Lebanon: relationships with Syria, USA and Israel
The Obama administration is committed to improving relations with Syria despite its moves to aid the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Israel regards Hezbollah as a major threat and accuses Syria of providing the group with Scuds. A Scud has a far longer range and can carry a much bigger warhead than the rockets Hezbollah has used in the past, and could reach anywhere in Israel from Hezbollah bases in southern Lebanon. Lebanon is independent providing freedom of religion and freedom to practice all religious rites provided public order is not disturbed. They have no state religion and officially recognizes 18 religious groups of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Around one-third of the four million people are Christian and two-thirds are Muslim. Hezbollah (whose name means party of god) is based in Lebanon and it is a state-within-a-state gaining support among many Lebanese Shiites by providing social support to operate schools, hospitals, and agricultural services for thousands.
Pray: for God to use this situation at this time to draw more into His family and may the bride of Christ in the Middle East be called deeper into the presence of the Lord Jesus. (SS:4:8)
More: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hxDzV2v2jrhRDQkI0V9heGBJZcLgD9F83JUG2
Canada: Bill hailed by Pro-Lifers
‘No woman should be threatened, intimidated or pressured into aborting a child against her will. Not in a nation such as ours that values life and human rights.’ The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has announced that they are endorsing Bill C-510 the proposed legislation that would criminalize the coercion of pregnant women to obtain abortions. The bill was introduced last Wednesday by Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge would ensure that pregnant women who choose to carry their child to term will have that decision respected and protected. This is a bill that, while not addressing the legality of abortion in any way, will make it a criminal offence to coerce a woman into an unwanted abortion. Bruinooge has named his bill ‘Roxanne's Law’ after Roxanne Fernando whose boyfriend attempted to coerce her to have an abortion. She refused to have the unborn child killed and was beaten and left to die in a snow bank.
Pray: the Canadian government and society to have God’s thoughts and support programs and resources protecting unborn children and their mothers. (Ps.139:16)
More: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/apr/10042008.html
Africa: One in four Christians has superstitious beliefs
Roughly one in four Christians in sub-Sahara Africa believes sacrifices to spirits or ancestors can protect them from bad things happening, according to a recent 19-country survey on religious attitudes in Africa. Sizable percentages of both Christians and Muslims - a quarter or more in many countries - say they believe in the protective power of juju (charms or amulets). In Tanzania and South Africa more than half the people surveyed said they believed that sacrifices to ancestors or spirits could protect them from harm. Many people also say they consult traditional religious healers when someone in their household is sick, and sizable minorities in several countries keep sacred objects such as animal skins and skulls in their homes and participate in ceremonies to honour their ancestors.
Pray: for the Holy Spirit to invade the mindset of all who are deceived and for all who call on the name of Jesus Christ to be correctly birthed into God’s family. (Ps.96:5 & Jn.3:3)
Thailand: Thai protest stand-off intensifies
The Thai government is blaming unnamed ‘terrorists’ for explosions which hit commuters in Bangkok on Thursday night, amid deadlock in the Thai capital. Early on Friday, hundreds of riot police crossed a major road to confront red-shirt anti-government protesters. But the police later stepped back from confrontation and the reds agreed to move further away from their barricade. Britain, the US and Australia have issued new warnings against travelling to Thailand in the attacks' aftermath. Six weeks of red-shirt protests have severely challenged the Thai government. The protesters are occupying swathes of Bangkok's shopping hub and have built barricades, the largest of which faces police in the Silom business district. Pressure is rising on the government to find a way out of the conflict but room for negotiation appears to be slim, correspondents say. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said through a spokesman that it was ‘a moment requiring restraint on all sides’.
Pray: against extreme measures on all sides and for restraint to allow for peaceful negotiation. For Christians working in Thailand to have freedom to share the Gospel. (Mt.24:12-14)
More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8638942.stm
