USPG prayer diary

PRAYer diary 6 November 2016 – 25 February 2017

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: Drawing by Shruti, age 13, of Deenbandhu School, Delhi, India.

See article for 18-24 December. (USPG/Leah Gordon) Cover image: The children of tea-pickers from schools in Hatton, Sri Lanka.

(USPG/Leah Gordon)

Your kingdom come on earth as in heaven.

This prayer diary begins in what I think is one of the most exciting times of the church’s year: the Kingdom Season, which runs from All Saints’ Day until Advent.

In the Kingdom Season, we pray especially for the coming of God’s kingdom – of justice, peace, righteousness – and day by day we pray ‘your kingdom come on earth as in heaven’.

Praying for and playing our part in working towards God’s coming kingdom is a common theme through this prayer diary.

Each day we pray for and with churches and communities around the world who, in partnership with USPG, are committed to bringing God’s kingdom closer to the people in their care: from the Diocese in Europe’s response to refugees to community development work in South Africa, and so much more.

May we be inspired by these examples, be united in our common prayer across the globe, and strive to work together to build God’s kingdom, as we both pray and act: ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven’. Amen.

The Revd Richard Bartlett Director for Mission Engagement, USPG

6-12 November Return of USPG: Article by Siân Harris, a USPG supporter in Edinburgh, who spent time in Botswana with our Journey With Us placement programme.

Welcome back USPG! It’s good to see, isn’t it? I love the new logo and the new look. Also, we can be proud of the new meaning for USPG – ‘United Society Partners in the Gospel’ – this is who we are, it’s what underpins all of USPG’s work, and it’s what the world needs so desperately right now.

Serving in Botswana with USPG’s short-term placement programme, I was acutely aware of building partnerships with the people I met in the church. We all served together, with teamwork and God’s grace, and my faith and life are richer for it.

Indeed, those church partners are now my friends.

As I’ve talked with people about the change from Us back to USPG – both in my church in Edinburgh and at the recent Greenbelt Festival – everyone has said they are pleased. There’s an excitement at seeing a renewed energy in USPG, and I’m looking forward to seeing what God has in store as we continue to build gospel-based partnerships around the world.

www.uspg.org.uk

Sunday 6 November: 3rd Sunday before Advent O God of our past, present and future, thank you for all who have given service to USPG, and for all our global partners in the gospel today.

Guide us all to fulfil your calling as USPG again Monday 7 Give thanks for USPG as we move forward with our new name: United Society Partners in the Gospel. Give thanks for opportunities to renew our expression of mission.

Tuesday 8 Pray that more churches in Britain and Ireland would learn about the work of USPG and the global church and support the mission of their brothers and sisters around the world.

Wednesday 9 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 10 Pray that Christians in Britain and Ireland might celebrate the richness and diversity in the Anglican Communion and seek to learn from each other.

Friday 11 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 12 Pray that greater financial support might be forthcoming so that USPG partners can develop and roll out more community programmes.

13-19 November Refugee crisis in Greece: Yasmine, speaking through an interpreter, describes how she fled war in Syria with her four children.

I am from Aleppo in Syria. All my family have left for Europe because of the war. My husband is already in Germany.

Our journey lasted one month. We walked between mountains for many hours. The army in Turkey fired at us, and the children suffered greatly.

Then we crossed the sea, which was also difficult. The first attempt went badly; the boat stopped in the middle of the sea and started sinking. We were about 70 people in a small boat and the children were crying.

When we finally arrived in Greece we were happy, but then we were surprised to find the borders were closed. The Greek army put us in this camp, and now we don’t know anything about our future or what we are going to do here.

We left Syria because of the bombs, but here it’s not better.

It’s dangerous in the camp: there are insects, there is no hot water, the toilets are dirty, my children struggle to eat the food and are sick because of the smoke.

All I want is for my children to live in peace and to be able to study.

www.uspg.org.uk/greece

Sunday 13 November: 2nd Sunday before Advent 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 you church to proclaim your mercy today.

Monday 14 Pray for strength and wisdom for Yasmine as she cares for her children while waiting to hear about her options for the future (see article).

Tuesday 15 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.

Wednesday 16 Pray that refugees living in Greece, having fled war and persecution in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries, might have hope for the future.

Thursday 17 Pray for nations to give support and a warm welcome to refugees who are fleeing for their lives.

