How prayer is transforming nations

John Robb, chairman of the International Prayer Council, can testify to the power of transformational prayer in some of the most difficult places in the world. After a personal encounter with God that stopped him in his tracks, he started taking teams of prayer leaders into war zones. ‘We prayed for the healing and transformation of war-torn nations and saw some amazing wonders happen,’ says Robb. The youtube video gives just a few of the most impacting stories from Cambodia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Mexico. Prayer is awesome and we have been given the authority to make the invisible kingdom visible.

Praise:

God for the way He uses us in prayer. (Rom.8:26)

Five million worldwide receive Christ via Billy Graham website

An Internet evangelistic website set up by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) marked a milestone as the five millionth person received Christ at PeaceWithGod.net. The ministry uses Bible verses and video presentations to share the Gospel with visitors to the site, which was launched in May 2011. ‘This is significant because we’re following Billy Graham’s legacy of taking the most advanced technical capabilities available and reaching people where they are with the hope of Jesus,’ said John Cass, BGEA’s Director of Internet Evangelism. ‘This has given us the opportunity to go to the ends of the earth.’ More than 20,000 people a day are viewing a presentation of the Gospel via the website. ‘For decades we have worked to fill venues with people so Billy, Franklin or Will Graham can proclaim the Gospel,’ said Cass. ‘The way we look at it, this is similar to welcoming a full arena to hear the message on a daily basis.’

Praise:

God for the many thousands He has called using computerised capabilities. (Mt.24:14)

Prayer and proclamations outside Scottish Parliament

30 November is St Andrew's Day, is 30th November and Prayer Scotland are calling for 500 to come to praise, pray and proclaim outside the Scottish Parliament - rallying to a Trumpet Call at 2.45 p.m. Scotland’s Flag or Saltire (meaning cross) depicts how Andrew the disciple of Jesus was crucified for His faith. Many believe now is the time for the Church to step out into the public arena and speak out with one voice for their Christian faith. Laws have been passed breaking God's laws and the freedom, authority and truth of the Gospel are being eroded. This Call is an opportunity for Christians to cry as one before the Lord, honouring and exalting the King of Kings and Lord of Lords of Scotland; repenting for personal and national sin and seeking forgiveness for the Church's turning away from clear biblical values. The day will be about honouring Jesus.

Pray:

for many to attend this prayer gathering at the seat of Scotland’s government (Ps.102:1)

Supporting adults with learning disabilities in the community

After abuse was exposed at Winterbourne View care home in 2011 the NHS realised a stronger framework was needed to address serious shortcomings in the system currently in place supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism in the community. They commissioned a review, which resulted in a report published on Wednesday that suggests a framework to support people with learning disabilities and autism as they move out of hospitals and into the community. This framework introduces a charter of rights for patients and their families, giving them a ‘right to challenge’ decisions and the right to request a personal budget. It includes a requirement for local decision-makers to follow a mandatory framework setting out who is responsible for which services and how they will be held to account; a planned closure programme of ‘inappropriate’ in-patient facilities and improved training and education for NHS, local government and service provider staff.

Pray:

for funding and manpower to be made available so that the NHS and Social Services can put adults with learning disabilities or autism and their family’s needs first. (Mt.5:7-8)

Racism in the police force

Six Metropolitan Police officers who dragged a black off-duty fireman from his car and shot him with a Taser should face charges of racial discrimination, a statutory watchdog says. The victim claims he was simply requesting assistance. Following a 20-month investigation into this case, the Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC) said there was noteworthy evidence the officers had profiled the fireman in a discriminatory manner. Now-retired Inspector David Burgum – the senior officer among the accused – denies the allegations levelled at him and his colleagues and questions fireman Kennedy-Macfoy’s motives throughout the case. He also strongly condemns the IPCC for being politicised and biased. The IPCC will pass the file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, suggesting that one particular constable could face criminal charges over the use of the Taser and there was a failure on behalf of the officers to act with courtesy, patience, integrity, professionalism, diplomacy or common sense.

Pray:

that appropriate action will be taken to ensure that tasering a person walking backwards with hands raised will not happen again in the UK. (Am.5:7 & 15a)

London churches open HIV testing centres

HIV testing clinics have been opened in churches across London in the hope of combating high rates of infection as well as social stigma among the African population. Four African churches in Southwark, New Cross, Dagenham and Wood Green are involved in the project, which is coinciding with National HIV Testing Week from 22 to 30 November. Behind the campaign is Rev Fred Annin, the founder and CEO of Actionplus Foundation, which is working to support those with the virus. He wants the church to lead the movement. Actionplus was the first organisation to set up an HIV testing clinic in a Church in London and launched its Take Action Now campaign last year. ‘The Bible does not condemn people with HIV as cursed. It shouldn't be taboo to discuss it in churches. It's a medical condition and people need medical help.’ Annin said.

