Us. The new name for USPG

Pray with Us.5 April – 25 July 2015

February 3

Pray with Us is the prayer journal for supporters of Us (formerly USPG). The views expressed here may not represent the official position of Us. Material from this publication may be used freely in public worship.

ISSN 1742-4623

Us in Britain:Us., Harling House, 47-51 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS020 7921 2200 info@weareUs.org.uk www.weareUs.org.ukRegistered charity number 234518

Us in Ireland: Linda Chambers, National Director, Us in Ireland, Egan House, St Michan’s Church, Church Street, Dublin 7+353 (0)86 858 6337 Us@ireland.anglican.org www.weareUs.ieRegistered charity numbers: CHY 7988 (in Ireland), XT 26530 (in Northern Ireland).

Cover image: Saw Ettrict, Diocese Secretary, Diocese of Toungoo, Myanmar (Us/Leah Gordon)

What is the point of prayer? Surely if God is all-knowing, all-wise and all-caring then God has no need of prayer? Are our prayers not

useless babbling or, worse, attempts to coerce God to do our will? How can we, with our limited minds and suspect agendas, presume to tell the Almighty what to do?

God does not need our prayers. God is perfectly capable of figuring out what to do without our advice or participation. God does not need our prayer – but we need our prayer. And God wants our prayer.

Prayer is not empty words rattled off to an uncaring sky. Prayer is an expression of our caring and love for a particular situation or person, and a commitment to doing whatever we can to help.

My tiny cousin likes nothing better than to help her dad to tidy up the house. Dad could do much better by himself, but the companionship of his daughter in this work of love is worth all the efficiency in the world.

When we pray we put our hands in God’s and offer ourselves to help fix the world we and our brothers and sisters have broken. God does not need our prayers, but God rejoices in them as expressions of our love.

Evie VernonProgramme Adviser for Theological Education, Us.

God rejoices in our prayers

Swaziland: Article by Mandla Mdluli, Development Officer, Diocese of Swaziland.

This week in Swaziland, a dozen young people will undertake a 125-mile sponsored walk to raise awareness and funds to support the work of Anglican church schools.

Entitled ‘A Walk with Christ’, the young people, aged 20 to 33 from parishes throughout Swaziland, will walk from Mpandesane in the south to Manzini in the north. They leave on Tuesday and aim to complete the journey in one week.

The philosophy behind the expedition is that it is not enough for the church to ‘talk the talk’, we should also ‘walk the walk’!

The participants want to raise awareness about the challenges facing schools and school children in Swaziland, in particular the shortage of food supplies for school meals and the prohibitive costs of school fees and educational materials.

It is hoped that churches, business and other organisations in Swaziland will sponsor the walk to help raise much-needed funds for Anglican schools.

The walkers will stay in Anglican churches en route, and provide local young people with support and training in life skills, career guidance and business enterprise.

5–11 April

www.weareUs.org.uk/swaziland

Sunday 5 April: Easter Day Hallelujah! He is risen! Today we celebrate the hope and new life we have in Jesus Christ. Monday 6 Pray for the Diocese of Swaziland and its bishop, the Rt Revd Ellinah Wamukoya. Pray that the church in Swaziland may know the power of Christ’s resurrection. Tuesday 7 Give thanks for the group of young people from Lomahasha Parish who embark today upon a fundraising cross-nation walk. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, may they encounter Christ on their journey. Wednesday 8 Pray for the work of the Anglican Schools for whom the young people are raising funds. May the schools be places of opportunity, care and learning. Thursday 9 Pray that orphaned children now living in child-led families in Swaziland might know the care of church and community. Friday 10 Pray for parents, Sunday school teachers and youth leaders as they seek to share the love and life of Christ with the children in their care. Saturday 11 Pray that the 26 Anglican schools in the Diocese of Swaziland might be a blessing to their wider communities.

Note: Sunday prayers linking our prayer diary with the Common Worship Lectionary can be found at www.weareUs.org.uk/sunday

www.weareUs.org.uk/ebola

February 312–18 April

Ebola: An update on the situation in West Africa, where the Ebola virus has claimed over 9,000 lives.

Ebola is not just a health problem. The impact on communities throughout West Africa has been huge. Quarantines and curfews in the most-affected countries – Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone – mean the people have not been able to trade or farm easily, which has damaged livelihoods and created food shortages.

