Reflection on the Significance of the World Prayer Assembly
‘The WPA is a once in a generation moment for the parts of the body of Christ to come together from around the world, to stand together in humility, to worship Him, to seek His face, to hear His voice and to receive the grain, the wine and the oil to take to the ends of the earth. The more I pray and ponder regarding the assembly, the more I see this as a unique
moment in church history. This is not about promotion of ministries. It is not about well known speakers. It is not about networking. There are many other events at which these things can rightly take place. This is a moment in history when representatives of the Body of Christ from around the world to stand in unity, listening, ready to hear the word of the Lord.’ - Ian Cole, Director of the World Prayer Centre, Birmingham.
Pray: for all those gathering in Jakarta, Indonesia on the 14 May to hear from the Lord and be blessed so as to be a blessing. (Ps.86:5)
Ukraine: EU leaders shun Ukraine over Tymoshenko case
European leaders have mounted renewed diplomatic pressure on Ukraine over its treatment of Yulia Tymoshenko, the jailed former prime minister. Jose Manuel Barroso, the EU Commission president, said on Tuesday that he would not go to Ukraine during the European football championships in June unless there is a swift improvement in the human rights situation there. ‘It is clear that as things stand now, the president has no intention of going to Ukraine,’ Barroso's spokeswoman said. His announcement followed that of EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, who is also skipping the opening ceremony of the Euro 2012 football tournament, to be hosted by Ukraine and Poland, on June 8. A German government spokesman also said any visit by Chancellor Angela Merkel during the championship, one of the continent's main sports events, would be linked to Tymoshenko's fate. Tymoshenko has been on a hunger strike since last week to protest against her alleged beating in prison.
Pray: that the Ukrainian authorities would have a change of heart and seek the truth and resolve the situation. (Dt.10:20)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/05/2012517319725587.html
Ukraine: EU leaders shun Ukraine over Tymoshenko case
European leaders have mounted renewed diplomatic pressure on Ukraine over its treatment of Yulia Tymoshenko, the jailed former prime minister. Jose Manuel Barroso, the EU Commission president, said on Tuesday that he would not go to Ukraine during the European football championships in June unless there is a swift improvement in the human rights situation there. ‘It is clear that as things stand now, the president has no intention of going to Ukraine,’ Barroso's spokeswoman said. His announcement followed that of EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, who is also skipping the opening ceremony of the Euro 2012 football tournament, to be hosted by Ukraine and Poland, on June 8. A German government spokesman also said any visit by Chancellor Angela Merkel during the championship, one of the continent's main sports events, would be linked to Tymoshenko's fate. Tymoshenko has been on a hunger strike since last week to protest against her alleged beating in prison.
Pray: that the Ukrainian authorities would have a change of heart and seek the truth and resolve the situation. (Dt.10:20)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/05/2012517319725587.html
Report points to decline in belief
A new report from the University of Chicago has shed light on the growth of atheism in Europe. The report from the university’s National Opinion Research Center (NORC) also found that belief in God is stronger among older people than younger generations. The findings were based on an analysis of surveys conducted in 30 countries in 1991, 1998 and 2008. Countries with the largest atheist populations tended to be in north-west Europe or former communist states while countries with fewer atheists tended to be in the developing world, with the exception of the US, Israel and Cyprus. Sweden, Latvia, Denmark, Britain and Norway had some of the highest proportions of atheists. The study found that belief in God had decreased in most countries although it added that the declines were ‘quite modest especially when calculated on a per annum basis’.
Pray: that the fire of the Holy Spirit would fall across Europe bringing new life to God’s church. (Ez.9:9b)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/report.points.to.decline.in.belief/29724.htm
