France hears the Gospel, or at least the music

As pedestrians walked along the river Seine in Paris on a recent balmy Sunday, they could hear soaring music coming from a boat moored quayside in the Bercy neighbourhood. The curious who crossed the metal gangplank to peek inside the vessel saw an energetic singer and a pianist, both dressed in white, and a bass player and saxophonist dressed in black. The quartet were performers at a ‘Gospel brunch,’ the latest example of the popularity of gospel music in France. Listeners don't always understand the words, since they're in English, but they understand the emotion, according to some performers.

Praise:

that the words and emotion would speak into the hearts and minds of those who hear. (Jn.16:13)

Uruguay: Baby boy raised from the dead

The extraordinary story of a Uruguayan doctor who says she prayed for a baby and miraculously he came back to life. Dr. Marta Martínez a respected doctor from Montevideo, Uruguay said, ‘a baby boy had come to the hospital in a very bad condition, with malnutrition, dehydration and septicaemia. There appeared to be nothing we could do for him. While I was present, watching him at the moment of the death, I thought: It is better for him to die’. At that moment, I felt God speaking to me saying: He has the right to live. So, immediately, I put my hand over him, and started to pray and thank God he was 'resurrected' - he came back to life! It was an amazing miracle. I have also seen other healings and I believe in divine healing because, first of all, it is written in the Bible, and secondly I have seen others healed in a miraculous way and have also experienced it in my own body'.

Praise:

God for His gift of miracles and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Mt.7:11)

Norfolk Church could lose premises for criticising Islam

A Norfolk church has been banned from its weekly outreach, and could be stopped from worshipping at its usual premises, after a complaint that it sold a booklet criticising Islam. Norwich City Council received only one complaint about the booklet, yet it decided to ban Norwich Reformed Church from holding their weekly bookstall outreach in Norwich for ‘equality reasons.’ The complaint was made about a booklet entitled ‘Why Not Islam’, written by the church’s pastor, Dr Alan Clifford. The Council claimed that the booklet was ‘hate motivated’. The Council also advised its Eaton Park Community Centre to refrain from taking any further bookings from the church, which has held worship services at the site for over 20 years. A Council spokesman said: ‘Although the police advised that no criminal offence had been committed, we have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to foster good relations between people of all backgrounds and religions.

Pray:

for the Council to reconsider their disproportionate response to this matter. (Ps.31:14)

Christians called to tackle social exclusion

Christians must actively tackle the barriers to human flourishing that exist in society, says the Archbishop of York. In a keynote address on Christian citizenship at Belfast City Hall this week, Dr John Sentamu said it was a ‘distressing and evil’ aspect of modern society that ‘so many people feel excluded’. ‘We need to understand the reasons for this sense of exclusion, otherwise we cannot hope, as Christian citizens, to build societies that are safe, generous and magnanimous,’ he said. ‘The implications of exclusion, whether it is actual or perceived, can have terrible consequences.’ He told Christians to remember the transforming love of Christ so that ‘we too may change and be agents of change in our communities’. Christian citizenship today, he said' involved being willing to participate at every level in the societies in which we are based whilst holding fast to the values of Christ’s Kingdom. It is integral to Christian discipleship.’

Pray:

Children being damaged by online porn, says inquiry

Many children are ‘easily accessing online pornography’ and are suffering as a result, a cross-party parliamentary inquiry has found. According to the inquiry, children’s attitudes to sex, relationships and body image are all being negatively affected by seeing internet pornography. Studies noted in the inquiry’s report suggested four out of five young people aged 14-16 regularly access online pornography at home. Conservative Claire Perry MP, who chaired the inquiry, said its results were ‘hugely worrying’. She commented that while ‘parents should be responsible for their children’s online safety’, people find it difficult to put filters on the many internet-enabled devices in their homes. Miss Perry commented that it was time Internet service providers took on ‘more of the responsibility to keep children safe’. The Prime Minister, Mr Cameron, said: ‘As a parent and as a politician, I am keen that we should help to protect people from such material.’

Pray:

Midwives launch appeal in defence of conscience rights

Two Glasgow midwives who were told in February that they had to supervise abortions, regardless of their conscientious objection, have launched an appeal against the decision. The judge in the Scottish Court of Session told the midwives, Mary Doogan and Connie Wood, both labour ward sisters, that the conscience clause in the Abortion Act would exempt them from hands-on involvement in abortions, but as senior midwives they had to accept management instructions to oversee abortions performed by other midwives on the labour ward. A small but increasing number of abortions are being transferred to labour wards in line with national policies against disability. Screening and offering abortion for disabled babies is regarded as a cost-effective measure, and hospitals are encouraged to offer tests for disability.

Pray:

Ban on Christian advert upheld

A judge has upheld a government decision to ban an advert calling on Christians to report their experience of marginalisation in the work place. Premier Christian Radio and its magazine publications division CCP Ltd had challenged the decision, made by the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC), on the grounds that it restricted freedom of speech. The RACC claimed the advert had a political objective and broadcasting it would infringe provisions of the 2003 Communications Act that ban political advertising. At the London High Court, Mr Justice Silber upheld the ban and ruled the original RACC decision was both ‘rational and lawful’. Justice Silber said the advert tried ‘to make changes to society’ through its request for information from the public. He also concluded that the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's stance on the issue wasn't 'anti-Christian'. Premier's Chief Executive Peter Kerridge says he's disappointed by the ruling and believes it raises more questions than answers.

