PRAY WITH THE WORLD CHURCH PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS FROM THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION 17 February – 15 June 2019
USPG is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches and communities worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential, and champion justice. Founded in 1701.
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THE PROPHETIC VOICE OF THE CHURCH As Christians we are called to speak up and to speak out. In short, to be prophetic. This prophetic voice arises in the heart of God and flows out into all of Creation. It is most fully expressed in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, and it is through the Holy Spirit that we are drawn deeper into the prophetic heart of God. To be prophetic is to ‘tell forth’, which involves challenging injustice and standing up for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the alien. We know that the Old Testament prophets were often unpopular because they challenged the people to remember justice and mercy and walk humbly with God. The prophetic voice calls us to change for the better – to change our attitudes, our lifestyle, even our beliefs. Today, many prophets can be found throughout the world church. These voices are challenging because they alert us to issues we might want to ignore. But these voices cannot be silenced – they call us to be like Jesus, who stood on the margins, comforting the oppressed and challenging those who are comfortable. The prophetic voice of the world church is the focus of our study course this year and of the prayers and reflections within this prayer diary. So let us open our ears and be open to change. And may we be inspired to find our own prophetic voice. The Revd Duncan Dormor, General Secretary, USPG
17 – 23 FEBRUARY GHANA This article is based on a report prepared by the Anglican Church of Ghana on its Integrated Health Intervention Project (IHIP). This programme aims to reduce the instances of communicable diseases such as malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea in Ghana. It is run by the Anglican Church of Ghana in the Diocese of Cape Coast and the Diocese of Sunyani using an integrated community-based approach. In Cape Coast the health team works across the community in schools, churches, child welfare clinics and door-to-door to implement the programme. Last year the health teams visited schools to educate the pupils on ways to help prevent malaria and diarrhoea. When they returned this year they were pleased to find that pupils had gone home and told their parents what they had learned, which they then put into practice. As a result of the impact that the health teams are having on the school children, head teachers organised to spend time directly with the parents themselves. This has meant that they are able to ask more detailed questions about what their children have told them at home and improve their health.
Sunday 17 February: The Third Sunday before Lent Gracious God, teacher of wisdom, and healer of community, Guide us to know our need, that we may find our strength in you and be blessed. Monday 18 Pray for the peoples of Ghana, for Ashanti, Ewe, Fante, Ga and Dagomba, that their peaceful co-existence may ever deepen and unify. Tuesday 19 Pray for the Dioceses of Cape Coast and Sunyani, that USPG’s support of clergy and lay training will reap benefits and see the growth and flourishing of church congregations. Wednesday 20 Pray for the Integrated Health Intervention Project of the Anglican Church in the Dioceses of Cape Coast and Sunyani, that its multi-disciplined approach will build community and improve health. Thursday 21 Pray for the schools’ programme run by the Integrated Intervention Project in Cape Coast, that its involvement of children as educators on infectious diseases will pay dividends for years to come. Friday 22 Pray for health team workers and Head Teachers, that they work creatively together with pupils and parents to reduce the spread of communicable diseases. Saturday 23 Give thanks for the effectiveness of Ghana’s Integrated Intervention Project, for the partnering of different institutions and agencies to improve public health through education on disease.
24 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH JAMAICA From the Anglican Togetherness Group (ATG) about a parenting course, that was part funded by USPG, run in Jamaica. In Jamaica the issue of parenting is at the forefront of social consciousness in all spheres and levels of society. The problems that can occur from family breakdown, child pregnancies and poor parenting techniques have been shown to be key factors in the social problems and their associated costs to society. This programme focuses on a training course for facilitators to experience the importance of creating a safe space for parents to share experiences of family life and strengthen family communication, trust, respect and shared values. The facilitators then use this to conduct parenting classes within their own communities. The programme aims to highlight the impact of their own upbringing on people’s parenting techniques and skills; to teach about the normal stages of child development so children aren’t punished for normal behaviour; and to encourage and explore more positive approaches to parenting without recourse to physical and emotional punishment. We hope that those who undertake the classes will use this with all generations of the family, to improve relationships for children and families, and create a positive impact on society.
Sunday 24 February: The Second Sunday before Lent God, our Father, forgive our ignorance of self and others and show us a way to love both. In our faltering steps towards you may we discover a parent’s love that eases fear and stills the storm and gives us grace to do the same. Monday 25 Pray for the people of Jamaica and its diaspora living with a history of colonialism and slavery, that they may find strength in their independence and pride in their culture. Tuesday 26 Pray for Jamaican society and for families weighed down by social and economic pressures, that an awareness of good parenting will lead to positive changes in behaviour. Wednesday 27 Pray for parents struggling to understand their children and for children grappling with growing up, that they may find ways to communicate and build up trust. Thursday 28 Pray for the parenting training courses run by the Anglican Togetherness Group, that its trainee facilitators will use their new-found skills to teach effective parenting within their own communities. Friday 1 March Pray for the facilitators of parenting classes, that they may encourage self-awareness and an understanding of child development to reduce the use of physical and emotional abuse. Saturday 2 Give thanks for USPG’s part funding of the parenting training course run by the Anglican Togetherness Group and for the recognition of the importance of good parenting.
