PRAYER DIARY 16 April – 22 July 2017
Cover image: Memory is an abuse survivor who was helped by the Agape Group, which is working to combat genderbased violence in Mansa, Zambia – see article for 9-15 July. (USPG/Leah Gordon)
For more information: USPG, Harling House, 47-51 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS 020 7921 2200 info@uspg.org.uk www.uspg.org.uk/pray ISSN 1742-4623 Registered charity number 234518 You are welcome to use this publication for public worship. Please note that the views expressed do not necessarily represent the official position of USPG.
TACKLING GENDER VIOLENCE The issue of gender based violence (GBV) affects every country and community (see articles for 14-20 May and 9-15 July). The World Health Organisation estimates that over a third of women in the world have experienced some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. In the UK, crime statistics state that every week, two women in England and Wales are killed by their partners, and that every 30 seconds an emergency call is made to the police about domestic abuse. Nonetheless, GBV is extremely under-reported. GBV is a public heath issue, a social issue, a development issue, and a spiritual issue. It puts a huge burden on the healthcare system and prevents communities from having the cohesion necessary to grow and prosper. Even more damaging, it denies the presence of God’s image in the person being abused. If you degrade and destroy another human being, you are attempting to degrade and destroy God who is present in that person. The people of God need to stand against anything that demeans another human being, as a demonstration of their love of God. Dr Evie Vernon, USPG Theological Adviser
16-22 APRIL Malawi: George Willow, of the Anglican Council in Malawi, reports on a famine that has left 6.5 million people (40 per cent of Malawi’s population) facing food insecurity. USPG has sent an emergency grant to support food distribution. Despite the efforts of the government, international organisations and the church, many are suffering, especially in rural areas. When the rains finally started, there was either too much or too little: in central Malawi crops were washed away, while in Nkhotakota there was low rainfall. The government imported maize, but a limited supply meant the price of staple food doubled, leaving many unable to afford to feed their families. The Anglican Church is trying to alleviate suffering by distributing food. In Kachokolo Parish, a group of women sang praise as they walked to their church to collect maize. Mphatso, aged 16, attends a community boarding school. She has three siblings. Her parents are peasant farmers who work as casual labourers for little income to buy food and pay school fees – though Mphatso often misses school because her parents have no money. Mphatso said her family often only eats porridge – and often have only one meal a day. She praised God when the church gave maize to her family.
www.uspg.org.uk/malawi
Sunday 16 April: Easter Day Holy God, in the raising of Jesus you bring new life to all. Help us to share your new life with all people, in working to build your kingdom here on earth, in the power of your spirit, and in union with Christ. Monday 17 Give thanks for the work of the Anglican Council in Malawi as it seeks to reach out to a population that is facing severe food shortages (see article). Tuesday 18 Give thanks that churches, international organisations and the Malawi government are working together to address the challenge of famine. Wednesday 19 Give thanks for churches and dioceses throughout Britain and Ireland as they seek to engage more deeply with the mission of the world church through USPG. Thursday 20 Pray for an end to famine in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Madagascar – countries where struggling economies mean the people are less able to respond to crisis. Friday 21 Give thanks for those who donated to USPG’s famine appeal, which meant emergency grants could be sent to support the relief work of Anglican Churches. Saturday 22 Give thanks that, among the devastation of famine, the church has been able to share God’s love by reaching out to local communities.
