Canada: Prayer Sunday
24 Jun 2016
26 June is this year’s Prayer Sunday, the date for Canadians to pray for their nation’s leaders. Join them in praying that the leaders will not be swayed from the Charter of Rights, which begins ‘Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognise the Supremacy of God and the Rule of Law.’ Pray for a nation that upholds freedom of conscience and religion, and freedom of thought, opinion and expression. Pray that physician-assisted dying will not become a norm in Canada, but that good palliative care will be recognised and expanded to care for those who are approaching the end of life. Pray for wise and Godly counsellors to help leaders reach their full potential. Pray also for an increase of a generation of Josephs, Esthers and Daniels who can be raised up to advocate and provide wise counsel for righteous judgments and decisions. (Pr.11:14)
Iraq: Fallujah refugees suffering
24 Jun 2016
Since Fallujah was all but liberated last Friday, people have escaped to four camps outside the city that were already brimming with thousands of families who fled when the fighting began in May. These makeshift camps face a humanitarian crisis. 80,000+ are without shelter and sufficient water, in temperatures of 46 C and sandstorms. There’s sporadic electricity and a shortage of latrines. At one camp they treat 1,200 people a day suffering from malnutrition and other ailments. Conditions are miserable. New arrivals put a strain on Iraq’s cash-strapped government and aid organisations trying to meet the demand for basic needs of food, drinking water, and health care. Thousands are barred from seeking refuge with relatives in Baghdad because of suspected sympathies with IS. Allowing these families to proceed would significantly ease the burden on the camps. Pray that women, children, the sick and vulnerable may leave camps and settle with relatives in safety.
Iran: increase in sex-trafficking
24 Jun 2016
Prostitution and sex-trafficking take place in Tehran, and the number of women working in the profession is growing. The government agency charged with overseeing morality is turning a blind eye to the issue, to avoid dealing with something ‘not spoken about’ by the state. In twelve months 32 brothels were discovered in Tehran. Most women go into the profession to avoid extreme poverty, many being sold into prostitution by their husbands to make ends meet. There are 100+ young girls in Tehran making 2 - 20 dollars per client. 35% of prostitutes are married women with children. Others are involved in ‘pleasure marriages’ (temporary couplings recognised by Shi'ite Islam to conceal the fact that they are engaged in prostitution). These marriages are decided upon by men, without the woman's consent, and accompanied by a payment given by the man. When women become pregnant, the babies are abandoned on the street and later used for other purposes.
Bangladesh: 2,000 Christians pray
24 Jun 2016
Christians and Hindus make up 10% of Bangladesh's population of mainly Sunni Muslims. On Monday 2,000 Bangladeshi Christians from various denominations prayed for ‘humanity to wake up’ to the growing threat of Islamic terrorism in the country. They prayed for a country of unity, peace and harmony, for a dormant humanity to become aware of the persecution, violence and murders committed in secret. They asked God to bless the terrorists so that they change their minds. The prayers were led by Catholic and Protestant clergymen. ‘We live in fear because every day ordinary folks become victims of Islamic militants. For this reason, we urge Christian leaders to call on humanity to wake up’, said Father Kamal Corraya. ‘There is no place for violence in the teachings of Jesus Christ,’ said the moderator of the Protestant Church of Bangladesh.
Nigeria: starving to death
24 Jun 2016
Doctors without Borders (MSF) said a ‘catastrophic humanitarian emergency’ is unfolding at a camp in Bama where 24,000 people have taken refuge from Boko Haram and nearly 200 have starved to death in the past month. Many are traumatised and one in five children are suffering from acute malnutrition. Thirty people die every day due to hunger or illness. MSF's visit to the camp was only possible with an army escort. Violence in Nigeria is widespread, perpetrated by Boko Haram, ethnic groups, farmers and herdsmen who resort to violence. Some acts of violence have religious overtones, and a new generation of Niger Delta militants are threatening war against the state. Government soldiers kill civilians indiscriminately, and police are notorious for extrajudicial murder. Between May 2011 and June 2016 there were 15,588 deaths perpetrated solely by Boko Haram and another 12,962 deaths perpetrated by terrorists and state combined. See:
USA:’no bill, no break’
24 Jun 2016
A week after the mass shooting in an Orlando nightclub, senate Democrats demanded action on gun control; but the measures failed to pass the senate’s sixty-vote threshold. On Wednesday Democrats in Congress started a dramatic sit-in for gun control, completely disrupting political business. Chanting ‘No bill, no break!’, they wanted the traditional two-week summer break not to start until the issue was debated. The Democratic whip said, ‘This is an issue that ought to transcend party politics - it's about saving lives and keeping our communities safe.’ The sit-in, reminiscent of strategies used by civil rights activists in the 60s, was called off after 24 hours. However, many believe now is the time to do something similar, make a peaceful noise, get in the way and act for what they believe in.
TRAVEL DETAILS FOR TRUMPET CALL
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.
Directions: View directions on getting to the ICC.
Car parking: There are a number of car parks situated near the International Convention centre. 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!
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.
Christian radio broadcasts to North Korea
17 Jun 2016
For an hour each day, Kim Chung-seong, a defector from North Korea and a Christian missionary, takes to the microphone in a small studio. At 1.00 am his show ‘Hello from Seoul’ sends a mix of gospel music and news into North Korea, defying the isolated state's efforts to keep its people in the dark about the world, religion and the truth about its leaders. ‘Brothers and sisters in the North, I hope this time can be a moment of prayer for a miracle that every party member of North Korea at the party congress can meet God, not take a further step into the cult of personality’, Kim said. He was referring to the meeting of the North's ruling Workers' Party this month, where young leader Kim Jong Un was unanimously elevated to party chairman. Kim came to the South in 2004 and broadcasts from his studio at the Far East Broadcasting Company.