Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conveyed to U.S. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein that Israel is nearing a decision for military action in Lebanon due to Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks. This message was delivered following a significant rocket attack on the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona by Hezbollah, where around 30 rockets were fired, 10 intercepted by Israel’s missile defence systems. One rocket hit a house's yard, causing minor damage but no injuries. Hochstein, who is in the region to facilitate a negotiated agreement to prevent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, was warned by Gallant of the increasing likelihood of conflict due to Hezbollah’s aggression. This escalation was evident in the intense skirmishes along Israel’s northern border, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for at least eight attacks in a single day. The IDF responded by striking the launch sites of the attacks and other Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. Targets included a military site in Ayta al-Sha’ab, operational headquarters in Jabal al-Batam, and launch positions in al-Matmura, as well as other military buildings in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah justified its heavy rocket barrage as retaliation for Israeli strikes in Hula, initially reported as civilian casualties but later confirmed as Hezbollah members.

The pro-life group Live Action has unveiled a plan aimed at halting abortion and the abuse of women. The organisation, known for its anti-abortion stance, is launching a campaign to educate the public about the harms of abortion to both unborn children and women. Live Action's president, Lila Rose, emphasised the need to expose the "violence of abortion" and its negative impact on women's physical and mental health. The group's plan includes raising awareness about the dangers of abortion and promoting alternatives that protect both the mother and the unborn child. They intend to utilise various mediums, including social media, to disseminate their message. Additionally, Live Action is advocating for policy changes and support systems that offer better care and resources for pregnant women, particularly those facing unplanned pregnancies. Live Action's approach focuses on educating young people and communities about the reality of abortion and its repercussions. They aim to create a culture where abortion is not only illegal but unthinkable. The group believes that through education and support, women can be empowered to make life-affirming choices for themselves and their unborn children.

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has withdrawn from the presidential race, paving the way for a potential Biden-Trump rematch. In her announcement from South Carolina, Haley declined to endorse Donald Trump, though acknowledging his likely nomination as the Republican candidate. Her campaign, lasting over a year, focused on several key issues, including support for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, concerns about national debt, and advocating for congressional term limits. Haley's decision follows a series of electoral setbacks, including a sole victory in Vermont on Super Tuesday and underwhelming performances in other primaries. Initially a strong contender in a crowded Republican field, Haley gained traction through impressive debate performances and support from influential donors and political figures. However, her campaign lost momentum due to several gaffes, including controversial remarks about the American Civil War and racism in the U.S. Despite maintaining a moderate stance on issues like gun control and abortion rights, critics suggested Haley didn't sufficiently distance herself from Trump. Her campaign endured until it became evident that her chances of securing the Republican nomination were slim, leading to her eventual suspension of the campaign. This exit sets the stage for a likely Trump nomination and a repeat of the Trump-Biden electoral battle in 2020. (The Independent) See also

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for enhanced military capabilities against the US and South Korea, responding to ongoing joint military exercises between the two nations. During a visit to a training base, Kim emphasised the need for “actual war drills'' to improve combat readiness, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This stance follows the North Korean Defense Ministry's declaration of conducting “responsible military activities'' in reaction to what they perceive as invasion preparations through the South Korean-US drills. The annual South Korean-US exercises, which are computer-simulated and involve field training, are seen as defensive by the participating countries. North Korea, which has historically responded to these drills with missile tests, continues to showcase nuclear-capable weaponry. South Korea’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Jeon Ha Gyu, affirmed that South Korea will robustly counter any North Korean provocations, criticising the North’s portrayal of the drills as invasion rehearsals. This escalation occurs amidst a series of North Korean missile tests designed to target South Korea and the US mainland. Observers expect further tensions and provocative actions from North Korea, especially in the context of upcoming major elections in the US and South Korea.

Iran's morality police have escalated their enforcement of Islamic dress codes, leading to severe punishments for women, including car confiscations, floggings, and fines, reports Amnesty International. This crackdown follows protests ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini, who was detained for not wearing a hijab. Amnesty's findings reveal that tens of thousands of women have had their cars seized for defying veiling laws, with some also facing flogging, prison, or mandatory 'morality' classes. One woman, Roya Heshmati, described being flogged in front of a judge, likening it to "medieval torture." Many women recounted being pursued by police and stranded far from home after their vehicles were impounded. Release of the vehicles required payment of fees and commitments to comply with veiling laws. Surveillance and public reporting have intensified, with even men mistaken for women due to long hair facing questioning. The recent protests, under the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom," challenged Iran's regime, leading to proposed legislation increasing penalties for dress code violations. Amnesty International's Deputy Middle East Director, Dina Eltahawy, noted the increased policing aims to suppress resistance, causing distress and disrupting lives. The report highlights the harsh realities of compulsory veiling and the Iranian government's efforts to reinforce it amidst growing public dissent.

