Bangladesh/Burma: Cyclone
Cyclone Mahasen’s main victims are likely to be people who’ ve already been forced out of their homes. For 70,000 displaced refugees in western Burma the choice was wait until Cyclone Mahasen swallows their low-lying camps on Wednesday or run back to higher ground were they were violently forced from. Human Rights Watch has been issuing warnings for months about dangers posed by the oncoming rainy season. Their Asia director said, ‘If the government fails to evacuate those at risk, any disaster that results will not be natural, but man-made.’ Cyclone Mahasen travelled towards Burma and Bangladesh over the Bay of Bengal with wind speeds of at least 45 knots (85 kilometers per hour) Speeds are expected to reach 70 knots as it strikes land. In Bangladesh hundreds of thousands of people were being evacuated from coastal areas. On Wednesday authorities raised the danger level to seven out of 10 for low-lying land where the cyclone is estimated to reach by Thursday. See: http://qz.com/84870/cyclone-mahasens-main-victims-are-likely-to-be-people-whove-already-been-forced-out-of-their-homes/
Pray: for the tens of thousands of refugees living in Burmese camps who are at risk and for the thousands being evacuated in from Bangladesh coastal villages. For the agencies who will minister to the survivors (Ps.123)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22537615
Israel: Reconciliation
Many Christian ministries are working in Israel towards reconciliation in challenging situations. The following are just two.We are asked to partner in prayer with ‘Musalaha’ Ministryof Reconciliation as they prepare for their national women’s reconciliation training event. Palestinian and Israeli women from all over the country will be meeting for training, fellowship, and prayer between May 23rd and May 25th on the topic of Reclaiming Identity. Also on May 15th and May 31st their local women’s groups who have just begun training will be meeting in Nazareth and Haifa; and we have been asked to pray for the process and that a spirit of fear would be driven from them. Also, working towards reconciliation between communities is ‘Bridges for Peace’. An expanding body of individuals and groups with a desire to see Christians and Jews working side byside for better understanding of each other. Reconciliation for a more secure Israel. See: http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/
Pray: for a harvest of changed lives as God works through these a nd other reconciliation ministries in Israel. (Job 5:16-18)
More: http://www.musalaha.org/
Iran: Christians returned to jail
An Iranian high court has upheld the prison sentences of four Christians for converting to the faith from Islam. The decision means Pastor Farhad Sabokrooh, of the Iranian Assemblies of God, his wife Shahnaz Jayzan, and church workers NaserZaman-Dezfuli and Davoud Alijani have had to return to jail. They were arrested in December 2011 after their church in the southern town of Ahwaz was raided by authorities during Christmas celebrations. They were sentenced to one year in prison for ‘converting to Christianity and propagating against the Islamic regime through evangelism’. They were temporarily released but were summoned to court on 1 May and re-arrested. Christian Solidarity Worldwide has observed a crackdown on Christians since last December. Two other AoG pastors, Farshid Fathi and Saeed Abedini, are being held in Evin prison along with Church of Iran member Alireza Seyyedian and Mostafa Bordbar, who was arrested in Tehran in December.
Pray: for these and the many others who have been jailed for exercising their right to change their religion and follow Christ privately and in communion with others. (in breach of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which Iran is obliged uphold). (Ps.142:6-7)
More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.returned.to.jail.in.iran/32448.htm
Report from the World Prayer Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Greetings to all IPC brothers and sisters around the world from Birmingham, England.
As many of you know we have been on a long journey to see the fulfillment of a vision to see a World Prayer Centre built and established here in the heart of the UK. By God's grace we have learnt and continue to learn the Isaac principle of what it means for God to establish a heaven to earth promise. Since 1992 we have been on the journey and amid the joys and at times frustrations rejoiced at the goodness of God as we have journeyed.
As we have journeyed God has opened many doors for us as a team both in this nation and the nations. We continue to call Christians from across the denominations to stand in unity together to pray for the nation and the nations. We would especially ask for your prayers as on June 15 we are organising "Trumpet Call 2013" at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. We are inviting up to 2500 Christians to come and stand together in humility and unity to ask God for His mercy on our land and its peoples. We would be deeply honoured if you would join with us in prayer on that day. (We will happily read any messages of support).
With regard to the Centre being built, we still have the land that was donated to us (subject to planning) and in the next few months we are awaiting the release of the land from the present restrictions. Once that has happened we shall then seek to apply for planning permission and then see how God is going to bring what He has promised to fulfillment.
Thank you for your fellowship, friendship and prayers. We count it a privilege to be part of God's family with you.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
