‘13 Reasons Why’ is one of the most talked-about shows on Netflix. Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, is urging Christian parents of teens and church youth ministry leaders to engage in online conversations which explore the questions raised by the series, which follows the story of Hannah who takes her own life after a series of traumatic experiences. Moore said that while he wouldn't want his own children watching it, he believes the controversy surrounding the show might bring some grace-filled moments. ‘If the series shows anything, it is that there are multiple reasons behind the darkness leading to suicide. Maybe this controversy will prompt friends, parents and youth ministers to talk about suicide and give signals to those in trouble that they are not alone and won't be judged if they come forward and seek help.’ For the scale of youth suicides in the USA go to:

Algeria’s population is 40.3 million - 99% Muslim, 1% Christian. Literacy: 87% men, 73% women. The country was home to St Augustine, one of the Church’s foremost theologians (354-430). Christianity flourished between the fifth and seventh centuries but disappeared after Arab invasions. Since independence in 1962, an entirely local church has been born among the Berber people. Its astonishing growth in the last few decades is thought to be the fastest in the Arab world, with several thousand new believers baptised every year. Church growth is exciting and challenging. In this ‘first-generation Church’ there is a great need for discipleship, strong biblical teaching and encouragement for believers to live out their new-found faith every day. Such a radical change in their worldview means that new Christians are often left with questions and face many challenges. SAT-7 broadcasts across the airwaves, and is responding to this need with a range of programmes to encourage and disciple Algerian believers.

In the USA, 68% of men in church regularly view porn. New research has now revealed that ‘of young Christian adults 18-24 years old, 76% actively actively seek out pornography’. These latest statistics show that the Church has a dirty secret. Chances are that on any given Sunday morning, either the person sitting to your left or to your right will be struggling with pornography. Never before has such a large portion of the Church lived in contradiction of what we believe. Jesus didn’t mince words when he said, ‘But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’ At that point in time, adultery was punishable by death! If we don’t confront the issue of pornography, the church is going to continue dying from the inside.

It is easy to be a little underwhelmed by this General Election. It is our third big vote and national debate in three years with even more political activity if you live in Northern Ireland or Scotland. We had Brenda from Bristol going nationwide with her complaint - “Oh no not another one." Early days have seen repetitive slogans, and it seems people are finding it hard to engage.

But we believe this is a key step in God’s plans for our nations. We are expecting a great move of God. Therefore, this next government will enable a time of harvest. The election comes four days after Pentecost - that great celebration of God’s spirit breaking out of the upper room and into the streets of Jerusalem. Paul makes the link in those well-known verses from I Timothy 2 - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” God’s plan is that we have the right people in authority to enable people to be saved.

We need to pray - for God’s sovereign will and purpose. God is placing an opportunity in our hands to bless our nations. Please encourage your friends and your church to pray. Just as the political parties stir up people to canvas and promote their issues we should be stirring people to pray. We include some prayer pointers below and will release more themes and links to resources and key websites in these coming weeks. Every election is contested spiritually and this is no exception, Satan will be resolute in resisting God’s sovereign purpose. God calls us to partner with him to bless where we live locally and bless our nations.

Lord may we have a debate and discussion in our nations and through the media that reflects what is on Your heart.

Pray for:

• All those elected in the local and Mayoral elections today (4th May) that they will be granted wisdom and clear direction for the way ahead.
• Every political party as they select General Election candidates before the deadline of 11 May. Praying for candidates of good character.
• Christians standing for election, to know your peace, and walk close with you in this busy and demanding time.
• God’s mercy and protection on our nations. Keep us safe from terrorist attack and from the fear terrorists bring. Bless our police and intelligence services, give them divine understanding.
• Unity within the Body of Christ. Help us to disagree with respect, Your heart is for unity - let Your church be filled with your grace and compassion.

In His mercy God has called us to pray - “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” in homes, communities, workplaces, churches and cathedrals across our nations before this election. It is God’s heart for our nations - your will be done. Amen