Uzbekistan has an ‘Administrative Code’ which states it is illegal to produce, store, or import religious materials into Uzbekistan. ‘Proselytisation’ and other missionary activity is illegal, and people are being arrested for sharing their beliefs. The latest trial for this offence was on 23 July when two Jehovah's Witnesses were on trial for talking about their faith. Also, police acted illegally during their arrests, and a male police officer searched the bodies of women. Police, prosecution officials and the judge refused to answer questions from Forum 18 - a proponent for religious freedom - about their actions, and refused to explain why the state insists that state permission is necessary to exercise fundamental human rights such as the freedom of religion and belief. Islam is the largest religion in Uzbekistan, and there are still 34 people groups (55.7% of the population) that have not yet heard the gospel. See: https://joshuaproject.net/countries/UZ
Norfolk tackles refugee crisis
19 Jul 2018
As Syrian people continue to flee their homes, Rt Rev Graham James praised Norfolk for its leadership in welcoming refugees. Fifty refugees have been accepted, as part of the Government’s Syrian resettlement scheme. ‘While it is no longer front-page news, as the devastating war in Syria continues into its eighth year, the need to provide sanctuary to refugees grows’, he said. ‘Norfolk has a great tradition of welcoming refugees, and it has been incredible to see the outpouring of kindness and support from faith groups, charities and local businesses since the crisis began. Our culture and economy benefit from embracing them into our community. We are proud to welcome refugees to Norfolk, and I urge communities around the UK to do the same.’ Mohamed Eldaly spoke about his experience leaving Aleppo two years ago to resettle in Norwich, unable to speak English. He is now studying for a master’s degree in molecular medicine at the University of East Anglia.
New prayer resource for the countryside
19 Jul 2018
A new partnership has recently been established between Top Barn Trust, Agricultural Christian Fellowship, Village Hope, and World Prayer Centre. They have started to offer a monthly prayer sheet, ‘Seeds of Prayer’, to mobilise more prayer for our rural communities, encourage those living and working in Britain’s countryside, and inform those in more urban settings. For inspiration to aid your prayers for the rural life of our nations, farming, the land in all its complexities, and mission in the hard-to-reach places, click the ‘More’ button. See also this week’s article on Rural Mission Sunday.
Pray for Dominic Raab
19 Jul 2018
Dominic Raab, the UK’s new Brexit secretary, is settling into his new job. We can pray for all his conversations to be directed and strengthened by heaven. May Mr Barnier adopt encouraging tones with Mr Raab as they work towards signing off the remaining 20% of the withdrawal agreement between the EU and UK. Pray for Mr Raab’s mantle of authority to be strengthened by God, ensuring his voice is heard clearly above all other voices within the European Commission. As he faces questions and negotiations around UK’s exit, may he have eloquence and clarity on every detail. Ask God to anoint him with a double portion of grace and strength to deliver UK’s parliamentary decisions and amendments. We can pray for the decisions made in future meetings to be in line with God’s purposes for our nations, as politicians’ thoughts and words come into line with heaven’s wisdom.
Rural Mission Sunday
19 Jul 2018
On 15 July rural churches across the country celebrated ‘Rural Mission Sunday’, with special services and other events. Pray that all who attended these events will take back to their communities fresh expressions of God’s love and purposes. May they not be robbed of the Christian input and inspiration they received. Pray that our rural churches will continue to grow in strength and mission. In villages across Britain there are still remnants of former rivalries between different denominations, yet the Church is not restricted to one or the other human institution; there is one flock and one Shepherd. Pray for the Lord to gather His people together in fellowship, prayer and mission, whatever their denominational allegiance.
At a major Lambeth Palace conference, the Archbishop of Canterbury explored how disabled people can participate fully in church life. Livability, a disability charity, and Lambeth Palace heard the voices of those living and working with the disabled, through videos and live discussions. The Church is called to be, and has huge potential to be, a place where all people are valued and belong. Human rights guarantee inclusion and social justice for the disabled, but another dimension is needed. ‘Setting God’s People Free’ explored the challenge to empower, liberate and disciple 98% of the Church of England who are not ordained, and set them free for fruitful, faithful mission and ministry, influence, leadership and, most importantly, vibrant relationship with Jesus in all of life. Justin Welby said ‘deep listening conversations’ to those with lived experience of disability are absolutely vital if we are to be a Church where everyone is valued and everyone belongs.
A new Reformation?
19 Jul 2018
Churches are closing but small groups of believers meeting to study the Bible and to pray are multiplying. Clifford Hill writes, ‘I’ve been looking at the reasons why some people leave their church. A variety of reasons are given. Unhappiness at the introduction of different worship styles, change of leadership; but by far the most quoted reason is unhappiness with the teaching, or with unbiblical practices being introduced. Many leaving their churches are mature Bible-believing Christians dissatisfied either with the lack of sound biblical teaching or that the Gospel is never applied to current issues in the world. This is, by far, the most worrying factor in what is happening in the Church today. It is the lack of a prophetic sense of mission. When the church loses its prophetic mission of declaring the Word of God, it loses vision and dynamic, and slumps into a routine form of religion.’ For the full article, click the ‘More’ button.
Ex-magistrate appeals his removal from NHS trust
19 Jul 2018
Richard Page has won permission to appeal his removal as a non-executive director of an NHS trust where he worked. He was removed from the bench as a magistrate for his belief that a child is better served by having a mother and a father. At the time, he was also serving an NHS trust as a non-executive director, but because he spoke out in the media about his pro-family beliefs, he was then suspended from his role and was blocked from restarting it. He had successfully served the NHS for 20 years as a director of finance, keeping them within budget. A panel concluded it was not in the interests of the health service for him to serve as an NHS director, as his views would be ‘likely to have a negative impact on the confidence of staff, patients and the public’.