leaders to push for new truce

The leaders of France and Germany are to press Ukraine's president to agree to a new truce in eastern Ukraine when they speak by phone on Wednesday. President Francois Hollande of France announced the planned talks with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko. Ukraine says it will not talk to separatist rebels until they disarm. A separatist official in Donetsk city, where the rebels are regrouping after losing ground, ruled out any new truce. Government forces recaptured several large towns from the rebels in recent days after resuming their 'anti-terrorist operation' in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In Donetsk itself, a city of more than one million people, the rebels have vowed to keep fighting the government, which they regard as illegitimate. More than 1,000 people, both civilians and combatants, are believed to have been killed since the uprising began in April.

Pray:

for the international diplomacy to be effective; for a lasting truce and an end to the violence. (Rom 12:19)

Eric Holder of US warns Europe over Syrian fighters

The US attorney general has called on European governments to be stronger in preventing their own citizens from joining the fighting in Syria. Eric Holder said the Syrian conflict had turned into ‘a cradle of violent extremism’ that could threaten Western countries when fighters return home. He made his remarks during a speech to Norwegian diplomats in Oslo. US officials believe there are about 7,000 foreign fighters in Syria, including dozens of Americans. In May, a 22-year-old man from Florida carried out a suicide bombing mission in the country and a Colorado woman was arrested at an airport in April after US officials said she was intent on providing support to the militant group ISIS in Syria. In the speech, Mr Holder called on European governments to make it illegal to plan or support terrorist plots, to catch potential fighters before they leave for Syria through undercover plots and share information about those who have travelled to Syria to fight, including through Interpol.

Pray:

that each government’s efforts to block these subversive activities and threats to our safety and security will succeed. (Rom 13:1-7)

Nigeria: Women and girls 'escape from Boko Haram'

More than 60 women and girls are reported to have escaped from the Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram, security sources say. They were among 68 abducted last month near the town of Damboa in north-eastern Borno state. But some women who made it home said they feared other escapees had been recaptured, villagers told the BBC. Boko Haram is still holding more than 200 schoolgirls abducted from Borno's Chibok town in April. Initial reports said the women escaped when the militants went to attack a military base near Damboa on Friday. Local vigilante Abbas Gava told journalists he had ‘received an alert from my colleagues that about 63 of the abducted women and girls had made it back home’. ‘They took the bold step when their abductors moved out to carry out an operation,’ he said. But 18 women who have made it back to villages around Damboa over the last three days - and are being treated at a hospital in Lasa village - said the militants were asleep when they escaped, a Lasa resident told the BBC Hausa Service.

Pray:

for the safe return of all the abducted women and children; for the terrorists to be brought to justice. (2 Thess 3:3)

Hamas: All Israelis now targets for missile attacks

Terror group, Hamas has vowed to continue firing rockets at Israel after an Israeli air strike on Tuesday killed seven people in a house in the Gaza Strip. Hamas intends to step up its attacks in retaliation. Its spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri accused Israel of perpetrating ‘massacres’ against women and children in Khan Yunis. Referring to an Israel Air Force bombing of a house belonging to a Hamas operative, Abu Zuhri said: ‘This massacre against women and children is an ugly war crime. All Israelis have now become legitimate targets.’ Ismail al-Ashqar, a Hamas legislator, said that his movement would continue the rocket attacks until Israel succumbs to its demand and lifts the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.

Pray:

for a negotiated end to the hostilities and indiscriminate rocket attacks on innocent people. (Matt 5:9)

Afghan poll crisis: Defiant Abdullah claims victory

Afghan presidential contender Abdullah Abdullah has claimed victory in last month's election, despite results giving a lead to his rival, Ashraf Ghani. Addressing supporters in the capital, Kabul, Mr Abdullah repeated claims that the election was marred by fraud. US Secretary of State John Kerry had earlier warned against a power grab, amid reports that Mr Abdullah was planning a ‘parallel government’. The Abdullah camp has decided to take things into their own hands and he appears to have some support. Several influential figures - governors, district leaders, mayors, and warlords - have come out in his favour. But Afghanistan is a divided country: Mr Ghani and Mr Abdullah both command a lot of support. Preliminary results announced on Monday gave Mr Ghani 56.44% of votes in the 14 June run-off. Mr Abdullah, who fell just short of an outright majority in the first round, had 43.56%. Both men have alleged fraud in the election. Votes are being re-checked at more than 7,000 polling stations - nearly a third of the total number. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Kerry said Afghanistan risked losing security and aid support if anyone tried to ‘take power by extra-legal means’.

