Radical Muslim influence in Kosovo
Kosovo is a disputed territory in the Balkans bordering Central Serbia, Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro. Its largest city and capital is Pristina. Within the last couple of months, Christians in Kosovo have been victims of what has been described as the increasing influence of radical Muslim groups. Pastor Artur Krasniqi said a church member from a town in the western part of the country was recently brutally beaten. Two days after this attack Kosovo police arrested a group of five people believed responsible. In addition, Krasniqi added, one of his church's buildings in Pristina was recently vandalized. He is worried about Islamic influence. ‘Muslim radicalization of our country has become our serious concern, as it will impact not only our democratic values and freedoms but our safety and well being too.’ Krasniqi asked that those concerned about the plight faced by his fellow believers write to both the Prime Minister and the President of Kosovo to express their concerns. Pray: for the security and freedoms of our Christian brothers and sisters in Kosovo. (Jdg.10:12) More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=32912&PN=1&TPN=1
The troops in Afghanistan
Conditions in Afghanistan for the British troops are hot, dusty and strength-sapping. Long hours of work in difficult conditions far from home and family can lead to servicemen and women becoming tired, distracted, homesick and demoralised.This is far from the norm, one mistake can be life-threatening for individuals and their colleagues, since much of the work requires them to remain alert and pay great attention to detail. Pray: for the safety of all those searching for roadside bombs and other explosive devices and other sentries that they may be diligent in their duties. (Ps. 4:8)
Christians’ 500 days of prayer
The organisers of a national day of prayer are mobilising churches and networks across the UK in a season of united prayer and outreach (See Prayer Alert 2410). Last weekend’s gathering at West Ham football stadium drew some 20,000 Christians. A season of 500 days of prayer was announced that will start on August 1 to run until December 31, 2011. The 500 days of prayer will mobilise churches in prayer prior to a major prayer gathering at Wembley Stadium planned for 2011 and a year of prayer scheduled for 2012 to coincide with the Olympics in London. Individual Christians are being asked to set their alarms or mobile phones to noon every day and take one minute to pray the Lord’s Prayer over the UK. Pray: that this initiative’s momentum will continue with the blessing of the Holy Spirit. (Jas.5:16) More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=32884&PN=1&TPN=1
Halt to 'draconian' vetting
The vetting of up to nine million people who frequently work with children, which was due to start next month, was halted by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, pending a review intended to scale back the scheme to ‘common sense’ proportions. May said she had taken the decision because it was now recognised that the vetting and barring scheme was disproportionate, burdensome and infringed on civil liberties. ‘Until this remodelling has taken place, we have decided to maintain those aspects of the new scheme which are already in place, but not to introduce further elements.’ More than 66,000 employers, charities and voluntary groups are being told the details of the decision. Under the original scheme the database of people registered to work with children would have covered 11 million adults, the largest child protection database in the world. Similar action is required for hospital volunteers. Pray: for those who freely volunteer their talents and that the remodelled scheme will be widely accepted. (Ac.8:15) More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jun/15/child-worker-vetting-scheme-review
