Global corruption – not just FIFA
04 Jun 2015
The following comes from Radio 4’s Thought for the Day earlier this week. FIFA’s problems are part of global issues. Corruption conjures up images of people getting rich. But corruption often produces more poverty than wealth. The harmful effects of corruption are especially severe on the poor, who are hit by economic decline, are more dependent on public services and the least capable of paying the extra costs associated with bribery, fraud and the misappropriation of economic privileges. Countries that score badly on the World Bank’s Doing Business Indicators also score badly on the Corruption Perceptions Index, including Chad, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all ranking in the bottom 15 countries on both tables. Tackling corruption requires a sharp change of culture. Just as corrupt countries find it difficult to attract investors then so too will FIFA find it increasingly difficult to attract sponsors. Perhaps those leading FIFA might take inspiration from Jesus, ‘there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance’.
Nigeria: Villages raided, more Christians killed
27 May 2015
Many Christian villages in central Nigeria were attacked and a number of people were killed in raids by suspected Fulani militants on Sunday (the Fulani, mainly Muslim, are one of the most powerful people groups in west Africa). Militants attacked 20 villages in the Agatu local government area of Benue state, killing more than 30 people. Many fled to displacement camps in neighbouring Kogi state. Meanwhile, in the Barkin Ladi area of Plateau state, militants attacked several villages in Dorowa. Nigerian military responded to the attack but ‘made no search nor any arrests’. As Boko Haram attacks gradually build up around the north-east states, Fulani terror activities are also on the rise in central Nigeria. Please pray now for our brothers and sisters in Christ, facing this new threat.
Financial stress has increased to 44% of the households in New South Wales as people spend more than they earn, according to a Wesley Mission report launched in Sydney. Almost four in ten or 1,022,010 households are now technically insolvent. Politicians of all persuasions draw the analogy between government and household spending and the need to balance the budget. Households are not balancing their budgets and the burden of debt is increasingly shifting from the public to the private sphere. The evidence from the Wesley Report suggests, ‘Financial hardship and financial anxiety are impacting the health, safety and wellbeing of individuals and their families.’
A heatwave sweeping India has killed 1,118 since last week and the numbers are increasing daily. With temperatures of 48 C (118F), authorities are urging people to stay indoors and drink plenty of water. But people have to work! In Texas the governor said this week’s floods were the worst the state had seen. A wave of water had a ‘tsunami-like’ power. 1,000+ homes were damaged and more floods are expected. In Mexico a tornado reached 186mph, killing many who were walking on the street when it struck. The Philippines has placed eight provinces under a state of calamity due to a drought caused by 2015’s El Nino weather phenomenon. The rainy season due next month may not alleviate the drought’s impact. 40% of farmers’ crops are destroyed. Scientists have officially declared a major El Nino event due to an increase in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. See also
The earthquake has shaken the faith of many Hindus in this predominantly Hindu nation. Christian pastors are well-equipped to handle the spiritual side of things and are often the best people to turn to when it comes to emotional care. According to Mission Network News these uncertain times are laying the groundwork for churches to provide tangible aid. They are a point of light in these dark neighbourhoods of death and loss. Pastors and motivated Christians are reaching out with emergency aid as well as with the message of the Gospel. Thirty years ago there were hardly any Christians in Nepal. The Christian population is small but has been growing fast for the past three decades.
The seven-week offensive against Iranian-allied Houthis and units loyal to ex-President Saleh continues to take its toll. More than 1400 civilians have died in Saudi-led attacks that pit Sunni Muslim allies against Shia Houthis and their Shia Iranian backers. Saudi bombing has created a disaster zone. People are afraid to leave their homes. Lack of food, water, fuel, and healthcare has created a humanitarian crisis. Complicating the situation is the addiction of many to khat, a narcotic that dulls the senses. Yemen's constitution declares Islam the state religion and Sharia Law the source legislation; Yemenis who leave Islam for Christianity face death. Yemeni Christians face double threats: civil unrest and persecution for their faith. UN-brokered peace talks for war-torn Yemen were postponed just four days before they were due to begin in Geneva. See also
Iraqi forces have suffered a number of defeats at the hands of IS over the past year. Last week Iraqis chose to withdraw from Ramadi despite the fact that they vastly outnumbered IS forces. That defeat exposes the Iraqi army's continuing failure to become an effective fighting force. Religious fault-lines in Iraq's conflict (Sunni vs. Shiite vs. Kurd, with most Kurds being Sunnis) has created an ethnic element that leaves international partners with few options in their campaign against IS. Meanwhile Christians who have not fled Iraq stand and endure. Canon Andrew White, Bishop of Baghdad, recently posted on his blog, ‘People ask me, are you not terrified doing such dangerous work? I have to be honest and say not at all because perfect love casts out all fear. I have been shown the perfect love of God.’ See also
Pakistan: Believers’ prayer requests
27 May 2015
'... as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted to us in answer to the prayers of many.’ (2 Cor.1:11) A ladies’ ministry team whose accommodation is very close to two churches that were bombed are busy ministering in the aftermath. There have been multiple funerals, visits to injured in the hospitals, and traumatised families dealing with loss and grief. Pray for the peace, comfort and the grace of God to meet His people during this time. The presence of the evil one has noticeably increased in the general population and, sad to say, in the Christian population; particularly the ‘caste that calls themselves Christian.’ Fear has also increased within the general population. Pray against false religion. Please also pray for the courses we are running, ‘How to pray and hear from God’. We hope this will lead to an increase in 24/7 prayer groups for our nation.'