Pray:

Church leader challenges Ken Livingstone on Islam comments

The pastor of one of the largest churches in Britain has challenged Ken Livingstone over his claim that he will make London a ‘beacon of Islam’. Colin Dye, the senior pastor of Kensington Temple church, has written a letter to London mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone following his controversial comments on Islam last month. In a speech at the North London Central Mosque, Mr Livingstone told the audience that he was determined to ‘educate the mass of Londoners’ about Islam. ‘I want to spend the next four years making sure that every non-muslim in London knows and understands its words and message. That will help to cement our city as a beacon that demonstrates the meaning of the words of the Prophet’, he said. Running for mayor for the fourth time, Mr Livingstone spoke to assembled Muslims at the controversial mosque and described Mohammed’s words in his last sermon as ‘an agenda for all humanity.’ (See Prayer Alert 12-2012)

Pray:

Christians harnessing Facebook to share faith

Christians in the UK are turning increasingly to social media sites like Facebook to share their faith, new research has found. In a survey on attitudes to online mission by Christian Vision and Premier Christian Media, 64% said they were using social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to share their faith in an intentional way. Of the 700 Christians surveyed, 84% agreed that the online space was a huge mission field. More than two-thirds (71%) said they post links to Christian sites or content with missional values, while 73% said they intentionally post or link to content in order to share their faith. Interestingly, the study found that interaction with social media was prolific across the age spectrum, rather than just among young people.

Pray:

Sweden: Plans deportation of Iranian Christians despite dangers

There was concern over the plight of several Iranian Christian asylum seekers in Sweden after Swedish authorities decided to deport them despite fears they may be jailed or even executed there, Christians said. It comes after Swedish authorities reportedly already deported one asylum seeker, identified as Mohammad-Reza Hamedi on February 15 this year. ‘We are four Iranian human rights activists who object to the racist politics of the Swedish government towards the asylum seeker's community and strongly condemn the deportation of Mohammad-Reza Hamedi on February 15, 2012,’ said activists in a statement distributed by Mohabat News. They said they have urged Sweden to immediately release asylum seekers including Christians Mohammad-Ali Hodaei, Yasin Elyasi and Mohammad-Reza Hamedian Esfahani from a detention centre. Mohammad-Ali Hodaei, a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, told Swedish media in February that ‘If it is Jesus' will for me to return to Iran, I'll submit to his will and he will protect me Himself.’

Pray:

Business ethics summit begins at the Vatican

The Vatican launched a major conference today on business ethics, aimed at discussing whether or not unethical practices were at the root of the economic crisis and if ethics can prevent a future collapse, reports Catholic News Agency. ‘As we know from other sectors of society - and also in our own lives - we often ask ourselves questions and make resolutions to do things differently during and after a crisis,’ Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, commented to CNA. The three-day gathering is the co-creation of the Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum and the Fidelis International Institute for Business Ethics, and is aimed at promoting ethical business practices that accord with Catholic social principles. In all, around 100 key figures from business, academia and the Church are present for the ‘Executive Summit on Ethics for the Business World.’

Pray:

for all those attending that their ideas will lead to wider use of ethical practices in the business world. (Ex.23:24)

Indonesia: WORLD PRAYER ASSEMBLY – 14-18 May 2012

The World Prayer Assembly 2012 will be a ‘new wave’ to strategically connect and empower global prayer and mission movements. 5000-6000 Christian leaders from up to 220 nations will join with the Lord and each other through united prayer, leading to Spirit-inspired action to transform our world. The World Prayer Assembly, taking place in the largest Muslim country in the world, is being arranged and co-hosted by leaders of the Indonesian and Korean prayer movements, two of the most powerful prayer forces in the world. The event is being held with the support of international prayer networks such as the International Prayer Council and the Global Day of Prayer. The ultimate goal of the World Prayer Assembly is two-fold: to see the knowledge of the glory of the Lord filling the earth as the waters cover the sea and to experience the fulfilment of Jesus’ prayer that His followers would become one so that the world will know He is its Creator and Saviour (John 17:21).

Pray:

for all the delegates that God will speak clearly into their lives with His prophetic word for the Church of today. (Hab.2:14)

Afghanistan: Protection for British personnel and troops

On Sunday 15 April there was a Taliban strike across Afghanistan in a 'spring offensive'. They targeted foreign embassies, including the British, Nato's HQ and the Afghan parliament as well as other areas in Afghanistan. A rocket-propelled grenade was also fired at a house used by British diplomats. Two Afghan security force members and a further 17 Afghan police officers and nine civilians were injured. On 21 April, Afghan security officials foiled a huge attack in the capital Kabul, after the seizure of 10 tonnes of explosives. This amount of explosives could have caused large-scale bloodshed.

