News From British Isles, Ireland, Europe and Worldwide
Printed From: OpenHeaven.com
Forum Name: TOP NEWS - Worldwide Kingdom/Revival NEWS
Forum Discription: Daily News of What God is Doing Worldwide - Read and Comment
URL: http://archive.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=52995
Printed Date: 01/17/2017 at 3:59pm
Topic: News From British Isles, Ireland, Europe and Worldwide
Posted By: Ron McGatlin
Subject: News From British Isles, Ireland, Europe and Worldwide
Date Posted: 01/22/2016 at 9:53am
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News From British Isles, Ireland, Europe and Worldwide
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USA: Alabama ordered to uphold sanctity of marriage
amendment |
Although the Episcopal Church
in the USA allows its clergy to perform same-sex marriages, Chief Justice Roy
Moore has ordered the reaffirming of the marriage law in Alabama with an
administrative order saying, Alabama probate judges have a ministerial duty not
to issue any marriage license contrary to the Alabama Sanctity of Marriage
Amendment. Confusion and uncertainty exist among the probate judges of this
State. Many judges are issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples; others are
issuing marriage licenses only to couples of the opposite gender or have ceased
issuing all marriage licenses. Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty
Counsel said, In Alabama and across America, state judiciaries and legislatures
are standing up against the federal judiciary or anyone else who wants to come
up with the view that somehow the Constitution now births some newfound notion
of same-sex marriage. The opinion of five lawyers on the US Supreme Court
regarding same-sex marriage is lawless and without legal or historical support.
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Praise: |
God for the
state legislatures who favour Gods Word to be the last word on marriage.
(Col.3:16a) | |
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Iran releases Pastor Saeed
Abedini |
We rejoice that Pastor Saeed
Abedini, an Iranian believer from a Muslim background, has been released from
prison. He has US citizenship and had been imprisoned since September 2012,
accused of undermining national security, due to his involvement with house
fellowships. During his imprisonment he had serious health issues, suffered
physical and verbal abuse, and received death threats on account of his faith in
Christ. Saeed was released as part of a prisoner exchange between the US and
Iran that also saw the release of three other Iranian-Americans: Jason Rezaian,
Amir Hekmati and Nosratollah Khosravi. Saeeds wife, Naghmeh, expressed her joy
and surprise at the news of his release and thanked everyone around the world
who had been interceding for Saeed and his family (1.1 million people joined the
Save Saeed campaign). Iranian Christians request our continuing prayer that
Saeed and his family will know God's strength in the necessary adjustments, and
that other Christians detained in Iranian prisons will be encouraged and
released soon. |
Praise: |
God for
Saeeds release. May he recover quickly from his prison ordeal and find strength
in God. (Is.40:29) | |
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Primates 2016: walking together in the service of
God |
The meeting of Anglican
Primates took place in Canterbury last week. At its conclusion, they stated, It
is our unanimous desire to walk together. However, given the seriousness of
these matters we formally acknowledge this distance by requiring that for a
period of three years the Episcopal Church in America will no longer represent
us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, and should not be appointed or elected
to an internal standing committee. While continuing to participate in the
internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not take part in
decision-making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity. We have asked
the Archbishop of Canterbury to appoint a task group to maintain conversation
among ourselves with the intention of restoration of relationship, the
rebuilding of mutual trust, healing the legacy of hurt, recognising the extent
of our commonality, and exploring our deep differences, ensuring they are held
between us in the love and grace of Christ. See also http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Y9hcFQM_Mkizg_qYT9QlJ9XSiv-5i nEYGERS0dUkJnK85ZocbcU2wTvPZpCsf2sDkN3d7-eRb42rQ4gJEkBfGkwcI qZ0_-EfTAd1UoGEmJye4KxYn3vyV0iWow4vxzhwXOJitwtDQV50R3jVhBUHN kQUPgZaXtMFiDF3RTwVWery-0fRLkmWyMpUUWSPPnk_wwY9XIhqtwt0G0Qls 4akrp2IiA7gXNBw9Lq05h0FMGQ6juFqfExzRP8iuPHiG1dHnKR6f9Kx8wQeh ViTvnV8Og==&c=HbER_2l6-Bxt5kMDu8CbTP946MKJAtoLw5ESC-Rt4x 6VhYiN5dXA4w==&ch=Ao-LYtUNPE8QWLLE2Jc7NLU_PCSNvrLftm-sXn dDkb_i9GXQrDjnpQ==" alt="http://www.prayer-alert.net/articles/worldwide/item/788 0-usa-and-uganda-primates-in-canterbury - article
1 in this weeks world section of Prayer Alert. |
Pray: |
that God
will mightily anoint the task group with all wisdom needed for such a time as
this. Give thanks that this meeting did not result in schism, as was widely
feared. (Heb.13:17) | |
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Christians in Parliament prayer
requests |
Please pray that the
fortnightly Tuesday lunchtime services on the parables of Jesus over the coming
months will be a source of encouragement and nourishment to those who attend and
for the speakers as they prepare what they will say. On 21 March the Speakers
house event will include a talk on an Easter theme: please pray for a good
attendance from MPs and staff. The annual national parliamentary prayer
breakfast will take place on 21 June, and will be chaired by Fiona Bruce MP. The
main speaker will be Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in the UK. Please pray for the preparations for the breakfast, and for
many church leaders to attend with their local MP. Please also pray for the
ongoing Bible study groups with both MPs and staff. |
Pray: |
for new
contacts with other Christians working across the parliamentary estate, and for
wisdom as other events are organised throughout 2016.
