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In what has been called Myanmar’s ‘Tiananmen moment’, Sister Ann Roza knelt in front of armed security forces to stop them firing on civilians. She was giving treatment at a clinic when groups of protesters passed by; then they were fired on and beaten by the police and military. ‘I was shocked and thought today is the day I will die. I was asking and begging them not to do it and was crying like a mad person, like a mother hen protecting the chicks. I thought it would be better that I die instead of lots of people. I was crying out loud. My throat was in pain. My intention was to help people escape and be free to protest and to stop the security forces. I was begging them. At that time I was not afraid.’
Praise: God for Sister Ann’s Spirit-led intervention, and thank Him that images of this event quickly spread worldwide. (Psalm 91:1,2)
More: news.sky.com/story/today-is-the-day-i-will-die-nun-who-opposed-myanmar-military-says-she-begged-them-for-mercy-12236955 |
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While working at an Afghan eye hospital, Dan took a fortnight’s trip to Iran which turned into a nine-week nightmare. He was falsely charged with spying and being a missionary and imprisoned in a small dark room, being interrogated and beaten by prison guards. Then he recalls, ‘As I lay on the ground, all of a sudden, the room fills with this glorious light. And I turned around to see what was going on, and there was Jesus. It was at that lowest point that He met me.’ Jesus provided strength to continue and even befriend the guards who beat him, and the courage to boldly proclaim his faith in front of his accusers and an Iranian judge. ‘I preached and told everyone who Jesus is and how much he loved them.’ Not long after he was released. He now trains people to serve in missions.
Praise: God for revealing himself to Dan and for protecting His mission workers. (Matthew 11:28)
More: www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/2021/march/christian-prisoner-gets-divine-visit-it-was-at-that-lowest-point-that-he-met-me |
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Praise God for all 88 children rescued during Operation Smile in South Asia. This was a police campaign focused on finding missing children and rescuing child labourers. IJM is so grateful for the tireless work of the authorities. Please pray for the children’s aftercare and safety, and that the government can reunite them with their parents, if safe. Also praise God for a significant conviction in Kenya of a police officer who shot a fisherman and then accused two bystanders of a crime to keep them quiet about the murder. It took five years to complete the trial. Please pray that the news of this conviction would be heard far and wide, so that police would know there is accountability under the law and any abuse of defenseless citizens will result in prosecution.
Praise: God for the many times he answers the cries of the oppressed. May He continue to equip and guide all who work in Operation Smile. (Proverbs 28:5)
More: mailchi.mp/79f9bf12fd9a/ijm-prayer-update-pray-for-6-children-now-free-664528?e=597486ddf2 |
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Four days before an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle was claimed by unidentified sources to have bullied three personal assistants. The royal household launched an investigation, and will speak to current and former staff. See Since the interview, front pages and TV screens everywhere have commented on the ‘royals in crisis’ over mixed-race skin colour comments, family dysfunction and no emotional support for Markle’s mental health struggles. The senior royals released a statement asserting that while some recollections of incidents may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. They confirmed that ‘Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members’.
Pray: for bridges to be built between injured parties, and for the monarchy to regain its international dignity. (Ecclesiastes 3:8)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56340451 |
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Lord, You desire all the royal family to display your righteousness, wisdom, and majesty. May Your will be done. We ask that every change taking place at the moment will strengthen not weaken the monarchy reputation and the future of this nation. Please reinforce every Godly inheritance within the royals. We cry out for wounds to be healed, relationships restored, and for love and honour to overcome every attempt of the enemy to divide or conquer. We thank you for our Queen and celebrate her heart for You, the wisdom, righteousness and integrity reflected in her life and for the respect she holds within this land. Give her peace as she stands above, yet amid, political noise and personal pain. We ask you to heal every injury inflicted by the media and misinformation. May all the royal household have God-given wisdom, peace, and resilience.
