Myanmar: Human rights inquiry
The momentum behind a push to investigate Burma's (Myanmar’s) crimes against humanity is growing. Ten governments are now calling for the UN to set up a commission of inquiry over the junta regime's alleged use of rape as a weapon of war, forced recruitment of child soldiers, forced labour, torture and more. As more on these allegations came to light, Canada, France, the Netherlands and New Zealand added their support since the United States backed the move in August.They join Australia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and the United Kingdom. Mission agencies in the country report an open campaign targeting the Arakan, Chin and the Karen, many of whom are Christians. (See Prayer Alert 3110) Vision Beyond Borders' Wes Flint said in an earlier interview, ‘The Burmese army is not bashful about ‘their goal ‘ to exterminate the Karen people, to wipe them off the face of the earth. Pray: the world would no longer ignore the suffering in Burma, and for God to release the country into physical and spiritual freedom (2Sa.22:7)
Morocco: Forgotten Christian convert
Advocates question the harsh measures of the Muslim state toward a man who dared speak openly about Jesus and was jailed for 15 years. Jamaa Ait Bakrim, 46, has been in Morocco’s largest prison for nearly 5 years because he was an outspoken Christian convert. It is believed the severity of his sentence in relation to his misdemeanour was because he persistently spoke about his faith. A fellow Moroccan Christian said, ‘He shared his faith with people around him. In Morocco if you become a Christian you keep it to yourself then no one will bother you.’ He added that people need to start speaking up on behalf of Bakrim, who has ‘zeal’ for his faith and speaks openly about it even in prison. ‘Our Moroccan brothers and sisters suffer, and we assume things will be OK and will somehow change later by themselves, They will never change if we don’t bring it to international attention.’ Pray: against the principalities and powers that would confine and contain the estimated 1,000 Moroccan Christian converts. (Is.61:1)
S Korea: Senior citizens urged to turn to God
South Korean senior citizens are urged to get closer to God in order to find happiness in their old age. Seoul archdiocesan Pastoral Administration for Seniors’ organized the Seniors’ Day festival on Oct. 5 in Seoul. ‘It has celebrated the annual event every October since 1988. Some 3,500 seniors attended the event. Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul said, ‘seniors have experienced life’s joys and sorrows. Jesus knows all hardships. What we need most in our remaining days is to realize that we are all beloved of the Lord.’ With Seoul’s aging population increasing to more than one million, Seoul RC archdiocese in cooperation with the local government sets up day care centres for senior citizens at parishes. So far, it has opened six centres in six parishes and plans to open nine more by February next year. Praise: God that He blesses even those who are old and grey. (Is.46:4) More: http://www.ucanews.com/2010/10/06/koreas-senior-citizens-urged-to-turn-to-god/
S Korea: Senior citizens urged to turn to God
South Korean senior citizens are urged to get closer to God in order to find happiness in their old age. Seoul archdiocesan Pastoral Administration for Seniors’ organized the Seniors’ Day festival on Oct. 5 in Seoul. ‘It has celebrated the annual event every October since 1988. Some 3,500 seniors attended the event. Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul said, ‘seniors have experienced life’s joys and sorrows. Jesus knows all hardships. What we need most in our remaining days is to realize that we are all beloved of the Lord.’ With Seoul’s aging population increasing to more than one million, Seoul RC archdiocese in cooperation with the local government sets up day care centres for senior citizens at parishes. So far, it has opened six centres in six parishes and plans to open nine more by February next year. Praise: God that He blesses even those who are old and grey. (Is.46:4) More: http://www.ucanews.com/2010/10/06/koreas-senior-citizens-urged-to-turn-to-god/
