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WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - JANUARY 8, 2025
In this week's Intersect, read about:
Record Number of Elections In 2024 Had Universal Themes of Inflation, Migration – Ousting Incumbent
“Half the world went to the polls in 2024, the most widespread show of democracy ever seen. A year ago, it was predicted that the jam-packed electoral calendar could dramatically reshape the world order – and it may well have done so. What happened? In short, history may remember 2024 as the year of the ‘You’re fired!’ election.” Read more at Just the News.
THINK.
- In 2024, almost 2 billion people voted in over 70 different countries, including some of the world’s most populated nations like India, Indonesia, and Pakistan. In many of the races, incumbents were unseated, and political parties were weakened, suggesting that people all over the world are growing weary of their political leaders.
- Data from Pew Research Center revealed that the economy and migration were top concerns across the board — consistent with what we saw here in the United States. Additionally, the Ukraine-Russia conflict proved to be a point of contention in European countries like the United Kingdom and France.
- Why do these results matter? Changes in foreign leadership always have the potential of impacting U.S. foreign relations and alliances. For instance, how might these changes impact the global response to the ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine? And will President-elect Trump’s foreign relations strategy change, considering the mandates delivered by voters around the world?
PRAY.
In Exodus 18:21, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, advises Moses to appoint capable leaders to share the burden of responsibility. He encourages Moses to choose men who are able, God-fearing, trustworthy, and full of integrity. Today, let us pray that God would raise up leaders with these qualities, both in America and around the world.
ACT.
While the presidential election may be behind us, there are many crucial elections in 2025. Key mayoral races, gubernatorial contests, and special elections are on the horizon. Click here to find out if your city or state has an election in 2025.
Group Launches $7M Effort to Mobilize Jewish Voters for NYC Races — Including for Mayor
“A new group is launching a $7 million campaign to mobilize Jewish voters for New York City’s municipal elections — including the crucial race for mayor, The Post has learned…. Every council seat is up for grabs this year. There also are races for mayor, comptroller and public advocate.” Read more at New York Post.
THINK.
- The Jewish Voters Action Network has outlined a two-pronged approach for taking back the New York City mayor’s office and city council. First, they want Independent and Republican voters to switch to the Democratic Party so that they can vote in the June Democratic primary election. Then, they are establishing alliances with other organizations and funneling resources to get Jewish voters to show up at the polls.
- Why is it necessary to change parties? New York City is a democratic stronghold, and the winner of the Democratic primary is almost always the winner in the general election. By registering as Democrats, Jewish voters have a better chance of electing a conservative, pro-Israel candidate.
- Antisemitic protests have become commonplace in most of our nation’s largest cities and across many college and university campuses. Meanwhile, many elected officials—entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and defending their constituents—have either remained silent or, in some cases, contributed to the spread of antisemitism. Perhaps this bold effort by Jewish voters will finally spur these officials to change their ways.
PRAY.
Lord, thank You for empowering people of faith to step forward and make their voices heard at the polls. May their impact be multiplied for Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ACT.
Local elections are easy to miss because they don’t get national coverage. That is why it is important to sign up for voting reminders. With TurboVote, a notification gets sent straight to your mobile device whenever an election is happening in your area, making sure you never miss an opportunity to make your voice heard. Sign up here.
‘Our Struggle Not Merely against Terror’: FRC Night of Prayer Highlights New Orleans Victims
“The tragic loss of life in New Orleans has been met with a gargantuan call for prayer. This weekend, a group of politicians and Christian leaders gathered to pray for Americans amidst these horrific attacks in the new year. Held on Sunday, January 5, “Pray for the Nation,” hosted by Family Research Council, focused on praying for those impacted by the attack in New Orleans. The gathering was led by FRC President Tony Perkins, who opened the evening with remarks on the attack itself.” Read more at The Washington Stand.
THINK.
- New Years Day—a day of celebration—turned into a day of mourning when a domestic terrorist drove a truck through Bourbon Street early in the morning in New Orleans and then proceeded to open fire on civilians. Fifteen people were killed in the attack and dozens more were injured. The deceased range from 18 years old to 63 years old.
- The FBI is taking point on the investigation into the events surrounding the attack, but many are not confident in the bureau and believed it dropped the ball by not providing more security in New Orleans over New Years. Speaking to media on FBI Director Christopher A. Wray and Deputy Director Paul Abbate, one FBI agent said, ““They need to go right now, not only Wray, but Abbate needs to go. This is awful. This is embarrassing.”
- Tony Perkins—President of Family Research Council—and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry hosted a virtual night of prayer on Sunday evening, spending time praying for the victims’ families and our national security. Perkins left attendees with a staunch warning: “If America does not have a course correction, as we have pushed God and morality out of our classrooms, entertainment industry, and even within government itself, we should not be surprised when destructive ideologies find fertile ground in these vast areas, void of truth and morality.”
PRAY.
Lord, Your Word teaches us that You are near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), so as the victims’ families grieve the loss of their loved ones, we pray that You would be near to them. Please grant them peace and, if they do not already know You as their Savior, we pray that this tragedy would propel them into Your loving arms. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ACT.
Take a few moments to pray for each of the victims’ families by name—Kareem Badawi, Nicole Perez, Drew Dauphin, Reggie Hunter, Martin Bech, Ryan Quigley, Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, Hubert Gauthreaux, LaTasha Polk, Edward Pettifer, Matthew Tendorio, Billy DeMaio, Terrence Kennedy, Brandon Taylor, and Elliot Wilkinson.
Trudeau Resigns as Canada Prime Minister
“Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned on Monday as the country's leader. ‘I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust nation-wide competitive process,’ he said in a speech.” Read more at Just the News.
THINK.
- Justin Trudeau has been the head of the Liberal Party of Canada since 2013 and Prime Minister since 2015. In a press conference about his resignation, Trudeau said, "It is obvious to me that I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election."
- The opposition parties are already working overtime to try and take over Trudeau’s position. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said, “"Every Liberal MP and leadership contender supported EVERYTHING Trudeau did for 9 years, and now they want to trick voters by swapping in another Liberal face to keep ripping off Canadians for another 4 years…. The only way to fix what Liberals broke is a carbon tax election to elect common sense Conservatives..."
- Why does Trudeau’s resignation matter? Canada and the United States have a deeply interconnected relationship. Not only do we share 5,525 miles of border but we also work together on trade, energy, defense, etc. The next Prime Minister will be working closely with President Trump, negotiating agreements and establishing policies that will impact the United States for years to come.
PRAY.
Lord, we pray that Your will would be done in Canada’s upcoming election. We ask that whoever is chosen as Prime Minister would be open to fostering strong collaboration with our elected leaders in America, working together to implement policies that benefit the American people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ACT.
There has been a lot in the media about Canada, trade agreements, tariffs, and much more. As we take in all the information, it can be difficult to discern what is true and false. My Faith Votes’ article “11 Tips for Discerning the News” helps Christians to approach news consumption with a biblical lens. Dive into these tips and learn how to discern truth and avoid manipulation.
My Faith Votes— is a ministry that motivates, equips, and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented.
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