UK state schools not providing group worship as mandated by state law

Community rather than religion is being taught at some school assemblies

By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) -- A survey commissioned by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) local radio has found that many state schools in England are not providing group worship, despite its being a legal requirement.

An online article on the BBC website www.bbc.co.uk says some schools are opting to teach pupils about community rather than religion at assemblies, according to educationalists.
The Bishop of Oxford has responded to the survey by telling the BBC that doing daily worship in schools was an “important statement.”
The Rt Rev. John Pritchard said: “What we believe as a country is important in the education of our young people, so I think it is an important statement that the country makes to its schools and says will you please do this.

“If schools refuse to do that, or fail to, then I think they need to be encouraged to do it, I wouldn't use the word enforced though at all.”
The Comres survey for the BBC found that 64 per cent of the 500 parents questioned said their child did not attend daily acts of collective worship. But 60 per cent of the 1,743 adults asked said that the legislation should not be enforced.

According to the BBC story, the Department for Education states that “all schools in England receiving local authority funding must provide a daily act of collective worship that must reflect the traditions of this country, which it says are, in the main, broadly Christian.
“However, parents have the right to withdraw their child from the daily act of collective worship, and 16-18-year-olds can decide for themselves whether or not to attend.”

The BBC story says the survey follows reports last year that more than 140 primary and secondary schools across Britain had won the right to opt out of the legal requirement to provide a daily act of worship that is “broadly Christian” in character.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers’ (ATL) chief policy advisor Alison Ryan questioned how much schools and parents wanted daily worship: “People are concerned about inclusivity, how much is it wanted by parents, pupils or even the staff themselves?

“When a law is being flouted on a pretty major scale that is telling you something about its use, about how maybe it should be reformed or changed, so we believe it needs to be looked at.”

Martin Cooper, deputy head teacher of Mile Oak School, near Brighton, said that fulfilling the government's worship requirement was difficult.

"Having a pressure within an Ofsted expectation to be seen doing the daily act of worship, in the way they want it to be every day is challenging," he said.

“In a school like ours, there isn't a great Christian ethos, so the message has to be a social one really.
"It has to be the message about how they are going to behave."
The National Secular Society said group worship amounted to a breach of human rights.
In a statement the group said: "England is the only country in the western world to enforce participation in daily worship in community schools.
"To do so goes beyond the legitimate function of the state and is an abuse of children's human rights, especially those who are old enough to make decisions for themselves."
A spokesman for the Church of England said the law stated schools provide collective worship and the church supported that.
He said: "It provides an important chance for the school to focus on promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of its pupils.
"Collective worship is when pupils of all faiths and none come together to reflect -- it should not be confused with corporate worship when everyone is of the same belief."
Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) chief policy advisor Alison Ryan questioned how much schools and parents wanted daily worship.
"People are concerned about inclusivity, how much is it wanted by parents, pupils or even the staff themselves?
"When a law is being flouted on a pretty major scale that is telling you something about its use, about how maybe it should be reformed or changed, so we believe it needs to be looked at."
Elaine Smith, head teacher at St Matthews Church of England Primary school in Blackburn, where 96 percent of the pupils are Muslims, said talking about faith regularly was beneficial.
She said: "The majority of the pupils are children of faith and talk very openly about religion.
"The staff who are practicing Christians or Muslims talk to the children and a bond is formed, which perhaps wouldn't be there if they didn't have the collective worship."
The National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education (NASACRE) advises schools on daily collective worship.
Bruce Gill, from the association, said school assemblies did not have to be church-led, but could teach about community and responsibility.
"It's an important role in these times when we are worried about community values and people's sense of community," he said.
"We try to get people to look beyond the materialistic life and material gratification and I think we will regret it greatly if we continue the trend of losing it."

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** Michael Ireland is Senior Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can make a donation online under 'Donate' tab, then look for 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' under 'Donation Category' to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior Reporter

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** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

UK’s Rock Thurrock Music Lineup Features Top Christian Artists

By Peter Wooding
Europe Bureau Chief for ASSIST News Service

Will Graham preaching

LONDON, ENGLAND (ANS) -- Will Graham will take the stage next week for the UK Rock Thurrock Celebration on September 23rd and the Rock Thurrock Main Events on September 24th and 25th.
All three concerts take place at the Thurrock Civic Hall in Grays, Essex, in Southern England where Will Graham will be joined by one of the most played UK bands on Christian radio, as well as other newcomers of Christian music.
LZ7 is currently the biggest Christian band in the UK and is based in Manchester in North West England. LZ7 spend the majority of their time working in high schools across Manchester and Europe talking about their faith and breaking down young peoples stereotypes of Christianity.
The band released their debut album, Ruckus, in 2005 followed by Gasoline and their latest album ‘Light’ was released in October 2010. This summer they performed live at music festivals all over the UK and Europe and in two months performed to over 50,000 people. LZ7 is currently touring their new album ‘Light’ all over the world.
From the album the band released the song ‘this little light’ into the main stream charts in the UK and went straight in at number 26 with their first release. With future single releases coming out, these are exciting times in the life of LZ7 and Christian music.
Saturday and Sunday feature Rock Thurrock’s Main Events where the programmes will be
tailored to young people and feature LZ7, with their lead singer Lindz West.
Also performing during the two Main Events are Christian Rock Band, Empire Nation, and up-and-coming Christian RnB band, Beautiful Remnant.
On Friday night, Rock Thurrock presents A Celebration of Hope with Will Graham speaking, and music from The Gathering band.
This event is for all ages, as Rock Thurrock Core Team Leader Colin Baker explains, “We wanted to give the opportunity for adults to come and hear the Gospel message presented by Will Graham. It was our goal to develop a programme that will not only entertain the audience, but also share the hope of Jesus and challenge them to grow in their relationship with Him.”
Colin adds, “We hope that many people will take advantage of the opportunity to catch these programmes at the largest venue in Thurrock.”
Visit www.billygraham.org.uk/RockThurrock  and www.Facebook.com/RockThurrock.
About Will Graham: Will is the third generation of Grahams to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Will is the grandson of Billy Graham and the oldest son of Franklin Graham. Since beginning his evangelistic ministry with youth-oriented, one-day events in Canada, Will has spoken to audiences across North America, Australia, India and other parts of Asia, and South America.

