TRAINING OF PASTORS IN EGYPT

Regular readers of our newsletters will be aware that the Australian Prayer Network in conjunction with CityHarvest International is involved with the training of Pastors and Leaders in Egypt. The overall project is a three year commitment - this being the first year. We are delighted with the level of support from the members of our Network and express our sincere thanks to those who have already given to enable this project to go ahead.

When the project was first mooted we expected 150 pastors and leaders to attend the training course offered, however final numbers are anticipated to be nearer 250. This of course means an increase in the budget to fund the project. We are currently $1780 short of the $12,000 target to be able to handle all who wish to attend. Each leader costs approximately $50 per head to train. This covers transporting leaders from all over Egypt, plus housing and feeding them for the weeks duration of the training course.

To help facilitate this strategic training program we again need you help to reach our goal. You an help us by donating sufficient funds to cover the attendance of one or more Egyptian pastors/leaders to attend this important equipping program. Should you wish to do so please visit http://www.vocations4life.com.au/shop/products/Pastors-Training-Egypt.html where you can lodge a secure donation by way of Pay Pal. Do also pray for the five self funded Australian Pastors who will be going to Egypt to undertake the training of the pastors and leaders.

We also want to take the opportunity to thank those who supported our appeal to allow us to purchase Megga-voice recorder transmitters which are given to Christians in remote areas of the Middle-East to assist with their personal growth. These recorder transmitters have gone out across the countryside of Egypt as well as into several North African and several sub Sahara nations and also a few gulf states. Good reports are filtering back to our hosts on the ground there about the impact and success of this project.

Source: CityHarvest International

THE CANBERRA DECLARATION - A CALL TO CHRISTIAN CONSCIENCE

The Preamble to the Australian Constitution contains the words, "Humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God”. As Australian citizens we continue to declare that we too put our trust in Almighty God.

For centuries, to speak of Western civilisation was to speak of Christian civilisation. The two were in many ways synonymous. The values that we have cherished and sought to strengthen are in large measure founded on the Judeo-Christian belief system. The many freedoms, advantages, opportunities, values and liberties which characterise the West owe much to the growth of Christianity with its inherent belief in the dignity of the human person as created in the image of God and the code of behaviour that flows from this belief.

The Canberra Declaration follows on from the 2009 Manhattan Declaration and the 2010 Westminster Declaration. It declares that when Christian values are respected and allowed freedom of expression, not just confined to so-called sacred spaces but in the public arena as well, society is richer and healthier.

We wish to emphasise three areas that demand particular attention in our contemporary Australian society, namely religious freedom, marriage and the family, and the sanctity of human life. Were we to undermine any one of these values, the social fabric of our nation would be seriously weakened, to our personal and collective detriment.

Religious Freedom

Religious freedom includes freedom of conscience and freedom of speech. The importance of these freedoms is shown in countries where they are threatened or absent. Police states and totalitarian nations inevitably begin with the curtailment of basic liberties, including religious freedom and the right to speak one’s mind and conscience. This includes the right to change one’s religious beliefs.

We affirm the basic necessity of freedom of conscience, having the liberty to speak publicly about one’s faith and beliefs, and having the right to practise the religion of one’s choice. If these freedoms are removed – even in the name of supposed benefits – the prized values of democracy and liberty are seriously undermined.

In Australia today these freedoms are being restricted by laws which, although appearing positive on first reading, have the potential to lead to unintended and unacceptable consequences. These laws include anti-discrimination legislation, hate crime laws and legislation on religious and sexual vilification – each of which may be interpreted in a way that effectively works as a barrier to religious freedom and freedom of speech.

Thus the signers of this declaration affirm the fundamental right of Australians to religious freedom and freedom of speech, and we oppose legislation which denies such freedoms. We likewise oppose laws subjugating our nation to foreign powers and instrumentalities which restrict these freedoms.

Marriage and Family

Another vital package of values and social benefits is the long-standing institution of the natural family resulting from marriage between a man and a woman – as affirmed by the definition of marriage in the Marriage Act: “…the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life”.

No other social institution has done so much good for people and for nations, yet marriage is being undermined, to the detriment of children, individuals, and society itself.

Lifelong marriage between a man and a woman guarantees children their biological birthright to a mother and a father and has a proven track record of providing them with protection, education, welfare, support and nurture. No other arrangement has improved upon the benefits of marriage.

In the face of competing alternatives and moves to redefine marriage, we affirm the importance and social utility of marriage between a man and a woman and the families formed thereby.

Human Life

The third important set of values revolves around the sanctity of human life which is being undermined in much of the Western world, through abortion, euthanasia, and some of the new reproductive technologies.

We believe that all human life, being made in the image of God, has intrinsic and equal value from conception to life’s natural end.

The very heart of a humane and civilised society is based on the way it treats its most vulnerable and innocent members including the unborn and the disabled. We therefore insist on the right of all persons, including those who are vulnerable or dependent, to protection from conception to natural death. We will support, protect, and be advocates for such people, since to do anything less is to weaken our humanity and despise our personhood.

We will not comply with any directive that compels us to participate in or facilitate abortion, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide, euthanasia, or any other act that involves the intentional taking of innocent human life.

Conclusion

Religious freedom, marriage and family, and the sacredness of human life have provided the foundations enabling Western democratic societies to flourish. We erode these foundations at our peril.

The faith which is at the heart of many of the values and strengths underpinning the Australian nation now compels us to speak up in their defence.

For the future of this nation, and for our children’s future, we call upon all like-minded citizens to support and sign this declaration.

Now that you've read the Canberra Declaration, would you like to sign it? I you would you may do so by going to the link to the Canberra Declaration at :  http://www.canberradeclaration.org.au

Source: National Alliance of Christian Leaders

REV FRED NILE CHALLENGES NSW PREMIER ON SUPPORT FOR HOMOSEXUAL ADOPTION

Rev Fred Nile, leader of the Christian Democratic Party in the NSW Legislative Council, has expressed his bitter disappointment that the NSW Premier has offered support to legalise homosexual adoption. The "Adoption Amendment Bill 2010" has been introduced into Parliament and will be discussed and voted on when Parliament resumes in coming weeks. The legislation has been put forward by homosexual activist and member for Sydney, Clover Moore and supported in a press statement by the NSW Premier Kristina Keneally.

Rev Nile says that the bill seeks to overlook existing provisions found within NSW Adoption law that are intended to protect children, and instead focus on the alleged rights of the homosexual community. "I am bitterly disappointed and angry that the NSW Premier has chosen to support the Bill. Adoption law is about children not the rights of any adult demographic! The NSW Adoption Act 2000, No 75. Part 8. 1 (c) states very very clearly 'no adult has a right to adopt'. Yet all we keep hearing is talk about the rights of the homosexual community', said Rev Fred Nile.

"The Act states quite clearly that adoption is to be regarded 'a service for the child' and 'the best interests of the child, both in childhood and in later life, must be the paramount consideration'. So when the Bureau of Statistics and other health reports tell us that there are substantially higher rates of mental illness, violence, disease, drug and sexual abuse within the homosexual community, how can any rational individual excuse exposing children to such inherent risks. The whole purpose of adoption law is to find a home for these children whilst mitigating against such risks.

If the NSW Government allows its members to turn the issue into an ideological debate on unrelated issues, it will be failing in its duty of care. Children shouldn't be made the battle ground for homosexual rights, particularly when these children have suffered enough. I urge the Government to look at the situation objectively and reconsider its position", Rev Nile said.

