USA: Thanksgiving Day worship services
Thanksgiving Day in the USA often brings families together for meals, sports, and festivities, but for many, it’s also a day of worship. Churches nationwide, including the National Cathedral in Washington DC, host special Thanksgiving services. The cathedral, known for its stunning altar decorations, draws hundreds to its annual service. Spokesman Kevin Eckstrom hopes this year’s observance will promote unity in a divided nation, reminding attendees to focus on God’s gifts and cultivate gratitude. 'We all have something to be grateful for’, he remarked. Reeds Mill Church, nestled in the Maine woods, offers a nostalgic, hymn-filled service in its one-room, 1892-built sanctuary. This year’s message, 'Jesus Comes to Dinner', reflects on Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus and the call to generosity. Thanksgiving services remind believers to reflect on gratitude, unity, and God’s abundant gifts.
Saudi Arabia: church growth surges despite challenges
In Saudi Arabia, a nation historically closed to the Gospel, Christianity is growing faster than the global average. Despite strict bans on evangelism and the threat of severe punishment, including execution for apostasy, underground churches thrive, with some estimating Christians could represent up to 10% of the population. Oswaldo Magdangal, who pastored an underground church for eleven years, reports remarkable growth, particularly among younger Saudis. The secret congregations include native Saudi believers, with some becoming pastors. Recent reforms under Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman have softened the kingdom's religious rigidity, including curbing the religious police and allowing Bible printing. Testimonies like Ahmed Joktan’s, who encountered Jesus in a dream, and the bravery of Christian tentmakers and underground leaders highlight the Spirit’s work in this challenging environment. Revival stirs as Christians boldly share their faith, while global prayers continue to support this growth. Oswaldo’s own story of near execution in 1992 underscores the resilience of faith under persecution, inspiring hope for the church’s future.
Calls for a general election challenge Government’s leadership
Just five months after Labour’s election victory, a petition demanding a fresh general election has reached nearly 2.8 million signatures, triggering a parliamentary debate set for 6 January. The petition accuses the Labour government of breaking campaign promises. High-profile figures like actor Michael Caine and entrepreneur Elon Musk have fuelled the petition’s momentum. Despite claims of possible non-UK signatories, the House of Commons is confident the majority are legitimate British citizens or residents. Keir Starmer dismissed calls for a new election, attributing dissatisfaction to tough budget decisions, such as inheritance tax changes, loss of winter fuel payments for pensioners, and new VAT on private school fees. He emphasised his focus on governance, stating, 'That isn’t how our system works’. The debate will test the Government’s response to public discontent and its ability to regain voter trust amidst growing pressure.
Gun crime in London rises by 30%
Gun crime in London has surged by nearly 30%, impacting areas once considered safe. The recent shooting of an eight-year-old girl in Ladbroke Grove highlights the escalating violence linked to gang rivalries. Community leaders attribute the rise to recently released prisoners returning to their communities with unresolved conflicts. High-crime areas are seeing younger individuals recruited into gang activities, including carrying weapons. The surge in gun-related incidents has placed immense pressure on Scotland Yard, which faces severe budget cuts of £450 million, potentially reducing the police force by two thousand officers. Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasises efforts like the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), which has funded 350,000 opportunities for youth and contributed to a reduction in homicides and stabbings. Initiatives such as youth worker programmes in hospitals and police custody aim to prevent reoffending and exploitation. Organisations like The Children’s Society are working to protect vulnerable children through education, awareness campaigns, and collaborative efforts to tackle the root causes of violence, offering hope for a safer future.