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Peter Wooding is an award-winning TV, radio and print journalist and media consultant under the name of Peter Wooding Productions (www.peterwoodingproductions.com). Having previously spent 10 years as news editor with UCB Radio in the UK, he has travelled extensively reporting from countries including Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Dubai, South Korea, Zambia, Gambia, Mozambique, Croatia, Israel and India. He now reports regularly for CBN News, ASSIST News Service, GDOP London, Russian Ministries, Whispering Word and Sorted Magazine. Peter and wife Sharon live in North Wales, UK with their three children. Passionate to see God’s Justice and Mercy impact lives, Peter is director of a new UK ministry Mercy Projects International (www.mercyproject.org.uk) to help at-risk young people in Ukraine, Russia, Armenia, Kosovo, the Middle East and beyond. Contact Peter for consultation at: peter@peterwoodingproductions.com or tel. +44 1244 549167/+44 7500 903067

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** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

Christian outreach event in the heart of the UK attracts thousands of residents and visitors

By Dee Pfeiffer
Special to ASSIST News Service
LEICESTER, UK (ANS) -- Residents and visitors to the English city of Leicester were once again told to “come just as you are” on Saturday, September 10, 2011, as the Jesus Loves Leicestershire (JLL) team held its fifth annual “Fire and Glory” event in the city center.

This T-Shirt slogan says it all

With predicted heavy rain at best and a hurricane at worst threatening to put a dampener on the day’s events, it proceeded as usual, with glorious sunshine bucking the forecast and a making a welcome change to the city’s recent spell of bad weather.
Thousands of onlookers of all ages were entertained, encouraged and motivated as they flocked to the huge stage in Leicester’s busy Humberstone Gate to witness one of city's largest annual Christian outreach events.
Led by the Oaks of Leicester and Resonance, the event opened with “How Great is Our God” before praise groups, singers, rappers, a children’s entertainer and evangelists took to the stage for a successful day of worship, praise and thanksgiving.
JLL Chairman Paul Hall opened the day’s events by addressing those who didn’t yet know Jesus. He proved that anyone in any circumstance could turn their lives around with Jesus’ help by speaking of his own battle with alcoholism and how it led to him losing everything from his affluent business to his wife and two children. His wife walked out, unable to cope, but his testimony proved that whilst many will walk in times of crisis, Jesus is faithful. The message was not lost on those in the audience who had experienced crisis and trauma and could relate to losing everything.
Pastor David Adams, in the midst of a multicultural multi-faith city, courageously asked how we can know “the one true God” when so many believe that they know God whilst subscribing to a different faith. He challenged the gathering crowds to pray for forgiveness for past sins, and to make a commitment to follow Him, assuring those who did so would find out that God is for real. “Do it wholeheartedly and mean it, and God will put His Holy Spirit into your spirit,” he assured. “You cannot see electricity, but if you put your hands into an electric socket, you’ll soon know it. The same with this powerful prayer,” he challenged.

