Iran: Christian converts released
Mehdi Rokhparvar, who was serving a five-year sentence for ‘acting against national security’ by ‘forming an illegal evangelical Christian group’, was released from Tehran’s Evin Prison in the same week as fellow convert Saheb Fadaie as part of a wider amnesty of prisoners on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Republic. However, such pardons, while welcome, do not address the original injustice of their sentencing and imprisonment as the government continues to regard rights and freedoms guaranteed in international law as crimes; including the right to freely adopt a religion of one’s choice, and manifest one’s faith in community with others.
Holy Oil is ready for King’s coronation
Preparations for King Charles III’s coronation are underway. A particularly symbolic ritual took place recently in Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre when the Holy Oil that will be used to anoint the new monarch was consecrated by Jerusalem’s Patriarch and the Anglican Archbishop. It was created using olives from the Mount of Olives and the Monastery of Mary Magdalene and perfumed with essential oils including sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, and orange blossom. The Holy Oil anointing is at the centre of the most sacred part of the Coronation ceremony when the Archbishop of Canterbury pours the oil into the Coronation Spoon and anoints the sovereign on the hands, breast and head. The tradition goes back to the Old Testament (the anointing of Solomon by Zadok the Priest and Nathan the Prophet). Anointing was one of mediaeval holy sacraments emphasising the spiritual status of the sovereign. The anointing ceremony is not expected to be shown on television, but under a canopy instead.
Hope for the countryside
The Psalms and prophetic texts proclaim that fruitfulness from the land is a clear sign of God's blessing on the people and something for which to be grateful. His withholding of crops is a sign of our sin and His displeasure. Yet, notwithstanding the rhetoric and celebration of country life, the UK still seems to fail to appreciate or grasp the value of the land entrusted to us and the harvest it yields. We remain heavily reliant on imported food, whilst some of our own farmers are ceasing to produce food as costs escalate. Growers cannot make a living, consumers cannot afford the food in the shops and, despite clear evidence from our supermarket shelves, there are still no assurances that the government is taking domestic food security seriously. Pray for an awakening to the reality of the situation, humility, and God’s wisdom and understanding, amongst policy makers, business, church leaders and retailers.
UK: Coping with cold
A level three cold alert was issued all over England. Heavy snow and travel disruption are expected across central and northern England, an amber warning is in place over mid and north Wales where major disruption is likely. There are warnings over the Peak District, Leeds, the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines for 10 – 40 cm snow and blizzard conditions. People in the worst affected areas are advised to work from home. On March 7th the National Grid used two reserve coal power units to be synced into the National Grid. This wasn't the first-time reserves were ready to go, but it was the first time they were used. Pray for the National Grid and coal plants to continue preventing homes, hospitals or businesses losing heat. Pray for the safety of elderly and frail living in rural communities who could be isolated by snow drifts. Pray for drivers to pack warm clothes, snacks, a charged phone and a shovel.
