Global Aware Bulletin
June 2014
Dear Friends,
This month we’ve seen a lot in the news about international issues and politics with the kidnapping of the school girls in Nigeria, local and European Elections and other stories. Hearing these realities reminds us that we are in the world and that we can be the change makers that Jesus calls us to be. We can choose to speak out on behalf of the poor and marginalised, and engage with the structures of power and politics which have the potential to transform our society and world.
Prayers
1. Meriam Ibrahim is a Sudanese Christian who has been arrested and sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery and death for apostasy, after Sudanese authorities became aware of her marriage to Daniel, a Christian. Last week Meriam’s lawyers lodged an appeal against her sentence. She also has a 20month old son and a baby girl, Maya, born just this week who will stay in prison with her. Ask God to protect Meriam, Daniel, Martin, and Maya; Pray that the appeal would be successful, and Meriam and her children would be released immediately and unconditionally; Ask God to give peace and comfort to Daniel, who’s been separated from his wife and children.
2. South Sudan The violence that erupted between rival army factions in South Sudan last year has so far forced more than 1.3 million people from their homes. Many are in urgent need of food, water and healthcare and, as the rainy season begins, it will become harder to reach the most remote communities. Pray for the agencies trying to respond to the needs of so many, that they will be adequately resourced.
3. Violence Against Women and Girls This week the world has been reeling from the news that Farzana Parveen in Lahore, Pakistan was stoned to death for marrying the man she loved in public while no one stopped to intervene. Over a month ago over 200 school girls from Nigeria were abducted by Boko Haram, a mililtant Islamist group. Pray for more international and local action condemning and working to end violence against women.
Actions
Walk for Peace
Saturday 21st June, 12noon at Robinswood Hill walking until 4pm and finishing with a shared picnic tea. The walk, organised by Christian Aid and Islamic Relief, will be a combined effort of Christian and Muslim communities of Gloucester, be a symbolic peace walk and raise money for the Disasters Emergency Committee. For further information and to take part, contact Noel Sharp, Christian Aid Regional Coordinator for Gloucestershire nsharp@christian-aid.org, 01454 415923
Get Seen for Unseen
During Get Seen For Unseen week July 5th-12th supporters across the UK will be donning their brightest neon to raise funds and awareness for the millions trapped in modern day slavery. Join their mission to eradicate human trafficking, find out more: http://www.unseenuk.org/actnow/get-seen-for-unseen
Events
Pentecost event 8th June
Christians from across the city will be gathering for prayer and praise on College Green and in the Cathedral in the heart of Bristol for a celebration of Pentecost
Gather with picnics from 1pm, followed by “Voices and Vision “an afternoon of Worship and Praise with stories of God on the move in the City & Region and where He is leading us. There will also be Children’s Games, Bouncy Castle, Sports, Creative Arts, Exhibitions, HOTS, Youth Zone. At 3.15 pm we will all move into the Cathedral to join with Pentecost Evensong and a final celebration.
BIG GREEN WEEK! 14th-22nd June in Bristol
Be part of this incredible week long environmental Festival - a chance to learn, meet inspiring people and be equipped to take action to live sustainably.
Full programme of events here: www.biggreenweek.com
FareFashion 2014 Sponsored by The Co-operative
Saturday 21st June 2014 7-11pm Bristol City Hall
FareShare South West and Bristol Fairtrade bring you an evening of fair and local
food and drink, eco-fashion, recycling and sustainability. The event will begin with Fairtrade drinks and a sumptuous buffet banquet from FareShare SouthWest, cooked with food that would have been wasted by the food industry, and local surplus. Lucy Siegle, ethical expert at The Observer will host an eco-fashion show with the latest up-cycled, organic and Fairtrade clothing from local and national designers, as well as a chance to browse and buy from a pop-up ethical fashion village (open from 3pm). Tickets £25 includes full dinner, free drink and entertainment : http://biggreenweek.com/highlight/farefashion2014/
25 years of CAFOD Clifton Celebrations
8th June – Teas for Bees. The Catholic Women’s League are holding an afternoon tea to raise money for our World Gifts, Bishop Declan Lang will be attending. It is being held at St John Fisher, Frenchay, Bristol. The CWL have other Teas for Bees events as well, please contact the CAFOD Clifton Office for more information
27th June – Rally on the Alley. Join us for a friendly game of skittles and to hear a talk from CAFOD Clifton staff on our work in Kitui. Held at St Teresa’s Social Club in Filton.
Inclusive Sustainability – Because People Matter
Saturday 14th June, 9.30am – 4.30pm. The Park, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 1DQ. £21.85
Do you think the sustainability movement needs to hear from a wider range of people? Are you interested in learning how Bristol can fight for increased social equity at the same time as protecting the environment? Find out more:
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inclusive-sustainability-because-people-matter-tickets-10801314021#
I hope and pray we may all find inspiration and hope, to work together to bring positive change in the name of God.
Yours in Christ
Lydia
(on behalf of the Global Aware Team)