February 2012
Dear Friends
As we approach Lent, what an excellent opportunity to reflect on the many injustices in the world and to examine ourselves to see what actions we can take to make a difference. Use this as a time to become inspired by the opportunities rather than depressed by the problems, so that God can use us as his workers to bring life and hope to many who live in poverty.
Pray for the people of Syria as they live through times of violence and terror. Pray for an end to the massacre and a peaceful and just resolution for their country, which can allow everyone a voice.
Millions face starvation as drought continues to hit parts of Kenya, Chad and Mali. Pray for the aid agencies who are struggling to meet the needs of people after such a prolonged drought in the region. Pray too that more communities can get the help they need to developresistance to water shortages.
Communities in northern Nigeria have been left devastated after a spate of bomb attacks targeting churches and other attacks on mostly Christian areas.Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes to avoid terrorism from Boko Haram, an Islamic sect fighting to impose Sharia Law across the country. Please pray for the protection of groups targeted by Boko Haram, and for a spirit of forgiveness among churches to avoid the pitfalls of retaliatory violence.
Anyone who attended the Tax Justice workshop at the Global Aware Conference knows what a key issue of injustice tax dodging really is. You may wish to sign up to the related Avaaz campaign here
http://www.avaaz.org/en/goldman_sachs_pay_your_tax/?cl=1513054740&v=11975 or to Christian Aid's own campaign :
Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 27th Feb-11th March. Can you hold an event or include Fairtradematerial in worship? Free resources and ideas can be found here: http://step.fairtrade.org.uk/
Bristol is holding the first ever Fairtrade Business Awards to encourage more businesses of all sizes to use more Fairtrade products, and to promote those that already do. If your business or local shop/cafe should apply go to
http://www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk/FTF2012/BusinessAwards2012/NewAwards.html
Twoexcellent ideas for Lent that can be used by individuals and/or churches:
A moving and challenging film, documenting the struggle of disabled people from Hitler's Germany to today. Ultimately challenging but inspiring.
The Bristol Christian Action Network (BCAN), ISR and the Church Urban Fund (CUF) are working together with churches in Bristol to develop a deeper and more effective engagement with our city. We would like to follow up on work already carried out by inviting you to join with usto explore how we can affect the social and political life of our city as a united church in Bristol.
Cost 10. Pre-booking essential for catering purposes. To book,email
Men and women are welcome to this evening of food, live music, stallsand engaging speakers to celebrate International Womens Day.
A chance to hear Sandra Rojas, Fairtrade producer from Nicaragua, as well as Rosie Martin, Chief Exec African Initiatives.
Tickets and info : http://iwdbristol.eventbrite.co.uk/
or email bristolfairtradenetwork@gmail.com
Explore how our Christian faith empowers us to take action against globalpoverty, with Christian Aid and keynote speaker Joel Edwards, InternationalDirector of Micah Challenge.
Both events are free, but you must register a place: http://hungerforjustice.eventbrite.com/
Every small action makes a difference.
God bless
Global Aware Co-ordinator
Please note: I only work one day a week, so there may be a delay in replying to your email.