3 – 9 MARCH FIRST SPECIAL WEEK FOR LENT INDIA: Adapted from an article by Rt Rev Probal Dutta, Deputy Moderator of Church of North India, Bishop of Calcutta and Moderator’s Commissary to the Diocese of Durgapur. The Hebrew word for prophet is navi and they were thought to be the mouth of God, a spokesperson or persons appointed by God to proclaim His message to the world. For the church in India to remain a beacon for its people it needs to re-ignite its brilliance in mission in three ways: The mission to social justice, speaking out against corruption, caste discrimination, violence against women, human trafficking and other injustice. The mission to preach the word of God in regional languages and dialects, so that all can hear and understand the message. The mission to witness, in solidarity with the marginalized and oppressed by living with them to witness their pain and their lives. Serving them so they can be liberated. Prophetic mission is not an easy task, but it is a vocation and a responsibility. As tradition teaches “You are not obliged to complete your work, but you are not at liberty to quit it”. India needs prophetic religious living, to be creative, dynamic and patient with challenges and misunderstandings as we trust in God’s divine plan.
Sunday 3 March: The Sunday next before Lent Merciful God, reveal yourself through your Church that the world may know you through the message she proclaims and know your love through the justice she requires. Monday 4 Pray for the Church in North and South India that it will continue speaking up for those whose voices are not heard and be a prophetic voice calling the unjust to repentance. Tuesday 5 Pray for the Church in its mission for social justice, that it will never tire from challenging a world that loses sight of the poor and ignores the oppressed. Wednesday 6: Ash Wednesday Pray for the Church in its mission to stand alongside the powerless, that it is faithful in its witness to our equality before God, remembering we are each but dust and to dust we shall return. Thursday 7 Pray for the Church in its mission to preach the Word of God, that its commitment to speak in languages and dialects its hearers will understand will be honoured, and the gospel will be heard. Friday 8 Pray for Church leaders to have faith and courage in the face of difficulty, that they may find strength to suffer with Christ and be changed into his likeness. Saturday 9 Give thanks for the commitment of the Church in India to the marginalised, for its faithfulness to the gospel and its witness to the gospel’s power to change and save lives.
10 – 16 MARCH LENT 1: COMMUNITY INDIA: This article is based on a report on the Institute of Pastoral Management (IPM) run by the Church of South India. In India pastors have many responsibilities and are trained to lead worship. However, many lack the leadership experience and practical skills that their congregation expect and need of them. The Institute of Pastoral Management provides training on subjects such as legislation, administration, personal development and financial management. Many of these Pastors work in rural areas where literacy rates are low and there is a great need for them to share these skills with others in the community and give appropriate guidance. One way in which these skills are taught is through Bible Studies where participants are helped to read the Bible passages from a management perspective. In this way Rev E. Prabhaker, a Pastor from Medak Diocese has gained the confidence to run Bible Studies for rural youth and women. Participants from the programme have expressed their increased confidence to serve their communities and to be able to deal with issues that arise, or change their administration practices so they are complying with the law.
Sunday 10 March: The First Sunday of Lent Gracious God, when our world feels like a wilderness and we are tempted to bury our head in the sand, help us to know our weakness and your power to save, that we may turn our eyes to the light to discover fresh insights and new paths and be renewed by a change of heart. Monday 11 Pray for Church of South India’s Institute of Pastoral Management (IPM), that the support and training it provides for its Pastors will enable them to be more effective ministers. Tuesday 12 Pray for trainers at the Institute of IPM, that their practical knowledge and teaching expertise will enable them to pass on a wide range of admin and financial skills. Wednesday 13 Pray for Pastors working in rural areas, that they offer appropriate guidance to people with little education and are able to share with them the practical skills they have been taught. Thursday 14 Pray for the creative use of Bible Studies in teaching managerial skills, that fresh thinking will lead to widening participation on the programme, and benefit women and rural youth as well as men. Friday 15 Pray for the communities served by Pastors, that newly learnt skills and a changed outlook will increase their confidence and their faith. Saturday 16 Give thanks for the work of the Institute of Pastoral Management, for all who have participated in it and all who have benefited from the knowledge passed on.
