Thousands say 'People First' in Scottish anti-cuts march
Last weekend thousands of people marched in Glasgow protesting against government cuts and calling for a just UK-wide economic policy. The People First rally brought together politicians from a range of parties, trade unionists and faith groups campaigning to protect those hardest hit by service and benefits cuts across Britain. The march included a range of fringe events in places of worship, student unions and hotels across the city. The aim was to send a clear message to the coalition Government of the need for a Plan B to avoid recession, rising poverty and damaging cuts in services.
Pray: for Chancellor George Osborne and the coalition as they develop strategies to close the economic gap between rich and poor. (1Sa.2:8)
Hungary: Village still suffers one year after disaster
A painted portrait and empty child stroller is all that remains of 14-months-old Angyalka, who drowned in the village of Kolonttar in the burning sludge flood of the nearby aluminium plant on October 4, 2010, in Hungary's worst ever chemical disaster on record. Some villagers pause to remember, or pray, around a memorial to those who died when 180 million gallons of red sludge flooded the village of Kolonttar and nearby towns, 150 kilometres west of Budapest. The town’s struggling farmers have only just started working their lands again, after removing most of the sludge. Local authorities provided them with new fields to plant their crops. Environmentalists remain concerned about the long term impact of the disaster. Hard working residents who lost their loved ones say it's little satisfaction that the owner of the Ajka Alumina plant was fined nearly 650 million dollars because of the disaster. They say nothing in the world can ever compensate for the lives that were lost.
Pray: that, as the land is slowly being restored, emotions and spirits will also be healed. (Ps.34:17,18)
Hungary: Village still suffers one year after disaster
A painted portrait and empty child stroller is all that remains of 14-months-old Angyalka, who drowned in the village of Kolonttar in the burning sludge flood of the nearby aluminium plant on October 4, 2010, in Hungary's worst ever chemical disaster on record. Some villagers pause to remember, or pray, around a memorial to those who died when 180 million gallons of red sludge flooded the village of Kolonttar and nearby towns, 150 kilometres west of Budapest. The town’s struggling farmers have only just started working their lands again, after removing most of the sludge. Local authorities provided them with new fields to plant their crops. Environmentalists remain concerned about the long term impact of the disaster. Hard working residents who lost their loved ones say it's little satisfaction that the owner of the Ajka Alumina plant was fined nearly 650 million dollars because of the disaster. They say nothing in the world can ever compensate for the lives that were lost.
Pray: that, as the land is slowly being restored, emotions and spirits will also be healed. (Ps.34:17,18)
Greece: Another general strike
A 24-hour general strike is under way in Greece in protest at the nation's austerity measures. Flights and ferry services have been cancelled, schools, government offices and tourist sites closed and hospitals are working with reduced staff as at least 16,000 people joined protests organised by the main unions in central Athens. The European Commission is discussing ways of propping up banks in Europe to protect them from the Greek crisis.
Pray: for God to give all those in positions of authority in Greece much wisdom. (Pr.3:13,14)
