Prayer Alert News: UK, Europe, and Worldwide

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.

Praise: God for the welcome given to these refugees. May this set an example to many others in the UK. (Psalm 55:8)
More: www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Bishop-highlights-Norfolk-s-role-in-tackling-refugee-crisis

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.

Praise: God for diverse strands of prayer across nations; may they continue to grow. (Psalm 141:2)
More: www.worldprayer.org.uk/ipc-connections/item/4986-new-prayer-resources-from-world-vision

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.

Pray: for God to use Mr Raab to align UK borders and budgets according to His will. (Isaiah 22:21a)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-44881335

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.

Pray: for the unchurched to recognise a spiritual bond between denominations. (John 13:35)
More: www.worldprayer.org.uk/images/PDF/Countryside/Seeds-of-Prayer-July-2018.pdf

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.

Pray: for the disabled to take part and share their gifts and talents in faith groups. (Ezekiel 34:16a)
More: ablemagazine.co.uk/archbishop-of-canterbury-hosts-disability-conference-at-lambeth-palace/

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.

Pray: for Christians to live by God’s word and powerfully display His love. (Acts 2:42)
More: for Christians to live by God’s word and powerfully display His love. (Acts 2:42)

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’.

Pray: for the freedom to speak truthfully about Jesus to be protected. (Matthew 10:27)
More: us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=bed173cc9adfcad1e0e442a35&id=4c88cda2f0&e=354f1ab5aa

The fire on Saddleworth Moor is out, but the fire service told the public to stay safe on the moorlands, especially as schools are closing. Between 15 and 19 July there have been many fires on grasslands, including one near Epping Forest where forty fire engines attended a blaze which stretched across 247 acres. The London fire commissioner said, ‘This weekend we dealt with the largest grass fire in our history, as well as a range of other serious fires. The ground is extremely dry, and grassland and parks will act like a tinderbox when exposed to the smallest of sparks. We are asking people not to drop cigarettes or matches on dry ground or out of car windows; don’t have barbecues on dry grass or parks and don’t leave glass bottles out as they can concentrate the sun’s rays and start a blaze. Grass fires spread like lightning. If you see grass smouldering, call 999 immediately.’

Pray: for the public to take greater care during the heatwave. (Proverbs 10:8a)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-44880331

On 18 July a protest was organised by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) outside the Nigerian High Commission in London, to mark 150 days since 15-year-old Leah Sharibu was kidnapped by Boko Haram in Yobe state, Nigeria. Leah was one of 110 schoolgirls abducted on 19 February from the a local government college. Five died during the ordeal and the rest were freed, but Leah remained in captivity as she refused to renounce her faith. CSW’s CEO Mervyn Thomas said, ‘It’s very important to remember that this is not just a protest – this is prayer and protest. CSW believes in those two things going together. So we’re hoping first of all that God will answer prayer, but we’re also hoping that the Nigerian government will take action.’

Pray: for God to answer all the prayers for Leah’s safe release. (Psalm 88:2)
More: www.premierchristianradio.com/News/UK/Christians-mark-150-days-since-Nigerian-girl-was-held-captive-for-her-faith

The Irish Senate has voted to approve a proposal to criminalise doing business with Jews in settlement areas, parts of Jerusalem and the Golan Heights – areas that came under Israel’s control after the 1967 Six-Day War. After the vote the Irish ambassador was summoned to a meeting at the Israeli foreign ministry’s office. If Eire officially approves the proposal, it will become the first country in the European Union to criminalise import of goods from Israel. The proposal’s initiator, Senator Frances Black, slammed Israeli settlements as ‘war crimes’ and compared her initiative to Ireland’s anti-apartheid actions against South Africa. Ireland’s government strongly opposes the initiative, which creates trade restrictions contrary to EU values and undermines Ireland’s influence in the region. EU law states that its members can only mark products coming from settlements – not boycott or impose sanctions on their imports.