Pray: for God’s light to shine into every place of misunderstanding in the coming weeks as the inner working of the royal family is more clearly understood and deep cleansing is released. (Proverbs 16:12)
More: mailchi.mp/pftn/monarchy?e=be117c6125 |
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The leaders of seven well-known Christian festivals and events are encouraging people to support them this year. They say, ‘We are asking for you to stand with us; we need your help more than ever. Some of us have postponed events, some have moved to free digital alternatives, or chargeable digital and hybrid events. We have all had to decide what is best for us in our unique situation now; we all need the wisdom of the Lord. Please pray regularly for us as we lead our organisations, listen to His leading, and do all we can to serve Him and you. Please join 2021 events and buy tickets. If you wait until 2022, your preferred event may not have the finances to be there.’
Pray: for new believers and seekers soon to be able to attend arenas and tents to celebrate all He has done. (1 Peter 5:10)
More: mailchi.mp/new-wine/christianeventsopenletter |
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The Covid surge hit key NHS services including cancer and routine surgery. Less than half the expected number of operations or scans were done, pushing the waiting list to a record high of 4.6 million. More than 300,000 of those have been waiting more than a year for treatment, compared to 1,600 before the pandemic began. Surgeons described a dire situation which would take a long time to turn around. One surgeon said, ‘Behind today’s statistics are people waiting in limbo. Many will be in considerable pain; others will have restricted mobility and be at risk of isolation and loneliness. Dealing with this daunting backlog will take time, and sustained investment in the NHS.’ The true picture could be much worse with nearly 6 million fewer referrals made by GPs for routine treatments, including knee operations and hip replacements creating an additional hidden backlog.
Pray: for those in a surgical backlog que, those starting treatment for cancer and the referrals for urgent check-ups to receive exactly what is needed without any further delay. (Philippians 4:19)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56360645 |
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Archbishop Justin Welby has declined to comment on the claim that he officiated over Harry and Meghan’s vows three days before their royal wedding at Windsor Castle. According to the Duchess of Sussex, the secret ceremony took place in the couple’s garden with only Welby in attendance. The details were revealed in the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired at the weekend. ‘You know, three days before our wedding, we got married’, Meghan explained. ‘We called the archbishop, and we just said, ‘Look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world, but we want our union between us. ‘However, some have pointed out that the couple were not technically wedded at the alleged ceremony, as the CofE stipulates that weddings must take place in the presence of at least two witnesses. In addition, wedding ceremonies are not allowed to take place in outdoor venues such as gardens, though this limitation is under review.
Pray: for the Archbishop to remove any misinformation. (John 16:33)
More: premierchristian.news/en/news/article/justin-welby-refuses-to-comment-on-harry-and-meghan-marriage-claim |
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On 10 March Boris Johnson phoned Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani, to tell him the British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe must be allowed to return home to be with her family as she finished her five year prison sentence on 7 March. He said that while the removal of her ankle monitor was welcome, her continued confinement remains completely unacceptable. Rouhani complained to Johnson that no practical progress had been made in solving Iran’s demand for the UK to return a £400m debt. Nazanin now faces a new court date. Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy said, ‘When I meet this family I feel there’s not much more they can take of this, to be honest. Other countries have made more progress in getting their nationals home. We need to see a real concerted effort now.’ See
Pray: for Dominic Raab to end the diplomatic tug-of-war with the lives of British nationals, and for the return of Nazanin’s passport and legal permission to return home. (Amos 5:24)
More: www.theguardian.com/news/2021/mar/10/boris-johnson-raises-zaghari-ratcliffe-case-in-call-with-irans-rouhani |
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There is refreshing news of Covid infections decreasing, and talk of a financial recovery as affluent households are ready to spend again. However, families on the very lowest incomes have been more impacted and will face even more hardships in 2021. The Body of Christ plays a vital role in ministering to those around us in distress and shining the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This challenge will be discussed at a free London City Mission webinar, ‘Hope for those in financial distress’, on 25 March. It will be a chance to put questions to a panel of missionaries and a training director. They will discuss how churches can build new connections with people, and opportunities to develop a culture of loving, committed gospel outreach.
