When you talk to the analysts and policymakers who worry about the possibility of war between the US and Russia, the scenario you often hear begins in the tiny Baltic nation of Estonia, along Russia's border. Estonia is today part of NATO, which obligates the US and most of Europe to defend it from attack and the US is deploying heavy military equipment there to deter possible Russian aggression. Estonia, formerly part of the Soviet Union, still has a large Russian minority that is served by Russian state media and has participated in incidents of unrest in the past. The fear is that Russia could attempt to exploit or stir up unrest among Estonia's Russian minority, as it did in 2014 in eastern Ukraine. If such a crisis escalated, NATO's member-states could split over whether to respond - effectively dissolving NATO, as may be Vladimir Putin's hope - or, all too easily, the violence could escalate out of control into war.

The incoming centre-right government ran into controversy over its plans to cut tax rates for high earners after it emerged that the issue had caused the failure of coalition talks. So now Denmark has a one-party government. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the leader of the Venstre party, said his party would govern alone after coalition talks with the anti-immigration Danish People's Party (DF) broke down. On Sunday the 28 June Lars Løkke Rasmussen officially assumed the role of prime minister following a meeting with Queen Margrethe II.He  also released the names of his cabinet team, made up solely of members of his own Venstre party. Rasmussen was selected to become prime minister following the 18 June election despite Venstre finishing in third place with 19.5% of the vote. The Venstre government will be extremely weak, with only 34 lawmakers in the 179-seat parliament.

Date:  Saturday 4th July 2015

Time:  11am - 5pm (Doors open at 10am)

Ticket price:  £10 TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR FROM THE BOX OFFICE

Location: The International Convention Centre, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA

ONLINE BOOKING and PHONE BOOKING IS NOW CLOSED for THE TRUMPET CALL 2015

TRAVEL INFORMATION

We suggest that you allow plenty of time to park, walk to the ICC, find the venue and get yourself prepared for this time with God. Please be aware that access to the car parks around the ICC is more difficult due to significant city centre roadworks. Our recommended site is the Paradise Circus multi story car park just off Cambridge Street a 2/3 minute walk from the ICC (B1 2NB). This can be accessed from the North (M6, M42) and South (M40, M5) by following the normal route but there will be delays around Paradise Circus.  From the west it is harder to access as the normal road is blocked. If you are coming on the A457 turn off at Summer Hill Street – cross straight over the roundabout after 300 yards and continue with the Barclaycard arena on your right. Keep going as far as you can on this road – the multi-story is at the end!  Off road parking is limited and generally restricted to 4 hours.  Alternative car parks – West Multi story of the Barclay Car Arena - B16 8AD or Q car park Brindley place – B1 2JF – nice, handy but expensive!

STAND WITH US IN PRAYER

As TRUMPET CALL 2015 approaches we have a growing sense of excitement and expectation. It will be a momentous day – a memorable meeting with God. Yesterday, we had a word about rain clouds on the mountains.  When the rain from the mountains pours into the dry rivers, it becomes a flash flood – like a suddenly from God. These are the days to be praying for a move of God.  The word continued. 'When you hear the sound of the Trumpet, then the Rains will start. The rest will follow.'

It is time to pray for a move of God in our hearts.  Are you thirsty? Stand with us in prayer, particularly for the TRUMPET CALL 2015 key themes:

• For Christ to reign supreme in every element of our lives – and in our nations.
• For the message of the cross – that every person in this nation will truly hear the message of the cross and many will come to salvation.
• For unity – that we draw closer to God and each other  – that blessing can be released in our land.
• For our children and young people – for the strong protection of God, for spiritual release and revival – and for a powerful move of God that will stir their hearts
• For our towns, cities, nation and Europe - that out of this trumpet call blessing will flow, the waters of the spirit will soak the land and change our nations.

Directions:  View directions on getting to the ICC.

Car parking:  There are a number of car parks situated near the International Convention centre.

Hotels: The nearest hotel is the Hyatt Regency but check out Visit Birmingham for other hotels and offers.

Lunch venues:  There are many cafes, restaurants and shops in nearby Brindley Place.

Following its liberation from communism through 1989’s ‘velvet revolution’ Czechoslovakia went through a ‘velvet divorce’ in 1993. This peaceful splitting of the state yielded the creation of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. This densely populated country of small cities, towns and villages, has one of the most stable economies of the post-communist states in central and eastern  Europe. Its openness to foreign investment, a fairly low-cost structure, and a well-qualified labour force have helped the post revolution economy to prosper. Freedom of religion came with the fall of communism but a degree of complacency exists. Today over 40% of the population profess atheism, with an additional 16% uncertain whether there is a God.  The Catholic Church has a stronger standing than any protestant denomination, but its priests and laity are aging. Protestant churches are enjoying religious freedom for only the second time since 1620.