PRAYER DIARY 28 August – 5 November 2016
UNITED SOCIETY PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL
PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL
Welcome to the Prayer Diary for supporters of USPG You are invited to use this as a resource for your personal prayers, or to reproduce material from this publication for use within public worship. (Please note that the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the official position of USPG.)
Above image: Children playing at Agape pre-school kindergarten in Ma U Kyuusaung village, Myanmar. (USPG/Leah Gordon) Cover image: A mother and daughter share smiles at the refugee camp in Katsikas, Greece. (USPG/Leah Gordon)
As of the end of August, we will stop referring to ourselves as ‘Us’ and become USPG, standing for United Society Partners in the Gospel. As well as reintroducing ‘gospel’ into our name, the new meaning of USPG emphasises our focus on working in partnership with the world church, while also encouraging the Anglican Churches of Britain and Ireland to participate more deeply in that partnership. This prayer diary has ‘partners in the gospel’ running through its veins – because we are all partners in the gospel, we are united in Christ, and we hold one another before God in prayer. Thank you for being a part of this global wave of prayer, praying daily for our partners in so many different situations and circumstances, united in our common faith and mission. As partners in the gospel, praying for one another, may we know more fully unity in Christ, grow deeper in our love and respect for one another, and reach out together in his name.
The Revd Richard Bartlett Director for Mission Engagement, USPG
28 AUGUST – 3 SEPTEMBER This week we stop referring to ourselves as ‘Us’ and become USPG once again. This is a historic week for USPG. Following a survey of our supporters and global partners, we are reverting to the name USPG, although the ‘P’ now stands for ‘Partners’ instead of ‘Propagation’ as this better represents our mission today. Speaking at our conference this year, the Revd John Rogers, of Barbados, emphasised the importance of using the right words and language. He said: ‘USPG is still a society for the propagation of the gospel, but we’re reading propagation with a different ideological lens. We’re now called to propagate a new language. USPG’s mission is to spread a new language around the world – a language of love that sees no race, no class, no creed, no religion, no gender. USPG now propagates an unconditional love throughout the world. It propagates the gospel. ‘I encourage us all to go out and ensure that we speak this language, a language that recognises the commonality we share as human beings, a language that recognises our responsibility to all of Creation, a language that recognises God in each and every one of us.’
www.uspg.org.uk
Sunday 28 August: 14th Sunday after Trinity O God of our past, present and future, thank you for your guidance these past 315 years. We offer you now our future as USPG. Bless us, our partners, and all your church. Monday 29 Give thanks for USPG. Give thanks that we have been able to learn from our 315-year history and constantly renew and refresh our expression of mission. Tuesday 30 Pray that more churches in Britain and Ireland would learn about the work of USPG and support mission around the world. Wednesday 31 Give thanks for the message of partnership in the gospel. Pray that the church would seek to break down any power dynamics that divide us. Thursday 1 September Pray that Christians might celebrate the richness and diversity in the Anglican Communion and seek to learn from each other. Friday 2 Give thanks for the work of churches to reach out to our neighbours of all faiths and none. Pray that we might acknowledge God’s presence in every person. Saturday 3 Pray that greater financial support might be forthcoming so that USPG might be able to develop community programmes run with churches around the world.
4 – 10 SEPTEMBER Zambia: The USPG-supported Church and Community Mobilisation Process (CCMP) encourages villagers to maximise the use of local skills and resources, rather than relying on hand-outs. CCMP begins with a series of community bible studies at which villagers discover that everyone has gifts and skills and something to offer the community. Participants are encouraged to work together to set up projects to boost income or improve the local environment. Lay reader Chrispin Nguni realised he could start selling the grass that grew on his smallholding – a rare type of grass that is much in demand for roofing and making soft brooms. He employed local people to harvest the grass – creating jobs – then sold the grass to businessmen, making enough profit to buy six goats, poultry, and fertilizer to grow more of the grass. Church warden Mrs Mwelwa was also impressed. She said: ‘Before CCMP we depended on donor funding, but now people have realised the importance of giving and sharing and want to improve themselves rather than rely on outsiders.’ CCMP development co-ordinator Mulolo, now sadly deceased, noted: ‘People’s attitudes transformed from an attitude of dependence to one of self-reliance. The people learn to work as a team.’
