60 years of Commonwealth changes
A recent BBC poll recognised the majority of people believe the Queen should retain the title of Defender of the Faith. So it seems right that a celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II could not be complete without recognising the significant progress in the last 60 years of Bible translation in those countries claiming the Queen as their figurehead. Wycliffe Bible Translators (WBT) have facilitated language development work throughout the Commonwealth during the Queen’s reign. Within the 54 currently listed Commonwealth countries many of the minority language groups within her realm have received God’s translated word for the first time. As language development throughout the world grows, so the way is opened for mother tongue literacy and education and translated health information materials, along with translated Scriptures. WBT has been involved in the translation of 781 New Testaments and 27 complete Bibles, reaching around 145 million people speaking 749 languages. Current projects include 1,500 language programmes.
Pray: that the 350 million people from 2,040 languages still waiting for translation to begin would soon have the opportunity to hear and read about Jesus Christ as their Saviour. (Mk.16:15)
More: http://www.wycliffe.org.uk/pressreleaseswww.wycliffe.org.uk/pressreleases
America: Cohabiting couples' 'Free Wedding Day'
Marriage is a dwindling institution in the USA, dropping 54% since 1960. During that same time, the number of couples cohabiting has skyrocketed. Craig Gorc, pastor of Cedar Park Assembly of God in Seattle wanted to fight for marriage and against cohabitation. He found one of the biggest barriers to a couple's wedding these days is the enormous cost (averaging $26,542 in Seattle), so he and the congregation at Cedar Park Assembly put on a Free Wedding Day last June, advertising through their website, social media, the news media and their senior pastor's email list of more than 6,000 people. Three couples took them up on the offer and more will this June. ‘The cost that we're saving them is about $8,000 to $10,000,’ Gorc told CBN News. ‘We provide everything you need except for the bride and groom.’ The main goal was to ensure couples wouldn't feel judged for their lifestyles or life choices.
Praise: God for this initiative and may many similar Christian outreach avenues be opened at such a time as this. (Php.3:7)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/May/Church-Offers-Cohabiting-Couples-Free-Wedding-Day/
America: Cohabiting couples' 'Free Wedding Day'
Marriage is a dwindling institution in the USA, dropping 54% since 1960. During that same time, the number of couples cohabiting has skyrocketed. Craig Gorc, pastor of Cedar Park Assembly of God in Seattle wanted to fight for marriage and against cohabitation. He found one of the biggest barriers to a couple's wedding these days is the enormous cost (averaging $26,542 in Seattle), so he and the congregation at Cedar Park Assembly put on a Free Wedding Day last June, advertising through their website, social media, the news media and their senior pastor's email list of more than 6,000 people. Three couples took them up on the offer and more will this June. ‘The cost that we're saving them is about $8,000 to $10,000,’ Gorc told CBN News. ‘We provide everything you need except for the bride and groom.’ The main goal was to ensure couples wouldn't feel judged for their lifestyles or life choices.
Praise: God for this initiative and may many similar Christian outreach avenues be opened at such a time as this. (Php.3:7)
More: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/May/Church-Offers-Cohabiting-Couples-Free-Wedding-Day/
Unity for Pentecost week of prayer
Across the UK Christians have united for a week of prayer. On Saturday thousands worshipped and prayed at Leyton Orient Stadium on the outskirts of the Olympic site to worship Jesus, prophesy over the nation, declare Jesus as Lord of the London Olympics and pray for all aspects of the Games. At Ashton Gate Stadium thousands gathered to pray into all spheres of society. Churches Together in Greater Bristol spoke for the nation when they said, ‘Today is a real coming together to arise and share in an event of worship, repentance for our city and to declare that we intend to put things right through united prayer and working together.’ Across the British Isles on Pentecost Sunday many believers from different Christian traditions united in towns and cities to lift up the name of Jesus Christ. Many joined the millions across the globe as they united for the Global Day of Prayer on the 27th.
Praise: God for the ever-increasing sound of His children declaring His praise and purposes across our land.(Ps.133)
More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2012/s12050116.htm