Friday 18 Pray for an end to the many crises in the Middle East and around the world that are forcing people to flee their homes.

Saturday 19 Pray for the work of USPG partners in Greece: Lighthouse Refugee Relief, non-profit organisation Medical Intervention, and Apostoli, which is part of the Orthodox Church. Give thanks that each organisation is providing refugees with supplies, services and encouragement.

20-26 November 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Pray with USPG during this annual international campaign to combat violence against women.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign was launched in 1991 by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL), based in New Jersey, USA. Each year, the campaign begins on 25 November – which is International Day Against Violence Against Women – and ends on 10 December – which is International Human Rights Day. The aims are to raise awareness of the issues, to lobby internationally against gender-based violence, and to inspire women globally as they seek to combat violence. This year, the campaign has a focus on education, under the title ‘From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Make Education Safe for All’.

A CWGL report states: ‘Girls and young women face genderbased discrimination: the possibility of early marriage or forced marriage can cut short their education; the threat of different forms of school-related gender-based violence, including sexual violence and abuse on the way [to school] or within education settings; and discrimination in the availability of essential infrastructure, such as adequate and safely accessible sanitary facilities. Consequently, many families choose to keep girls and young women from school.’ www.uspg.org.uk/16days

Sunday 20 November: Christ the King Lord Jesus, born of the blessed Virgin Mary, pour your blessings on all women today, especially those who face discrimination and violence.

Reveal to them their worth and dignity before you.

Monday 21 Pray that support for the ‘16 Days’ campaign will grow around the world and that girls and women might be freed from lives in which they face violence.

Tuesday 22 Pray that this year’s campaign might make government, churches and communities around the world more aware of the importance of providing girls with a safe education and opportunities to learn.

Wednesday 23 Pray that girls around the world might grow up knowing that they are safe and having access to education and employment opportunities.

Thursday 24 Pray that churches around the world might become leaders in their communities for upholding the rights of women and girls.

Friday 25 Give thanks for the lives and work of women throughout the world. Pray for an end to gender inequality.

Saturday 26 Pray that women might receive greater acknowledgement for their role in sustaining our churches and our communities.

27 November – 3 December 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Article by the Revd Delmaine Petersen, from False Bay Diocese, South Africa, who received USPG-funded training in tackling gender-based violence (GBV).

In my parish, many women are the victims of violence but afraid to speak out. I try to show them I am trustworthy. I wasn’t sure how to do this, but the training I received has helped greatly. I want women to know the church is on their side. Jesus himself was an activist on exactly these kinds of issues.

When I preach, I speak about love. Love, I say, is about having respect for one another, whoever we are, whatever we’ve done.

I am committed to the education of children and women, from the cradle to the grave, so to speak. Currently, the church is saying surprisingly little about GBV and I want this to change.

The churches need to wake up. Tackling GBV is not an optional extra – it affects every area of life. We need to change the mindset of clergy. People need to know they belong to a greater community, which is God’s community; people need to know they are valuable and have a right to the abundant life that Jesus offers.

www.uspg.org.uk/16days

Sunday 27 November: 1st Sunday of Advent Loving God, you long for us to live in peace, we grieve with you for the violence in our world.

Help us to protect the vulnerable and all who suffer, offering with love a safe place to all in need.

Monday 28 Pray for safety and respect for women and girls, especially those who are most vulnerable to abuse. Pray that they might know God’s love and protection.

Tuesday 29 Pray for women around the world who carry the sole responsibility for feeding their families.

Wednesday 30: Andrew the Apostle Pray for the millions of women who suffer in silence having endured sexual violence at the hands of family members or strangers or during wars.

Thursday 1 December: World AIDS Day On this day, give thanks for the holy example of so many women who care for relatives and friends who are living with HIV and for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Friday 2 Pray for an end to gender inequality in our churches.

Pray that Christians would set an example to the world as a people who address the concerns of women.

Saturday 3 Pray for an end to the trafficking of women for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Pray that women who have been trafficked might find comfort in God.

4-10 December 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Article by the USPG-supported Delhi Brotherhood Society (DBS), in India, which runs a helpline and community action programme to support women who face violence.

This is the distressing story of a girl aged 12. We will call her Kavita to protect her identity.

Kavita’s father was a labourer and an alcoholic. Every day he would fight with his neighbours.

