Libya: progress towards democratic elections?
23 Jun 2023
Key issues remain strongly contested despite draft laws agreed in Morocco by Libya’s rival legislative bodies. Libya has been fraught with conflict for more than a decade since Muammar Gaddafi’s removal during the Arab Spring, prompting rival factions to compete for power. By 2015 two legislative bodies had formed and struggles over Libya’s rule and wealth have continued since then. A 6+6 committee drawn from Libya’s two rival legislative bodies – the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) and the Tripoli-based High Council of State (HCS) – agreed on 6 June on draft laws for presidential and parliamentary elections, inching forward in the country’s current political crisis. The UN, while welcoming progress, says key issues remain strongly contested, blocking the road to a final settlement and harbouring the potential to spark a new crisis in the divided country. The democratic process needs to reach an agreement on the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates.
On 22 June, Rear Admiral Mauger of the US coastguard service confirmed that five parts of the Titan submersible vessel had been found. The debris indicated that the Titan had suffered a ‘catastrophic implosion’. It had gone missing on 18 June after setting off to explore the wreck of the Titanic. Despite great rescue efforts, hope had been fading of finding it and its five occupants, who had each paid $250,000 for the trip. Earlier, the vessel operator OceanGate said: ‘Our hearts are with these five souls and every member of their families during this tragic time.’ However, some commentators queried the wisdom of using an unlicensed vessel for such a dangerous trip.
Australia: babies born alive after abortion
23 Jun 2023
Every week in Australia, babies survive abortions and are left to die without medical assistance or even pain relief because it has been decided by adults that they do not deserve to live. In response to this, three senators have presented a bill to parliament calling for legal protections to ensure that babies born alive after a termination procedure are given the same medical treatment and pain relief as other babies born at the same gestational age and clinical condition. The Australian Christian Lobby has drafted an email to the prime minister and the federal senate, requesting their support for this bill and are encouraging people to add their name to the document.
Orphanage children rescued from Khartoum
16 Jun 2023
Khartoum’s daily fighting between the military and Rapid Support Forces started in April. The Mygoma orphanage is in the heart of the fighting, making it too dangerous for doctors to visit any sick children. Power and water cuts, and 43C temperatures, have caused 67 children to die of starvation, dehydration, and infections. Transporting 400 children and babies was a huge logistical challenge, but there was no alternative. A handful of locals organised an evacuation in minibuses. On the front of the first minibus was a bedsheet with a message to the militias - ‘There are children on board’.
Missing children found after forty days
16 Jun 2023
Lesly, aged 13, Soleiny 9, Tien 4, and baby Cristin went missing following a plane crash which killed their mother and other adults. They were found alive after forty days, wandering in the Amazon. Colombia’s president said the children had demonstrated an example of ‘total survival that will be remembered in history’. Authorities located them after hearing Tien crying. They were very weak and gaunt when flown by air ambulance to Bogota. ‘We never stopped looking for them until the miracle came’, tweeted the Colombian defence ministry. Their grandfather said, ‘The hope of finding them kept us alive. When we found them we felt joy and grateful to God.’
Greece / Macedonia: prayer on the border
16 Jun 2023
Thirty people prayed for reconciliation at the border between Greece and North Macedonia, asking God to forgive the past. Their flags flew side by side, with hands and hearts united to be one. Everyone declared forgiveness for the blood shed on the land throughout history. Then they declared blessings and brotherhood on each other’s nations and governments. They moved to a North Macedonian church to meet others and worship in Macedonian and in Greek. Then the eldest pastors from both countries washed each other’s feet; flags (pride) were laid before the cross; and pastors from both nations served the Lord’s Supper. They believe the wall of hostility was broken and they are one in the body and blood of Christ, sons and daughters of God.
Society's morals
16 Jun 2023
A decline of Christian teachings and godly values leads to the abandonment of moral principles which hold society together. Ours is a world where an MP, who makes laws shaping our society, is suspended by his party for sexually harassing young women and boasting about taking prostitutes into Parliament. A world where the fourth largest group in parliament are MPs suspended by their parties for misdemeanours and now sitting as independents. Recently a new female MP was given a list of thirty male MPs to avoid being alone with because of their reputation for sexual harassment. There is a need for our politicians to overcome ungodly temptations. Ephesians 6:12 says, ‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.’ Our politicians need our prayers and spiritual protection.
Prayers for our politicians
16 Jun 2023
The exits of Boris Johnson, Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams have triggered by-elections for the constituency seats which they held. Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and questioned as a suspect regarding the funding and finances of the SNP. MPs are calling for her suspension from the party. See Father, we ask in Jesus’ name for Your truth and justice to be woven through the UK’s politics and for You to raise up wise politicians. Draw them to You and cause them to know and fulfil Your purposes for the people and constituencies they serve. Please place individuals in their paths who will provide scriptural, sound and godly guidance, and help them to lead with the excellence that comes from You. May they be willing and obedient to do Your will with pure hearts and motives. Cause each of their lives to glorify Your Name.