A joyful worsipper at the end in Leicester

Some of the city’s most established and dedicated street evangelists took to the stage to dance and to declare that “we worship a God who wants to heal us and who cares for us.” Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, JLL’s evangelists can be seen and heard at Leicester’s clock tower in the city center, worshipping, witnessing and praying for those who are sick or in need.
And for those further from home, prayers were said for all those killed and those who lost loved ones ten years ago in the atrocities of 9/11. Prayers were also said for Libya and the unrest there, for Egypt and the attack on its Israeli embassy, and for Nigeria, where Christians are being hacked to death by extremists.
Paul Cleaver of Whetstone Baptist church, who was also the event’s compere, spoke of people’s tendency to ascribe labels and how eventually, we start to believe the labels we are given. “God didn’t create us with those labels,” he declared. “Whatever the world thinks of you, there’s One who absolutely adores you.’
Resident rapper Gideon attracted cheers from the youth and brought the house down, as he chanted “Representing Christ” and asked the audience to respond with “you’re never gonna stop me!” In another song, he repeatedly asked “Who is He?” to which the audience shouted unashamedly “Jesus Christ!”
The Oaks of Leicester gospel choir delivered many songs throughout the day with power and conviction including “Come Just As You Are” whilst Resonance balanced this with a quieter set including “I Will Wait for Peace to Come”. Two praise groups – Free Spirit from Church Langton and the gospel choir from Leicester’s Carems Church – helped to keep people on their feet and stopped shoppers in their tracks.
Children’s entertainer Mr. Twister was on hand throughout the day, mingling off stage with the children and dazzling them with his capacity to turn any balloon into anything a child wanted, as well as performing some tricks on stage which kept the children fascinated.
On a more serious note, Tina Edwards spoke of how she had been healed of the pain caused by pregnancy loss. She gave a touching testimony of how she miscarried one child, and aborted another, and how this chain of events led to her becoming a prisoner of jealousy, guilt and regret, until Jesus set her free.
Backed by The Oaks of Leicester, local singer Hannah Johnson performed a powerful Christian rendition of “Hallelujah”, made famous by Alexandra Burke. “I'm reclaiming the song for Jesus!” she shouted to a wealth of enthusiastic cheers.
Local resident Maria Moseley from Leicester Christian Fellowship spoke of how she had been healed of osteoarthritis and excruciating pain. “I was robbed of 28 years of my life,” she said, “But after constant prayers for healing, I can now walk, jump and dance. I feel half my age. I’m 63 and I feel 30!” she announced, to much applause. Meanwhile, a man in a wheelchair who was being prayed for in the audience got up and began walking around Humberstone Gate.
As in previous years, there was a strong family focus. From the lost and those yearning for something more to those looking for fun and enjoyment, the event was suitable for all ages and many expressed how wonderful it was to witness something in the city which brought together so many people in unity.
Healing rooms, a ministry tent and a prayer gazebo were situated close to the stage for those who needed spiritual support, guidance or personal prayer and the JLL Ministry Team were on hand all day, identifiable in the crowds by their t-shirts emblazoned with the words “Come Just As You Are” on the back.
Indeed, people came just as they were, and took just what they needed as yet another JLL event left many who attended feeling encouraged, inspired and wanting to know more about Jesus.
JLL Chairman Paul Hall, said, “It was a terrific day for all involved. Our hope is that those who enjoyed this event will find that same joy in coming to know and appreciate Jesus Christ through a local church and a fellowship.”
For more information on Jesus Loves Leicestershire, contact:
Mobile: Paul Hall (Chairman) +44 (0)7746776816
Email: thebrights50@ntlworld.com
Website: www.jesuslovesleicestershire.co.uk

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Dee Pfeiffer is a Christian freelance writer and editor based in the English Midlands. She specializes in supplying quality features to women's magazines as well as the national and provincial press. Armed with an honors degree in journalism and psychology, she is able to connect with people on a deeper level and write about people and their experiences with empathy and insight. Dee has been commissioned by numerous titles including Joy, Direction, Lifebite, and the Christian Herald, as well as a host of secular titles. She can be contacted at:reachafeature@yahoo.co.uk

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** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

Super Heroes in Ukraine

Mercy Projects UK team runs Super Heroes Summer Camp

By Peter Wooding
Europe Bureau Chief for ASSIST News Service


KONOTOP, UKRAINE (ANS) -- In Konotop, Ukraine a team of unsung super heroes tirelessly serves some of their town’s most vulnerable children at the Hearts of Love Centre.

This community project serves as a lifeline to the families of children with special needs, extreme poverty and health issues.

Heart of Love Centre Director Lena Yushenko

Years ago she discovered her five year old daughter Valeriya, now 20, had epilepsy, resulting in major health problems, including occasional paralysis in her hands and legs. To add to Lena’s heartache her husband walked out on the family unable to deal with the trauma.The centre was founded by a true super hero Lena Yushenko. Several

But in the midst of this crisis, families facing similar challenges of how to raise their special needs children began flocking to Lena’s home for practical and spiritual support. This then birthed her vision for the Hearts of Love Centre. After many years of Lena praying, Mercy Projects helped Lena fulfill her dream by purchasing a property in desperate need of repair. Then in 2008 after teams of volunteers helped refurbish the building the Hearts of Love Centre was opened.

Now the centre provides weekly dance, maths, English and computer classes for dozens of children who otherwise would live in isolation with the stigma of special needs. Throughout the year there are special celebrations for the children from birthday parties to Christmas and New Year celebrations.

So it seemed fitting then that our Mercy Projects summer camp at the centre earlier this month was based around the super heroes in the Bible.

Peter Wooding with his friend Maxim

It was wonderful arriving back at the centre for our fourth year in a row to run a summer camp for around 40 children ranging from 2-22 years old, with a variety of conditions including downs syndrome, autism, cerebal palsy and epilepsy.


Over the next six days our team of 9 volunteers from the UK, including teachers, a doctor, students, an artist, a chef and two pharmacists shared the stories of super heroes in the Bible from Paul and Silas, Joshua and of course Jesus.

Each day during our chapel hour we would use all creative means possible to bring to life these super heroes, from puppet shows featuring Spider Monkey and Super Man, worship songs, drama, memory verses and games. We were amazed at how attentive the children were as well as the teenagers who soaked up everything we shared with them.

On the day we shared with them the story of Jesus, through our talented team of translators we were able to lead many of the children in a pray of commitment to Christ. There is nothing greater than the sound of children praying so innocently and with such child-like faith. We were also encouraged that the work of the Holy Spirit would continue year round through Lena and her amazing staff at the centre.

Then throughout the rest of the day we would have discussion groups, sports, crafts and games and workshops for the parents and staff.
Each year team members from the UK experience a tremendous bonding with individual children.

