Ethiopia: Ahmed met Jesus
Ahmed hated Christians. He attacked them and burned their Bibles. Then he was saved through direct encounters with God and came out of Islam to become a mighty Gospel missionary in Ethiopia. He says, ‘When I was sleeping a Voice came from Heaven and said, 'Mohammad, you are living in darkness. Come out of that cave and follow Me.’ Somehow Ahmed knew it was the voice of the Christian God but when he confided his dream to his mother she kicked him out of the family home, so he dismissed God's attention. Then he became ill, ‘I couldn't eat, walk or talk, I went to hospitals but was not healed.’ In desperation he humbly asked for help from Christian missionaries who talked about Jesus’ message of salvation by grace through faith, and then they prayed together. Now Ahmed says, ‘Jesus is my peace, my healing, my ministry, and my Saviour.’
Praise: God for Ahemed’s story and may millions more living in total darkness hear His still small voice. (Is.30:20-22)
More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=9896
Libya: Leader threatens 'force' to defend unity
Tribal leaders and a political faction declared autonomy for an eastern region of Lybia, but Abdel Jalil said, ‘We are not prepared to divide Libya,’ and called on leaders in the eastern Cyrenaica region to engage in dialogue saying infiltrators and remnants of Gaddafi's regime wanted to exploit them. He said he was ready to deter opposition with force. ‘The national charter contains provisions that protect this nation and it is like a constitution for Libya's future.’ Some tribal and political leaders in the oil-rich east are trying to carve out a semi-autonomous territory and have called for a federal system of governance. From 1951 to 1963 the country was split into three states-Cyrenaica, Tripolitania and Fezzan. Advocates of a return to federalism believe it prevents the east from being marginalised as was the case for decades, while opponents fear the initiative will split the country and stand in the way of reconciliation.
Pray: for God to help the leaders to faithfully represent Libya’s interests in this sensitive period. (Ps.33:10,11)
USA: Candidates' pledges
Open Doors USA is working with candidates from both parties seeking the position of President of the United States to craft a religious freedom pledge. The pledge has now been presented to all of the presidential candidates to sign. A candidate’s signature indicates they commit to upholding religious freedom for people of all faiths in America, and prioritizing religious freedom concerns in foreign policy. So far, Rick Santorum is the only presidential candidate who has signed it. Meanwhile, a coalition of Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders are asking candidates not to lose sight of Middle East peace. Their statement reads, ‘While majorities of Israelis and Palestinians continue to long for peace, political problems on both sides inhibit leaders from moving forward. The months leading up to US national elections present a special challenge, we urge candidates not to use any rhetoric that could make prospects for peace more problematic.’ See:
Pray: that the next US President will uphold religious freedom and cultural justice into the national spotlight and preserve these most valued freedoms for future generations. (Ps.45:4)
More: http://www.pledgeforreligiousfreedom.com/pledge-for-religious-freedom
USA: Aid needed for tornado victims
Last week a tornado outbreak of 440 warnings in five states killed 39 people and completely flattened whole townships. Meteorologists say this only comes along once every 10 or 20 years. The Salvation Army has sent in Emergency Disaster Service teams from nearby New Albany to the badly damaged town of Henryville in Clark County, where mobile canteens have been set up. Another team is providing food for 200 people at the Red Cross shelter in Charlestown. In Washington County, they are providing food for nearly 400 victims. The Salvation Army is assessing what's needed and providing support to the victims of these storms, and believe they will be meeting needs for a long time.’ Father Schaftlein in Henryville, a town severely affected said, ‘Although the response to provide help to those people affected has been significant, sustaining that outreach over the course of several months will be vital.'
Pray: for excellent communication between the various service providers, enabling swift, successful and appropriate aid wherever it is needed. (Php.4:19)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/salvation.army.aids.tornadoaffected.communities/29423.htm