17-23 MARCH LENT 2: INJUSTICE INDIA: Article by the Anti Human Trafficking (AHT) Programme in the Diocese of Durgapur, Church of North India. Shyamol and Shefali, neighbours in the small village of Haryana, travelled together to Delhi with the promise of finding work. As arranged, they were met in Delhi by a woman called Jayanti who told the neighbours they had jobs in different places. A year later, Shefali returned home alone which made Shyamol’s father suspicious. He asked Shefali why Shyamol had not come back with her. Shefali said she didn’t know where Shyamol had gone. In desperation, Shyamol’s father visited the Diocese of Durgapur’s Anti Human Trafficking (AHT) office, in Kaliyaganj, to ask for help. AHT staff travelled to Haryana to speak to the village head and other villagers. Then, convinced that Shefali and Jayanti had trafficked Shyamol, they put pressure on them to return Shyamol in 45 days to avoid being taken to court. Finally, in February 2018, Shyamol was returned. He had been trafficked for a large amount of money to a place where his owner forced him to take care of cows and buffalos, feeding him only one meal a day. If he complained, he said his owner and his friends would beat him. Shyamol is now safe at home with his family thanks to the AHT team.
Sunday 17 March: The Second Sunday of Lent God of Justice, you weep over our destruction and call your people from slavery to freedom. Deliver us from the bonds of inertia that we may open our eyes to oppression and work with one another to build a world where all are valued, all are free. Monday 18 Pray for all victims of trafficking, that they may find safety from exploitation and their dignity and sense of self-worth are restored. Tuesday 19 Pray for all who live in poverty and long for the security of job and home, that their needs are addressed by governments and their hopes realised. Wednesday 20 Pray for those who work with people vulnerable to trafficking, that their dedication to educate and inform, will empower those whose freedom has been taken away. Thursday 21 Pray for those who exploit the misery of others for their own gain, that they may turn from selfish gain and with renewed heart work for the common good. Friday 22 Pray for ourselves when we fail to notice the world around us, that we may grow in awareness of our neighbour and reach out to one another in times of need. Saturday 23 Give thanks for the work of the Anti Human Trafficking Programme in the Diocese of Durgapur, for the dedication of its staff and for lives transformed through their intervention.
24-30 MARCH LENT 3: GENDER INDIA: The Skills Training Programme for Women and Girls, in Kurnool, is an initiative of the Nandyal Diocese, the Church of South India. Mr Sushanth, trainer in computer education, reports: Sowjanya comes from a semi-urban part of Kurnool. When she was still a child, the sudden death of her father left her mother caring for the family alone. At the time, Sowjanya’ s mother was working for one of CSI’s missionary schools, earning just enough to take care of the family. Sowjanya – the eldest of three siblings – completed her schooling but due to her lack of skills she was unable to get a job. However she never lost hope in God. She signed up for the Skill Training Centre, attended all her classes and soon learnt computing, tailoring and English, along with Bible studies which helped Sowjanya to discern God’s plan for her. Her tailoring skills mean she can now earn money to support her family. And, with her new confidence, she passed a teacher training exam, so she also has even greater options. Sowjanya said: ‘From the bottom of my heart, I offer warm greetings to USPG and heartfelt thanks for bringing colour into my life.’
Sunday 24 March: The Third Sunday of Lent God, our mother, you brood over your children, as a hen her chicks. Open our hearts to caring and our minds to learning that we may nurture a vision of a world made whole. Monday 25 Pray for women who hold families together in the face of trauma and hardship, that they may be strengthened in faith and find solidarity in one another. Tuesday 26 Pray for children whose education is curtailed through poverty and for girls whose educational needs are often seen as secondary to boys, that governments may prioritise schooling for all. Wednesday 27 Pray for all places of education, that they may seek to broaden the minds and skills of those who seek to learn and offer a vision of a fairer world. Thursday 28 Pray for places of employment, that they may be free from discrimination and prejudice and employer and employee may work together to ensure fairness for all. Friday 29 Pray for the Women’s Skills Training Centre in Kurnool, that the training it provides may teach skills that will change the lives of women and young girls for the better. Saturday 30 Give thanks for our God-given imaginations that seeks solutions in the face of problems and for the creative spirit that inspires our vision of what is possible.
31 MARCH – 6 APRIL LENT 4: CLIMATE INDIA: The Church of South India’s Green Schools programme, is inspiring a new generation to care for the environment. We train students to observe and watch nature. This is the best education we can give them because nature will reveal its treasures to the students. Observing nature with respect and curiosity will change their mindset, which is the primary goal of the Green Schools programme. We aim to catch the students when they are young and give them training in sustainable values in the hope that this can start to solve the present ecological crisis. Interestingly, we’ve noticed that primary school students respond better than high school students. We also organise training for teachers and clergy in the dioceses. Mona Robert, a teacher at Dornakal Diocese High School, said: ‘The sessions inspired me. From now on I would like to read the Bible keeping ecology in mind. I was impressed by the significance of tigers, the guardians of the forest, and how they are [badly] treated. Also, because water is the main resource for all living beings, it should be used carefully, so we have to educate people about this.’ In Medak Diocese, teacher K Hepsheba reported: ‘We learned how everything in the universe is interrelated. If we care about nature, nature will care for us.’
