Prayer Alert News: UK, Europe, and Worldwide

The 2011 earthquake prompted new mission awareness in Japan’s churches. Churches reconsidered how to evangelise and develop the church. In northern Japan, people who previously showed no interest in the gospel became receptive and drawn to Christianity after seeing Christ in volunteers who, without demanding anything in return, kept coming to provide aid and support. By 2017 Christians had begun to be called Kirisuto-san or ‘Mr/Ms Christ’, with respect and appreciation. Over time, people asked about the Bible, and doors opened for sharing testimonies. Operation World reports that Japanese missionaries are increasing, in Japanese and English. The Overseas Missions Association has a membership of over twenty agencies. YWAM Tokyo started ten years ago, with a handful of amazing people. Now they have forty staff, and outreaches all over the city. They need your prayers! See http://www.operationworld.org/country/japa/owtext.html

Praise: God that Christians in Japan are now respected and a growing community. (Matthew 24:14a)
More: www.lausanne.org/content/lga/2017-07/christian-witness-amidst-disaster-japan

Over 200 female Muslim refugees gathered in a highly restrictive Middle East country, where Hana, a Christian, addressed them. Four officers sat in the front row, watching her. ‘I had to be very careful,’ she said. ‘We had called this meeting without a permit.’ She said to her audience, ‘I know how devoted you are to Islam, how much you respect and love God, how honest you are in your worship. You fast and pray so faithfully. But on the other hand I feel sorry for you because you can never be sure of your salvation. You can never know if your destiny is heaven or hell.’ Then Hana boldly asked the officers, ‘Would you please leave the room? I need to speak to these women in private.’ The officers complied. God poured out His Spirit on the women. Hana recounted, ‘I asked those who wanted to follow Jesus to stand and pray. They all did, the entire group, every one of them!’ For the full story, click the ‘More’ button.

Praise: God for working miraculously, even in the midst of secret police. (Psalm 77:14)
More: blog.godreports.com/2019/02/god-blinded-eyes-of-police-in-restricted-middle-east-country/

Rev Dr Clifford Hill wrote recently, ‘There is a better way to ensure our nation’s future blessing and prosperity. Politicians, bankers, big businessmen and journalists have all been making their pronouncements about whether we should leave the European Union or stay in it. There are exceptions**, but I’ve yet to hear any leader in church or state calling the nation to seek the guidance of God for the future well-being and prosperity of Britain. We can pray and ask God to prompt our Christian politicians to quote scripture in parliament as they did in Victorian times. God loves to work out His salvation with just a handful of people who are totally committed to him like Gideon’s 300. He is calling the faithful remnant in Britain to intercede to save the nation.’ ** Editorial comment: Justin Welby’s initiative ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ is a clear cross-denominational exception to Dr Hill’s view.

Pray: for the Church to be mobilised powerfully by the God who holds nations in His hands. (Isaiah 42:16)
More: www.heartpublications.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Brexit-8-page-download.pdf

Andy Milne will lead a new Missional Youth Church Network (MYCN), in partnership with Church Army and the Archbishop of York Youth Trust. Beginning in the North of England, the vision is to establish at least thirty MYC over the next five years, enabling 11- to 18-year-olds to build community and discover faith in Jesus Christ. Local schools and colleges, churches and community projects will work together in partnership to reimagine church for this generation. Youth leaders and volunteers will become part of a wider learning network accessing training, encouragement and support for one another as they build for the future. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said he has spoken to many young people who were not keen on attending Church but were fascinated by the love of God and wanted to know more about Jesus. He said, ‘This is a live issue for them. Young people have so much to learn.’

Pray: for a miraculous number of youth to receive new life and share their encounters. (Acts 2: 21)
More: www.archbishopofyork.org/news/news-2019/missional-youth-church-network-gets-going?utm_

Church buildings are both an asset and a liability. There are far more church buildings per capita in rural areas than in urban ones. But there are fewer people in them, and many struggle to stay open, well-maintained and (at this time of year) warm. Yet some rural congregations have found creative new ways to use their buildings to reach out to their communities. Pray that for a right attitude to rural church buildings, that they may be houses of joyful prayer for all. Also, DEFRA reports that 16% of rural households were in relative income poverty in 2017. Low-income households in rural areas struggle with poorer access to low-cost supermarkets, higher transport and heating costs, and low-paid seasonal employment. 28% of foodbanks are located in rural areas. Pray for policy-makers in national and local government as they seek to address these issues.