Pray: for boycotts not to affect potential dialogue between Israel and Palestinians. (Deut. 1:16)
More: www.cufi.org.uk/news/irish-senate-turns-against-israel-after-passing-aggressive-bill-boycotting-settlement-goods/

Nazeri Zubair’s travelling companion crushed a pill, dissolved it in water, and fed it to her two-year-old daughter to make the baby sleep for over a day. It was a requirement of the smugglers who were guiding the group from Serbia across Croatia’s border then into Slovenia; opening up possibilities of travelling without passport checks within 26 countries on Europe’s mainland. Over 90% of undocumented immigrants who enter the EU illegally use people smugglers at one stage of their journey, according to Europol. Nazeri came into contact with dozens of smugglers while traversing 12 countries. Finding them was as easy as finding a regular travel agent, through recommendations or at notorious hot spots such as Victoria Square in Athens. One led him through a minefield, and another across treacherous Mediterranean waters. Nazeri said children aged under 4 were systematically spoon-fed sedatives to keep them quiet. Smugglers refuse to take young families who won’t administer drugs.

Pray: for an end to this dangerous European ‘illegal travel business service’. (Job 15:29)
More: www.nbcnews.com/news/world/inside-europe-s-people-smuggling-networks-journey-afghanistan-germany-n888926

On 15 July the Christian Association of Nigeria reported that in the previous week 238 Christians were killed and more churches desecrated by Muslims. This puts the total number of Christians killed as 6,000+ since January. This is genocide. A joint communiqué from the Christian Association, representing different denominations, said, ‘There is no doubt that the sole purpose of these attacks is ethnic cleansing, land seizure and the forced expulsion of Christian natives from their land and ancestral heritage.’ The statement condemned recent attacks, where 2,000+ people had been brutally murdered and churches destroyed without any security intervention despite the various calls for help that were made. Taking into account that Christians constitute more than 50% of the Nigerian population, it is obvious that the objective of the Islamists is to create serious conflicts that, if not controlled, can lead to another civil war. Also, floods are killing many and ruining crops, raising fears of food shortages. See https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/07/nigeria-floods-worsen-food-shortages-180715120551293.html

Pray: for God to end the false presentation of Christian genocide as struggles between ‘shepherds and farmers’, leaving unpunished those who murder Christians. (Psalm 45:4)
More: www.gatestoneinstitute.org/12645/christians-genocide-nigeria

Twelve boys and their coach were rescued from a flooded, dark cave, and we thank God that they were brought out into the light. BUT the people of Thailand remain in spiritual darkness. It is deep and seemingly impenetrable. They know no way of escape. 99% are unreached by the Gospel. Buddhism, folk animism, and occultism hold them captive. Roughly 1 million children are child labourers, while a further 40,000 minors are sold into the sex trade. The HIV/AIDS infection rate is Asia’s highest. It wasn’t the prayers of the Buddhist monks that delivered these boys from the cave. And we know that it is only Jesus who can rescue the Thai people out of darkness into His marvellous light. Pray for the Holy Spirit to break the hold of Buddhism, spiritism, and the occult. Pray for moral conviction to fall on those who oppress others for profit via the sex trade. Pray for explosive church growth to reach all 80,000 villages.

Pray: for sound Biblical teaching by Christian leaders with vision. (1 Peter 2:9)
More: www.prayercast.com/thailand.html

The Israel Defence Force (IDF) launched military exercises on 15 July, including one simulating conquering Gaza city. The IDF stressed that this exercise was part of its annual training programme and not connected to major exchanges of fire with Hamas two days earlier when 200 rockets and mortar shells were fired at Israel, threatening the lives of tens of thousands. Their defence system intercepted 20 rockets. Several Israelis were injured and many buildings were damaged, including a synagogue. While relative peace has returned, Israelis fear that soon civilians will again have to run for shelter from Hamas rockets. On 16 June 22 people, including 9 Iranians, were killed in an IDF attack on a Syrian base. On 18 July Gaza’s self-described ‘airborne firebomb squad’ accused Israel of spreading lies about a deal reached between Egypt and Hamas to phase out the launching of bomb-laden kites and balloons against Israel. See https://worldisraelnews.com/rebel-terror-group-in-gaza-rejects-egyptian-hamas-deal-to-stop-fire-kites/