www.uspg.org.uk/zambia
Sunday 4 September: 15th Sunday after Trinity Generous God, thank you for all you have given us, Bless us as we discern the gifts you give us. Give wisdom to those who lead community projects, that all may grow in fullness of life. Monday 5 Give thanks for the success of the USPG-supported Church and Community Mobilisation Process (CCMP) in Zambia (see article). Tuesday 6 Pray for the work of the Anglican Church in Zambia to reach out to poor and marginalised communities. Wednesday 7 Pray that all people in Zambia might have access to food, healthcare and education. Thursday 8 Give thanks for the work of the Anglican Church in Zambia, and around the world, to combat gender-based violence. Friday 9 Pray for wisdom and strength for all church leaders in Zambia. Pray that Zambia’s politicians might seek to tackle poverty and promote well-being among all people. Saturday 10 Pray for ongoing training for ordained and lay church leaders in development skills so they can better support communities to tackle poverty.
11 – 17 SEPTEMBER Journey With Us: Paul Smith, from Stockport, Cheshire, spent a year in Tanzania with our Journey With Us placement programme. My background is in mechanical engineering – in fact, I helped to design nuclear submarines. The Anglican Church in Tanzania didn’t need any submarines, but they did want to make use of my engineering knowledge. They asked me to report on the condition of various properties, such as church schools, hospitals and training centres. I slotted into a nice routine. Most weekends I lived at Msalato Bible College, Dodoma, and during the week I inspected buildings. One of the highlights was time spent in Msamaria village, originally a settlement for those recovering from leprosy. Their homes are mostly mud huts but in recent years, Northern Ireland Leprosy Mission has been replacing them with brick houses. I worked with my new friends to build a brick bathroom and a kitchen, and we installed solar lighting. I also arranged for two villagers to have cataracts removed. The community celebrated these small changes with joy, and my contribution gave me great satisfaction. This was an amazing experience. I am now preparing for a three-year theology degree in Kenya.
www.uspg.org.uk/journey
Sunday 11 September: 16th Sunday after Trinity Thank you, Lord, that you journey with us through the many experiences of life. Thank you for those who journey with us. Bless us all with your wisdom and love. Monday 12 Pray for student Abielle Hallas, from Abingdon, based at St Andre Church, Argentina, supporting a programme to combat drug abuse and in music ministry. Tuesday 13 Pray for Will Fry, from Worcester, who is on a gap year at Codrington College, Barbados, where he is supporting outreach to the community and exploring his vocation. Wednesday 14: Holy Cross Day Pray for the Rev David Mumford and Elisabeth Wilson, retired priest and management consultant from Scotland, who are on placement with the Anglican Church in Gambia. Thursday 15 Pray for medical sciences graduate Lucy, from Cumbria, as she prepares to travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, to teach at the Diocese of Singapore English School and support youth and health outreach. Friday 16 Remember all recently returned volunteers as they seek to resettle into new roles, including Paul Smith (see article). Saturday 17 Thank God for all placement hosts around the world. Thank God for many new relationships that have been forged.
18 – 24 SEPTEMBER HIV and AIDS: Article by USPG Programme Adviser Evie Vernon. The United Nations believes it is possible to end AIDS by 2030. This is good news indeed. Many have prayed for just this possibility and are poised to help ensure it can come to pass. The UN’s goal is to ensure that by 2020 there will be fewer than 500,000 people newly infected with HIV, fewer than 500,000 people dying from AIDS-related causes, and no more HIV-related discrimination. Michael Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, said that if these targets could be met by 2020, then it could be possible to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. These goals are really ambitious given that UNAIDS most recent estimates put the number of people living with HIV at 36.9 million worldwide. Nevertheless, the elimination of AIDS could be possible if governments and civil society organisations work together. The UN has stressed that this initiative should focus on a number of key populations, namely sex workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, adolescent girls, young women, and prisoners. As Christians, including churches and faith-based organisations, we have a key role to play. Let us pray for success.