23-29 APRIL Morocco: Bishop David Hamid, of the Diocese in Europe, describes how St Andrew’s Church in Tangier is supporting migrants and refugees. Because of its proximity to Spain – in places just 12 miles across a treacherous and busy stretch of water – Tangier, in Morocco, has become a magnet for thousands of young Africans seeking a better life. With memories of civil wars, drought, poverty, persecution and Ebola fresh in their minds, these young people – mostly men, many of them illiterate – are making dangerous journeys up the west coast of Africa, or trekking across deserts, to reach Morocco. The majority have no papers and little money, but they are propelled by their hope for a better life and the belief they will be able to finance their families back home. As well as trying to swim across dangerous waters, some try to buy passage on overcrowded, often deadly, boats. Whatever their route, many end up being mistreated by the authorities, exploited by smugglers, robbed and even raped – but their dream of the ‘Promised Land of Europe’ proves to be irresistible. Canon Simon Stephens, in Tangier, is working with Catholic colleagues to co-ordinate relief and provide spiritual support for these young men. www.uspg.org.uk/morocco
Sunday 23 April: 2nd Sunday of Easter Lord Jesus, you were born homeless and a refugee. Shake our complacency, rekindle our compassion, and help us challenge the world’s leaders to respond justly and fairly to all who are migrants today. Monday 24: George, martyr Give thanks for the work of the Anglican Church in helping to support migrants and refugees in Tangier, Morocco (see article). Tuesday 25: Mark the Evangelist Pray for wisdom and strength for the Revd Canon Simon Stephens, in Tangier, as he works with migrants and develops a partnership with local Catholics. Wednesday 26 Pray that the population of Tangier – and all in Morocco – might be accommodating of the strangers in their midst, many of whom are fleeing war, poverty and persecution. Thursday 27 Pray that the governments and authorities who have power to influence the lives of migrants in Africa and Europe might be filled with compassion. Friday 28 Pray that members of St Andrew’s Church, in Tangier, might have wisdom to best know how to deal with the influx of migrants into their community. Saturday 29 Pray for peace in the world. Pray for an end to situations that produce refugees.
30 APRIL – 6 MAY Greece: USPG Refugee Response Facilitator the Revd Deacon Christine Saccali reports from a refugee camp on the Greek island of Samos, where USPG is supporting the work of the charity Medical Intervention (MedIn). On a steep hillside on Samos there are tiers upon tiers of densely packed ISO boxes (shipping containers converted into living spaces) with hardly any space between them. The barbed wire fence around the camp is used for hanging washing, and rubbish is strewn on the ground. It is now over a year on from a European Union deal with Turkey, intended to return refugees to Turkey. This is happening slowly but hundreds still remain on Samos. The refugees and migrants appreciate the support of MedIn staff, who chat happily with everyone they meet. MedIn staff take pride in telling me each individual’s story. The team patiently listen to requests for help with papers, medical concerns or doctor’s appointments and do what they can. With so much uncertainty regarding if and when asylum decisions may be made, the refugees continue to do what they can to establish a sense of stability. The ongoing accompaniment of long-term local staff like MedIn and the support of USPG helps.
www.uspg.org.uk/greece
Sunday 30 April: 3rd Sunday of Easter Lord Jesus, as a child you were a refugee in Egypt: have compassion on all who are refugees today. Guide world leaders to act with integrity and justice, and your church to proclaim your mercy today. Monday 1 May: Philip and James, Apostles Give thanks for the USPG-supported work of MedIn among refugees on Samos island (see article). Pray for the welfare of refugees who face an uncertain future. Tuesday 2 Pray that refugees living in Greece, having fled war and persecution in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries, might find hope for the future. Wednesday 3 Give thanks for the work of USPG, the Diocese in Europe and other government and non-government agencies as they reach out to migrants in Greece. Thursday 4 Pray for nations to give support and a warm welcome to refugees who are fleeing for their lives. Friday 5 Pray for an end to the crises and persecution in the Middle East and around the world that are forcing people to flee their homes. Saturday 6 Give thanks for the close working partnership of the Anglican Church in Greece and local churches in Athens through Churches Together in Athens.
7-13 MAY Brazil: Article by Beth Teixeira, a civil police woman who set up a music project for young people in the Diocese of the Amazon that is supported by USPG. The Icoaraci District of Belém is a high risk area for children and adolescents due to high levels of sexual exploitation and drug trafficking, which generates a lot of violence. The Annunciation Project aims to help these young people through music, which is not taught in schools in Brazil. There are also regular talks on drugs, violence and family relations, encouraging a culture of peace. One of our students, Maxyane, has a speech impediment. Her mother says she has really developed since joining the project, becoming less shy and more active in school and daily life. She even held the school banner at their parade and her speech articulation is improving. Another student, João Lucas, had become depressed following his mother’s death. His grandmother was concerned and asked if he could join the project. She was amazed to see how he improved at school and in his state of mind as he began to play and smile more. At a meeting of the project she thanked everyone having witnessed how the project had brought new joy to the children’s lives.
