How a latter-day Joseph changed the world
James O Fraser, a missionary to China in the early 1900s, is being remembered as a 'latter-day Joseph' whose quiet faithfulness sparked a spiritual awakening. Working among the Lisu people in remote southwest China, he faced immense challenges: isolation, language barriers, and demonic opposition. Yet he persevered with prayer and sacrificial service, often spending entire nights in intercession. Instead of rushing to convert, Fraser devoted himself to translating Scripture and creating a phonetic alphabet for the Lisu language. His patient work laid the foundation for a revival that would later sweep through the region. When the Chinese church faced decades of persecution, the Lisu believers endured and multiplied - in large part due to Fraser’s early efforts. Today, they are one of the few people groups in China where a whole Bible-based Christian culture exists. Fraser’s life illustrates how deep prayer and obedience can shape nations. Though largely unknown in his lifetime, his legacy is likened to that of Joseph in Egypt: faithful, prophetic, and world-changing through God’s hand.
Unwavering pastor John MacArthur passes to his reward
Pastor John MacArthur, a pillar of evangelical preaching and unwavering Bible teacher, went to be with the Lord on 14 July, aged 86. For over five decades, he led Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, transforming it into a global centre for expository preaching. Rooted in a family of preachers, MacArthur embraced the gospel from childhood, devoting his life to the verse-by-verse exposition of Scripture. His ministry, Grace to You, broadcast sermons across 2,400 stations in nine languages. His books, including ‘The Gospel According to Jesus’ and ‘The MacArthur Study Bible’, shaped countless believers. MacArthur’s theological clarity, bold convictions, and unwavering stand for biblical truth distinguished him from cultural drift. He trained thousands, and remained faithful through trials - including legal battles over religious freedom during the Covid pandemic. Though often controversial, his voice was prophetic, courageous, and Christ-honouring. MacArthur’s legacy lives on in the lives he influenced. See
'Betrayed' Afghan interpreter says family 'waiting for death' after UK data breach
Ali, an Afghan interpreter who served with British forces in Helmand Province, has spoken out after learning he was among those affected by a major Ministry of Defence data breach. His role, which involved translating Taliban communications, made him a prime target. Though he was relocated to the UK in 2021 following Taliban threats and a car bomb attack, he now fears for his family, who are still in Afghanistan. His worst fears were confirmed when he learned that his personal information - and potentially that of his family - had been exposed. Ali believes this led to his father’s death after Taliban forces detained and beat him. Multiple requests for his family’s relocation to the UK have been denied. Ali feels utterly betrayed by the government he served. Now he faces the impossible choice of returning to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to try to protect his loved ones. His plea is urgent and heartrending: 'If the British government can’t save my family, then I will go back and try myself.' See
Surprise inflation jump complicates interest rate decision
The UK’s economic outlook has been shaken by a surprise rise in inflation, complicating plans for an anticipated interest rate cut in August. Despite a strong start to the year, recent data shows inflation quickening unexpectedly, particularly in food prices, adding to the burden on households already grappling with prolonged cost-of-living pressures. While markets had largely assumed a rate cut from the current 4.25% was imminent, the spike in inflation has introduced renewed caution. Former Bank of England policymaker Andrew Sentance called any cut next month 'irresponsible’. The Bank must now weigh current inflation against forecasts that predict a return to its 2% target by 2026. Complicating the picture further is the weakening jobs market, with unemployment expected to rise to 4.9%. While other major economies, like the eurozone, maintain stable inflation, the UK remains vulnerable to wage and tax-related price pressures. However, energy prices are expected to fall in the autumn, which may ease inflation, and there are signs of sectoral recovery and no current risk of recession.
