Scientists have created synthetic human embryos using stem cells, in a groundbreaking advance that sidesteps the need for eggs or sperm. These model embryos resemble those in the earliest stages of human development. They could provide a window on the genetic disorders and biological causes of recurrent miscarriage. However, the work also raises serious ethical and legal issues as the lab-grown entities fall outside current legislation in the UK and most other countries. The structure’s heart does not beat and it has no brain, but it does include cells that would go on to form the placenta, yolk sac and the embryo itself. Prof Magdalena Żernicka-Goetz, of the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology, described the work as creating human embryo-like models by the reprogramming of embryonic stem cells. There is no immediate prospect of the synthetic embryos being used clinically. It would be illegal to implant them into a patient’s womb.

On 13 June President Zelenskyy said, ‘I thank our guys for every Ukrainian flag that is now returning to its rightful place’, as Kyiv’s forces were retaking villages in a counteroffensive against Russian troops and Ukrainian air defence systems repelled Russian air attacks in the Kyiv region. However, a Russian missile attack overnight on the city of Kryvyi Rih killed at least ten and wounded 28 in a residential building. See On 14 June, 22 Ukrainian prisoners including eight women went on trial for being terrorists. On the 15th Australia blocked the continuation of a Russian embassy being built near Canberra’s parliament because of security concerns. Ukraine is highly adept at masking strategic moves with feints, disinformation, and shuffling troops from one area to another, keeping Russia guessing their next move. Having promised to begin their counteroffensive in the summer, Kyiv’s forces are now stepping up attacks.

Greece is one of the main routes into the EU for migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. On 14 June the deadliest shipwreck this year happened, fifty miles from Pylos. Survivors say up to 100 children may have been locked in the hold. 78 people are confirmed dead and about 100 survived. About 750 people were aboard the vessel. The air and sea search for survivors continues, but hopes of finding more survivors are now dwindling. Greece's coastguard said the boat was in international waters when they were spotted by an EU border agency aircraft. None were wearing life jackets. A few hours later the boat capsized, and strong winds complicated search and rescue operations. Last month the Greek government came under international criticism over video footage showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Over 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe's frontline countries this year. 70,000 is also the number of recent fatalities overall in this part of the Mediterranean.

Gale force winds and heavy rains are lashing coastal areas of north-west India and southern Pakistan as Cyclone Biparjoy (which means ‘disaster’ in Bengali) makes landfall to destroy homes and crops in its path. By 15 June over 170,000 people had been evacuated in India and 81,000 in Pakistan, with storm surges of 10 to 13 feet expected from Karachi to Gujarat. Pray for the Indian and Pakistan armed forces and coastguards to have clear uninterrupted communication between ships, helicopters, and aircraft as they are called in to rescue and implement relief operations. Pray for people to avoid travelling. Pray for the thousands in relief camps to have all the aid and provisions needed. 81,000 people from the south-eastern coast have benefited from the setting up ofup 75 relief camps at schools. Pray for the safety of those living in low-lying areas along the coasts and for them to have the wisdom to know if or when they need to evacuate. 

Haiti fuel tanks are mostly dry as all Haiti’s fuel is imported. When their president was assassinated the government was left with no elected leaders. Violent gangs run Port-au-Prince and control major ports where fuel enters. One gallon of black market gas costs nearly £24. Inflation is rife. The earthquake on 6 June caused flooding that displaced 13,000 Haitians and killed fifty. Many organisations use generators to operate because no electricity is available; but some hospitals and schools are closing down because they have neither fuel nor generators. One impactful radio outreach is a live midday Christian prayer programme where Haitians can call or message prayer requests. They’re praying for Haiti. A ministry leader said, ‘I’ve seen people pray for their country before, but I’ve never seen people pray like Haitians do. They’re looking to God to meet daily needs, provide comfort, heal, and intervene in Haiti to do what only He can do.’

Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, will take place between 26 June and 1 July. Millions from across the world will embark on this strenuous journey, believing that by doing so their sins are forgiven, their soul cleansed, and they will go to heaven when they die. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Pray that the spiritual focus of Hajj will cause many to consider what they believe and join the millions of Muslims who have met Jesus in dreams and visions in their search for salvation. See On day two they will stand or sit from noon to sunset, invoking Allah for mercy and seeking forgiveness for sins. Pray for them to experience the true forgiveness that is available through Christ alone. On day three they will throw stones at a wall (representing Satan) to overcome evil. May they realise it is only through faith in Christ that they can overcome the evil one.

Food is so scarce in North Korea that people starve to death. In 2020 the government tightened control over people’s lives and sealed its borders. The BBC secretly interviewed three North Koreans who said they were afraid they will either starve to death or be executed for flouting the rules. It is extremely rare to hear from North Koreans: they face starvation, brutal crackdowns and no chance to escape. A devastating tragedy is unfolding. In the 1990s North Korea experienced a devastating famine which killed about three million people. Recent rumours of starvation prompt fears of being on the brink of another catastrophe. A construction worker said five people in his village had already died from starvation. ‘I was afraid of dying from Covid, but now I worry about starving to death’. he said. Kim Jong Un prioritised his nuclear weapons programme in 2022; it cost more than the amount needed to make up for the annual grain shortfall.

Australia has banned Nazi symbols nationally, in an effort to crack down on far-right groups. The ban includes the trade and public display of flags, armbands, T-shirts, and insignia, and the publication of symbols online promoting Nazi ideology. Public displays of swastikas or SS symbols is punishable by up to a year in prison. The new laws do not cover the Nazi salute. Nazi symbols are already banned in many states, but now they are not allowed anywhere due to a resurgence in far-right activity. At a Melbourne rally recently a group of neo-Nazis performed Nazi salutes on the steps of the Victorian parliament. This triggered a political backlash calling for greater efforts to tackle displays of Nazi regalia. ‘There is no place in Australia for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust. We will no longer allow people to profit from the display and sale of items which celebrate the Nazis’, said the attorney general.

El Niño is associated with record breaking temperatures globally. Whether this will happen in 2023 or 2024 is not yet certain. The EU's Climate Change Service believes 2023 is more likely. 2022 was Europe's second warmest year and hottest summer ever: this year is predicted to be hotter. The effects of El Niño, which take months to be felt, may mean that 2024 breaks temperature records. Extreme weather is making coffee cost more and taste worse; we need to be prepared. See Pray for Europe’s climate adaptation conference in Dublin from 19 to 21 June, where 500 policy makers will hear from Europe’s leading climate researchers. Pray for God to work in this event to cause individuals to devise workable solutions in their particular area of expertise.