Greece: Archbishop warns of social upheaval
Archbishop Hieronymos II of Athens and All Greece on 2 February warned the Greek government of a possible social upheaval if more austerity measures are ushered in by international financial institutions overseeing the sovereign debt crisis. ‘Our hearts are shattered and our minds are blurred with all that is taking place,’ he said in a letter sent to interim Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, extracts of which were published on the Greek Orthodox Church's official site (www.ecclesia.gr). ‘The phenomenon of the homeless and the famished, a reminder of WWII occupation conditions, is taking nightmare dimensions,’ wrote Hieronymos. The interim coalition government is in the midst of critical talks with the EU's International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank to secure additional funds to avert a default over Greece's huge debt burden.
Pray: for the government of Greece as they face up to this crisis. (Pr.1:20)
Greece: Archbishop warns of social upheaval
Archbishop Hieronymos II of Athens and All Greece on 2 February warned the Greek government of a possible social upheaval if more austerity measures are ushered in by international financial institutions overseeing the sovereign debt crisis. ‘Our hearts are shattered and our minds are blurred with all that is taking place,’ he said in a letter sent to interim Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, extracts of which were published on the Greek Orthodox Church's official site (www.ecclesia.gr). ‘The phenomenon of the homeless and the famished, a reminder of WWII occupation conditions, is taking nightmare dimensions,’ wrote Hieronymos. The interim coalition government is in the midst of critical talks with the EU's International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank to secure additional funds to avert a default over Greece's huge debt burden.
Pray: for the government of Greece as they face up to this crisis. (Pr.1:20)
Wycliffe responds to accusations
Over the last few weeks a good deal of mis-information has been circulating on the Internet regarding the translation of the biblical term rendered in English as ‘the Son of God’ in certain biblical contexts. Eddie Arthur, the Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators writes: ‘Bible translation decisions are often controversial and it is not uncommon for people who speak the same language to disagree strongly about the way a translation is carried out. Wycliffe Bible Translators UK members who are involved in these sorts of translations are seconded to a partner organisation, SIL International. In view of the on-going concern, SIL have recently announced a halt to the publication of any related Scriptures pending an exhaustive and wide-ranging period of consultation with Church leaders and others from across the globe. Our colleagues in SIL are taking a brave step in suspending the publication of Scripture in parts of the world where controversy has been stirred up and we look forward to the outcome of their period of global consultation.’
Pray: that this consultation would bring a speedy resolution under the guidance of God’s wisdom and clarity. (Pr.4:5)
More: http://sil.org/sil/news/2012/SIL-dialogue-translation-practice.htm
Fiji: Urgent prayer need
In a personal prayer request Rev Suliasi Kurulo, Christian Mission Fellowship International (CMFI), urged Christians to pray for the Fiji Islands. He noted that four consecutive days of torrential rain in the Fiji Islands caused most towns, cities and villages to be flooded. Most villages and homes are 15 feet under water, as roads turn into seas of debris. Rev Suliasi Kurulo also wrote that people are warned to prepare for the worst if a cyclone was to hit the nation in the aftermath of the current rainfall and flooding. Local newspapers reported that the flood is worse than the one in 2009, because of the duration and disruption of services, homes, business and roads. According to National News, a leading relief organization said that they don’t have the capacity at this stage in distributing food, which is the immediate need at the moment.
Pray: with Rev Suliasi Kurulo and CMFI for God’s grace and strength that He would give them a heart of compassion in this time of national need. (Ps.37:19)
