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Topic: News From British Isles, Ireland, Europe and Worldwide
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News Room
Admin Group
Joined: 07/25/2004
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6560
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Posted: 06/01/2016 at 10:05am
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| News From British Isles, Ireland, Europe and Worldwide
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USA spiritual awakening in West
Virginia |
A spiritual awakening that
has led to an estimated three thousand conversions and appears poised to last
through the summer is creating continuing enthusiasm among Assemblies of God
churches in southern West Virginia. The past six weeks our Sunday morning
services have been more spiritual. The move of the Spirit has gone up two or
three notches, said the leader of Victory Christian Centre Church in Lenore.
Pentecostal evangelist Matt Hartley has been holding revival meetings which have
attracted visitors from Texas, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Georgia and
Florida. After other meetings in different venues, on 14 May the Awakening
shifted to Logan High School's football stadium. Young people want to be
involved in Bible study, some pastors and youth groups have travelled hours to
get there, said the director of youth and Christian education for the AoG
Appalachian Ministry Network. This has had some pretty far-reaching results,
especially for youth ministries. |
Praise: |
God for the
awakening and strengthening of His Church.
(Is52:1a) | |
More: |
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USA spiritual outpouring on west
coast |
Last month a San Diego church
posted online, In the midst of outpouring and extended revival, we feel that
it's time to be intentional with releasing impartation each month through
hosting special themed weekends of revival. We will be bringing together fathers
and mothers with a history in outpouring and revival to begin to spread what God
is releasing here in this Fire and Glory Outpouring in San Diego to the whole
of North America and the Nations. Come and be a part of this special time of
impartation and activation, in the midst of nonstop revival which has been going
on for over two and a half months! Fresh Awakening San Diego is exploding!!!
Incredible Glory Presence is just one of many Facebook messages about the
outpouring, at www.livingathisfeet.org |
Praise: |
God that His
Kingdom is a Kingdom of His Word being preached with signs and wonders
following. (1Co.4:20) | |
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Atheists and agnostics outnumber
Christians |
Research has found that for
the first time, those without a religion outnumber Christians in England and
Wales. The main driver is people brought up with some religion now saying they
have no religion. Those brought up as Anglicans and Catholics are most likely to
leave the Church, with four out of ten adults raised as Anglicans abandoning
their faith. Rising trends of secularism have also been reported across Europe
in the past decade, with a study in March finding that the majority of
Norwegians no longer believe in God. Pray for us to raise our faith and
expectation, our commitment to prayer, to raise our eyes from what we are seeing
around us, to take our eyes off the falling and the decaying and to lift our
eyes to God; pray also for a powerful new move of God. Read a prophetic
word given by Malcolm Duncan at a recent WPC prayer event.
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Pray: |
for God to
revive and strengthen churches, and give confidence, hope, purpose and meaning
to the Church. (Ps.80:3) | |
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Counter-extremism proposals and free
speech |
Last week the Christian
Institute stated, The Governments planned Counter-Extremism and Safeguarding
Bill must be carefully crafted to avoid damaging freedom of expression. The
chief executive of Index on Censorship said, We should resist any attempts to
make it a crime for people of faith to talk publicly about their beliefs, for
political parties to voice unpopular views, and for venues to host anyone whose
opinions challenge the status quo. We urge the Government to use its
consultation to ensure this does not happen. The proposals for a new law,
outlined in the Queens Speech, are more ambiguous than earlier Government
proposals. Current legislation already prohibits incitement to violence and
terrorism, and a compelling case for broadening them further through civil
measures has not been made. It is still not clear how new legislation would deal
with the problem of defining extremism in a way that would not threaten free
speech. |
Pray: |
for the new
proposals to create an environment where Christians can freely express their
beliefs. (Ps.106:8) | |
More: |
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New resource for schools |
Teaching of Christianity in
schools is set to be transformed by a new resource from the Church of England,
launched yesterday. Understanding Christianity is a set of comprehensive
materials and training which will enable pupils from age 4 to 14 to
develop their understanding of Christianity, as a contribution to making
sense of the world and their own experience within it. Available to schools
across the country, it was written by a team of RE advisers from RE Today
Services, in collaboration with more than 30 teachers and academics. It has been
trialled in over fifty schools. Understanding Christianity was commissioned by
the Church of England education office with the support of Culham St
Gabriels, The Sir Halley Stewart Trust, the Jerusalem Trust and an anonymous
donor. The chief education officer for the Church of England said that the
ability for young people to have informed conversation and dialogue about belief
and faith is key to building a peaceful society and helps combat ignorance and
extremism. |
Pray: |
for the
trainers commissioned to train teachers to use the resource, for the development
support available to all teachers who sign up, and for more teachers to come
forward for training.
