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)
Somalia: Suicide bombing in Mogadishu
03 Dec 2011A suicide bomber killed at least five people on Wednesday when he detonated explosives outside a government military base. This is the latest in a series of attacks in violence-ridden Mogadishu. The attacker detonated his explosives after being approached by security forces. The city is regularly targeted by the Somali insurgent group al-Shabab. On Monday, a series of blasts killed at least six people including two people at a hospital for women and children. In recent months, Somali forces backed by African Union troops forced al-Shabab from Mogadishu, but the insurgents have continued to wage guerrilla-style warfare in the capital. The US State Department says it is 'extreamly concned' about al-Shabab's announcmen ot ban 16 international aid organizations' accusing them of promoting secularism, immorality and what it describes as ‘the degrading values of democracy in an Islamic country.’ The UN agencies have been removed from regions where nearly 250,000 people are at risk of starvation and need emergency assistance.
Pray: for life saving aid groups to return and for Kenyan troops and Somalia’s transitional government to win the battle against al-Shabab. (Ps.17:8-9)
More: http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/11/30/five-dead-in-suicide-bombing-in-mogadishu/
Somalia: Strictly Islamic state
16 Feb 2013Somali cities are chaotic yet functional. There’s a working public transport, brisk market business, electricity and running water - but people get shot as a normal part of daily life. No one takes notice anymore. They simply wait for the bodies to be cleared then quickly resume business. Armed violence is common; it’s used to deal with disagreements and generally ends in death. Many more deaths follow when the deceased’s fellow gang members retaliate. The hardest part to understand is the fact that ‘human life has lost its value’. It is astounding that there is a Church in Somalia - when believers embrace Christ they embrace martyrdom - prepared to pay the price for their faith. It is too dangerous for believers to meet openly in this strictly Islamic state. Al-Shabaab target converts to Christianity and eliminate them. Aid workers, Christian or otherwise, require tight security due to the risk of abduction.
tPray: hat al-Shabab’s influence will diminish, for Christian radio programmes to bring hope to isolated believers and for more tolerance towards Christians. (Ps.32:7)
More: http://www.worldwatchlist.us/world-watch-list-countries/somalia/