North Korea: American Christian freed
An American Christian imprisoned in North Korea has been released following a humanitarian effort by former US president Jimmy Carter. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said in a news release it welcomes the release of Aijalon Mahli Gomes, but strongly urges the international community to intensify pressure on North Korea for the release of thousands of prisoners still languishing in the nation. CSW said Gomes was detained in North Korea since entering the country on Jan. 25 by crossing the border from China. He was arrested by the North Korean authorities and sentenced to eight years in a labour camp. And ordered to pay a fine of $700,000 for illegal entry and unspecified ‘hostile acts.’ He was the fourth US citizen to be detained by the North Korean government since Jan. 2009, following Robert Park (See Prayer Alert 0210) and the journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, all of whom were released after several months in custody. Praise: God for the release of these international believers but pray for the many nationals still being held. (Ps.146:7)
Sudan: Kidnapped Christian worker freed
An aid worker for Christian relief organisation Samaritan's Purse (SP) was released on 30 August after being held hostage for 105 days in Sudan. 35 year-old Flavia Wagner is exhausted but in good health and is currently in Khartoum. In May, Wagner and a Sudanese driver were abducted after their two-vehicle convoy was stopped by eight armed men 15 miles southwest of Nyala in Sudan's Darfur region. Seven days after the kidnapping, the two Sudanese men were released unharmed and without explanation in Thur, Darfur. Wagner remained in captivity but was allowed to contact her family and SP staff. ‘We thank God that Flavia is safe and free’ commented Franklin Graham, SP president, ‘and appreciate the help of the governments of the Sudan and the United States. People around the world have been praying for her safety and her release. Today, those prayers have been answered.’ Praise: God for answering the prayers seeking Flavia’s release (Lk. 4:18) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/kidnapped.christian.relief.worker.freed.in.sudan.after.105.days/26605.htm
Sudan: Kidnapped Christian worker freed
An aid worker for Christian relief organisation Samaritan's Purse (SP) was released on 30 August after being held hostage for 105 days in Sudan. 35 year-old Flavia Wagner is exhausted but in good health and is currently in Khartoum. In May, Wagner and a Sudanese driver were abducted after their two-vehicle convoy was stopped by eight armed men 15 miles southwest of Nyala in Sudan's Darfur region. Seven days after the kidnapping, the two Sudanese men were released unharmed and without explanation in Thur, Darfur. Wagner remained in captivity but was allowed to contact her family and SP staff. ‘We thank God that Flavia is safe and free’ commented Franklin Graham, SP president, ‘and appreciate the help of the governments of the Sudan and the United States. People around the world have been praying for her safety and her release. Today, those prayers have been answered.’ Praise: God for answering the prayers seeking Flavia’s release (Lk. 4:18) More:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/kidnapped.christian.relief.worker.freed.in.sudan.after.105.days/26605.htm
Religious education's 12-year growth
This week’s GCSE results have confirmed that the number of students taking Religious Education has increased for the twelfth year running.’ Religious Education has entered the top ten league table of subjects in terms of the number of candidates, and remains in the top five of growing subjects with more than 75,000 candidates; above subjects like Mathematics and History. Nick McKemey, the Church of England’s Head of School Improvement, said ‘Young people are clamouring for a deeper understanding of religious perspectives on issues of the day and how moral and ethical questions are considered by the major faiths. Twelve years of organic growth in student numbers cannot be ignored. This is a phenomenon that indicates students’ appreciation that exploring faith and belief helps them to understand the world and become better global citizens.’ He also said it underlines the importance of investing adequate resources and time in its teaching. Praise: for our young people who are making important decisions having received exam results recently. (Jas.1:5) More: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/news/pr7510.html