Bishop Emmanuel Tucker, in the Diocese of Bo, Sierra Leone, said: ‘Farming activities were abandoned. So there is a shortage of food and livestock for consumption and commercial purposes. The urgent need in communities is to secure farm implements and seeds to kick-start their farming livelihood.’

As part of the national response to Ebola, schools were closed, interrupting education for thousands of children. The side-effects of school closures have been a rise in teenage pregnancies and early marriages. In addition, as schools gradually re-open, some children are not returning.

The church is helping to address these concerns by providing free meals as an incentive to encourage children back into school, while special efforts are being made to help pregnant teenagers continue in education.

Sunday 12 April Give thanks for a decline in the rate of new Ebola cases. Give thanks for the response of the church and for co-operation of government and non-government agencies.

Monday 13 Pray for the rebuilding of nations affected by the Ebola outbreak. Pray for communities as they attempt to rebuild lives and livelihoods following months of disruption and uncertainty.

Tuesday 14 Pray for the healing of those infected by the Ebola virus and for the protection of those who care for them.

Wednesday 15 Pray for the people of Sierra Leone as they work to end the spread of Ebola and for courage for all who are ill or affected by the virus.

Thursday 16 Pray for the people of Guinea who have lost loved ones to Ebola, for comfort of those who mourn, and especially for children who have lost their parents.

Friday 17 Pray for the people of Liberia as they struggle to contain the Ebola virus, for calm in their facing of fear, and for wisdom in their keeping safe.

Saturday 18 Pray for all those seeking to contain the Ebola virus, and for doctors and scientists seeking to find a cure.

www.weareUs.org.uk/bangladesh

February 3

Bangladesh: Article by Michael A Roy, of the Church of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is passing through a very difficult time. Road blockades and strikes called by an alliance of opposition parties have badly affected the livelihoods of the marginalised poor who have been unable to travel to work, resulting in great hardship. [Opposition parties boycotted last year’s general election, saying it would be rigged by the current government.]

The economy of the country is grinding to a halt. The road blocks prevent farmers getting to markets to sell their produce. The strikes are estimated to have cost billions to the economy.

Violence has erupted in the streets, claiming 75 lives, with a more than 1,000 injured, and hundreds of cars set on fire. Many schools are only open at weekends.

Meanwhile, the government is refusing to have dialogue with the opposition party, so there is no end in sight for the mayhem.

Everyone is affected, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. The church cannot find a way to influence the political situation, but we can watch and pray.

We urge Christians around the world to pray for an immediate solution so that the deaths can stop and we can return to a normal life.

19–25 April

Sunday 19 April Pray for Bangladesh during this time of widespread unrest. Pray that politicians might be able to resolve their differences in the best interests of the nation.

Monday 20 Pray for the welfare of marginalised groups in Bangladesh, already in hardship, and now feeling the impact of national unrest most keenly.

Tuesday 21 Pray for an end to a rising trend in political kidnappings and killings, in which activists of different parties are being targeted.

Wednesday 22 Pray for access to resources for all minority groups in Bangladesh – including Christians. May all people be able to live in safety and with confidence.

Thursday 23: George, martyr Give thanks for health programmes run by the Church of Bangladesh, with support from Us. Pray for strength for health personnel and trainees.

Friday 24 Pray for God’s protection for women and children in all communities in Bangladesh who are especially vulnerable to domestic violence and abuse of all kinds.

Saturday 25: Mark the Evangelist Pray for those in Bangladesh and other parts of the world most affected by climate change. Pray that global leaders would take stronger action to limit global warming.

Palestine (Gaza): By Johannes Zang, former Us mission companion in Jerusalem, now a journalist and political activist based in Germany.

Between 27 January and 2 February 2015, the Rafah Crossing that separates Gaza and Egypt was closed. According to the UN, more than 30,000 registered Palestinians were not able to cross into Egypt, including patients in need of medical attention and students who were missing classes.

There are also restrictions at the Erez Crossing between northern Gaza and Israel.

Such is the situation for Palestinians living in Gaza: restrictions at the Israeli-controlled Rafah and Erez Crossings have been in place since 2007, blockading Gaza from the rest of the world.

As well as preventing the movement of Gazean people, the blockades prevent the movement of flowers, fruit, vegetables and other goods – inhibiting food supplies and trade.