(Mt.19:14) | |
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Dementia: different
perspectives |
Recently Angela Rippon
investigated dementia in a TV programme. Dementia took her mothers life and is
now affecting her friends. Angela visited people who are living with the disease
and families that carry a gene for early-onset Alzheimers. In an ageing
population, dementia is an issue that is likely to touch each one of us some
time in our lives. We are hearing more about it on the media as our population
ages. In his article Dementia, God, & Christian Faith James Howell, a
pastor in Charlotte, North Carolina, says that polls indicate we fear dementia
more than we fear cancer. However in Christianity, well-being is not gauged by
the presence or absence of illness or distress. Well-being is defined by the
presence of God, and God is not distant from the one with dementia, or from
those who love someone with dementia. Howell says, Can someone with dementia
have a spiritual life? Ive seen forgetful, withdrawn people to be quite
prayerful; faith sometimes achieves a lovely simplicity in such instances. See
here. |
Pray: |
for the
Church to develop a workable ministry, tailored to support individuals with
dementia, that they and their families know that they are, and will always be,
beloved children of God. (Dt.
31:8) | |
More: |
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The Bible in heart languages |
Wycliffe Bible Translators UK
and Ireland is part of an international family of over a hundred organisations
from more than sixty nations working alongside many partner organisations,
individuals from local communities and international groups to carry out Jesus'
command to make disciples of all nations. They see Bible translation as
something that reflects the character of God and teaches people His provision
for them. Much work has been done over the years to bring Gods truth to
unchurched / unreached people groups, but the remaining task is immense. Pray
for those developing various programmes specifically designed to equip nationals
with the skills they need to develop languages and Bible translation into these
languages. Pray for good partnerships between Wycliffe individuals and churches
to develop Bible translation further. Pray for the protection of overseas
workers, and for Gods wisdom to be with those working with His words of life
all the time. |
Pray: |
for God to
give more people a passion for language development and
translation.(Mk.13:10) | |
More: |
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Review of Sharia law |
An independent review will
establish whether Sharia law in England and Wales has been used to discriminate
against women. It will look at whether Sharia law is compatible with UK laws and
whether it is being misused. Theresa May commented that some Sharia councils
had sought to legitimise forced marriage and issue unfair divorces to women. The
review will be completed next year and seek best practice among councils. It
will be led by Professor Mona Siddiqui, an expert in Islamic and interreligious
studies from the University of Edinburgh. Pray for an end to discriminatory
decisions taken by Sharia councils and for all UK citizens to adhere to the UKs
laws and justice system. |
Pray: |
for this and
all other Government counter-extremism strategies to be fit for purpose.
(Pr.21:15) | |
More: |
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Three-parent babies
concerns |
Scientists have raised fresh
questions over effectiveness and safety of gene-editing techniques which
create three-parent babies. The technique aims to prevent babies inheriting
health problems which may lead to developmental delays, seizures, deafness and
heart failure. The 'three-parent' IVF technique creates an embryo with no
disorder. Many concerns have been raised as to the ethics. Now, a report has
discovered potential adverse outcomes when using the technique: it states, In
some trials the transfer of unhealthy mitochondria could sometimes carry-over
and dominate the healthy mitochondria. This may increase over time, potentially
causing one of the diseases the therapy was intended to cure, and therefore
nullifying the techniques effect. Last year, the UK legalised three-parent
IVF. The fertility regulator, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
(HFEA), is yet to give it the green light. HFEA will wait for further
experiments on the techniques efficiency and safety before approving it for
clinical use. |
Pray: |
for an end
to questionable and discredited fertility treatments being offered at private
clinics. (Dt.32: 6) | |
More: |
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Praying for Gods will in the migration
crisis |
Sometimes we dont understand
what God is doing until, with hindsight, we recognise Gods plan and the
beginning of understanding how to respond to His will. Our duty is to look after
orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by
the world. (Ja.1:27) Pray for local initiatives working hard to show a Christian
welcome to all those in need. Railway carriages in Eidomeni (Greece) are being
used as brothels, women are being trafficked out of camps, people-traffickers
are profiting at their expense. Pray for security and police forces attempting
to intercept organised criminal gangs which trap, transport and sell refugees.