(Ps.127:1) | |
More: |
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Birmingham church leaders sign tea-drinking pledge to oppose
anti-Islam march |
Pegida UK is an anti-Islam
organisation that holds protests against what it describes as mass immigration
and Islamisation of the West and is led by Tommy Robinson, formerly of the
English Defence League. The Bishop of Birmingham is among those urging people
who oppose this group to share a cup of tea with someone from another ethnic,
cultural or religious background. The Hope not Hate pledge is being organised
to counter a march due to take place in Birmingham on 6 February at midday.
Birmingham has a long and proud tradition as a diverse and harmonious city,
known historically as the city of a thousand trades. People have always come
from around the world to work in Birmingham, and still do to this day.
Unfortunately despite its roots and proud history, the city has been 'chosen' by
Pegida as the target for the British leg of a European 'day of action' targeting
Muslim communities. When the English Defence League marched in Birmingham in
2013, over fifty people were jailed, thousands of pounds worth of damage was
done, and thirty police officers were injured. |
Pray: |
for God to
pave the streets of Birmingham with peace.
(Ps.4:8) | |
More: |
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Britain has 'turned its back' on child
refugees |
Tim Farron, leader of the
Liberal Democrats, has harshly criticised David Camerons refugee policy and
accused the British Government of ignoring the plight of refugee orphans who
wash up on Europe's shores. Mr Farron sent a letter to the Prime Minister
demanding that he accept 3,000 unaccompanied orphans from the Middle East in
addition to the 20,000 Syrian refugees the UK is already pledged to take over
the next five years. The British and French governments are guilty of turning
their backs on hundreds of unaccompanied children in Calais and Dunkirk, with
increasing evidence that children are subject to trafficking by criminal gangs
involved in prostitution and drugs. The 3,000 number was originally developed
by Save the Children, following reports that 4,000 children have gone under the
radar since arriving in Italy in 2014; authorities fear that they have been
taken by people-traffickers and forced into drugs or prostitution.
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Pray: |
for David
Cameron to support initiatives based on helping vulnerable children.
(Ps.82:3) | |
More: |
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Scotland: calls for prayer |
Alistair Barton, the director
of Pray for Scotland, writes, For many the year opens up like a new dawn - full
of potential and promise. We may have fresh excitement about what God may do in
us, with us, through us, and in our nation. But as the pressures of the world
flood in on every side, it can often be difficult to maintain our sense of
excitement, anticipation and hope that God will break through the seemingly
ever-increasing darkness. Nevertheless, we continue to believe that prayer
changes things, and that persistent, faithful prayer can change the destiny of
families, communities and nations. Trypraying is launching a new forty-day
prayer guide for Lent entitled Catching the Wave. Pray for Scotland and
Parliamentary Prayer Scotland are jointly promoting a forty-day prayer call from
Easter Sunday to the Holyrood elections on 5 May, called As One! - Prayer
Shield 2016. |
Pray: |
for this to
be a year of answered prayers and breakthrough in the nation. (Acts
4:31) | |
More: |
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Over-zealous approaches to detecting potential child
terrorists |
All school and university
teachers are legally obliged to report any suspected extremist behaviour to
police under the 2015 Counter-Terrorism and Security Act. This week a
ten-year-old Muslim boys spelling error led to police suspecting him of
belonging to a terrorist family resulting in him being spoken to by Lancashire
police. In an essay the boy wrote he lived in a terrorist house, but meant a
terraced house. His error led to the school referring his statement to police.