In the five months prior to the blockade (January to May 2007), around 240 truckloads of goods left Gaza with Israeli permission; during the equivalent period in 2014, the number was closer to 70. No wonder that Gazeans often describe the Gaza Strip as the world’s biggest open air prison.

26 April – 2 May

www.weareUs.org.uk/palestine

Sunday 26 April Pray for children in Palestine who are growing up in a war-torn environment. May they find strength and endurance so they can experience a future with dignity.

Monday 27 Pray for comfort for the Christian minority in Gaza, who number around 1,100 souls. Pray also that Muslims and Christians in Gaza might live in harmony and peace.

Tuesday 28 Pray for all those who continue to suffer in Palestine and Israel as a result of last year’s 50-day war and because of the ongoing occupation of Palestine by Israel.

Wednesday 29 Pray that staff of all hospitals in Palestine might have personal endurance as well as the medical supplies needed to carry on their work despite blockades.

Thursday 30 Pray for peace. Pray that politicians in Israel, Palestine and around the world might work together to find a peaceful resolution to conflict.

Friday 1 May: Philip and James, Apostles Give thanks for all working at a local, national and international level for an end to the deadly conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Saturday 2 Pray that God might show us all creative ways to contribute towards a peaceful Holy Land.

www.weareUs.org.uk/britain

3–9 May

Us in Britain and Ireland: Keep climate change at the forefront of the UK’s general election.

Churches around the world, communities living and dying with extreme weather conditions, have long urged serious attention to the impact of unlimited carbon emissions on global warming. Furthermore, in recent years, flooding in Britain and Ireland has alerted us to the changing climate in this hemisphere. Recent scientific research reported rising sea levels for northeast America, predicting extreme coastal surges.

It is vital that those living in developed nations, which have fully contributed to the critical global context in which we all live, urge governments to take the realities of climate change seriously.

Climate change is faced in the most devastating ways by those least to blame. Our church partners around the world seek our solidarity and action to put pressure on our governments to decrease carbon emissions urgently. Us supports the campaign Hope for the Future, through which British citizens can target their local MP to ensure this issue is raised up the political agenda.

And while arguments rumble on to cut the British Government’s foreign aid, the voice of the electorate needs to demand the maximum amount towards the global UN-established Green Climate Fund.

Sunday 3 May This week we pray for the UK General Election. Pray that, as nations, we will seek God’s guidance.

Monday 4 Pray that among all the many issues being debated this week, the UK public will remember the vital need to make their vote address the issue of climate change.

Tuesday 5 Pray for peace during the elections. Pray that there will be respect and healthy debate, integrity and openness.

Wednesday 6 Pray for voters as they make choices. May decisions reflect a desire to see God’s love and justice rule the nations.

Thursday 7: Election Day Pray that all those elected into power will seek to lead the nation into fairness, equality and care for one another, and that we will hold our MPs accountable.

Friday 8 Pray for wisdom for the new government as we embark upon a new phase. May we all be inspired to create a society that demands the well-being of all.

Saturday 9 Give thanks to God as ruler of all nations. Give thanks that, amid the joy and pain of the people, history is shaped by God’s purpose.

10–16 May

www.weareUs.org.uk/journey

Journey with Us: Rebecca Wilson, 20, reflects on her placement in Lusaka, Zambia, with our Journey with Us placement programme.

I’ve always been disorganised and found it difficult to focus – perhaps I’ve depended too much on my parents for someone aged 20. So, arriving in Zambia, I remember thinking, How on earth am I going to survive on my own? The first few days were a blur. I had to adapt or sink.

Also, considering I was on placement with a Christian charity, I was apprehensive about going to church. I felt I wouldn’t be Christian enough. However, I was surprised. Everyone was kind and welcoming!

I’ve been helping at a school with children aged three to seven. The children are so happy; it makes me happy just being around them. For years I’ve been dreaming of becoming a midwife; but now I believe my vocation is to be a primary school teacher.

I’ve got a new-found faith in God. I feel blessed every day. I’ve figured how to keep my life in order. I know things will be ok. I believe in myself more than ever: I can and will figure it out!

Sunday 10 May Give thanks for the many people whose lives have been transformed through Journey with Us.

Monday 11 Pray for Rebecca Wilson (see article) in Zambia. Pray for Alfred and Christine Green, both retired from Dorset, who are on placement in Myanmar.

Tuesday 12 Pray for geography graduate Rebecca Boardman, 22, from Alton, Hampshire, on placement with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.

