Italy: Bibles for North African refugees
Evangelical Alliance Italy is distributing aid and Bibles to tens of thousands of North African refugees who have fled to Lampedusa, an Italian island 75 miles from the Tunisian coast. The island is struggling to cope with the influx of migrants and many of the 20,000 migrants estimated to have arrived in Italy in the last few months have been relocated - but there are around 6,000 still on the small island, many of them Tunisian. Teams of volunteers have been sent by the Evangelical Alliance Italy to work alongside local authorities in facilitating the relationship between the refugee community and the local people. The volunteers will also distribute aid, including Bibles and other Gospel literature, and witness to the refugees of the love of Christ in appropriate ways. The alliance is appealing for prayers for the thousands of migrants who face an ‘uncertain future.’ An estimated 50,000+ migrants will come to the shores of Italy. Pray: for the Church to be strengthened as she steps into opportunities to give humanitarian aid and share God’s provision. (Mt.4:19) More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/bibles-aid-being-distributed-to-n-african-refugees-49794/
Churches debate response to anti-Christian violence
‘We're living in globalised times causing groups to feel insecure about their identity which has become radicalised and closed rather than open to others,’ said the director of the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches (CEC). In early April the CEC launched a ‘Euro-Arabic Dialogue’ in Crete to determine how Christian and Muslim groups can build on existing relationships of trust. ‘In Europe where religion has often been seen as a problem public opinion hasn't been concerned about the fate of religious communities. This is changing now as false images of religion give way to a greater awareness of its contribution to the common good. It isn't up to churches to suggest practical action, we're calling for a clear warning of consequences to continued persecution.’ Some say Christians present a soft target because they don't fight back - but many Muslims view Christians as a strong missionary network and are on the defensive. Pray: for decisions made by this group and other similar meetings to usher in God's spiritual provision over Europe. (Ps.125:3)
Churches debate response to anti-Christian violence
‘We're living in globalised times causing groups to feel insecure about their identity which has become radicalised and closed rather than open to others,’ said the director of the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches (CEC). In early April the CEC launched a ‘Euro-Arabic Dialogue’ in Crete to determine how Christian and Muslim groups can build on existing relationships of trust. ‘In Europe where religion has often been seen as a problem public opinion hasn't been concerned about the fate of religious communities. This is changing now as false images of religion give way to a greater awareness of its contribution to the common good. It isn't up to churches to suggest practical action, we're calling for a clear warning of consequences to continued persecution.’ Some say Christians present a soft target because they don't fight back - but many Muslims view Christians as a strong missionary network and are on the defensive. Pray: for decisions made by this group and other similar meetings to usher in God's spiritual provision over Europe. (Ps.125:3)
Libya: Yes we are free now
John, a secret believer travelling covertly by jeep to escape the country, had been dropped off at an oil field in the middle of the desert to await a driver to escort them to the next location. A close encounter with armed oil-field workers thinking they were bandits alerted John to existing dangers and he silently thanked God for His protection. When his next contact came out of the desert John was amazed to recognize Christian music playing inside the jeep. As his journey continued with Samy the driver they listened to ‘Jesus, only you’ and ‘Blessed are those who dwell in the house of the Lord.’ John asked Samy if he knew what the music is about and he replied. ‘Yes, we are free now!’ Author's note: the ancient Berbers of Libya were called Imazighan, meaning ‘free men’. John’s prayer, ‘May Libyans experience political, personal and religious freedom.' Praise: God for divine appointments, giving us hope and courage in difficult situations. (1Thes.1:3)