www.uspg.org.uk/hiv
Sunday 18 September: 17th Sunday after Trinity Lord, you reach out to the suffering with compassion. We lay before you all people living with HIV. Inspire those who are researching a cure, and help sufferers know their worth. Monday 19 Give thanks for the UN’s initiative to tackle HIV and AIDS. Pray that all parts of society might give their support, and that HIV might loosen its grip globally. Tuesday 20 Pray for all children and adults who are affected by HIV and AIDS around the world. Pray that they might know God’s peace and healing touch. Wednesday 21: Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Give thanks for the USPG-supported food garden initiative run by the Diocese of Zululand, South Africa, to feed AIDS orphans. Thursday 22 Pray for an end to discrimination against all those affected by HIV and AIDS. Pray that the church might set an example by demonstrating respect and compassion for all. Friday 23 Give thanks for the work of the church, alongside other agencies, to combat HIV-related stigma in Zimbabwe. Saturday 24 Pray for the Anglican-run Prevention of Mother-toChild Transmission of HIV programme in Tanzania. Give thanks for lives saved through this programme.
25 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER Sri Lanka: This Harvest, we are looking at the Church of Ceylon’s outreach to vulnerable tea plantation communities. The Sheen tea plantation is home to 300 families; they are Hindus, Christians and Muslims. There is a tea factory, a school, a crèche and a nursery, but the people live in poverty. The houses are referred to as ‘lines’ because of how they are arranged. Each house comprises two rooms: a kitchen and bedroom/family space. Sinks and toilets are outside and shared with other families. For food, families cultivate land in front of their homes. Some of the vegetables are in demand because they only grow in this type of soil and can be sold at market for extra money to buy rice and necessities. Healthcare is provided through a dispensary, an estate medical officer, a baby unit and a midwife. When young people leave school, most take jobs on the plantations, although some work at a nearby garment factory because it pays more. Children who pass their A-Levels want to become teachers or get better-paid jobs. But families must ensure at least one family member works on the plantation so they can keep their home.
Sunday 25 September: 18th Sunday after Trinity God of the Harvest, we thank you for the world, and for those who bring her fruits to us. Bless all who provide for our needs that they may know your protection and care. Monday 26 This Harvest, give thanks for the tea plantation communities of Sri Lanka as they work hard to feed their families, while upholding the Sri Lankan economy. Tuesday 27 Pray that Sri Lanka’s business and political leaders will seek to improve work and living conditions for tea plantation communities. Wednesday 28 Give thanks for the USPG-supported programme run by the Church of Ceylon to support children in education. Thursday 29: Michael and All Angels Pray that the children of the tea pickers might know a future filled with hope, and that they might be able to make full use of their talents. Friday 30 Pray for the church’s efforts in Sri Lanka to provide better nutrition for families living on the tea plantations. Saturday 1 October This Harvest, pray that we might all celebrate God’s goodness and bounty. Pray that all nations might learn to share so that no-one need be hungry.
www.uspg.org.uk/srilanka
2 – 8 OCTOBER Sri Lanka: Article by Shan Kumar, aged 18 from Sheen, who is benefiting from a schools programme run by the Church of Ceylon among tea plantation communities. We are raising funds to support this work during Harvest. My mother is a tea picker for the Sheen tea plantation; my father is a tailor with a small business. I am the third generation in my family to live on the plantation. We are Hindus. We are very grateful for the church’s education programme. The teachers were really supportive, and it formed the basis for my life and education. Recently I received a scholarship from the church to study A-Level maths, chemistry and physics because these subjects aren’t offered at Sheen High School. So now I go to Highlands College, on a neighbouring plantation, which is very costly: the education is free, but boarding, meals, uniform and books cost a lot. My parents earn very little, and need to support me and my two brothers, so our finances are very stretched. I am very happy at Highlands. It’s the best school in the area. The teachers see potential in me, and I hope to go to university and become a physicist.
www.uspg.org.uk/srilanka
Sunday 2 October: 19th Sunday after Trinity Lord, thank you for education in Sri Lanka, for children who are realising their full potential. Bless this work and all who participate in it, That children may grow up to know fullness of life. Monday 3 Give thanks for the commitment of Shan Kumar, Sheen, Sri Lanka, as he seeks to pass exams and find a job as a physicist (see article). Tuesday 4 This Harvest, give thanks for the USPG-supported work of the Church of Ceylon as it reaches out to families on Sri Lanka’s tea plantations. Wednesday 5 Pray for wisdom for the church-run Estate Community Development Mission as it reaches out to Sri Lanka’s marginalised tea plantation communities. Thursday 6 Pray for inner transformation for those within tea plantation communities that are struggling with alcoholism, domestic violence and child abuse. Friday 7 Give thanks for the advocacy work of the Church of Ceylon as it calls for changes in government policy that would lead to justice for all in Sri Lanka. Saturday 8 Pray for peace/justice in Sri Lanka. We pray for an end to tensions among ethnic/religious groups, and heart-felt reconciliation.
