Holiday hunger: Parents skip meals to feed children
The Trussel Trust charity reported, ‘Some parents will skip a meal to feed their children this summer.’ There is an increased demand for their 35 food banks during July and August, when there is no access to school dinners or breakfast clubs. In response the Trussell Trust has launched new holiday clubs to offer children activities and provide them with meals. Families who rely on free school meals during term time can find themselves facing hunger in the school holidays. No one knows the full scale of hunger but these figures make one thing clear: many families are closer to crisis than we think. Trussell Trust is just one of the many charities, churches and clubs delivering lunches and activities to families in poverty across the United Kingdom. Pray for the organisers to have enough volunteers to run the clubs/activities. Pray for more people to recognise the need and donate their money/food to these resources. Pray for good communication between referral agencies and churches/charities.
Trafficking a hidden UK crime
Modern slavery and human trafficking is increasing in the UK. Demand for cheap goods, cheap labour and cheap sex has driven a steep increase in the number of victims reported to authorities. 3,266 people were identified as victims of modern slavery and efforts to eradicate it are failing, with potential number of victims being trafficked into Britain rising by 245% over the last five years, according to official figures. Ministers believe these figures suggest that more victims were willing to come forward for help while others are urging the police to step up their efforts, arguing that the statistics confirmed that trafficking and slavery are thriving in the UK. Andrew Wallis, founder and chief executive of the anti-slavery charity Unseen, said that although the UK Government passed the Modern Slavery Act in 2014, more needs to be done. Jakub Sobik, of Anti-Slavery International agreed. Pray for even more awareness by the public of this hidden crime. See also: http://www.itv.com/news/west/topic/human-trafficking/
Trafficking a hidden UK crime
Modern slavery and human trafficking is increasing in the UK. Demand for cheap goods, cheap labour and cheap sex has driven a steep increase in the number of victims reported to authorities. 3,266 people were identified as victims of modern slavery and efforts to eradicate it are failing, with potential number of victims being trafficked into Britain rising by 245% over the last five years, according to official figures. Ministers believe these figures suggest that more victims were willing to come forward for help while others are urging the police to step up their efforts, arguing that the statistics confirmed that trafficking and slavery are thriving in the UK. Andrew Wallis, founder and chief executive of the anti-slavery charity Unseen, said that although the UK Government passed the Modern Slavery Act in 2014, more needs to be done. Jakub Sobik, of Anti-Slavery International agreed. Pray for even more awareness by the public of this hidden crime. See also: http://www.itv.com/news/west/topic/human-trafficking/
Join thousands of other Christians to pray for our nation
Following the European Union referendum result and the uncertainty and division that has followed, Premier Christian Radio feel it is crucial that Christians intercede in prayer at this time. They have put out a call to prayer for our nation, saying, ‘Together we'll be praying every day at midday for 5 days from 1 August. Taking part could not be simpler. All you have to do is text PRAY to 70700 and you will get sent the prayers by text message. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing you will be able to join this wave of prayer which will also be reflected on Premier Christian Radio and Premier Praise.’
South Korea: UPRISING UPDATE
Following the World Prayer Assembly held in Jakarta in 2012, the leaders of the International Prayer Council felt that a NEW WAVE of prayer and missions movements is coming and is now here - for the youth, by the youth - hence the inception of gathering this generation for a World Youth Prayer Assembly, called UPRISING (United Prayer Rising). This week ordinary people from every nation have been extraordinarily impacting our world. (Acts 17:6) They gathered because they believe their prayers matter and are willing to fight and make a sacrifice together, seeking the face of God to bring justice and peace among the nations. (1 Peter 4: 7-8, Joel 2:15, Joel 3:9-10, Psalm 24:6, Isaiah 2:2-4). Old and young are honouring each other to bring healing between generations and are praying to set a standard for their own generation. (Malachi 4:5-6,) See also: http://www.worldprayer.org.uk/ipc-wypa-2016/item/7224-uprising-2016
British Isles: visions, prayers & doughnuts 24/7
In a recent 24/7 update from the University of Liverpool, they reported, EVERY DAY THERE WERE PEOPLE SAYING, ‘I WISH MY HOUR HADN’T GONE BY SO FAST!’ The organisers said, ‘We wanted to create a space where people could be themselves and meet with a God who meets them where they are. So, over our Spring semester we ran a Prayer Room. We invited students from across the city to come as they were. Shaking off our preconceptions of prayer, we encouraged everyone to paint, draw, sing, dance, laugh or cry - whatever helped them to connect with their Creator. Many discovered that prayer is more than they ever thought; it helped them to discover new ways to pray. Students prayed on their own and in groups, for their campuses, the city and the world. Over three days a blank wall of paper was filled with visions of love, pouring out through the city of Liverpool - the city which birthed the phrase, ‘All you need is love’.
