Tsunami hits Japan

As we witness events in Japan via the Internet and TV, pray for all the lives affected by the Tsunami. The images being beamed around the world show us how fragile our existence is.

Latest news


Today's highlighed verse in Wordlive shows where we can turn in times of distress.
‘David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”’ 2 Samuel 24:1–25

Tumbling like a house of cards

A little over a week since the Egyptian people overthrew an unjust regime, a similar story unfolds on the streets of Libya. As I type this the world is unsure as to exactly what is going on and what is happening. There are rumours of defections, alliances falling and security force crackdowns.

At one point on the night of 21st February, a rumour that Colonel Gaddafi had fled the country led to crowds celebrating in the streets. But then his son appeared on state television, offering to talk to the protestors and warning of civil war.

Meanwhile there is still unrest in the kingdom of Bahrain. Once again the people want reform and are unhappy with the way the country is being ruled. After an initial military crackdown protestors are once again making their voices heard.

And these two countries are not the only ones in the Middle East that are having civil unrest. Yemen, Algeria and even Iran are all experiencing varying degrees of protest.

In WordLive this week we hear about Jesus’ compassion for those who are the outcasts and least in their society, and how these people respond to Jesus. As we look at events in the world, how should we respond?

Do we ask for a peaceful resolution? Of course! But should we also be calling for the oppressed to be set free and the widow, orphan and poor to be treated justly?

Prayer is not our only option.

Darren

We're away, so please pray

Just a quick note to say that the WordLive team and the rest of Scripture Union are taking a day out to focus on God and the mission given to us. 2009 was a difficult year for us and so as we begin 2010 it will be good to get things in the right order.

I'm also taking an extra day out with a smaller group of creative peeps from SU to look at the future. Or more specifically what resources we should be developing for the faith community.

So, once again, we'd appreciate your prayers to help us focus on God's will.

Thanks
Darren

Pray for the Bible (facebook fanpage)

Over the weekend, the facebook fanpage for the bible has come under attack. It seems a concerted effort, by several people, to disrupt its running has begun. There have been several inappropriate posts and messages.

Please pray for Mark Brown and the volunteers who keep it running as they deal with the situation. It isn't as simple as banning people, and even if it was, is that the best thing to do? So let's pray for wisdom.

If you want to join the Bible facebook page then you can here, and don't forget the WordLive fanpage here.

Darren

Busy, away and a review

I suppose I should apologise for the recent lack of updates... sorry. There, now I have absolved myself I will offer the weakest of excuses. I was on holiday over Christmas, and just before, and since getting back into the office, I have been playing catch-up (that isn't a game, but work). I have also been away at a conference and struggling with getting out of the bed before 9:00am each morning, I suppose that teaches me for not getting up before 9:00am for the three weeks over Christmas.

I'd like to send a big thank you to Lesley who provided all the prayer items for the past few weeks, such a project as WordLive needs a lot of prayer and without the prayer we have received we wouldn't have got this far. However, there is a long way to go, a lot to do and 2008 will keep the whole team extremely busy.

We have also had a great review posted by Mark Brown in Australia. He makes some great points and I wonder whether he has seen our 'to do' list for 2008? I think everything he mentions in his wish list are things that we are thinking about, putting into the mix or are currently covering via Facebook. Anyway, you can read more about what Mark says here.

Now, where is that to do list...