World: Most corrupt countries
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is published annually by Transparency International. Surveys and assessments are used to compile an index of the most corrupt countries, asking questions relating to bribery of public officials, kickbacks in public procurement, embezzlement of public funds and questions that probe the strength and effectiveness of public sector anti-corruption efforts. The results released this week found the worst of the 178 countries was Somalia followed by Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma) and Iraq. Brazil was 69th on the list and India 87th. Overall, Transparency International says of the survey: ‘These results indicate a serious corruption problem globally’. Pray: for hidden corruption to be revealed enabling more finances to be released appropriately. (Is.59:1) More: http://www.modernghana.com/news/302074/1/which-is-worlds-most-corrupt-nation.html
Thailand: Worst flooding in decades
A Christian from Thailand writes: ‘At a conference 2 weeks ago the Lord said we will experience great shaking, natural disasters, political upheavals. Is the church ready to act? We are experiencing natural disasters now as I type this. Please pray now! Northern Thailand is experiencing the worst flooding in decades. Last night’s Singapore News showed the reporter in water up to her hips. Churches in Bangkok are putting together survivor kits for the flood victims in northeast and central Thailand: torches, boots, dry food, medicine, powdered milk for children. The situation is getting worse in some areas and spreading to wider areas. Please pray, this is too big and we are doing whatever we can.’ Flooding is affecting over 3 million people. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said it was the worst flooding in 50 years due to larger than normal rainfall affecting dams and reservoirs, plus aggressive housing and business development affecting natural drainage channels. Pray: for God’s enabling for the Church in Thailand as they do whatever he calls them to do. (Ps.60:4-5) More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/27/AR2010102700580.html
Israel: Prayers for rain
Israel is facing a water shortage. Although abundant rainfall in February brought the Lake Kinneret back over its ‘red line’ (the point at which water levels are dangerously low) the country is still recovering from five consecutive dry years. Thursday night was the seventh day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. Jews living in Israel began praying for rain and from that date they will change the phrase, ‘And give blessing’ to ‘And give dew and rain for a blessing,’ in their weekday prayers. Sephardi Jews request ‘dew and showers’. Jews living abroad will begin saying the blessing for rain in several weeks' time. The custom of adding the prayer for dew and rain on 7 Cheshvan dates back to the times of the First Temple and Second Temple. Prayers for rain will be recited until the Passover holiday in the spring. Pray: and join the cry for God to answer his people’s prayers for rain in Israel. (1Ki.8:36) More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8312
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Bedouins' needs
Be'er Sheva District Court cut off 4,000 Bedouins water supply for 24 hours because they don’t want to shoulder a Bedouin water bill. Bedouin children collected water from petrol stations and siphoned water from a water pipe in the area in desperation. ‘They're not under the jurisdiction of Lakiya, but their water bills are sent to us. said the council head referring to the Bedouin residents. Spokespersons for the Bedouins reported, ‘Apparently the children of Be'er Sheva are more important than the children of the Bedouin' diasporas.’ and another said the Bedouin do actually pay for their water, but explained that water use is estimated as those living in villages that are not officially recognized by the state lack water meters and other infrastructure. See. For more INSIGHTS to assist prayer for Bedouins inIsrael, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan click the ‘Info’ button and pray for a forgotten people in need of the knowledge of Christ. Pray: for the nations in spiritual and physical drought to experience God's refreshing power. (Hab.2:14)