Source: Compiled by APN from information supplied by CDP

MORE MOROCCAN CHRISTIANS EXPELLED

Moroccan authorities have expelled eight more foreign Christians from the country, bringing the total deported since March to 128. Two foreign women married to Moroccan Christians were included in this third wave of deportations. One of the women, a Lebanese national married to a Moroccan, was diagnosed with cancer last month and is the mother of a 6-year old girl whom she was forced to leave behind.

Authorities called the foreigners to police stations across Morocco and told them they had 48 hours to leave the country for "threatening public order." Other nationals who were forced to leave came from France, Egypt, Lebanon, Switzerland, Nigeria and Spain. Moroccan authorities are essentially deporting Christians for "proselytism," - widely perceived as bribing people to change their faith, which is illegal in Morocco. The deportations come amid a nationwide mudslinging campaign geared to vilify Christians in Morocco.

Source: Compass Direct News

IRANIANS STILL FACE DEATH BY STONING DESPITE REPRIEVE

Twelve Iranian women and three men are on death row awaiting execution by stoning despite a last-minute reprieve for a mother of two who had been facing the sentence after being convicted of adultery. Human rights groups and activists welcomed a wave of international publicity and protests over the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, 43, who was awaiting execution after what her lawyer called an unjust trial and a sham conviction. The Iranian embassy in London said in a statement that "according to information from the relevant judicial authorities" the stoning would not go ahead.

If confirmed it would be a victory for a brief but intense campaign. However, there are still concerns over her plight. In a previous case a prisoner who was to be stoned was instead executed by hanging. Mohammadi Ashtiani's son Sajad, said his mother believed the pressure on her behalf might succeed, although he had not heard of any reprieve. "The campaign for her release is going well," he said. "They gave me permission to talk to her and she was very thankful to the people of the world for supporting her. It was the first time in years I heard any hope in my mother's voice."

Without a reprieve, Mohammadi Ashtiani would have been buried up to her neck before being pelted with stones large enough to cause pain but not so large as to kill her immediately. Iran routinely censors information about executions, but all the 12 other women on death row have been convicted on adultery charges, as has one of the three men. Iranian activists say the tragedy is that the families of those sentenced to death often ignore them. "It doesn't matter to them whether the charge of adultery is true or not because the honour of the family is tainted," said Soheila Vahdati.

"It's not possible to talk about these prisoners in public because their families don't want their names mentioned or their pictures published. Their families don't want to defend them neither. Mohammadi Ashtiani's case is amazing because her children are campaigning for her courageously and said that their mother is innocent." "The only reason the Iranian government has not carried out stoning sentences on all these people is that it is afraid of Iranian public reaction and international attention", said Soheila.

Source: Intercessors Network

DHIMMITUDE OR DEATH IN WEST JAVA

Analysts are warning that the situation in Bekasi, West Java, threatens to deteriorate into religious war similar to that which engulfed Central Sulawesi and Maluku between 1999 and 2002. Tensions are rising, preparations are in motion and all it awaits is a trigger. Islamic fundamentalists at the Bekasi Islamic Congress have demanded introduction of Sharia laws to 'limit' apostasy. They propose that every mosque in Bekasi establish its own paramilitary unit to be mobilised against Christians if "Christianisation" is not halted in line with their demands.

Indonesian legislators have called for the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) to be banned. However, others claim that if this is done other groups will just emerge in its place. Legislators demand that police must act decisively to apprehend all lawbreakers and that full and open investigations must be conducted in the event of any militia-related attacks. They also want those found orchestrating these attacks to face punishment. Whether or not the government is prepared to enforce the law in the face of Islamic fundamentalism, is the watershed issue on which the future of Indonesia balances.

Some 100 jihadist recruits recently turned out for an inaugural military training exercise in  Bekasi. "We are seeking to strike fear in the hearts of Christians," said Murhali Barda, who heads the local chapter of the FPI. "If they refuse to stop what they're doing, we're ready to fight." The government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is reluctant to act against the fundamentalists because it is dependent upon the support of Islamic parties in the parliament. With the Islamic parties holding the balance of power, nobody, especially the ruling party, can afford to be deemed "un-Islamic".

Arbi Sanit, a political analyst at the University of Indonesia said. "Being popular is more important to the politicians than punishing those who are clearly breaking the law." Catholic news agency Fides agrees: "Radicals are exploiting a central government that is dependent upon Muslim support and fearful of Islamic belligerence." Jesuit Fr. Ignazio Ismartono, director of the Indonesian Bishops' Crisis Service told Fides: The root cause of the problem is "the breakdown in relationship between Islamic and Christian groups. At the basis of it is the question of respect for others.

Every religious community should not propagate their faith so fanatically. This approach only leads to a reaction of fanaticism in other communities. It's a vicious circle that we must emerge from. But what is he saying exactly? This seductive, fine-sounding statement deserves closer scrutiny. Firstly he is saying that we must accept that religions have established "spheres of action and influence". According to Islam, Christians have no right to witness to Muslims who have no automatic right to hear any other claim to truth or choose their own religion.

The implication that Christian should have respect for "others", we can only assume that he is asking the Protestants to respect the demands of the apostaphobic dictators of Islam. Fr Ismartono implies that the Muslim fanaticism that is threatening to shed Christian blood in Bekasi is only a reaction to Protestant fanaticism with the gospel. The reality however, is that the Islamic fanaticism surfacing in Bekasi is merely part of the global revival of intolerant, jihadist and revolutionary, fundamentalist Islam.  Fr Ismartono needs to explain how then should Christians live? What should Christians do so as to enable "peaceful coexistence"?

What should Christians do so as to avoid invoking Islamic fanaticism against the hurch? Mind you, the answers might read like a Middle Ages handbook for dhimmitude. And this is the problem with so much Muslim-Christian Dialogue -- it tends to revolve around Christians, responding to unspoken threats of terror, making concessions towards dhimmitude in the hope that the Muslims won't kill them.   But dhimmitude is not the solution.

Source: Religious Liberty Monitoring

CORRECTION

Last week we published a story in good faith received from a respected International Christian News Service headed  "450 grooms wed girls under 10 in Gaza". Following a number of queries from suspicious members, we went back to the originating source who confirmed that a rogue email from 12 months ago had found its way into their editorial system without detection for which they asked us to apologise to our readers. Their enquiries reveal that the event actually did take place and all aspects of the story have been confirmed as accurate except for the most important one.

The girls referred to in the story were not the brides but their attendants. Photographs seen by the News Service show the grooms walking hand in hand with the young girls and a wrong assumption was made by the reporter. Various statistics quoted in the report are however correct, taken as they were from official sources. We have also discussed this article with Muslim converts known to us who confirm that child marriage is not uncommon in Islamic countries and that statistics quoted are in line with their own personal experience and knowledge from living in those countries.

The Australian Prayer Network does all in our power to ensure the material we reproduce is accurate and reliable by only using articles sent to us from respected and reputable international media, or Christian News Service sources to which we subscribe. We never use stories from emails that are circulated on the internet nor do we take articles from websites. Unfortunately we have no way of independently checking articles prior to publication and have to rely solely on the integrity of the news sources we use. We apologise to our readers and thank you for your understanding.

Source: Australian Prayer Network

AUSTRALIA PROVIDES $50 MILLION TO PNG CHURCHES

Australia will provide $50 million to churches in Papua New Guinea over six years to deliver critical health and education services to the poorest, most disadvantaged and remote people of PNG. These services include building medical centres for people with HIV and AIDS, operating health clinics and schools in remote areas, training medical workers and school teachers and running primary schools. PNG churches help to resolve community conflicts, respond to disasters and improve the income of PNG's poorest people through growing and marketing cash crops.

Australia's support for these efforts recognises the vital role churches play in delivering approximately half the country's health and education programs. Australian Non Government Organisations will work with PNG churches, who deliver aid directly to the people of PNG. This is a very effective way to ensure that capacity is being built and services reach the people most in need. This new phase of the Australian Government funded Church Partnership Program builds on the success of the churches' efforts to date.