www.uspg.org.uk/brazil
Sunday 7 May: 4th Sunday of Easter Lord, thank you for the talents you have given each of us. Help us to recognise them in one another, that we may use them together to build your kingdom, so that all might be valued and grow together. Monday 8 Give thanks for the work of the Diocese of the Amazon to support young people from at-risk communities and offer them hope (see article). Tuesday 9 Pray for justice for Brazil’s indigenous populations as they struggle to hold onto their homes, culture and identity while avaricious corporations seek to take their land. Wednesday 10 Give thanks for the Leadership Training Course in the Diocese of the Amazon which is helping marginalised communities to fight for rights that are often denied them. Thursday 11 Pray for all who suffer discrimination because of their race, sexual orientation or religion. Pray that those who are intolerant might open their hearts to those who are different. Friday 12 Amid growing waves of violence all over Brazil, pray that those who seek justice might retain a sense of wisdom so they might seek peace instead of revenge. Saturday 13 Pray that Brazil’s government and political leaders might promote justice and equality for all, rather than seek to benefit a rich minority.
14-20 MAY Pakistan: Article by Razia William, a member of the Church of Pakistan. She attended the USPG-funded Asian Theological Academy in Myanmar last year. According to a report by the Movement for Solidarity and Peace in Pakistan, at least 1,000 Pakistani girls each year are forced into Muslim marriages and made to convert to Islam. The report found that forced marriages usually follow a similar pattern: girls between the ages of 12 and 25 are abducted, made to convert to Islam, then married to the abductor or an associate. The report states that if a complaint is filed, the ‘girls are held in custody by the abductors and suffer all kinds of abuse and violence’. Last year in Lahore, the father of 24-year-old Sirah (not her real name) took his abducted daughter’s case to court with the support of an NGO. The judge ordered the police to bring Sirah before the court. Instead, the officer in charge submitted Sirah’s (forced) marriage and conversion certificates – so the judge asked Sirah’s parents to withdraw their petition, and he dismissed a request for Sirah and her father to meet. The case was withdrawn. The situation is heart-breaking. Indicators suggest that persecution is on the increase, and these atrocities are anything but hidden. Let us pray – and act. www.uspg.org.uk/pakistan
Sunday 14 May: 5th Sunday of Easter O God, you have made us all in your own image: protect the children of Pakistan in times of danger. May your church be an instrument of justice and care, sharing your love and protection for all. Monday 15: Matthias the Apostle Pray for safety for women and girls in Pakistan. Pray for an end to forced marriages and forced conversions. Pray for Sirah (see article). Tuesday 16 Pray that authorities and all religious and community leaders in Pakistan might seek to uphold and promote women’s rights, rather than ignoring them. Wednesday 17 Pray for Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan. Pray that the walls of division might break down so that people of different faiths will seek to live in peace and friendship. Thursday 18 Pray for safety for peace-makers in Pakistan as they seek to build bridges between communities of different faiths. Friday 19 Pray that God would comfort and give strength to all who have been attacked or who face discrimination on account of their religion. Saturday 20 Give thanks for friendships that exist between people of different faith groups. Pray that these friendships might be a ray of hope to others.
21-27 MAY Ghana: Article by the Revd Fr Theophilus Tei Odametey, Co-ordinator of the Diocese of Cape Coast’s Integrated Health Intervention Programme. A key aim of our health programme is to reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases caused by cholera, especially among children under five years of age and pregnant women. The programme has been running in Nkanfoa, a densely populated area that lacks adequate sanitation facilities where high numbers of cholera cases have been recorded. A major problem is that Nkanfoa is the final disposal site for sewage from the Cape Coast metropolis, making it prone to water pollution and water-borne diseases. An education programme has been teaching families how to prevent diarrhoea by hand-washing, maintaining a clean household, and using Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) preparation. In 2015, before the onset of the project, the community recorded its highest incidence of cholera in the Cape Coast, with a high number of deaths. In 2016, even though diarrheal cases were reported, cholera was not identified as the cause. Clearly, lessons and skills had been learned. Therefore, the diocese is intending to upscale the programme to reach a wider community.
