MDC-T legislator Jessie Majome has called on the government to take concrete and urgent steps to avert a "brewing humanitarian crisis" in the country's prisons. Majome made the call on Tuesday after justice ministry and prison officials revealed that at least 100 inmates have died this year at the country's 55 facilities.The deaths were poor nutrition-related, according to Virginia Mabhiza and Agrey Machingauta, from the justice ministry and prisons services. The two officials told the parliamentary portfolio committee that the country's prisons were experiencing serious food shortages because they were not receiving enough money to source food for the 18,460 prisoners. They told parliamentarians that although $1.2 million was required monthly for food for the prisoners, only $300,000 was being allocated. As a result, prisoners were no longer receiving the required three meals a day, a situation which had led to nutrition-related illnesses and deaths.

Pray: that the authorities will have compassion on the prisoners and provide necessary food. (Ps.116:5)

More: http://allafrica.com/stories/201312040149.html

On the outside, they are dressed in the uniform of the church that they attend. They are known by their colours and the ‘chitenges’ (fabric skirts) that personify their church. Purple means Baptist, red means Reformed Church, and Blue means Jehovah’s Witnesses. On the outside they seem to adhere to the teachings of their church, but on the inside they cling to African traditional religion which holds closely to ancestor worship and spirit worship. On the outside they look clean and religious, but on the inside they are in bondage and seeking freedom.

Pray: that the Nsenga people will heed the words of Christ and have a relationship with Him and no other. (Mat.23:26)

More: http://www.imb.org/main/pray/searchby/affinitiesresults.asp?Hitdate=Currentdatetime%28%29&PrayerCode=AG300+++++&Age=

The youth is the hope of a nation its backbone and future. When I consider the demands for change sweeping the entire region, I understand and appreciate the people’s longing for change for the better. In Yemen one can understand acceptable demands, slogans of ‘change’ and the youth longing for a better future. One also understands the pressing demands of the Yemeni people calling for political and economic reforms and holding the corrupt accountable. But I cannot understand the chants and slogans against humanity, religion and values. They are protesting in ‘Change Square’ and fail to look at themselves and consider that it is time for change and to elect the best successors and not their sons or any of their relatives. We have seen and heard their slogans and chants repeated by protesters. These words have invaded children’s minds in the streets and schools.

Pray: for the Lordship of Jesus Christ to enter into and underpin every religious and value change in Yemen (Ps.33:8-12)

More: http://www.yobserver.com/opinions/10021031.html

Of all the uprisings and protests that have swept the Middle East this year none is more likely than Yemen to have immediate damaging effects on U.S. (and the west’s) counterterrorism efforts. Yemen is considered a key ally by Washington because it is home to al-Qaida's most active franchise, and if the President of Yemen’s government crumbles so will Washington's influence in Yemen. For two years the Obama administration has had a relationship of convenience with Yemen. The U.S. kept the Yemeni government armed and flush with cash. In return Yemen's leaders helped fight al-Qaida or, as often, looked the other way while the U.S. wrestled with them. A bomb mailed to Britain last year travelled from Yemen and was discovered due to ‘information received,’ by the west.

Pray: for God inspired international relationships to be nurtured, and ungodly schemes to fail.(Is.9:2)

More: http://www.startribune.com/nation/118415409.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiacyKUzyaP37D_MDua_eyD5PcOiUr

When one thinks of Yemen - the impoverished Arab country that begat Osama bin Laden, and is cushioned between Saudi Arabia and Somalia, (with the Bay of Aden between) two of the absolute most radical Muslim nations - one seldom thinks of Christians, primarily because they are practically nonexistent in such an inhospitable environment. Most tallies, in fact, suggest that Yemen's entire non-Muslim population is less than one percent. A new Arabic report , however, discusses the existence of Christians in Yemen, and their plight - one that should be familiar by now, given the situation wherever Christian minorities live under a Muslim majority. Unofficial statistics suggest that there are some 2,500 indigenous Christians in the nation, practicing their faith underground even as hostile tribes surround them. According to human rights activist, Abdul Razzaq al-Azazi, ‘Christians in Yemen cannot practice their religion nor can they go to church freely. Society would work on having them enter Islam.’

Pray: for our brothers and sisters in Christ that they would be protected from hostile beliefs. (Lk.2:14)

More: http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3563/yemen-christians

‘Al-Qaeda successfully restructured its global network and has the capability to carry out a wide range of terror attacks against Western targets’ reports a detailed US intelligence assessment. See http://uk.news.yahoo.com/embassy-threat-came-bugged-al-qaeda-call-202202492.html#9cEfwGB This week the US State Department stepped up security measures against al-Qaeda threats in the Arabian Peninsula and most US embassy personnel were ordered out of Yemen. Intelligence from telephone conversations between the head of al-Qaeda and the head of its affiliate in Yemen revealed plans to carry out a plot thought to be one of the most serious against Western interests since September 11, 2001. All US citizens are urged to evacuate the country. Baptist Global Response says that while Westerners can pull out, the citizens and refugees in Yemen are vulnerable due to ‘the wars, conflicts and terrorism’. Also there’s collateral damage - people with families and children who don’t have any stake in the fight one way or the other but are the victims on the outside of the threat who need to flee their homes, flee their country.

Pray: for the people of Yemen and especially those needing aid. Pray for safety, peace and for the name of Christ to be proclaimed in the midst of turmoil. (Ps.10:17-18)

More: http://mnnonline.org/article/18840

Over the last few weeks a good deal of mis-information has been circulating on the Internet regarding the translation of the biblical term rendered in English as ‘the Son of God’ in certain biblical contexts. Eddie Arthur, the Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators writes: ‘Bible translation decisions are often controversial and it is not uncommon for people who speak the same language to disagree strongly about the way a translation is carried out. Wycliffe Bible Translators UK members who are involved in these sorts of translations are seconded to a partner organisation, SIL International. In view of the on-going concern, SIL have recently announced a halt to the publication of any related Scriptures pending an exhaustive and wide-ranging period of consultation with Church leaders and others from across the globe. Our colleagues in SIL are taking a brave step in suspending the publication of Scripture in parts of the world where controversy has been stirred up and we look forward to the outcome of their period of global consultation.’

Pray: that this consultation would bring a speedy resolution under the guidance of God’s wisdom and clarity. (Pr.4:5)

More: http://sil.org/sil/news/2012/SIL-dialogue-translation-practice.htm