Papua New Guinea: Criminals repent publicly
During 2010, the Ukarumpa centre of Wycliffe Bible Translators and the neighbouring village in Papua New Guinea were under significant criminal activity on a nightly basis. It was a very stressful time for the local people and missionaries alike, but God was at work nonetheless. Over Easter 2011, one of the village pastors conducted an evangelistic crusade, where the criminals surrendered to Christ. As a result, in July this year, they publicly apologized to everyone for their activities. They demonstrated how they had turned their lives over to Jesus and each young man publicly apologized for his crimes. A few made a point to apologize directly to the owners of the houses they had broken into. The worship service overflowed with testimonies of how God was at work in their hearts! Also some of the missionaries repented of their lack of faith and belief to imagine how God works through prayer, and of their own lack of grace and forgiveness.
Praise: God for this wonderful testimony of His love and grace in action. (Ro.12;9)
Increasing support for life issues among young people
A new ComRes poll commissioned by Premier Christian Media has revealed that young Christians are more concerned about life issues such as abortion and euthanasia than elderly believers are. The poll surveyed Christians of all ages and denominations, asking them to rate a number of issues in terms of how important they are. The poll revealed that there was a big difference between what young and older generations of Christians regard as important issues, with life issues of greater concern to young people aged between 18-34 years compared with those over the age of 65. Almost three quarters (69%) of young people surveyed believe abortion to be very important compared to just 31% of over 65's, and two thirds (66%) of young people think that euthanasia is a very important issue, compared with just a third (33%) of over 65’s. In contrast, youth related issues were of greater concern to over 65's as compared to young people.
Praise: God for this trend and concern among the young. (1Cor.12:25)
Increasing support for life issues among young people
A new ComRes poll commissioned by Premier Christian Media has revealed that young Christians are more concerned about life issues such as abortion and euthanasia than elderly believers are. The poll surveyed Christians of all ages and denominations, asking them to rate a number of issues in terms of how important they are. The poll revealed that there was a big difference between what young and older generations of Christians regard as important issues, with life issues of greater concern to young people aged between 18-34 years compared with those over the age of 65. Almost three quarters (69%) of young people surveyed believe abortion to be very important compared to just 31% of over 65's, and two thirds (66%) of young people think that euthanasia is a very important issue, compared with just a third (33%) of over 65’s. In contrast, youth related issues were of greater concern to over 65's as compared to young people.
Praise: God for this trend and concern among the young. (1Cor.12:25)
Somalia: Needs more AU troops and aid
UN special envoy to Somalia appealed for more peacekeepers in Mogadishu. The Somali government is offering amnesty to fighters from the militant al-Shabab group who control south and central Somalia, including the areas worst affected by famine. On Saturday it surprised many analysts by announcing a withdrawal of its forces from Mogadishu. However some believe al-Shabab has made a tactical retreat, and think they are likely to wage guerrilla warfare in Mogadishu including carrying out more suicide bombings. Al-Shabab is affiliated to al-Qaeda and was formed to overthrow the government to establish Islamic rule in Somalia. The first UN aid for Mogadishu in five years arrived on Monday with famine relief for the 100,000 refugees in search of food. Insecurity makes it difficult for aid agencies to distribute materials.
Pray: for militant leaders to lay down weapons and return to society and for safe distribution aid. (1Tim.2:2)