The county council said it was untrue to suggest that this situation was brought
about by a spelling mistake, even though no further action was taken. Last year
a fourteen-year-old wrote, Some people use the term ecoterrorism to describe
those who take action in environment issues. A few days later he was pulled out
of class, taken to an inclusion centre, and questioned about whether he
supported IS. http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Y9hcFQM_Mkizg_qYT9QlJ9XSiv-5i nEYGERS0dUkJnK85ZocbcU2wTvPZpCsf2sDmnk2Y07M6U17vKmQmQO4UhMad U8k3ea7CvevcPouILPg4RQczJ-NAs0l34EIduhWPnIO0rnn9uZ3DBolMGeCu kjOGRD6gG3pzs-BdGiQ4tealrE5zIXbuaSbBf7Y-os9ATBFLiok95xuTUEEy hvMdH5G320rEs00bALjIxdomF4WRyMlF6jonyTk4vVbRCgI1uXMpmbN Z2djFQTXE22oyqFc6PlzrxlJsKgmZLvzu9qX32LYaQU48GyO2reRyPMd& ;c=HbER_2l6-Bxt5kMDu8CbTP946MKJAtoLw5ESC-Rt4x6VhYiN5dXA4w==& amp;ch=Ao-LYtUNPE8QWLLE2Jc7NLU_PCSNvrLftm-sXndDkb_i9GXQrDjnp Q==" alt="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/22/s chool-questioned-muslim-pupil-about-isis-after-discussi on-on-eco-activism - See
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Pray: |
for God to
give wisdom to establishments looking for evidence of potential terrorists.
(Ps.34:17) | |
More: |
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Man
arrested on suspicion of terror offences. |
A 22-year-old man in
Maidenhead arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act by the Metropolitan
Police's counter-terrorism command. Police said the arrest was in relation to
the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism. The man is being held
in custody in a central London police station, while officers search a
residential and business address in Berkshire. The local police area commander
for Windsor and Maidenhead stated that he understands that the local community
may be concerned following today's operation. He said, I would like to reassure
everyone that today's activity is as a result of an ongoing investigation which
was intelligence-led. There is no evidence to suggest the community was at
risk. |
Pray: |
for the
intelligence agencies and security forces to be powerfully guided by God.
(Ps.46:1) | |
More: |
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European prayer canopy |
If we ever needed to pray for
the cooperation of European countries in peace, freedom and solidarity, it is
now. Through the Greek crisis the Alliance held together. Is the refugee
situation to break it? With incalculable consequences? Germany as a former
destroyer of Europe has become the guarantor of the construction of Europe in
peace and unity. Many believe that God is saying that the future spiritual life
of Europe will come from Germany. It was in Germany in 2006 that the prayer
movement European Union of Prayer ( http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Y9hcFQM_Mkizg_qYT9QlJ9XSiv-5i nEYGERS0dUkJnK85ZocbcU2wTvPZpCsf2sDS2_RK69BUVXuP80WUqyuWoztH tmlE79Hh7zB4Bj8N9poBqJ6cywuPe1AUyMBzGZSK8C17fBsxCfM1G-zdnFQS K43KzfphrCVSD9VQNFIYSw=&c=HbER_2l6-Bxt5kMDu8CbTP946MKJAt oLw5ESC-Rt4x6VhYiN5dXA4w==&ch=Ao-LYtUNPE8QWLLE2Jc7NLU_PC SNvrLftm-sXndDkb_i9GXQrDjnpQ==" alt="http://www.euofprayer.eu - www.euofprayer.eu ) was born.
Every six months this group meets in the home country of the EU President and
prays there for that country, for Europe, and for Israel. But there is more to
the vision: it is to be a continuous prayer blanket over the continent. Thank
God that this has started! Christians of Europe have on their hearts to give
fifteen minutes or more each week to pray for the European nations. They receive
a fourteen-day prayer letter to launch them, and by praying they weave a thread
into the canopy of prayer over our continent. |
Pray: |
for this
idea of a prayer canopy to gain momentum, as Christians work with God to bring
about His purposes.
(1Ch.29:11) | |
More: |
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Germany: 200+ arrested at anti-islamisation
rally |
German police arrested more
than 200 people last Tuesday after masked right-wing supporters went on a
rampage at an anti-Islamisation rally of roughly 2,000 in the eastern city of
Leipzig. The extremists, who are known to police as hooligans, went on the
rampage during a march by supporters of the anti-migrant Pegida (Patriotic
Europeans against the Islamisation of the West) movement. The peaceful
demonstration was a protest against German chancellor Angela Merkels open door
policy for refugees. German police said that as anti-Muslim supporters marched
peacefully in the city centre, a separate group of 211 people walked through the
largely left-wing Connewitz district before setting off fireworks, erecting
barricades, and vandalising property. The top floor of one building caught fire.