Pray:

that this initiative will be successful in meeting the needs of those requiring support. (Tit.3:14)

Methodist Church addresses mental health concerns among young people

The Methodist Church has launched a series of mental health resources after young Methodists raised concerns that not enough was being done by the Church to help young people struggling with mental health issues. The series was launched at the 3Generate Children and Youth Assembly at the weekend. Every young person at 3Generate received a copy of the card aimed at their age group. Gill Dascombe, Vice-President of the Methodist Church, said: ‘As a pharmacist working in the NHS psychiatric services, I am aware of the growing incidences of diagnosed mental health problems among children and young people. Many others struggle with educational or peer pressures in our increasingly competitive society. These helpful cards have been produced to alert and inform children, young people and youth workers of the dangers and early warning signs and to signpost them to relevant mental health organisations.’

Pray:

for this new resource and for all young people who need support in coping with mental health issues. (1Pe.5:7)

Obesity does more damage to Britain than war or terrorism, study finds

Obesity costs Britain’s economy £47bn a year; more than war, terrorism or armed violence, a new study has found. The research, commissioned by consultants McKinsey and Company, recommended a series of 44 interventions to fight the epidemic. Measures include introducing a safe network of cycle lanes, portion control in fast-food packaged goods, and more PE lessons in schools. The report’s authors at the McKinsey Global Institute said the measures could bring 20% of overweight or obese people in UK back to a healthy weight within a decade. Success would save £16 billion a year, including an annual saving of about £766 million in the NHS, according to the study. The report found that only smoking does more damage to the UK economy than obesity.

Pray:

for the issue of obesity to be taken more seriously by all parts of society so that it may be tackled effectively. (3Jn.1:2)

Celebrity role models causing rise in ‘sexting’

Celebrities are the cause of a sharp rise in the number of children sending sexually explicit text messages, a child protection expert has warned. Dr Zoe Hilton told MPs that schoolchildren are copying the ‘sexting’ trend which is endorsed by adult celebrities. Speaking to the Commons Education Committee, she warned that children may be unaware of the dangerous repercussions of sharing explicit pictures. Hilton, who is the Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP), said, ‘children and particularly older children are looking at celebrities and are looking at what the adult population are doing. I think we’ve got to the point with older teenagers where sexting is actually a normative behaviour’, she added. Last year, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children warned that sexting is now common amongst teenagers.

Pray:

for our youngsters to resist this trend, that they would realise the inappropriate and dangerous nature of sexting and recognise the longer term consequences of their actions. 1Co.6:18)

Pope calls on EU leaders to protect migrants from traffickers

Pope Francis has told European leaders to do more to help thousands of migrants risking their lives to get to the continent. Addressing the European Parliament for the first time, the pontiff referred to an estimated 3,200 migrants who have drowned this year trying to get to Europe. ‘There needs to be a united response to the question of migration. We cannot allow the Mediterranean to become a vast cemetery,’ he said. ‘The boats landing daily on the shores of Europe are filled with men and women who need acceptance and assistance,’ he added, calling on European powers to work together to protect immigrants from human traffickers. The Pope’s address comes just days after 600 migrants were rescued in the Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa.

Pray:

that the Pope’s challenge will lead to increased awareness of the migrants needs. (Ps.12:5)

Ukraine conflict: Child soldiers join the fight

Child soldiers appear to be playing a part on both sides of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. A boy as young as 15 has been shown training pro-Russian separatist recruits in how to handle weapons, while Ukrainian media have told the story of a 17-year-old volunteer sapper. It is a development that particularly worries the UN children's agency, Unicef, which is investigating ‘anecdotal evidence that children have been recruited and may be directly involved in the fighting’. The fighting, which erupted in April, has claimed more than 4,300 lives and left some 10,000 people wounded. ‘Armed groups should not, under any circumstances, recruit or use in hostilities people under the age of 18 years,’ says the agency's Ukraine representative Giovanna Barberis.

Pray:

that the use of child soldiers by either side will be stopped. (Mk.10:16)

USA: Protesters rally across US for second day

Protests took place across America for the second day after a grand jury declined to charge Ferguson officer Darren Wilson for killing 18-year-old Michael Brown in August. Ferguson quietened down Tuesday night into early Wednesday evening. Meanwhile in California, protesters vandalised police cars, smashed business windows, set fires in the streets and shut down two major freeways. Protesters in Los Angeles barricaded freeway lanes to stop traffic. Thousands marched in Manhattan causing chaos. The US Justice Department is conducting a separate civil rights search that could bring federal charges against Officer Wilson. The riots in Ferguson and other US cities can be traced to economic, social and racial factors that haunt many poor African-American communities. Distrust in policing, stereotypes of young black males and the failure to acknowledge that race still plays an important role in American society are also factors. See also

