Muslim goes to Mecca and finds Jesus!

Ali, a Kurd, suffered from alcohol addiction when friends persuaded him to make the Hajj (pilgrimage) to Islam's holy city, Mecca. It was in Saudi Arabia, where liquor is banned, and the religious ritual might cure him, they suggested. When he got there, he cried out to God for help (if indeed He was there) and fell asleep. Jesus then appeared to him in a dream and touched him, saying: ‘You believe in me now; leave this place.’ After taking a shower next morning, he discovered what he thought was dust on the part of his chest Jesus had touched, but in fact the hair on his chest had turned white in the shape of a hand! At the traditional celebration marking his return from Hajj, he announced to his incredulous family that he had seen Jesus in Mecca and had come back a Christian.

Praise:

God for the way He reveals Himself in dreams and visions. (Acts.2:17)

From bomber to Bible teacher

Alejandro was a terrorist with a militant Islamic organisation in Mindanao. He’d bombed civilians, government soldiers, US Marines and the homes of Christians. ‘I was not afraid to kill anyone for the glory of Allah,’ he said. Alejandro was the only son in a strict Muslim family. He'd brought honour to his father by joining the Islamist rebels and was considered a worthy heir. His work required that he travel around the island of Mindanao, and in 2009 he met a Christian who invited him to church. At first Alejandro turned down the invitation; he wasn't interested in Christianity. But the Christian persisted, finally he agreed to visit the man's church. Alejandro suddenly found himself crying and walking to the front of the church. ‘I was a tough military guy, an Islamic killer,’ he said. ‘I never cried, never. That day, I decided to leave Islam and follow Jesus.'

Praise:

God for the way His Spirit speaks in miraculous ways. (Ps.77:14)

Churches urged to pray4media on Sunday June 1st

Churches and Christians are being encouraged to pray for the media on Sunday June 1st. The initiative is being led by the Church and Media Network, with prayers being submitted by the Archbishop of York, Rev Ruth Gee, President of the National Conference of the Methodist Church; Dr Daleep Mukarji, the Vice-President of the Methodist Conference; and the Rt Rev Nick Baines, the Anglican Bishop-designate of Leeds. The Church and Media Network, which seeks to encourage Christians to engage with the media, is encouraging people to submit their own prayers on the newly-launched website www.pray4media.co.uk and to tweet prayers to @pray4media. Rev Tony Miles, Chair of the Network, explained: ‘As Christians we want to affirm the media’s vital role in our society. At its best the media gives a voice to the voiceless, holds the powerful to account, highlights unjust practices, calls for justice, keeps people informed, brings us strong opinions to challenge our own – and tells stories to entertain us.’

Pray:

for the media in Britain, that it will work to its best in maintaining high ethical and moral standards. (1Ti.2:1)

Britain's hidden exploitation: Prostitution behind closed doors

The landscape of prostitution in the UK is changing. Ten years ago, you'd find women on street corners at certain times of day. Now, they tend to operate from brothels, saunas, massage parlours and hotels. The use of internet and mobile technology, increasing stigmatisation of men wanting to pay for sex, a change in national legislation and also the consequences of human trafficking all mean that the patterns of prostitution are shifting. Mark Wakeling, director of UK charity Beyond the Streets, says this shift from on-street to off-street locations means those working to support women in the sex industry have had to re-think their approaches. His charity has partnered with The Gate, a local charity in Southampton, to work out a new way to reach women. Research suggests that many women who sell themselves from brothels and massage parlours are isolated and feel unable to access support. Violence against women in these situations remains high.

Pray:

for the work of The Gate and that such charities will be able to extend their work nationwide. (Jn.8:7)

Christians offer safe houses to Muslims

A Christian campaign group is launching a national network of safe houses for Muslim converts who face ostracism or violent reprisals for leaving their religion. It says it knows of up to 1,100 former Muslims at risk in Britain but the true number could be 3,000. Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, which is organising the network, said: ‘We are motivated by a deep sense of love and compassion for those that feel trapped in a situation from which they cannot escape. The penalty for them at best is to be cut off from their family; at worst they face death. This is happening not just in Sudan and Nigeria but in east London. The government has failed to deal with the rise in anti-Christian sentiment.’