See also http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Y9hcFQM_Mkizg_qYT9QlJ9XSiv-5i nEYGERS0dUkJnK85ZocbcU2wTvPZpCsf2sDjP4NDT-aBXJfviPieEfKYfI6Y dqrYOj2MRo-VOOlw2WrDtpkmu8d_6oCUjkNvNpSZfYDUiLs5qfUCp4EGvxSU M4B6KUwwWg6pwcsGP48w4z56Ch1D_8jWUvGp1NaZqRnHoTSCqZFNvLk38u_e d4p7lHxMQc2jg-2MEYyLChF6W8OCAb-U4x2_dAVsCkvClFrEfaktu76bbb9H xvsoQFUL2gz0B0M4NlwMpHfFvicikMKLSyUg9Hik6T8brpNurHOPFyngBFw2 I2vMGuSqCoCNg==&c=HbER_2l6-Bxt5kMDu8CbTP946MKJAtoLw5ESC- Rt4x6VhYiN5dXA4w==&ch=Ao-LYtUNPE8QWLLE2Jc7NLU_PCSNvrLftm -sXndDkb_i9GXQrDjnpQ==" alt="http://www.prayer-alert.net/articles/british-isles-irel and/item/7885-birmingham-church-leaders-sign-tea-drinking-pl edge-to-oppose-anti-islam-march - article
3 in this weeks British Isles section. |
Pray: |
for an end
to the fomenting of animosity towards refugees and particularly Muslims.
(Jn.14:14) | |
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USA and Uganda Primates in
Canterbury |
The Most Revd Dr Foley Beach,
Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, was a full, voting
participant in the Primates gathering, but did not feel it appropriate to vote
as hes not part of the official Anglican structures. He is in communion with
provinces which represent the majority of the Anglican Communion but left the
Episcopal Church after it approved consecration of non-celibate homosexual
persons to be bishops and gave approval to liturgies for same-sex unions. The
Archbishop of Uganda, the Most Revd Stanley Ntagali, left the gathering. This
was because canons passed by Ugandas provincial synod prevented his sitting
with the US Episcopal Church or the Church of Canada unless they repented on
their stand on the same issue. For him to attend was putting him out on a limb
with his people. He didnt leave out of anger. He just felt he was not being
faithful to his duties as an archbishop. So the Primates blessed him, and he
blessed them and left. See also http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Y9hcFQM_Mkizg_qYT9QlJ9XSiv-5i nEYGERS0dUkJnK85ZocbcU2wTvPZpCsf2sDhdmLQv1rigBAd6DMChif9Idci XBNwAvwa1hwS20xk4WrLg1gj0tyOPCAaSH5oRa2aOZ5tCEnt9lnkbekjax4z UZEbXBTOXrlM7al02fL0MgJo0JXevN7IYlR_0M2tIoaYC8RwyxI8yrcATW0e dEt28B7gPPhhFgyDTj3XB60OHHQpo6Yn1GlMAxf3kle05cnc_dj-oORCAWqr ZBOc9VLSiga2wpo-vIy5ubXOwSkkVCXvqLC8m6n_A==&c=HbER_2l6-B xt5kMDu8CbTP946MKJAtoLw5ESC-Rt4x6VhYiN5dXA4w==&ch=Ao-LYt UNPE8QWLLE2Jc7NLU_PCSNvrLftm-sXndDkb_i9GXQrDjnpQ==" alt="http://www.prayer-alert.net/articles/british-isles-irel and/item/7887-primates-2016-walking-together-in-the-service- of-god - article
1 in the British Isles section of this weeks Prayer Alert.
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Pray: |
and thank
God that the brothers do not speak evil against one another, pray that they will
all know the right thing to do, and do it according to James 4
(Jas.4:17) | |
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Global: developing young leaders with
disabilities |
Over a billion people live
with some form of disability, and it disproportionately affects vulnerable
populations. They often do not receive needed health care, and disabled children
are less likely to attend school. They are more likely to be unemployed and are
vulnerable to poverty. However rehabilitation maximises functioning and
independence; they can live and participate in the community, and barriers can
be overcome. Last years Lausanne Movement gathering stated, Developing young
leaders is a biblically sustainable mission strategy. John Stott has said that
training the next generation of young leaders should receive the highest
priority. At the climax of history, when people from every tribe and nation
worship the Lord on His holy mountain, persons with disabilities will be among
them. Decades ago we ministered to the disabled; today we have quite a few
leaders with disabilities, but need to encourage more. |
Pray: |
for the
Lausanne Movement as they encourage church and mission leaders to recognise,
affirm, and facilitate the missional calling of believers with disabilities.