Wednesday 13 Pray for gap year student Rose Russell-Cohen, 19, from Bentham, North Yorkshire, who is on placement at the Henry Martyn Institute, India.

Thursday 14: Ascension Day Pray for James and Susy Putnam, from Totnes, who are on placement with the Church of South India, in Kerala, for six months.

Friday 15: Matthias the Apostle Pray for engineer Paul Smith, 50, from Warrington, who is spending a year in Dodoma, Tanzania. Pray for teacher Keri Winter, 32, Banbury, on placement in Ghana, and psychologist Victoria Howard, 60, supporting outreach in the Seychelles.

Saturday 16 Pray for all the returned volunteers as they resettle into life in Britain/Ireland and share their experiences.

South Africa: Article and prayers by Petrina Pakoe, of Hope Africa. Us and Hope Africa are working together on a Gender Based Violence programme.

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is widespread across South Africa. Unhappily, the church has often deepened the impact of trauma through silence, stigma and discrimination. This must change.

Conservative estimates suggest more than 500,000 rapes take place in South Africa every year (IRIN), affecting approximately one in 45 women. Worldwide, it is estimated that one in five women will become a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime (UN).

An estimated 35 million people in South Africa belong to a church, so there is huge potential to end the endemic problem of sexual violence. There is an urgent need for the church to speak out on issues that discriminate against women and to instead champion gender equality.

Despite differences in scriptural interpretation of male and female roles, Christians are united in believing all people should be treated with love and respect. In cultures where women are being silenced, the church is called to uphold biblical values, not cultural traditions.

The church can provide support, stand alongside survivors seeking justice, and challenge harmful attitudes within society that perpetuate GBV.

17–23 May

www.weareUs.org.uk/southsafrica

Sunday 17 May Pray for protection and empowerment for women who find the courage to speak out openly about the abuse they and others have experienced.

Monday 18 Pray that all women who have suffered abuse might know God’s love carrying them amid the pain. May the church be like Christ, providing care and support.

Tuesday 19 Pray that medical services, NGOs and church leaders will provide sensitive counselling and safe spaces to enable women to rebuild their lives.

Wednesday 20 Pray for married couples trying to come to terms with the aftermath of rape. May they find refuge in God’s love and find comfort in each other.

Thursday 21 Pray that the church will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, sensitivity and resources to provide holistic support to survivors of abuse and their families.

Friday 22 Pray that we might all show love and compassion to those affected by gender based violence, bringing healing and restoration to all who suffer.

Saturday 23 Pray that boys and men might find role models of positive masculinity so they might develop a sense of self-worth that includes respect and appreciation for women.

Brazil: Article by the Most Revd Francisco De Assis Da Silva, Primate of the Anglican Church in Brazil.

Poverty is the greatest missionary challenge to the church. More and more the distance between the poor and the rich in the world increases outrageously.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Pope Francis have been very accurate in their critique of the economic model that produces more and more wealth to the already wealthy and more poverty for the already poor.

Recently in Brazil, the banks announced huge profits on capital, with some rates above 25 per cent – within the context of a stagnant economy and rapid reduction of social investments.

We need to be even more vocal in our defence of those suffering the consequences of an economic model that generates more poverty than dignity.

We would do well to remember the words of Archbishop Justin at a course for new bishops: ‘We must be a poor church in order to serve the poor!’

A church that is faithful to the gospel needs to be critical of any economic model that enslaves, excludes and victimises our brothers and sisters, and creates the scandal of accumulation, selfish consumerism and waste!

24–30 May

www.weareUs.org.uk/brazil

Sunday 24 May: Pentecost Pray that our world leaders would implement economic systems that seek the well-being of all, rather than the profit of a few.

Monday 25 Pray that the government and authorities in Brazil might not be tempted by the power of corruption, but seek to serve all parts of society.

Tuesday 26 Pray for the poor in Brazil who do not have sufficient access to health services, education or public transport, despite the apparent wealth in the country.

Wednesday 27 Give thanks for Archbishop Francisco De Assis Da Silva and the Anglican Church in Brazil. Pray that the church might lead by example.

Thursday 28 Pray for those who campaign for land rights and justice for indigenous communities and small-scale farmers in Brazil.

Friday 29 Pray for an end to deforestation and exploitation of the Amazon rainforest, which are damaging both local communities and the eco-system.

