British armed forces returning from Afghanistan
Servicemen and women are coming to the end of their deployment and are being replaced on a gradual changeover in Afghanistan. This is a vulnerable time for service personnel. Anticipating a safe return, service personnel need to stay vigilant right until they get on the aircraft to go home. We all should be aware of their damaging memories from incidents witnessed during their deployment and support them if they require to seek professional help because they find it difficult adjusting to normal life.
Pray: that they will adjust quickly back into their normal routines and family life. (Heb 13:17)
Resourcing those with a 'big heart' seeking election to the new General Synod
More than one national election is taking place this year. A campaign is launched today to encourage ‘people with a very big heart’ to stand for election to the General Synod of the Church of England. Containing 378 lay and clergy members, and passing measures that have the same effect within Anglicanism as those of Parliament, the General Synod continues to play an essential role in the life of the country as well as the Church. It will be dissolved at the end of the July 2010 group of sessions in York. A new Synod will be elected for a five-year term in September/October, and inaugurated in November. Under the slogan 'Be Part of the Big Picture', new resources include a five-minute DVD filmed at General Synod in February 2010, featuring contributions from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Business Committee chair Preb Kay Garlick, outgoing members of the Houses of Laity and Clergy, and national journalists.
Pray: for Anglicans throughout the country to prayerfully consider God’s calling to stand for the General Synod. (1Sa.3:10b)
Global Day Of Prayer - London calls every Christian in the UK to prayer
As a precursor to a National Day of Prayer at London’s West Ham Stadium on 13th June 2010, GDOP London is calling every church and Christian in the UK to a season of prayer and fasting for the nation. As the country moves closer to a historic moment with the British general elections taking place May 6, GDOP London convener Jonathan Oloyede is urging the church to rise up prophetically and perform her duty as 'kingmaker'. ‘Every church, ward, borough or district should take responsibility in prayerfully deciding who is elected locally into public office. Churches need to hold vigils, conduct special prayer services and urge their congregants to do a little bit more towards the election which is a divine selection. If we pray then as our Lord taught us, God's will shall be done in Brighton, Hereford, Luton, York and everywhere,’ explains Dr Oloyede.
Pray: that Christians throughout the nation will approach the coming election prayerfully. (Ps.48:14)
English Baroness sounds alarm over the Islamici incursion of Britain
An English evangelical anglican Baroness told 825 Anglican and Episcopal missionaries including three archbishops, 20 bishops and numerous clergy and laity, that resurgent Islamic fundamentalism poses a threat to Western Civilization. Citing Bishop Michael Nazir Ali, Caroline Cox said the British nation has ‘lost its soul.’ England, she said, is in a perilous situation. ‘Where there is a vacuum, it is liable to be filled with alternative ideologies and belief systems. Without a vision the people perish,’ she said to a New Wineskins for Global Mission participants coming from 28 countries of the world. ‘A resurgent
Islam requires gospel bridges. We do not need walls, but reconciliation can only be achieved through realism,’ she said. Baroness Cox is a voice for the persecuted and marginalized of the world, especially in the war torn country of Sudan that she has visited numerous times.
Pray: for interfaith dialogue that will help diffuse all forms of extremism. (Jas.1:19-20)