Then a man from the neighborhood, Ganga [not his real name], abducted Kavita, took her to a secluded place, and abused her before fleeing the scene, leaving Kavita unconscious.

The next morning, Kavita was found by some passers-by who reported the matter to the DBS Women’s Helpline. Our workers took Kavita to hospital, where a medical examination revealed the full brutality of the abuse she had suffered.

Helpline staff immediately phoned the police – who are not always responsive – and applied pressure so they would arrest Ganga. This happened and the man was sent to prison.

The Women’s Helpline works around the clock to support women and girls in distress. The Indian government helps in various ways, particularly where legal support is needed. Most cases we deal with concern the harassment of women by husbands or in-laws who want dowry payments. www.uspg.org.uk/16days

Sunday 4 December: 2nd Sunday of Advent Lord, as you healed the bleeding woman, we bring before you all who are unwell today.

Be close to all who are pregnant or in labour, and bless all those who love and care for them.

Monday 5 Give thanks for the support that Kavita received (see article). Give thanks for the important work of the USPG-supported DBS Women’s Helpline in Delhi, India.

Tuesday 6 Give thanks for those who teach boys and girls that they do not need to perpetuate the violence they see in their families and communities.

Wednesday 7 Pray for the protection of women everywhere.

Pray that they might find the courage to stand up for justice, and may they find support as they do so.

Thursday 8 Pray that more of us, in and out of the church, would take up the cause of campaigning for women’s rights and take practical action to support women in need.

Friday 9 Pray that women might be empowered! Pray that the church might set an example by allowing women to take a greater part in decision-making throughout the world.

Saturday 10 Pray that for the year ahead we might all continue to lobby and campaign for freedom, safety, justice and equality for women and girls.

11-17 December Sri Lanka: Article by teachers at the USPG-supported St Andrew’s Little Flower Nursery School, in Templestowe.

The school looks after the children of marginalised tea plantation workers.

Durga is five years old. When she came to school for the first time nine months ago she didn’t know how to hold a pencil, but now she can write everything. She likes dancing and shows leadership qualities. She studies hard, and one day she would like to be a teacher.

Durga lives on the Templestowe tea estate in a small mud house. Her mother works on the estate, while her father works in a rice mill. [At least one parent must work on the estate for the family to have a house.]

When her mother goes to work, she takes Durga to school and Durga’s three-year-old sister to the Child Development Centre, which is also run by the Church of Ceylon.

Sabish is also five years old. He walks half-a-kilometre from Injara tea estate to school. His father works on the estate, while his mother works at home making clothes then selling what she can. Sabish’s grandmother also lives in their small house.

Sabish is clever and talkative. He likes drawing, singing and football, and his dream is to become a doctor and help his community. www.uspg.org.uk/srilanka

Sunday 11 December: 3rd Sunday of Advent Loving Lord, as we look forward to celebrating your birth, we pray especially for children, babies and families.

Bless them, their homes and communities.

Let them know the fullness of your love and purpose.

Monday 12 Pray for Durga and Sabish, who live with their families on tea estates in Sri Lanka (see article). Pray that they might know a future filled with hope.

Tuesday 13 Pray that business and political leaders will seek to improve living conditions for all who live and work on Sri Lanka’s tea estates.

Wednesday 14 Give thanks for the USPG-supported programme run by the Church of Ceylon to support education for the children of tea plantation workers.

Thursday 15 Give thanks for the church’s efforts in Sri Lanka to provide better nutrition for families living in conditions of hardship on the tea plantations.

Friday 16 Pray for inner transformation for those within tea plantation communities that are struggling with alcoholism, domestic violence and child abuse.

Saturday 17 Pray for peace and justice in Sri Lanka. We pray for an end to tensions among ethnic and religious groups, and heart-felt reconciliation.

18-24 December Care for children: Pray this week for the church’s support for children worldwide. The Delhi Brotherhood Society reports.

Depending on where they live and their family’s economic capacity, children might have very different hopes for Christmas Day. While some hope for the latest toys, others have more basic wishes: safety, food, education.

The Delhi Brotherhood Society invited children to draw pictures that described their lives and their hopes for the future.

Neha, aged 17, wants protection for children, especially for girls. She wrote on her drawing: ‘Every man needs a mother, wife, sister – then why not a daughter?’

Suman, 12, wants her neighbours to enjoy an environmentallysafe Diwali (Festival of Lights) by lighting oil lamps instead of fire crackers ‘because crackers add pollution to the air’.