In the past Australia has provided $35 million to support PNG churches to raise HIV awareness, address discrimination, improve health facilities, train school teachers and respond to emergencies such as the cholera outbreak in 2009 and the Oro floods in 2007. The new phase will continue this good work. It will help PNG churches workmore closely with PNG Government service delivery agencies. The program will also support PNG churches to join forces to deliver health and education activities. This will maximise the reach and effectiveness of Australia's support. 

Source: Compiled by APN from media reports

A SEASON OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

WEEK 3

PRAYING FOR A NATION THAT REFLECTS GOD'S JUSTICE

Sunday 1st August

Justice in the Church -  Let us pray for justice to be manifested in the Church. Let us repent of our prayerlessness for those in government, and for the times we have judged and criticized them, instead of praying. Pray that the Church will be faithful in praying for all members of Parliament, and their advisors, taking the time to find out the policies and intentions of those in their own constituencies standing for parliament, and ask the Lord to grant His grace and favour to those who would stand up for justice and truth to be elected.  

Bible Readings:  Matthew 5: 13-16   Col 4: 2
 
Monday 2nd August

Justice in our communities -  Pray that the rights of the poor, the homeless, the marginalized, the aged, the unborn children and refugees be upheld. Ask the Lord to raise up people in our government and those who advise them who will understand with godly wisdom and principles to meet the needs of these people in a practical, compassionate yet firm way.  Ask that those elected to government will honour, encourage and support  Christian churches and organizations who care for the poor and homeless.  Pray that no government legislation will attempt to compromise their Christian stand.  

Bible Readings:  James 2: 5-9

Tuesday 3rd August
 
Justice in Government -  Pray that the person called to be Attorney General in the next government will be a God fearing person of integrity, with a clear understanding of justice and truth, and a heart after God’s own heart. That he/she and his/her departments would have God’s wisdom, strategies, favour and blessing in dealing with the issues of this portfolio.  Some of those areas covered in this portfolio include:
·        Australia’s national security which includes Security intelligence and border protection.
·        Organised crime
·        Promoting access to justice and protection of human rights. Also censorship
·        Indigenous law and justice and native title
·        Courts, tribunals and the Judiciary Appointments
·        Family law                                                                                

Bible Readings:  1 Tim.2: 1-4  Prov 24: 23b-25  Prov 29: 4a
 
 
Wednesday 4th August

Economic Justice - Let us bring before our Lord today, that the person of His choice will be elected as the Treasurer of our Nation.  Pray that He would prepare the heart of this person and all who would advise, and head up the departments under this portfolio, to think and to act in the counsel of God regarding the financial policies of Australia.  These areas include:
·        Economic and fiscal policy and taxation
·        Prices surveillance;  competition policy
·        Taxation
·        Superannuation, banking, insurance, and foreign investment.

Pray that the policies of both major parties regarding finances will reflect God’s compassion for those in greatest need – the poor, the homeless, the aged, families etc.  Also that they would research their financial responsibilities well and be accountable when implementing new policies.  Especially pray that in the run up to election unattainable promises would not be made to win votes. 

Bible Reading:  Rom 13: 6 & 7

Thursday 5th August

Justice in the electorate - Let us ask the Lord to move people’s hearts to research the policies of the different parties and understand how those policies will effect them and their family's lives. Pray that voters will not look for money or favours for their own gain, but look to the real needs of the Nation. Ask that voters be given divine discernment to choose to vote for those candidates with godly principles.   
 

Bible Reading: Mic. 6:8 (particularly in The Message)
 
Friday 6th August

Justice in the media -  Pray for all those who report, commentate, and opinionate in newspapers and magazines, on TV and radio.  Ask the Lord to enable these people  to be neutral and fair in their assessments of the policies presented, that deception and lies be exposed, that truth and righteousness be declared and encouraged, and those who are reading, listening and seeing these reports will perceive what is real, just and true. Pray too that political advertising will not demean personalities, but will concentrate on the policies and issues being presented.  Pray that voters will not be influenced by people, but by God.                           

Bible Reading:  Prov.12: 17-23
 
Saturday 7th August 

Election of just, righteous and honest parliamentarians - Please pray that the Lord would call and appoint those who are just, righteous, honest and with integrity to lead our country.  Pray today for the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and the Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott.  Wait on the Lord, and ask Him how you are to pray for our leaders and then obey Him in prayer. Pray also for all candidates standing on a Christian platform that they would truly reflect Jesus in their public life and that God would grant them favour in their constituencies, that many people would vote for them because of their Christian stand. Pray that those who will hold the balance of power in the Senate will be men and women of faith, integrity with a true sense of justice for all.

Bible Reading:   Prov.8: 12-16  Psalm 72: 1-4

Source: Australian Prayer Network

AUSTRALIAN  PRAYER  NETWORK  NEWSLETTER

• A SEASON OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

A SEASON OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

The calling of the Federal Election to be held on Saturday 21st August activates a season where all Australians are asked to consider the kind of Government they want for our nation.  It is the ultimate privilege citizens have in a democratic society to exercise their vote for their preferred choice.

As Christians we of course have the right and responsibility to personally seek the Lord as to which party and candidates will best form a Government of righteousness and justice with a heart open to fulfil the will and purposes of God for our nation, and to vote accordingly.

As members of the Body of Christ we also have a corporate responsibility to undergird the decision process of the people, as well as through our prayers, impact the election campaign itself, by calling on the Holy Spirit to hover over our nation during these next 5 weeks guiding and determining the outcomes for our nation that will best serve His purposes for our future.     

We therefore call members of our national network to a season of 5 weeks of daily prayer and voluntary fasting for our nation and for the election process, as the Lord leads.  We also invite other prayer networks across the nation to freely use our material within their own networks and invite all Churches to publish each week in full or edited form, the prayer points we will be issuing so that their members can also share in this season of national prayer.    

Today we release the material for Week 1 of the prayer initiative. On Tuesday of each week, commencing next Tuesday, we will issue prayer points and bible readings weekly so that Churches have time to re-produce them in their weekly notices for the following Sunday so that all who wish to participate in this season of prayer are able to do so. 

We acknowledge the work of a number of leaders and intercessors within the Australian Prayer Network who have put this season of prayer together at short notice. Thank you for your efforts. 

A SEASON OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

WEEK 1

PREPARING OUR HEARTS SO THAT GOD CAN SPEAK TO US OF HIS WILL AND PURPOSES FOR OUR NATION

 
Day 1 - Sunday 18th July 2010

Revelation - Pray for a mighty move of the Holy Spirit to bring a conviction of our personal sin as Australians and our corporate sin as a nation, resulting in a much needed awareness that as a nation we have turned away from Almighty God.

Bible readings - Jeremiah 2: 11-13, Colossians 2: 8-10.
 
Day 2 - Monday 19th July 2010
 
Repent-  Asking God’s forgiveness for where we have in the past failed to collectively pray for our national leaders and Government. Our prayers provide the prayer cover that is necessary for Governments to rule wisely, with Godly authority and in the best interests of all people who make up our nation. When it is not forthcoming, Governments can fall into chaos and confusion but when properly in place righteousness and justice can flow according to God's perfect will.

Bible readings - 1 Timothy 2: 1-6, Romans 13: 1-2
 
Day 3 - Tuesday 20th July 2010

Regret – Pray for a Holy Spirit transformation of our minds, for a new way of understanding and thinking about the things of God, because as a nation we have failed to give God His rightful place.