European parliament members are divided in opinion: keep migrants out, welcome
them in, give them new residency rights, pay other countries to house them, fly
them in, or fly them out? Billions of Euros are spent, and the solution is not
clear. Pray for compassion and wisdom to be the bedrock of asylum
strategies. |
Pray: |
for those on
the move to find shelter and those not wanting to move to be safe at home.
(Ps.91:1,2) | |
More: |
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Ukraine: national prayer forum |
Christian politicians will
gather next week (2-3 June) in the Ukraine, seeking to form closer links that
will protect Christian values in Central and Eastern Europe. Their forum is for
cooperation of Christian politicians and civil society in the promotion of
Christian values on the international arena. They aim to develop closer
collaboration between Christian politicians and civil society, and will explore
ways of protecting the Christian values of human dignity, family and freedom.
Pray for the MPs of Ukraine and the international officials as they explore
these issues in a western cultural revolution. Pray for the workshops, where
debate and promotion of different ideas will be expressed around subjects of
intolerance, discrimination against Christians and challenges to family policies
and actual threats. Pray for Gods word to rule and reign as they discuss
natural law challenged by gender ideology, redefinition of marriage, and
queering of human rights. |
Pray: |
for the
international speakers and delegates to be anointed and inspired by God.
(Ps.92:2) | |
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A Messianic perspective on
reconciliation |
A Messianic Jew writes, Jews
and Arabs, and even Messianic Jews and Palestinian Christians, dont mix. I am
not saying that we dont attend each others congregations or pray together at
conferences. Of course we do. But we dont let our guard down, talk about the
tough questions and bring each other into our lives. In these days of terrorism
and occupation, it is not surprising that many of us, if not most, give in to
the rhetoric of the media and politicians. We assume the worst of each other and
demand that the other side make concessions or conform to our perspective
before being willing to engage in conversation. As Messianic Jews, we struggle
not only with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but with all that it means to be
an Israeli. Army service, the love we have for our country and our precarious
place in Israeli society all come into play. |
Pray: |
for all who
are working towards bringing redemption and reconciliation through the message
of the gospel; for Messianic Jews serving in the Israel Defence Forces to have
Gods peace and wisdom.
(Pr.16:3) | |
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USA: pray for peace in Baltimore |
A Baltimore police officer
has been acquitted of assault and other charges in the arrest of Freddie Gray, a
young black man who died a week after he was critically injured in police
custody. A judge found Officer Edward Nero not guilty of misconduct in office
and reckless endangerment. He announced his verdict on Monday. Nero was one of
six Baltimore police officers charged in the case. He waived his right to a jury
trial, opting instead to argue his case himself. An earlier trial for an officer
charged with manslaughter in the case ended in a hung jury in December. Gray's
death about a year ago led to protests and rioting in the city and fuelled the
Black Lives Matter movement. See also
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Pray: |
for God to
cause true justice to overrule human justice.
(Pr.16:9) | |
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Egypt: air crash investigations
continue |
European companies are being
hired to find EgyptAir 804s flight recorders, which are the best chance of
finding out what happened on the flight from Paris to Cairo. Egyptian
authorities believe terrorism is a more likely explanation than equipment
failure for the crash last week. So far no hard evidence has emerged. Debris
including life vests, personal belongings, parts of wreckage and small fragments
of human remains have been found. Officials in Cairo are trying to identify and
match them to victims. Families of the victims have nearly completed giving DNA
samples to help with the grim task. Pray for the teams investigating the crash,
particularly the forensics department trying to match DNA to family members.
Pray for the families in mourning visiting the morgue to give samples. Pray for
the Egyptian submarine and for the ships and planes from Britain, Cyprus,
France, Greece and the United States taking part in the
search. |
Pray: |
for God to
come near to those family members and friends of victims who know the Lord, and
to draw others into His presence as they cry out for answers and reasons.