Sunday 31 March: The Fourth Sunday of Lent Creator God, the heavens declare your glory and the earth your generosity. Forgive our exploitation of your gracious provision and through your bountiful goodness guide our efforts to be better stewards of your creation. Monday 1 April Give thanks for the created world in all its beauty and fragility, for the divine imagination behind it and for our senses to appreciate it. Tuesday 2 Pray for a greater sense of wonder and humility in the face of creation, that we may seek to connect with the earth and be sensitive to its fine tuning. Wednesday 3 Pray for forgiveness for our share in humanity’s greed and subjugation of creation, that we may learn to tread gently on the earth and protect it for future generations. Thursday 4 Pray for our children and young people as they discover the world they inhabit, that their curiosity be kindled, their understanding nurtured and their care for creation ignited. Friday 5 Pray for teachers and clergy in their responsibility to teach respect for the earth, that they may lead by example and inspire a change in attitude towards environmental care. Saturday 6 Give thanks for the Church of South India’s Green Schools programme as it educates a new generation to understand the impact of human behaviour on the environment.
7-13 APRIL HOPE Article based upon a report from Let My People Go programme, which is run by the Church of North India Synodical Board of Social Services (CNISBSS) to support marginalised Dalit and tribal people. Tagori’s story: For a long time, Tagori and her husband Sumit struggled to make ends meet and look after their ten-yearold son. With no land of their own, Sumit struggled to find work as a day labourer, so some days there would be no income. They couldn’t afford decent food and clothing – and there seemed little prospect of being able to support their son’s education. Unable to borrow from relatives or neighbours, Tagori met Nayami Pramanik, a Community Enabler with the Diocesan Board of Social Services (DBSS) for Barrackpore Diocese, who guided and encouraged her. Tagori joined a DBSS self-help group and with their help, Tagori took out a small loan to start a fishing business. Tagori hired a pond, some fish, fishing nets and fish food. Six months later Tagori was able to harvest fish and sell them at market. She repaid her loan and bought a bicycle and a television set for her family. Tagori’s fishing business is doing well. She told us: ‘I am now more confident and have decided to hire more ponds locally to continue growing my business.’
Sunday 7 April: The Fifth Sunday of Lent Marginalised God, despised and rejected by men, you know the cries of the poor and the hurt of the weak. In your mercy, save us from pity. Rather, galvanise us to action that we may walk in solidarity with those for whom we pray. Monday 8 Pray for marginalised peoples who lack access to steady work and fair pay, that their plight may be recognised, and their concerns addressed by those who hold power. Tuesday 9 Pray for the Dalit of India and all born into poverty who live with daily prejudice and rejection, that they may discover their worth, find their voice and campaign for change. Wednesday 10 Pray for a greater understanding of those who are pushed to the margins of society, that we may grow in awareness of our own prejudices and become agents of change for a more just world. Thursday 11 Pray for the Church of North India’s Let My People Go programme, that its resolve to free Dalit and tribal peoples from bondage may never tire and my daily be renewed. Friday 12 Pray for Barrackpore’s DBSS’s community enablers, that they may build up confidence in the people they serve to enable their self-help and transformation. Saturday 13 Give thanks for the gift of small loans and the generosity of trust that enable fresh starts, giving people a chance to build a business and provide for their family.
14 – 20 APRIL PALM SUNDAY / HOLY WEEK INDIA: USPG is supporting the Delhi Brotherhood Society’s (DBS) Women’s Helpline, which is providing pastoral support and counselling to help families to resolve issues of gender violence or marital discord. Meera’s story: Meera, aged 35, has been married 17 years. She and her husband Lalit, 47, a driver by profession, have four children. Lalit was abusive in the marriage, and he married another woman and tried to throw Meera and their children out of the home. Lalit’s mother supported him so that Meera had no support and was in great distress. Then a friend directed Meera to the DBS run Women’s Helpline programme. Meera met with their para-legal staff in Mandoli, who visited the home and warned Lalit to stop, but as soon as they left Lalit beat up Meera again. The helpline team visited again and told Lalit he could be sent to jail if he continued to mistreat his wife, after which he became cautious and stopped harassing his wife, and even his mother backed off. Meanwhile, Meera found a job as a cook, so that she is able to support her family. Meera’s husband now knows that he can not evict his wife and children, nor can he attack her. This is a huge relief to Meera and she’s thankful to the Women’s Helpline.