Bible readings - Colossians 1: 15-20 NLT
 
Day 4 - Wednesday 21st July 2010

Return - Pray for a significant turn back within our nation to the person and teachings of the One true God resulting in a re-direction of the nation’s ways and moral values. 

Bible readings - Joel 2: 12-13, Revelation 2: 4-5
 
Day 5 - Thursday 22nd July 2010

Refresh -  Pray for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit to ignite a greater desire in the Christian Church in Australia for the Word of God and the proclamation of the Gospel in our secular society.  Pray that the voice of the Church will become a prophetic guiding light to our Governments at both State and Federal level.

Bible Readings - Proverbs 11: 25, Acts 3: 19
 
Day 6 - Friday 23rd July 2010
 
Restore -   On the Day of Pentecost 14th May 1606 Fernandez de Quiros, in the name of Jesus Christ, took possession of The South Lands of the Holy Spirit, which included Australia. Pray for the restoration of Australia’s Judeo-Christian heritage as the foundation of future governments in this nation.

Bible Readings - Ephesians 1: 16-18
 
 
Day 7 - Saturday 24th July 2010

Renewal - is a new way of living in the freedom Christ brings through repentance. Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew the Christian Church to a greater place of authority and integrity in an increasing secular society. Pray that a renewed Church will be able to take its rightful place in the authority structure of our nation.

Bible Readings -  Isaiah 40: 31, Romans 12:2
 

Source: Australian Prayer Network

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AUSTRALIAN  PRAYER  NETWORK  NEWSLETTER

• A SEASON OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

A SEASON OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

WEEK 2

PRAYING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS IN GOVERNMENT

Sunday 25th July

God's Righteousness  -  Cry out to God for His righteousness, just nature, and rulership to be established in Australia through the Government we elect, as it is in heaven.

Bible Readings - Psalm 33: 5  Psalm 36: 6  Psalm 45: 7  Psalm 71: 19  Psalm 85: 13  Psalm 89: 14  Psalm 145: 17  Jeremiah 9: 24  Acts 17:31

Monday 26th July

Australia's Unrighteousness - In the light of His perfect righteousness let us acknowledge our sin and failures as His people to pray for and represent Him to our nation. In repentance and humility let us cry out for His mercy to be extended to ourselves and our nation through the outcome of this election.

Bible Readings - 1 Peter 4: 17  Daniel 9: 4 - 19  1 John 1: 9

Tuesday 27th July

Our Righteousness before God - Let us approach His throne of grace with confidence concerning these elections, to pray that our nation will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Pray that the Church in Australia will be like Esther and find favour and approval with our King so that He will hear and answer our prayers. Pray that God would give His Church the prayers of Jesus so that we pray in righteousness, unity, and maturity.

Bible Readings:  1 Corinthians 1: 30  Romans 10: 10a  Esther 2:  17  Esther 7: 2  Hebrews 5: 13-14

Wednesday 28th July

God's promise of righteousness for our Nation - Pray for righteousness to come forth from the Federal elections. Pray that Australia would be known and respected in the forums of the world as a nation of righteousness and integrity, holding to and doing what is right regardless of internal or external  pressures and short term expediency. Pray for a government we can trust to conduct our affairs righteously in every area of power.

Bible Readings:  Proverbs 14: 34  Isaiah 26: 2  Isaiah 26. 9  Psalm 75: 10  Isaiah 28: 17  Isaiah 32: 17  Malachi 4: 2-3  Psalm 125: 3

Thursday 29th July

Righteousness in the election campaign -  Let us pray that this election campaign, however strongly contested, will be conducted with righteousness, decency and respect. Pray His Kingdom come His will be done in this election. Pray that He will expose to the eyes of the nation any hidden, ruthless, unscrupulous, unrighteous motives of parties and candidates. Pray the electors see and take to heart what is right, honourable, just and true and let it prevail in the voting on election day: Pray that righteousness and truth rather than sensationalism will prevail in all reporting in the media

Bible Readings:  Matthew 6: 33   Romans 14: 17-18  Amos 5: 24  Psalm 85: 13   Luke 12: 2-3  Philippians 4: 8 Psalm 85: 13

Friday 30th July

The election of righteous candidates  -  In prayer, call forth from each electorate into the Federal Parliament, those who will represent us in righteousness and will be open to the influence of His Holy Spirit.

Bible Readings:  Psalm 112: 4-10  Isaiah 64: 4-5a  1 John 3: 7-10  Psalm 34: 15  Psalm 37: 29

Saturday 31st July

Pray for a Prime Minister and Government that would lead our Nation in righteousness - Pray in faith for a Prime Minister  who will be an instrument of true righteousness in His hands. Pray for the election of a Government that will be under His authority so that Australia can fulfil in every way the calling he has for us. Pray that whoever is elected Prime Minister will lead Australia under His Lordship and authority and with His wisdom into paths of righteousness for His names sake. 
 
Bible Readings: Psalm 18: 20  Proverbs 14: 34  Proverbs 16: 7  Proverbs 21: 1  Proverbs 25: 5  Psalm 11: 3  Hosea 10: 12  Psalm 85: 9-13  Jeremiah 29: 11-14a

Source: Australian Prayer Network

SAUDI ARABIA THE CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION CAPITAL OF THE MIDDLE EAST

A Vatican expert on Islam has revealed the extent of persecution Christians are facing in Saudi Arabia. At an event organised by Aid to the Church in Need, Father Samir painted a picture of oppression and appealed for action to safeguard the Church there. He said Saudi is one of the worst countries in the Middle East for extremism against Christians. John Pontifex from Aid to the Church said believers in Saudi are very vulnerable. Father Samir indicated that Saudi Arabia is in a category of its own  in terms of being very, very severe in its treatment of Christians.  

Christians in Saudi Arabia cannot even meet in their houses to pray. “This is the worst situation in the Middle East.  Human rights are practically unknown.” Father Samir said Christians in Saudi have to try and operate behind closed doors and their Christian identity must be concealed from public view. It is unknown how many Christians actually reside in Saudi Arabia, but some estimate there are a million believers in the country. Both Father Samir and Aid to the Church called for prayer for Saudi Arabian Christians.

Source: Premier News

MUSLIMS CALL TO ARMS AGAINST INDONESIAN CHRISTIANS

A new move by hard-line Islamic groups to fight “Christianization” is increasing religious tension in Bekasi just east of Jakarta. Following recent protests by about 60 hard-line Islamic organizations, the Pondok Timur Indah Church was shut down “because the congregation held prayers where they were not supposed to.” A Catholic school in Bekasi, was attacked by a group offended by a student blog that reportedly defamed Islam. In February, members of the Islam Defenders Front closed another Church in Bekasi, alleging the congregation had been converting Muslims.  

Pluralism advocates warn that the enforcement of one groups wishes over anothers could provoke the disintegration of the community and cause unwanted political tension. Speaking on behalf of the Wahid Institute, Yenny Wahid demanded the government be more assertive toward hard-line religious groups. “Anarchism on behalf of religion is increasing, and the government seems to fear any group that uses Islam,” she said. “We do not want to be like Afghanistan under the Taliban.”   

Rev. Palti Panjaitan of the Filadelfia congregation in Bekasi, agreed, saying that recently members of “several groups have become freer to do whatever they want.” “The current situation makes me want to separate myself from Indonesia,” he said. Yenny said support from government officials could be fuelling the situation. The Islamic Congress, was held after Islamic organizations warned the Bekasi Mayor of more demonstrations targeting his administration should the congress not be allowed.   

Palti said “People are saying that our church is an effort at Christianization. That’s why they pressure the government not to issue us a building permit for our church. The situation in Bekasi cannot be tolerated." Indonesia is a pluralistic country, so enforcing Shariah law would violate the Pancasila and 1945 Constitution. Yenny said the Indonesian state was one based on the supremacy of the law. “This country does not punish those who would change their religion,” she said. “In fact, the freedom to worship is enshrined in the 1945 Constitution."

