Russia: 'Missiles deployed' in breakaway region of Abkhazia
Russia says it has deployed S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in the breakaway region of Abkhazia in Georgia. The Georgian government - which refuses to acknowledge Abkhazia's independence - says it is ‘concerned’ by the move. The announcement comes just days after an unscheduled visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to the region. Russia recognised Abkhaz independence in 2008 after winning a brief war with Georgia over nearby South Ossetia. In a statement released by the Russian government, Air Force Commander-in-chief General Alexander Zelin said the role of the missiles would be ‘anti-aircraft defence of the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’. Pray: that this military build-up will not raise tensions in the Caucasus region. (Ecc.3:1-8)
Spain: Judge forced to return salary over gay adoption
Spanish Judge Fernando Ferrin Calamita has been suspended for ten years and ordered to return his salary of about 100,000 euros to the government because he delayed a decision to allow a lesbian to adopt her partner’s child. He must also pay the couple more than 5,000 euros in compensation and pay another fine of $700. Calamita was found guilty of obstructing the adoption process when he denied the lesbian’s request to adopt the child while waiting for a report on the impact of same-sex families on children. He was initially suspended for two years from the practice, but the Supreme Court in December 2009 increased the suspension to 10 years. ‘The powerful Spanish homosexual lobby, with the consent or passivity of all the institutions, decided to punish Ferrin and make him an example,’ commented the conservative Spain-based Professionals for Ethics, according to the Catholic News Agency. Pray: for Judge Calamita to be reinstated with his reputation intact. (Job 5:4)
Spain: Judge forced to return salary over gay adoption
Spanish Judge Fernando Ferrin Calamita has been suspended for ten years and ordered to return his salary of about 100,000 euros to the government because he delayed a decision to allow a lesbian to adopt her partner’s child. He must also pay the couple more than 5,000 euros in compensation and pay another fine of $700. Calamita was found guilty of obstructing the adoption process when he denied the lesbian’s request to adopt the child while waiting for a report on the impact of same-sex families on children. He was initially suspended for two years from the practice, but the Supreme Court in December 2009 increased the suspension to 10 years. ‘The powerful Spanish homosexual lobby, with the consent or passivity of all the institutions, decided to punish Ferrin and make him an example,’ commented the conservative Spain-based Professionals for Ethics, according to the Catholic News Agency. Pray: for Judge Calamita to be reinstated with his reputation intact. (Job 5:4)
God's time for Greece
The bravery and courage of ancient Spartans is legendary. The name conjures up visions of fearless soldiers charging into battle without thought of life or limb. The word ‘spartan’ has crept into the English language to describe conditions that are at the opposite extreme from comfortable and luxurious. For the past week Sparta has been the epicentre of a missionary outreach that has reached and touched thousands of homes through a team of 180 from countries as diverse as Canada, Romania, Italy, South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA and Albania. In all 60,000 households received a copy of the New Testament in contemporary Greek as part of a project called Operation Joshua. One participant described it as a ‘Tsunami of blessing’ as energetic teams using some 50 cars, criss-crossed the sparse and mountainous region. They have gone to over 800 villages in some of the remotest areas of Greece bringing the message of life. Pray: that the blessings thus achieved in Sparta will take root and prosper. (Lk.13:19) More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/gods.time.for.greece/26430.htm