Pray: for rural Christians to remember the poor and the needy. (Proverbs 31:20)
More: www.worldprayer.org.uk/images/PDF/Countryside/Seeds-of-Prayer-February-2019.pdf

Knife homicides in England and Wales hit a record high during the twelve months to March 2018. 285 killings destroyed lives and shattered communities. A report released by the Office of National Statistics shows that homicides caused by a knife or sharp instrument increased by 73 compared to the same period in 2016-2017. The highest increases occurred within the 16-to-24 and 25-to-34 male age groups. White victims of fatal stabbings made up around two thirds of the total, at 179, and 25% of those killed were black – the highest number and proportion of black victims since 1997. David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, blamed the government’s failed war on drugs, which has allowed international criminal gangs to ‘pimp out vulnerable black teenagers as drug runners.’ Many are ‘forced into desperate lives of crime.’

Pray: for all agencies to unite and tackle this crisis with God’s strategies. (Psalm 10:14a)
More: www.rt.com/uk/450977-stabbing-knife-homicides-record/

Newspapers reported in January that hospitals are allowing male patients to share female wards if they self-identify as women, even if they haven’t had gender reassignment surgery. Dr Nicola Williams of Fair Play for Women said, ‘In an attempt to accommodate a minority, the state is sacrificing the needs of the majority at their most vulnerable.’ Last year the Government ran a consultation on transsexualism, asking whether current safeguards on changing legal sex were necessary. Over 100,000 responded, but how they responded was not published. Recently changes to recording gender data in the Scottish 2021 census were denounced by MSPs. The plan is to change the sex question on the census to include a non-binary option for those who say they are neither male nor female. Another proposal is to allow people to select the gender they identify with, rather than their actual biological sex. See https://www.christian.org.uk/news/plans-to-let-scots-choose-sex-in-2021-scottish-census-seriously-flawed/

Pray: for NHS and MPs to believe clinicians who state that ‘biological sex is fixed, and is not changed by hormones or surgery’. (Genesis 2:22, 23)
More: www.christian.org.uk/news/men-get-access-to-women-only-wards-in-nhs-trans-policy/

Mental health units and units with people with learning disability are often full, operating under massive strain, having to make use of agency staff, risking violence, using force and restrictive interventions and even seeing patient-on-patient assaults. Last summer, NHS England announced £76.5million of investment in the Transforming Care programme, to move people with learning disabilities out of hospital and into the community. Experts, however, warn that unless funding is properly pooled between local government and the NHS, problems will continue and thousands of people stuck in hospital settings will continue to be left without protection and without a voice. People with learning disabilities are being forgotten. It is a hidden problem. We have a responsibility to treat everyone as equal citizens. It is intolerable for people with special needs to be locked up, breaching their human rights, when they are capable of living with support in the community.

Pray: for Transforming Care to be funded and resourced properly, with workable action plans and consistent follow-up. (Psalm 37:10,11)
More: downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/fileon4/23_Transforming_care.pdf

In November 2018 we prayed for the Government to take the dangers of child problem gamblers seriously and make changes. New rules will come into force from 1 April. However Bishop Alan Smith, who has brought up the gambling issue in the House of Lords, said, ‘They haven’t changed any actual rules, these are simply new guidelines. So far the gambling industry has shown itself either to be unwilling or incapable of self-regulation. We need to ensure that there are proper sanctions for the existing rules. When you look at other industry regulators – such as Ofcom – they not only have very great powers but they are able to fine people who transgress.’ The Christian lobby group CARE recently helped to fight for a reduced maximum stake at fixed-odd betting terminals, something the Government decided to adopt last year.