(Ps.133:1) | |
More: |
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Iran: Nuclear pact = freedom of movement = Christian
opportunities |
President Rouhani says the
official implementation of the nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers
will increase Tehrans engagement with the world. Companies will again be able
to send skilled workers and university lecturers into the country, opening the
door for Christian tentmakers to officially enter the country. Young people
are the largest population bloc in Iran (over 60%) and are among the most
politically active in the Islamic world. Iran is also one of the most tech-savvy
societies with an estimated thirty million Internet users, led by the youth, and
boasting between 60,000 and 110,000 active blogs (one of the highest numbers in
the Middle East). Pray for visas once again to be issued to Christian teachers
and technicians and for businesses to move into Iran legally. Pray protection
for Iranians who are currently engaging with the underground Church.
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Pray: |
for openings
and opportunities for Iranians to encounter western Christians.
(2Cor.2:14) | |
More: |
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Pakistan: pastors and prayer leaders
gathering |
A pastor and prayer warrior
in Pakistan writes, We started the prayer chain for our conference ten days
ago, and will close it with a fasting day on Saturday. Thanks to the Lord, we
are expecting more than three hundred leaders from all over Pakistan this
weekend. Our budget target is $15,000; by His grace so far we have reached
$10,000, and I trust in the Lord for the rest. Please join us in prayer for this
weekends conference. We need Gods security for the venue and protection of
church premises and accommodation venues. Other prayer points are: speakers and
organisers; management/administration; food; financial provision; and
transformation of our vision. |
Pray: |
for emerging
prayer networks and prayer chains that are being developed across Pakistan.
(Ps.78:23) | |
More: |
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Cuba: unprecedented church
crackdown |
Christian Solidarity
Worldwide reports that the scale of persecution being encountered by Christians
in Cuba is unlike anything seen before, with a ten-fold increase in violations
of freedom of religion or belief last year (2,300 cases). Cuban church-goers are
being arrested and dragged away on a weekly basis. CSW says, Perhaps the Cuban
government is trying to limit the potential for social upheaval by cracking down
on civil society. The church, after the revolution and following the repressive
measures enacted against civil society as a whole, is one of the few places
where people can come together. As the government is trying to retain control,
Christians are also starting to push back a bit. They're trying to resist in a
peaceful, non-violent manner, and we think that the government is trying to
assert itself. The rise in violations of religious or belief freedoms last year
was largely due to the Cuban government declaring two thousand Assemblies of God
churches illegal. |
Pray: |
for
religious groups who have spoken out publicly for the right to freedom of
religion or belief to be upheld. Pray for the Communist Party's Office of
Religious Affairs.
(Mt.24:14) | |
More: |
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Syria: Hezbollah has acquired sophisticated Russian
weapons |
Advanced weapons are going
from Russia to Syria and then into Hezbollah's hands, according to an Israeli
Defence Force reserve officer. The weapons are capable of hitting Israel's gas
rigs and paralyzing the Haifa and Ashdod ports. General Yaakov Amidror, who is
an adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said that the sophisticated
weapons reached Hezbollah as a result of the Syrian civil war. Russia sold its
advanced weapons to the Syrians and the Syrians transferred them to Hezbollah.
The Russians are said to be aware of what is happening. These first-class
weapons, such as Kornet and surface-to-air missiles and perhaps even the very
sophisticated Onyx missiles, are now in Hezbollah's possession.
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Pray: |
for the
protection of Israel in face of global jihad and Hezbollah in both Syria and in
Lebanon. (Ps.147:14) | |
More: |
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Guatemala: protection for
children |
The International Justice
Mission (IJM) has been working alongside local authorities in Guatemala rescuing
children from sexual violence and securing convictions against rapists and
violent criminals by pushing individual cases through the justice system.
Guatemala now has a law that defines a crime of sexual violence and has recently
elected a new president, Jimmy Morales. Pray that he will make the protection of
children from sexual violence a priority for his administration. Some cases were
delayed in 2015 and re-scheduled for early 2016. Pray that the hearings in
January and early February will see justice-system officials motivated to deal
with these cases fairly. Pray that the new president will lead the country with
wisdom and integrity, after a tumultuous political year in Guatemala.
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Pray: |
for IJMs
clients in Latin America - especially children who chose to give their
testimonies. (Ps.5:11b) | |
More | |
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