9 – 15 OCTOBER Tanzania: Article by Bishop Julius Timotheo Lugendo, of the Diocese of Southern Highlands. Our diocese faces many challenges. Most of our priests have little theological education and only a little understanding of economics. In addition, we have many buildings in need of reconstruction but limited funds to finance this work. A further challenge is that many in our congregations want to move away from traditional patterns of faith and worship. To help address these issues, I have set up committees to look at development and capacity building, and we are already preparing strategies. Meanwhile, we continue to do what we can to reach out to communities, particularly with our HIV and AIDS programmes. Our future plans include more evangelism. We want to build a diocesan office, a retreat centre, schools and vocational training colleges. We want to revive our dispensary in Mbarali and roll out health programmes in other areas. This autumn, I am meeting with all our priests and some laity to share my vision. I hope that, with God’s help, we can put into place a strategy for development that will continue beyond my retirement.
Sunday 9 October: 20th Sunday after Trinity O God, we thank you for the vision you set before us to create communities of hope, justice and peace. Bless your church in Tanzania, that it may faithfully live out and speak your gospel. Monday 10 Give thanks for the faith and commitment of Bishop Julius Timotheo Lugendo and the church in the Diocese of Southern Highlands, Tanzania (see article). Tuesday 11 Pray for strength and wisdom for church leaders in Tanzania’s 27 Anglican dioceses as they reach out to communities facing many challenges. Wednesday 12 Pray that Tanzania’s theological colleges might continue to offer quality training despite limited resources. Pray that tutors might find opportunities for further study. Thursday 13 Give thanks for the blessing of friendships between the church in Tanzania and the global church family, including USPG. Friday 14 Pray that political parties in Tanzania might seek to build prosperity in a population struggling with poverty. Saturday 15 Pray for the health work of the church in Tanzania, including a number of historic hospitals and clinics. Pray for health and well-being for all.
www.uspg.org.uk/tanzania
16 – 22 OCTOBER Philippines: Extracts from a talk by Dr Rommel Linatoc, of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, focusing on destructive mining. The Philippines is rich in mineral resources: it’s the world’s fifth-most mineralised country, third biggest supplier of gold, fourth for copper, and fifth for nickel. But large-scale mining is having a devastating impact on land and communities. Official records show the Philippines has exported over £20 billion-worth of minerals since the 1970s, but the local economy remains stunted and our mining communities are among the poorest in the country. Land and biodiversity are being destroyed, farmlands are getting drier, rivers and seas have been polluted, and villagers close to the mines report illnesses and skin diseases. It is essential that we undertake a major review of existing policies on excessive mining extraction. Christians need to question governments that make the sustainability of the earth their lowest priority. We must expose the connivance between corrupt government practices and multi-national corporations. Each moment we remain passive about the critical situation of the earth, we are colluding with the dominant elite. Our mission should be biased towards the people on the margins; the churches should accompany them in their search for hope. www.uspg.org.uk/philippines
Sunday 16 October: 21st Sunday after Trinity Creator God, thank you for the riches of the earth, its complexity and beauty, resources and fruits. May we treat your earth with respect and care, so it may be sustained for future generations. Monday 17 Pray for legislation that ensures mining operations in the Philippines and globally are required to protect the environment. Tuesday 18: Luke the Evangelist Pray that the church might be a channel of God’s grace in persuading business and government leaders to become better stewards of Creation. Wednesday 19 Pray that the Philippine government might become an instrument in achieving social justice and abundant life. Thursday 20 Pray for communities in the Philippines where lives and limbs have been lost during attempts to defend land and resources from business and government. Friday 21 Pray for those who stand alongside indigenous people in their campaign for economic freedom and the right to self-determination. Saturday 22 Pray that the poor might know they are valuable in God’s eyes and find ways to support each other through practical care and income-generation.