Sunday 14 April: Palm Sunday Vulnerable God, you chose the way of the servant king, bearing our pain and humiliations. Give us grace to hear what we see and to see what we hear that we may bear each other’s crosses and share each other’s load. Monday 15 Pray for those in abusive marriages, who live in fear of violence and manipulation, that they may find strength in friendships and a renewed sense of their own worth. Tuesday 16 Pray for the Delhi Brotherhood Society’s Women’s Helpline and for the pastoral support it provides, that those offering counselling will be sensitive to what they hear and wise in their advice. Wednesday 17 Pray for women vulnerable to eviction and for their children, that they find support, are made aware of their legal rights and are empowered to take control. Thursday 18 Pray for men prone to violence and abuse in their relationships, that they may be given insight into their behaviour and challenged to change. Friday 19 Pray for the Women’s Helpline team of visitors subjected to volatile situations, that they may be given courage in their work and persistence in pursuing justice. Saturday 20 Give thanks for the dedication and professionalism of the staff of the Women’s Helpline, for the support that they offer vulnerable women, and for lives changed by their intervention.
PRAY WITH THE WORLD CHURCH
17 February – 15 June 2019
Jamaica: Pray for the church’s work to promote family life.
Lusophone Network: Give thanks for the Anglican Church in Portuguese speaking countries.
Ghana: Pray for the church’s integrated health projects.
India: Give thanks for the prophetic voice of the churches.
PROCMURA: Pray for good relations between peoples of different faiths.
Bangladesh: Give thanks for the Christian Mission Hospitals.
Myanmar: Pray for community health workers in rural communities.
Melanesia: Give thanks that the Church in Melanesia is a beacon of hope. Tanzania: Pray for the church’s ministry to reduce HIV and AIDS.
Malawi: give thanks for the church’s community engagement.
21 – 27 APRIL BANGLADESH: COMMUNITY HEALTH
The Nursing Institute of the Christian Mission Hospital in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, is offering a scholarship programme, through USPG-support, to give young people from poor families a rare opportunity to study and find employment. Principal Mary Bithika Halder reports on one of the students: Sujon’s story: Sujon, aged 18, grew up in Ashkar village in a Christian family. His father is a rickshaw puller, his mother is a housewife, and he has one brother. Sujon started receiving support from the Church of Bangladesh at an early age. He started in a play group at a mission school, then attended a non-government school before going to high school. Because his family was so poor, Sujon relied on his schools to cover his fees and supply him with stationery. After leaving school, Sujon studied at a college, for which his father struggled to pay the fees. Sujon eventually took on extra work as a day labourer to help support his family. Today, Sujon is very grateful because he has a scholarship to attend the Nursing Institute (NI). With financial help from NI, his father is now better able to support his family. Sujon came third in his class in his first exam at the institute and is looking forward to completing his studies and finding a job as a nurse.
Sunday 21 April: Easter Sunday Risen Christ, roll away our stones that we might find life in the darkness we dread, in the losses we carry, in the memories that hurt and discover your power to recreate and make all things new. Monday 22 Pray for the Church of Bangladesh, Christian Mission Hospital in Rajshahi, that it will continue to be a beacon of light in the area it serves, offering care and compassion, life and hope. Tuesday 23 Pray for the Mission Hospital’s Nursing Institute, that its training programme will provide its student nurses with the medical knowledge and the pastoral skills needed to carry out their work. Wednesday 24 Pray for the successful introduction of the Institute’s Scholarship programme, that it will give young people from poor families the life-changing opportunity to train as nurses. Thursday 25 Pray for poor families struggling to make ends meet, that they may know the support of the Church in Bangladesh and be encouraged in their efforts to aid one another. Friday 26 Pray for student nurses studying for their exams and for those seeking employment, that their efforts will be rewarded, and their future work secured. Saturday 27 Give thanks for the financial support USPG gives to the Mission Hospital and its programmes, and for the lives transformed through the Nursing Institute’s offer of scholarships to poor students.
28 APRIL – MAY 4 PROCMURA Story shared by Joy Wandabwa of PROCMURA on Christian and Muslim relations in Kenya, written by Bishop Stephen Kalunyu, Nica Mission Diocese. One of the areas of work of the Programme for Christian – Muslim relations in Africa (PROCMURA) this year, was to focus on the Isiolo interfaith Network on peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Isiolo County, Kenya. The inter-religious tension in the town of Merti dates to 1993 when there was a dispute over a burial ground, and later disputes over schools and education heightened the tensions. This area of Kenya faces high levels of radicalization due to its strategic position as a ‘Gateway to Northern Kenya’ and proximity to the fragile states of Ethiopia and Somalia where there is a heavy presence of suspected sleeper terror cells. This means that there is a great need for cohesion and peace, and for inter-faith tensions and intolerance to be resolved. The County Commissioner asked PROCMURA to work with inter-faith leaders and organisations to try and restore peace between Christians and Muslims. PROCMURA sent Bishop Stephen Kalunyu and Sheikh Dhabaso to hold an inter faith dialogue meeting with the community. Since that intervention there has been more tolerance in the community, and Christians and Muslims are living more peacefully.
