Freedom from addiction
Betel UK is a Christian charity helping men and women trapped in addiction. 44-year-old Kim says, ‘I came into Betel hoping to stay for two weeks to get off drugs. Fourteen years later, I'm still here! God has captured my heart and completely transformed my life. Now I live a life that was once unimaginable to me. I'm the women's supervisor here. I love seeing people being transformed by the power of the cross. I'm married with two beautiful daughters, and my life is focussed on the Lord and His plans for me. I once heard a speaker saying, “I don't want to go where God's presence won't be”. That's my heart. I lived without the Lord for so many years and now I can't imagine life without Him. I was once trapped in addiction and darkness, but through Jesus, I now have a freedom I never knew was possible.’
UK trade networks
UK’s trading relationships will soon no longer be tied to the EU. Dr John Sentamu reflected on future trading relationships with the world's poorest countries. Millions still live in poverty, lacking access to clean water, education, decent jobs and opportunities. Global economic growth has delivered prosperity for some, leaving others behind. But international trade, when done the right way, is an opportunity for the poor - creating jobs, livelihoods, and hope for the future - while generating national wealth to pay for education, training, roads, clinics and hospitals. Recently experts in these countries highlighted a straightforward agenda for what they believe trade with the UK should look like after Brexit. They want their countries to be able to develop their own economies, to be able to trade more closely with their nearest geographical neighbours, and to industrialise and add value to what they produce.
Ireland's abortion referendum
Ireland goes to the polls on 25 May to vote in a referendum that could end the country’s ban on abortion. Voters will be asked if they want to repeal the eighth amendment of the country’s constitution, which recognises the equal right to life of both mother and unborn child, effectively banning terminations. This amendment has been in place since 1983, and the campaign to repeal it has rapidly picked up steam in recent years. If the amendment is repealed, it will allow the Irish government to legislate on abortion as they see fit, most likely allowing it up to twelve weeks. The two biggest parties in the country, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are allowing members to take a free position on the issue, while Sinn Fein and Labour are officially backing a Yes vote. The eighth amendment is spearheaded by women, who now want to involve men to achieve a reform.
Russian blogger’s comments on Brussels conference
The following is part of a translation from a Russian political blogger: ‘A Syrian donor conference opened in Brussels under the guidance of the UN and EU. It included non-governmental organisations of Syria who are officially trying to distance themselves from Middle Eastern affairs, but at the same time retain a presence there.’ Their objectives were raising funds for the Syrian population and refugees and resuming Syria’s negotiations with UN help. The blogger said, ‘Syria has become an arena of global confrontation, where each of the external players is solving its own tasks in the region. In these conditions, there can be no question of any observance of the law of war. Hence - the use of poisonous substances, mercenaries, the use of the local population as hostages.’ He also said that these attempts to help refugees reflect idealism, and where there is idealism there is hope - hope for peace.