Source: Jakarta Globe

JERUSALEM OLD CITY INITIATIVE CRAFTS NEW PLAN

Israel and the Palestinians have resumed "indirect" proximity peace talks following a 17-month break in negotiations.  Possibly the most difficult issue on the table in the conflict is the future "final status" of Jerusalem's Old City -- an area sacred to Muslims, Christians and Jews.  A group of Israelis, Palestinians, Canadians and Americans has released a new initiative designed to help the parties resolve this thorny problem.  The Jerusalem Old City Initiative began about seven years ago.

U.S. special envoy George Mitchell is expected to engage in shuttle diplomacy between the parties during the next four months. The Old City Initiative proposes creating a special regime of  Israelis and Palestinians, but run by an outside administrator with international standing.  The initiative proposes a government that would oversee security, access to holy sites, zoning, archeological issues and planning. Those involved in the Old City Initiative estimate it will take a generation after a peace deal is reached until both sides agree on sovereignty for Jerusalem and the holy sites.

Source: Intercessors for America

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS IN U.S.A.

A Yearbook published by the National Council of Churches in America, lists movements in denominational membership over the previous year. The Episcopal church actually reporting a sharp decrease of 4%. The Presbyterian Church was slightly ahead with a 2.4% decrease. Jehovah’s Witnesses, at 1.06 million, showed the greatest growth rate of 2.25% increase. Mormons had a growth rate of 1.56% whilst the Roman Catholic Church, reported a 0.87% increase. The Southern Baptist Convention, reported an increase of 0.22%.  

The USA population growth rate was just 1%, so aside from Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Mormons, the other denominations are failing to keep up with the rate of population increase. A survey by the Pew Forum shows that Protestants, who 30 years ago made up two-thirds of the population, are now just a slight majority of 51%. Those identifying as having no religion has risen to just over 16%. Those claiming some religious affiliation is now just 84%. The largest single block are the Evangelicals at 26.4%, followed by the Roman Catholics at 23.9%.  

David Roozen, from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, remarked, “Mainline Protestantism has been eroding for a while.We have had 40 years of this. America is running away from its Protestant roots." In a separate UN survey in Britain approximately two-thirds of British people now claim no religious affiliation. This stands in stark contrast to the national census in 2001 which reported that 72% of Britons were Christian. The survey went on to call for disestablishing the Church of England because it no longer represents “the religious demography of the country.” 

Source: The Epoch Commentary

UP TO 30% OF CHILDREN MAY BE 'AT RISK' OF HARM

One-third of 15- and 16-year-olds have been reported to Government Child Protection Agencies at least once in their life because of concerns about neglect or abuse, official figures show. And the proportion of 12- to 14-year-olds and 17-year-olds reported is almost as high at 32 per cent. The startling figures may be the highest in the developed world, according to a leading expert on child protection, Dorothy Scott, the director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection at the University of South Australia.

The high reporting rate - which excludes double-counting of children notified more than once - is revealed in a new report by the evaluation and statistics branch of Community Services NSW, now part of the larger Department of Human Services. The report shows steep increases in the proportion of children being reported in every age group since a similar report was done four years ago. But experts question whether the figures indicate the real level of harm, gross over-reporting, or new parenting standards.

Overall more than one in four children under 18, or 26.7 per cent, had information about them kept on a database. Four years earlier 19 per cent of all children under 18 had been reported. Most parents would not know that their children had been reported and their details recorded as only a small proportion of cases is ever investigated. For example, in 2008-09 there were 309,676 reports to the department but only 40,000 received a secondary assessment, and only 10,142 children were eventually found to have experienced ''actual harm''.

Professor Scott said the ''astounding'' reporting figures were the result of placing a ''misguided reliance'' on a child protection authority as the first port of call for people worried about children's safety and welfare. ''It's like having everyone with a health problem front up to casualty rather than having access to a GP,'' she said. ''And by overwhelming your 'casualty department' you reduce its capacity to respond to those who really need help.''

Frank Ainsworth, senior principal research fellow adjunct at James Cook University, and a child protection authority, said big numbers of parents had been caught in the child protection net because they could not reach the higher parenting standards now expected, and were not getting enough help.  ''In another era, even earlier in this era, they would not have been pushed into the system,'' he said. State laws have required some professionals such as doctors, teachers and police to notify Community Services of children they consider at risk of harm.

The huge numbers being reported, especially by police called to domestic violence incidents led to the 2008 Wood Commission of Inquiry. Six months ago a new child protection system was established. Under the new system, the threshold for reporting to Community Services has been lifted to children at risk of ''significant'' harm. Anne Maree Sabellico, acting deputy chief executive operations in Community Services, said the information about families was confidential and accessed only for serious cases.

Source: Compiled by APN from media reports

BILL TO ALLOW HOMOSEXUAL AND LESBIAN ADOPTION BEFORE NSW PARLIAMENT

The independent member for Sydney, Clover Moore has introduced a private members bill to legalise homosexual and lesbian adoption. A final vote on the Bill will take place when the Parliament resumes later in the year. NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has granted Government MPs a conscience vote on the issue and has indicated her personal support for the bill. Opposition MPs have also been granted a conscience vote on the bill.

In expressing concern for the Bill the NSW Director of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) said "Children born to a parent who was now in a same-sex relationship should have any real or perceived disadvantage remedied without the need to change adoption laws. ACL does not wish to see any child disadvantaged. A raft of changes to Federal and State laws in recent years had dealt with discrimination affecting children in same- sex families and if there were any remaining areas these should be looked at separately from adoption laws.

"However, it is important that where the State must intervene on behalf of babies and children that it ensures the human right to at least begin life with both a mother and a father is not expunged from our legal system and our culture," Mr Hutt said. "The rights of a child must always come before the lifestyle choices of adults," Mr Hutt said.

"Despite all the law reform of the past couple of years to assist same sex couples and their children from previous heterosexual relationships, it seems the political agenda of the gay and lesbian lobby will not be satisfied until two men or two women are allowed to acquire babies or young children by adoption," Mr Hutt said. Mr Hutt said many people in NSW would be disappointed by Premier Kristina Keneally's support for the bill. "NSW politicians must show courage on behalf of vulnerable children and ensure they have the human right to a mother and a father."

Source: Compiled by APN from information supplied by ACL

AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE AFGHAN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Christians in Afghanistan have written an ‘Open Letter’ to believers around the world calling for help in defending those who are being persecuted for their faith. The letter was written by Afghan Christians currently living in exile from their beloved homeland because they were forced to flee their country in order to save their lives and the lives of their families, due to orders of execution issued against them by the Afghan government for "choosing to convert to Christianity.” 

The letter addresses recent events inside Afghanistan following showing of an incendiary documentary showing photos and videos of secret “Afghan Christian Converts” aired on an independent TV station based in Kabul. The documentary was the first of its kind to ever air publicly on national TV in Afghanistan, a country that considers itself to be 100 percent Muslim. The controversial content, revealing names and faces of supposed Afghan Christian converts, sparked riots and demonstrations throughout Afghanistan in the days that followed.  

Demonstrators called on President Hamid Karzai and the Afghan government to take strong and decisive actions against the Afghan Christian converts by enforcing Islamic Sharia law, which clearly calls for the arrest and public execution of anyone who leaves Islam for another religion. Abdul Sattar Khawasi, deputy secretary of the Afghan lower house, called for the execution of Christian converts from Islam saying, “those Afghans should be executed in public, the house should order the Attorney General and the police to arrest these Afghans and execute them.”   

