200+ people have been killed in almost daily attacks in the northern and north-eastern regions since 30 June by Boko Haram. But lesser reported violence rages farther south, claiming thousands of Christian lives. Militants among the ethnic Fulani, a predominantly Muslim and nomadic population of cattle herders, are suspected of killing Christians in the states of Plateau and Taraba in recent months. The two states form the eastern end of Nigeria's ‘Middle Belt’ (states straddling the pre-colonial line dividing Nigeria's Muslim north from its Christian south) and the most recent violence resulted from 500 Fulani cattle disappearing with suspicion falling on the Berom, an indigenous Christian population. Fulani raiding parties killed 30+ people, including a pastor of the Church of Christ in Nigeria. Cattle rustling and land disputes provide a pretext for the violence across the Middle Belt. For a report on Non-Boko Haram violence against Christians in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria go to: http://theanalytical.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Migration-and-Violent-Conflict-in-Divided-Societies-March-2015.pdf

Clashes between government and opposition forces have killed hundreds, casting doubt over whether the transitional government can survive. Burned tanks line the side of the main road leading past the UN base in Juba. Homes and market stalls have been ransacked. Dark spots in the dirt suggested where bodies had lain, the smell of death lingers. Violence started on 8 July, killing hundreds and shattering hopes that the transitional government could bring peace after two years of conflict. Although fighting subsided after a one-sided ceasefire on 11 July, civilians fear for their lives as they navigate the many checkpoints along the road manned by unruly, trigger-happy soldiers. The hunt for food drives South Sudanese across border to Sudan. Many have sought shelter around St Theresa’s cathedral, sleeping in schools at night and congregating at the church during the day to get aid.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice issued a powerful prayer asking God to bring peace and healing to the USA amid nationwide pain, anger and uncertainty following the violence in Minnesota, Baton Rouge, Dallas and in cities and countries around the world. She asked for protection for law enforcers and branches of the military and asked God to forgive the US for its ‘dark past’ of slavery and prejudice. Rice, a member of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, led the congregation in prayer during a special service held to commemorate those recently slain. ‘Oh, dear Father, we come to you with heavy hearts. We come to you with confused minds, we come to you with sinking spirits. But we come to you knowing that we can always count on you. We are so grateful to have a friend in you to whom we can bring all of our concerns, all of our trials and tribulations. And we do that now.’ For the full prayer click the ‘More’ link.

Thousands of Christians from around the world will be gathering at United Prayer Rising in Seoul, South Korea this coming week - between 26th and 29th July. The UPRISING planning team believes that God is setting-up a globally-connected, digital, radical generation whose passion is to seek His face, for such a time as this. They only need to be gathered, challenged, and released to their destiny. UPRISING will not be just another event; it will be a historic, strategic convergence of youth and children from across the world that will be used of the Lord to catalyse an ever-building wave, releasing His glory in the nations. God has always called and used young people to do exploits for Him in both Scripture and history. The delegates, many of whom will be from the younger generations, and many in leadership already, will be meeting for three days of teaching, prayer and praise, with significant time for reflection and hearing from God. Friday 29th, there will be an estimated 12,000 people taking part in a day of worship, prayer and fasting, at the Nuri Peace Park, which is located close to the de-militarised zone.