I wanted to bring you two timely items of news, some words of encouragement and a free gift as we all plan to celebrate Christmas and to enjoy time with our families!

Please find details below of the Sunrise Prayer Relay, taking place on New Year's Day. Many of us will be getting up at the crack of dawn to proclaim the Supremacy of Christ over our nations together. Do join us!

We invite you to join with many millions around the world for a Global Day of Prayer on Saturday 10th February, 2024 (Chinese New Year) as we pray for key cities and nations across the Buddhist world. By way of preparation, we encourage you to use the accompanying 21 Day adult and children’s prayer guides.

Mountain Moving Prayer...

As we approach 2024, I believe God wants us to grow in faith. As we soak in God's written word and speak it out in faith through prayers, we will see mountains moved!

Do watch this talk that I recorded a few weeks ago, in which I share how Mary became the mother of Jesus - God Incarnate - as she responded to God's word in faith 'behold I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word according to your word.' (Luke 1:38) We can learn a lot from Mary’s example.

My prayer for you this Christmas and New Year is that you, like Mary, will experience how an ordinary life can lead to an extraordinary walk of faith and transformation, through the simple yet incredibly effective key of faith-filled, Bible-based prayers and the exaltation and worship of Jesus!

A Gift for You!

Here is a free gift this Christmas called Pray the Word, in which I share some simple tools to help you pray effectively! Use it as a resource in your personal or group devotions to connect with God in a personal way. My prayer is that it will help you Encounter God - bringing life-changing, mountain-moving impacts!

Your Gifts…

Thank you for your prayers, participation, encouragements and support through 2023! If you are sensing that you can contribute with a donation as we approach the end of the year, see here.

On behalf of the whole IPC team across our 14 world regions, I wish you a peaceful and blessed Christmas.

All Glory to the Lamb!

Dr Jason Hubbard – Director
International Prayer Connect

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3)

Over the past few years on New Year's Day, thousands of Christians across 70 nations participated in the Sunrise Prayer Relay and we are excited that there is an invitation to awaken the dawn with prayer together again in 2024!

We are encouraged to gather just before Sunrise at a public location like a hill, lookout, bridge, or public landmark, at a church in our cities or towns, (or we can also take part privately in our homes) - to worship, pray and exalt Jesus!

Let's declare together that "Jesus is Lord" of our lives, our families, our regions, our nations, and all of the nations!

Together, these prayer gatherings at sunrise around the world will generate a synchronized 24-hour global prayer relay!

Let's not miss the opportunity to share the message of Hope in Jesus with others who are out to see the sunrise!

More info and register participation + receive the prayer resources and updates at: www.sunriseprayerrelay.com

With thanks to our dear brothers - Warwick Marsh & Pat Steele in Australia who are coordinating this initiative.

Years ago, I was taught how to pray the Word of God - and it has revolutionized my prayer life. It is the ultimate prayer manual written by God Himself. Scripture is the language of God’s heart! The Bible always makes His will clear to us through the written Word. Anything the Holy Spirit makes known to us will always agree with God’s revealed Word.

As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 writes, God has always been looking for those to whom he can speak, those who will hear and live. The Word of God isn’t casual, and it isn’t an option; our very lives depend on it! As Jesus declared in the wilderness, “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of his mouth” (Matthew 4:4). One of the ways that we learn to listen and talk to God is through Praying His Word!

It is about the rediscovery of hearing, delighting in, trembling before, and obeying the Word of God. The Word is meant to abide in us and transform us from the inside out! God’s Word feeds us (Matt. 4:4), washes us (Eph. 5:26-27), sanctifies us (John 17:17), disciplines us (Heb.4:12-13), imparts faith to us (Rom. 10:17), and equips us (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

May we get into the Word until the Word gets into us, both the written Word and the Living Word, the Lord Jesus!

This booklet, put simply, is a tool to help you spend time with God in his Word! I encourage you to pray the Scriptures out loud, turning truth into personal dialogue with the Lord. My hope is that you will experience more and more of his life, his love, and his mountain-moving power!

Download Pray the Word

For the Supremacy of Christ in all things,

Dr. Jason Hubbard – Director
International Prayer Connect

Blue whales, Earth's largest creatures, have returned to a part of the Indian Ocean where they were once decimated by whaling. Researchers in the Seychelles captured footage of these magnificent creatures in 2020 and 2021. Recent underwater audio recordings of their hauntingly beautiful low-frequency songs throughout the year have revealed their prolonged presence, suggesting potential breeding activities. This rediscovery is hailed as a ‘conservation win’ after decades of commercial whaling, which severely reduced blue whale populations. The end of mass-scale hunting has allowed them to rebound; however, their numbers remain small, and they are still classified as endangered. The Seychelles' role as a habitat for blue whales is a cause for excitement and underscores the importance of conservation efforts.