Jesus helped supersonic pilot see world anew
Captain Brian Walpole, once commander of British Airways’ Concorde fleet and recipient of an OBE, has enjoyed an extraordinary aviation career. From RAF training to piloting over 800 supersonic transatlantic flights at 1,350mph, he experienced the awe of seeing the earth’s curvature at 60,000 feet. Yet it wasn’t until his late forties that he truly began to see not just the world, but the Creator behind it. A dinner conversation led him to Guildford Baptist Church, where a long journey of scientific and spiritual enquiry began. Influenced by Josh McDowell’s Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Brian was convinced of Jesus’ resurrection and the truth of the gospel. While his own conversion was gradual, his wife Rosemary had a dramatic encounter with the Holy Spirit, and their daughter Shelley went on to serve in ministry in Canada. Now in his nineties, Brian continues to testify that no human accomplishment compares to knowing Christ. His story is a powerful reminder that eternal truth outshines earthly success.
Africa / Philippines: 87,000 Bibles given to disabled children
A new partnership between CURE International and Biblica is set to distribute over 87,000 Bibles in 22 languages to families receiving free surgical care at children’s hospitals across Africa and the Philippines. These hospitals, run by CURE, offer operations for conditions like spina bifida and hydrocephalus. The initiative brings physical healing and spiritual hope, rooted in CURE’s founding mission inspired by Luke 9:2 - to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. CURE has performed over 330,000 surgeries and shared the Gospel with over 2.1 million people since 1996. Biblica’s role is to ensure Scripture is available in the heart languages of the patients. The collaboration addresses deep spiritual and cultural challenges, including widespread beliefs in curses and witchcraft surrounding disability. Through intentional ministry, Bible distribution, and community connections with local pastors, CURE is seeing lives transformed as parents witness healing and turn to faith. This $500,000 effort is a striking example of Kingdom collaboration bringing the light of Christ to the most vulnerable.
Reeves presents her spending review
Rachel Reeves’ new spending review represents a pivotal moment for the Labour government, aiming to launch a narrative of 'renewal' after a challenging first year. With £600 billion allocated over four years, the review balances significant capital investment with modest growth in day-to-day departmental spending. Major announcements include £14.2 billion for nuclear power at Sizewell C, £15 billion for public transport in the North and Midlands, and a new rail link between Liverpool and Manchester. An additional £113 billion in capital spending will target the government's three pillars: health, security, and the economy. However, this largesse will be offset by tighter controls on daily budgets, with unprotected departments - particularly the Home Office and local councils - facing real-term cuts. Discontent is rising over pressure to reverse disability cuts, lift the two-child benefits cap, and increase winter fuel support. While Reeves insists the rises are funded by tough tax decisions, growing public dissatisfaction may force further fiscal changes by autumn. The Government hopes visible investment projects will reassure voters and build lasting trust. Breaking news: the UK economy shrank by 0.3% in April, a worse result than expected, which Reeves has described as ‘disappointing’. See
Northern Ireland: third night of violence in Ballymena
Ballymena, County Antrim, has experienced three consecutive nights of violent unrest following a protest over an alleged sexual assault. Initially peaceful, the protest escalated into serious disorder after two teenage boys appeared in court, denying the charges via a Romanian interpreter. Demonstrations turned hostile as crowds in the Clonavon Terrace area threw petrol bombs, fireworks, bricks, and bottles at police officers. The police deployed riot control measures including baton rounds and a water cannon. Seventeen more officers were injured overnight, bringing the total to 32, and five arrests were made. Several cars were set ablaze, and windows of local homes were smashed. Police have described the violence as 'racist thuggery’, suggesting that ethnic tensions had contributed to the escalation. Authorities are calling for calm amid concerns about further disturbances and are urging communities to reject hatred and violence. Update: on the third night a leisure centre in Larne was set on fire.