Shruti, 13, drew a mother weeping because she has a baby daughter and is thinking about the lack of opportunities available to girls in a culture that favours boys. Shruti writes: ‘Save girls.’

Mantasha, 15, who wants to be a professor, urges communities to observe environmental cleanliness to help stop the spread of diseases.

Humera, 16, is the daughter of a single mother. She wants to see more education for girls so that women might have a brighter future. www.uspg.org.uk

Sunday 18 December: 4th Sunday of Advent Loving God, thank you for the gift of children, for the joy, wonder and innocence they share.

Protect children whose childhoods are taken away.

Help us work together for their protection and care.

Monday 19 Give thanks for children – for the joy they bring and for wisdom they have to share.

Tuesday 20 Give thanks for the sensitivity and goodwill of those children who hope for the best for their families and communities. Pray that their Christmas wishes might become reality.

Wednesday 21 Give thanks for the work of the Church of North India and the Delhi Brotherhood Society as they reach out to children, with a special emphasis on education for girls.

Thursday 22 Pray that children in every community might grow up with access to education and employment opportunities.

Pray that their skills and creativity might find an outlet.

Friday 23 Pray for protection for children from those who would seek to abuse them, including human traffickers who prey on vulnerable communities.

Saturday 24 Pray that children the world over might know the love and protection of caregivers who are sensitive to their needs. Pray that caregivers might know God’s strength.

25-31 December Israel-Palestine: Article by Johannes Zang, former USPG mission companion in Jerusalem, now a lecturer on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a Holy Land tour leader.

Mohammed’s eyes are big and deep black. His ears stick out a bit. While laughing, two small teeth appear. He is indeed a cute boy. But his mother is really concerned about the health of her ninth child. At birth his weight was only 2kg and, a year later, he was still severely under-weight.

His parents decided to travel from their home in Dura, near Hebron in the West Bank, to Caritas Baby Hospital Bethlehem, a distance of about 40k. The journey is not a huge enterprise, but in an area under military occupation, with many army checkpoints, this can be an undertaking of two or more hours.

At the hospital, close to the Israeli separation wall, Mohammed underwent many tests. Food intolerance has been excluded. Now the doctors are waiting for more results before providing treatment.

Caritas Baby Hospital, founded in 1952, provides 82 beds.

There are 240 Christian and Muslim employees making the hospital the second biggest employer in Bethlehem. The Christian institution treats more than 30,000 children each year – mainly for diseases related to poverty. ‘The hospital is a place of hope,’ according to former member of staff Reto Mischler. www.uspg.org.uk/palestine

Sunday 25 December: Christmas Day Lord, today you were born homeless and laid in a manger.

Fill us with compassion for all in need today.

Help us to respond to your most generous gift, of Jesus Christ, with loving service to others.

Monday 26: Stephen, deacon, first martyr Pray for Palestine’s public health system, which is under enormous strain due to Israeli import restrictions, a lack of resources and often badly qualified personnel.

Tuesday 27: John, Apostle and Evangelist Pray for all mothers in Palestine who have stillbirths; the natal death rate is four times higher than in nearby Israel.

Wednesday 28: The Holy Innocents Give thanks for all Israeli doctors who co-operate with Caritas Baby Hospital and for those who strive to obtain further treatment for patients in Israel.

Thursday 29 Pray for God’s care for the mothers of disabled children in Palestine, many of whom face discrimination in their communities.

Friday 30 Pray for the churches of Palestine and all Christian NGOs who reach out to people of all faiths with God’s love.

Saturday 31 Give thanks for the work of the Anglican Church in the Holy Land as it reaches out to people of all faiths and from all walks of life.

pray with us

28 AUGUST – 5 NOVember 2016

Britain & Ireland: Pray for a deeper engagement with global mission.

The Gambia: Give thanks for the tireless work of unpaid priests.

Brazil: Pray for vulnerable children and communities in the Amazon.

Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone: Pray for communities recovering from the impact of Ebola.

Greece: Pray for stranded refugees and asylum seekers.

India: Give thanks for work among marginalised women in Delhi.

Israel-Palestine: Pray for peace in the Holy Land.

Sri Lanka: Pray for the children of tea plantation workers.

Malawi: Pray for communities as they respond to climate change.

South Africa: Give thanks for work to tackle gender-based violence.