In another reported statement, Qazi Nazir Ahmad, a lawmaker from Herat, declared that killing a Muslim who converts to Christianity is “not a crime.” Reports from inside Afghanistan tell of many arrests in recent days, frequent and ongoing searches of homes and businesses, as well as claims of torture by those under arrest in an effort to forcibly extract the names of other Afghan Christian converts and the locations of secret Afghan Christian “churches” and underground fellowships.

The letter says: “In light of all these events, and the perplexing media silence on these atrocities occurring in plain view of the international community, we are pleading with the Body of Christ around the world to support our Afghan Christian brothers and sisters during this critical time by taking a firm and vocal stand against the severe and devastating wrongs being committed against them by their own government!” The letter-writers say: “We ask that you please forward and share the enclosed “open letter to the church” with your friends, churches and prayer groups.  

We need everyone’s help to make our voices heard!  “We must make people aware that right now our Afghan Christian brothers and sisters are being subjected to forcible arrest, intimidation, fear, torture and certain public execution merely for choosing to be Christian! We must raise up a standard against these egregious injustices and blatant human rights violations by taking a strong and public stand against these unconscionable actions being perpetrated and condoned by the Afghan government from the parliament floor against its own people!”

Source: Assist News

ADVERTISING WATCHDOG ACKNOWLEDGES COMMUNITY CONCERN OVER SEXUALISATION

Australians are very sensitive to sexualised advertisements that target young people according to recently released research by the nation's advertising 'regulator', the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB). The research tested community reactions to 22 ads from TV, radio, print, outdoor and internet channels. It consisted of a survey of 1207 people and two focus groups. Colmar Brunton Social Research conducted the research on behalf of the ASB, and produced the report 'Community perceptions of sex, sexuality and nudity in advertising'.

A major finding of the research report was that, "Respondents were unanimously sensitive to ads containing sexualised representations of teenagers and children, modelled on 'sexy' adults. The sexual innuendo and undertones within ads featuring and directed at young teenagers was also seen to be highly unacceptable". Responding to the research, ASB CEO, Fiona Jolly said that, "a number of the Board's decisions appear to be more liberal than community expectations suggest they should be."

Despite the research showing people were concerned about the portrayal of sex and nudity in advertising, Ms Jolly defended the self-regulation of advertising which she said were "broadly aligned with the views of the community". Social commentator Melinda Tankard Reist disagreed, saying that the growing number of ads which sexualise children demonstrates the failure of self-regulation. What the research really shows is that the advertising industry, if left to its own devices, is unable to curb its natural inclination to continually push the boundaries of acceptable content.

Rather than reflecting community standards, advertisers appear more determined to set the standards, often at a very low level. It is clear that self-regulation has proven to be a flawed 'safeguard' against the excesses of the industry.

Source: Compiled by APN from media reports

450 GROOMS WED GIRLS UNDER TEN IN GAZA

A gala event has occurred in Gaza. Hamas sponsored a mass wedding for four hundred and fifty couples. Most of the grooms were in their mid to late twenties; most of brides were under ten. Muslim dignitaries including Mahmud Zahar, a leader of Hamas, were on hand to congratulate the Couples who took part in the carefully staged celebration. We are saying to the world and to America that you cannot deny us joy and happiness, Zahar told the grooms, all of whom were dressed in identical black suits and hailed from the nearby Jabalia refugee camp.

Each groom received a gift of 500 dollars from Hamas. The pre-pubescent girls, dressed in white gowns and adorned with garish make-up, received bridal bouquets. “We are presenting this wedding as a gift to our people who stood firm in the face of the siege and the war,” Local Hamas strongman Ibrahim Salaf said in a speech. The International Centre for Research on Women now estimates that there are 51 million child brides now living on planet earth and almost all are in Muslim countries.

Twenty-nine percent of these child brides are regularly beaten and molested by their husbands in Egypt ; twenty six percent receive similar abuse in Jordan . Every year, three million Muslim girls are subjected to genital mutilation, according to UNICEF. The Islamic practice of paedophilia dates back to the prophet Muhammad, who amassed eleven wives and many concubines after the death of his first wife Khadijah in 619 A.D. After Muhammads elderly wife, Khadijah, died in 619 A.D., he amassed eleven wives.  

Aisha was Muhammads favourite wife. As soon as Muhammad laid eyes on Aisha, he fantasized having sex with her. But there was a problem. Aisha, at that time, was a small child of four or five, while Muhammad was a middle-aged man of fifty. When Aisha turned six, Muhammad asked her father for his daughter's hand in marriage. The father consented and Muhammad took the little girl as his new bride. The marriage was consummated when Aisha was nine, and the Prophet fifty-three.

Source: The Last Crusade

Prayer needed for Chile – South America West Territory

This week we are once again in the area affected by the earthquake and the tsunami,this time accompanied by an IHQ Emergency Services officer; we are working on several projects, some to repair damaged Army properties and some to rebuild peoples lives in two of the most affected zones by replacing their means of a livelihood.

We will be delivering some new fishing boats to families in the Caleta Tumbes...the boats here are shared by families, so the 6 boats we are delivering will help 18 families get ahead again. Thanks to a private donor in the USA. The launch should be next Friday. A real gala occasion, we just hope the weather holds long enough to be able to bring them down the coast from the boat builders yard.

We have also been able to replace tools and materials for some women artesans in Tumbes so they can keep producing their handcrafts ready to sell in the summer season. We are also now looking at the possibility of a project to teach some new skills to a group in Santa Clara....the making of fishing nets...we discovered when equipping the boats how expensive it is to buy the nets....because you buy all the materials and then have to find someone to make them for you. Also we are working on 6 more boats for another group of families.

There is a young Peruvian officer who needs prayer. I have worked with her on two occasions, recently she returns to Peru from Ecuador after having been diagnosed with a very advanced cancer. They began chemo last week but she needs support from us in the only way we can. Her name is Luz.


God bless you all

Captain Kirsty MacKenzie

South America West Territory

HOUSE CHURCHES BRING NEW LIFE 

 Melbourne Conference Tue 24, Wed 25 Aug
With Tony & Felicity Dale

Details below and on attached flyer
 

In this Special Edition
House Churches bring new life to the Church
House Churches spreading in Melbourne and across the world
Alabaster House Church in Bayswater – A story
How can we reach those outside the Church?
What about the Vast Growth Corridors of Melbourne?
What is a House Church?  (how they differ from Home and Cell groups)
Why do people leave the Church  
House Churches and the local church
A Frankston Pastor with Missional Communities: Speaks at Conference  
Conference details

HOUSE CHURCHES BRING NEW LIFE TO THE CHURCH
In Melbourne and across the world House Churches (or Simple Churches) are multiplying and bringing people of all ages, nationalities and cultures to faith in Christ – many who would never "come to church". Some are related to a local church, others are not.  Some are in homes, some in businesses, football clubs or even on-line.  What they have in common are love and expectant prayer with a focus on Jesus - going deeper with Him and sharing Him with others. The result is that they grow as others join and come to faith – and they plant new house churches.

House Churches Spreading in Melbourne and across the World
In Melbourne there may be 1000 house churches - in housing commission flats, houses, community centres, in Footscray, Flemington, Bayswater, Clayton, etc.  Some major denominations have a focus on house church planting. Barna Research indicates more than 70 million adults (1 in 5) in the US have at least experimented with house church participation. "In a typical week roughly 20 million adults attend a house church gathering.  The house church now appears to have reached ‘critical mass’ in the United States”.

(See: www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=241)

  
How can we reach those outside the Church?
The Transforming Melbourne research of the Church last year shows that there are some wonderful things happening in local churches, and the Church as a whole across Melbourne provides unique and vital support for our city.  It also shows that less than 15% of the population regularly attend church, with few young people, blue collar workers, singles, professionals and those less educated, and declining numbers in Melbourne indicate having Christian faith.
 
