CofE celebrates key Christian appointments in Parliament

The Church of England is celebrating the appointment of two of the nation's most influential Christians, one lay and one ordained, to key posts in the new Parliament. Caroline Spelman, a patron of the Conservative Christian Fellowship and MP for Meriden in the West Midlands, has been appointed Second Church Estates Commissioner, succeeding Sir Tony Baldry. Her role will be to represent and answer questions on behalf of the Church Commissioners in the House of Commons. Also a leading evangelical - David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham - has been appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury as convenor of the 26 bishops in the House of Lords, known as the Lords Spiritual. Spelman said: 'I am honoured to be asked to undertake this role as the Church is important for the future of our country and I want to help it navigate the challenges of the modern world with the support of our parliamentarians.'

Praise:

God for Caroline, David and all Christians working in politics. May God use them mightily to bring Christian values into policies and decision making. (1Tim.2:1-2)

Teenager saw Jesus before being revived

Doctors can’t explain what happened, but one Texas family is sure it was the hand of God that brought their son back to life. 17-year-old Zack Clements is a strong, healthy and outgoing high school athlete who plays football at a Life Academy. Then last week he suddenly collapsed while running in a PE class. He was rushed to hospital where doctors worked to revive him. He was without a heartbeat for 20 minutes. Doctors finally got a pulse and then airlifted him to a children’s hospital where he woke up a few days later in the intensive care unit. His recovery is hard to believe, but even more amazing is that he says he saw Jesus when his heart stopped beating. His mother, Teresa Clements, says that although it may be a medical mystery, she has accepted that her son came back to life as a direct result of Jesus’ intervention. To watch a video of his story on Fox News click the ‘more’ button below.

Praise:

God for this and the many marvels we are seeing in this day as He reveals his power. (Luke 7:14)

TIME TO SOUND THE ALARM FOR OUR NATION

Our nation is in pain with abused children, broken families, lonely elderly, community tensions and youth with a sense of hopelessness. The Church is called to stand in the gap for change in our communities. The World Prayer Centre, Birmingham believes it’s time for our nation to ‘sound the alarm’ and proclaim the Good News to the nation. They are inviting all Christian believers to come to a National Day of Worship and Prayer at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Saturday 4 July 2015. Religions and ideologies are rushing to fill a spiritual and moral vacuum created by a society that says, ‘We don’t do God and we don’t need God’. This ‘TRUMPET CALL 2015’ National Day of Worship and Prayer is a day when we can stand together in humility and unity to declare the Lordship of Christ over our nation. Purchase tickets from here or call 0121 633 7393.

Pray:

for churches, youth groups, Christian leaders, and prayer groups to hear the call and grasp this opportunity to pray on behalf of our nation.(Lev.25:9)

Armed Forces prayer requests

This is a quote from one of our servicemen: ‘I'm a month into my new job and haven't come across any Christian groups yet. Mind you, I'm working at (named headquarters) so haven't come across my family much either - there is an interesting work ethic.’ Please pray for isolated Christian brothers and sisters to find Christian fellowship. Please pray also for those with mental illness, as a result of being on the front line. Pray for a recognition by the authorities that it is real, and needs as much treatment as physical injuries. (There is an ‘Armed Forces Covenant’ to ensure that no member of service personnel, current or former, is disadvantaged due to their military service.) Pray for sufficient resourcing and excellent quality care and support to be provided for all the wounded. Please also pray for the Strategic Defence Review, that numbers will not be cut beyond what is sensible and reasonable.

Pray:

for those in the services - both those involved in the Nepal earthquake recovery work and those rescuing migrants escaping from their countries in dangerous craft across the Mediterranean Sea. (Is.40:31)

Scotland: Presbyteries to debate ministers entering same-sex marriage

Last Thursday the Church of Scotland General Assembly took the first step to extend the provision covering ministers in same-sex civil partnerships to those in same-sex marriages. The final decision has been deferred until its presbyteries have been consulted, so presbyteries will now debate the matter and return their votes by the end of this year. Their decision will then be brought back to the General Assembly. This is a critical time for the Church of Scotland. Please pray.

