Nicaragua: Ortega calls church a dictatorship
76-year-old President Daniel Ortega describes priests as ‘killers’ and ‘coup plotters’. He accuses the clergy of working on behalf of ‘American imperialism’. He said, ‘In the church everything is imposed. It’s a perfect dictatorship. If they are to be democratic, let Catholics vote for the pope, for cardinals, for bishops.’ The church has been under increasing government pressure since Ortega accused it of backing the protests against his government in 2018. A crackdown against demonstrators killed hundreds. Pope Francis recently insisted on the importance of ‘never stopping dialogue’ with Nicaragua. God has brought many people to Himself amidst the nation’s suffering. Numbershave increased through saturation evangelism, and local church outreaches. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes have led many to question life and eternity. War, conflict, and political struggles have turned many towards compassionate Christians and hope in Christ. Evangelicals have grown from 2% in 1960 to 30% today, and growth continues.
The Queen’s evangelistic sermon
Her Majesty wanted to communicate love and hope through the hymns and Bible verses she chose for her funeral. Every word and song had been planned by Queen Elizabeth before her death. The ceremony resonated with the many millions around the world who watched and heard it. Ruth Bushyager, Bishop of Horsham, said, ‘Our late Queen knew what she was doing when she chose the Bible readings for her funeral. An evangelist to the nation. Thank you, Ma’am.’ Telegraph columnist Tim Stanley remarked, ‘In an age of atheism and suppression of faith, perhaps the largest TV audience in history went to an unafraid statement of Christian belief. The Queen’s gift.’ The Archbishop of Canterbury’s six-minute sermon quickly became evangelistic. ‘Christian hope means certain expectation of something not yet seen. Christ rose from the dead and offers life to all, abundant life now and life with God in eternity. We will all face the merciful judgement of God: we can all share the Queen’s hope which in life and death inspired her servant leadership.’
Britons held by Russians released
Five British nationals captured by Russian-backed forces in Ukraine have returned to the UK. Aiden Aslin, John Harding, Dylan Healy, Andrew Hill, and Shaun Pinner have been reunited with their families after landing at Heathrow Airport. Ten detainees, including the five Britons, were released after Saudi Arabia brokered an exchange between Russia and Ukraine. The Praesidium Network confirmed the five men are now safely home. Mr Pinner's sister Cassandra told the BBC: ‘We are just so happy he's home, safe and sound. He's in good spirits - just as funny as always!’ She thanked those involved in organising his return and said she was ‘just amazed this day has come’. In a video recorded on the plane, Mr Pinner said they had escaped ‘by the skin of our teeth’.
A prayer for King Charles
Father, we ask You to give the King knowledge of Your ways; may Your Spirit guide all his decisions. May he rule with righteousness and justice. In his days may the United Kingdom flourish and peace abound. May he lead with a servant's heart and humility. And should his tasks and agendas appear to be overwhelming, Father, give him strength from heaven so that the role of leadership never tires him. May he not rely on himself but rely on You. Your Word reminds us that we can do all things through You who strengthens us. Therefore, Lord, we pray that King Charles will freely trust and lean on You. May he realise that You see things better than he ever will, and that he can do all things through Christ. Father, please help him to uphold our laws and rule with compassion and understanding in every situation.