Indonesia: Pray for the planting of Anglican churches.

1-7 January Indonesia: Article by the Revd Henok Hariyanto, of the Church of the Good Shepherd, in the Anglican Church of Indonesia.

I want to write about a poor slum community on Batam island.

Politicians promise them many things, then do nothing after being voted into power. There are many social problems, such as gambling, domestic violence and theft.

The first time we visited, a young man had crashed his motorcycle because he was drunk. He was lying in the street, bleeding. People thought he had died. While we tended to him, his brother and friends, also drunk, with many tattoos, came to fight us. We were scared and decided not to enter the community.

But two days later, a man came to apologise on behalf of the men. We felt this was a sign from God to go back to this community.

We started to build relationships by offering medical care and distributing food. And five years on we have a community centre with a library and a daily programme for children.

We offer counselling and we hold sports events which bring people together.

Though this community was initially reluctant to accept us, they can now see what we have achieved together.

www.uspg.org.uk

Sunday 1 January: Naming and Circumcision of Jesus Thank you Lord for this New Year, for all the possibilities that it will bring.

Be close to those who enter it with fear, and inspire all to move forward in your name.

Monday 2 Give thanks for the mission of Henok and the Church of the Good Shepherd on Batam island, Indonesia (see article).

Pray for healing in the community.

Tuesday 3 Pray for the Anglican Church of Indonesia as it pursues its mission to plant churches in capital and key cities.

Wednesday 4 Pray for the Anglican Church in Indonesia as it establish schools to accompany its church-planting programme.

Pray for education for all children in the country and pray for the church’s youth ministry.

Thursday 5 Pray for church leaders in Indonesia as they seek to nurture Anglicans in discipleship. Pray that God might bless all Christians in their spiritual path.

Friday 6: Epiphany As we remember that strangers recognised and honoured the Christ, pray that all people of faith would hold in common the pursuit of justice and peace.

Saturday 7 Pray for inter-religious harmony in Indonesia. Pray that regulations to permit church-building might be made easier.

Pray that Christians might be salt and light in their communities.

8-14 January Malawi: Article by the Revd Raphael Grant Juttah, Diocese of Lilongwe.

When I was training in 1998, a priest I knew fell ill. Back then HIV was a taboo topic, and my friend was sent away from his parish. I visited him, and could see his suffering, but I didn’t know how to care for him.

Eventually, my friend died ‘behind the curtain’, like so many with AIDS. They are sidelined and segregated. People fear to visit in case they become associated with ‘sinners’.

For those with HIV, the pain of discrimination and loneliness reduces hope and makes the disease worse. They need people close to them, words of encouragement, and to feel included by their community. We have been failing to help such people because of our judgemental attitudes.

But with knowledge and support, things are changing.

After my friend’s death I started searching for information and counselling others. So when a woman I knew got sick in 1999, with God’s help I supported her to go to hospital and get antiretroviral treatment. Since then she has been living a healthy life, and now runs a small business which helped pay for her children’s education.

Working with those who are HIV-positive is an area where the church can be prophetic. www.uspg.org.uk/malawi

Sunday 8 January: Baptism of Christ Loving Lord, as you cured the sick in Galilee, we pray for all who live with HIV and AIDS. Bless those who care, inspire those who research, and help us work against stigma and prejudice.

Monday 9 Give thanks for the Revd Raphael Juttah (see article) as he reaches out to those struggling with HIV and AIDS. Pray that all in the church might follow his example in reaching out to those who have been overlooked.

Tuesday 10 Pray for an end to discrimination of those who are affected by HIV and AIDS or by poverty. Give thanks for the work of the church to combat HIV-related stigma.

Wednesday 11 Pray that children and others who have lost family members to HIV may know your love and blessings in times of hardship.

Thursday 12 Pray for more openness in the church regarding HIV and AIDS so that people may know they can turn to the church for support.

Friday 13 Pray for church programmes aimed at supporting women and girls who are vulnerable to HIV. Saturday 14 Pray for an end to the scourge of HIV and AIDS. May the church play its part in global efforts to combat the disease and care for those living with HIV.

15-21 January West Africa: USPG International Programmes Manager Davidson Solanki reports on a meeting in Freetown, Sierra, Leone, of church leaders from Cameroon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to discuss strategy in a post-Ebola context.