Saturday 30 As Brazil prepares to host the 2016 Olympics, pray that the needs and welfare of the poor will not be overlooked by those directing the development of the facilities, nor overshadowed by the ambitions of commerce.

www.weareUs.org.uk/pray

Ebola: Pray for affected communities by the virus.

Zimbabwe: Give thanks for development work.

Brazil: Pray for justice and rights for the poor.

South Africa: Pray for an end to gender violence.

5 April – 25 July 2015Pray with Us

UK: Pray for wisdom as we go to the polls.

www.weareUs.org.uk/pray

Sri Lanka: Pray for peace between ethnic groups.

Palestine: Pray for peace in the Holy Land.

Bangladesh: Pray for political stability.

Malawi: Pray for those affected by floods.

India: Pray for an end to extremist violence.

Swaziland: Pray for the nation’s many orphans.

Philippines: Pray to end human rights abuses.

Lesotho: Give thanks for community health work.

Myanmar: Pray for rights for minority groups.

Sri Lanka: Article by Fr Lakshman Daniel, of the Church of Ceylon.

Sri Lanka is still recovering from a 30-year civil war. Though fighting stopped in 2009, people in the north face hardships due to ongoing militarisation, the occupation of their land, and an inability to recover ancestral properties. Clearly, there is a need for reconciliation between the minority Tamils in the north and the majority Sinhalese in the south.

New infrastructure is being developed, with many projects to improve standards of living. However, the benefits are not reaching those most in need.

In recent years, we have seen a rise in extremist forces who are trying to silence unrest among minority groups. These extremists are not being opposed.

We have seen a breakdown in law and order. We witness injustice, exploitation and crime. It is in this context that in January the nation voted into power a new president, Maithripala Sirisena, as the representative for all parties opposing former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was seeking a third term in office. The new president is promising to fight corruption and uphold good governance.

In the role of prophet, the Church of Ceylon is standing on the side of the poor and the oppressed.

31 May – 6 June

www.weareUs.org.uk/srilanka

Sunday 31 May: Trinity Sunday Pray for the people Sri Lanka, especially for those who are being oppressed and exploited, that they may know peace and justice.

Monday 1 June: Visit of Mary to Elizabeth Pray for comfort and strength for widows, orphans and other victims of war and violence in Sri Lanka. Pray for the well-being of all people in the nation.

Tuesday 2 Pray that the police, judicial systems and authorities would seek justice, fairness and equality. Pray for good governance and an end to corruption.

Wednesday 3 Pray for reconciliation between Tamil and Sinhalese communities in Sri Lanka. Give thanks for the Church of Ceylon’s role as peace-maker.

Thursday 4: Corpus Christi Pray for guidance for the Church of Ceylon so that it might be a beacon of hope for the nation. Pray for the church’s inter faith work.

Friday 5 Pray for courage and strength for those who govern in Sri Lanka so that peace might be experienced by all. Pray for President Maithripala Sirisena.

Saturday 6 Pray that Sri Lanka might be restored to its former glory as a true paradise where peace, tranquility and love reign in the people’s hearts.

India: The church is speaking out following extremist attacks on churches and Christian institutions.

Christians have been protesting in the streets of New Delhi following five attacks on churches and schools by extremists in two months. Some are blaming the Ghar Wapsi Programme, by which extremists are seeking to ‘reconvert’ Muslims and Christians to Hinduism.

A statement issued by the Church of South India reads: ‘The recent vandalism and attacks have evoked a strong sense of insecurity and anguish among the Christian community in India. The church in India demands that the government should initiate a judicial enquiry and take steps to ensure repair and restoration of the damaged churches.

‘The church is a minority community but the contribution and impact it has made on development has been immense, particularly in the fields of education and health. The church in South India urges the central government to create a sense of security, safety and a new hope for all minority communities, not just the Christian minority community.’

7–13 June

www.weareUs.org.uk/india

Sunday 7 June Pray for India. Pray for a sense of tolerance and respect for people of all faiths. Pray for peace and security in the nation.

Monday 8 Pray for the church in India as it faces persecution by extremist groups. Pray that Christians may know the presence and protection of God.

Tuesday 9 Pray for church leaders in India, that they may be blessed with wisdom, courage, and joy in their calling.

Wednesday 10 Pray for people in positions of social and political authority in India, that they might seek the common good of all citizens, regardless of caste, religion or class.