Pagona and her friend Darinka

Last year Pagona Tzanakaki, a teacher of autistic children, originally from Greece, dedicated most of her time to young Darinka, a girl who spends all her day in a wheel chair after losing mobility in her legs with her feet are severely bent inwards. For the first few days last year Darinka wouldn’t even smile, but as Pagona would patiently sit with her, helping her make crafts and jewellery she began to come out of her shell and would smile.


This year was a very special reunion between Pagona and Darinka and we could see a dramatic change in her, as she would talk and laugh much more, especially when we would carry her up and down the steps into the centre.

Basketball fan Andrey

For myself each year a highlight for me is spending time with Andrey, a young epileptic boy whose mother Valya works at the centre. Each year Andrey makes friends with someone on the team and gently grabs them by the arm and walks them to his favourite place, the basketball hoop.
Throughout this year’s camp, Andrey would approach and simply say “Peter, basketball.” It seemed such a simple thing to do, but to see the remarkable change in Andrey since we first met him three years ago, makes you realise how much this kind of affirmation makes a real difference.

As is always the case the camp went far too quickly and the hardest part is always the final day. The children always put on a special concert for us, when they perform dances, sketches and even some traditional Ukrainian accordion playing. There wasn’t a dry eye among the team as the children presented us with gifts and gave short speeches about what we’d mean to them. At the end of the concert it was heart wrenching, as we’d hug the children goodbye until next year.

That evening the staff at the centre put on an amazing celebration meal for us. This year was especially unique as they hosted a mock traditional Ukrainian wedding for a couple on our UK team who were celebrating their second anniversary.

Towards the end of the evening we passed round a hat with everyone’s names and we’d share something positive about that person as well as our wish for them. I was particularly choked up when the person who picked my name was Lena. She told me that I’d helped her fulfill her dream. Little does she realise it’s quite the opposite that working with Lena over the past three years has allowed me to fulfil my dream of really making a difference in this part of the world, which I consider a great honour.

So until next year Mercy Projects will continue to pray for and support these unsung heroes in Konotop, Ukraine.

For more details about the work of Mercy Projects go to:

www.mercyprojects.co.uk or www.mercyprojects.com

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Peter Wooding is an award-winning TV, radio and print journalist and media consultant under the name of Peter Wooding Productions (www.peterwoodingproductions.com). Having previously spent 10 years as news editor with UCB Radio in the UK, he has travelled extensively reporting from countries including Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Dubai, South Korea, Zambia, Gambia, Mozambique, Croatia, Israel and India. He now reports regularly for CBN News, ASSIST News Service, GDOP London, Russian Ministries, Whispering Word and Sorted Magazine. Peter and wife Sharon live in North Wales, UK with their three children. Passionate to see God’s Justice and Mercy impact lives, Peter is director of a new UK ministry Mercy Projects International (www.mercyproject.org.uk) to help at-risk young people in Ukraine, Russia, Armenia, Kosovo, the Middle East and beyond. Contact Peter for consultation at:peter@peterwoodingproductions.com or tel. +44 1244 549167/+44 7500 903067

Christians plan day of prayer and protest over arms trade

By staff writers

14 Aug 2011

Christian communities throughout the UK are expected to take part in a Day of Prayer four weeks today, in the week that one of the world's largest arms fairs opens in London.

The Day of Prayer, on Sunday 11 September, will take place on the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers and and will enable Christians to reflect on the legacy of that day: war, inter-community tension, and an increasingly militarised approach to human security.

The day will marks the start of a week of activities organised by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) to coincide with the London arms fair - known formally as Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEi) - which takes place in east London from 13-16 September. DSEi is owned by Clarion Events, who also own the Baby Show.

CAAT is a the leading organisation within the Stop the Arms Fair Coalition, which will call for an end to arms sales to repressive regimes and an end to government support for the arms industry and DSEi.

DSEi is organised with the support of UKTI, a government unit within the Department for Business. Although arms make up less than two per cent of UK exports, UKTI devotes more staff to its arms promotion section than to all civilian industries combined.

The last DSEi, in 2009, hosted delegations from Algeria, Bahrain, Libya and Saudi Arabia, countries which have this year turned their weapons on civilian protesters.

The Day of Prayer is organised by CAAT's Christian Network, a non-denominational group of Christians opposed to the arms trade. The Christian Network has produced a Day of Prayer Pack with suggestions for worship, including prayers, Bible readings, hymns and service sheets, plus background briefings on arms fairs and the UK's role in the arms trade.

“Christian peace activists play a vital role in CAAT's work," said Anne-Marie O'Reilly, CAAT's Outreach Co-ordinator, "We are delighted that so many communities will be participating in the Day of Prayer for an end to the death and destruction of the arms trade".

She urged all Christians to "add your voice to the growing chorus of protest against the London arms fair".

[Ekk/1]

Christians call on Prime Minister to address family breakdown in 'Broken Britain'

By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service



LONDON, UK (ANS) -- As Parliament reconvenes over the recent violence in the United Kingdom, a Christian social policy group is calling on British Prime Minister David Cameron to re-engage with the 'broken society' agenda.


According to www.ChristianToday.com  , the group wants to see the Prime Minister put special emphasis on tackling family breakdown and the "crisis of fatherlessness."

The website says CARE's director of parliamentary affairs, Dan Boucher, said it was unlikely that there was a single explanation for the riots, but added that a "key element" in the mix was the place of the family and the role of fathers.

British Prime Minister David Cameron

"When in opposition, David Cameron spoke at great length about the 'broken society' and about how a Conservative government would 'fix broken Britain'," he said.


