Iran: Iranian video says Mahdi is near
CBN News Terrorism Analyst reported the Iranian government believes the Islamic messiah (Mahdi) is about to appear. An Iranian regime-produced video called, ‘The Coming is Near’ describes current events in the Middle East as a prelude to the arrival of the mythical twelfth Imam or Mahdi. - a messiah figure who Islamic scriptures say will lead the armies of Islam to victory over all non-Muslims in the last days. According to an insider to the Iranian regime, ‘Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's office screened this movie recently with much excitement for the clerics.’ The target audience is Muslims in the Middle East and around the world. The video claims Iran is destined to rise as a great power in the last days to defeat America and Israel and usher in the return of the Mahdi; it makes clear the Iranians believe that time is fast approaching. Pray: for Jesus Christ to reveal himself in power to President Ahmadinejad (Is.2:2) and for Iranian Christians to have many safe opportunities for evangelism at this time. (Col.4:3)
Teachers to ask 11-year-olds if they are gay
A report commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) recommends that children should be asked if they are homosexual from the age of 11 and that records should be kept of those unsure about or ‘questioning’ their sexuality. The report was conducted in an effort to encourage teachers, nurses and youth workers to start monitoring the development of young people’s sexual identity. The aim of the monitoring would be to ‘shed light on the complexities of young people’s developing sexual orientation and how this may disadvantage them.’ The report suggested that it is both ‘practically and ethically’ possible to interview children as young as 11 about their sexual orientation, if necessary without parental consent. The report has prompted concern in some quarters. Pray: for the authorities and there seeming obsession with sexuality especially with the young. (1Cor.6:12&6:18) More:http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/equality-commission-wants-teachers-to-ask-children-if-they-are-homos
‘Pop porn’ is harming young children
Sexually charged pop lyrics and videos are damaging young children but the industry does not care as long as it makes money, a national newspaper columnist has said. Sandra Parsons highlighted popstar Rihanna’s song S&M which includes sexually explicit lyrics, as well as a music video by rapper Skepta and a song by the artist Jessie J. The columnist is worried about the effect on children, but was sceptical about whether the industry would care ‘about the emotional stability of the children who make them ever richer. What children see, hear and do before adulthood can have far-reaching consequences’ she writes. ‘Can we honestly say that the boys listening to all these mainstream songs that glorify aggressive sex will not be remotely affected later on? Teenagers are an easy target for a cynical music industry that continues to pump out ever more pornographic images and lyrics to sell records.’ Pray: for public and political opinion to censure the music industry and force them to curtail their unchecked push of pornographic material. (Eze.16:58) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/pop-porn-is-harming-young-children-columnist-warns/
Training in community outreach ahead of 2012 Games
Churches are to be trained in running community festivals as part of their outreach during the 2012 London Olympic Games. Thirteen training events are to take place over the coming months to show churches how they can put on simple events that build community spirit and demonstrate the Gospel. Organisers are hoping churches will work together to run a festival in their community in the run-up to or during the Games. The training events are being coordinated by More than Gold, the charity overseeing church outreach during the 2012 Olympic Games, and being run by Fusion and Share Jesus International, which offer two alternative models of festival. Venues include London, Newcastle, Oxford, Reading, Preston, Croydon, Liverpool and Aylesbury. David Willson, chief executive of More than Gold, said: ‘it is time for churches to be making their own plans. This tour gives them the help they need.’
Pray: for a huge response by church and other Christian groups to support the outreach during the Olympics. (Mk.16:15)
