FaithWatch and Midnight call- 30th September 2025
🌙 Midnight Call Reflection
Theme: Watchfulness in a Troubled World
As the month draws to a close, the headlines of today tell a familiar story: nations in conflict, economies trembling, sports and achievements bringing moments of relief, and the Church continually facing trials yet pressing on with mission. From Ukraine’s unending war to Nigeria’s insecurity, from FIFA’s sanctions on South Africa to Nigeria’s athletes shining on the global stage, the message is clear: the world remains in a season of shaking.
But what does this mean for us as believers?
The prophet Isaiah once asked, “Watchman, what of the night?” (Isaiah 21:11). The watchman’s task was to stay awake, observe the times, and warn the people. In many ways, today’s news is a trumpet call reminding us to remain spiritually alert. Wars and rumors of wars, economic instability, persecution of Christians, and the rising tide of moral compromise all point to the urgency of the hour.
The Church of Nigeria’s creation of 15 new dioceses is a symbol of this watchfulness in action. At a time when darkness appears to deepen, the Church chooses not to retreat but to expand, to shine brighter, and to plant more lamps of hope in the land. It is a lesson to us all: when the world grows darker, our light must shine even brighter.
Beloved, as we see athletes running their races and nations wrestling with their challenges, let us remember that we too are in a race. Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Our prize is eternal, and our faithfulness in these uncertain times will not go unrewarded.
Tonight, let us resolve to:
- Be watchful in prayer.
- Stand firm in faith, even when the world is shaken.
- Support the mission of the Church as it expands into new frontiers.
- Love and strengthen one another, for in love the Church endures.
The night is deep, but the morning is near. Watchmen of Christ, keep your lamps burning.
🌍 Global News Highlights
- U.S. Presidential Campaign – Heated debates continue as candidates trade words over immigration and economic policies ahead of the November elections.
- UN General Assembly Wrap-Up – Leaders emphasized global peace, climate action, and conflict resolution, with fresh pledges toward sustainable development goals.
- Russia–Ukraine War – Fresh shelling in eastern Ukraine leaves dozens displaced as peace talks stall in Geneva.
- China’s Economy – Beijing introduces new stimulus measures to stabilize slowing economic growth and bolster exports.
- Middle East – Israel and Lebanon face renewed border tensions after sporadic clashes reported over the weekend.
🌍 Africa News Highlights
- South Africa Sanctioned by FIFA – The national team forfeits three World Cup qualifying points for fielding an ineligible player, sparking outrage among fans.
- Kenya Politics – Protests continue in Nairobi over new tax reforms, with unions calling for a nationwide strike.
- West Africa Security – ECOWAS issues fresh warnings to coup-prone states in the Sahel, urging a swift return to democratic governance.
- Ethiopia – Talks between Addis Ababa and Tigray leaders resume in Nairobi to consolidate the fragile peace deal.
🇳🇬 Nigeria News Highlights
- Security Challenges – Fresh attacks in Plateau State spark renewed calls for improved community policing.
- 2027 Elections – INEC begins early preparations with emphasis on technology and diaspora voting.
- Economy – Naira volatility continues as Central Bank announces tighter monetary policies to stabilize foreign exchange.
- Fraud Case – Nigerian national Tochuwku Albert Nnebocha extradited from Poland to the U.S. to face elder fraud charges.
✝️ Religious Highlights
- USCCB on Christian Persecution – U.S. bishops condemn violence against Christians in Nigeria and DR Congo, urging global solidarity.
- Bill Maher Spotlights Nigerian Christians – The American TV host highlights the lack of international attention to killings in Nigeria, calling it “a genocide in slow motion.”
- Nigeria Clergy Attacks – Reports show at least 1,200 churches destroyed annually across northern Nigeria, sparking calls for urgent government intervention.
- Anglican Communion – The Church of Nigeria continues restructuring after approving 15 new dioceses at its recent Standing Committee meeting.
⚽ Sports Highlights
- Cricket – Kenya chasing 145 runs against Nigeria in the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers. Nigeria posted 147/7 earlier.
- UEFA Champions League – Galatasaray hosts Liverpool tonight in a high-profile clash. Real Madrid, PSG, and Arsenal prepare for their second league-phase fixtures this week.
- South Africa Forfeiture – FIFA strips South Africa of three points in World Cup qualifiers, awarding victory to Lesotho.
- Athletics – Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan won silver yesterday; today, Nathaniel Ezekiel advanced into the men’s 400m hurdles final at the IAAF Championships.
- U-20 World Cup – Nigeria’s Flying Eagles set to face Norway in their group-stage opener.
Comments
Post a Comment