www.uspg.org.uk/ghana
Sunday 21 May: 6th Sunday of Easter Healing Lord, we pray for all who suffer from cholera, their families, friends, carers and communities. Inspire your church to reach out in love and healing, enabling those affected to share in fullness of life. Monday 22 Give thanks for the USPG-supported health work of the Diocese of Cape Coast in Ghana (see article). Give thanks that many lives have been saved. Tuesday 23 Pray for the people of Nkanfoa, on the outskirts of Cape Coast. Pray that waste disposal sites in the area might be made safe from the risk of spreading disease (see article). Wednesday 24 Pray for the leaders and staff of the Diocese of Cape Coast. Pray that they might know God’s strength and wisdom as they seek to extend their health programme. Thursday 25: Ascension Day Give thanks for an ongoing commitment in Ghana to uphold a democratic system of governance that has led to peace. Friday 26 Pray that Ghana’s farmers, who till the land and bring in the harvest, would not use chemicals that damage the environment for bigger and quicker yields. Saturday 27 Give thanks for the ministry of the Anglican Church in Ghana. Pray for grace and wisdom to strengthen the church in its important work.
28 MAY – 3 JUNE Zimbabwe: Article by the Rt Revd Chad Gandiya, Bishop of the Diocese of Harare. USPG is a partner of the church. Several years of drought have affected the livelihoods of Zimbabweans in both urban and rural areas. Indeed, urban poverty has become a major concern for the diocese. The current economic situation is affecting everybody. Zimbabwe’s industries are suffering, with many losing their jobs. Many have resorted to selling products and services on the streets as a means for survival. Churches are also suffering because we depend on the generosity of our members, but our members have no surplus money because they are struggling even to feed themselves. This year our diocesan theme is ‘Thy kingdom come’. We are trying to bring the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ to everyone. To this end, our social outreach ministry has attempted to tackle food security in our diocese, distributing 40 tons of maize meal and 15 tons of maize seed, as well as carpenta fish [small dried fish], cooking oil and beans. In addition, we adopted four prisons and provided them with food supplies as well as uniforms, sanitary products for female prisoners, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Meanwhile, our cathedral feeding programme continues to feed our ‘street people’. www.uspg.org.uk/zimbabwe
Sunday 28 May: 7th Sunday of Easter Loving Lord, as day by day we pray your words, ‘Thy kingdom come’, Help us not only to pray, but to work together to bring in your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Monday 29 Give thanks for the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe as it seeks to support communities affected by food shortages and a struggling economy. Tuesday 30 Pray for Zimbabwe’s public healthcare system, which is under enormous strain due to a lack of resources. Wednesday 31: Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth Pray that God would raise up church leaders in Zimbabwe who are equipped to work creatively with the poor and the marginalised, including women and children. Thursday 1 June Pray for comfort and hope for Zimbabwe’s orphans and for strength and financial support for childheaded households. Friday 2 Pray that political leaders in Zimbabwe might find a way to work together to create an economy of fairness and justice that benefits all, rather than profiting a few. Saturday 3 Pray for the unemployed in Zimbabwe, many of them trained and educated but unable to find a job. Pray that there might be employment opportunities for all.
PRAY WITH US
16 APRIL – 22 JULY 2017
Britain and Ireland: Pray for the USPG conference in July.
Morocco: Give thanks for Anglicans working with refugees.
Ghana: Give thanks for the USPG-supported health work in Cape Coast.
Brazil: Pray that children would be safe from trafficking.
Tanzania: Give thanks for the health work of the Anglican Church. Zimbabwe: Pray for communities affected by food shortages.
Greece: Pray for the welfare of refugees stranded in Greece.
Israel-Palestine: Pray for understanding among people of all faiths.
Pakistan: Pray for an end to forced marriages and conversions.
Zambia: Pray for safety and equal opportunities for women and girls.
Lesotho: Pray for an end to extreme hunger and poverty.