Pray:

for the government and police to look again at the race relations challenges that America faces and for God to bless American authorities with wise solutions. (Ps.33:12a)

USA: Ferguson – A Christian perspective

Residents in Ferguson have been on edge, but area churches and pastors are countering the unrest with a message of God's love. Bishop Raphael Green pastors the Metropolitan Christian Worship Centre in south St. Louis. For nearly 30 years Bishop Green has hosted the Urban World Summit, a rally to prayer and action to heal across racial and cultural divides. It's a timely message against the backdrop of Ferguson. ‘This year's summit included a legal clinic, with frank and honest conversations about race, religion and the rule of law. Attendees heard from pastors, lawyers, and law enforcement to learn from each other's experiences. One of the panelists was Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, who has spearheaded the police response in Ferguson. ‘If we're going to change the community - change this nation - it has to be everyone.

Pray:

for churches in Ferguson and across the nation to grow in their roles in the healing process.(Ps.119:45)

Syria: ‘Conflict freeze' needed in Aleppo

Aleppo has seen little change since a rebel offensive took over half the city and the countryside over two years ago. However a new UN-proposed ‘conflict freeze’ could see change or the regime could choose to push on with its campaign to take Aleppo back from the rebels. Yousef, a member of Aleppo’s Christian minority and a former regime militia fighter, bid his friends farewell this week. He’s leaving for Turkey with the intention to reach Europe via people-smuggling routes. He said, ‘There is no future here for us, even if the regime wins the war. There’s no work, no opportunities. When I fought in the ranks of the regime, it was to protect my Christian community from jihadist groups, not because I believed in the Baath ideology or even supported the government. Now I have done all I can. My duties are done and I will find a new future in Europe.’

Pray:

for these and all victims of war prepared to pay extortionate amounts to human smugglers, and may even end up at the bottom of the sea. Pray for the desperately needed conflict freeze.(Ps.69:10-13, 14a)

Iran: Lawyer denied access to his Christian clients

The lawyer representing two Christian pastors and a deacon facing six years detention for their faith has been denied access to his clients ahead of an appeal hearing. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said the situation was unacceptable and they are concerned about the lack of due process in the cases and the exceptional nature of punishment for men who have committed no crime but are being punished for their faith. CSW are urging the Iranian authorities to release these men and the many others held in contravention of the international covenants guaranteeing freedom of religion or belief to which Iran is party. Pastor Irani, one of the prisoners, has had seriously deteriorating health but no medical care since his detention. Another Christian pastor, American citizen Saeed Abedini, is serving an eight-year sentence and is the subject of an international campaign for his release.

Pray:

that watchdog groups and International governments will achieve freedom of religion in Iran.(Is.49:8)

Australia: Child suicide – A shame on the nation

Remote Australia is in the grip of a suicide epidemic that is taking the lives of children as young as eight years old. Aboriginal towns in the Kimberley area have the highest rates of suicide in the world. As the West Australian city of Geraldton buried 11-year-old Peter Little, who was found hanging from a tree by another child, indigenous leaders called for urgent action to address this growing crisis. As many as one in twelve Aboriginal deaths are caused by suicide. ‘We are talking about an epidemic,’ said Tony Abbott’s chief indigenous adviser. ‘We are looking at a society in collapse. I am a father and I cannot understand how an 8 or 9-year-old child can’t see a future for themselves. It’s unimaginable.’ While the destitution of remote communities increases and suicide numbers increase the government stands accused of gross complacency on indigenous peoples' challenges.

Pray:

for state governments of both political persuasions to understand that cultural wounds require cultural healing and not poorly targeted policies devised by ‘white fellas’. (Ps.140:12)

Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iraq: Suicide bombings continue

Kabul is protected by a fortress-like ‘ring of steel,’ with police and soldiers manning roadblocks and spot-checking vehicles, but in recent weeks suicide bombers have managed to carry out attacks metres away from the office of the city's police chief and near an international military base, They have also attacked convoys and bombed the car of a prominent female parliamentarian. The parliamentarian survived but civilian casualties were high. On Sunday 45 people were killed when a bomber detonated his explosive vest in a crowd of spectators during a volleyball game. On Tuesday in Nigeria an estimated 50 were killed when two teenage female suicide bombers detonated their devices in a busy Market in Maiduguri. Boko Haram is blamed for the deaths of 1,500+ this year in Nigeria. Last month there were five separate suicide bombings in Iraq, killing 130+. British citizen Kabir Ahmed is reported to have carried out one of these suicide bombings.

Pray:

against the spread of a false twisted concept of Islam used by terrorists for Jihad. Pray for Christ to supernaturally intervene and reveal Himself to those lost in wrong beliefs for whatever reason.(Jn.8:32)