Oklahoma senior uses technology to preach around the world
Arch Bonnema, a 72-year-old businessman from Oklahoma, has spent decades funding and participating in global mission work. For years, he worked in estate planning and precious metals sales to support monthly mission trips. While he previously focused on Africa, God unexpectedly opened doors for fruitful ministry in Pakistan, a country he never intended to visit. There, Arch has distributed nearly 30,000 Urdu-language Audio Bibles - small music-box devices ideal for Pakistan’s 43% illiterate population. People gather around to listen, much like families once did with radios. Amazingly, over 90% of the devices still function after three years. Arch preaches via mobile phone six days a week to small groups gathered by his Pakistani team, often beginning at 11 p.m. Oklahoma time. He’s also recruited 13 other U.S. pastors to join this digital mission via WhatsApp. Arch’s passion for evangelism began as a teen and never waned. He and his wife have travelled to over 34 nations and completed 350 mission trips. “I’ve seen more salvations after 65,” he says, praising God for technology that multiplies his reach.
Israel condemns Keir Starmer over plan to recognise Palestine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel halts its actions in Gaza and commits to a two-state solution. Citing widespread suffering, including starving children and destroyed communities, Starmer issued an ultimatum: Israel must agree to a ceasefire, permit humanitarian aid, and halt annexation plans in the West Bank. The move, backed by France and a large number of Labour MPs, drew sharp condemnation from Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu, who called it a reward for terrorism and warned it could endanger global security. The United States also expressed concern, with President Trump saying the decision risks rewarding Hamas. Foreign Secretary David Lammy added that Britain has a historic responsibility, referencing the Balfour Declaration, and insisted that the two-state solution remains the only path to peace. Critics of Israel’s current actions view the recognition as a moral imperative. Starmer has launched a diplomatic effort to rally global support ahead of September, signalling a dramatic shift in UK foreign policy. See
IMF: ‘Bank of England must cut interest rates to save UK economy’
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Bank of England to cut interest rates at least twice more in 2025 to support the UK economy. The Bank’s base rate currently stands at 4.25%, down from a post-Covid peak of 5.25%, following efforts to reduce inflation, which has now eased to 3.6%. Despite slight improvements in GDP projections - 1.2% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026 - the IMF warned that global trade uncertainty and fiscal deficits could disrupt recovery. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the UK’s position as the fastest-growing G7 economy in Europe but faces criticism over recent tax increases, including higher National Insurance contributions and the extension of inheritance tax to pensions. Bank Governor Andrew Bailey suggested these tax hikes may be dampening business investment and wage growth. The IMF highlighted risks of financial market volatility and called for a cautious yet responsive approach. As global economic pressures persist, the UK must balance fiscal discipline with growth-friendly policies that promote employment, investment, and long-term stability. See
Knife crime soars by nearly 60% in London
Knife crime in London has surged by nearly 60% in the last three years and 86% over the past decade, according to a new report by Policy Exchange. A cluster of just 20 central London streets—including Oxford Circus and Regent Street—now accounts for one in every 15 knife attacks in the city. The rise in violent crime has prompted calls for a “zero tolerance” approach, including increased use of stop-and-search tactics. While controversial, the report argues that stop-and-search aligns with demographic crime data, with a higher percentage of arrests and charges involving black offenders than the general population representation. Commander Hayley Sewart of the Met Police reported that recent efforts, including hotspot policing, technological tools, and visible neighbourhood patrols, have already led to a 16% drop in knife-related crime and reduced homicide rates. Tributes have poured in for a father and son recently killed in a targeted attack, highlighting the human cost of this violence. Leaders stress that curbing knife crime requires a united approach from police, government, and society at large.