23 – 29 OCTOBER Israel-Palestine: Article by Johannes Zang, former USPG mission companion in Jerusalem, now a journalist and political activist based in Germany. On 18 June 2015, the compound of the Church of Multiplication, in Tabgha, on the shore of Galilee, was set on fire, causing around £1 million-worth of damage. The arson attack was one of more than 40 suspected hate crimes in six years committed by Jewish ultra-nationalists or religious extremists against churches, monasteries and mosques in Israel and Palestine – with only a handful of convictions. The Church of Multiplication is overseen by German Benedictines, who also run a hostel at which young Palestinians and Israelis can mix and get to know each other during their summer holidays. Spray-painted on a wall was a verse from a Hebrew prayer calling for the smashing of false idols. In court, two suspects, aged 19 and 20, were described as followers of an ‘extremist ideology’ that believes ‘only someone who fights Christianity... can call himself a Jew’. Fr Jonas Trageser, from the church, noted that he and his fellow monks had experienced a wave of support from local Christians, Muslims and Jews after the attack. But, at the same time, he said he had seen posters praising the arsonists. www.uspg.org.uk/israel-palestine
Sunday 23 October: Last Sunday after Trinity God, we pray for the land made holy by your son, for Muslim, Jew, Christian, and all who live there. Bring peace and justice in Israel and Palestine that all recognise your image in the other. Monday 24 Give thanks for the ministry of the Benedictines and others who take care of pilgrims to the Holy Land and provide services for the sick, needy and marginalised. Tuesday 25 Pray for a future in which all communities in Israel and Palestine might live together in harmony and enrich one another. Wednesday 26 Pray that God would bring comfort to all in the Holy Land who face discrimination and attack on account of their religion. Thursday 27 Pray for all those who denounce and condemn members of other religions. Pray that they might learn to see the image of God in every human being. Friday 28: Simon and Jude, Apostles Give thanks for friendships between people of different faiths. Pray that these friendships might be a ray of hope. Saturday 29 Pray that politicians and decision-makers around the world might use their influence to end the Israeli military occupation, entering now its 50th year.
30 OCTOBER – 5 NOVEMBER Migration: Canon Steven Saxby, of St Barnabas Church, Walthamstow, reflects on migration following a visit to the Philippines with our Expanding Horizons placement programme. The UK government is positive about one aspect of globalisation: the movement of capital (for example, the accusation of selling UK assets to China) – so why is it so hostile to another aspect of globalisation, namely the movement of people? Migration is the experience of humans since the origin of the species. Humans, like birds, migrate. The UK has a history of migration; we are a nation of migrants – think of the Angles, the Vikings, the Normans, Windrush and, in more recent times, migrants from Europe and all parts of the globe. Migration is what makes UK cities some of the most dynamic in the world – so why is the government so hostile to migrants? Even in capitalist terms, we know migrants make a net contribution to the UK. It seems the government is pandering to the racism of the few – and playing upon the fears of the many. But migrants are not to be feared. They are just being human; migration is what humans do! Let’s delight in the movement of peoples.
Sunday 30 October: 4th Sunday before Advent Lord, we pray for all who leave home and family, torn apart by absence and loss. Help us to welcome the stranger in our midst and unite as one family in your son. Monday 31 Give thanks for the commitment of St Barnabas Church, Walthamstow, to reach out to Filipino migrants and support them in a spirit of solidarity (see article). Tuesday 1 November: All Saints’ Day Pray for all people who are forced to relocate, whether due to poverty, persecution or climate change. Pray for poor and vulnerable communities whose lives are at risk. Wednesday 2 Pray for a world in which all people have access to employment, education and healthcare. Pray that governments will seek to close the poverty gap. Thursday 3 Pray for inspiration so that the global community might devise effective methods for combating the trade in children as slave labour. Friday 4 Pray that the strangers in our midst will be seen as our sisters and brothers, not as the enemy or the interloper. Saturday 5 Pray that we might all unite as fellow migrants on earth, exiles who will all one day return to God.
www.uspg.org.uk/migration
We are USPG. We are a Christian charity workingin partnership with local Anglican churches around the world. Together, we work with local communities to improve health, put children in school, tackle discrimination, nurture leaders, give a voice to women, and much more. Founded 1701.
For more information: USPG, Harling House, 47-51 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS 020 7921 2215 www.uspg.org.uk/pray ISSN 1742-462 Registered charity number 234518