"He was very clear that one of the key drivers of the broken Britain phenomenon was family breakdown and fatherlessness, and interestingly polling demonstrates that this resonated far more effectively with the public than his subsequent focus on the Big Society ever has," said Boucher.

The online article says the charity echoed the concerns of others at the sight of children being among the rioters and looters, saying that it raised questions about the kind of family life children in Britain were experiencing today.

"The sad fact is that without a functional family, children and young people will be more vulnerable to the appeal of the surrogate family of the gang which is well able to provide an alternative, and deeply destructive sense of identity, belonging and purpose," said Boucher.

The article says CARE chief executive Nola Leach expressed disappointment that Cameron had not got to grips with fixing broken Britain since coming to Downing Street in the last election.

Leach called upon the Prime Minister to do more to recognize marriage in the tax system.
 "The figures, as the Prime Minister knows, are very striking, especially in the context of the riots," she said.

"A child born to cohabiting parents has a nearly one in two chance of living in a one parent home by the time they reach their fifth birthday, whilst a child born to married parents has only a one in twelve chance of finding themselves in this situation."

Leach added: "The Prime Minister must now take action and make recognizing marriage in the tax system and investing much more in the single biggest determinant of the quality of parenting, the relationship between the parents, via marriage support, his number one priority for the coming year."

The website says Cameron is expected to outline more measures in response to the recent violence during today's emergency debate in parliament on the disorder.

The article explained that in some parts of the country, magistrates have been in session throughout the night to deal with the backlog of people arrested in connection with the looting and vandalism.

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** Michael Ireland is Senior Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can donate online to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Ne wswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior Reporter

In London, IMB workers reach out during riots

Posted on Aug 10, 2011 | by Trent Parker

UPDATED, 3 p.m. Aug. 10

LONDON (BP) -- As riots, looting and arson continue to plague urban England, IMB missionaries are looking for ways to minister to those left in the aftermath.

Violence spread from the capital to other cities following the death of Mark Duggan, 29, who was shot and killed by police officers Aug. 4 during an attempted arrest in Tottenham, a working-class district in north London where race riots erupted in 1985.

Duggan's friends and family gathered at a Tottenham police station for a peaceful protest Aug. 6, but about 300 people joined the demonstration, which soon turned ugly.

"It was to be a peaceful demonstration against the police that turned violent," said Paul Machaka, a Zimbabwean immigrant who moved to England in 2001. "What I'm seeing are racial tensions, and people are taking advantage of the situation to unleash their anger."

In the midst of the chaos, International Mission Board workers are taking the opportunity to reach out to neighbors and communities affected by the violence.

"London is usually an incredibly safe city, but these riots bring to light the nature of sin in all humanity," said a Southern Baptist missionary serving in London. "Please pray that out of these shocking circumstances people will hear and understand the Gospel."

There is widespread debate whether race or class issues sparked the riots. Some say the destruction reflects anger among the poor over suffering caused by the struggling global economy and harsh economic austerity measures now being implemented by the British government. Others say young thugs have seized on the situation to carry out mindless violence and looting.

"A lot of it now is just hooligans and gangs set out to loot and destroy," said Machaka, a resident of Croyden, a London area hit hard by rioting and destruction. "But people are praying and that is a good thing. Prayer brings about change. People can try to take the situation into their own hands, but at the end of the day they can’t create real change. Real change comes from God. Answers are found in Him."

An IMB missionary couple, who help lead an ongoing prayer unity movement in north London, said in a communique that the violence “has been a frightening experience for people, especially within the immigrant community.

"Christians in these communities are trying to give hope, but that hope needs to be coupled with tangible help, whether that is working to clean up areas or walking alongside these kids who have become so hardened." (The couple's names are being withheld for security reasons.)

Homes and businesses have been ransacked and burned in parts of London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool and Bristol. British authorities are taking measures to stop the unrest and are beginning to clean up streets strewn with debris.

"People in London, especially immigrants, might become more open to the Gospel because of their constant state of fear," said an IMB worker serving in the area. "This event [police shooting] has opened up a powder keg of pent-up frustration. There is a very real sense of hopelessness about the future among the young people of Britain.

"This is a time when people could turn to the Lord and seek something that man and the government cannot provide."
--30--
Reported by the global communications staff of the International Mission Board.

American Missionary Statesmen George Verwer Comments on British Riots

By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service


BROMLEY, KENT, UK (ANS) -- "These are wild, restless and dangerous days here in the U.K., where my wife and I have lived for almost 50 years," says veteran missionary pioneer statesman George Verwer, an American living in London.

George Verwer (right) being interviewed by ANS Founder Dan Wooding.

The New Jersey-born visionary/founder and former International Director of Operation Mobilization (OM), writes in an e-mail to ANS: "The riots and anger and hatred that hit London over the past days has spread to other parts of England. I am sure you have seen it on the news or read about it. Many here find it hard to believe. The government also has been taken by surprise, and there is a lot of worry as we look forward to the Olympics less than a year away."
Verwer says: "The death of one person, who seems to be very connected to the dark society, was the trigger for something that has been smoldering for year. He was shot by the police and only yesterday was news released that he was not armed or has not fired any shot."

According to Verwer there are lots of debates going on surrounding the incident and the riots and looting that has followed in its wake.

"Some say it's all just mindless..others say there are reasons.I think it is both, but let me give some of my reasons why this is happening," Verwer said.

