INSIGHT ARTICLE: G20 Summit
As western economies continue to flounder, the G20 meeting in Cannes on November 3rd and 4th has taken on epic importance in the minds of economists. Something has to happen there, western politicians insist, that will save the west, and particularly Europe, from its current deadlock. Many are saying ‘the G20 summit must look beyond the west and think of the rest’ and 'G20 heads of state, engage yourself finally against hunger in the world', which was written on an Action Against Hunger banner in Paris this week. Also thousands of anti-capitalist demonstrators are expected at the G20 summit despite French police plans to close the Italian border. A recent New York Times headline read, ‘No Jobs and No Ideas’ as the Occupy Wall Street protests entered their fourth week. For a simple introduction to G20 and prayer points for this years summit click the INFO button below.
Pray: for this year’s G20 to unite to implement justice and financial aid for vulnerable regions of the world. (Pr.31:8,9)
Info: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=345&Itemid=93
Southeast Asia/Central America: Worst floods in decades
Torrential rains in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, cutting off roads and destroying homes and crops have killed 700+ people and affected eight million. The UN is ready to provide humanitarian relief. Sea surges are expected in Thailand from 28 - 30 October which could threaten to break through flood barriers. A landslide alert has also been issued for four Thai provinces. In Laos, 892 homes have been washed away and 2,500 livestock perished. In Cambodia and Vietnam access is difficult to affected zones. Heavy monsoon rains have been drenching the area since mid July. About 8.2 million people in 60 of Thailand's 77 provinces are affected by flooding, and 10 million residents in Bangkok are experiencing more surges of floodwater. Also in Central America the death toll from rains and mudslides has risen to at least 80, with El Salvador suffering 32 fatalities. The poor weather continues with international highways washed out and thousands of families homeless in a region that the UN classified as one of the most affected by climate change.
Pray: for God to come alongside all who call out to him, to strengthen rescue workers and inspire governments as they work to prevent humanitarian disasters. (Ps.72:12,13)
More: http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/10/worst-flooding-in-decades-swamps-thailand/100168/
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Hajj
Saudi Arabia is referred to as ‘The Land of The Two Holy Mosques, ‘Al-Masjid al-Nabawi’ Mosque where Muhammad is buried and ‘Masjid al-Haram’ the largest mosque in the world situated in Mecca. Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life if they are able.’ This pilgrimage is called Hajj. The dates for the Hajj change each year, this year it starts on November 4th lasting 4 days. Thousands of pilgrims will perform religious acts to be cleansed of their sins by praying at the Grand Mosque, spending a night in a tent at Mina, walking to where Muhammad delivered his final sermon, throwing stones at three pillars representing Satan, sacrificing an animal and walking round a sacred rock seven times. Please pray for those searching for cleansing and forgiveness, and also for the residents of Saudi Arabia where the constitution is based on the Qur’an.
Pray: for Saudis and pilgrims to have their spiritual thirsts truly quenched. (Jn.7:37-38)
More: http://www.pray4muslimpeoples.org/index.php/resources/100-hajj-2011
Chile: Student protests turn violent
Students and police clashed in Santiago during the latest protest over education reform. Student leaders are demanding wholesale reform of Chile's education system, which they say is unequal and under-funded. Police used tear gas and water cannon against protesters who set up barricades and threw petrol bombs. With more demonstrations planned for Wednesday 26th the government said it will invoke emergency security law to quell the violence. The protest movement started in May by students and are backed by teachers and trade unions after talks with the government broke down earlier this month. Chile's education system is heavily reliant on private funding with 40% of all education paid for by students. Representatives of the movement went to the heavily guarded presidential palace to present an unofficial plebiscite on their demand for educational reform.
Pray: for a peaceful resolution that implements adequate funding for the country’s education. (Is.54:13)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15358921
