Digital Bible platform surpasses 200 million users
Coming from modest beginnings as a cassette tape lending library more than 40 years ago, Faith Comes By Hearing can truly say they understand and appreciate the saying, ‘You’ve come a long way, baby.’ At one time, the ministry focused solely on those in the American church and provided content in one language: English. Today, they are an international organization providing free digital access to Scripture recordings in over 830 languages that are spoken or signed by over 5.7 billion people. Across all of their digital platforms, the ministry has seen Bible engagement from more than 200 million users in just the last four years. Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) has been on the technological forefront in digital Bible distribution with the Digital Bible Platform, which houses the world’s largest repository of digital Scripture text, audio and video that is freely shared with partnering developers via an open API (application programming interface).
Amazing miracle in Wales
A couple camped nearby as they wished to have some quiet space and be at Ffald-y-Brenin (a House of Prayer near Fishguard) on their wedding anniversary, 30 July. The wife was upset to discover they had missed morning prayers. They went to the High Cross where she listened to The Grace Outpouring on her phone. She couldn't read it because she is blind. She has a stick, dark glasses and a guide dog. They went to evening prayers which were led by one of our volunteers. When it came to 'wherever darkness touches me I trust you to lighten it' the Holy Spirit came onto this blind lady and she fell to the floor crying 'my eyes hurt, my eyes hurt'. When she stood up and opened her eyes her first words were - 'I like your shirt!' Then she turned to her husband and saw him for the first time in eight years. They hurried home to see the children whom she has never seen before.
Ethics panel for Greater Manchester Police moral 'grey areas'
An ethics committee has been set up to tackle moral issues faced by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the area's police and crime commissioner. The independent committee is one of the first of its kind in the country and aims to make recommendations on moral and ethical dilemmas. It will look at issues such as surveillance operations and the use of body cameras and water cannon. Members of the public can make referrals to the committee. The panel of 13 is chaired by the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev David Walker. It includes retired NBA basketball player John Amaechi - who has helped organisations deal with ethical issues - and Ruth Bromley, ethics and law head at Manchester Medical School. GMP Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy said: ‘There are lots of grey areas in policing.’
Almost two million young adults still living with their parents
New research from the housing and homelessness charity Shelter has found that 48 per cent of working 20 to 34 year olds live with their parents because they are unable to afford to rent or buy their own home. Data from the last census shows a quarter of all 20 to 34 year old working adults in England – 1.97 million people – are currently living with their parents. As the latest government figures show average house prices for first-time buyers in the UK have risen by 11.3 per cent in a year, Shelter is urging stronger action to help the 'clipped wing generation' fly the nest. Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: ‘The ‘clipped wing generation’ are finding themselves with no choice but to remain living with mum and dad well into adulthood, and those who aren’t lucky enough to have this option instead face a lifetime of unstable, expensive private renting.’