Thursday 11 June: Barnabas the Apostle Pray for the church throughout India as it seeks to promote peace and justice for poor marginalised groups, including the Dalits.

Friday 12 Pray for the many different ministries of the Church of South India and the Church of North India. Give thanks for programmes in healthcare, gender empowerment and community development, supported by Us.

Saturday 13 Pray for those whose human rights are abused and trampled upon, that the church might be a powerful and effective advocate for them.

Philippines: As we mark the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta – 800 years of democracy – Fr Wilfredo Ruazol, of the Philippine Independent Church, looks at human rights abuses in his country.

There are many human rights abuses in the Philippines. There has been the murder of peace advocates, social activists, peasants and labour leaders, and journalists.

Poor urban communities are being evicted to make way for new luxury developments, leaving families on the streets. Indigenous people are losing ancestral land to mining corporations. Communities devastated by typhoons do not receive government assistance.

Philippine churches are working in solidarity with the poor and the oppressed to expose the root causes of these brutal violations.

We believe the government must be accountable. What appears to be a democratic bureaucracy is rather a facade for state oppression and military rule.

However, because of our stand against oppression, church workers and clergy are not spared by guns and bullets. Many who have spoken against state fascism have been harassed, killed or vanished without trace.

As the church, we confront the state. Our aim is to expose these cruelties and to help build a society in which we are all free to achieve our full human potential.

14–20 June

www.weareUs.org.uk/philippines

Sunday 14 June Pray for an end to human rights abuses in the Philippines. Give wisdom to the church and all peace-makers. Protect them as they seek justice.

Monday 15 Today we commemorate 800 years since the signing of the Magna Carta. Pray that its principles of fairness and equality might be fully realised in all nations.

Tuesday 16 Give thanks for the social action and campaigning work of the Episcopal Church of the Philippines and the Philippine Independent Church, both members of the Anglican Communion and partners of Us.

Wednesday 17 Pray for tighter control of irresponsible mining companies that poison streams with chemicals and indiscriminately cut down trees.

Thursday 18 Pray for comfort and strength for all marginalised communities who face daily hardship in the Philippines, including workers of the land, indigenous peoples, women and human rights advocates.

Friday 19 Pray for communities affected by the storms that strike the Philippines each year. Give thanks for Us-supported relief and long-term development programmes.

Saturday 20 Pray for churches in Britain and Ireland to stand in solidarity with the people of the Philippines.

Myanmar: Article by the Rt Revd John Wilme, Bishop of Toungoo.

Myanmar is in the midst of change. The people are hoping for a better life with more freedom, reforms and justice.

The people enjoy a certain level of free speech, access to communication and freedom of travel. Yet the majority of the population is poor, and politicians stir up conflict between ethnic and religious groups to try and win votes.

Many of us want to see a change in the 2008 constitution, which reserves 25 per cent of parliamentary seats for the military and excludes minority ethnic groups. We want to see a constitution that more faithfully represents the people.

We are thankful that peace talks between the government and ethnic groups are taking place, and we are hoping for a free and fair general election later this year. The people long for a peaceful and prosperous country.

Despite being a very small church, we are trying our best to witness to Christ. With the support of overseas partners, like Us, we have programmes in health, education and community development. We are training health workers and traditional birth attendants, running primary schools and preschools, and helping isolated villagers to establish income-generating initiatives.

21–27 June

www.weareUs.org.uk/myanmar

Sunday 21 June Give thanks for changes in the political climate in Myanmar, resulting in greater freedoms and better access to resources for the people.

Monday 22 Give thanks for the Church of Myanmar as it reaches out to communities of all faiths and backgrounds.

Tuesday 23 Pray for Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo and his team of bishops and clergy that they might be effective agents in the building of a free country.

Wednesday 24: Birth of John the Baptist Pray that elections due to take place in Myanmar before the end of 2015 will be free, fair and successful. Pray that those voted into power will seek a peaceful and just society.

Thursday 25 Pray for the church and all other peace-makers. May they have God’s wisdom and guidance as they seek to resolve conflicts and bring different ethnic groups around the negotiation table.

Friday 26 Give thanks for ongoing peace talks in Myanmar that seek to resolve conflicts between the government and ethnic groups that feel they are deprived of democratic rights.