Pray:

for a just outcome to the elections, for all sides to exercise restraint; and that there will be no civil disorder.

Typhoon Neoguri batters Japan

Typhoon Neoguri headed for the Japanese mainland on Wednesday after crossing to the southern Okinawa island chain, killing two people and leaving a trail of damage. With gusts of up to 110 miles an hour (180km/h) the typhoon was forecast to hit the southern main island of Kyushu as early as Thursday before moving east along the Japanese archipelago, the national weather agency said. Officials said Neoguri would bring heavy rainfall and warned of the risk of flooding and landslides after the storm which has weakened from a super typhoon forced half a million people to seek shelter in Okinawa on Tuesday. Kyushu (which is next to the biggest island of Honshu, where major cities including Tokyo and Osaka are located) experienced heavy rain and strong winds. Authorities were considering an emergency alert for residents to seek shelter ahead of Neoguri's landfall. By Thursday lunchtime, heavy rain brought in by the Typhoon had caused three fatalities, extensive damage and forced thousands to leave their homes. A 12-year-old boy was killed in the central farming town of Nagiso after rocks and boulders swept away his home. Neoguri, which first threatened Japan as a super typhoon, had weakened to a tropical storm by the time it came ashore but was still gusting at up to 126 kph (78 mph).

Pray:

for safety from the storm as it passes; for relief agencies and supplies to reach the affected areas speedily. (Ps 46:1)

UN Resolution on the family dampens gay pride festivities

The United Nations put a damper on ‘gay pride’ festivities last Thursday when it re-affirmed that the natural family is the fundamental unit of society. The Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on 'Protection of the Family' with a traditional definition of the family last Thursday, even as revellers readied themselves to celebrate gay pride weekend. It recognises the importance of the family for society and individuals, and that countries must strengthen and protect the family. The resolution not only echoes language from the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights about the family as the 'natural and fundamental unit of society,' it also states that the family is the 'natural environment' for the education and development of children. The resolution passed by a comfortable margin, with 26 votes for, 14 against, and 6 abstentions. It was greeted by thunderous applause.

Pray:

for legislators standing up for the biblical model of marriage. (Heb 13:4)

China: authorities release two Christians from jail

After the Associated Press published an article, based on a China Aid press release, reporting the harsh 12-year prison term given to Pastor Zhang Shaojie of China’s central Henan, authorities in Nanle County released two other Nanle County Christian Church members, Zhao Guoli and Wu Guishan, on Saturday, 5 July. Both men had been held in an undisclosed location since their arrest on 15 November, 2013. Their release came days after the Nanle County People’s Court handed down a ten-year prison term for the church’s pastor for a fabricated fraud charge and a two-year sentence for 'gathering a crowd to disrupt public order.' The pastor was also given a fine of 100,000 yuan (US $16,100) (see http://www.chinaaid.org/2014/07/court-sentences-three-self-p astor-to-12.html). Zhao, 38, and Wu, 43 had been detained as they travelled to Beijing to petition authorities there for a better outcome to a land dispute between the church and local authorities.

Pray:

for those still unjustly held in jail for their faith, and for their families. Pray for continued success for the solicitors and agencies campaigning for their release. (Isa 59: 14-16)

Iraq: Fifty three bodies found south of Baghdad

Iraqi security forces have found the bodies of 53 men shot recently near a town south of Baghdad, police say. The men, who were still bound and had gunshot wounds to the head or chest, were found in Hamza al-Gharbi, 30km (18 miles) south-east of the city of Hilla. It was not immediately clear who the victims were or why they were killed. The mainly Shia area has not seen any activity by the jihadist-led Sunni rebels who have seized control of large swathes of northern and western Iraq. However, to the north is an area of Babil province that became known as the ‘Triangle of Death’ because of the ferocity of the sectarian violence there in the years that followed the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.

Pray:

that the perpetrators of these killings will be brought to justice. Pray for the huge number of people displaced. Pray for those who have been widowed and bereaved. (Matt 5:4)