Pray: for the success of this initiative with many moving on in outreach to the poor, vulnerable and homeless. (Proverbs 19:17)
More: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gospel-pathways-hope-for-those-in-financial-distress-tickets-140779044913 |
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With his life and freedom on the line as he challenged Russia’s dictatorial regime, opposition leader Alexei Navalny reached out to Christian leaders in a search for ‘eternal values’. Sergey Rakhuba of Mission Eurasia says Navalny found God as he was facing great challenges and ‘fighting for his life’. Navalny proclaimed that he abandoned atheism and professed faith in God at a court hearing in January. ‘I believe he pronounced the most powerful sermon out of that cage in the courtroom,’ Rakhuba said. ‘He referred to the Bible as an ancient book that the world should adopt and build their rules on for daily living. I think it was the most powerful presentation of the Gospel.’ Navalny quoted Matthew, ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled’.
Pray: for God to help Mr Navalny’s new-found faith to grow as he remains in prison on what are believed to be fabricated charges. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
More: www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/2021/march/fighting-for-his-life-russian-opposition-leader-began-to-seek-eternal-answers |
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In January the AstraZeneca vaccine was approved in Europe for all adults. But several countries, including France and Germany, restricted its use in over-65s due to a lack of data about its effectiveness. France’s Emmanuel Macron claimed the vaccine was ‘quasi-ineffective’ in older age groups, and the German newspaper Handelsblatt had a similar report; but these statements are unfounded. In the over-80s, a single shot of either the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine appears to be over 80% effective at preventing hospitalisation. Although the regulators have both now reversed their advice, the majority of their AstraZeneca doses are yet to be used. It seems that the regulators’ prevarications, and loose talk from politicians and bureaucrats, have undermined confidence in the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Pray: for vaccine confidence to grow, for misinformation to be rejected, for tools for ending the pandemic be used. (Jeremiah 33:6)
More: theconversation.com/astrazeneca-vaccine-careless-talk-has-dented-confidence-and-uptake-in-europe-156021 |
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Conservatives within the United Methodist Church have announced their plans to form a new denomination, the Global Methodist Church, with a doctrine that does not allow for LGBTQ and same-sex marriage. The move is expected to hasten the long-anticipated split of the nation’s largest mainline Protestant denomination. The conference at which such a split would be debated has now been postponed to August 2022. ‘The church is basically stalemated right now,’ said Rev Keith Boyette, chair of the Transitional Leadership Council, which is guiding the creation of the Global Methodist Church. Another member of the council said, ‘I am convinced the Global Methodist Church will be a vibrant, vital expression of Methodism in terms of its teachings and ethics’.
Pray: for a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit to flow through scripture-rooted churches full of the love of Jesus. (Hebrews 4:12)
More: www.charismanews.com/culture/84685-united-methodist-conservatives-announce-plans-to-form-new-denomination-global-methodist-church |
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The United Nations have declared 2021 the Year for the Elimination of Child Labour. Children are being deprived of their childhood, their potential and their dignity. The worst forms include the sale and trafficking of children. For example trafficked children in Ghana worked longer hours, performed more hazardous work, and were more frequently prevented from attending school than non-trafficked children in the fishing industry. Also trafficked children do not have proper clothing and shelter and are more likely to be beaten. Trafficked girls risk sexual exploitation and forced marriage. Child labour can last for years, leaving children traumatised and robbing them of an education and social mobility. Covid-19 has closed schools, so teachers are not around to notice signs of abuse. An estimated 150 million people are in extreme poverty, creating conditions for child labour in its worst forms.
Pray: for stronger child protection mechanisms and safeguards to prevent abuse and exploitation. (Matthew 18:10)
More: www.ijmuk.org/stories/ijm-blog-year-for-the-elimination-of-child-labour |
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Not many countries are currently transparent and open about the procurement, allocation and distribution of Covid vaccines. This lack of transparency threatens a fair and equitable global response to the pandemic. From elected politicians jumping the queue and fraudulent vaccine rings to unlawful contracts and opaque confidentiality clauses, recent news has offered some spectacular examples of what can go wrong when stakes are high and transparency is low. Citizens have the right to know how government decisions are made and resources are spent, especially when it comes to our health. Corruption will only stop when people work together to change the system. Collectively, high-income countries have bought 56% of the world’s vaccine supply. On 10 March a diplomatic row erupted when the EU’s top official claimed the UK had imposed an ‘outright ban’ on the export of vaccines. But Dominic Raab said this allegation is ‘completely false’.