How to pray in a crisis
Why bother?
- Simple logic. If God doesn't exist, there's no point in praying. But if he does, or if there's a possibility, then why not try?
- Many people believe God exists, that he is good, and that he cares deeply about us.
- Those involved in a crisis have shared how prayer helped in terrible circumstances (*see below for stories).
- Others have said that praying removed their fears; even fear of death.
How to pray in a crisis
An album of songs was written a few thousand years ago. It includes songs and prayers written in response to emergencies, such as personal tragedy, national tragedy, illness and death. The album is in the Bible and is called the book of Psalms.
Some of the songs use a particular pattern that shows us how to pray in a crisis:
- First of all, imagine God (or try to). In the Psalms, the writers' compared God to something they could see – and it wasn't an old man with a beard. He was seen as many things; including a lion, a mountain, and a loving mother. How do you picture strength, safety or security? Maybe a firefighter's arms, a loving embrace, a cosy home on a windy day, or a lifebelt in deep waters.
- Feel it. Don't hide the emotion you are feeling: sadness, shock, grief or anger. Talk to God and tell him about it - it's okay to be angry and to question.
- Believe in love. Even though this incident might leave you asking - where are you God? - as you pray, choose to believe that God is good, and that he wants to help those involved.
- Name names. If someone has caused the distress, express your anger at their actions, and ask God to bring justice, asking that you'd be able to leave that burden in his hands.
- Ask for God's help. Be specific; name the places or people who need help – praying for those involved to know that God is with them.
- Keep the faith. Even though it might be difficult – finish the prayer by stating that you trust that God will intervene and bring light into these dark times.
Or you could try praying this:
God, I pray for ...
that they/he/she
would know your loving arms
around them at this time,
and that you would bring them
your peace and comfort.
It's hard for me to understand
what you can do in this situation,
but I'm trusting that you are powerful,
and that you are always with those
who call out to you in distress.
Amen.
If you want to know more about prayer: www.trypraying.co.uk
*Stories
Many amazing stories were recorded after 9/11. Read how prayer helped Stanley Praimnath: http://blog.godreports.com/2011/09/911-remembrance-only-known-survivor-from-trade-center-impact-zone-pays-tribute-to-god%E2%80%99s-grace/
Another survivor prayed; and sensed that whether he lived or not - everything would be alright: http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2012/09/9-11_world_trade_center_surviv.html
Sujo John called out to Jesus with what he thought was his last breath: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2009/september/911-survivor-shares-survival-story/
More stories (videos): http://www.trypraying.co.uk/stories/
Source: Trypraying
STAY ALERT PRAY ALERT
We continue to ask you to join us in THANKING God for His amazing protection of the UK and for every attack or disaster which has been averted.
Several people have had dreams about possible attacks across the UK's vulnerable places. These things can be prompted by the media playing on our minds, but it may be God... so we ask you to continue praying for PROTECTION particularly over the peak train journeys, Churches, motorways, airports and aircrafts, cruise liners and ferries, tunnels and sporting stadiums.
Please remember mainland Europe in your prayers as there have been so many horrendous attacks.
Declaration for the protection of our nation
We declare God's plans are for good and not for evil, so in the Name of Jesus, we enforce God's original plans for peace, mercy and hope over and against every plan and purpose of Satan to bring death or destruction and we declare this nation will be a place of safety.
We declare You are the one in whom we put our trust. Psalm 20: 7 "some trust in chariots and some in horses; but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." We speak Your protection over our land. In the Name of Jesus, we speak safety into airports, shopping centres, railway stations and every place where people gather. We speak Your divine wisdom and revelation to every member of our security forces and police force.
In this season of pressure, we bless their homes and families in the Name of Jesus with joy, health and peace.
Source: Coastlands & Gateways