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Covid conversions

Jonas is a Kenyan church planter and respected leader in his village. When Kenya shut down due to coronavirus villagers lost their jobs and income, food prices rose and families struggled. Jonas saw that they not only needed Jesus, they needed help. He used his wages to buy food for the needy. Others were inspired by his generosity and donated food to be distributed to vulnerable families. Other church planters joined him in food aid and sharing Jesus’ love. The results were astounding. 863 people heard the Good News, 211 received Christ. A Muslim man named Aasir lost his job and his home. Jonas took them in. Aasir saw what it was like to walk in a relationship with Jesus, day in and day out, and he also surrendered his life to Christ.

Praise: God for the power of His love that is revealed through His disciples. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
More: godreports.com/2020/07/church-planters-lead-211-to-christ-in-village-during-covid/

Ofsted fails in case against Christian agency

Ofsted wrongly tried to force Cornerstone Adoption and Fostering Service to work with non-evangelical Christian carers. The High Court has ruled that England’s only evangelical Christian fostering agency can continue to work only with evangelical Christian carers, stating, ‘Cornerstone is permitted to exclusively recruit evangelical Christian carers because of the exemption in the Equality Act 2010 for religious organisations’.

Praise: God for a judgment confirming the freedom of Christian organisations to provide activities in line with their statement of faith. (Romans 11:29)
More: www.christian.org.uk/press_release/high-court-rejects-ofsted-attempt-to-force-uks-only-evangelical-christian-fostering-agency-to-abandon-religious-ethos/

International Justice Mission – answered prayer

Rejoice that during lockdown IJM Philippines has assisted local police on 16 online sexual exploitation rescue operations, bringing to safety 57 children and vulnerable adults, including a three-month-old baby, and seeing eight suspects arrested. In South Asia IJM had another successful rescue operation at a construction site. Officials filed all the necessary police reports within 24 hours – a huge moment of progress demonstrating their knowledge and political will. IJM were also blessed to see the survivors get their release certificates and other entitlements quickly so that they could return home swiftly. Pray for their ongoing recovery back at home, especially in the disorienting first few weeks of freedom.

Praise: God for all who work to release slaves and convict criminals. (Deuteronomy 10:18)
More: www.ijm.org/stories

Praise Reports

Britain and Montenegro’s persecuted Christians

Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron and Conservative MP Steve Baker stand united by their Christian faith and conviction that all have the right to freedom of conscience and religion, and it must be protected everywhere. 80% of Montenegrins are Orthodox Christians, yet worshippers, including the Archbishop, have been arrested. Parishioners are being beaten and buildings destroyed. One of their bishops has written of his arrest, along with hundreds of others. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets to defend their church and freedom of expression. The British MPs say, ‘It is important for Britain and her allies to act, and in haste. In recent days, with further Christian arrests, it is clear the authorities do not intend to pause. We should not stand by and allow political avarice to transcend the right to freedom of faith. There must be a reckoning.’ Pray for peace in society and safety for people.

Pray: for Tim Farron and Steve Baker to succeed in inspiring nations to stand for Montenegro’s freedom of thought and religion. (Psalm 4:6)
More: www.newsweek.com/nato-britain-must-stand-montenegros-christians-opinion-1514484

Faith leaders and climate change

UK faith group representatives, in an open letter, have urged the Government to centre its economic recovery on the pressing need to reduce the impact of climate change. Signatories include members of the ‘Faith for the Climate’ network. The opening statements read, ‘Covid-19 has unexpectedly taught us a great deal. Amidst the fear and the grief for loved ones lost, many of us have found consolation in the dramatic reduction of pollution and the restoration of nature. Renewed delight in and contact with the natural world has the capacity to reduce our mental stress and nourish us spiritually. We have rediscovered our sense of how interconnected the world is. The very health and future of humanity depends on our ability to act together, not only with respect to pandemics but also in protecting our global ecosystem.’

Pray: for government initiatives to tackle the climate emergency while safeguarding basic economic recovery. (Psalm 37:30)
More: www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/faith-leaders-make-call-environment-focused-economic-recovery

‘Jesus was black’, says Stephen Cottrell

The new Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has spoken of his desire to advance racial equality in the Church of England. He said he wanted to see the same change happen for the BAME community as has happened with women, who in recent years have become bishops for the first time. He said, ‘One of the failings of the church has been a form of tokenism without addressing the deep systemic issues of exclusion and prejudice, Jesus was a black man, and was born into a persecuted group in an occupied country.’ He added, ‘Jesus would have joined the Black Lives Matter protests. The Church of England leadership is still too white, and I hope under my watch we’ll see further changes on that.’