The Ebola virus – which claimed over 11,000 lives in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone – has had a devastating impact. The workforce was drastically reduced and there has been no investment for three years. Infrastructure has broken down.

There have been fewer people to work in the fields, so farms have become barren resulting in food shortages and inflated food prices. There are many orphans, some in government orphanages, where the service is not ideal, others have been taken into care by relatives who are themselves very poor.

Many children have dropped out of school because they have to work or look after siblings. Girls and women have been forced into prostitution. There have been a lot of pregnancies among underage girls, who drop out of school because of the stigma.

The churches, despite a lack of finance and few clergy, have pledged to respond together. Already there is support for orphanages, a school for girls who became pregnant, and vocational training for young people. The church is rising to the challenge, and USPG will accompany the church to offer support. www.uspg.org.uk/ebola

Sunday 15 January: 2nd Sunday of Epiphany Healing Lord, we pray for all who suffer from Ebola, their families friends, carers and communities.

Inspire church and government to reach out, enabling those affected to share in fullness of life.

Monday 16 In Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, pray for communities struggling to recover from the impact of the Ebola virus.

Tuesday 17 Pray for the many teenage girls who became pregnant – many against their wishes. Pray that they might find support and be able to continue in education.

Wednesday 18 Pray that all children who were orphaned by Ebola might experience care and respect and grow up to become adults who in turn care for their children.

Thursday 19 Give thanks for the joint efforts of the churches in West Africa to help communities affected by Ebola as they attempt to rebuild lives and livelihoods.

Friday 20 Give thanks that USPG has been able to support the churches in the Internal Province of West Africa (IPWA) as they devise a joint strategy to support marginalised communities.

Saturday 21 Pray that God might wisdom and energy to the governments in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone so that they might be able to support all citizens.

22-28 January Journey With Us: Seven years on, Kate Milosevic (née Abbot) explains how a USPG placement programme changed her life.

After my six-month placement in Serbia, I returned to England leaving my new boyfriend behind. When I returned for a visit, he proposed. We started married life in a tiny borrowed, and rather dilapidated, flat.

I struggled a lot. Unable to speak the language, combined with leaving behind family, friends and career, led to many tearsoaked prayers. I was also without a church I felt I could connect to. To make matters worse, my husband was employed in a failing company.

The days were getting dark as my husband quit his job and we stepped into the unknown. With time on our hands, we chipped into a website repair project. This was a divine intervention as it led my husband into a new career.

I missed being a children’s leader. I’d found a new church and joined the kids rota, but struggled to find material to translate. So I started writing my own and used my husband’s new skills to put them online – and now the site is a full-time project.

Today, we have a two-year-old son, rent a lovely house and feel part of our community. I’ll always be grateful to USPG for starting me on this journey.

www.uspg.org.uk/journey

Sunday 22 January: 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Lord, we thank you for your constant presence, in good times and bad, in tears and laughter.

Bless those who laugh and those who cry today, and enfold us all in your love every day.

Monday 23 Pray for all new Journey With Us volunteers who are taking part in a training course in Birmingham this week.

Tuesday 24 Pray for Lucy Gray, medical sciences graduate from Cumbria, who is supporting youth and health ministry in Singapore, then teaching English in Vietnam.

Wednesday 25: Conversion of Paul Pray for Alexandra Usselmann, in Lesotho supporting youth ministry, and David Mumford and Elisabeth Wilson, a retired priest and management consultant from Scotland, on placement in the Gambia.

Thursday 26 Pray for returned volunteers Will Fry, Abielle Hallas and Charlotte Hunter as they resettle in the UK and discern the next stage of their life journey.

Friday 27 Give thanks for all friends of USPG around the world who offer hospitality to volunteers on placement, and for the many new relationships that are being forged.

Saturday 28 Pray for the USPG Expanding Horizons programme which facilitates placements for clergy, ordinands and church workers around the world as part of their development.

29 January – 4 February Malawi: Tamara Khisimisi, Anglican Church health co-ordinator, discusses the impact of climate change.

Life in rural Malawi is dependent on natural resources, so any imbalance to the environment greatly affects people’s livelihood.

In recent years, the rainy season has become too short, starting late and ending early, which has led to crop failure and food shortages. To escape this situation, people take off-farm jobs – which results in neglected farmland – and some women and girls resort to sex work, which fuels the spread of HIV. Climate change also causes water shortages. Women and girls spend a lot of time fetching water, even walking up to five kilometres. This means many girls fail to attend school or, if they do, they are too tired to participate. The scarcity of water also compromises hygiene and sanitation.

