The Taliban exists in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but the two forces are not compatible. Recent clashes between them caused the closure of a significant connecting thoroughfare between the two countries. Trucks carrying fruits, vegetables, and other commodities were stranded at the Michni checkpoint border crossing. The two groups were firing at one another, and authorities from both governments are trying to determine the cause and how to de-escalate the conflict. The border between the two countries is 1,675 miles long, and for decades it has seen many conflicts between the security forces. Pray for the negotiating parties of both countries to reach an agreement about this critical border crossing that will keep the border open and flowing for aid supplies (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Global: climate change and corruption
14 Sep 2023
Last week we prayed for Africa Climate Week and the first global stocktake that demanded the Global North takes responsibility for its contribution to damage in Africa. There is a need for action that makes climate projects stronger and more effective, from design to implementation. However, what is missing is the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability by non-governmental groups, especially civil society and indigenous communities. Governments and private investors have committed billions of dollars to green initiatives, but up to 35% of climate action funds have been lost to corruption as many countries that receive climate finance have high levels of corruption. With the climate crisis worsening, there is immense pressure to disperse climate funds as quickly as possible, which can lead to decision-makers bypassing rules. Climate projects are often technical, resulting in a lack of accountability. Pray for climate-related investments around the world to reach their intended destination and be used effectively and inclusively. Pray for climate initiatives to have increased transparency. See also
Hunter Biden indicted on gun charges
14 Sep 2023
President Biden's son, Hunter, has been criminally charged with three counts of lying when buying a firearm, after a proposed plea deal collapsed. This is the first time the child of a sitting president has been criminally prosecuted. All three counts relate to Mr Biden allegedly lying on forms while buying a firearm when he was a drug user. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, the justice department said in a statement. The younger Mr Biden's legal woes have become a political lightning rod as his father seeks re-election. Earlier this week, Republicans in the House of Representatives announced an impeachment inquiry into President Biden: among the accusations being levelled against him are that he lied about his involvement in his son's business dealings while serving as vice-president. Two Internal Revenue Service investigators have also claimed that the justice department stymied their investigation into Hunter Biden's tax return.
The first translation of the Bible into the Mohawk language has been published in Canada. Portions of the Bible in Mohawk were published in 1715 in a book of Morning and Evening Prayer, but this is the first time the entire Bible has been in print in the language indigenous to North America. Harvey Satewas Gabriel has studied his native language all his life and dedicated 40 years to his goal. In a recent interview, 84-year-old Harvey said, ‘You never get tired of working with the Word of God’. Translation of and engagement with the Scriptures is strategic and valuable for revitalising language and culture. The Canadian Bible Society hopes that having the whole Bible in print will make a positive contribution to the life of the Mohawk church.
One Way Ministries – move of God
07 Sep 2023
‘We believe that what we are seeing is a legitimate move of God. We are seeing revival across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. We are seeing thousands of non-believers come to Christ each month and thousands of believers becoming pillars of faith in their communities. We heard from the Lord to start planting house churches because persecution was coming, so that's what we did. Several years later, we have over 4,000 house churches planted and thousands of people saved / actively making other disciples. We believe this is only the beginning. We believe that where there is faith, there will be a move of God. One Way Ministries International is a ministry focused on the Great Commission that isn't satisfied with mediocre results. We have a large vision and great faith in the God we serve. He will always do exceedingly and abundantly more than we think or ask for (Ephesians 3:20).’
British Asian Christians are issuing an urgent call for peace in Manipur as the area grapples with escalating violence and persecution. They are calling on people to join a peaceful protest in London next week. They said, ‘This unified effort, driven by the desire for justice and equality, seeks to shed light on the discrimination faced by Christians in the region.’ They are calling for ‘people of faith or no faith, who have good conscience and are moved by the recent attacks to come together and call for change.’ The violent persecution of Christians, which began four months ago over land rights and jobs, has been brought to the attention of British MPs, and a meeting in Parliament to discuss the situation is scheduled for later this month. Prime minister Modi is accused of ignoring the situation and not doing enough to quell the violence, earning him a vote of no confidence.
Pray for bankrupt Birmingham
07 Sep 2023
Birmingham City Council has announced that it is bankrupt, and all new spending will stop, with the exception of money protecting vulnerable people and legal services. Following the bankruptcy announcement, Birmingham’s faith leaders raised a ‘Call to Prayer for Birmingham’ outside the council house between 6.00 and 6.45 pm on Friday 8 September. Currently, the council's outgoings and legal liabilities are more than it can afford, and Bishop Desmond Jaddoo is calling all faith leaders to come together in prayer and to offer what help they can in this time of need. Bishop Jaddoo said, ‘We've noticed that at times like this, the poor, the vulnerable, families who are struggling with the cost of living, our children will feel the impact this is going to have. It's going to exacerbate pre-existing hardships along with cuts in services. We are in this together, and we've got to come together to deal with this collectively.’
Church’s statement over RAAC school closures
07 Sep 2023
As families navigate the start of school, the Church of England has released a statement following news that 156 schools are at risk of collapsing because a type of concrete known as 'RAAC' was used in their construction. 52 buildings could suddenly collapse, and action was immediately taken to make them safe by propping up the concrete. The other 104 are scrambling to put safety measures in place and stay open. Schools with RAAC and no safety measures prepared must close, with pupils relocated to temporary facilities or pandemic-style online learning reintroduced. The CofE education office, which is in contact with government ministers and the Department for Education on this matter, is ensuring that dioceses are aware of the situation where it affects their schools. It says, ‘We are in close communication with them about any needed mitigations or contingency measures.’ See also