Pray: for God to lead the new Archbishop of York as he makes a stand on racial inequality in the Church. (Psalm 78:2)
More: www.christiantoday.com/article/jesus.was.a.black.man.says.stephen.cottrell/135143.htm Europe

227,000 tenants at risk of eviction

Research by Shelter shows 227,000 private renters in England have fallen behind on their rent, often as a result of job losses during lockdown. A March moratorium on eviction cases ahead of the coronavirus lockdown stopped people becoming homeless during the crisis. But this ends on 24 August, and landlords can seek possession of properties in the courts. Under the current court system, anyone accruing rent arrears of eight weeks or more can be automatically evicted, in addition to the risk of being subjected to a Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction: landlords can evict tenants at short notice without a specified reason. Shelter warned, ‘Unless the government acts to protect renters in financial coronavirus difficulty, judges will be powerless to stop them from losing their homes once the ban lifts. Pray for landlords to have compassion for their furloughed tenants.’

Pray: for the ministry of housing to provide protection for those affected by coronavirus. May no one be evicted. (Psalm 4:8)
More: www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/renters-eviction-arrears-uk-shelter-england-coronavirus-lockdown-a9602186.html

UK fishing rights in Brexit talks

Post-Brexit access to UK waters for EU fishermen is a major hurdle to a trade deal between the UK and Europe. Michel Barnier had a private dinner with UK’s Brexit negotiator, David Frost, at Downing Street on 8th July. It is believed they discussed UK’s fishing rights over a meal of halibut and asparagus. The meeting comes after it emerged Mr Barnier had told a House of Lords select committee in June that the bloc could water down its stance on fishing if the UK also agrees to compromise. The UK insists British fishing boats have priority as it pushes for a new scientific approach based on how many fish are in domestic waters. If both sides dig their heels in on their positions there will be no discussion on fisheries, and therefore no agreement on trade.

Pray: for the discussions to overcome all obstacles to a fair and honest trade deal. (Psalm 133:1)
More: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8498389/Michel-Barnier-hints-EU-compromise-Brexit-fishing-rights.html

Criminal chat network cracked

A top-secret communications system used by criminals to trade drugs and guns has been ‘successfully penetrated’, says the National Crime Agency, which worked with forces across Europe on the UK’s ‘biggest and most significant’ law-enforcement operation. Major crime figures were among over 800 Europe-wide arrests after messages on EncroChat were intercepted and decoded. Over two tonnes of drugs, several dozen guns, and £54m in suspect cash was seized after an investigation initiated and led by French and Dutch police which also involved Europol – the EU agency for law enforcement cooperation. Wil van Gemert, of Europol, told a press conference that the hacking of the network had allowed the ‘disruption of criminal activities including violent attacks, corruption, attempted murders and large-scale drug transports’. The operation lasted three months: 171 were arrested in the UK, including two law enforcement officers. See also the Europe article on the Netherlands.

Pray: for this to be just the beginning of disrupting organised crime networks.( Proverbs 22:21)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53263310

Huawei and 5G networks

Boris Johnson is expected to draw up plans to phase out Huawei from Britain’s 5G phone networks now that US sanctions have undermined the Chinese telecoms equipment maker’s ability to supply the UK market with exactly what it promised. Digital secretary Oliver Dowden said that GCHQ can no longer guarantee Huawei’s security. Mr Dowden’s department has yet to deliver its conclusions to Mr Johnson, who has said he does not want the country to be ‘vulnerable to a high-risk state vendor’. Huawei has stated that it remains ‘open to discussions’. China’s ambassador to the UK warned that if the UK got rid of Huawei it would send out a wider message about its openness to foreign investment. MPs are currently discussing the implications of a potential ban.

Pray: for parliament to have all significant data so that informed decisions are made. (Deuteronomy 32:29)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-53306809

Praise Reports

Ukraine: fires, floods, conflict

Forest fires have ravaged several villages in Luhansk in areas held by Russian-backed separatist forces. Water-bombing planes, the national armed forces and hundreds of firefighters are battling high winds and soaring temperatures that are spreading the fires. The governor of Luhansk region suspects the fires were started by arsonists. He hopes that separatists nearby are not attacked as they tackle the blazes but ‘cannot give any security guarantees’. Luhansk is currently divided between Ukrainian control and the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) amid an ongoing conflict in the east of the country. More than 13,000 people have been killed so far. Also, recent heavy flooding hit nearly 300 towns and villages in the west of the country. Climate change, illegal logging, and deforestation have all been blamed.