The Anglican Church, supported by USPG, is working with communities to mitigate the effects of climate change by promoting improved farming methods.

Nancy is a widow with six children. She lives in Chintheche parish. After receiving training in good farm husbandry, she prepared her half-acre of land for planting. Her local farm club supplied fertilizer and hybrid maize seeds – and she harvested eight bags of maize weighing 90kg each. She is very thankful because this year she will be able to feed her family. www.uspg.org.uk/malawi

Sunday 29 January: 4th Sunday of Epiphany Holy God, we thank you for this beautiful world, which you have created and entrusted to our care.

Helps us to work together to protect and care for it, and share its resources fairly with all.

Monday 30 Pray for an end to global warming and climate change so that poorer nations like Malawi might suffer less from erratic weather patterns.

Tuesday 31 Give thanks for initiatives around the world to raise awareness about the human contribution to climate change and what we can do to reverse the problem.

Wednesday 1 February Pray for low-lying Bangladesh, where rising sea levels mean larger areas of agricultural land are being flooded with salt water.

Thursday 2: Presentation of Christ in the Temple Give thanks for the Church in Brazil as it seeks to raise awareness of environmental issues among children and young people.

Friday 3 Pray that churches in Britain and Ireland would be inspired to engage more deeply in campaigning for climate justice.

Saturday 4 Give thanks for USPG-supported programmes through which our global church partners are working with communities to respond to disasters and prepare for future emergencies.

5-11 February Brazil: The Diocese of the Amazon is training ‘popular educators’ to help communities make the most of their skills.

Fábio da Conceição Câmara, a warm, dynamic and enthusiastic teacher, is full of praise for the Training Course for Popular Educators, which is offered by the Diocese of the Amazon to community development workers.

Fábio, who is employed by the Alternative Cultural Centre, took the training to support his work among vulnerable communities in Barcarena, a town along the Pará River, a tributary of the Amazon. He said the training changed his outlook. Whereas previously he would try to show communities how to solve problems, he now engages the people in conversations and workshops designed to help them identify and value their own skills and creativity.

Fábio said: ‘I don’t try to show people what to do, rather I help them to exchange the knowledge they already have. This approach gives the people more autonomy.’

He added: ‘In one village, a community centre had been closed for 15 years. But my team sat down with the community and they set to work restoring the building. Now the centre is open again, and I run a children’s programme that teaches maths and Portuguese. The children can also play games, and there is a social worker supporting the children’s families.’ www.uspg.org.uk/brazil

Sunday 5 February: 4th Sunday before Lent Lord, thank you for the gifts you have given us.

Help us to recognise them in one another, and use them together to build your kingdom, where all are valued and grow together.

Monday 6 Give thanks for the work of Fábioda Conceição and the ‘popular education’ programme of the Anglican Church in the Amazon. Pray that communities have a greater realisation of their strengths.

Tuesday 7 Pray that the gap between rich and poor in Brazil might be closed, and that those in poor communities might have access to sanitation and healthcare, employment and education.

Wednesday 8 Give thanks for all in Brazil who are working hard to share God’s love in practical ways with those who are marginalised.

Thursday 9 Pray that Brazil’s government might focus its efforts on upholding the rights of all citizens and seek justice and equality for all.

Friday 10 Pray for USPG-supported Ruth de Barros and the work of the Anglican Church among children in the Amazon.

Saturday 11 Pray for an end to deforestation and exploitation of the Amazon rainforest, which is damaging both local communities and the eco-system.

12-18 February South Africa: A report from the Diocese of Zululand on how the USPG-supported Church and Community Mobilisation Process (CCMP) is helping to create food security.

Sifiso attended a CCMP meeting for the first time in September last year. A year later he has been able to start a poultry farming business with great success in his village of Nongoma.

CCMP runs bible studies which encourage people to take charge of their destiny by examining the causes of poverty and utilising locally available resources.

Sifiso said: ‘At that first bible study, I learned I don’t need to wait for someone or some company to give me a job to survive, rather I can use my God-given mind, hands and feet.

He continued: ‘In a nutshell, CCMP opened my eyes. It taught me I can do anything I want with God on my side. I would still be applying for jobs – which are scarce – but instead CCMP has empowered me to change my life. I am even able to help my neighbour to support her family.’