Sunday 28 April: The Second Sunday of Easter God of unity, relationship sits at your heart. Help us to listen to one another and to trust where we doubt, that we may grow in understanding of what it means to be a good neighbour and to build a community of peace. Monday 29 Pray for PROCMURA, working to establish better relationships between Christian and Muslim communities in Kenya, that its vision of peaceful co-existence rooted in each faith will be realised. Tuesday 30 Pray for Kenya and neighbouring Ethiopia and Somalia in the face of increasing extremism, that their governments may work together to combat radicalisation and the establishment of terrorist cells. Wednesday 1 May Pray for a greater unity between Christian denominations, that their leaders may share in negotiating for peaceable relationships with their Muslim neighbours. Thursday 2 Pray for children caught up in inter-faith conflict, that education will be prioritised over local disputes and teachers may be schooled in conflict resolution and peace promotion. Friday 3 Pray for leaders working with the Isiolo interfaith network on peace negotiations, that they may listen well, be sensitive to complexity and wise in their decisions. Saturday 4 Give thanks for the establishment of the Isiolo interfaith Network and the commitment of its leaders to promote religious tolerance for the sake of peaceful co-existence.
5 – 11 MAY BANGLADESH Article by Senior Nurse Gillian Rose, at the USPG-supported Bollobhpur Hospital. We have a new intake of nursing students every six months. I started this many years ago when the bishop urged me to give more girls a chance of training – and the system has worked well. Our senior students recently sat their final examinations and all passed well. Dr Alok, from the government hospital in Meherpur, conducted the exams and was pleased with all the students. Meanwhile, the seniors, who sat their final exams six months previously, gathered to collect their hard-earned certificates and say goodbye. Then it was time for a new group of students to arrive, with boxes and bedding, eager to begin their training. The majority are Santal – marginalised tribal people from the north of the country – and there are also a few girls from the Oraw tribal people, who also have little opportunity to access training. The Santal girls are mostly Christian and the Oraw girls are Hindu. On the wards, the days rush by with routine clinics, hard work, patients to be admitted and cared for, and tiny new arrivals hoping for a warm space in an incubator. Most incubators double up to provide care for two babies, including three recent sets of twins.
Sunday 5 May: The Third Sunday of Easter God of endings and beginnings, for whom all life is precious, Protect those who nurture the living and watch over the dying. Grant us wisdom to know when to hold on and when to let go that at the last we may find our home in you. Monday 6 Pray for the Bollobhpur hospital in Bangladesh and for all who live, work and rest within its walls that it will continue to be a place of care and compassion, hope and healing. Tuesday 7 Pray for the Church of Bangladesh’s support of Bollobhpur Hospital, that its time and interest in the hospital’s mission will help to build community relations. Wednesday 8 Pray for all involved in training student nurses, so that their professional expertise may continue to be passed on to their students long after they have qualified. Thursday 9 Pray for nurses from the marginalised Santai and Oraw peoples, that their successful training at Bollobhpur hospital will provide a model for widening participation and be replicated elsewhere. Friday 10 Pray for the babies in Bollobhpur Hospital, particularly those in need of incubator space, that their medical needs will be met despite the challenge of insufficient equipment. Saturday 11 Give thanks for the staff and students of Bollobhur Hospital, for all their training programmes, and for the many lives that have been changed.
12 – 18 MAY USPG SHORT-TERM PLACEMENTS Article by the Revd Cathy Scoffield, from Barnstaple, North Devon, who was on placement in Honiara, on the Solomon Islands, with USPG’s Expanding Horizons programme for clergy, ordinands and church workers. I spent time at four Anglican orders, including the Sisters of Melanesia, of which I am an associate member so this was a particularly rich and rewarding experience. I joined them for worship, spent mornings teaching the 35 novices, and taught library skills. I was also invited to preach and celebrate at the Eucharist, which was a profound experience. All the women’s orders I visited had training centres for novices, which help women to gain education as girls are sometimes kept at home to look after younger siblings. Melanesia is a beautiful but challenging place to live. The churches and religious orders stand out as beacons of hope, offering encouragement to local communities. For me, this placement was a remarkable Melanesian pilgrimage – a chance to experience the true love of God that I’ve always found when spending time with Melanesian visitors to the UK. Throughout my visit, I felt a sense of wonder at being part of the great global Christian community, drawn together by the depths of God’s love.