Consultations with church and leaders of missional organisations in Melbourne have identified key strategies for the Church could reverse these trends – namely:
Sustained United Prayer, mobilising individual Christians by making disciples who will make disciples, Organic church growth (planting churches and house churches that will plant others) and intentional fostering the unity of heart and vision across the Body of Christ.  House Churches, which may or may not be related to a local church, are a key strategy in moving the Church into effective mission.
 
House Churches can not only bring people from all cultures outside the church into a relaxed community of faith and lead them to faith.  These new Christians usually have many contacts outside the Christian community (unlike most Christians), who they can reach out to with faith.
 
 
What about the Vast Growth Corridors of Melbourne?
Melbourne grows at 100,000 people a year.  Most of these people are moving to the fast growing sea of new houses in the growth corridors on the fringes of suburbia in the North, West and South East.  Julia Gillard expressed concern last year that these developments with few resources and social infrastructure could lead to widespread isolation and depression for mothers at home with their children and others.  In the past it would be the Church that built community, but today, without the option of erecting a multitude of church buildings, house churches provide the solution for bringing faith and hope to the 1000s of new families.
 
 
Why are Christians Leaving The Church?
Even "mega-churches" in Melbourne often have a huge "back-door".  Attenders, including strong Christians, are moving from church to church, and eventually no longer "going to church".  Many mature Christians get to a point they realise they are not growing and no longer engaged or inspired and just fade out of Sunday church. (See Willow Creek study "REVEAL" Hawkins and Parkinson 2007).  Some become involved in missional ministry, but many drift because of time pressure, sport or lifestyle changes, unresolved doubts, hurts or lack of engagement in the church.  Many of these have strong continuing faith, and may meet with other Christians for fellowship, attend conferences, etc - but often continue to be restless, wondering where to belong and how and where to become active in worship and serving God. Even some who join a group for regular Bible study, sharing and prayer continue to be restless.  Many are now growing in faith and Christian maturity becoming part of a House Church, seeing people come to faith and discovering their personal ministries. 
 
 
WHAT IS A HOUSE CHURCH (or Simple Church)? 
The House Church revolution is not about doing conventional church in a home with a set pattern of singing, Bible study, prayer and supper led by one person.
 
‘House Church’ is a term that relates to the way of being church, not where people meet.   There are many styles and sizes, but they all reflect gatherings the earliest Christians would recognise, and they seek to be an ‘organism’ not an organization, with a focus on feeding and health and reproducing.
 
They tend to be small – many meet in lounge rooms.  There is a focus on relationship with God and with one another, sharing experiences of God in life, recognising and encouraging each person’s ministry gifts (including leadership).  They are often multi-generational and cross-cultural, valuing and including the faith and gifts of children and everyone’s life and contribution.  There is a commitment to community, so people are cared for, and conflicts are worked through.  The sharing of faith, prayer, understanding of scripture and personal encouragement strengthen members to go out to work and witness in the unique mission field in which each person is involved.  People without faith are welcomed.
 
From time to time some largely independent house churches gather together for worship, celebration and encouragement, organised informally between local groups, or by OIKOS House Church Support ministry.  House churches related to a local church may gather occasionally with the wider church community.
 
 
HOUSE CHURCHES AND THE LOCAL CHURCH
Some local churches have encouraged their small groups to become house churches or formed "missional communities" to reach those who are outside the church, and do not require them to "come to church" on Sunday.  This includes even mega-churches like Rick Warren's Saddleback Community Church in America.  People from every culture and part of society who may never "come to church" are welcomed into small relational communities where Christian faith and hospitality are shared in places and times most suitable for them – often on a Sunday.   But these groups are valued by and encouraged by the church, with leaders being supported and mentored by the pastor.  Members of the groups may join with the wider church in less formal celebrations, and the group members may contribute financial support to the church.
 
Far from being in opposition to "the Church", house churches are enriching the life of local churches, and reaching people for Christ that the research identifies as largely outside the Church.
 
 
A Frankston Pastor with Missional Communities: Speaks at Conference
"The Frankston Church of Christ, with great missional leaders over years, has been impacting the local society through infiltrating and transforming its social networks.  This commitment has led on to questions about how our Church can be more effective in seeing lives transformed. We have seen powerful ministry through 3 missional communities formed and loosely attached to our church.  We need to meet together with other churches and groups to support each other in the quest to influence those in our society with the gospel message. I look forward to being with you at this upcoming event with Transforming Melbourne, so that we can learn together."
Dr Neil Fisher, Senior Minister, Frankston Church of Christ
 
 
Conference Details:  (Flyer with full details and rego attached)  
 

HOUSE CHURCHES BRING NEW LIFE
Tony and Felicity Dale – Inspiring Guest Speakers

Come and hear these two experienced home church practitioners share their practical
insights and their heart for what God is doing in our day

Tues 24th, Wed 25th August 2010  
At The Factory - Mitcham Baptist Church
8-12 Simla Street, Mitcham  
 

Tues 9.30am to 5.30pm        HOUSE CHURCHES WITHIN THE LOCAL CHURCH
Empowering Pastors to see members discipled and reach their neighbours who may never "come to church"  Stories from mainline Melbourne churches with house churches and missional communities
(SPECIAL INTEREST TO PASTORS)
 
Tues 7.30pm to 9.30pm   FINDING A FAMILY FOR CHRISTIANS QUITTING CHURCH
Inspiring and mobilising Christians outside structured Church into Kingdom-focused fellowship and mission 
 
Wed  9.30am to 4.30pm:       HOUSE CHURCHES: WHAT AND HOW 
House Church styles, stories, formation, resources and connections
 
Wed  7.30pm to 9.30pm:  THE CHALLENGE TO EFFECTIVE MISSION
Organic church-growth, multiplication and the 3 million in our city outside the Church
 

Please Continue Praying for our Great City! 

Bless you!  

Rob Isaachsen,

With Sue Tinworth, Kitty Cheng,Andre van Eymeren  and Peter Luu 
The transforming Melbourne Team  

THE CARIBBEAN TERRITORY

AT PRAYER

GUIDE FOR JULY – 2010

 Prayer Emphasis:

RETIRED OFFICERS LIVING OUT OF THE TERRITORY// CARIBBEAN S.A. PROGRAMMES

‘And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together.’  Acts 4:31

TOP CHRISTIAN LAWYER APPLAUDS PAKISTANI CHIEF JUSTICE FOR PROTECTING MINORITIES

A top Christian lawyer has stepped up to praise the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, for "protecting the rights of minorities" in this predominately Muslim country also known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. To understand this commendation, we need to go back to the earliest days of the new Pakistan, which came into existence as a dominion within the British Commonwealth in August 1947, with Mohammed Ali Jinnah as governor-general and Liaquat Ali Khan as prime minister.

The white colour in the new Pakistani flag was meant to guarantee religious freedom of all the religious minorities. Jinnah, who was known as the "Father of the Nation" and also popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam (Urdu: "Great Leader") said in his first speech that "all Pakistanis would be free to worship according to their faith and there would be no discrimination served to them by the Muslims living in majority in Pakistan on basis of faith." Jinnah died in September 1948 within 13 months of independence.

According however to Mr. Khalid Gill, President of the Christian Lawyers Foundation (CLF), during what he described as the "tyranny" of General Zia-ul-Haq, the sixth President of Pakistan from July 1977 until his death in August 1988, the "Qrara-dad-e-Maqasad," which serves as preamble of the Pakistani constitution, was "tampered by him" by erasing the phrase "Pakistani religious minorities would be free to practice their religions according to the teachings of their religions."

