On 30 April Ecuadorean president Daniel Noboa decreed a state of emergency in five coastal provinces, lasting sixty days, because of ‘internal armed conflict’. The measure marks the second such declaration by Noboa, who took office in November with promises to turn around a deteriorating security situation which has led to a spike in violent deaths and other crimes. The police and armed forces will be deployed in the provinces for ‘tactical combat operations’ against organised armed groups’. The government blames the violence (including the dramatic invasion of a television station and mass hostage-taking of prison guards in January) on drug-trafficking gangs.

On 8 February 2023, what began as an ordinary chapel service at Asbury University evolved into a 16-day 'outpouring' led by students, attracting individuals from numerous universities worldwide. Dr Sarah Thomas Baldwin, a professor whose book on this outpouring will soon be published, has described the lasting influence of the revival. Despite the initial exhaustion following the event, the campus experienced a revival in spiritual engagement. Students returned with renewed energy for worship and prayer, significantly raising the spiritual temperature. She recounted the early days when students gathered spontaneously post-chapel, leading to joy, repentance, and deep spiritual connection. The outpouring not only captured media attention but also solidified a strong community among campus leaders. Today, the spiritual lessons from the event continue to inspire and draw individuals seeking depth and hope in challenging times, reinforcing their commitment to deepening their faith in Jesus.

Duane Chapman, better known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, has extensively experienced the dark side of humanity through his career. He firmly believes in spiritual warfare and the redemptive power of Christ, which he discusses in his latest book co-written with his wife Francie, 'Nine Lives and Counting’. The book explores Chapman’s transformation from a troubled past involving crime and incarceration in the 1970s to a life driven by faith and outreach. His career has evolved from capturing fugitives to guiding them towards spiritual redemption, often sharing impactful conversations about faith. His Christian faith journey, intensified by personal losses, including the deaths of his daughter and his wife Beth, has led him to a renewed mission of spreading hope and engaging in ministry work. Now remarried and leading the Light Up the Darkness ministry, Chapman points to the transformative power of Jesus and the possibility of overcoming great struggles through divine help.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, along with other church leaders, have voiced strong concerns regarding the recently passed Safety of Rwanda Bill. This legislation, aimed at deporting some asylum seekers to Rwanda, has met with considerable opposition. The church leaders criticised the bill for unfairly maligning migrants fleeing war, persecution, and violence for political purposes. In a joint statement, they highlighted the potential precedent this bill sets for the treatment of vulnerable individuals, including victims of modern slavery. They expressed disappointment in the rising hostility towards refugees and asylum seekers, whom they describe as being used as 'political footballs.' The UN has also urged the UK to reconsider this bill, especially after the tragic deaths on 23 April of five people attempting to cross the English Channel. Rishi Sunak defended the bill, citing the need for a deterrent against criminal exploitation of vulnerable migrants. See