Dr Pamela Prince Pyle, an internal medicine physician and chair of Africa New Life Ministries, has witnessed many patients experiencing visions of Jesus and heaven in their final moments. Some, after days of unconsciousness, have suddenly called out 'Jesus!' before passing. Inspired by these encounters, she wrote Anticipating Heaven, a book combining spiritual and practical wisdom on preparing for death. Pyle emphasises that while miraculous healings don’t always happen, the greatest miracle is salvation. She urges families to continue speaking faith and truth to their loved ones, even if unconscious, as Jesus can still reach them. She contrasts two end-of-life experiences: terminal restlessness, marked by fear and darkness, and near-death awareness, where patients describe peaceful transitions, seeing loved ones, or preparing to 'go'. She also warns against euthanasia, preferring a God-ordained process of dying in faith, which can be a powerful testimony. Her book equips individuals and churches to approach death with hope, anticipation, and the assurance of heaven.
Author and speaker Jennie Allen is witnessing an extraordinary movement of God among college students across the USA. Through the UniteUs ministry, thousands are gathering for worship, repentance, and baptisms at different universities. Allen describes the revival-like atmosphere, where students confess sins, commit to Christ, and get baptised - often until the early morning. One young man, previously lost, told his friend, 'I need to go a new way’ after experiencing conviction and transformation. His friend, who had been praying for him, saw his prayers answered. These events are entirely student-led, with teams praying, fundraising, and organising the gatherings. At the University of Kentucky, students completed a 42-mile prayer walk around campus before the event, believing for revival. Allen, preparing for her own event Gather25, sees this movement as undeniably God-ordained: a miracle unfolding on campuses globally. She is in awe of what God is doing and urges believers to pray for continued awakening among students. See also
Sir Keir Starmer has backed Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a 'democratically elected leader', after Donald Trump described him as a dictator. Starmer reassured Zelensky that suspending elections during wartime, as the UK did in World War Two, was 'perfectly reasonable’. He is set to meet Trump in Washington next week, aiming to secure a US backstop to deter further Russian aggression. He has said he is prepared to deploy British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, with Western officials suggesting under 30,000 troops could be sent to provide reassurance. Meanwhile, Trump's comments have sparked criticism from Sweden’s prime minister, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and former US vice president Mike Pence, among others. Some Western officials are discussing using drones and intelligence aircraft to monitor Ukraine rather than deploying large numbers of troops.
Four US air force bombers have arrived at RAF Fairford as part of its Bomber Task Force Europe, reinforcing NATO’s deterrence posture amid rising tensions with Russia. The bombers have already participated in joint missions with Finland, France, and Sweden to enhance allied air force interoperability. Major-general Joseph Campo highlighted the mission’s strategic significance, stating that Bomber Task Force missions project US combat power, ensuring lethality and readiness in an evolving security landscape. Another commander said that training with NATO allies strengthens operational cohesion and enhances the ability to deploy decisive capabilities whenever needed. The bombers will participate in joint exercises across Europe, showcasing agility and rapid-response capabilities. This deployment affirms US commitment to deterring Russian aggression and maintaining a robust defence presence in the region.
UK inflation jumps to a ten-month high
20 Feb 2025
Inflation in the UK has surged to 3% in January, reaching a ten-month high, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The rise was driven by higher plane fares, increased food costs, and a sharp jump in private school fees. Analysts had expected a smaller increase of 2.8%. An ONS official explained that airfare prices did not drop as usual after the holiday season, food prices rose, and private school fees jumped significantly due to recent tax changes. Rachel Reeves defended the Government's economic strategy, stating that wage growth is outpacing inflation, putting an extra £1,000 a year in people’s pockets on average. She highlighted her focus on economic growth, cutting regulations, and investing in infrastructure. However, shadow chancellor Mel Stride blamed the Government’s 'record tax hikes and excessive spending', arguing that this rise will cause higher prices, prolonged high interest rates, and financial struggles for families.
A 74-year-old woman has become the first person charged in Scotland under the new Abortion Services Act 2024. The law, which came into force in September, bans anti-abortion protests within 200 metres of hospitals and clinics where terminations are performed. The police arrested and charged the woman after reports of a demonstration outside a Glasgow hospital. The case will be referred to the procurator fiscal. Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who introduced the legislation, called the protests 'shameful' and thanked the police for their swift response. She argued that the law is necessary to protect women from intimidation while accessing healthcare. The incident follows controversial remarks by US vice-president JD Vance, who falsely claimed that Scots could be prosecuted for private prayer in their homes. The Scottish government dismissed his comments as misinformation, reaffirming that private prayer is not prohibited. Mackay urged potential demonstrators to 'think again', warning that future protests will be stopped, and legal consequences will follow.
A 52-year-old man has reportedly overcome a fifteen-year cocaine addiction after receiving weight-loss injections containing semaglutide. The drug, commonly used to treat obesity and diabetes, is believed to target the brain’s hunger and reward centres, reducing cravings not only for food but also for addictive substances. This first-of-its-kind case aligns with recent studies suggesting semaglutide could help treat addiction, including reducing alcohol consumption and smoking habits. Some researchers have even dubbed it a 'fountain of youth', as it has been linked to lowered heart attack risk, improved fertility, and slowed ageing markers. The man, who previously struggled with depression, anxiety, and failed addiction treatments, sought help for both weight and drug dependency. Within twelve weeks, his focus shifted from drug use to exercise, showing improved physical health and self-esteem. Experts suggest semaglutide could be a promising treatment for addiction; however, further long-term studies are needed.
The Church in Wales is set to reconsider its stance on same-sex blessings, with the experimental provision allowing blessings for same-sex couples due to expire in September 2026. While the Church still does not permit same-sex marriage, the blessing service was introduced in 2021 as a compromise, allowing clergy to decide individually whether to conduct such services. The Archbishop of Wales, Most Rev Andrew John, has called for prayerful and open discussions as the denomination discerns its next steps. A series of meetings will be held across Wales, providing clergy and congregants a chance to share their perspectives. Options under consideration include ending the practice, extending it, or introducing a formal service of same-sex marriage within the Church. The Archbishop emphasised the need for respectful engagement with one another, Scripture, and tradition. The Scottish Episcopal Church already permits same-sex marriage, as do the Quakers, Unitarians, and the United Reformed Church.