Sunday 12 May: The Fourth Sunday of Easter God of Surprises, when we make you in our image, challenge our narrow vision. Open our eyes, expand our horizons and make all things new. Monday 13 Pray for the Expanding Horizons and Journey with Us programmes and all who participate in them: that eyes and ears will delight in difference and hearts and minds will be drawn together. Tuesday 14 Pray for the people of Melanesia and the islands they inhabit, that the generosity of spirit and resilience of the islanders will be both a guide and an inspiration to visitors. Wednesday 15 Pray for Anglican orders in the Solomon Islands and that the hospitality offered by the Sisters of Melanesia, will be a means of outreach and mutual enrichment. Thursday 16 Pray for the educational initiatives of the Anglican women’s orders in the Solomon Islands, that their training centres both widen the horizons and expand the skills of the novices they seek to serve. Friday 17 Pray for those who travel to Melanesia, that their experience will inspire faith and a growing understanding of the transforming love of God. Saturday 18 Give thanks for the global Christian community and for opportunities to expand our horizons.
19 -25 MAY TANZANIA Article based on a report by the Church of Tanzania’s Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programme. Jesca’s mother died from AIDS-related illnesses when Jesca was just 10 years old. Jesca was brought up by her father, who is HIV-positive and on anti-retroviral treatment. Nobody knew that Jesca had also been infected through mother-to-child transmission of HIV. At 19, Jesca married Wema, an entrepreneur from Mvumi, which is one of the locations where we run our Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programme. In August 2016, five months pregnant, Jesca received a home visit from one of our community health workers, who advised her to attend one of our clinics in Mvumi. When Jesca and Wema were tested for HIV, Jesca was found to be positive whilst Wema was negative. Jesca feared this would be the end of her marriage, even her life, but she was reassured by her husband and our staff that life could continue as usual. Jesca was given treatment on our PMTCT programme, and her baby Happy was born HIV–negative. Follow-up tests when the child was 18 months old, confirmed that Happy remained HIV-free! Jesca and her husband are thankful to the Anglican Church of Tanzania’s PMTCT programme for assuring good health for their baby.
Sunday 19 May: The Fifth Sunday of Easter Incarnate God, born of a woman; bring to birth in us compassion that we might embrace each other’s story and find our own. Monday 20 Pray for all who live with HIV and AIDS in Tanzania and beyond, that they have access to medical treatment and the support of loved ones in times of sickness and difficulty. Tuesday 21 Pray for those who have lost loved ones to AIDS and for children orphaned by the disease, that they may find comfort in one another, care from their communities and support from their government. Wednesday 22 Pray for those living in fear of HIV and its stigma, especially women bearing children, that they find the courage to be screened for HIV to safeguard their child’s life and their own. Thursday 23 Pray for the Church of Tanzania’s Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission programme, that its work to raise awareness of the dangers of transmitting HIV while pregnant will bear fruit. Friday 24 Pray for the programme’s community health workers working with pregnant women and their partners, that their knowledge, skills and sensitivity will help save lives. Saturday 25 Give thanks for the advice and treatment offered by the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission programme, for lives saved through anti-retroviral medication and for children born free of HIV.
26 MAY – 1 JUNE MALAWI: ACMCII Lives are being transformed by self-help groups started by the Anglican Council of Malawi Community Integrated Intervention Project (ACMCII). Maureen has a son whose father didn’t want to marry her, so she was living with her elderly parents. As an active member of the local Anglican church and community, she was invited to help run a local self-help group started by the Anglican Council of Malawi Community Integrated Intervention Project (ACMCII). Four years on, Maureen describes how her life has improved: ‘Being a single young mother aggravates poverty and stigma. One of my roles is to make sure our volunteers visit target households and submit reports. I also help to mobilise community members to attend meetings. And I participate in decision-making. The programme has helped me to provide for myself and my child. I established a home garden and sell the surplus. We now have vegetables throughout the year. I also took out a loan from the group to start a small business making and selling doughnuts. The most significant change is the peace of mind I now have. We offer each other support to overcome some of our fears, and this helps me to keep me going. My parish priest and the AMCII field officer have been very supportive.’
Sunday 26 May: The Sixth Sunday of Easter God of community, you gather us to yourself and to one another that we might become one body. Help us to recognise each other’s gifts and to encourage their sharing that together we may build up the body of Christ. Monday 27 Pray for the Community Integrated Intervention Project of the Anglican Council of Malawi, that its vision of community building might be realised. Tuesday 28 Pray for Malawi’s church and community leaders as they seek to support the people they serve, that they may work together to strengthen relationships and provide encouragement. Wednesday 29 Pray for Malawi’s single mothers who live with social stigma and fear marginalisation, that prejudice will be challenged, ignorance informed, and hearts and minds changed. Thursday 30 (Ascension Day) Pray for those whose lives are made vulnerable through poverty and lack of education, that their potential is recognised, their gifts encouraged, and in your ascended light, their lives changed. Friday 31 Pray for the self-help groups introduced by the Community Integrated Intervention Project, that participants may be empowered by the training and loans they receive. Saturday 1 June Give thanks for the good relationships between parish priests, community leaders and field officers, and for USPG’s financial and technical support of the Community Integrated Intervention Project.
