Dear Friends

 

I hope you've enjoyed a happy festive period filled with good company, good food and good rest. Now as we face another year, how do we feel? Positive and raring to go, or deflated and worried about returning to work and responsibilities?

I hope you can find a few minutes to read the Bulletin this week (and to book your place on the Global Aware Conference which will be just the inspiration you need!). Spending a few moments in prayer and taking action on behalf of the world's poorest is the one of the best ways to find the heart of God and focus our minds afresh for the new year. Thank you for joining me.

 

 

1. Take a few minutes to think through some of the incredible events that have made headlines in 2013. Pray for the people still affected by what has effectively become 'old news'. Cafod have produced a very good video summary of where they have been focussing their work in response to urgent global need, which may be helpful to you http://www.cafod.org.uk/News/International-News/year-in-pictures

 

2. Peace - Pray that a new year may inspire those fighting in Syria, South Sudan and the Central African Republic to actively seek peace and a fresh start. Pray for refugees displaced by the fighting and struggling to survive in the harsh winter conditions. Pray too for the aid agencies working in conflict zones, that they will be able to deliver humanitarian aid where it's most needed.

 

3. The legacy of Mandela - as people in this country watch the newly released film of his life, and South Africans adapt to life without 'Madiba', pray that the world may be inspired by Mandela's inspirational life, to seek peace, reconciliation and equality.

 

 

1. Take a few minutes to ponder what God may be calling you to do in 2014. It may be to donate money, or to join a campaigning organisation such as Avaaz, or to take every opportunity to make random acts of kindness. God will use your passion and love for his people around the world to make the most difference. Living Isaiah 58 is a calling which can seem overwhelming, but brings hope and inspiration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUmnezfaiRY

 

2. Help fight Corruption - Be a part of EXPOSED, the first ever global campaign by Christians to stand for integrity and honesty in financial dealings in business, government and church. Corruption leads to injustice and broken relationships, while the Bible calls us to restore relationships with each other and with God.
Join the call to the leaders of the world’s powerful nations (the G20) to step up efforts to combat bribery and tax avoidance. https://signup.exposed2013.com/p/micah

 

3. Support Unseen's Appeal to raise £100,000 in 100 days to support child victims of trafficking. Unseen aim to set up the country’s first highly specialist service that will provide each child with the individual support they need so they can regain their freedom – and their childhood.

http://www.unseenuk.org/projects/projects-in-development

 

 

1. Global Aware Conference - not to be missed! Saturday 25th January 9.30-3.30, Broadmead Baptist Church

Start your New Year full of inspiration and passion to change food systems that keep millions hungry. A brilliant and practical day that will challenge and inspire you.

YOU MUST BOOK A PLACE! Otherwise you'll miss the fabulous lunch from FareShare SW, using food surplus.Pay online or choose the pay on the door option (only £10 including lunch, £7.50 for students).

https://lifestylega2014.eventbrite.co.uk

 

 

2. For-Ethiopia Ethiopian Christmas event, 25^th January, 6.30-10pm, Woodlands Church 

Sad that Christmas events are over? Don't despair, Ethiopian Christmas is Jan 7^th and For-Ethiopia are celebrating in style, the evening after the Conference so you can make a day of it! Details and book tickets here:

Thank you for everything you are doing to end extreme global poverty and bring God's Kingdom nearer. I hope to see you at the Conference on 25th.

 

Wishing you a happy, peaceful and inspirational 2014

 

Jenny