Pray for Gilad Shalit, still held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

Please pray for Gilad Shalit, the IDF soldier who has been held captive by the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza for five years as of this week….Please pray that the Lord would rescue him, and comfort him and his family and his nation….let us remember the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for” (Isaiah 40:1-2)

Ynet News: Israel observes 5 minutes for Gilad Shalit — Tens of thousands of Israelis show their support for campaign to free kidnapped soldier, block roads across Israel. Shalit family, supporters protest outside prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem. ‘Public is waking up,’ campaign head Shimshon Libman says

HEADLINES TO TRACK:

• >> WORTH NOTING: With tensions rising in Bahrain, Israeli think tank publishes troubling analysis entitled, “Could the Kingdom of Bahrain Become an Iranian Pearl Harbor?”
• Israel seizes ship with Iran arms for Gaza-Netanyahu
• UPDATE: Iran exploiting Israel-Egypt coordination difficulties — Islamic Republic taking advantage of recent upheaval in Egypt to send weapons, terrorists to Sinai unchecked. Missiles found on “Victoria” vessel could have threatened ships docking in Ashkelon, gas reservoir
• Bahrain declares state of emergency; new clashes erupt — Saudi troops come to help prop up Sunni regime against Shia rebellion (note: Shias are the majority, with 70% of the population)
• NYT: “The battle for control of this strategic island kingdom intensified on Tuesday as Iran lashed out at the arrival of Saudi troops brought in to help retake the streets from anti-government protesters and the king declared a three-month state of emergency. Two men were killed by security forces in a growing wave of unrest….Bahrain, a long-time American ally, is home to the Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which patrols the Persian Gulf and helps support the war in Afghanistan. The kingdom also allows American military aircraft to operate from its main airbase.”
• As Japan’s nuclear crisis worsens, Europe’s energy commissioner called it an “apocalypse”
• Japan’s nuclear power crisis escalates
• Japan braces for potential radiation catastrophe
• Quake shifted Japan coast about 13 feet, knocked Earth 6.5 inches off axis
• Thousands still missing, millions short of power and water – and fear everywhere — As the Japanese struggle to cope with the tsunami’s immediate impact, they are also living in dread of the nightmares that lie ahead
• Millions in Japanese cold struggle without electricity, heat