Israel: 29 December-4 January

1. Ships and helicopters have been deployed in Australia to help towns devastated by bushfires that have left 17 people dead and destroyed more than 1,200 homes. At least seven people have died this week in New South Wales alone. The premier of this Australian state has declared a week-long state of emergency in response to the escalating bushfire threat. This serious situation has been caused by record high temperatures and months of drought. New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have been particularly hard hit.

Pray for the families of those who have died as a result of these bushfires. Pray for those affected by the pollution these fires have caused.

2. The cost of train fares for millions of commuters increased by an average of 2.7% on 2nd January. The rise, announced by the Rail Delivery Group in November, is lower than the 3.1% increase at the start of last year. Train companies say it is the third year in a row that average fare increases have been lower than the Retail Prices Index. This is the inflation measure on which rises are based. However, many commuters now face an increase of more than £100 for annual season tickets.

Pray for all those commuters having to pay higher prices for their season tickets. Pray that services throughout the country will become more reliable, with fewer strikes than in 2019.

3. Figures show that almost 1 in 10 children are being taken out of school by their parents during term time. This is due to inflated travel costs during school holidays. Nevertheless, both head teachers and the government have pointed out that children should not be taken out of school without good reason. Parents can be fined £60 if their child misses school without permission. This figure rises to £120 if the fine is not paid within 21 days.

Pray that the cost of holidays becomes less expensive during school holidays. Pray for more parents to realise that taking regular holidays during term time may adversely affect their children’s education.

4. In a trial at Keele University in Staffordshire, their natural gas supply is being blended with 20% hydrogen. This will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced through cooking and heating. Using natural gas for heating generates about a third of all UK carbon dioxide emissions. But the only product produced by burning hydrogen is water. However, although hydrogen can be produced using natural gas, carbon dioxide is released in this process. This would need capturing and storing underground; a technology that has not yet been proven.

Pray for scientists and others attempting to reduce the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions. Ask that possible alternatives to the use of natural gas will be realistic.

5. Here at the Nationwide Christian Trust, our first Ladies Day for 2020 is on 30 January. Reona Joly will be speaking on the subject of ‘The Bible, the World’s Bestseller.’ Marilyn Baker and Tracy Williamson will be speaking on ‘From The Inside Out’ at our Ladies Day on 27th February. New volunteers for our Prayer Line are always welcome. Please contact us if you would like more information, or to become part of this ministry.

Please pray that God will bless these events and help to empower all who attend in their walk of faith. Pray that it will be the start of a successful year for NCT with lives changed and souls won for Christ.