Argentina: court suspends president’s labour rule changes
Javier Milei, Argentina's new president, encountered a setback on 3 January when a court suspended labour rule changes he introduced in December. The decision came in response to a legal challenge from the largest labour union, which argued that the changes infringed workers' rights. Milei's decree included extending job probation from three to eight months, reducing severance compensation, and allowing the possibility of dismissal for workers participating in blockades. The court ruled that the administration had overstepped its authority in implementing these changes by emergency decree, bypassing the legislature. Since taking office in December, Milei has devalued the country’s currency by 50%, cut transport and energy subsidies, and promised to downsize the state workforce - all measures aimed at addressing poverty and high inflation.
Ethiopia / Somaliland: port agreement angers Somalia
An agreement on 1 January by breakaway Somaliland to allow Ethiopia to use the Red Sea port of Berbera has been condemned by Somalia as dangerous for regional stability. Since 1991, when Eritrea gained independence, Ethiopia has been landlocked and reliant on neighbouring Djibouti for maritime trade access. The new agreement, signed by the Ethiopian prime minister and Somaliland’s president, includes acknowledging Somaliland as an independent nation and giving it a share of the ownership of Ethiopian Airlines in due course. Somaliland, which declared autonomy in 1991, lacks widespread international recognition; Somalia insists that it remains part of its territory. Following mediation by Djibouti, the two countries have agreed to restart talks to resolve their dispute.
IPC Christmas & New Year Message
I wanted to bring you two timely items of news, some words of encouragement and a free gift as we all plan to celebrate Christmas and to enjoy time with our families!
Please find details below of the Sunrise Prayer Relay, taking place on New Year's Day. Many of us will be getting up at the crack of dawn to proclaim the Supremacy of Christ over our nations together. Do join us!
We invite you to join with many millions around the world for a Global Day of Prayer on Saturday 10th February, 2024 (Chinese New Year) as we pray for key cities and nations across the Buddhist world. By way of preparation, we encourage you to use the accompanying 21 Day adult and children’s prayer guides.
Mountain Moving Prayer...
As we approach 2024, I believe God wants us to grow in faith. As we soak in God's written word and speak it out in faith through prayers, we will see mountains moved!
Do watch this talk that I recorded a few weeks ago, in which I share how Mary became the mother of Jesus - God Incarnate - as she responded to God's word in faith 'behold I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word according to your word.' (Luke 1:38) We can learn a lot from Mary’s example.
My prayer for you this Christmas and New Year is that you, like Mary, will experience how an ordinary life can lead to an extraordinary walk of faith and transformation, through the simple yet incredibly effective key of faith-filled, Bible-based prayers and the exaltation and worship of Jesus!
A Gift for You!
Here is a free gift this Christmas called Pray the Word, in which I share some simple tools to help you pray effectively! Use it as a resource in your personal or group devotions to connect with God in a personal way. My prayer is that it will help you Encounter God - bringing life-changing, mountain-moving impacts!
Your Gifts…
Thank you for your prayers, participation, encouragements and support through 2023! If you are sensing that you can contribute with a donation as we approach the end of the year, see here.
On behalf of the whole IPC team across our 14 world regions, I wish you a peaceful and blessed Christmas.
All Glory to the Lamb!
Dr Jason Hubbard – Director
International Prayer Connect
NEW YEARS DAY - SUNRISE PRAYER Relay
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3)
Over the past few years on New Year's Day, thousands of Christians across 70 nations participated in the Sunrise Prayer Relay and we are excited that there is an invitation to awaken the dawn with prayer together again in 2024!
We are encouraged to gather just before Sunrise at a public location like a hill, lookout, bridge, or public landmark, at a church in our cities or towns, (or we can also take part privately in our homes) - to worship, pray and exalt Jesus!
Let's declare together that "Jesus is Lord" of our lives, our families, our regions, our nations, and all of the nations!
Together, these prayer gatherings at sunrise around the world will generate a synchronized 24-hour global prayer relay!
Let's not miss the opportunity to share the message of Hope in Jesus with others who are out to see the sunrise!
More info and register participation + receive the prayer resources and updates at: www.sunriseprayerrelay.com
With thanks to our dear brothers - Warwick Marsh & Pat Steele in Australia who are coordinating this initiative.
