Yemen: Perilous protests
Of all the uprisings and protests that have swept the Middle East this year none is more likely than Yemen to have immediate damaging effects on U.S. (and the west’s) counterterrorism efforts. Yemen is considered a key ally by Washington because it is home to al-Qaida's most active franchise, and if the President of Yemen’s government crumbles so will Washington's influence in Yemen. For two years the Obama administration has had a relationship of convenience with Yemen. The U.S. kept the Yemeni government armed and flush with cash. In return Yemen's leaders helped fight al-Qaida or, as often, looked the other way while the U.S. wrestled with them. A bomb mailed to Britain last year travelled from Yemen and was discovered due to ‘information received,’ by the west. Pray: for God inspired international relationships to be nurtured, and ungodly schemes to fail.(Is.9:2) More: http://www.startribune.com/nation/118415409.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiacyKUzyaP37D_MDua_eyD5PcOiUr
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Japan: How should we pray?
Operation World states 70 percent of Japanese claim no personal religion but a majority follow rituals of Buddhism or Shintoism. Only 1.5 percent follow Christ. We can pray for God to enable the small church in Japan to reach out to the suffering and be a shining light in the middle of darkness. We can also pray that Missionaries and Christian organizations going to Japan will be anointed by God to reveal His love and compassion, so that Japanese hearts will be changed forever. We pray that the many facing an uncertain future will seek comfort in God and be strengthened and encouraged. For a summary of OMF insights into prophetic intercession for Japan click the 'info' button. Pray: for believers to be a bold witness in every circumstance, and for God to use this tragedy for good ushering many into His Kingdom in the days ahead. (Is.63:8)
Call for end to banking greed
Another financial crisis threatens unless tougher banking regulations are introduced and borrowers learn to live within their means, the Association of Christian Financial Advisers has warned. ACFA Aidan Vaughan attacked the more aggressive activities of investment bankers, namely credit derivatives, as he warned that unrestrained investment banking activities could lead to even bigger financial crises in the future. ‘ACFA strongly encourages Mervyn King, the Governor of the Bank of England, to stand up to the banks,’ he said. ‘The public is angry especially when they see bankers again earning huge bonuses when it is tax payers’ money that has rescued the day. For most people, taxes are rising, wages are static, inflation is rising, living standards are falling and government expenditure is being cut dramatically. The basic biblical principle of ‘spending less than you earn’ has been ignored on a massive scale.’ Pray:for the banking industry to adopt an open and fair approach to their role in the economic life of Britain. (Ps.15:5)
Frocks and pompoms for primary school boys
A teacher training pack, supported by a Government agency, says boys in primary schools should be encouraged to try on dresses or dance with pompoms in the cheerleading team. The pack is produced by Stonewall, Britain’s top homosexual lobby group, and has been sent to primary schools. An accompanying DVD, backed by the Teacher Development Agency (TDA), features primary school teachers giving ‘best practice’ tips from their own experience. One head teacher says pupils should be taught to be resilient to the values of their parents and grandparents. According to the Mail on Sunday, Stonewall received a £25,000 grant from the TDA, a Government agency. In addition, officials at the DfE are consulting with Stonewall on the Government’s current review of sex education guidance. The Christian Institute’s Mike Judge said: ‘Perhaps the most disturbing thing is teaching children to resist the values of their parents and grandparents.’ Pray: for recognition by the Government that such widely imposed curriculum changes, without parental consultation is a step too far. (Dt.5:16) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/video-frocks-and-pompoms-for-primary-school-boys/
