Peru: state of emergency declared
A thirty-day state of emergency has been declared in Lima following a surge in violent crime. President Dina Boluarte’s government made the decree after the murder of popular cumbia singer Paul Flores, who was killed in an attack on a bus. The move allows police and military forces to detain suspects with fewer restrictions, limiting freedoms of assembly and movement. The decision follows weeks of rising violence, including an explosion at a restaurant that injured eleven people. There have been 459 killings so far this year, and nearly 2,000 extortion cases in January alone. Boluarte has raised the possibility of the death penalty for murderers, though at present Peruvian law only permits it for treason. Opposition lawmakers are demanding a no-confidence vote against the interior minister, accusing him of failing to curb crime. Public outrage remains high as Peru struggles to restore security.
Syria: misleading reports about ‘slaughter of Christians’
Open Doors has warned that false online reports about a Christian massacre in Syria could put Syrian believers at greater risk. While recent violence in Latakia and Tartus has killed over 1,500 people, including four Christians, there is no evidence that believers were specifically targeted for their faith. An Open Doors representative cautioned that misinformation could have serious consequences. He noted that governments and armed groups monitor online discussions, and false claims could lead to further persecution of Christians who had no involvement in spreading such reports. Though this latest wave of violence has not directly targeted Christians, Syrian believers - especially those who have converted from Islam - already face persecution. Many are fearful and some are considering fleeing the country. Churches in some regions have even cancelled services due to security concerns.
‘We are living in Pentecost’: vivid dream which sparked Gather25
In February, 7 million people from 225 countries joined Gather25, a 25-hour global prayer event led by Jennie Allen. Live gatherings in multiple locations and over 21,000 small groups united believers in worship, prayer, and repentance. Allen shared that the vision for Gather25 began with a vivid dream, pressing an urgency upon her to spread the Gospel as widely and quickly as possible. She saw an opportunity to mobilise the global Church in prayer, relying on cutting-edge AI translation technology to overcome language barriers. She described the event as a modern-day Pentecost, where, for the first time, believers worldwide gathered without linguistic obstacles. Despite concerns over AI, she emphasised that God is using technology to advance Bible translation and global evangelism. Stories of faith, including testimonies from former child soldiers in Africa, moved Allen deeply. Reflecting on the event’s impact, she declared, 'We are the fish and loaves story.'
Incredible reports of revival sweeping across UK
A fresh move of God is sweeping across the UK, with increasing reports of prayer gatherings, healings, and spiritual renewal. Pastor Craig Cooney of Hope Church, Northern Ireland, describes it as 'a rising river', signaling the end of the spiritual drought caused by the pandemic. He notes that weekly prayer meetings are growing, with believers interceding passionately for the lost. Testimonies of divine healings are becoming more frequent, even among those previously skeptical. In England, Rev Liz Doyle recently prayed with British leaders inside Windsor Castle, sensing God’s promise to bring revival to St George’s Chapel. Scotland, too, is experiencing breakthrough: Franklin Graham’s Glasgow event saw over 7,000 people attend, with many surrendering to Christ. This revival mirrors Elijah’s servant seeing a cloud the size of a man’s hand - a sign of greater things to come. God is calling His people to prayer, consecration, and deeper commitment. See