Pray: for people who have lost their homes, for the safety of the firefighters, and for peace in the region. (Psalm 28:2)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53332821

Netherlands: torture chambers found

Six men were arrested in the Netherlands following the discovery of seven shipping containers converted into cells and torture chambers after French police cracked encrypted phones used by criminals. Dutch police said the containers were found before they were used, and potential victims were now in hiding. Officers found handcuffs attached to the floors and ceilings of the structures, which had also been soundproofed. They also discovered police clothing and bulletproof vests, pruning shears, scalpels, and balaclavas. Police also found another criminal base in Rotterdam. Two of the suspects were also detained for possession of weapons. The arrests are among 800 made across Europe related to gang warfare in drugs and money- laundering activities after EncroChat messages were intercepted and decoded. EncroChat, based in France, had an estimated 60,000 subscribers. See also UK article ‘Criminal chat network cracked’.

Pray: for God to bring more successful investigations into ‘hidden’ cross-border criminal activities. (Job 9:19)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53325388

Praise Reports

Battle over the USA

November 2020 will be the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers from Plymouth, England, to Plymouth, Massachusetts. They left England to escape religious persecution and establish the freedom of self-government, in the New World. The Declaration of Independence and the constitution were laid down by the founding fathers. The USA became a blessing to desperate and hopeful people from the nations, because of the culture of freedom and faith in God. American missionaries invested their lives in the spiritual restoration of the Old Continent, and until now have continued to impact the nations of Europe with the Kingdom of God. However, the strategy of the enemy is to destabilise, create conflicts in society, and gain control of governments. In 2020 the tragic death of George Floyd, BLM riots, and an out-of-control pandemic are threatening a divided electorate prior to November’s elections and the 400th anniversary of God’s freedom in the new world.

Pray: for God’s purposes and plans for America to overwhelm any enemy strategies. (Jeremiah 29:11)
More: archive.newsletter2go.com/?n2g=m5at834j-om2t7acm-ct9

Israel: extension of sovereignty

‘Annexation’ is actually Israel extending its civil rule over areas that are under its military rule. Whether Israel does this over a small area of what is in President Trump’s peace plan, or over all of it, makes no substantive difference to nations and international organisations who are angry about what Israel might do. As this process drags on, it gets more confusing and the headlines become more depressing. Lord, guide Israel to know how you want them to pray and act so that You alone receive the glory (Psalm 115:1-3). The IDF and Israel’s other security forces are preparing for an increase of violence over annexation. It is not known if this will lead to another intifada with many deaths, or just a brief display of anger followed by a let’s-go-back-to-work attitude from the Palestinians. Currently the security forces are stopping an average of three terror attacks a day.

Pray: for God’s continued anointing of wisdom and protection over Israel. (Nehemiah 4:6-8,9)
More: www.tv7israelnews.com/hamas-annexation-is-a-declaration-of-war/

Afghanistan: Covid crisis

This prayer update is based on input from a contact of International Prayer Connection who is living in the region (for the full letter click the ‘More’ button). ‘Covid-19 spreads like wildfire and it looks as if the whole country is penetrated by this virus. We received reports that it has now reached the mountainous areas, whereas previously it was mostly contained in the larger cities. Many are dying because of lack of medical facilities. People are poor and cannot afford to buy oxygen cylinders. Many brothers and sisters, expats and locals, have become quite seriously ill. Some are suffering from tiredness, anxiety and depression.’ The UN said the new coronavirus outbreak is casting ‘a huge shadow’ over Afghan daily life. Under the government’s leadership, the UN is supporting a coordinated response that includes setting up a nationwide network of laboratories and the provision of personal protective equipment.

