Burkina Faso: new coup attempt thwarted
Authorities in Burkina Faso say they have thwarted a new coup attempt, underscoring ongoing political instability in the West African nation. Officials said the alleged plot was uncovered late on 3 January before it could be carried out, with security forces remaining on high alert. In a televised address, Security minister Mahamadou Sana said the plan involved coordinated efforts to destabilise the country through targeted assassinations of civilian and military leaders, including the head of state, Captain Ibrahim Traoré (see). Investigations are continuing and arrests have reportedly begun, with those implicated expected to face prosecution. The government praised intelligence services for preventing what it described as another attempt to destabilise the country. The alleged plot is the latest in a series of claims of attempts to remove Captain Traoré, who himself seized power in 2022.
Step Into 2026 With Us: A Year of Daily Strategic Prayer
As we enter a new year of Kingdom opportunity, we are grateful for your faithful partnership in prayer. Your intercession continues to strengthen the global Body of Christ and advance the Gospel in places where Jesus is least known.
Today, we’re inviting you to join a powerful new initiative launching January 1 in partnership with The Bible App (YouVersion):
Praying God’s Word: 365-Day Guide for the World.
This yearlong plan leads us in daily Scripture-based intercession for 365 frontline workers serving in 110 gateway cities across the least-reached regions of the world.
Each day includes God’s Word, the name of a specific worker or team, and a simple prayer to pray on their behalf. It grants us the privilege of standing with them as they share the Gospel, translate God's Word, plant churches, make disciples, and minister to the poor and broken.
This is a beautiful convergence of prayer, missions, and God’s Word, and we believe the impact will be significant as thousands join together in daily prayer.
Register here to begin the 365-day plan:
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/64200-365-prayers-to-change-the-world
Or use this QR code:
Thank you for standing with us and lifting up Jesus among the nations. We are deeply grateful for your prayerful partnership.
Christmas churchgoing: nearly half of Brits plan to attend
A new poll commissioned by Tearfund suggests a significant rise in Christmas church attendance across the UK, with nearly half of adults planning to attend a service or church event this year. The survey of two thousand adults found that 45% intended to go to church at Christmas, up from 40% last year, with Gen Z leading the trend. Six in ten young adults said they planned to attend, pointing to a growing openness to faith and community in their age group. Notably, attendance intentions among non-Christians also increased, with many reporting that church left them feeling joyful, peaceful, and hopeful. Tradition, atmosphere, and spiritual reflection were key motivations, while the poll also highlighted the vital practical role churches play. 42% of respondents said they or someone they knew had received support such as foodbanks, warm spaces, or free meals from a church over Christmas. Tearfund reports similar patterns in other countries: in the Central African Republic, Christmas gatherings draw entire communities together around worship, food, and hope. Churches continue serving faithfully long after the season ends.
Keir Starmer: how the Church represents 'true Britain'
In an interview with Premier Christian News, Keir Starmer has spoken warmly about the importance of Christian values and the vital role churches play across the UK. Speaking after a Downing Street reception honouring about a hundred church volunteers, Starmer described faith as a 'north star' during times of insecurity, conflict, and economic pressure. He highlighted Christian values of compassion, dignity, and care for others as essential foundations in a divided world. Starmer praised church volunteers as representing 'the true Britain' - a nation marked by kindness, generosity, and a willingness to look out for one another. He warned that these qualities are increasingly challenged by voices seeking to divide society, and said the Church’s quiet, faithful service tells a powerful story about national identity. From food provision to companionship and community support, he noted that churches step in where government cannot always reach. He also pledged closer partnership between government and churches, emphasising that this service continues year-round, not just at Christmas. Looking ahead to Christmas Day, Starmer said he plans to attend church with his family, welcoming a season of reflection, peace, and gratitude.
