Yulia Skripal getting stronger
In the midst of a depressing and sometimes frightening diplomatic crisis, with international media and government accusations and statements, the UK police issued a positive statement on 5 April. It was a message from Russian spy Sergei Skripal's daughter Yulia: ‘I woke up over a week ago now, and am glad to say my strength is growing every day.’ She also said she was grateful for the many messages of goodwill and the care she had received. Mr Skripal, 66, remains critically ill but stable.
4,050 special needs children deprived
National Education Union leader Kevin Courtney said official statistics showed 4,050 special needs pupils did not have a suitable school place in 2017 in England, up from 1,710 in 2016. Lack of designated funding means growing numbers of our most vulnerable children are left without appropriate support in a suitable school environment. The Government said money for schools and special needs was protected, and councils are allocated funds for special needs in both mainstream and special schools through their ‘high needs’ budgets. However, shortfalls in these budgets leave them ‘cash flat’ (the total does not account for inflation), while the number of pupils needing special programmes has been growing. Pupils with autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and other learning or physical disabilities need extra equipment and trained support staff to enable them to reach their full potential.
Prison Fellowship
Prison Fellowship, a Christian organisation, is part of a global movement of people motivated by their faith to transform lives and communities by bringing love in action, acting with justice and showing mercy. They write: ‘Our dream is ‘to see every life in prison transformed! Our mission is to show Christ’s love to prisoners by coming alongside them and supporting them. We seek through prayer and practical care to help, support, and develop a Christian ministry to prisoners and their families.’ They do this through a network of volunteers - currently over 2,400 across England and Wales. Prayer is the basis for all that they do, and where it all started. All activities are underpinned by prayer through PF groups that meet monthly.
Christian media
It is fair to say that movies with Christian themes are getting better, and seeing box-office profits. The successful ‘I Can Only Imagine’ has so far made $38 million. The play ‘The Case for Christ’ made $15 million profit. On Easter Sunday, the Broadway musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ returned on NBC as a live television event. In the UK, Timeless International Christian Media LLC produce and distribute Christian videos; and True Films are producing British feature films with core Christian values. Christian home entertainment is edifying and challenging the viewer. We are living in a culture where we spend more time than ever looking at a screen for our information and relaxation. Pray for more Christians to enter film production. See
