Global Aware Bulletin
December 2014
As we enter this time of Advent, we are waiting and hoping - knowing that the incredible gift of Jesus is ours.
This month I hope we can spend some time praying and taking positive action for those who may have lost all hope and have been waiting for so long for peace, an end to hunger or persecution. Let's bring the light and life of Christ to our brothers and sisters around the world.
Prayers
1. Syria - Please pray for the people of Syria - those living in refugee camps and those who remain in the war torn country. As winter comes on, pray that adequate resources and much needed aid can reach those who need it. Continue to pray for peace, knowing that God is greater than even the strongest resolve of opposing factions.
2. Ebola - Thank God for the medical research, progressing rapidly towards a preventative vaccine, and also for all the volunteer medical staff who have travelled to the affected countries to care for the victims of this disease. Pray that the epidemic will be halted, and pray for the people of West Africa who have lost loved ones and live in fear of further losses.
3. Bring Back our Girls
Today is the 227th day since 273 Nigerian school girls were kidnapped. Please continue to pray for the safety of the girls, for their families, and those who continue to march and hold rallies to keep their case in the public eye. Pray that governments will continue to prioritise searching for them and protecting the rights of girls across the world to be educated and safe from abuse.
Actions
1. Christmas Collection at Bristol Temple Meads
Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal -
this year every pound raised is being matched by the government! So to make the most of this they have booked two full days to collect at Bristol Temple Meads on 9th and 10th December from 7.30am to 6pm. Volunteers and and carol singers are needed; to sign up yourself or your church for a couple of slots, or to offer to sing carols, email
lnash a_t christian-aid d_o_t org or call 01454 415923
2. Christmas presents with a difference
There are so many ways to give gifts that not only benefit the recipient but also contribute to ending poverty in some of the world's poorest countries.
Buy Fairtrade gifts and foods, or a gift from of these websites:
3. Journey with the people of Palestine through Advent
This Advent Season, join with the people in the land where Jesus was born, by journeying with them through Advent. Kairos Palestine have issued a booklet containing stories, reflections and prayers for each Sunday in Advent. It focusses on those displaced by the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including Palestinian refugees from 1948, and families who are forced to live apart. Download the resource here:
Events
1. Silent Night Carol Services
On Christmas Day 1914, fighting ceased in the trenches of World War I and soldiers from both sides sang the well-known carol, 'Silent Night', across No Man’s Land. Some soldiers from the British and German armies even joined together to play football.
100 years on you're invited to hold a Silent Night Carol event in your church, to remember the remarkable Christmas of 1914 and pray for peace around the world. Or you can join a number of events being held in stadia across the UK organised by HOPE, Tearfund and Sports Chaplaincy UK and play a part in helping those places in the world where we still need peace today.
2. Join the Santa Dash!
Need an antidote to rich food and too much TV? Join a Santa Dash near you and raise money for your chosen charity. There are runs in Bristol, Saltford and other local places. Full details:
http://www.santadash.co.uk/
3. Climate Change: A Matter of Faith, Global Aware Conference, 24th January, Elim Church, Jamaica St, Bristol
How can we lead the way in protecting God's earth and the people threatened daily by the realities of climate change? How can you and your church be part of Bristol's year as European Green Capital?
The first major event on the Green Capital programme, you can be inspired and equipped to play your part, by key speakers Dr Rowan Williams and Sudarshan Sathianan, Head of Asia at Tearfund, as well as local changemakers.
Lunch provided by FareShare South West
To view further details of the event and access the flyer etc: Click Here
Wishing you all a truly inspiring and happy Christmas time, rediscovering the wonder of God's love through the gift of Jesus Christ.
Jenny Foster
on behalf of the Global Aware Team