Malawi: Pray for healthy harvests and an end to famine.
Philippines: Pray that the government would seek the welfare of all.
4-10 JUNE Journey With Us: Article by Credwyn Hart, 68, who is returning to South Africa where she first went on placement with USPG 18 years ago. I was born in South Africa in 1949, but grew up in Wales, my father’s birthplace. After many years of church-going, I found a personal faith in Christ. I trained as a midwife and nurse, met my husband Ron and we married in 1972, and had three children (and now six grandchildren). Our interest in mission took us for three years to Kenya, where I was the nurse at a Christian boarding school and Ron taught physics. Then, in 1999, I encountered USPG and a volunteer placement was arranged for me at the House of the Resurrection, a home for AIDS orphans in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The experience was transformational – I realised my time there was as much about receiving as giving, and I encountered the power of Christ’s suffering love through the children and staff there. Since then, I have been on mission placements in Kenya, Madagascar, South Sudan, Uganda and Pakistan. I have met many inspiring people and enjoyed a deep experience of God’s love. I have come to believe that the only gift we really have to share is the gift of ourselves and the love of Christ which compels us to reach out to others. www.uspg.org.uk/journey
Sunday 4 June: Pentecost Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, ignite in us your holy fire. Revive your church with the breath of love, and renew the face of the earth. Monday 5 Pray for retired police officers Roger and Diana Rogers, from Cheshire, who are on placement in Athens supporting the refugee work of USPG with the Diocese in Europe and Salvation Army Greece. Tuesday 6 Pray for Lucy Gray, from Cumbria, teaching in Vietnam (Singapore Diocese), and for nurse Harriet Lawrance, from Stockport, who is with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines. Wednesday 7 Pray for mechanical engineer Paul Hart assisting with the management of building projects in Dodoma, Tanzania. Thursday 8 Remember Evie Russell-Cohen, from Bentham, Yorkshire, who is spending a gap year taking part in music and youth work with the Diocese of Accra, Ghana. Friday 9 Pray for the Revd George and Mrs Fran Bailey and their four children, from Leeds, taking part in diocesan outreach in Barbados. Pray for Ruth Walker, from the Isle of Man, recently returned from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Saturday 10 Thank God for all USPG partner churches who host our Journey With Us volunteers.
11-17 JUNE Israel-Palestine: Article by Johannes Zang, a former USPG mission companion in Jerusalem, now a lecturer on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a Holy Land tour leader. This year we commemorate several historic events related to the so-called Holy Land. It is 100 years since the Balfour Declaration (which commended the establishment in Palestine of a home for Jewish people); the 70th year of the Partition Plan of the United Nations; the 50th year of Israeli military rule and occupation over Palestinians in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem; and the 30th anniversary of the first popular uprising (Intifada) against Israeli military rule and the ten-year siege of the Gaza Strip. These dates are all painful reminders of the absence of peace in the homeland of Jesus. They also remind us of missed opportunities for peace in Israel and Palestine. All of this brings with it a sense of urgency to work honestly towards dialogue, justice and reconciliation. This is badly needed because there are those who seek divisiveness, fear and violence. The Bethlehem-based Holy Land Trust is a Christian organisation urging Christians worldwide ‘to create the space for healing the historical wounds of the Holy Land and create a new date to be celebrated by future generations on both sides of the divide’. Let us join their campaign. www.uspg.org.uk/palestine
Sunday 11 June: Trinity Sunday Holy God, faithful and unchanging, in Jesus you made your home among us in Palestine. Bless all who work for peace and reconciliation today in the land made holy by your son, Jesus Christ. Monday 12: Barnabas the Apostle Give thanks for the Christian institutions that engage in non-violence and seek mutual understanding between faith communities in the Holy Land. Tuesday 13 Pray that Christians, Jews, Druze [Arabic-speaking ethno-religious group] and Muslims in the Holy Land might treat each other with respect and dignity. Wednesday 14 Pray for strength and wisdom for all priests and church leaders in the Holy Land. Pray for their role in seeking dignity for all. Thursday 15: Corpus Christi Pray that religious leaders in the Holy Land might work together for justice and encourage politicians to end more than 100 years of conflict this year. Friday 16 Pray for an end to the blockade and siege of Gaza so that 1.8 million Gazaens might ďŹ nd hope rather than merely struggling to survive. Saturday 17 Give thanks for the work of the Anglican Church in Israel and Palestine as it supports those most affected by wars, siege and poverty.
