Prostitute found Jesus when she least expected it

As darkness fell in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a ‘woman of the night’, wandering aimlessly, noticed a large crowd forming on the outskirts of the city and went to investigate. People were slowly filling up an empty field where a large, white screen had been erected. 'What is this all about?' she wondered. There seemed to be a buzz of excitement and anticipation in the air. She knew she should begin looking for her next customer, but something was drawing her to stay. She lingered a few more minutes, then sat down among the crowd. A movie began that was like no other she had seen: the JESUS Film. She learned about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, and that he reached out with healing hands to the last, the least, and the lost. On bended knee, she wept over her sins. When the invitation was given, she stood up to receive Jesus as her Saviour and Lord.

Praise:

God for this miracle, and for the millions of believers who have come to faith through the JESUS Film.(Mt.24:14)

Algerian Church growing 'like a rolling snowball’

The Church in North Africa is growing, most notably in Algeria. Mustapha Krim, pastor and former president of the Protestant Church of Algeria, reports, ‘The Church started out very small. In the beginning we saw very little growth, but then the growth became like a rolling snowball, growing bigger and bigger. Now, there are zeros at the end of the growth numbers.’ He said growth followed the 1990’s persecution. Then Christian radio broadcasts and screening the Jesus film started. ‘The media is the most important tool for bringing people to Christ. I give thanks to the Lord because every day new people are saved. People in the north are less opposed to Christians than in the south. Even in our part of the country, people sometimes call me to insult me. That is part of being Christian. But even when we are mistreated or insulted we end up winning the confidence and respect of the people.’

Praise:

God for the rebirth of Christian faith in Algeria, and thank him for Christian media. (Rev.14:6)

Christians urged to pray for new Government

The Christian Institute is encouraging Christians across the UK to pray for the new Government after Thursday’s General Election results. The Bible tells us to pray for whoever is in charge and to pray that we would be allowed the freedom to live godly lives with liberty to share the gospel. Meanwhile the General Director of Evangelical Alliance issued a call for Christians to pray for the Prime Minister and his Government, and ensure the church holds him and his cabinet accountable for their policies in the coming days, weeks and months. Also, Dr Jonathan Oloyede of the National Day of Prayer and Worship perceives a Prayer-Storm blowing across the British Isles and urges us to pray for politicians and leaders serving in our local areas, to link up with their staff, and pray and act with wisdom, humility and knowledge.

Pray:

for us all to catch the vision and pray for a living legacy of God’s Kingdom across our nations. (1Ti.2:1,2)

Scotland - after the election

The political landscape of Scotland has been recast. Many MSPs are no longer in parliament, and we can pray for them and their families as they come to terms with the disappointment and change. The Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill is due to have its First Stage debate in the Scottish Parliament by the end of May. We are asked to pray for Michael Matheson MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, to include the criminalisation of payment for sex as a key aspect of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Bill. Also the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland meets in Edinburgh from 16 to 22 May. Commissioners are expected to make a final decision on the long-running issue of whether to allow the ordination and induction of ministers and deacons in same sex civil partnerships. This has already been approved by presbyteries, with 31 for and 14 against.

Pray:

for Scotland’s leaders to govern with wisdom, integrity, justice and compassion. (Pr.2:6-8)

Northern Ireland crime increase

Crime across Northern Ireland has risen. In 2014/15 there were 94 victims as a result of paramilitary-style attacks, 24 more than the previous year. Drug seizure incidents increased, by 5.8%, and 2,831 people were arrested for drug offences. There were also increases in hate crime: for example, racist incidents increased by 374, from 982 to 1,356. Northern Ireland’s Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said, ‘We have seen a slight increase of 2.3% in recorded crime for 2014/15, which unfortunately is similar to the wider trend that is being experienced right across the UK. Like all public sector organisations, we are operating in an environment of reduced budgets and fewer personnel to deliver against the same volume of calls for service.'

Pray:

for the government and police, as they work together for better protection of Irish citizens. (Pr.2:12)

People with learning disabilities 'targeted by groomers'

An adult with Learning Disabilities (LD) is a vulnerable adult aged 18 years or over, who may be in need of community care and unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation. Over the years most institutions have closed and vulnerable people have moved into more independent living. This carries risks. People with LD often live in blocks of flats in gang areas. It's like walking around with a label saying 'I'm a vulnerable person'. Mencap say that adults with LD are four times more likely to suffer sexual abuse. Police chiefs and disability groups are aware that people with LD are at risk of being targeted by groomers. Unfortunately, should friends or relatives of a victim of abuse alert social services or police on behalf of the victim, they are told, ‘We cannot do anything because the victim is an adult and can make their own choices’.

Pray:

that our society would adequately support vulnerable people so that they can live safely. (Ps.68:5,6)

No to the West Ham ‘mega-mosque’

In March, the Government put off a decision on whether to allow an appeal against Newham Council’s refusal of planning permission for the West Ham ‘mega-mosque’. Now that the General Election is over a decision could be made within days. If built, it would be the largest place of worship in Europe, accommodating between 10,000 and 40,000 worshippers. The fundamentalist group behind it are associated with convicted and dead Islamic terrorists. People are being asked to write to their MPs, asking them to ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to refuse the appeal for the West Ham ‘mega-mosque’, and also to join them for prayer at the site on 6 June between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

Pray:

according to Is. 42:8: ‘I am the LORD, that is My name! I will not give my glory to another or My praise to idols'.

