Mali: Serious human rights abuses
Amnesty International has documented dozens of cases of detainees being tortured or ill-treated after being arrested for having alleged links with armed groups. The organization also documented more than 20 cases of extrajudicial-executions or enforced disappearances. Amnesty International’s delegates spoke to more than 80 of the 200 detainees held in the capital Bamako, most of them charged with acts of terrorism and other offences. Many reported being tortured or ill-treated. Some were denied medical treatment. A number of them had marks and scars of burnings and cuts – including on their backs, chests and ears. At least five detainees died in the facility in April 2013, most of them apparently as a result of the appalling conditions of detention and lack of medical care. Mali authorities recognized that some human rights violations had been committed and said a number of cases were being investigated, but so far no one has been brought to justice.
Pray: that all those responsible for human rights abuses will face justice and for a lasting stabilization of Mali. (Tit.3:1-2
David Cameron praises the work of churches
David Cameron's Big Society Awards recognise outstanding people and organisations whose work improves lives and strengthens communities. On Monday The Cinnamon Network was given a Big Society Award as the Prime Minister recognized the widespread work of various churches in their communities. The Cinnamon Network was launched in 2010 and is a community of 100 CEOs of charities, social enterprises and church denominations who passionately strengthen the muscles of local churches for community transformation. It is a partnership between Make It Happen, Piercing Blue and Tearfund and their vision is to see the UK Church meet the growing social needs within our communities. David Cameron said he was pleased to be able to give The Cinnamon Network this award in recognition of the work with jobs clubs, street pastors and supporting churches to address issues in their neighbourhoods.
Praise: God for the unity of the Church in the United Kingdom that is displayed through these initiatives and ask Him to continue to pour out his blessings on these enterprises. (Ps.133)
More: http://godandpoliticsuk.org/tag/big-society-awards/
David Cameron praises the work of churches
David Cameron's Big Society Awards recognise outstanding people and organisations whose work improves lives and strengthens communities. On Monday The Cinnamon Network was given a Big Society Award as the Prime Minister recognized the widespread work of various churches in their communities. The Cinnamon Network was launched in 2010 and is a community of 100 CEOs of charities, social enterprises and church denominations who passionately strengthen the muscles of local churches for community transformation. It is a partnership between Make It Happen, Piercing Blue and Tearfund and their vision is to see the UK Church meet the growing social needs within our communities. David Cameron said he was pleased to be able to give The Cinnamon Network this award in recognition of the work with jobs clubs, street pastors and supporting churches to address issues in their neighbourhoods.
Praise: God for the unity of the Church in the United Kingdom that is displayed through these initiatives and ask Him to continue to pour out his blessings on these enterprises. (Ps.133)
More: http://godandpoliticsuk.org/tag/big-society-awards/
Uruguay: Light in a dark place
Afro–Brazilian–Spiritism is the largest growing religion in Uruguay. However recently there has been a revival of Christianity and the number of evangelicals is growing in the midst of an epidemic of divorce, suicide and abortion. Last year a young woman imprisoned for drug trafficking found freedom in Christ behind bars. She was recently released with her two-year-old daughter and is attending a church north of Fray Bentos. This is thanks to the work of Rev Gonzalo and Leticia Soria and their team at La Trinidad church who do weekly visits to the local prison. ‘Baptism in a prison was a unique experience,’ Gonzalo said. ‘A dozen inmates accompanied Johana and her daughter and applauded as they were baptised.’ Now released, Johana and her daughter remain in faith.
Praise: God for the international work of prison ministries and ask for his continued protection over those who find Jesus in dark places. Pray also for more of God’s powerful Holy Spirit to fall across Uruguay. (Is.9:2)