Pray: for further strengthening of gambling regulations, and help for gambling addicts. (Proverbs 13:11)
More: www.premierchristianradio.com/News/UK/New-gambling-ad-standards-don-t-go-far-enough-say-Christian-campaigners

In Lyon a brawl between rival groups, fighting with fists, rocks, and sticks, highlighted bitter divisions among the ‘yellow vests’, who have now led anti-government protests for 13 consecutive weekends. The fighting is evidence of widening splits in the movement, that began over fuel prices then widened into uprisings against a political class ‘out of touch with common people’. The protesters are united in their opposition to President Macron while making radically different demands. A ‘yellow vest’ in Paris had four fingers blown off as police protected the National Assembly, the lower house of the French parliament. The assembly’s Speaker said a culture of violence engulfs French politics. Pray for hope to replace scepticism and concord to engulf those believing themselves to be failed by government.

Pray: for an end to intimidation on the streets and rising violence against MPs. (Psalm 11:5)
More: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/10/far-left-far-right-yellow-vest-protesters-fight-streets-lyon/

The economic outlook across the Eurozone has deteriorated in 2019 as the probability of the entire Euro area falling into recession increases. Italy is in an officially-declared recession, and data suggest that Germany, France, and the broader EU are not far behind. Italy and the Netherlands showed industrial production plunging. In the past journalists, pollsters, and academics have debated over whether a recession creates a boom in attendance at evangelical churches. The church is not immune; often ministries in times of recession are forced by lower giving or higher costs (or both) to reconsider where their funds should go and what they need to change to make the most of their resources. See also https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/topics/e/economic-crisis-recession/

Pray: for God to use His Church to help communities in times of recession. (2 Corinthians 9:12)
More: seekingalpha.com/article/4240041-recession-risk-rising-europe

Egyptian religious scholars want an award-winning film, ‘The Guest’, banned. The story of a daughter’s handsome suitor being her father’s worst nightmare unfolds on the silver screen as a conflict between radical Islam and deductive logic. Many Egyptians may not see the psychological thriller if a Cairo court decides on 23 February that it should be banned for misrepresenting Islam. The film’s dialogues focus on religion’s role in society and address hijabs, inter-faith marriages, and women’s role. The plot, which features a Christian wife and mother, takes on the credibility of sheikhs and political Islam. Religious figures have complained that the film ‘promotes inaccurate Islamic information’.

Pray: for the message of change to be allowed to be aired via this film. (Jeremiah 29:11)
More: www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/02/the-guest-unwelcome-for-egypts-sheikhs.html

The 41 million people of this Muslim-majority country depend on fossil fuels for their export income. Recently finances have been hurt by the drop in oil prices, prompting cuts in state subsidies. Algeria struggles to provide jobs and homes for its people. Democracy and human rights exist on paper, less so in reality. In the midst of this, people are coming to Christ. Most new believers are from non-Arab backgrounds, but faith is also growing among Arabs and other people groups. New fellowships begin as believers move into Arab areas to share the gospel. Persecution is a fact of life. One Christian woman wrote, ‘Women converts to Christ face challenges which sometimes cost them dearly – rejected by their families, repudiated by their husbands, deprived of their children.’

Pray: for the Holy Spirit to protect and build up Algeria’s remarkable Church. (John 14:26)
More: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-XpijFcxkJl9mD3lJ8ZjtdH_O8Z-9pjc

The second-largest Ebola outbreak in history has killed 97 children, and 811 people have symptoms. ‘We are at a crossroads’, said a spokesperson for Save the Children. ‘If we don’t take urgent steps to contain this, the outbreak might last another six months, if not the whole year.’ The fatality rate is currently 63%. There is misinformation in communities, and mistrust of medical responses is an urgent and real concern. People have disrupted funerals because they didn’t believe the deceased had the virus. Aid workers are threatened because it is believed that they spread Ebola. ‘We must scale up our efforts to reach the vocal youth and community leaders to build trust and to help us turn this tide. Treating sick people is essential, but stopping Ebola from spreading is just as important.’ Children are at the greatest risk of dying.

