Antarctic survey: glacier meltdown
Antarctic glaciers may be more sensitive to sea temperature changes than was thought. A programme put sensors and an underwater robot beneath the Thwaites glacier, one of the worlds fastest-changing glaciers, the size of Britain. If it melted completely, it would raise global sea levels half a metre. The joint survey, part of the largest investigations ever undertaken anywhere on the White Continent , suggests even low amounts of melting can push a glacier further towards vanishing. Thwaites has been nicknamed Doomsday Glacier. From 6 to 20 November 2022, COP27 held high-level and side events, key negotiations, and press conferences, hosting more than a hundred heads of state, over 35,000 participants and numerous pavilions showcasing climate action around the world and across different sectors. Pray that new discoveries around earth science will be a strong wake-up call to all those participants.
Call for investment in world’s poorest people
The president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development has called for global leaders to invest more in rural communities and small-scale farmers, who produce one-third of the world’s food. The representatives of 177 states were asked, ‘Think how much more rural people could contribute to global food security, peace and stability if they had the resources to improve their farms and prosper, not just survive.’ Barbados’s prime minister said, ‘It is time for the world to recognise that we need to invest right now in securing food and nutrition for citizens across the planet, especially poor people, and invest in smallholder agriculture and diversified local production. Investing in food systems transformation will end the world’s hunger and nutrition crisis.’ Climate change, conflict and global inflation are creating a food crisis of epic proportions, as progress in achieving Zero Hunger moves backwards. Over one in ten people are hungry, and over 3 billion cannot afford a healthy diet.
Brave Laos evangelists
A Christian Aid worker in Laos visited persecuted Christians in areas where no one would go. His activities challenged the authorities, and they arrested him for ‘illegal movement of religion’. In prison he feared he would die. Prisoners relieved themselves on the floor, and people died of starvation. But he kept praying and thinking about the ministry’s radio messages of encouragement. He was freed after two months. He was told to stop telling people about Christ, but his faith was irrepressible, and he boldly continued. A Laotian lady heard about Christ through the ministry’s radio broadcasts. Her husband and relatives threatened her constantly for converting, but eventually they all accepted Christ. Her home is now a house church for fifty Christians, and her husband is an elder of the church. Elsewhere police came to shut down a new house church which a pastor was dedicating. He continued the dedication despite their threats.
Jury rejects government intimidation
Catholic pro-life activist Mark Houck was raided by 15 to 20 armed federal agents banging on his door in the early hours of the morning. They treated Mark like a terrorist. This massive show of force sparked fierce criticism and questions about whether the Biden administration was using the FBI for political purposes ahead of a heated election. His appearance in court was demanded in the case of United States of America v Mark Houck. He faced up to 11 years in prison and a $350,000 fine as the government claimed a violation took place. Houck vehemently disagreed, saying they were arresting Catholic protestors like terrorists. When the ‘Not guilty’ verdict was announced his supporters in the courtroom wept tears of relief. They had taken on Goliath - the full might of the American government - and won. They later prayed outside the federal courthouse, thanking God for being with them in spirit and truth.
