Global Aware Bulletin
October 2013
Dear Friends
October is a busy month, as the Events section of this Bulletin shows! But, in preparing this, I have on one hand been inspired by current campaigns and events and, on the other, been deeply saddened by the stories of wars and violent attacks which dominate our headlines. I hope we can make time to pray for people caught up in these horrors, and, as God's people, may we do all we can to work for peace and understanding, and to end the desperate poverty and corruption which often facilitates such violence and war.
Prayers
1. Pray for all the families and friends who lost loved ones in the Westgate Shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya. Pray that all militants who are involved with planning similar attacks may be moved by the plight of those caught up in the tragedy, and have a clearer understanding of faith and God's calling.
2. Thank God that there seems to be some diplomatic progress in Syria. Pray that the international community may remain united in removing chemical weapons from the country, and that this agreement will provide a stepping stone for more talks to end the violence that is destroying the country.
3. Pray with the Christian community in Peshawar in Pakistan who lost 75 members of their church during worship at the hands of Taliban suicide bombers. Pray for protection for Christians in the province. Pray that every person of faith may stand together against violence and to promote tolerance and love.
Actions
1. Support the work of The
Justice for Bangladeshi Garment Workers campaign which has been launched by the Church of Bangladesh Group (a coalition of churches and Christian organisations) in response to the collapse of the textile factory Rana Plaza in Bangladesh, in April this year. The group is campaigning for fair wages and health and safety improvements. Christians in developed countries, who benefit from the cut-price clothing produced in Bangladesh, are being asked to take action to make real changes in conditions for the Bangladeshi garment workers. Ideas and action guide here:
http://www.weareus.org.uk/docstore/34.pdf
2. Take action on the
anti-corruption campaign Exposed, which is targetting 14th-20th October for action. You can watch the film, sign the petition, write to MPs or hold a vigil to call for transparency in governments and businesses. Many ideas and resources here:
http://www.exposed2013.com/act
3. Become a
Global Citizen with Global Poverty Project - sign the petition and watch the film - a real vision and hope to end extreme poverty by 2030
http://www.zeropoverty2030.org/
Events
12 October - 'Make Your Money Count', Broadmead Baptist Church, 10am-3.30pm
Want your money to do good in the world, not be invested in arms, tobacco and nuclear power? This one day event tells you all you need to know for you, and your church, to make your money count. Guest speaker: Charles Middleton, Triodos Bank, and input from Christian Aid, Ethex, Fairtrade and more.
18 October - 'Fairtrade: going deeper', Yate Library, 7.30-9.30pm
An evening of discovery to find out how and why Fairtrade sales have more than doubled in the last 5 years despite the economic downturn, and how, what was once a niche food market, has become mainstream in the UK today.
There will be short films, discussion and thoughts from Steve Webb MP, as well as free Fairtrade wines and nibbles. For more information contact South Gloucestershire Fairtrade Coordinator Lydia Nash, lnash@christian-aid.org
11,18, 23 October - 'Listen to Our Story' - a powerful and warm-hearted drama about the asylum seeker experience. See here: Fri 11 Oct, Fri 18 Oct, Wed 23 Oct, Fri 25 Oct
20 to 27 October - One World Week 2013
The theme this year is ‘More Than Enough?’, which offers two linked elements. Firstly, along with the European Global Education Week, it wants to explore issues about consumption of resources. Secondly, it is offering an opportunity to support or organise local events with people and organisations involved to follow up the multi-organisation campaign 'Enough Food for everyone IF' which asks the question 'Why, if the world produces enough food for everyone, do more than two million children die every year because they can’t get enough to eat?' and to ask what needs to be done next. For more information, visit http://www.oneworldweek.org
25th January - 'L is for Lifestyle', Broadmead Baptist Church 10am-3.30pm
Taking up the theme from One World Week, how do we as Christians make food choices that can protect the planet, ensure others are fed and respects God's provision?
Ruth Valerio, ethical food guru and leading Christian speaker, will guide us through the minefield of food issues - local, Fairtrade, Food banks, organic and more, with plenty of practical ideas and inspirational resources.
A brilliant and practical day, with lunch from FareShare South West that uses food that would be wasted by the food industry. Don't miss it!
Book here: https://lifestylega2014.eventbrite.co.uk/
I wish you a God-centred, peaceful and inspiring month
Yours in Christ
Jenny