Saturday 27 Pray for all in Myanmar who are reliant on farming, but whose livelihoods are threatened by storms.

Zimbabwe: Article by Linda Ngevu, of Penhalonga, Manicaland, whose life was transformed by a programme to support people living with HIV.

I am 38. I am married with three children. Two years ago, I was invited to the community hall in Tsvingwe to hear about a programme called Umoja, which means ‘working together’.

The people started a micro-finance scheme. We each agreed to pay $5 a month into a communal pot, out of which we could borrow money to start income-generation projects.

For a long time, I was hesitant to borrow money because I was not confident I could make a project work. But eventually I borrowed $30. I bought and sold some small fish (kapenta) and I made a profit of 100 per cent! I was excited to think I could run a profit-making business.

I paid back the money I had borrowed, together with the interest I owed – and still had enough money to continue my business. I felt awakened! I started trading in soap, clothes, lotions and blankets.

My husband is unemployed, and for years we had been known for making excuses and apologies and never paying school fees for our children on time. But now we always pay on time.

28 June – 4 July

www.weareUs.org.uk/zimbabwe

Sunday 28 June Give thanks for the efforts of the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe, supported by Us, to help communities tackle poverty by drawing upon their own strengths. Monday 29: Peter and Paul, Apostles Pray for the unemployed in Zimbabwe, many of them trained and educated but unable to find a job.

Tuesday 30 Pray that God would raise up church leaders who are equipped to work creatively with the poor and the marginalised, including women and children.

Wednesday 1 July Give thanks for the work of the church, with other agencies, to combat HIV-related stigma. Pray that Zimbabwean society would find ways to care those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Thursday 2 Pray that political leaders in Zimbabwe would work together to create an economy of fairness and justice that benefits all, rather than profiting a few.

Friday 3: Thomas the Apostle Pray for Zimbabwe’s public healthcare system, which is under enormous strain due to a lack of resources.

Saturday 4 Pray for all those affected by erratic weather patterns – thought to be caused by climate change. Pray for those affected by frequent flooding.

Malawi: Article by the Revd Canon Alinafe Kalemba, Bishop of Southern Malawi.

Flooding in Malawi in January claimed more than 200 lives and left more than 200,000 homeless. A lot of the pain this caused had been absorbed by our understanding of what it means to live in community.

We live as a community. If someone asks ‘How are you?’, and the person replies that they are not well, they could mean a relative is not well – because families see themselves as a single entity.

I remember a time when four or five families would always eat together because if one family did not have enough food then, collectively, there would still be enough for everyone.

We are concerned all the time with the welfare of the community – the Christian faith encourages this, seeing each person as created in God’s image.

But, a note of caution: outside cultures arriving in Malawi are starting to change our ideas about community. These cultures encourage people to be interested only in themselves or in their own families – and less interested in their neighbours. As a result, cultural values that used to hold us together are starting to disappear, which is threatening community living.

5–11 July

www.weareUs.org.uk/malawi

Sunday 5 July Pray for the people of Malawi, that they may celebrate a sense of community and see your love revealed through a life of sharing.

Monday 6 Pray for all those in Malawi affected by recent flooding that claimed more than 200 lives and displaced 200,000. May the bereaved be comforted and may communities be restored.

Tuesday 7 Pray for an end to global warming and climate change, so that poorer nations like Malawi might suffer less from the impact of erratic weather patterns.

Wednesday 8 Pray for the leadership of the Anglican Council in Malawi, that they may have wisdom and vision to lead the church and serve your people.

Thursday 9 Pray that communities served by Us-supported health programmes would find solutions and resources to keep their families healthy and nourished.

Friday 10 Pray that Malawi’s political leaders would govern with wisdom and integrity, and that Malawi might remain a land of peace.

Saturday 11 Pray that Malawi’s leaders will be gifted with wisdom and love. May they keep the welfare of the poor in their hearts when making economic policies.

Lesotho: Article by Thabiso Nyapisi, Programme Officer with Anglican development organisation Hope Africa.

Lesotho is a small mountainous country in Southern Africa with a population of two million. Like many countries in Southern Africa, Lesotho faces many health challenges, not least a 23 per cent prevalence rate of HIV and AIDS – and an average life expectancy of 49 years.

Healthcare is delivered primarily by the government and the Christian Health Association of Lesotho, which includes the Anglican Diocese of Lesotho.

