Record number visit Bethlehem
The little town of Bethlehem has seen the highest number of Christmas pilgrims in a decade, according to the Israeli military. More than 100,000 people from around the world gathered in the birthplace of Jesus this Christmas, up from 50,000 the previous year. The increase in tourists is most likely down to a decrease in violence between Palestinians and Israel in recent years. Included among the pilgrims are about 500 Christians from Gaza Strip who were granted a rare holiday entry permit by Israel. There are about 3,500 Christians among Gaza’s 1.5 million population. Palestinian officials said all 24 of Bethlehem’s hotels were fully booked. The Middle East’s senior Catholic cleric Fuad Twal travelled to Bethlehem from Jerusalem and held a midnight mass at St Catherine’s Church, next to the Church of the Nativity. Twal called for peace and reconciliation between Israel and Palestinians. Praise: God for this increased number of pilgrims gathering to worship at the stable. (Lk.2:15)
Record number visit Bethlehem
The little town of Bethlehem has seen the highest number of Christmas pilgrims in a decade, according to the Israeli military. More than 100,000 people from around the world gathered in the birthplace of Jesus this Christmas, up from 50,000 the previous year. The increase in tourists is most likely down to a decrease in violence between Palestinians and Israel in recent years. Included among the pilgrims are about 500 Christians from Gaza Strip who were granted a rare holiday entry permit by Israel. There are about 3,500 Christians among Gaza’s 1.5 million population. Palestinian officials said all 24 of Bethlehem’s hotels were fully booked. The Middle East’s senior Catholic cleric Fuad Twal travelled to Bethlehem from Jerusalem and held a midnight mass at St Catherine’s Church, next to the Church of the Nativity. Twal called for peace and reconciliation between Israel and Palestinians. Praise: God for this increased number of pilgrims gathering to worship at the stable. (Lk.2:15)
Christians leaders pray for the nation
Christian leaders from a wide variety of denominations, ministries and prayer networks gathered earlier this month at New Life Christian Centre in Wembley to unite together and mobilize the church to fast and pray for the nation throughout 2011. ‘We were delighted to see 60-70 leaders from around the nation and there was an excellent response from those who were present,’ said Ian Christiansen Senior Minister of New Life Christian Centre. He added: ‘We heard from Anglican minister Keith Powell from the West Country who shared how God has spoken to him about 2011 being a pivotal year for fasting and praying.’ Global Day of Prayer London Convener Jonathan Oloyede said ‘This is the time for leaders to lay down their titles, brands and denominational labels and unite together at the cross in prayer. If we can truly covenant together in unity we will see restoration, renewal and revival in our generation.’ Praise: God for His call to unity and prayer. May we all be obedient and answer that call. (Eph.4:13)
Christians leaders pray for the nation
Christian leaders from a wide variety of denominations, ministries and prayer networks gathered earlier this month at New Life Christian Centre in Wembley to unite together and mobilize the church to fast and pray for the nation throughout 2011. ‘We were delighted to see 60-70 leaders from around the nation and there was an excellent response from those who were present,’ said Ian Christiansen Senior Minister of New Life Christian Centre. He added: ‘We heard from Anglican minister Keith Powell from the West Country who shared how God has spoken to him about 2011 being a pivotal year for fasting and praying.’ Global Day of Prayer London Convener Jonathan Oloyede said ‘This is the time for leaders to lay down their titles, brands and denominational labels and unite together at the cross in prayer. If we can truly covenant together in unity we will see restoration, renewal and revival in our generation.’ Praise: God for His call to unity and prayer. May we all be obedient and answer that call. (Eph.4:13)
