South Africa: May 19th Day of Prayer
09 May 2013A National Day of Prayer has been called by a group of Pretoria Churches standing in unity for God’s blessings for their nation. May we as part of God’s global body support their call. In Pretoria there are SA Christian Leaders Indaba, SA Council of Churches, The Evangelical Alliance of SA, Africa Enterprise, Turn2God and Kairos Ministries. In Cape Town there is Cape Town Transformation, CCFm, Global Day of Prayer, Jericho Walls, Christian Chamber of Commerce, Prayer Mushroom Ministry all standing in unity along with Friends From Abroad. This is the unity that God wants to see in His Body across the nations. South African brothers and sisters will be praying for Unity among Christians, for Education, for the Government and progress to a righteous society, an end of violence against women and children, for revival in their country and the world. For restoration of the Body of Christ, for families and the nations.
Pray: that there will be a great response to this call, as the South African churches recommit to pray together for revival and righteousness in the land. (Ps.51:10-13)
More: http://www.globalprn.com/south-africa-national-day-of-prayer/
South Africa: Learn to let Mandela go
27 Jun 2013The Archbishop of Cape Town said he is glad people are offering heartfelt prayers for the recovery of Nelson Mandela but he also welcomes the growing acceptance that the former South African President, aged 94, in hospital with a lung infection and in a critical condition, cannot go on forever. Writing in a Sunday newspaper Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said it was time for South Africans to break the taboo of death and learn to deal with mortality. It troubled him that people had become so poor at addressing this fundamental part of what it means to be truly human. ‘I was glad to see that alongside our heartfelt prayers for his recovery, there is also growing acceptance that he cannot go on for ever - we must learn to let him go. This is both good and necessary for Madiba's sake and for ours. In fact a more honest attitude to our own mortality helps us all in the daily business of life.’
Pray: for our brothers and sisters in South Africa as they pray for Nelson Mandela; may he have peaceful days and a good end. (Mt.6:10)
More: http://gatewaynews.co.za/2013/06/24/archbishop-south-africa-must-learn-to-let-mandela-go/
South Africa: Guns and blades
09 Mar 2013Besides being a sporting Olympic celebrity, Oscar Pistorius is said to be a devoutly religious man, whose faith was illustrated by a tattoo on his back, quoting Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, ‘I do not run aimlessly but I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.’ He would pray before every race, often with a competitor. So not surprisingly many are stunned by the killing of Reeva Steenkamp. Rumours and allegations abound but what does seem clear is that Pistorius lived with acute fears about his safety. For South Africans this is not untypical. Sadly the new South Africa is a nation beset by fear which is a constant topic of conversation with many. Even churches have prominent signs, warning of ‘Armed Response’ in the event of their security alarm being triggered. Amid the media frenzy, we need to pray that truth will be established.
Pray: that justice can be done despite the frenzied world interest and media hype. Pray also for the relatives of both families to know God’s peace. (Phil. 4:7)
A team of evangelical Christians write, ‘The year has started with outreaches to those who live in ’darkness’ in V. We will be working with a local congregation from 4-11 February 2011 leaving Pretoria on 28 January. From 12-15 February we shall be in the area of E. and from there to Botswana in the B and M areas from 16 February-5 March. The people in these areas are superstitious and worship forefather spirits as their traditional religion. It is difficult for them to change to Christianity. We know that they are living under Satan's yoke and we have the command in Mathew 28 from Jesus to go out and tell them the truth. Can I ask that you will cover this outreach in your prayers please? For Protection, Wisdom, Opportunities, Favour, Open minds, Understanding God's ways, Conversions, Changed lives and the WORKING of the Holy Spirit in these areas, as well as thorough follow-up by the local churches. Thank you.’ Pray: for God to enrich and enable the teams with a double portion of faith and wisdom. (Ex.18:11)
The Family Policy Institute (FPI) stated, ‘Research shows the wide availability of pornography in society is destructive and harmful especially to women and children. This is evidenced by the fact that South Africa is currently regarded as the rape capital of the world. More than 64 000 women are raped annually in SA. In addition, reports indicate that more than 25,000 children are sexually abused every year in SA.’ The FPI called on the Government to take urgent action to stop the free flow and distribution of pornography following the arrest this week of a school principal, teachers, a doctor, an attorney and a businessman for the manufacture and dissemination of child pornography. The FPI statement continues, ‘Children as young as 10 are downloading sexually explicit images to their cell phones. Some are also producing pornographic videos of themselves and sharing it with friends.’
Pray: for an end to the Government’s liberal attitude to the unrestricted availability of pornography. (Lk.18:16 & Ps.12:5)
More: http://gatewaynews.co.za/family-policy-institute-calls-for-adult-porn-clampdown/
South Africa: Concern over violent protests
12 Apr 2011
South African Council of Churches has warned their state leaders that all efforts must be made to save democracy lest they walk the path of Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. ‘It is becoming apparent that in areas where local leaders fail to provide leadership and offer basic social services to the communities, people have now resorted to displaying their agitation and anger in a violent way. We wish political parties could respect the desires of communities and allow internal democracy to lead their choice of candidates,’ the South African Council of Churches said. ‘The violent developments associated with poor delivery of social services west of Johannesburg, and some other parts of the country is a rude re-awakening call to the authorities and an indication of just how destructive things can turn.’ Pray: for credible elections on 18th May and against excessive force by the police at times of demonstration and canvassing. (Pr.8:15)
South Africa: Bishop brokered mine meeting
01 Sep 2012Bishop Jo Seoka, the president of the South African Council of Churches brokered a meeting between Lonmin executives and striking miners following the death of 34 miners when police opened fire on them at a protest meeting for better pay and conditions. The Bishop also sent an open letter to President Jacob Zuma demanding an inquiry into the killing of the miners. Bishop Seoka chairs a Foundation that monitors corporate social responsibility which said ‘the way in which mines in the North West presented themselves often differed from the way communities see them. Communities in the area say that mines' corporate social responsibility programmes are 'lies' that make promises when they enter a community but often do not deliver,’ Seoka added, ‘The majority of the projects are done to satisfy their public image and they rarely consult with workers on what they actually need.’ The foundation warned that lack of education, training and employment opportunities in the province could trigger further unrest.
Pray: the investigation into the shootings would impartially establish responsibilities for the incident within the police force, government and Lonmin. Pray also for justice and fair working conditions for the miners and their families. (Pr.12:6-7 & 11-12)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bishop.brokers.south.africa.mine.meeting/30519.htm
Somalia: UN warns of 750,000 deaths
08 Sep 2011Up to 750,000 people could die as Somalia's drought worsens in the coming months, the UN has warned, declaring a famine in a new area. The UN says tens of thousands of people have died after what is said to be East Africa's worst drought for 60 years. Bay region becomes the sixth area to be officially declared a famine zone - mostly in parts of southern Somalia controlled by the Islamist al-Shabab. Some 12 million people across the region need food aid, the UN says. A sixth region of Somalia has been declared a famine area by the UN, which warns the situation will only worsen in the coming months. In total, 4 million people are in crisis in Somalia, with 750,000 people at risk of death in the coming four months in the absence of adequate response. Half of those who have already died are children.
Pray: for God’s mercy to rest upon the people and famine aid to reach the most needy. (Ps.108:6)