Pray:

for God to forgive us for the times that we compromise His values, and ask Him mercifully to direct the next round of consultations. (Ps.37:31)

Northern Ireland: Same-sex marriage call

The ‘Yes’ result in the same-sex marriage referendum in the Republic of Ireland has led to calls for its introduction in Northern Ireland. Patrick Corrigan, of Amnesty International, complained that Northern Ireland is now the one region in the UK and Ireland where gay people are not allowed to get married. Sinn Féin’s Caitríona Ruane said she was part of the campaign in the south and if the north do not legislate for same-sex marriage she has no doubt there will be a legal case on discrimination. Dr Norman Hamilton, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Northern Ireland, said, ‘We regard marriage as being exclusively between a man and a woman. But if there were changes to be made, then I would want to urge that they are made by the legislators rather than by the courts.’ For perspectives to help you pray please read the statement from THE MILL GATHERING

Pray:

for Northern Ireland to continue to defend the role of traditional marriage in this debate. (Eph.6:13)

Prince prays for peace in NI visit

On the final day of his tour of both the Republic and the North Prince Charles visited the country's oldest peace and reconciliation centre. Run by Christians, the Corrymeela Centre played a vital role in bringing together people on all sides of the troubles. Speaking at the centre, he said, ‘By our shared wounds and scars we can, I hope, I pray, share healing and a friendship made all the stronger for the trials it has overcome. We have all suffered too much, too many people's loved ones have been killed or maimed. Surely it is time, as I said in Sligo two days ago, that we became the subjects of our history and not its prisoners. Surely, too, in the roots of Corrymeela, we can discover lessons that can serve as a model to all who strive for peace and reconciliation.’

Pray:

for the people of Northern Ireland, and that the Prince's speech will mark another step forward towards peace and reconciliation for the province. (Ac.3:19)

Queen's Speech 2015

Yesterday Queen Elizabeth set out the Government's plans for a European Union membership referendum as David Cameron faces pressure to explain when it will be held and what changes to the EU he wants before then. Mr Cameron says he would prefer to stay inside a reformed EU but isn't ‘ruling anything out’ if it fails to change. He was re-elected on a pledge to reshape ties with the bloc before allowing Britons to vote on whether to stay or leave. The new government plans to pass a law in its first year that would allow a referendum on the EU to occur by the end of 2017.

Pray:

for our Queen and her Government to lead this country along the paths God has prepared. (Pr.2:20)

EU Leaders Riga Summit

This week EU leaders convened in Riga for the eastern partnership summit. They met with officials from the six eastern partners. Latvian foreign affairs minister Edgars Rinkevics hoped it would be ‘an opportunity to look at the challenges the EU faces along its eastern borders’. (Namely, ongoing tensions with Russia and peace in Ukraine hanging by a thread). During the summit a rally congregated outside urging the EU to grant Georgia and Ukraine visa free regimes and recognise their European future. One of the rally's organisers said the main demand for Georgia and Ukraine to be promised a ‘European perspective’ was not achieved at the Summit.

Pray:

for European leaders to help their eastern partners make their European dreams real. (Is.57:14)

Azerbaijan: European Games in Baku next month

A few countries span more than one continent - transcontinental states. Azerbaijan is on both European and Asian maps, but this year’s European games place it firmly in Europe. An anomaly? Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, was awarded the right to host the 2015 European Games, which are the final ‘continental’ Games to be inaugurated (after the Asian Games, Pan-American Games, All-Africa Games and Pacific Games). As of 2015, every continent will have a continental Games in the Olympic tradition. A total of 20 sports will be represented: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. Twelve of them - Archery, Athletics, Volleyball, Boxing, Cycling, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon and Wrestling - will offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.

Pray:

for safety in all preparations for the games, and for Christians in sport as they witness to others. (Ps.66:7,8)

Pakistan: Believers’ prayer requests

‘.. as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted to us in answer to the prayers of many.’ (2 Cor.1:11) A ladies’ ministry team whose accommodation is very close to two churches that were bombed are busy ministering in the aftermath. There have been multiple funerals, visits to injured in the hospitals, and traumatised families dealing with loss and grief. Pray for the peace, comfort and the grace of God to meet His people during this time. The presence of the evil one has noticeably increased in the general population and, sad to say, in the Christian population; particularly the ‘caste that calls themselves Christian.’ Fear has also increased within the general population. Pray against false religion. Please also pray for the courses we are running, ‘How to pray and hear from God’. We hope this will lead to an increase in 24/7 prayer groups for our nation.