18-24 JUNE Philippines: Article by Fr Wilfredo Ruazol of the Philippine Independent Church. The Philippine government is waging an all-out war against illegal drugs. But while there is no question that the proliferation of drugs must end, the government’s methods must be questioned. The government’s war on drugs has resulted in the killing of hundreds of drug users and dealers. Many Filipinos are questioning why purported police operations led to so many being killed while ‘resisting arrest’. Meanwhile, when the drug lords and politicians linked to drugs appear in court, there is a brief brouhaha and then the accused are allowed to return to their comfortable lives unscathed. It is evident that, in a country filled with inequality and oppression, even the government’s war on drugs favours the rich over the poor. The proliferation of drugs is rooted in the social inequality and injustice that plagues the country. The church believes the solution to the drug problem is to provide the marginalised and underprivileged with opportunities to improve their situations so they might avoid the harsh realities that make them vulnerable to drug dealers. Our politicians’ addiction to wealth and power needs to be replaced with a commitment to justice.
www.uspg.org.uk/philippines
Sunday 18 June: 1st Sunday after Trinity O God of justice and compassion, we pray for all whose lives are affected by drugs. Protect all who are drawn into drug abuse or dealing. May your church respond with love and compassion. Monday 19 Pray for an end to drug trafficking in the Philippines – and for an end to the indiscriminate killings of drug dealers and users from impoverished communities (see article). Tuesday 20 Pray that the Philippine government might become an instrument in achieving social justice and abundant life for the people they serve. Wednesday 21 Pray for wisdom and protection for churches in the Philippines as they seek to be a channel of God’s grace in seeking justice for all. Thursday 22 Pray for peace-makers in the Philippines who campaign alongside indigenous people for economic freedom and the right to self-determination. Friday 23 Pray for legislation that ensures mining operations in the Philippines are required to protect the environment and consider the impact on local communities. Saturday 24: Birth of John the Baptist Pray that the poor in the Philippines and around the world might know they are valuable in God’s eyes and find hope and strength in their communities.
25 JUNE – 1 JULY Tanzania: Article by Dr Benedict Ezekiel Sandagila, of the Anglican St Luke’s Hospital, Milo, South West Tanganyika. It is important for the church to be involved in healthcare because our mission is to save the human being in every sense, holistically, meaning spiritually, mentally and physically. St Luke’s has a catchment area of six villages – Milo Itself, Mavala, Mapogoro, Lipangala, Ludende and Maholong’wa – with a total population of 9,000. These are places of great poverty in a very remote area not reached by government services. For this reason, the hospital, with its various health centres and dispensaries, is greatly appreciated. In 2016, the hospital treated 2,226 out-patients and 974 in-patients, as well as helping to deliver 233 babies, 102 by Caesarean section. Our health personnel look upon themselves as church servants, combining their professional skills with prayer and the offer of Christian hospitality to patients and their relatives. Of course, the hospital faces many challenges, in particular a lack of funds to pay staff salaries and buy medicines and equipment. Despite this situation, our hospital is better equipped than many government hospitals. Moving forward, the church is exploring how we might continue to provide this important service by entering partnerships with the government and private sector. www.uspg.org.uk/tanzania
Sunday 25 June: 2nd Sunday after Trinity Loving Lord, we thank you for life – life given to us in all its fullness. Help us to work together to protect life, and to enable all, created in your image, to flourish. Monday 26 Give thanks for the work of St Luke’s Hospital among the rural communities of Milo, in the Diocese of South West Tanganyika, Tanzania (see article). Tuesday 27 Pray for health work run by the Anglican Church throughout Tanzania, including many historic hospitals and clinics. Pray for health and well-being for all. Wednesday 28 Give thanks for the blessing of friendships between the church in Tanzania and the global church family, including USPG. Thursday 29: Peter and Paul, Apostles Pray for strength and wisdom for church leaders in Tanzania’s 27 Anglican dioceses as they reach out to communities facing many hardships and challenges. Friday 30 Pray that political parties in Tanzania might seek to build prosperity in a population struggling with poverty. Saturday 1 July Pray that Tanzania’s theological colleges might continue to offer quality training despite limited resources. Pray that tutors might find opportunities for further study.
