USA: Biden’s poor performance in debate with Trump
Joe Biden, who is 81, has attributed his poor performance in his first presidential debate with Donald Trump to travel exhaustion, joking that he ‘nearly fell asleep’ on stage. He has admitted he wasn't very smart for travelling extensively, going ‘around the world a couple of times’ and crossing numerous time zones, not long before the debate in Atlanta. He acknowledged he didn't have his best night, despite spending six days at Camp David preparing. In contrast,Trump, 78, appeared vigorous, although he repeated a number of what critics have said are false claims. Some prominent Democrats, alarmed at Biden’s showing, are urging him to withdraw from the 2024 race in order to prevent a Trump victory. Although he has said, ‘I’m not leaving’, speculation is mounting that this is a possibility: see
Papua New Guinea: over 300,000 baptised!
CBN News has reported that over 300,000 people have reportedly been baptised in Papua New Guinea, marking a significant spiritual event. The mass baptisms occurred during the PNG for Christ campaign, a collaborative effort by several organisations. Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, and his wife, Nancy, led daily events during the two-week campaign. He has recently confirmed that the number of baptisms has surpassed 300,000. Wilson attributed this to the 'Holy Spirit power being poured out on Papua New Guinea’. The campaign saw dramatic changes, including drug lords destroying their marijuana crops and being baptised, prisoners converting, entire villages embracing Adventism, and miraculous healings. Pastor Miller Kuso, PNG United Mission’s personal ministry director, coordinated the events, visiting numerous sites across the country. Prayers are requested for the newly baptised individuals and the leaders who are guiding them in their new faith.
US campuses: powerful moves of revival, thirst for Bible
Jennie Allen has witnessed a remarkable revival among young people, particularly on college campuses across America. Speaking at various universities, she has seen Generation Z’s growing interest in faith and the Bible. 'It is so real’, Allen says. 'They actually are hungry for God. It’s been the most beautiful thing.' She described how college-age audiences eagerly respond to her Gospel messages, sometimes resulting in impromptu baptisms in pick-up trucks or local creeks. Allen first noticed this intense hunger in 2018 at Texas A&M, where students responded passionately to her talk about sin. 'They were willing to be honest; they wanted God’, she said, emphasising their genuine interest. This revival has deeply impacted Allen, strengthening her focus on ministering to young people with the Bible’s message of grace and redemption. She is committed to her mission, saying, 'I want to serve God, and I want to serve them well, and I don’t want to hold back.'
UK election: final debate amidst betting scandal
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer engaged in a heated final debate before the general election on 4 July, clashing over tax, immigration, gender, and Brexit. Sunak accused Starmer of planning tax hikes and lacking a strategy for illegal immigration. Starmer countered by criticising Sunak's unfunded tax promises and alleged detachment from voters. Both faced tough questions from the audience, including doubts about their suitability as leaders. Starmer also accused Sunak of being 'bullied' into addressing the scandal involving a number of Tory candidates betting on the election date. Sunak defended his actions as necessary due to the seriousness of the matter. See This scandal has hit the Conservatives at a critical moment, potentially jeopardising their already shaky election prospects. Keir Starmer has called for accountability, emphasising that such actions are unacceptable.