Pray: for God to bring peace to a troubled area, and protect innocent civilians from further attacks. (Job 12:22)
More: www.timesofisrael.com/after-flareup-idf-launches-drill-reportedly-simulating-capture-of-gaza-city/

In a population of 430,000 only 5.2% are Christian; everyone else is a Sunni Muslim. Churches in Malaysian territories bordering Brunei have been bold in their evangelism directed at Bruneians who come across the border for work or leisure. Some have reported numerous conversations with Bruneians who seem hungry and seeking for spiritual truth. Pray that these conversations will linger in their minds, and that the Holy Spirit will bring revelation and understanding of spiritual truths. May He make many inquisitive to know more about Jesus. There are many agencies and churches looking for additional staff to help them in their mission and calling in Brunei, where Muslim leaders have influence over the Sultan – the ultimate protector and defender of Islam. This results in Christian marginalisation. Neighbours of Christians only need to report them to authorities to hinder the practice of Christianity. See also https://windowreporter.com/prayer-points-day?day=20

Pray: for God’s protection over the Christian workers, and for a harvest to come. (Job 12:13)
More: www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/brunei/

‘I am sure that in the Arabian peninsula there are easily ten million Christians’, says Bill Schwartz, OBE, Anglican Archdeacon in the Gulf and Chaplain of Qatar. Most notable is how the region’s religious mix has shifted in a totally unprecedented way, as foreign workers have flooded in to benefit from the explosion of jobs. Today, at least 50% of migrants and expatriates ‘have some kind of Christian tradition’. In Qatar, where foreign workers outnumber locals by ten to one, there are now more Catholics than Muslims. New church buildings are being built, including one in Abu Dhabi to accommodate 5,000 people at a time. There is opportunity for Christian witness in societies that have been culturally isolated for thousands of years. Schwartz says, ‘I have more opportunities to talk about faith in the Gulf than I ever do in the US, because religion is so important here.’

Pray: for even more awareness of God in the Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. (Matthew 24:14)
More: www.sat7uk.org/economic-boom-expands-christian-witness-in-gulf-states/

We recently had ‘African Anti-Corruption Day’ ,which recognised the progress made in the fight against corruption and the significant work still left to do. To highlight this point, the African Union (AU) designated 2018 as the year for ‘winning the fight against corruption’. The AU signed several treaties aimed at ensuring democracy, rule of law and good governance. But much more needs to be done. Corruption hampers development and the ability to bring people out of poverty. The continent ranks lowest amongst global regions in corruption perceptions, and the impact cannot be underestimated. 43% of Africans are living in poverty while over 50 billion US dollars’ worth of stolen assets flow out of Africa annually, money that could be invested in jobs and social services, where additional resources are needed most. Transparency International wrote an open letter to the AU highlighting seven areas where it could focus its efforts.

Pray: for funding and manpower to strengthen anti-corruption systems and help society. (Ecc. 7:7)
More: www.transparency.org/files/content/feature/Letter_to_the_African_Union_EN.pdf

Across the US there is growth in organisations portraying Islam as a threat, in what has become known as the Islamophobia industry. It has more than tripled in two years. An Al-Jazeera investigation revealed the tactics they use to instigate a fear of Islam, including manipulating social media to create a false narrative that Muslims are trying to take over the country. Anti-Muslim messages proliferate in social media with bought-in followers, fake accounts, and robotic amplifiers. The investigation also shows how the organisations suppress the rise of a Muslim political voice in America, and uncovers how ‘dark money’ is fuelling them – tens of millions of dollars funnelled through anonymous donor funds. The report unveiled the donors of the dark money; a strategy of infiltrating US university courses and monitoring mosques; a filmed training session by an ex-FBI Agent teaching ‘theories’ about Muslims; and connections between key members of the Trump administration and the Islamophobia industry.

Pray: for fake news of Islamophobia industries to be recognised for what it is. (Psalm 52:3)
More: www.aljazeera.com/investigations/islamophobiainc/