(Ps.145:18) | |
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Ramadan: 1.7 billion fasting and praying Muslims from 7
June |
Muslims welcome Ramadan, the
ninth month in the Islamic calendar, as a period of fasting, self-evaluation and
spiritual growth. 1.7 billion people (25% of the Earths population) will pray
and fast during daylight hours. In the UK, that is nineteen hours a day. Muslims
everywhere are encouraged to be devout in prayer, read the Quran and practise
kindness to the people around them. Muslim believers are the majority in 49
countries, which makes Islam a huge part of the world; the effects of the fast
are so great that they affect the global economy. During Ramadan, Muslims
worldwide will seek blessing on their lives and families and peace for those in
their communities. During this time, the Church can be praying for Muslims,
particularly for practising Muslim refugees, many of whom are homeless, without
possessions, needing refuge, seeking spiritual relief in their
brokenness. |
Pray: |
for many
Muslims to have visions and dreams of Jesus as they search for spiritual growth
and realise who He really is. (Job
33:15-17) | |
More: |
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Canada: update on fire disaster |
Many are calling it the worst
natural disaster in Canada's history: a mammoth inferno sweeping across the
northern regions. At the time of writing, 26 May, fire conditions are high to
extreme, Fort McMurray remains out of control, and fire covers 566,188 hectares.
Fifteen different wildfires are burning. Firefighters are conducting controlled
burns to limit potential flare-ups later. There are 2,054 firefighters, 88
helicopters, 256 pieces of heavy equipment and 25 air tankers currently battling
the fires. Wildfire crews from across the world are supporting Canadas efforts.
The forecast for today is 22 Celsius, humidity 30%, with a possibility of
thundershowers on Thursday or Friday. Pray for rain. Pray for firefighters and
their families. Pray for the safe re-entry of residents to burnt-out areas. Pray
for those organising and receiving temporary housing support. Pray for the
information centres being set up throughout the region to offer resources for
returning residents. |
Pray: |
for fresh
physical rains and the spiritual reign of God in the land. Pray for the Church
to be mobilised to give physical help and spiritual hope as people work through
this disaster. (Is.52:7) | |
More: |
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Iraq:
fears for families in Fallujah |
Fierce fighting has been
raging around Fallujah since Iraq's military launched an offensive on Monday to
reclaim the traditionally Sunni-dominated city from IS. The UN says it fears for
the safety of an estimated 10,000 families trapped there, who will pay a heavy
toll for the liberation of the city. Iraq's airforce has airdropped thousands of
leaflets on Fallujah instructing residents to leave and promising them passage
through safe corridors established by the military to camps outside the city.
The government has set up a hotline for residents to call or text if they
require evacuation, while state television has broadcast advice to residents to
wave white flags over their homes if they can't flee and to stay away from IS
facilities and gatherings. Activists say IS has been preventing residents from
leaving and has cut many communication lines, leaving thousands potentially
caught in the crossfire between government troops, backed by Shiite militia and
tribal fighters, and IS. |
Pray: |
for God to
direct the government forces and their allies in their battles so that families
remain safe. Pray for the safe corridors to remain secure, and for drone
strikes to hit targets not civilians.
(Dt.23:14) | |
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Iran
can destroy Israel in less than eight minutes |
The latest of a long series
of Iranian threats against Israel was spoken by Ahmad Karimpour, a senior
advisor to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. If the Supreme Leaders orders are
to be executed, with the abilities and the equipment at our disposal, we will
raze the Zionist regime in less than eight minutes. Irans Supreme Leader Ali
Khamenei, its 76-year-old head of state and most powerful figure, has repeatedly
threatened to annihilate Israel. Earlier this month, Irans military
successfully tested a precision-guided ballistic missile with a 2,000- kilometre
range (and so capable of reaching Israel). Iran signed an accord last July
pledging to curb nuclear activities in exchange for lifting of sanctions:
illogically, ballistic missiles were not covered in the
agreement. |
Pray: |
for Irans
current president, Hassan Rouhani, to show restraint. Pray that God will use
this usually moderate man to have the last word on the countrys missile
programme. (Pr.2:8) | |
More: | | Source: Prayer Alert - World Prayer Centre UK
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