Pray:

for the protection of those who choose to follow Jesus and who are at risk. (Ps.5:11)

‘Significant steps’ needed to progress Anglican-Methodist Covenant

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, together with the President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, have today issued a joint statement, in response to a report to their Churches. The report, entitled The Challenge of the Covenant, recommends that both Churches take action to enhance unity between them, with the work being fully embedded in Church structures. The report also encourages the Church of England to address the question of interchange ability of ordained ministries between the two Churches, and the Methodist Church to consider the possibility of a form of Episcopal ministry (such as a 'president bishop'). The statement from the Archbishops and Methodist Presidency welcomes the report, stating: ‘The time has now come for our Churches to take further, significant steps to achieve that level of reconciliation between us and partnership in the gospel that will enhance our mission together in local communities and our shared witness to the whole of society.’

Pray:

for God to guide the process of bringing the two churches towards closer unity. (Eph.4:3-6)

British forces in Afghanistan

With the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan, the public focus on our troops has lessened. However, there are still many British troops still serving in Afghanistan. Their lives are still very vulnerable, as we were reminded by the tragic loss of five men (each one precious in God’s eyes) when their helicopter crashed last month. The most remarkable miracle is that this was the first British helicopter accident involving loss of life since the Afghan conflict started in 2001 – an amazing answer to your prayers. Thank you.

Pray:

for the men and women still serving our country in Afghanistan, for their safety at all times, for their families back home in UK who worry and miss them while they are deployed. (Job.11:18)

Heavy web-use harms a child's mental health

Over-use of the internet is causing mental health problems for children, government health advisers have warned. Each hour spent in front of a computer puts them at greater risk, they say. As a result, children face mental illnesses and social problems such as loneliness, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and heightened aggression. In a report submitted to MPs, Public Health England officials warn that one in ten children now has a mental health issue, with computers and the internet largely to blame. Public Health England, which issues guidance on good health to the NHS, says there is a clear relationship between the amount of time spent on social media sites such as Facebook and ‘lower levels of well-being’. The link becomes particularly striking when children spend more than four hours a day in front of a screen – but it kicks in even at very low levels of use.

Pray:

that the over-use of computers by young people will be recognised as a problem by their parents and relevant controls will be put in place. (Pr. 22:6)

Cameron urged to pass law to protect England's woodland

England’s woodland is in danger unless David Cameron keeps his promise to pass laws preventing public forests from being sold off, leading conservationists have said in a letter to the Telegraph. The Government was forced into making a U-turn after hundreds of thousands of people protested against a proposal to sell swathes of the Public Forest Estate (PFE) in 2011. However, despite an assurance that an independent management organisation for the PFE would be established in statute to hold the woodland in trust for the nation, nothing has been done and the letter’s signatories are demanding action ‘before it is too late’. The coalition of conservationists from the Woodland Trust, the Confederation of Forest Industries, Our Forests, Ramblers, Save Our Woods, The Wildlife Trust and 38 Degrees urged the Government to use the Queen’s Speech on June 4 to set the wheels in motion for new legislation.

Pray:

for the Government to honour the pledge to put new legislation in place to protect our forests and woodland. (1Co.4:2)

Leaders agree to review EU agenda at Brussels summit

EU leaders have agreed to re-evaluate the bloc's agenda after voters ‘sent a strong message’, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has said. Mr Van Rompuy said leaders of the 28 member states had asked him to launch consultations on future policies. He was speaking after a meeting in Brussels to discuss big election gains by populist and far-right parties. The results of the European Parliament election led to calls for an EU rethink by those leaders who suffered defeats. But despite gains by anti-EU groups, pro-European parties still won most votes overall. Tuesday's summit was the first opportunity for leaders of all member states to discuss the way forward after last week's polls. Mr Van Rompuy said the meeting in Brussels had been a ‘useful first discussion’ and that EU leaders had agreed on putting the economy at the heart of the group's agenda.