IS terrorists warn of imminent attack on streets of London

Cyber-jihadists linked to the IS are waging a war of terror online - threatening an imminent attack on London streets. Using the hashtag #LondonAttacks, IS fighters announced their plans for a London bombing campaign. The sick boasts include pictures of machine guns piled into the back of a car with the words, ‘Bismillah (in the name of God) we are coming’. Another user tweeted ‘just taught how to make suicide belt by my brother - will be using in #LondonAttack’ alongside a photo of what appears to be a crudely-made package wrapped in duct-tape. The messages come amid ongoing concerns about the rise of IS-affiliated groups operating in the West. A manual circulated online also shares tips for ‘how to survive in the West', including options would-be terrorists have for smuggling weapons in cars and evading the security services. One user claimed Floral Street, Covent Garden was an intended target. See also

Pray:

for the removal of terrorist propaganda from the internet and the capture of terrorists. (Is.54:14)

Freedom of speech rally

On 15 June 1215, King John signed the Magna Carta, ensuring the freedom of the Church and the liberties of the barons, and also making himself equally subject to the law. The Magna Carta is one of the most celebrated and influential documents in history and the foundation of Western democracy. This year we celebrate its 800th anniversary, but how real are the liberties it sets out today? Freedom of speech - only where it supports the new dogma. Freedom of conscience - only so long as it doesn’t infringe countervailing values. Freedom of belief - only in private and behind closed doors. The truth is that Christians are being increasingly marginalised and gagged! Faith is being redefined. Christians are invited to make plans to join a Freedom of Speech rally on Monday 15 June at Parliament Square, Westminster between 11am and 4pm to hear speakers, music and much more.

Pray:

for many to take the initiative to be part of this rally for change in our nation. (Job 34:12)

Gardai monitoring Islamic radicals ahead of Prince Charles's Irish visit

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will visit Ireland and Northern Ireland next week, and security is being stepped up. Concerns have been raised that Irish Islamic extremists may try to target the visit. In addition to the risk from dissident republicans, Gardai (Irish police) are monitoring a number of radicalised individuals who they fear may attempt to disrupt the trip. Among suspects under surveillance is Irishman Khalid Kelly, who converted to Islam in 2000 while imprisoned in Saudi Arabia and is thought to have recently worked as a nurse in Syria before returning to Ireland. Mr Kelly knew Michael Adebolajo, the man who brutally killed British soldier Lee Rigby. Speaking at a mosque in Cavan, Mr Kelly said that Gardai were monitoring him ahead of Prince Charles’s visit.

Pray:

that the royal visit to both parts of the island will help heal wounds and not open up more offences.(Col.1:10,11)

Macedonia: a country on the brink?

Eight policemen and 14 gunmen were killed following a day-long gun battle in the Republic of Macedonia. Native Albanians from Kosovo are believed to be behind the violence, but on Wednesday the opposition claimed that the government orchestrated Saturday’s shootout. Many believe that ethnic tensions could destabilise the country. Macedonia now appears to be grappling with its deepest political crisis since gaining independence from former Yugoslavia in 1991. The tensions have been exacerbated by a number of factors. In 2001 the Albanian National Liberation Army demanded greater rights and autonomy for the Albanian minority. Since then, the country has been governed in a delicate power-sharing arrangement between Macedonians and ethnic Albanians, followed by a rising ethnic Macedonian nationalism. Last month EU envoys accused the government of leading the country towards disaster and urged those in power and the opposition to agree to a roadmap which would steer it away from ‘exploding.’ See also

Pray:

for the bereaved, and that the recent violent incidents will be a trigger for peaceful negotiation. (Ps.42:11)

Gaza: 10,000 teens graduate from Hamas terror camp

Earlier this year 10,000 Gaza teenagers graduated from a Hamas terrorist training programme called ‘Pioneers of the Resistance.’ The Palestinian youths, aged 15 to 21, underwent intensive training using live ammunition and heard sermons from Hamas leaders in praise of armed attacks. They were trained in firing sniper rifles, using portraits of Israeli leaders for targets. The youths simulated attacks on Israeli destinations through model terror tunnels (recreating the experience of infiltrating Israeli territory). All training was conducted under strict military conditions. During the last week of their training Hamas published a series of photos showing Palestinian minors dressed in military uniforms and being given weapons training in how to kill Israelis with assault rifles. The new camp is an example of how the Iran-backed terror organisation influences Palestinian children with ideology and violates international laws. See also

Pray:

for an end to the recruitment of child soldiers in Gaza and wherever there is unrest. Pray also for Israel’s security. (Ps.147:10,&14)

Iraq: Three British schoolgirl 'Jihadi brides' flee from husbands

An anonymous report stated that three young British girls are trying to escape from their husbands - and possibly IS. A Facebook posting on 2 May said, ‘Three girls (foreigners, British) married to IS militants, are reported missing, and IS has ordered all its check points to search for them. It is believed that those girls have escaped.’ The author later added, ‘The latest info I have is they are still on the run in Mosul, and IS is thoroughly searching for them - not captured them yet. They are Brits, not immigrants, and they are very young teens (around 16 years old). That's all I have about them for now.’ See also article 6 in this week’s Prayer-Alert British Isles section.

