Gulf tensions continue
A ransom paid by Qatar to Iranian Al Qaeda-linked terrorists to secure the release of members of Qatar’s royal family being held hostage is believed to have prompted Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to sever ties with the tiny but resource-rich emirate, accusing Doha of ‘funding terrorists’. Qatar is home to 10,000 American troops and a major US military base. On 8 June the US and Qatari navies began manoeuvres, just hours after the USA agreed a major warplane sale to the Gulf kingdom, underscoring a military alliance despite Donald Trump's assertion that Doha supports ‘extremism’. It is not clear when the joint naval exercise was arranged. Washington is sending conflicting signals about its position on the diplomatic crisis. Trump expressed support for the Saudi-led allegations against Qatar, but Pentagon and State Department officials have scrambled to reassure the emirate of support and continued sales of F-15 fighters. Meanwhile Turkey has deployed soldiers and military hardware to Qatar, and will train Qatari police. See
Justin Bieber preaches at Manchester concert
Christian pop star Justin Bieber spoke powerfully of God’s love to 50,000 people at the One Love Manchester concert on 4 June. The crowds included thousands who had been at the Manchester Arena at the time of the bomb two weeks earlier, and the concert paid tribute to the 22 who died, the injured, the emergency services and all who responded. Bieber sang his hit song and got the crowd to chant 'love'. Then he declared, 'I'm not going to let go of hope. I'm not going to let go of love. I'm not going to let go of God. Put your hand up if you're not going to let go. God is good in the midst of the darkness. God is good in the midst of the evil. God is in the midst, no matter what's happening in the world. God is in the midst and He loves you and He's here for you.'
Syria: amazing numbers coming to Christ
A Syrian pastor who has shared the gospel in the war-torn country over the past six years despite continued dangers has said he has witnessed a staggering number of Muslims, disillusioned by the atrocities committed in the name of Islam, come to Christ. He said, ‘In the places where I work we don't have young ministers any more; the last one left eight months ago and relocated to another country. But while Christians continue to flee Syria, more and more Muslims are coming to Christ.’ He has baptised many people from both Druze and Muslim backgrounds, even though converts’ lives are threatened.
Encounter with God changed his life
Victor Torres was 12 years old the first time he stabbed a man. Aged 14, he was addicted to heroin. At 18 he was one of New York City's most feared gang leaders and in jail three times. Today he's a leading evangelist who has helped thousands of young people find freedom from drug addiction and gang life. ‘My story is proof that no matter what the circumstances are, no matter how you feel or how negative it looks, redemption is possible,’ Torres told the Gospel Herald. ‘I want people to know that whatever you're facing, whether it's drugs or any other kind of addiction, nothing's too difficult for God.’ Torres' amazing story is the subject of a new film, Victor, based on his autobiography ‘Son of Evil Street’.
