Dear Friends

As we face another wet and windy weekend, let's take a moment to think of those who have far greater things to overcome. Let's give thanks for what we have and pray God can inspire us to respond to at least one of these issues, to make a difference in another person's life.

 

Prayers

 

1. West Africa Food Crisis - Although it has largely disappeared from our news, more than 12 million people across the Sahel region of West Africa are in the midst of a severe food crisis and a million children are at risk of severe malnutrition. Pray that aid agencies can get food to where it is needed, and that weather and resources will enable sufficient food production as soon as possible.

 

2. Afghanistan - Pray for those who have lost loved ones in the spring offensive. Pray that the leaders will be able to bring peace. Your prayers are making a difference - the prayer force for Afghanistan report that just this week, local security forces intercepted insurgents carrying 10,000 kilograms of explosives that were intended for use in the crowded areas of a major city, thus averting massive casualties and much loss of life. Pray for all those who work to bring hope to the people who have been caught up in war for so long, especially children who have never known peace.

 

3. N. Korea - As we come to the end of North Korea Freedom Week, pray that the new leadership of Kim Jong Un will bring an end to the violent oppression of Christians, and any who oppose the regime .For more information and key prayer points, go to the Christian Solidarity Worldwide site: http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=news&id=1217&search

 

4. Burma - give thanks for the free elections that have, at last, brought a degree of democracy to Burma. Pray for Aung San Suu Kyi and other elected MPs, that they may continue the journey to bring freedom and justice to the country.

 

Actions

 

1. Christian Aid Week, 13th - 19th May

Christian Aid Week this year focusses on Sierra Leone, and enabling small farmers to increase yields in a country with one of the highest levels of food poverty in the world. Donate, fundraise, hold an event, or pray; be inspired by the wealth of resources on their website: www.caweek.org  

 

2. World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, 28th May - 3rd June. A chance to take action to bring a just peace to Palestine and Israel, initiated by the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum of the World Council of Churches. They have also produced a Kairos document, similar to the one calling for an end to apartheid in South Africa. I encourage yo to use some thoughts and prayers from this in your churches on 3rd June.

Full details here:  http://www.oikoumene.org/en/programmes/public-witness-addressing-power-affirming-peace/churches-in-the-middle-east/pief/world-week/what-you-can-do.html

3. Rio +20 Twenty years on from the groundbreaking earth summit in Rio, countries will be gathering again for Rio+20 from 20-22 June – a UN summit to discuss the environment. Churches in Brazil will be campaigning and praying ahead of the summit. Join them and others across the world to act and pray for change towards a sustainable and safe future that protects the earth and all who live in it, especially the poorest people. Tearfund, A Rocha and Stop Climate Coalition are holding events and campaigns from now until the summit. http://www.tearfund.org/en/get_involved/campaign/climatechange/ccrio/
 

Events

 

1. City of Sanctuary Supporters meeting, Wed 9th May 6-9pm, Assisi Centre, Lawford's Gate, Bristol BS5 0RE

This event, which is supported by Bristol Refugee Rights and Refugee Action is for anyone who supports the rights of asylum seekers, to collectively put together practical ideas which will make Bristol a real city of sanctuary.

The event is free, but participants are encouraged to register, either at bristol a_t cityofsanctuary d_o_t org or by calling 0117 9415969. 

 

1. Spectrum 2012 N:Courage, Sat 19th May, 2-4pm, Bristol Cathedral

A chance to meet people from a range of outreach and mission projects based in Bristol, to be inspired to get involved, and to network and share ideas. There will be an act of worship led by Churches Together in Greater Bristol at 4pm. For more information: http://www.cross-spectrum.co.uk/

 

2. Big Green Week, 9th-17th June, Bristol 

An exciting array of events, talks, reflections and family activities to inspire and empower us to take better care of the environment. Download the full programme here:  http://biggreenweek.com/

As part of Bristol's BIG Market on Sat 9th June, there will be a 'Fairtrade Street' running from A Fair Cup across from the Hippodrome - come and sample and buy a full range of Fairtrade goods and support local companies that trade fairly.

 

Please share this Bulletin with others. In taking action and praying together, we continue to show God's light and hope in the world.

Wishing you a peaceful and inspiring month