Pray: for God to lead medics and community leaders so that Ebola is eradicated. (Psalm 37:5)
More: abcnews.go.com/International/100-children-dead-worlds-2nd-largest-ebola-outbreak/story?id=60988438

Iran has built a new precision missile factory in the outskirts of Latakia, a port city in Syria near the Russian air force base. The Syrian government and Hezbollah reportedly assisted Iran in constructing the factory. Missile parts were ordered from Italy, China, and other Asian countries, through companies established by Syria’s scientific research centre. Meanwhile, Iran’s official news agency reported a new ballistic missile with a range of 1,000 kilometres to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. In September 2018 Israel Defence Forces issued a rare statement confirming they struck a Syrian military facility near Latakia ‘from which systems to manufacture accurate and lethal weapons were about to be transferred on behalf of Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon’.

Pray: for Almighty God to protect Israel and other nations from Tehran’s military presence in Syria. (Psalm 121:3)
More: www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/194856-190207-israel-uncovers-new-precision-missile-factory-in-syria-report

11 February marked the 40th anniversary of Iran’s revolution, ending a 2,500-year monarchy and creating the world’s first Islamic republic – now a complex and contradictory regime. Iran is a democracy trapped inside a theocracy – holding genuinely competitive elections, but candidates are selected by unelected clerics and lawyers. Large public demonstrations are common. Iranian women protest in the streets and online against strict female dress. Moderate president Hassan Rouhani has had his reforms undermined by the Supreme Leader. With President Trump re-imposing US sanctions, recession looms and inflation rises. An anti-West stance remains an essential element of Iran’s politics. Public frustration over economic hardship; a Supreme Leader aged 79; and uncertainty over succession. How strong is this republic?

Pray: for the growing underground Christian influence to usher in Kingdom values. (Matthew 6:33)
More: www.gzeromedia.com/iran-revolutionary-contradictions

President Trump calls the ‘migrant caravan’ an invasion of the USA. . A desperate 2,600-mile walk from Honduras with children and a few possessions is an odd invasion. Honduras has suffered much since President Hernández’s fraud-marred re-election in 2017. As resistance to him persists, scores are killed by government security forces. Also gangs and drug trafficking cause one of the highest rates of homicide. Some are fleeing not because of crime or political oppression, but because of economic inequity and lack of opportunity. Scripture says we should care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. Pope Francis said, ‘It is hypocrisy to call yourself Christian and chase away refugees, those seeking help, someone who is hungry or thirsty. If I say I am Christian, but do these things, I am a hypocrite.’

Pray: for more leaders to speak out God’s perspective on migrants. (Hebrews 13:1-2)
More: www.uscatholic.org/articles/201702/when-fear-wins-christianity-loses-30918

In 2017 Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted in a professional attack caught on CCTV. He has not been seen since. Open Doors has urged the government to throw its weight behind locating him and three others who disappeared around the same time. They said, ‘The facts of this case are utterly outrageous. We urge the new government to expose the truth behind these abductions, and root out the corruption which allegedly led to their disappearance.’ A whistle-blower said Raymond had been targeted for having a minority faith, and his abduction was carried out with the approval of the then inspector general of police. A human rights commission investigation into his disappearance ended in December 2018, with a response expected in March 2019.

Pray: for Raymond’s release, and God’s protection of Malaysian Christians. (Psalm 34:7)
More: www.opendoorsuk.org/news/press/pr-190211/

On 19 January, in Myanmar, Pastor Tun was kidnapped with several others and held captive by a group of Buddhist militants. He is believed to be dead, but Barnabas’ contacts in the region say that his body has not yet been found. Pastor Tun was a spokesman for his village, and his missionary work made him a target by the ‘truly brutal’ group. Concerns are mounting that more abductions of Christians are likely.

Pray: for God to give His church wisdom to know how to keep safe. (Isaiah 54:17)
More: barnabasfund.org/en/news/pastor-kidnapped-by-buddhist-forces-is-reported-dead-in-myanmar