Access to health services is difficult for many people, especially in rural areas, although progress is being made in the communities around St James’ Mission Hospital in Mantšonyane, where, with support from Us, a community health programme was started in 2013.

The health programme encourages families to talk openly about their concerns – then respond by drawing upon their own skills and resources. Concerns include youth abusing drugs, HIV and AIDS, gender based violence, and livestock theft.

Jointly co-ordinating the health programme are personnel from St James’ Hospital, members of the local church and community, and staff from Hope Africa.

12–18 July

www.weareUs.org.uk/lesotho

Sunday 12 July Give thanks for the Anglican Church in Lesotho as it works alongside Us and Hope Africa to reach out to rural communities in word and deed.

Monday 13 Give thanks for the work of St James’ Hospital, in Mantšonyane, where staff are working together with local churches, communities, Hope Africa and Us to develop solutions to health concerns.

Tuesday 14 Pray for caregivers and those who campaign for better treatment for people living with HIV. Pray that a cure for HIV might be found.

Wednesday 15 Pray for an end to hunger and poverty in Lesotho. Pray that the people might find the inspiration and the resources to build sustainable futures.

Thursday 16 Pray for strength and wisdom for Bishop Adam Taaso and all priests and church leaders in the Diocese of Lesotho. Pray for their role in seeking justice.

Friday 17 Pray for responsible stewardship of Lesotho’s natural resources, especially water and diamonds, which are being sold outside of the country.

Saturday 18 Pray for all educational establishments and students in Lesotho, that through education and study they might achieve fulfilment in their lives.

Us annual conference (20-22 July): Article by Rachel Parry, Us Director for Global Relations.

This week – from Monday to Wednesday – we hold our annual conference, the theme of which is The Transforming Gospel.

The central message of Jesus’ ministry was the kingdom of God. Today, as then, the transforming gospel is one of love and justice. We are compelled to act out of love, and for justice, for those who are abused, excluded and exploited.

I think of those who, out of utter desperation, risk their lives to sail thousands of miles on unseaworthy vessels in the hope of a better life. During 2014, more than 3,000 people drowned off the coast of North Africa trying to make such a journey.

I think of the millions of women, men and children worldwide who are being trafficked for financial gain.

I think of those affected by increasingly erratic weather patterns: catastrophic floods in Southern Africa, cyclones in the Indian Ocean, typhoons in the Philippines, and the loss of homes due to rising sea levels in Oceania.

May we commit ourselves afresh to living radical lifestyles that are transformed by the gospel of love and justice, in the imitation of Christ.

19–25 July

www.weareUs.org.uk/conference

Sunday 19 July Pray for the three-day Us annual conference, which begins tomorrow. Pray that all delegates will be inspired by The Transforming Gospel to share God’s love and justice in their communities. Monday 20 Give thanks for the message of the living gospel that has the power to move us wherever we are to consider the lives of others as well as ourselves, and to seek the good of all in Jesus’ name. Tuesday 21 Give thanks for churches and dioceses in Britain and Ireland who share in the work of the world church through Us. Wednesday 22 Pray that the Lord might inspire all churches in Britain and Ireland to attempt new and bold things in mission, locally and globally. Thursday 23 Give thanks for all Us volunteers, who give their time and energy to promote Us and the world church. Friday 24 Give thanks for the committed work of the diocesan mission departments in Britain and Ireland, nurturing relationships within the Anglican Communion. Saturday 25 Pray for an increase in financial support for Us so that we can maintain and increase our level of support for the world church.

Jesus once said: ‘Let your light so shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven’ (Matt 5:16). For over 300 years we have seen the gospel of Christ change lives all over the world. Will you give a gift to support the work of Us and help the light of the gospel continue to shine?

Give a gift to Us.

Yes, I want to give a gift to Us.I’d like to give: o £10 o £15 o £50 o Other £ ...............................

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My detailsTitle ............................First name(s) ......................................................................................................Surname ................................................................. Address .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Town/city ...............................................................Postcode ................................................................

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Please return your completed form to: Freepost Plus RSRS-LBZS-UXHE, Us., Harling House, 47-51 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS 5100

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We are Us. We are a Christian charity working in partnership with local Anglican churches around the world. Together, we work with local communities to improve health, put children in school, tackle discrimination, nuture leaders, give a voice to women, and much more.

Us. The new name for USPG

www.weareUs.org.uk/pray