"There is massive unemployment in the UK and especially among the young. When I saw the statistics, I could hardly believe it," Verwer said.

"There is (also) a huge breakdown of the family, and marriage as a God-given institution is mocked and abandoned by others.

Third, there are massive alcohol and drug problems.

A building set on fire in London during recent riots.

Verwer states, "There is a 'laying aside' of the Ten Commandments and even the Fear of God. Atheism has become more popular, and many are saying that there is no place for God in government. Praise the Lord many, even in the government, do not fall for that, and our Queen does not accept that."

Verwer adds: "There are a lot of unrealistic expectations on every side. People expect too much from the government and the police and what they call 'the system.' In Europe today (among) the new generation, most believe they system - government, etc., owes them something, and must take care of them."

Students especially are angry over increased fees, which are still low compared to say the U.S., Verwer said.

Many politicians have been cheating on expenses and this has had massive publicity, he said.

"'If politicians can take, then why can't we take? is the mindset of some. Into this flow all kinds of miscommunication -- especially in a society which in many ways is still a 'Class Society.' There is a huge underprivileged underclass. They are not suffering that much, but they feel they are. This is especially true of those who have no foundation of Spiritual Values."

Verwer said that greed is key to the problems in British society.

Verwer concluded: "Most politicians have proven to be very selfish, greedy people, and this all in the press. More and more people, who themselves are greedy and want a piece of the pie, somehow though social networking -- combined with their anger -- have launched into the streets.

"I am sure there are more reasons in our complex society, but these are a few that are in my mind. Nothing is more important than the sinful nature and lostness everwhere when people do not know the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ."

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** Michael Ireland is Senior Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can donate online to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Ne wswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior Reporter

Samaritans Purse UK team works with Russian Ministries to help Ukraine's most marginalized children

By Peter Wooding
Europe Bureau Chief for ASSIST News Service


POLTAVA, UKRAINE (ANS) -- A team of ten volunteers from Samaritans Purse in the UK are working alongside Association For Spiritual Renewal/Russian Ministries to share Christ's love with 55 children facing the stigma of HIV and special needs during a summer camp in the town of Poltava, 200 miles east of Kiev, Ukraine.

Special kids enjoy summer camp

The team is working alongside Association For Spiritual Renewal, Russian Ministries' national affiliate in 10 countries in the Former Soviet Union, who run an on-going HIV/AIDS project called To Know Is To Live, in Ukraine which has one of the fastest rates of the pandemic in the world.

"The problem in Ukraine is not so much with statistics, but the stigma and discrimination towards people with HIV, which is not just from normal community members, but even from the people that should be helping them, who should be best equipped and most willing to help them, from medical personnel from government officials, from the church unfortunately," explains Rachel Schupack, communications coordinator for Association For Spiritual Renewal/Russian Ministries.

She added: "So that's why this project has a two part strategy. One is to help these people directly affected by HIV and AIDs and the other is to change attitudes in the community. We have now started over 20 action groups in local churches throughout Ukraine. They run seminars in local churches to inform these churches about the problem and to motivate and envision the churches to get involved in this area of ministry to show them the importance of it and show them what they can do and how they can do it to equip them."

Rachel Schupack - ASR/Russian Ministries Communications Coordinator

Schupack says the main reason for this discrimination is ignorance: "People don't understand the basic things, like means of transmission. For instance in many churches people do not want to drink out of the same communion cup as people with HIV because they have this irrational fear of being infected. They just don't understand. They don't want their children to be in the same Sunday school class, or Kindergarten pre-school class with children with HIV because they just don't understand and so that's why it's so important to inform people about HIV. Because in the West actually there is a very high level of information available."

However with 10 volunteers from the UK working alongside 20 Ukrainian volunteers, 55 children who daily face this discrimination are enjoying a very special summer camp, where they can hear Gospel presentations and learn about Paul's journeys in the Bible through songs, stories, crafts and other various activities.

"We're working very closely with the church. Many camps that I've been involved with in the past, where we've been running the whole thing and being with the kids 24/7, but here the kids are coming in the morning and the church is running a program throughout the morning where we're doing some songs, Bible stories and crafts and activities and we've been providing the crafts and activities, although we've been teaching them quite a few songs as well, which has been really fun," said Samaritan's Purse team leader Chris Thomson.

Chris Thomson from Samaritans Purse UK hanging out with camp kids

"We run the camps each day until just after lunch, but what has also been very special is in the afternoon we've been going on home visits to visit kids with cerebral palsy and other difficulties and pass on some help.



"We visited a child today with cerebral palsy. The team member I was with knew a few exercises that would help the mother and help the child as well, helping her strengthen the muscles and legs That was really good to see and the child as well was keen to meet us and sing songs to us and just have fun with us. And it gives the mum and the dad a little bit of a break as well.

"Quite a few people visited young adults as well who have disabilities and again some of the moving stories have come back. It's been a humbling experience for every one of us, but it's been a joy to be with them and show that we care for them, and we'll take these stories back to the UK and let people know what's going on."

Chris, who is a regional coordinator for Scotland and Northern England for Samaritans Purse UK, says to have a long-term impact in Ukraine, it's vital to work in partnership with the local church and organizations like Russian Ministries.

"We want to encourage the church that they will feel a sense of partnership with us when times get tough for them they won't feel that they're on their own, that we are there to give advice and hopefully come again next year and there may be other churches in the community here that can be drawn in to help out or go on training courses and we can pass on advice to them.