Pray: for medical aid to reach rural hospitals, including sufficient oxygen to relieve the suffering of all patients, regardless of circumstances. (Psalm 30:2)
More: www.ipcprayer.org/ipc-connections/item/13112-afghanistan-covid-crisis-amidst-increasing-attacks.html

Hong Kong: disruption, not law changes causing emigration

Although emigration is increasing because of the new national security law, many people will leave not because of communism or a lack of unfettered democracy, but due to never-ending disruption to their lives and careers and their children’s future. In October 2019 an annual survey of attitudes towards migration found 42.3% of Hong Kong respondents wanted to emigrate – mostly to Canada, Australia or Taiwan. It was 33% in 2018. Decades of political and economic uncertainty, combined with entrenched unresolvable divisions between people pleased to be rejoined with the mainland and those who still hanker for former colonial rule, has caused uncertainty and unrest. Hong Kong’s population planners concentrate on birth and death rates, but a meaningful force for population change has been migration. With little hope of earning enough to buy a family home, many may decide they have little to lose. Hong Kong’s property cartel is pushing inequality to the brink.

Pray: for the new law to be applied sensitively within local rule of law and for a rise in real household incomes for Hong Kong families. (Psalm 7:6)
More: www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3091864/why-disruption-not-national-security-law-main-force-pushing

Lebanon: main hospital closing wards

The main coronavirus hospital in Lebanon has been forced to close operating rooms and delay surgeries amid lengthy power cuts caused by a spiralling economic crisis. Dr Firass Abiad said Lebanon’s largest public healthcare facility was ‘barely making ends meet’ and running out of fuel to power generators for power cuts now lasting 15 hours. Despite soaring summer temperatures the hospital has turned off air-conditioning units in the administrative offices and in the corridors to ensure wards and intensive care units can be cooled, as they treat over 90% of the country’s two thousand confirmed coronavirus cases. He warned that if the crippling power cuts continue, the hospital would have just enough fuel to man the generators for three weeks. The crisis at the hospital is part of the fallout of an unprecedented financial crisis and deteriorating economic conditions in the country.

Pray: for the Lebanese authorities to give healthcare facilities electricity. Pray also for families struggling to make ends meet as food prices more than double. (Psalm 45:4)
More: www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/lebanon-s-main-coronavirus-hospital-forced-to-close-operating-rooms-due-to-power-cuts-a9604356.html

Africa: tracking coronavirus

The coronavirus outbreak has reached every nation in Africa, a continent of 1.2 billion people. As of 7 July the confirmed death toll was 12,000, with fatalities including the former president of the Republic of the Congo and Somalia’s former prime minister. With over 500,000 confirmed infections in Africa, experts warn that fragile healthcare systems in many countries could be overwhelmed in the face of a severe outbreak of Covid-19. African countries urgently need to scale up coronavirus testing and the use of face masks, a regional disease control body said, as the epidemic gains traction across the continent. New cases were up 24% in the past week. The pandemic is gaining full momentum: see

Pray: for communities to be able to obey measures to curb the pandemic spread and for an abundance of testing and face masks to be available. (Job 26:2,3)
More: www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/tracking-africa-coronavirus-cases-200401081427251.html

Zimbabwe: Peace Direct

Since its independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has experienced low-intensity conflict marked by periods of escalation and political violence. Once an economic powerhouse, Zimbabwe suffers from a worsening currency and economic crisis, leading to a rise in protests with some turning violent. Peace Direct and its partner, Envision Zimbabwe Women’s Trust, work in Murewa and Hurungwe districts to address the deeply embedded culture of violence by training traditional local leaders and the national police force in non-violent conflict resolution. They prevent violence against women by providing gender training and supporting women who have been victims of sexual violence or domestic abuse. Their local peace committees defuse community tensions through an ‘early warning early response’ network monitoring flashpoints of violence, so they can be quickly identified and calmed. Nationally unresolved conflicts remain rooted in disputes over national power and economic hardship.

Pray: for the growth of mediating committees, and for peace to replace violence. (Psalm 7:9)
More: www.peacedirect.org/where-we-work/zimbabwe/

USA: pandemic – what went wrong?

45 days before the first coronavirus case was announced, a global health security index was published, showing how prepared countries were to tackle a serious pandemic outbreak. The USA was ranked best out of 195 nations. Days before Trump’s inauguration, the Obama administration urged his team to get ready for a pandemic that could be the worst since 1918. Warning of possible ventilator shortages, it stressed the importance of a coordinated response. However, the Trump team, ignoring the advice, shut down the White House office devoted to pandemic preparedness set up by Obama. On 18 January health secretary Alex Azar, a practising Christian, warned Trump of potential danger from the virus, but Trump called him an ‘alarmist’, saying it was just one person coming in from China. See

Pray: for Alex Azar to pray and lead his team as God leads him. (2 Samuel 24:25b)
More: time.com/5861697/us-uk-failed-coronavirus-response/

Praise Reports
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