Indonesia: Slavery linked to the fishing industry
Every year, thousands of Cambodian migrants cross the border with Thailand searching for employment and better living conditions. They enter the country without documents after paying unscrupulous traffickers who profit on trafficking with promises of a job. The lack of documents and permits makes them vulnerable and easy victims of forced labour; as happened to more than 300 fishermen who were rescued in Indonesia after being locked in cages or hidden in the forests of the islet of Benjina. They were reduced to slavery, subjected to harassment and abuse and forced to work for Thai-flagged vessels. The Jakarta government discovered the migrant workers following a year-long investigation conducted by Associated Press reporters. The investigation revealed 1,000+ fishermen from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia trapped on the island at different times, a true international hub of forced labour and of modern slavery linked to the fisheries sector. In February the Catholic Church dedicated a day of prayer to the issue of human trafficking and modern forms of slavery.
Pakistan: ‘Letter from Lahore’ update
Last month you were asked to pray for teams of intercessors to be prepared spiritually as they plan to pray at satanic strongholds from Saturday, 11 April to Monday 13 April. The organiser has asked us to continue to pray about this as there is some fear due to tensions in the country and ‘people should not go unless they are spiritually prepared., We are asked to please pray for God to show each group from each area exactly what He wants them to do. Usually when prayer is planned at a stronghold, a team is sent ahead to prepare the place, not to do spiritual warfare, but just to pray for the team that will come and for God to clear the way for them. That isn´t possible this time. Please pray here for wisdom, clear guidance from the Lord and for spiritual protection.
American Tribes defend traditional marriage
Months before the US Supreme Court rules on the issue of gay marriage, Native American tribes have taken steps to defend traditional marriage. Eleven tribes with a total membership approaching a million people will not recognize same-sex marriages. Just weeks after North Carolina began issuing marriage licenses to gay couples, the state's Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians updated its law to prevent gay couples from having marriage ceremonies on tribal land. Tribes that don't recognize same-sex marriage include the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and the Navajo Nation.
USA: National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked ‘to turn to God in prayer and meditation’. Each year the president signs a proclamation that encourages all Americans to pray on this day. The modern law formalizing its annual observance was enacted in 1952, although it has historical origins to a mandate by George Washington, the first president of the United States. The event is nationwide. (See aalso GB&! item.)
