North Africa: The Great Restlessness
Doesn’t it seem to you like North Africa is restless? In the last month, there has been continued civil unrest in Mali which threatens to spill over into Mauritania and Morocco. The Western Sahara issue continues to be unsettled. Government ministers in Morocco resigned from the Islamist party led coalition. Algeria fears for the health and life of its President and wonders what will happen when he dies one day. Tunisia has been rocked by assassinations, bombs and protests. Libya continues to suffer from lawlessness, protests and violence. Egypt is gripped by uncertainty over its leadership, stability and peace. North and South Sudan wrestle with conflict, violence and all it means to be new nations.
What is happening? It seems that this great restlessness is a sign of some deeper longings. People are unhappy with what has been happening in their nations. Are they looking for a saviour when they really need THE SAVIOUR? Let’s ask God this month for the restlessness in people’s hearts to cause many to stop and evaluate what they are actually longing for. May many recognize the emptiness in their hearts and souls and begin to look for the Truth that will fill it. Pray Jesus to reveal Himself as the God of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness and Self-Control. For those who already know Jesus, pray Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Ask God to keep holding back the darkness to allow more of His light to shine into North Africa.
Marriage not a priority for prospective parents
A new poll has found that most young people do not plan to get married before starting a family. Their thinking has been put down to uncertainty over the cost of living and the current job market and reflects a very different understanding of settling down to that of their parents. 54 per cent say they do not expect to be married before having their first child, according to the research by Santander Insurance. Only 45 per cent believe they will own their own home before having children and only four in ten expect to begin parenthood with a secure job or a regular income. Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, commented: “The link in people’s minds between marriage and having children has been severed. This is not for the best. Research, such as that done by the Centre for Social Justice, has repeatedly shown that family breakdown is far less likely when parents are married.
Pray: for a wider understanding of the benefits of marriage particularly in family life. (Eph.5:33)
More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/family/marriage-not-a-priority-for-prospective-parents
Samaritans aim to cut suicides on railways in Wales
Volunteers from Samaritans are hoping to reduce the numbers of suicides on Welsh railways by visiting stations to raise awareness of help available. The charity says the number of suicides in general is rising, with anecdotal evidence that people are concerned about jobs and benefit changes. Leaflets will be given to passengers at south Wales stations to encourage them to call the charity if they need help. On average, one person a day tries to take their life on the UK's railways. The volunteers from Samaritans' Cardiff branch - which also covers the south Wales valleys - decided to "reach out to the community" because they said they were getting more calls for help. It is part of a wider national campaign being run by the charity and Network Rail, launched in 2010, to reduce suicide on the UK's railways by 20% in five years.
Pray: for the Samaritans, their work and the people they help. (Ps.51:12)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-23641945
Over 100 days of the Welsh Outpouring
Crowds continue to flock to Cwmbran, hungry to experience the manifest presence of God. What has been witnessed is amazing. Well over 900 people have come to Christ and hundreds have reported healings since April 10th! Last night was absolutely incredible! Many people came to Christ and we also heard from Rhianna, a young girl who had a life-threatening brain tumour. Her doctors are amazed and declared her free of cancer last week! Another woman who came to Cwmbran two weeks ago, was in touch today, to tell us that after receiving prayer for suicidal desires, she has been completely set free. Another woman has reported that her arthritis has been much improved and that she has no pain! We are continuing day by day to listen to God and obey His voice. Every day is different, but one thing never changes - Jesus. He is still the answer. (See Prayer Alerts 19-20-22-25&28)
Praise: God for His continued blessing and this outpouring. (Ps.85:6)
More: http://www.victorychurch.co.uk/100-days-of-the-welsh-outpouring