Pray:

for the leaders of the EU that they will be given wisdom as they seek ways forward for the Parliament. (Ps.111:10)

Ukraine army 'in control' of Donetsk airport

Ukraine says it has recaptured the airport in the eastern city of Donetsk after a day of air strikes and fierce gun battles with pro-Moscow separatists that left at least 48 people, including two civilians, dead. ‘The airport is under our full control. The enemy suffered heavy losses. We have none,’ Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said in a statement on Tuesday. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) also reported that it had lost contact with a four-member observer team based in the restive city since Monday evening. The battle for the main transport hub in Ukraine's industrial heartland erupted on Monday just hours after president-elect Petro Poroshenko vowed to take a tough stand against the ‘terrorists’. Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately called on Ukraine to end its ‘punitive’ operation in the rebel-held east and for talks between Kiev and the pro-Russian separatists.

Pray:

for peace to break out throughout the Ukraine and for a cessation of all warlike activities. (Ps.34:14)

Nigeria: Update

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff said, ‘We know where the girls are but we cannot tell you military secrets. Just leave us alone. We are working. We will get the girls back.’ Nigeria has ruled out forceful rescue attempts. Pentagon officials have not confirmed claims that the girls have been located. On Monday Nigerian children across the state embarked on prayers for divine intervention to bring back Chibok’s schoolgirls. They also wrote letters to Boko Haram and President Goodluck Jonathan. More than 470 people have been killed since the girls were abducted. Meanwhile Cameroon has deployed 1,000 troops to its border with Nigeria to fight the growing threat of Boko Haram. The troops will carry out reconnaissance missions and return fire if necessary. Boko Haram killed 11 soldiers and 13 police officers in the north-eastern state of Yobe. Yobe is currently under a state of emergency. See: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/05/children-write-jonathan-b oko-haram-chibok-schoolgirls/#sthash.ekxTMSor.dpuf

Pray:

for Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, to make wise choices in the coming days. (Pr.6:7)

Global: Spreading the gospel through social media

On June 8, there will be an opportunity for believers around the world to cover the Internet with the Gospel. #goeverywhere is an online movement presented by the team at yesHEis, for Christians to answer the commission Jesus left us to ‘go into the entire world’. An event called the #goeverywhere Thunderclap will see the start of something that has the potential to reach millions on a single day. By signing up to the Thunderclap, people will give permission for a post or tweet to be automatically sent out to all their friends and followers sharing a short 2 minute gospel video, creating a wave around the world. The post will say, ‘This is why I believe. #Jesus #goeverywhere’.

Pray:

this evangelistic thrust will successfully go everywhere. Pray God’s anointing on every email address this message lands in. Pray for millions to begin to consider and talk about Jesus Christ. (Mt.9:31)

Central African Republic: ‘Christian’ criminals and militia

On Tuesday Reuters reported, ‘three Muslim youths were killed and mutilated by 'Christian' militia in CAR. They were travelling to a reconciliation soccer game between Muslim and Christian youths that was set up to forge a peace between mostly Muslim Seleka rebels who seized power last year and the rival anti-balaka militia. Meanwhile on Tuesday a Christian worker reported, ‘Yesterday there was more gunfire in Bangui. A vehicle carrying its full capacity of armed Muslims pulled up at a Muslim-controlled area and deposited them there, causing the onlookers to flee. It was in response to preparations being made by the anti-balaka for further attacks. These ‘anti-balaka’ are criminals, whose sole aim is to drive out the inhabitants and plunder their houses and shops. They had their base in our Christian part of town for a good while, before they finally cleared off. It is a constant, intolerable threat. Please pray for our protection.'

