Christians in parliament
09 Dec 2016A recent ‘Investigating Faith’ event with David Suchet was attended by over a hundred parliamentarians, staff and guests. Dame Caroline Spelman MP interviewed David about his life, work & faith and the significance of the Bible in his life. It was highly thought-provoking, with many leaving inspired to read the Bible more. The first full term of Tuesday chapel services has a growing number of regular attendees. Please continue to pray for further growth here, and pray for Rev Jason Roach, Rev Nigel Beynon and Sue Algeo, as they teach from the Psalms and Matthew’s Gospel. Also remember the two groups of MPs meeting weekly for Bible study, and give thanks for new joiners and the return of a few members; may there be continued spiritual growth for all. Pray for the Parliament carol services next Monday and Tuesday, which members and staff from both Houses have signed up to attend.
Boris’s ‘awkward comments'
09 Dec 2016Boris Johnson accused Saudi Arabia of engaging in ‘proxy wars’ in the Middle East, and Middle East politicians of ‘twisting and abusing religion for political gain’, adding that Iran and Saudi Arabia were ‘puppeteering’ because of a lack of strong leadership in the region. Our foreign secretary said, ‘There are politicians who are twisting and abusing religion and different strains of the same religion in order to further their own political objectives. That's one of the biggest political problems in the whole region. That's why you have these proxy wars being fought in that area. There is not strong enough leadership in the countries themselves.’ He added that there was a lack of ‘big characters’ in the Middle East who are willing to reach out beyond their Sunni or Shi’a group and bring people together.
Bishops call for rail strikes to end
09 Dec 2016Sussex bishops have urged for an end to the ‘cycle of blame’ and ‘misery’ that is impacting Southern Rail commuters. In a letter addressed to bodies from all sides of the Southern Rail dispute, the bishops' letter said that those involved had a ‘moral obligation’ to provide public transport and that the ongoing row was causing damage to the communities reliant on the service. Strikes are scheduled for this month and January, in a long-running dispute over changes to the role of conductors. The bishops say that, as Christian leaders, their task is ‘to promote those processes which lead to human flourishing in a just and free society’.
Change driving political upheavals
09 Dec 2016Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi resigned after suffering a heavy defeat in a referendum over his plan to reform the constitution. In Germany a wave of violence is increasing, with over fifty attacks every day on German police. In France surveys show that a third of French Muslims want the full application of Sharia law, and the overwhelming majority of the French Muslims support jihad. Last month the next Secretary-General of the UN said, ‘Migration to Europe cannot be stopped, politicians should therefore ignore the will of voters.’ Reports from Belgrade say that refugees in South-Eastern Europe are becoming more and more indifferent - even to open hostility. A year ago, refugees were escorted by an army of aid institutions, but there is no such compassion now.
Latvia: freedom and soft hearts
09 Dec 2016Every week, Greater Europe Mission (GEMISSION) lifts a country in prayer. This week, we join in prayer for Latvia, with thick forests, cool beaches and a history of being bullied. Political power and cultural influence have changed hands time after time. Now fear of Russia and refugees are on Latvian minds. Prime minister Laimdota Straujuma resigned last December before her term had ended, and multiple candidates turned down the position. Last month a new leader was chosen - Maris Kucinskis. He represents the same party as the former prime minister (centre-right), but is taking a harder stance against immigration and the few hundred refugees Latvia has been charged to take by the EU. There is brokenness in Latvia. 92% of children living in orphanages have living parents, whose domestic problems cause them to give their children to institutions. Many girls graduating from orphanages become victims of human trafficking. Latvia has the world’s fourth highest suicide rate.
Ukraine: a family’s tragic story
09 Dec 2016The Ukraine humanitarian crisis is accompanied by an increase in persecuting evangelical Christians. Hundreds of Protestant pastors have suffered abduction, torture, arson, property confiscation, death threats, physical violence, expatriation, and even murder at the hands of the pro-Russian separatists. ‘I am Alexey and I have two daughters, Evelina and Milena. We have fled from Gorlovka not because of lack of good life. We had a complete family, a job, a house. Our girls were gladsome and cheerful. My wife Anna and I tried to make their childhood unforgettable and joyful. Till now I cannot believe that when I used to come home from my job, I was welcome with the prepared meal on a table by a loving arm and a joyful noise. But today everything is lost [because of the war]. I fathom that I’m not the only one like this, but one’s own grief is closer.’ See also
Bible translators face spiritual warfare
09 Dec 2016Christian persecution around the world has been increasing, and Bible translators in particular are facing a fierce onslaught of spiritual warfare. One report of Bible translators facing particular persecution comes from Wycliffe Associates. ‘We are getting new reports of oppression literally every week,’ stated Bruce Smith, CEO of the organisation. ‘Spiritual warfare has become the “new normal” for many national Bible translators.’ Forms of resistance to Bible translation include suddenly falling ill, being arrested and jailed, tortured, or even murdered. One translator even died in her sleep on her first day of translation work. Last year, Wycliffe launched a project aimed at translating the Bible into 314 languages in 76 countries. The founder of World Help, commenting on the increase in Christian persecution, said, ‘At no other time in history have Christians been as persecuted as they are now’. For intercession ideas go to
Yemen: months away from starving
09 Dec 20167,000 people have been killed in Yemen's war, and three million have fled. 14 million are hungry, with half of those on the brink of famine. Yemenis are at risk of catastrophic hunger. Food stocks are due to run out in April under punishing import restrictions. Food imports are half the amount needed to feed the war-torn country's population. ‘Yemen is being slowly starved to death,’ said Oxfam GB. First there were restrictions on imports of much-needed food, then the cranes and warehouses in the ports were bombed, then the roads and bridges. This bombing strategy is systematic. Yemen's economy, institutions, and the ability of parties involved in the war to feed people are ‘all on the brink of collapse’. Oxfam said, ‘As one of the principal backers of this brutal war, Britain needs to end its arms sales and military support to the Saudis and help put Yemen on the road to peace.’ See