South Africa’s first black billionaire will give away half his wealth
Inspired by the example of several ultra-wealthy individuals in the US, South Africa’s first black billionaire and its fourth richest man will donate half his assets to help the poor in his country. Mining magnate Patrice Motsepe announced he will donate half of his personal fortune, which is currently estimated by Forbes Magazine at $2.65 billion, according to a report by NPR. Motsepe was inspired by ‘The Giving Pledge,’ a philanthropic programme launched by Warren Buffet, along with Bill and Melinda Gates. So far, their initiative has attracted nearly a 100 like-minded billionaires. Motsepe is making the pledge to assist the millions of South Africans who have seen little improvement in their financial well-being since white minority rule ended in 1994, according to NPR. Motsepe’s wife, Precious, said that his wealth would be given away throughout his lifetime, according to the Financial Times.
Praise: God for the generosity of Motsepe and pray that others would be influenced by his decision. (2Cor.9:6)
South Africa’s first black billionaire will give away half his wealth
Inspired by the example of several ultra-wealthy individuals in the US, South Africa’s first black billionaire and its fourth richest man will donate half his assets to help the poor in his country. Mining magnate Patrice Motsepe announced he will donate half of his personal fortune, which is currently estimated by Forbes Magazine at $2.65 billion, according to a report by NPR. Motsepe was inspired by ‘The Giving Pledge,’ a philanthropic programme launched by Warren Buffet, along with Bill and Melinda Gates. So far, their initiative has attracted nearly a 100 like-minded billionaires. Motsepe is making the pledge to assist the millions of South Africans who have seen little improvement in their financial well-being since white minority rule ended in 1994, according to NPR. Motsepe’s wife, Precious, said that his wealth would be given away throughout his lifetime, according to the Financial Times.
Praise: God for the generosity of Motsepe and pray that others would be influenced by his decision. (2Cor.9:6)
Israel: Jews being targeted overseas
The Shin Bet’s 2012 report on terror found terrorists switching focus to less heavily-guarded Israelis abroad; noting the bus bombing in Bulgaria killing five Israelis and one Bulgarian, a bombing in New Delhi in which a diplomat’s wife was wounded, and an attempted bombing targeting a Georgian embassy employee. 2012 also saw attacks on non-Israeli Jewish communities with the death of three children and a rabbi at the Otzar Hatorah School in France. The murderer said he targeted the school due to his hatred of Israel. The report noted an unprecedented number of arrests of Hizbullah terrorists and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, many arrested abroad while planning attacks against Israelis. Notably a Hizbullah terrorist in Bangkok plotting a mass attack on Israeli tourists in Thailand; a Hizbullah terrorist arrested in Cyprus while gathering information on tourist sites, ships and airplanes used by Israelis; and Revolutionary Guards' terrorists were arrested in Kenya for planning attacks on Israelis in the country.
Pray: for continued vigilance and wisdom by Israeli and international authorities as they work towards protecting Israelis at home and abroad. (Gen.28:15)
More: http://forzion.com/2013/01/25/terrorists-new-tactic-hit-israelis-jews-overseas/
Mali: Medical mission diverted
As troops from France and Chad enter the last major city in northern Mali, critical Christian aid efforts have been hampered by a climate of violence and instability. ‘I wish I knew what is going on,’ says Laura Delaney, medical coordinator with Medicines for Mali. Her organization works closely with Blessings International to deliver medical aid and access to clean water to poor villages in the south. She intended to deliver vital medicines but plans changed after a Frenchman was abducted near Bamako. Access to communication is spotty in the villages they serve. ‘The sad part is people don’t know what’s going on, except that we’re not coming. They fear we will not come back, but we reassured them we will return when it’s safe. It’s heart-wrenching not to go, medicine is in short supply'; she said. Meanwhile 1,800 Chadian troops secured Kidal in northern Mali, and French troops are holding the Kidal airport so that more forces can land.
Pray: for this and other agencies attempting to reach difficult areas with much needed aid. Pray also for the innocent villages caught up in this conflict. (Ps.22:19-22)
More: http://blog.godreports.com/2013/02/medical-mission-diverted-from-mali/#more-2843