Sifiso is currently conducting research into egg farming and hopes it will help him to grow his business so he can create local job opportunities.

We give thanks to God for allowing Sifiso to experience God’s promise of an abundant life. www.uspg.org.uk/southafrica

Sunday 12 February: 3rd Sunday before Lent Lord, thank you for the communities we live in, and the many resources we bring to them.

Help us to encourage one another to share, and use our resources to build your kingdom of love.

Monday 13 Give thanks for the USPG-supported community development programme in the Diocese of Zululand, South Africa, which is helping people to support each other in practical ways (see article).

Tuesday 14 Give thanks for the Anglican Church in South Africa as it faithfully takes action to meet the needs of the poor and marginalised.

Wednesday 15 Pray that South Africa’s natural resources and plentiful harvests might benefit all people in the population, not just a wealthy minority.

Thursday 16 Pray that political leaders in South Africa might lead by example by shunning corruption and being led by a sense of accountability.

Friday 17 Pray for the people and church in South Africa.

Pray for peace and reconciliation between communities which have a history of deep conflict.

Saturday 18 Pray that children growing up in South Africa might enjoy improved access to education and employment.

19-25 February The Gambia: The Revd Fr Jimmy Cole writes about his life as an airport worker and a non-stipendiary (unpaid) minister in the Anglican Church.

A non-stipendiary minister is usually in full-time employment, but gives his or her services to the church on Sundays. In my case, however, I work for the church from Monday to Sunday.

This is because I am one of only five priests in the Gambia, all of whom are non-stipendiary ministers.

For my paid employment, I work at the airport. I meet people from all walks of life. Sometimes I talk about my faith – I can even use my office to counsel people – and I participate in inter faith activities.

There are both Christians and Muslims in the Gambia. The Christian community is safe and accorded respect. Indeed, there is good religious tolerance, with many families of mixed faith.

I like to consolidate religious tolerance wherever I can.

What I consider a greater challenge is to share the gospel in a business culture that is worldly and materialistic. It is very difficult to convey the Christian message of selflessness to those focused on personal gain. But pray and preach anyway, knowing that God will touch many hearts.

www.uspg.org.uk

Sunday 19 February: 2nd Sunday before Lent Lord, thank you for opportunities to share our faith and to learn from those of other faiths.

Give us grace to speak with clarity, and listen openly, and share faith in both action and word.

Monday 20 Give thanks for the work of Fr Jimmy Cole and his fellow priests in the Gambia. Pray that they might know your comfort and guidance.

Tuesday 21 Pray that more people might feel called to come forward for full-time ministry with the Anglican Diocese of Gambia.

Wednesday 22 Pray that all Christians in the Gambia might remain safe despite the country being declared an Islamic state, albeit with the promise that the rights of Christians will be preserved.

Thursday 23 Pray for free and fair presidential elections in December this year. Pray for economic growth in the Gambia and financial stability for all.

Friday 24 Pray for moderate rains during this year and a bumper harvest for all farmers so that no-one might go hungry.

Saturday 25 Give thanks for the peace among different faith groups in the Gambia. Pray for the continuation of religious tolerance and for peace, love and unity.

Journey with Us. Our Journey With Us programme provides adults of all ages with a chance to experience the life and mission of the church in another culture.

‘Being here is not just about what we do; it’s about learning to live differently.’

Susy Putnam, India

‘I felt like I was seeing the world in a new way.

I came back a more confident and, hopefully, a more thoughtful person.’

Hannah Silcock, South Africa

‘I am so thankful to Journey with Us for this amazing experience and the ongoing support I have been given.’

Catriona Duffy, Belize

www.uspg.org.uk

‘My experience has been a wonderful adventure.

I am learning so much and experiencing so many new things.’

Felicity Guite, Ghana

‘It is a true joy to be here. I have gained new understandings of faith and a greater knowledge of the world’s problems from those directly affected.

It has given me new perspectives on life, as well as a chance to make some good friends.’

Jonathan Wilson, Japan

Find out more.

Call Habib Nader on 020 7921 2215 Email habibn@weareUs.org.uk Visit www.uspg.org.uk/journey

We are USPG. We are an Anglican mission agency working in partnership with local 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 info@uspg.org.uk www.uspg.org.uk/pray ISSN 1742-462 Registered charity number 234518