2-8 JULY Lesotho: Article by Lawrene Johane, co-ordinator of the USPG-supported Hands on Health church and community development programme. Our Hands on Health programme among communities in Lesotho makes use of a process known as SALT, which stands for ‘Strengths, Appreciation, Learning, Transfer’; the acronym is also a metaphor for the healing effect of salt. The SALT process involves a Local Facilitation Team visiting villagers in their homes to discuss the hopes and challenges in their lives. Through such visits, it became clear that the primary challenges facing the community in Ha Leronti were poverty, livestock theft and drug abuse. At the same time, villagers expressed a wish to improve their livelihoods and living conditions. Accordingly, the visits inspired villagers to devise a series of income generation projects that needed only minimal start-up costs provided as loans by the church. Me’ Mantsane, who had a low paid job as a shop assistant in the village store, decided to set up a small business selling clothes and jewellery. Later she joined the local farmers’ association – which supports small-scale farming initiatives – and she decided to keep chickens and pigs and grow vegetables. As a result, living conditions for Me’ Mantsane, her husband and seven children have greatly improved. www.uspg.org.uk/lesotho
Sunday 2 July: 3rd Sunday after Trinity Lord Jesus, you shared in Nazareth, the joys and sorrows of an earthly home. Help us to be salt and light in our communities, and work together for your kingdom. Monday 3: Thomas the Apostle Give thanks for the work of the Hands on Health programme in Lesotho as it works with communities to find solutions for health concerns and poverty. Tuesday 4 Give thanks for the Anglican Church in Lesotho as it works alongside USPG to reach out to rural communities in word and deed. Wednesday 5 Pray for an end to extreme hunger and poverty in Lesotho. Pray that people might find the inspiration and resources to build sustainable futures. Thursday 6 Pray for strength and wisdom for all priests and church leaders in the Diocese of Lesotho. Pray for the church’s role in seeking justice for all. Friday 7 Pray for responsible stewardship of Lesotho’s natural resources, especially water and diamonds which politicians and businesses have been selling outside of the country. Saturday 8 Pray that young people in Lesotho might have access to education and employment so they might help to build a healthier nation.
9-15 JULY Zambia: Article by Felicia Sakala, Director of Zambia Anglican Council Outreach Programme. Mansa District, in Luapula Diocese, Zambia, has been identified as an area where gender based violence (GBV) is highly prevalent. Traditional beliefs, which are particularly prevalent in rural areas, mean women and girls are vulnerable to violence. For example, some women believe that if a man does not beat them from time to time then it is a sign of not being loved. Women are taught to keep whatever happens in the home a secret, thus most women live in silence – even if a child is abused. A woman who speaks out is said to be uncultured. The only person she can talk to is the traditional counsellor – the one who taught her to be silent. In fact, women are taught to endure. A further problem is that women are rarely able to support themselves, meaning they, and their children, are dependent on their husbands – so they would rather stay married even if it means enduring violence. Meanwhile, men traditionally hold all authority because they have paid a bride price, which is taken as giving them licence to do whatever they want. The Anglican Church is trying to raise awareness among women about their rights, while providing them with access to support services. www.uspg.org.uk/zambia
Sunday 9 July: 4th Sunday after Trinity Loving God, you long for us to live in peace, we grieve with women who suffer violence today. Help us to protect the vulnerable and all who suffer, offering with love a safe place for all in need. Monday 10 Pray for safety and respect for women and girls in Zambia. Pray that they might know God’s love and protection (see article). Tuesday 11 Pray for women around the world who are vulnerable in all communities and in all cultures, no matter the level of education or wealth. Pray for economic empowerment for women Wednesday 12 Give thanks for the work of the Anglican Church in Zambia in addressing gender based violence. Pray that all women might know safety and freedom. Thursday 13 Pray for wisdom and strength for all church leaders in Zambia. Pray that Zambia’s politicians might seek to tackle poverty and seek the welfare of all. Friday 14 Pray that all people in Zambia might have access to food, healthcare and education. Saturday 15 Pray that all girls around the world might grow up in safety with access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities.
