Global Aware Bulletin
November 2013
Dear Friends
As the days become shorter and the darker evenings draw in, we need to keep our eyes fixed on God, our source of inner light. This month I have linked our prayers to days when people across the world will be praying together for areas in our world which are desperately in need of light and hope. By praying together with thousands of others, we know we are part of a global voice crying out to God, and that change will come as a result.
Prayers
1.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church - Sunday 3 November
Join Christians across the world on 3rd November to pray for the 200 million Christians are currently experiencing persecution, harassment and discrimination as a result of their faith. Pray for them and for the work of Christian Solidarity Worldwide is working with politicians and key decision-makers all around the world to tackle this problem through advocacy, training and campaigning.
2. Day of prayer for Syria, Sunday 17th November: The possible dates of 23-24 November have been suggested for the Geneva II peace talks, although this is still by no means confirmed. Tearfund are calling on churches, prayer groups and individuals to join together on 17 November for Syria Sunday, a day of prayer for the peace process. Resources will be available soon – they’ll be linked via One Voice and will be posted online at http://www.tearfund.org/en/news/syria/
3. International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Friday 29th November : Please use this day (or the Sunday before or after) to focus on the continuing plight of the people of Palestine, trapped behind the wall with limited access to resources and trade. Pray for peace and understanding in the region, especially as our focus begins to turn to Bethlehem over the Christmas season. For an update on the situation, visit http://www.kairosbritain.org.uk/
Actions
1. Help stop slave labour in Qatar - Thousands of Nepalese workers are being forced to work in 50C/122F degree heat with no access to food or water, no pay, passports held to prevent them from leaving - and all to build the stadium for the 2022 World Cup. 44 workers have died already.
Sign the petition to put pressure on the Qatar governmnet to pay it's workers fairly and improve health and safety
Click here to call on FIFA to help ensure construction for the Qatar World Cup does not use slave labour.
2. Help the millions in India who have lost everything in Cyclone Phailin - as the Indian government evacuated most people at risk, only 50 people died in this cyclone, thus attracting very little media attention. But millions of homes, crops and livestock are destroyed and help is urgently needed. Help aid agencies working in the area by donating here - http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/india-cyclone-appeal/index.aspx
3. Make your Christmas shopping bring joy twice! By shopping ethically this Christmas you can bring joy to the recipient - and to the producer. Choose Fairtrade and ethically sourced products and ensure no-one has been exploited in the supply chain.
Events
1.
'UK Gold' Film Showing, The Cube Cinema, 4 Princess Row BS2 8NQ, Sunday 10th November 8 pm
Christian Aid is working with Oxfam and Action Aid to promote this film on the vital issue of Tax Justice. Global tax dodging becomes personal this autumn in a new award-winning documentary which follows one vicar as he explores the trail of tax dodging from near to his parish boundaries to destinations across the world.
Following the film there will be a panel discussion with speakers from Christian Aid, Oxfam and Action Aid.
The Cube does not have a pre-booking service for films, tickets are only sold on the door.You can however register/confirm your interest here and download a ticket to show http://bristolgold.eventbrite.co.uk/
Please turn up 15 minutes before the showing to buy tickets. The Cube is a membership cinema, please remember to bring your membership card or you can buy one on the door - only £1
2. Dalit Freedom Network UK film showing, 'India's Lost Childhood', Monday 11 November - Cube Cinema Bristol - 8pm (Doors 7.30pm)
A screening of the award-winning, Oscar-nominated short film 'Kavi', and live interviews with Kumar Swamy, South India Human Rights Convenor and Andrew Wallis, CEO of Bristol-based anti-trafficking NGO Unseen.
Tickets: £5 waged / £4 unwaged available from venue on the door
3. Create Festive Fair, Create Centre Bristol 6th-7th December
A great chance to finish your ethical gift buying and enjoy sustainable food and festive music into the bargain. All stalls are local, sustainable or fairly traded.
May the Lord of Light fill your hearts and minds through this time of waiting and wanting.
Yours in Christ
Jenny