Pray:

for the families of the three girls and for the authorities to capture terrorists before they act.(Ps.31:13-15)

Nepal: 2nd earthquake - 7.2 magnitude

A new earthquake hit Nepal on Tuesday, with shockwaves felt as far away as New Delhi and Dhaka. At the time of writing at least 65 people have been reported killed in India, Nepal and Tibet, with more than 1,100 injured. The epicentre was to the east of Kathmandu, close to the China border. There are massive recovery efforts under way to aid victims in Nepal. Hundreds of thousands of buildings, including many ancient sites, were destroyed and many more damaged. Tearfund said that they had not yet been able to contact their partner workers in the field and that in the capital Kathmandu there had been panic. ‘People are very scared, choosing to stay out in the streets. It's been doubly traumatic for them, and we need to pray and support them.’

Pray:

for the homeless sheltering from early monsoon rains under tarpaulins, for people too scared to re-enter buildings, for those in the worst hit areas not yet in receipt of essential relief.(Ps.147:3)

USA: Criminal justice reforms

American law enforcement's public image is at an all-time low, and the Justice Department is fielding calls to investigate departments across the country. Lawmakers from both political parties want to pass reforms, and presidential candidate Rand Paul met members of the Congressional Black Caucus this week to discuss criminal justice reform. He’s an outspoken advocate for changing the way the American criminal system prosecutes and sentences. This Wednesday he will begin working with black lawmakers to craft a strategy for advancing legislation. Law-enforcement issues have taken centre stage following the death of several unarmed black men at the hands of police. The Congressional Black Caucus has tried for decades to reform the criminal justice system. Senator Paul was instrumental in convincing the Senate to pass the Death in Custody Reporting Act, the first post-Ferguson Act of Congress. See also

Pray:

for the Fraternal Order of Police, the nation’s largest law enforcement union, politicians and the Congressional Black Caucus to agree on policing reforms in the coming weeks. (Pr.18:5&17)

Syria: Ransom rejected for 242 Assyrian Christian hostages

Isolated Assyrian Christians have been caught for nearly three months between Kurdish militias and Syrian army forces battling with IS for control of Hassaka province, says Syriac Catholic Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo. 1,000 Assyrian families fled their village homes, sending them into exile in Qamishli and Hassaka city. In addition, 242 Assyrian Christians captured during these attacks are still being held incommunicado at an IS stronghold bombed last week by the Syrian army. Church officials have identified 93 women, 51 children and 98 men taken captive. After two months of behind-the-scenes negotiations through local intermediaries, church attempts to gain the release of the hostages were rebuffed by their IS captors. Australia’s Archbishop Mar Meelis said, ‘IS jihadists demanded a US $23 million ransom to release their Khabur captives’. An Assyrian church leader said the amount was beyond the capacity of a tiny church in a poor community.

Pray:

that negotiations for their release would resume and that the battle for the land would end. (Ps.146:5-7)

Georgia: Battle for Orthodoxy in the classroom

The Orthodox Church's resurgence began in the 1990s with the collapse of the USSR. Now Georgia's liberal politicians want alignment with Europe and the US to allow the country to overcome its past and become an independent nation. Some are accusing the Orthodox Church of using schools to breed religious conservatives with beliefs aligned to Putin's Russia. More than 80% of Georgians call themselves Orthodox, with the young amongst the most religious. The church's conservative message is at odds with Georgia’s liberal, pro-Western direction. An example of school/church activity is in the village of Terjola. The Head Teacher often brings in Terjola’s priest to work with the children and she wants to have a school prayer room. On her desk is a large photograph of Patriarch Ilia II, the head of Georgia's Orthodox Church and the country's most popular public figure.

Pray:

for faith amongst the young to continue to grow and religious intolerance in schools to end.(2Th.1:3,4)

Nigeria: Boko Haram survivors - food shortages

Since Nigeria's army began clearing areas of the country's northeast from Boko Haram, some internally displaced people have started returning home. But thousands could now face severe food shortages as reconstruction is delayed. Some trade has resumed in towns, but ghostly pockets and haunting reminders of the insurgent takeover are evident. Three months after the fighting ended, the smell of rotting corpses still clings to the air by the Church of the Brethren near Mararaba. People have returned to Adamawa province, but health clinics, banks and schools are still lacking and vast stretches of farmland stand barren. People are afraid and lack the equipment and manpower to farm, so for the moment they can’t live off the land. There is no sign of government aid. The rainy season comes next month and landmines are still dotted around. About a week ago a bomb exploded when people went to clear the land.

Pray:

for those who have returned to devastation to receive help and much needed support. (Ps.118:13)