Pray:

for healing for the wounded, comfort for the bereaved and an end to violence in CAR (Ps.20:2&22:19)

Eritrea: 21st birthday but 1,000 Christian prisoners don’t celebrate

Eritrea is ruled by President Isaias Afewerki, who won independence from Ethiopia in 1991. He became a dictator, repressing soldiers then turning on religious dissenters and critics within the party. Today the Eritrean regime tolerates no dissent of any kind. There is no free media, no university, and even the ruling party - renamed the People’s Front for Freedom and Democracy - has not held a party conference for years. Tens of thousands of young Eritreans have fled the country, escaping across the border to Ethiopia or Sudan to face a difficult and uncertain future. Others have attempted to reach Europe, some of them drowning in the Mediterranean Sea on smuggler ships. Eritrea’s 6 million people live under a regime that has earned a reputation as the most repressive in Africa. Exiled human-rights group, Release Eritrea, reports that 1,000+ Christians are currently in detention. The group bases its tally on phone calls to friends and colleagues in the country.

Pray:

for church leaders in detention, for the underground Church to have a resolute faith and good spirit; for the continued growth of the evangelical Churches. (Ps.30:1)

Global: Three newborns challenge pro-abortion assumptions

Decklen was born at 22 weeks in California. He was just 10 inches long and weighed 14 ounces. His parents had to choose whether or not to have an emergency operation. They wanted to give Decklen a chance. ‘If he’s a fighter, you know, we want him to fight and make his own decisions,’ his dad said. His words forced journalists in the secular, pro-abortion media to acknowledge Decklen’s value. Meanwhile doctors in Australia have criticised another couple’s decision to allow their conjoined twin girls a chance at life. The girls, born six weeks early, have diprosopus. They share everything and when the condition appeared on an ultrasound at 19 weeks doctors said, ‘None of the 35 other children born with diprosopus in recorded history is alive today’. But the parents refused an abortion and named the girls Faith and Hope. Doctors now say if the girls can continue progressing for five weeks, they have a good chance of survival.

Pray:

for the lives of these children to be in God’s care. Pray also for the least among us, the children in the womb whose parents are considering this week whether or not to give them life. (Eph. 6:12)

Afghanistan: Thousands of US troops to stay

US President Barack Obama has announced a pull-out plan for Afghanistan that will leave 9,800 troops in the country after 2014, overriding previous plans of a complete withdrawal by the end of the year. He has been insistent that at the beginning of 2015, the war in Afghanistan will officially be over, but leaving almost 10,000 there after 2014 may make it difficult to realise that distinction on the ground. US troops will still be armed and conducting ‘counter-terrorism’ missions. With this announcement the president is reinvesting in his strategy, giving the military what it says it needs but also giving them a timeline. The president says by 2017 the US will only provide the normal numbers that are needed to secure an embassy.

Pray:

for the war in Afghanistan to be over both officially and literally. (Ps.46:6-9)

Pakistan: Asia Bibi death sentence appeal cancelled again

Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi's Tuesday appeal hearing on her death sentence for blasphemy was again cancelled - for the fifth time. No new hearing date has been set. Bibi's four previous hearings were also cancelled at the last minute by the court. Bibi, a mother of five, has been in prison since being sentenced to death for blasphemy in 2010. The accusation followed a heated dispute with Muslim colleagues. Blasphemy is a serious crime in Muslim-majority Pakistan and carries the death sentence, but human rights groups say the charges are often trumped up as a means of settling personal scores and vendettas. Anyone accused of blasphemy in Pakistan faces threats to their life from extremists. Relatives often have to go into hiding to escape the same fate, and being behind bars doesn't make the accused any safer. Sometimes extremists march into their prison cell and kill them while the guards turn a blind eye.

Pray:

against a culture of persecution against minorities, pray for justice for Asia Bibi and those falsely accused of blasphemy. Pray for an end to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. (Is.26:13)