Gill said that in a constitutional amendment known as the 18th amendment, the phrase which was repealed during the dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haq was restored. He lauded the present cabinet and specially the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for the 18th amendment. However, he encouraged the Chief Justice "to ensure that the amendment is widely implemented." Gill said that he prayed that "reserved seats" for religious minorities, including Christians should be doubled in the national and all four provincial assemblies of Pakistan.

Source: Assist News

The needs of Indigenous Australians

A Blank Page and a ‘hard yarn’, in Kimberly (WA) from 26 to 30 July, will give all Australians the chance to ‘close the gap’ for Indigenous people 

WHAT IS THE ‘GAP’?

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN CLOSING THE GAP?

On 13 February 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in his speech – Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples -

“The truth is: a business as usual approach towards Indigenous Australians is not working. Most old approaches are not working. We need a new beginning. A new beginning which contains real measures of policy success or policy failure. A new beginning, a new partnership, on closing the gap with sufficient flexibility not to insist on a one-size-fits-all approach for each of the hundreds of remote and regional Indigenous communities across the country but instead allows flexible, tailored, local approaches to achieve commonly-agreed national objectives that lie at the core of our proposed new partnership.”

Welcome Message from Mary Victor O’Reeri

“There are programs, policies and initiatives underway all around Australia to ‘close the gap’ for Indigenous people. A huge amount of research about the problems and likely solutions. There’s also a lot of goodwill, investment and great heart for things to change.

Wherever you go, you see the ‘gap’. It’s a way of life. If you’re an Indigenous person or you work in and around Indigenous affairs, you know about the gap from the inside out. You also know it’s an ongoing cycle that doesn’t easily get broken.

To offer a different world to the ones coming through – the unborn babies, the little kids, us 40 year olds when we’re old people, our old people in their final years when a new generation will be born before their eyes – we need to have a hard yarn.

The Blank Page Summit Hard Yarn will be a transformative event – it won’t be a bunch of talking heads going around in circles saying what’s already been said. Nor will it be a series of presentations from experts telling others what to do, or a one-way download of information.

The Summit will be a strategic gathering where we start with the highest ambitions for individuals and communities across the country.

We’ll come together to have a fresh conversation where we can talk honestly about what’s involved in truly ‘closing the gap’.

We at Billard started this process in 2009 with a blank page on the specific issue of suicide. We demonstrated that there are solutions.

But it requires all of us to have a hard yarn as Indigenous people and as Australians who together want to contribute powerfully to building a whole and functioning society.

In inviting you to join us at the Blank Page Summit Hard Yarn 2010, I make this important point – we can only start with a blank page, if we are indeed going to have a new conversation. A blank page is what we must offer to ourselves and others. There is a great power and joy in us filling up those pages together.

TASMANIA AGAIN FACES EUTHANASIA LEGISLATION

The Tasmanian Attorney-General has launched a new bid to legalise euthanasia in the State, as part of a so-called "progressive law reform agenda" which includes progressing a charter of rights, introducing surrogacy laws and reforming sex industry laws. In her recent Budget Reply speech, Attorney-General Lara Giddings took the unusual step of outlining her agenda even though it had seemingly little relevance to the Budget.

The Tasmanian Greens appear to be behind the Tasmanian Government's euthanasia stance given that the issue was raised in the Budget Reply speech, thus appearing to give Government endorsement to legalising euthanasia. Greens leader Nick McKim's Dying with Dignity Bill was resoundingly defeated in the Lower House as recently as last November but what has changed since then is that the Greens are now part of the coalition Government in power in Tasmania.

50,000 PEOPLE CALL ON NSW GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

A staggering 50,000 people have called on the NSW Government to protect the place of special religious education (SRE) in schools and reschedule the proposed ethics classes to another time slot. Christians from all major Christian denominations have signed a petition organised by the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) which was been tabled in the NSW Parliament. ACL's NSW Director David Hutt said that the overwhelming numbers signing the petition sends a clear message to NSW parliamentarians about the need to safeguard the special place of SRE in NSW schools.

"The NSW Government is to be commended for its renewed focus on teaching ethics," Mr Hutt said. "The Government however should not be discriminating against children of faith who will not be able to attend both SRE and ethics. "The classes should be run at separate times." Mr Hutt said that while SRE classes do have an ethical component, their main focus is on teaching a religious narrative. "SRE students would greatly benefit from being able to attend ethics classes if they were held at another time."

NSW Shadow Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli, has confirmed a future Coalition government would support the ongoing teaching of SRE in public schools. The guarantee comes amid growing concern that the NSW Government's trial ethics classes represent the beginning of a broader push to get religion education out of public schools. Mr Hutt said that SRE classes have made an important contribution to NSW schools for more than 100 years and the NSW Government needs to take this fact and the strong support for them in the community into account.

"Adrian Piccoli's guarantee that the coalition will not amend the Education Act's religious education provisions is a welcome first step," Mr Hutt said. "ACL will continue to work with the Church to negotiate with the Government and Opposition on this very important issue." The NSW Opposition is yet to announce whether it will support the state-wide roll out of the ethics classes.

Source: Compiled by APN from information supplied by ACL

PAKISTAN GOVERNMENT TIGHTENS SECURITY AT PLACES OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

Police and other law enforcement agencies have been put on high alert for terrorism threats against worship places, institutes and residential areas of minorities in several Pakistani cities.  Minorities in these Pakistani cities have been placed on the hit list of terrorists hence, security forces were put on high alert in all these cities. Rev. Bro. Kamran, a Catholic cleric, said that his group had received a threatening letter allegedly sent by the outlawed militant group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (T.T.P), a couple of days after Easter.

Kamran said, police had then assured him of their “foolproof security for all Christians in Sargodha Division.” Rev. Bro. Kamran lauded the government for “beefing up” the security and also the church itself for taking “stricter security measures to cope with terrorism.”  Punjab Police sources have also confirmed that “worship places of all religious minorities are on the hit list of terrorists” and they have appealed to all citizens to “keep their national identity cards with them.” Police are now strictly checking at all the entrance and exit points of cities in Punjab province.

Source: Intercessors Network

General Shaw Clifton calls for a Day of Pray for Children

The General has decided that an Annual Day of Prayer for Children shall be observed in every territory and command on the Sunday nearest to 30 July each year – this being the date, in 1880, on which evangelical work among children was begun in response to passionate representations made to the Founder by Captain John Roberts. This year’s International Day of Prayer for Children falls on 1 August.

Resources are available from www.salvationarmy.org.au/corpsresources

A pack will also be sent out to each corps in the Australia Southern Territory containing: an Ideas Sheet, A3 Posters, Bookmarks (enough for 1 per person), God & Toast sample CDs (enough for 1 per family) and a Resource DVD.

First equal pay test case shines spotlight on important human rights issue

Australia’s first equal pay test case under the Fair Work Australia legislation could lead to clearer guidelines on what equal pay for work of equal or comparable value means.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick says the test case brought last month by the Australian Services Union could deliver potential increases in the pay packets of more than 200,000 community sector workers who are largely women.

"If Fair Work Australia (FWA) determines that the work of ASU members is undervalued, it could lead to other equal pay cases being brought before FWA and potentially to salary increases for other sectors," Commissioner Broderick said.

"A large proportion of the Australian population remains unaware that Australian women receive 83 cents for every dollar a man earns for equal or comparable work.”

Ms Broderick  said ‘the impact of the gender pay gap is lifelong and sees many women, who have devoted their lives to caring for others, retiring in poverty.’

"This case allows us to educate the community about what equal pay really means."

A decision is expected to be handed down by FWA towards the end of the year.