Pray:

for British servicemen work closely with Afghan police and security forces in many regions in Afghanistan including Kabul. Please pray that God will protect the British Embassy staff and military personnel at all times and help them remain vigilant. (1 Pe.5:8)

Pakistan/Afghanistan: Lawlessness in the region

The Haqqani Network is credited with introducing suicide bombing to Afghanistan and has been blamed for the series of brazen attacks during the weekend of April 15th in Kabul. The 18-hour battle left 36 insurgents and 11 others dead. Apart from Kabul the eastern capitals of Paktia, Logar and Nangarhar provinces also came under attack as suicide bombers tried to storm a NATO base, an airport and police installations there. JH. is one of the most important Taliban military commanders fighting against the Afghan government and US forces in Afghanistan and is seen by some analysts as the main engine in the Taliban movement. Despite ill health, he is in his 70s, he inspires Haqqani foot soldiers believed to number up to 4,000, as well as other militant groups who revere him. His son, S., is seen as more ruthless, and runs the daily affairs of the network. He is aligned with the current leader of al-Qaeda. We are asked to continue to intercede for PEACE and against CORRUPTION, and may all shady practices and illegal dealings be exposed no matter who is involved.

Pray:

for J H and his son to experience miracles, for visions and dreams of truth from Jesus Christ and for all unholy alliances to disintegrate. (Ex.20:3)

Saudi Arabia: Reaction to Grand Mufti declaration

On the 18th March Prayer Alert reported that the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, the highest official of religious law in the region, declared that it is necessary to destroy all churches. This shocked many Christians in the Arabian Peninsula and other parts of the world, but was not widely reported in the Western press. The Grand Mufti quoted Muhammad’s deathbed statement, ‘There are not to be two religions in the Arabian Peninsula.’ Some fear this could incite Muslims beyond the Arabian Peninsula to violence against Christians, since Christianity is already forbidden in the Arabian Peninsula and no churches exist there. The implications of the Grand Mufti's words could result in banning churches in Yemen, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, say observers. These countries presently allow expatriates to worship in compounds. The Grand Mufti’s statement calls for these nations to follow the Arabian Peninsula’s example and outlaw Christianity. Also in Kuwait there are fears of a ban on new churches and tougher blasphemy penalties. See: http://www.releaseinternational.org

Pray:

for the Grand Mufti to retract his declaration and that churches in the Arabian Peninsula will not be impacted by his statement. (Ps.103:6)

Mali: Christians forced to flee the north

Government forces collapsed in the north following the coup, allowing separatist and Islamist rebels to seize control of the country’s three northern regions. Around 215,000 people have been displaced from their homes, many of them crossing into Burkina Faso and Mauritania. Many Christians have sought safety in Mali’s capital, Bamako, where they are being fed and sheltered by a network of churches. A Barnabus Fund contact in Mali reports that churches in the towns of Gao and Timbuktu were destroyed in the takeover, with the congregations abandoning their homes and fleeing south. ‘Horrible crimes have been made against the population – massacres, rape of women, obligation to wear the veil, chasing Christians,’ the source reports. The plight of refugees was being compounded by the existing food crisis in the Sahel which has seen the cost of basic foodstuffs double.

Pray:

for those providing homes, corn, rice and medicine to hundreds of Christian refugees to know God’s enabling power and provision. (Ps.111:5)

China: Plans to 'eradicate house churches'

China has begun a campaign to eradicate house churches within ten years. Last September a secret document was issued by the Chinese authorities aimed at 'completely eradicating house churches' in three phases. (1) from January to June 2012- investigate house churches and create files on them. (2) to 'clean up' those churches within 3 years. (3) completely wipe out the house churches within 10 years. In December 2010, 'Operation Deterrence' was launched and Government officials were to 'guide' Christians attending unregistered churches to worship in government-approved Three-Self churches. At the same time, they were to break up larger churches, such as Shouwang Church in Beijing into smaller groups. Shouwang has been forced to hold services in the open-air since Easter 2011, and worshippers face surveillance and arrest. • Please pray also for Shouwang Church in Beijing, whose members faithfully meet outside in all weathers, under surveillance and at risk of arrest. Ask that God would embolden and protect them.

Pray:

against the increase in persecution of house churches and for God to bless them with continued growth. (Is.65:22-24)

Sudan: Christians request our prayers

On 21st April the Anglican Church in Sawafi was attacked by a mob, provoked by a radical Imam. Security forces stopped the mob, then some found an alternate route and ransacked and burnt down the building. Also on 21st the Gereif West Bible School in Al-Gereif, was badly damaged in an arson attack by a Muslim mob. They had received threats of violence in late March and early April. Churches on the site as well as the Bible School were damaged in the attack. Office equipment, library resources and students' personal belongings were destroyed. On 19th April in Burri 130 South Sudanese university students were detained and given seven days to leave Sudan after being accused of celebrating South Sudan's invasion of the Heglig oil field. The students denied that they had held any such celebration. Sudanese Christians give thanks that nobody was injured in the recent attacks.

Pray:

Christians in Khartoum will know the peace, presence and protection of Jesus, and His enabling to live without fear; and for detained students to be released and know the Spirit's guidance and wisdom.