"It's a huge job we've got on our hands here. The disability rates are not what we're used to the UK and there's a lot of ground work being done by the folks out here and if there's some way we can pass on some help that in general a partnership so they're not alone in what they're doing.

"It's my first experience of working with ASR/Russian Ministries. I've been involved in various other Eastern European countries over the years, but it's great to know there's a partnership going on here and there's people on the ground here really searching out those who need help, searching out churches who want to partner with us that want more information and involvement. It's great that people like Rachel are here and others who work for Russian Ministries who are trying to strengthen the churches and really extend God's kingdom here."

For more information how you can partner with Russian Ministries' work among marginalized children in Ukraine and through Eastern Europe go to: www.russian-ministries.org

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Peter Wooding is an award-winning TV, radio and print journalist and media consultant under the name of Peter Wooding Productions (www.peterwoodingproductions.com). Having previously spent 10 years as news editor with UCB Radio in the UK, he has travelled extensively reporting from countries including Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Dubai, South Korea, Zambia, Gambia, Mozambique, Croatia, Israel and India. He now reports regularly for CBN News, ASSIST News Service, GDOP London, Russian Ministries, Whispering Word and Sorted Magazine. Peter and wife Sharon live in North Wales, UK with their three children. Passionate to see God's Justice and Mercy impact lives, Peter is director of a new UK ministry Mercy Projects International (www.mercyproject.org.uk) to help at-risk young people in Ukraine, Russia, Armenia, Kosovo, the Middle East and beyond. Contact Peter for consultation at:peter@peterwoodingproductions.com or tel. +44 1244 549167/+44 7500 903067

British Christians Call for Prayer as London Riots Spread Across the Country

By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service


EALING, LONDON, UK (ANS) -- Riots in London over the weekend have left Christians greatly concerned for the future of their communities as more than 300 people were arrested and more than 60 charged with offences.

Violence broke out first in Tottenham, then Enfield, Walthamstow and Brixton on Saturday night, following the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Mark Duggan last Thursday.

The website www.ChristianToday.com  says rioters attacked police

Burned out-cars smolder in Ealing (BBC website)

officers and set buildings and cars on fire, while looters caused further damage by breaking into shops.

The website quotes Nims Obunge, pastor and Chief Executive of the Peace Alliance, who said there were questions surrounding Duggan’s death that needed to be answered.

“We need justice, that’s what they’re crying out for,” he told the BBC. “They are crying for justice and we can’t ignore that,” he said.

He added: “It is right that this community should have the questions that it has answered and until those questions are answered I don’t think we can effectively re-build the community we want to rebuild.”

The website also quoted Alan Argent, minister of Trinity Congregational Church in Brixton, who said he was woken in the early hours of Monday morning by the sounds of looting and police moving in. He appealed for “restraint” and asked that Christians pray for Brixton and other areas affected by the riots.

“It’s a rather disturbing reminder of the unrest in the late seventies and 1980s and we just have to be hopeful that things don’t escalate,” he said.

“But it is a worry and we are concerned that some people may lose their jobs at a time of recession, because people may move out if they don’t feel this is a safe area, shops might close down and we may lose investment in the area.

“Brixton is a place of hope and promise. It has a cosmopolitan population that gets on extraordinarily well and the riots shouldn’t be allowed to set back the progress that has been made.”

Rioting took place in Ealing, west London, where the windows of a Tesco supermarket have been smashed out, a car was set on fire and rubbish has been strewn in public areas. There was also a fire in Haven Green park, opposite Ealing Broadway Tube (underground) station.

The Ealing Gazette newspaper reported one local council leader as saying “Police have control of Ealing.”
In an article for the Gazette by Poppy Bradbury the newspaper said Ealing Council leader Julian Bell tweeted at about 11.30pm Monday night (August 8): "Spoken to Ealing Borough Commander who tells me that the police have control of Ealing town center."

Bell's assurance came as riots swept across the capital, with violence also erupting in Ealing town center.
Riot police sealed off Haven Green, a popular spot for courting couples and people walking their dogs, following reports of cars and buses in flame and masked youths marching outside Ealing Broadway station.

Ealing Common councillor Jon Ball tweeted a picture of two cars and a Route Number 65 bus set on fire on Haven Green just before midnight on Monday night, as car windows were smashed and damaged in other areas of the city.

Sudha Venkataramana saw a car set on fire outside the family home just off Castlebar Road, Ealing, before 11pm.
She said: "We heard loud noises on the street at about 10.45pm. There was a group of 20 to 25 teenagers on the street in Castlebar Road off Pinewood Grove. We heard them smashing car windows as they went by and set this car on fire.

"Almost all the cars parked outside have their windows smashed and dented. I can't believe this is happening, so unreal. I hope the culprits are caught and punished."

A Gazette reporter was assaulted earlier in the evening and had his camera stolen after police sealed off Ealing Broadway and Ealing Broadway station.

Raphael, who lives in West Ealing, wrote on the BBC website: “I am at home with my family in West Ealing, 300 meters from the shops that are being attacked. There are hooded teenagers walking past our house with bottles and bats. The shop owner from the corner shop is standing up in front of his shop to defend it in case it is attacked. We are starting to talk about ways to defend our house because there are people shouting outside. We do not feel safe at all. We need help. I don't see any other way but to bring in the army.”
Chris Jones, a filmmaker and author, wrote on his blog (www.chrisjonesblog.com ) : “It’s 3am and I am finding it hard to sleep.