16-22 JULY USPG Conference 2017: This week it is our annual three-day conference at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hertfordshire. It is entitled Serving Churches Strengthening Communities. Every day at USPG – at our office in London – we grapple with the meaning of mission. It’s not a simple thing to define – and our Anglican partners around the world hold many different perspectives and priorities. But one thing we would generally agree on is that mission is ‘holistic’, which means multifaceted, addressing body, mind and soul. This year, our annual conference is looking at some of the many ways in which USPG is engaging in holistic mission with Anglican Churches around the world. In particular, we will be focusing on five key thematic areas of our work, which we have described as protecting health, growing the church, enabling livelihoods, promoting justice and responding to crises. While all are welcome, one key group of delegates who attend the conference each year are the Bishops’ Nominees – people who have been nominated by their bishops to represent the dioceses of Britain and Ireland on the USPG Council. While the Council is not a formal decision-making body, its views are actively sought in helping to steer USPG in our work of global holistic mission. www.uspg.org.uk/conference2017
Sunday 16 July: 5th Sunday after Trinity Holy God, we thank you that you call us to share in your mission to the world. May we, with all our partners in the gospel, be faithful to our calling in your name. Monday 17 Pray for the three-day USPG conference which begins today. Pray that delegates will be inspired to seek God’s justice in their local communities. Tuesday 18 Give thanks for the dedication and support of USPG’s Bishops’ Nominees, who represent the dioceses of Britain and Ireland and make up the USPG Council (see article). Wednesday 19 Give thanks for churches and dioceses throughout Britain and Ireland as they seek to engage more deeply with the mission of the world church through USPG. Thursday 20 Pray that churches in Britain and Ireland might be inspired to attempt new and bold things in mission. Friday 21 Give thanks for all USPG Volunteers who give their time and energy to promote the work of USPG and the world church. Pray that congregations might feel inspired by the living faith and worship of the world church. Saturday 22: Mary Magdalene Pray for an increase in financial support for USPG so we can maintain and increase our level of support for the world church.
INVITE A USPG SPEAKER TO YOUR CHURCH Here are some testimonies from churches who have hosted one of our speakers: ‘We found Elizabeth’s illustrated talk very helpful. She managed to include an overview of the current work, and wove this into the theme and readings for the day.’ Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire
‘Tim was really great in both churches. The congregations have really valued hearing more about the work. It has focused their understanding of mission and outreach.’ St Mary’s, Buckland, and St Michaels, Betchworth
www.uspg.org.uk/invite
Inviting a USPG Speaker to your church is an opportunity for your congregation to hear about the riches of the world church and explore what mission means today. Our trained speakers will share experiences of our work overseas and inspire your parish with stories of hope and transformation.
‘It was a pleasure to welcome Carol to our church on Sunday. She gave a short talk during the service in which she gave an overview of her time in southern India. Carol was skilful in the way she interwove elements from the Gospel reading into her talk, and several people commented to me afterwards about how much they had enjoyed it. She has given us an insight into the experience of volunteering through USPG and also into the realities of life in the communities in which she served.’ St Michael the Archangel Rushall Parish Church
TO ARRANGE FOR A SPEAKER TO VISIT YOUR SUNDAY SERVICE OR CHURCH GROUP: Call Rebecca Woollgar on 0207 921 2220 or email rebeccaw@uspg.org.uk
We are USPG. USPG is an Anglican mission agency supporting churches around the world in their mission to bring fullness of life to the communities they serve. Theologically, practically and financially, we encourage and enable churches within the Anglican Communion to act as the hands and feet of Christ. Together, we are working to improve health, tackle poverty, put children in school, challenge discrimination, nurture leaders, give a voice to women, and much more Founded 1701.