Pray:

for 24/7 prayer to reach areas of Pakistan it has never been before, and for the above prayers to be answered. (Rom.12:12)

Iraq: More support needed from international partners

Iraqi forces have suffered a number of defeats at the hands of IS over the past year. Last week Iraqis chose to withdraw from Ramadi despite the fact that they vastly outnumbered IS forces. That defeat exposes the Iraqi army's continuing failure to become an effective fighting force. Religious fault-lines in Iraq's conflict (Sunni vs. Shiite vs. Kurd, with most Kurds being Sunnis) has created an ethnic element that leaves international partners with few options in their campaign against IS. Meanwhile Christians who have not fled Iraq stand and endure. Canon Andrew White, Bishop of Baghdad, recently posted on his blog, ‘People ask me, are you not terrified doing such dangerous work? I have to be honest and say not at all because perfect love casts out all fear. I have been shown the perfect love of God.’ See also

Pray:

for God to continue to hold his people in His heart, and inspire Iraqi and international leaders to make wise choices as they face IS militiamen. (Is.42:3,4a)

War intensifies in Yemen, civilians bear the brunt

The seven-week offensive against Iranian-allied Houthis and units loyal to ex-President Saleh continues to take its toll. More than 1400 civilians have died in Saudi-led attacks that pit Sunni Muslim allies against Shia Houthis and their Shia Iranian backers. Saudi bombing has created a disaster zone. People are afraid to leave their homes. Lack of food, water, fuel, and healthcare has created a humanitarian crisis. Complicating the situation is the addiction of many to khat, a narcotic that dulls the senses. Yemen's constitution declares Islam the state religion and Sharia Law the source legislation; Yemenis who leave Islam for Christianity face death. Yemeni Christians face double threats: civil unrest and persecution for their faith. UN-brokered peace talks for war-torn Yemen were postponed just four days before they were due to begin in Geneva. See also

Pray:

for hostilities to cease, for President Hadi and his government to be restored, and for Yemenis to experience Christ's peace even in the midst of conflict. (Jn.16:33)

Nepal: Nepalese leaving their gods after second quake

The earthquake has shaken the faith of many Hindus in this predominantly Hindu nation. Christian pastors are well-equipped to handle the spiritual side of things and are often the best people to turn to when it comes to emotional care. According to Mission Network News these uncertain times are laying the groundwork for churches to provide tangible aid. They are a point of light in these dark neighbourhoods of death and loss. Pastors and motivated Christians are reaching out with emergency aid as well as with the message of the Gospel. Thirty years ago there were hardly any Christians in Nepal. The Christian population is small but has been growing fast for the past three decades.

Pray:

that multitudes will hear the Good News for the first time, for whole families to be discipled and for Christian boldness as they share Christ's love and mercy to their suffering neighbours. (Acts 4:29)

Global: This week - heatwaves, floods, droughts and tornados

A heatwave sweeping India has killed 1,118 since last week and the numbers are increasing daily. With temperatures of 48 C (118F), authorities are urging people to stay indoors and drink plenty of water. But people have to work! In Texas the governor said this week’s floods were the worst the state had seen. A wave of water had a ‘tsunami-like’ power. 1,000+ homes were damaged and more floods are expected. In Mexico a tornado reached 186mph, killing many who were walking on the street when it struck. The Philippines has placed eight provinces under a state of calamity due to a drought caused by 2015’s El Nino weather phenomenon. The rainy season due next month may not alleviate the drought’s impact. 40% of farmers’ crops are destroyed. Scientists have officially declared a major El Nino event due to an increase in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. See also

Pray:

for the working classes, elderly and young exposed to heat, for preparation against further Texas flooding, for the Mexican army searching for missing people, and farmers without crops. (Ps.91:15)

Australia: New South Wales - financial stress rising

‘Financial stress has increased to 44% of the households in New South Wales as people spend more than they earn’, according to a Wesley Mission report launched in Sydney. Almost four in ten or 1,022,010 households are now technically insolvent. Politicians of all persuasions draw the analogy between government and household spending and the need to balance the budget. Households are not balancing their budgets and the burden of debt is increasingly shifting from the public to the private sphere. The evidence from the Wesley Report suggests, ‘Financial hardship and financial anxiety are impacting the health, safety and wellbeing of individuals and their families.’

Pray:

for the government and households to return to living within their means and begin to save money. (Heb. 13:5)

Nigeria: Villages raided, more Christians killed

Many Christian villages in central Nigeria were attacked and a number of people were killed in raids by suspected Fulani militants on Sunday (the Fulani are one of the most powerful people groups in west Africa). Militants attacked 20 villages in the Agatu local government area of Benue state, killing more than 30 people. Many fled to displacement camps in neighbouring Kogi state. Meanwhile, in the Barkin Ladi area of Plateau state, militants attacked several villages in Dorowa. Nigerian military responded to the attack but ‘made no search nor any arrests’. As Boko Haram attacks gradually build up around the north-east states, Fulani terror activities are on the rise in central Nigeria. Please pray now for our brothers and sisters in Christ in villages across central Nigeria, facing this new threat.

Pray:

that officials and the military will act with firm resolve to end these attacks and protect vulnerable Christian communities. (Zec.10:5)