Pray for Syria: A Letter from a Syrian Christian Leader in the Midst of the Aleppo Siege
Dear Brother John,
I am sorry for being delayed in my response. Actually it is due to lack of electricity and net off-ness. Daily we do receive light and net about 3-4 hours. Most the time spending in darkness and under the candles. Just back to early 18-19th centuries. PTL.
Many thanks for your kind words and supporting prayers.
The situation here in Aleppo Syria is getting worse more and more. Yesterday, as all churches decided to have a united prayer day, the rebels sent three rockets - mortars- and been exploded just couple of hours before the gathering few meters from the main gate of the church. No injuries; just few damages here and there with some affected cars.
But, with all this, just to let you know that in spite all the rockets and explosions, more than 300 members and worshipers attended the prayer service meeting on that Friday. PTL…
Lord protected all of us - near and far. He is good. He is in control. His presence is our protection. Still in Aleppo, serving the One who deserves to be served.
Keep us lifted up
Primary teacher job threat over gay marriage storybook
A primary school teacher faced disciplinary action because she didn’t want to read to her class from a storybook about gay penguins. The teacher, who has not been named, works in a school in a London Borough and her case has been told to a committee of MPs looking the gay marriage Bill. Another teacher, from Scotland, says he was pressurised to promote gay marriage against his will and it contributed to a breakdown. The two teachers have remained anonymous because they fear for their careers, but have permitted a lawyer to outline their cases to Parliament. Top lawyers have warned the Government that its plans to redefine marriage could mean Christian teachers face the sack if they refuse to endorse gay marriage in the classroom. In January, a senior source in the Education Department admitted that the Government may be powerless to stop this happening.
Pray: for the protection of those who wish to abstain from the gay agenda in their workplaces. (Dt.31.6)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/primary-teacher-job-threat-over-gay-marriage-storybook/
Faith in Conflict gathering strengthens churches' reconciliation commitment
The Faith in Conflict conference, which brought together representatives from across the country last week, is a 'marker for the future of the church', participants in the event have said. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, spoke at the final plenary session of the ecumenical gathering which explored how conflict is handled across the churches. The conference sessions over the three days, at Coventry Cathedral, worked towards understanding the challenges that face the Christian church, gaining a renewed vision in viewing conflict differently and exploring options for intervention. Speaking about Faith in Conflict, the Archbishop said: “This conference [has been] some years in the making. I have always been hopeful that it would mark a step for the Church of England’s capacity when dealing with conflict. In fact, it is proving to be much more significant than that, setting a clear and radical path for our opportunity to be peacemakers and confidence builders in our society.”
Pray: for the Church to become leaders in conflict resolution and reconciliation. (2Co.5:18)
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18113
Rise in number of young priests welcomed
Lichfield Diocese's director of ordinands, the Reverend David Newsome, is upbeat about the increase in young people training to be a priest. The number of young people accepted for training for Church of England ministry reached a 20 year high last year, latest figures show. Last year, 112 people below the age of 30 were accepted. Reverend Newsome said the figures reflected a "full recognition" in the Church that ministers need to reflect the diversity of the Body of Christ. He said the increase in young ordinands reflects a break in traditional church wisdom that favoured those with a university degree and "life experience". "Young clergy have their own experience to bring, which will be different to older clergy, but we will need both," he said. "The church desperately needs the kind of passion and commitment that younger candidates can bring. It's a very exciting and extraordinary thing that young people are wanting to commit themselves to the church in uncertain times."
Pray: for all new ordinands and that the Lord will continue to call many more to His ministry. (Ac.6:4)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/rise.in.number.of.young.priests.welcomed/31802.htm
