Displaying items by tag: Belfast

An article from the Belfast Telegraph reports on a disturbing racially motivated attack on an East Belfast church. Vandals used an angle grinder to damage the church's gates, an act that has been widely condemned by the community and political leaders as a hateful and sickening attack. The church, known for its diverse congregation and outreach programmes, has been a vital part of the community, fostering inclusivity and unity among people of different backgrounds. Local authorities have launched an investigation, treating the attack as a hate crime. Community members and leaders have expressed their solidarity with the church, emphasising the need to stand against racism and support those targeted by such violence. The church leadership remains undeterred, focusing on promoting peace and reconciliation in the wake of this attack. They have called for prayers and unity within the community, reaffirming their commitment to serving everyone regardless of race or background.

Belfast’s Nightingale hospital will be expanded to increase the number of intensive care beds from 24 to 32. Currently 20 Covid-19 patients are receiving intensive care at the facility and four beds are available. The Nightingale will deal with patient surges due to rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in the coming weeks. There are 126 nurses providing round-the-clock one-to-one nursing cover for all 24 beds. The BBC also revealed plans to increase the number of ward beds from 21 to 36. All six NI main hospitals are operating at full capacity or beyond. There is an expected peak during the last two weeks of January.

Christians across Northern Ireland have the opportunity to bring relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues to hear the good news of Jesus Christ proclaimed by evangelist J John in CS Lewis Square, Belfast. The square features seven bronze sculptures from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, including the great lion, Aslan. As J John preaches the gospel in this unique setting, organisers and supporting churches will be praying that many come to know the true and living Christ. The last evangelistic event in Belfast was in 1923. At that time 2,000 dock workers marched straight from work, still wearing their dungarees, to go and hear evangelist WP Nicholson preach. Such was the power of his preaching that a shed named the ‘Nicholson shed’ was erected in the shipyard, to house the stolen tools that newly-converted workers returned.

Unfortunately cybercrime is increasing. We are twenty times more likely to be robbed while at our computer by overseas criminals than in the street. On 18 December a new security operations centre for Belfast was announced. Businesses with highly connected personal devices, cloud use and rapidly advancing technology are increasingly at risk: see https://www.businesscloud.co.uk/news/capita-unveils-major-cyber-security-investment The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a government organisation providing advice and support for the public and private sector about how to avoid computer security threats. NCSC works closely with educators and researchers to build a cyber-savvy workforce of the future and enhance the UK's knowledge. Pray for NCSC in 2019 as it implements innovative cyber security and support teaching initiatives after Brexit.