“That’s because my home town, Ealing, is under siege right now. I am watching videos from Youtube, the BBC and Twitter pictures in disbelief at what a group of disorganized , but opportunistic, kids can do in just one night.”

Jones said he had been away, but came home Monday evening after hearing the news, and on the way back into Ealing, “I was hassled by a couple of kids no more than twelve years old while I was driving down my road.”

He continued: “Outside now I can hear the helicopter circling, and I can see the pictures being shot from that helicopter of the shop across the road from Ealing Studios [where the Monty Python TV series was made], set ablaze and fire fighters doing their best. I am in shock as I see shops, coffee houses and restaurants I visit, smashed and looted. Cars on fire on the street where I walk home.”

Jones said that Twitter “is a stream of information, misinformation, worried relatives, stunned residents (often with videos or pix) wondering what the hell has brought this to our door?”

He added: “I was in Ealing over a decade ago when the IRA set off a car bomb. Now I am here when masked kids run riot, thieving and destroying, unchallenged by an exhausted and overstretched police force.

“I feel sad and depressed this this is where, as a society, we find ourselves.
“Lord only knows what tomorrow will hold for us all as these terrible events are really just yards from the studio offices.”

All this comes after shops, bars and pubs in Ealing Broadway were asked to close around 5pm following police intelligence that violence could spark in the town center -- as horrifying riots spread across the capital and around the country.

Ealing Police had yet to give a formal statement.

A string of violence spread across London, and into other towns and cities across England following a protest in Tottenham, north London, on Saturday after Mark Duggan was killed by police last week.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and Prime Minister David Cameron were both reportedly on their way back from holiday as the Metropolitan Police were set to deploy more police officers to the streets.

This reporter and ANS Founder Dan Wooding both lived in Ealing in the 1970s. Together we worked on the Gazette’s predecessor, The Middlesex County Times, whose offices were located just around the corner from the London Transport Ealing Broadway train and subway station and Haven Green park.

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** Michael Ireland is Senior Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at:Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can donate online to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior Reporter

UK churches plead for mission team help for the London 2012 Olympics

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

LONDON, UK (ANS) -- Churches in the United Kingdom are appealing for US churches to send mission teams to help them make the most of the London 2012 Olympics.

British Christians preparing for the 2012 London Olympics

Across the UK, churches are planning to use the Games next summer to reach out to international visitors and their own communities. This is under the banner of More Than Gold, an initiative that has the support of all the main denominations.

"The world is coming to London and the churches here are getting ready. But we need hundreds of mission teams from the US and elsewhere to help us make the most of this historic opportunity," explains More Than Gold's UK Director Jon Burns.

Over four million international visitors will be converging on London. One response from More Than Gold is a plan to hand out three million cups of cold water. There will also be outreach at main transport hubs and pedestrian corridors.

At the same time, over three thousand churches are expected to use the Games to reach out to their communities. This will include festivals with big screens showing the Olympics, plus music, food and activities for all the family.

Jon Burns

"The opportunity is too vast for the churches of the UK alone. Our plea to our fellow American believers is 'come on over and help us'. Many visitors will have no idea who Jesus really is and that is equally true of many who live here, says Jon Burns. "Let's join hands in unity to reach out with the Good News."

Jon adds, "Those coming on mission might find themselves serving at a hospitality center, sharing their testimony on the streets, or joining in games with children. There is something everyone can do."

By working through More Than Gold, mission teams will have accreditation, be able to be linked to host churches and have access to affordable accommodation. There is also an optional preparation conference in London for mission team leaders.

Churches interested in raising a mission team for London 2012 will find the details at www.morethangold.org.uk/missionteams.

The London Olympics run from July 27 through August 12 2012. The Paralympics follow from August 29 through September 9 2012.

For further information contact:

Peter Meadows, Director of Communication for More Than Gold
+44 (0)7711 201 268 peter.meadows@morethangold.org.uk

About More Than Gold

Logo

Since the 1996 Atlanta Games the Christian community's involvement with the world's major sporting events has been under the banner 'More Than Gold'. This provides a flag for united faith-based outreach, hospitality and service, and also an interface between the event's organizing committee and the churches.

To get ready for the London's 2012 Games, More Than Gold was established in the UK in 2008. It has the support of all main denominations and over sixty Christian organisations and mission agencies.

The banner "More Than Gold" has been used for the Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, All-Africa Games, Indian Ocean Games and Summer and Winter Olympic Games and Paralympics.

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Dan Wooding, 70, is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma, to whom he has been married for 48 years. They have two sons, Andrew and Peter, and six grandchildren who all live in the UK. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS) and was, for ten years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC. He now hosts the weekly "Front Page Radio" show on KWVE in Southern California which is also carried throughout the United States. The program is also aired in Great Britain on Calvary Chapel Radio UK and also in Belize and South Africa. Besides this, Wooding is a host for His Channel Live, which is carried via the Internet to some 200 countries. You can follow Dan on Facebook under his name there or at ASSIST News Service. He is the author of some 44 books. Two of the latest include his autobiography, "From Tabloid to Truth", which is published by Theatron Books. To order a copy, press this link. Wooding, who was born in Nigeria of British missionary parents, has also recently released his first novel "Red Dagger" which is available this link.