2 – 8 JUNE MYANMAR Article by Ruth Pathi Paw, Health Co-ordinator of the Church of Myanmar’s Community Health Programme. Kar Rai, 25, comes from A-Lin-Wa Village, in Sittwe Diocese. Her story shows the benefit of learning how to care for children. When Kar Rai breastfed her first child, her milk was crystal-clear, rather than white, so she assumed that something was wrong and stopped breastfeeding. Then the child died, which reinforced the idea that there was something wrong with her milk. So she fed her next two children with tinned milk only. Koe Win, one of the Church of Myanmar’s village health workers, noticed that Kar Rai was feeding her child with tinned milk. Koe Win explained that breast milk was clear at first and gradually became white, and that breast milk was vital for helping to prevent disease. Koe Win looked after Kar Rai for three days, ensuring that she and her baby were in good health. Koe Win first attended midwife training in 2008 and has since undergone further training, funded by USPG, in Jamkhed, India and shares her knowledge and experience with surrounding communities. Now Kar Rai is breastfeeding regularly and is very thankful that Koe Win was able to share her knowledge.
Sunday 2 June: The Seventh Sunday of Easter Compassionate God, your son taught us to see the world afresh. When our thinking is tired, open our minds and guard our mouths that we may gently share life in all its fullness. Monday 3 Pray for the Church of Myanmar’s Community Health Programme, that its work will continue to reap benefits and see improvement in the population’s health and well-being. Tuesday 4 Pray for the Church of Myanmar’s village health workers, that their training and knowledge of local matters will equip them for the daily challenges they face. Wednesday 5 Pray for those in Myanmar whose health is compromised through poverty and lack of education, that Myanmar’s government will prioritise the rights of all people. Thursday 6 Pray for Myanmar mothers struggling to feed their babies and for parents who have lost children, that the Community Health Programme will offer life-changing knowledge and support. Friday 7 Pray for multi-nationals selling tinned baby milk, that its use will not be promoted over breast milk and child health will be put before profit. Saturday 8 Give thanks for midwives and health workers working to better the health of Myanmar’s people, and for USPG’s funding of training and refresher courses in support of their work.
9-15 JUNE LUSOPHONE NETWORK Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2). Article from Paulo Ueti. This is the inspiration for the Lusophone Network as it moves forward with connections, mutual support in ministry and theological education, and praying for each other weekly. The network is made up of Portuguese speaking churches from Portugal, Brazil, Angola and Mozambique, with the aim to deepen the communion between us. At the moment prayer and support are needed for our theological education and development work. The Churches in Portugal and Brazil are currently sharing an on-line course on Anglicanism, and the Church in Mozambique is working to enhance its theological education. Theology isn’t just an intellectual exercise but a ministry too. As we work together we hope to equip ministers and future theologians to stand for the values of the Kingdom of God – justice, solidarity, reciprocity, grace, communion, sharing, sustainability and love.
Sunday 9 June: Day of Pentecost Come, Holy Spirit, breathe on us to bring us to life, embolden us to think fresh thoughts, inspire us to work in new ways and fire us up to proclaim the gospel, that God’s kingdom comes on earth and his life grows within us. Monday 10 Pray for the Portuguese speaking churches of the Lusophone Network, that each will inspire and resource the other to deepen communion between them. Tuesday 11 Pray for the Churches in Portugal and Brazil in their endeavour to enhance their theological education, that together they may deepen discipleship by their shared on-line Anglicanism course. Wednesday 12 Pray for those involved in theological education in Portugal, Brazil, Angola and Mozambique, that their shared wisdom and knowledge will enhance theological reflection. Thursday 13 Pray for the Lusophone Network in its motivation to better equip its ministers, that it will see the fruits of its shared enterprise in the confident communication of the gospel. Friday 14 Pray for continued growth in the sharing of the Network’s resources, that theologians will emerge who can undergird the kingdom values of justice, grace and love. Saturday 15 Give thanks for creative thinking and sharing of resources between the Portuguese speaking churches and for renewed energy and commitment to contextual theology.
THE PROPHETIC VOICE OF THE CHURCH USPG LENT APPEAL 2019 We’re supporting the Churches of North and South India as they seek to be the prophetic voice in their communities. Our relationships with the world church go back decades, and even centuries in some cases. Together, we are sharing God’s love among those whose needs are greatest. But the vital work of our partners depends on your donations to make it happen.
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Thank you for joining with USPG and our partners in prayer. We close this Prayer Diary with a Dalit Prayer of blessing for us all: The blessings of the Lord are with us. Jesus’ love is also with us. The spirit of unity is also with us. Let us go bravely into the world to fight the good fight for justice and truth. Amen.
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