Cuba: Calls for greater ecumenical partnerships
The newly elected president of the Council of Churches in Cuba (CIC) says he believes Pentecostal and historic churches can work together ‘because God calls us to be God's people.’ The Rev Joel Ortega Dopico, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, called on the leaders of the churches to take advantage of the moment to think about social, ecclesiastical and ecumenical projects, ‘for what we lack to be able to come together as a Cuban family.’ In his sermon at the Council's assembly where the new leadership of CIC was installed, Ortega referred to the encounter of the rich man with Jesus and pointed out the need for a greater commitment to the cause of the Kingdom of God. 'It is a Biblical narrative of hope', he said, because it allows Pentecostal and historic churches to be united, past and present generations to meet together, as well as believers and non-believers.
Pray: for the churches of Cuba to draw closer together in unity building the Kingdom of God. (Jn.17:20-22)
More: http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=5707
China: Churches requested to desist
Authorities in China’s Sichuan province have asked a large house church to stop all its activities, the church's pastor told Radio Free Asia. ‘The authorities have asked us to end our family church congregations, calling our gatherings 'illegal,' said Pastor Li, spiritual head of a 1,500-member house church in Sichuan’s Langzhong city. Li said the government's ‘request’ was sent to the home of a church member, not to the church's meeting place. Chinese authorities have recently increased restrictions on house churches whose total membership estimated to be about 40 million. ‘The severity of the crackdown on family churches varies in different places,’ said Zhang Mingxuan, president of the Chinese Association of Christian Family Churches. ‘In places where there are many family churches, the local government may have a better understanding of them, and officials will be more prudent. But in places where you have only a few believers, local authorities will treat them as an ‘evil cult.’’
Pray: that these moves ordering churches to stop their activities would cease. (Ps.140:4)
More: http://www.worthynews.com/11522-chinese-church-requested-to-desist
Eritrea: Kidnapped women forced to embrace Islam In Egypt
There was concern on Tuesday, June 5, over the whereabouts of two Eritrean women who were among a group kidnapped in Cairo by men claiming to be police officers, underscoring the risks faced by Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt, including Christians, rights activists said. The two missing persons were among six young women, aged between 20 to 32, who were reportedly abducted after boarding a taxi and later pressured to embrace Islam. ‘In each instance, the taxi was stopped by men in police uniforms, who opened the door and sprayed an unknown substance into their faces, causing them to lose consciousness,’ said advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), which has investigated the case. One of the women, who was abducted on her way to church and held for approximately three weeks, said that after awaking she found herself in a small room housing five other women.
Pray: for these women that God would protect them and others under the threat of abduction. (Ps.32:7)
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/21954-kidnapped-eritrean-forced-to-embrace-islam-in-egypt
Afghanistan: Breathtaking rescue of kidnapped aid workers
Last week we prayed for the safe release of Christian aid workers kidnapped in a remote area of Badakhshan's Yafta district. (See Prayer Alert 22-2012) This week we can give thanks for their release. David Cameron authorized a dramatic cave rescue by the SAS of the British aid worker Helen Johnston who was one of those being held. He gave the go-ahead for the operation last Friday when the gang threatened to kill Miss Johnston and the other hostages unless an Afghan drug baron was released from prison and the ransom paid. Troops took part in a 'long march' to a cave where the hostages were held, without being spotted. SAS officers then arrived by helicopter, stormed the cave in the dead of night and all hostages were rescued safe, no troops injured.
Praise: God for this speedy answer to prayer. (Ps.113:1-2)