Pray: for poorer countries to receive adequate supplies of vaccination. (Isaiah 61:8a)
More: more.transparency.org/webmail/853323/117194340/7cc01848a39e115e67ac3f922d8aec3667b769276e72c81c3c6d4202155ce777 |
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The 23 March election will be unique in Israel’s modern history. One of the most important variables is the number of people in isolation or tested sick with Covid, who will forgo their right to vote at the last minute, in spite of stringent measures to protect their health. Also, an outbreak of infection in specific areas (Arab or Haredi communities) could sharply reduce turnout and affect votes for specific parties. Three of the top four parties are right-wing. Many are concerned about Israel’s lack of progress toward peace with the Palestinians. They blame it on Israel’s right-wing leaders and the Israelis who have shifted rightward because of the persistent ‘Palestinian failure to accept Israel’s overtures for peace’, which has led to increased terrorism. Today most Israelis do not see the Palestinians as truly wanting peace. See
Pray: for God’s chosen leaders to be given positions of authority by the voters, and the gap between Israel and Palestine to shrink. (Genesis 17:20)
More: www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium-eight-questions-ahead-of-israel-s-covid-election-day-1.9605534 |
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With limited space and a lack of options for hydro-electricity and wind power, Singapore faces logistical challenges in the push towards renewable energy. Environmental advocacy groups have long accused the country of failing to do enough to address climate change, even as rising sea levels have become a growing threat. Climate Action Tracker said Singapore’s efforts to combat climate change have been weak. It is now investing in a huge floating solar farm at sea. Oceans are the ‘new frontier’ in electricity production, says Shawn Tan, the firm carrying out the project. The solar farm has 13,000 solar panels laid out at sea between Singapore and Malaysia, capable of producing up to five megawatts of electricity – enough energy to power 1,400 residential flats year-round. Meanwhile, Pentagon scientists are currently testing solar satellites to beam energy to anywhere on Earth.
Pray: for the success of these projects, and for the development of more climate change answers to restore the earth to as God created it to be . (Psalm 24:1-2)
More: www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/singapore-solar-farms-johor-strait-b1813587.html |
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To boost international travel, China has launched a digital health certificate programme for citizens with an encrypted QR code that gives authorities a traveller’s health information. QR health codes on smartphone apps are already required to gain entry to domestic transport and many public spaces. The apps track a user’s location and produce a ‘green’ code if a user has not been in close contact with a confirmed case or has not travelled to a virus hotspot. But the system has sparked privacy concerns and fears it marks an expansion of government surveillance. The certificate, launched on 8 March, shows a user’s vaccination status and test results via China’s social media platform WeChat. It will ‘help promote world economic recovery and facilitate cross-border travel’, a foreign ministry spokesman said. Bahrain has introduced a vaccine passport; the USA, UK and EU are considering similar permits.
Pray: for global security around vaccination passports to prevent malpractice. (James 4:17)
More: www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/9/china-launches-worlds-first-virus-passport |
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A video from Pakistan shows Tabitha, a Christian nurse, who was beaten by fellow nurses and staff after accusations of blasphemy. The hospital where she worked issued an order that medical staff could not receive tips or deal with money from patients. Tabitha reminded a Muslim co-worker of the order when she saw she was collecting money from a patient. When Tabitha mentioned it to her superior, she was dragged off into a closet, tied and beaten up. Blasphemy accusations are highly inflammatory in Pakistan and often lead to mob violence and vigilante killings. The life of a blasphemer is much like the story The Scarlet Letter, but instead of wearing the letter A for adulterer, they walk through life with an invisible B for blasphemer. Police investigated and found the accusations to be false. However, the family remains in hiding due to threats associated with the accusations.
Pray: for families suffering under blasphemy laws in Pakistan, and for Tabitha and her family to know peace and a safe future. (Psalm 4:8)
More: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryfq85hEdr8 |
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