|
If you are unable to view this email correctly, please click here. |
Prayer Focus March 2015 |
Contents |
Speaking Truth
The Right to Truth: a study undertaken in 2006 by the UN concluded that the right to truth is an inalienable and autonomous right, linked to the duty and obligation of the State to protect and guarantee human rights, to conduct effective investigations and to guarantee effective remedy and reparations. The study affirms that the right to the truth implies knowing the full and complete truth as to the events that transpired, their specific circumstances, and who participated in them; including knowing the circumstances in which the violations took place, as well as the reasons for them. In Zachariah 8:3 we read “This is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain". God is a God of Truth. In Him, there is no darkness or lies. In a world that uses propaganda, dis-information and lies to confuse and control people, we need to be people of Truth. Truth that brings hope and always points to God. In other words – prophetic.
We need to speak out truth lovingly, full of mercy - prophetically. Prophecy is not only about predicting the future – it’s about declaring the word of the Lord in and through the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s about presenting the love and truth of God in relevant ways. It will invariably mean challenging the corruption, conflict and brokenness in our contexts and our cultural settings. Of course it is also about strengthening and encouraging believers, but it is also about speaking truth into our world. Social action is by its very nature prophetic. It acknowledges the status of our world and it speaks truth and life into it. It leads by example, grieving and acting, always hoping, always persisting. It is not just about having a loud voice and strong opinions. It is not just about having marketable campaigns. But it is daring to imagine the future with God. Daring to point to what transformation looks like and the courage to move towards it. Being prophetic means that our lifestyle and our words (everyday conversation as well as speaking moments) all reflect the truth we hold to. To be effective we need to do the research both theologically and practically so as to understand the injustices, their causes and the actions being taken. In other words, we have to know what we are talking about - and that requires due diligence. Ron Sider recently stated at the Micah Summit that Christians often shoot before they aim. We speak out without understanding the situation. Let us take time to research the status of our nation with regards to their achievements against the Millennium Development Goals and as we prepare for the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015. Let’s dare to imagine our nation as God would want it. Let’s stand together and speak truth so as to encourage the change that needs to happen. Holy Spirit, guide us and fill us with your discernment, lead us into all truth. |
Standing with Women
Join us in praying this prayer of thanksgiving and intercession:
Hidden and mysterious God,
Forgive us, and your church, our complicity in silence and concealment.
And we give thanks for the witness of women, |
Conflict and Peace in South Sudan
2.5 million people are currently facing crisis/emergency levels of food insecurity [ReliefWeb]. However, Tearfund reports that there are signs of peace:
In recent weeks, an agreement has been signed between the President and the rebel commander, in which warring parties agree to cement a peace agreement by March 5th. The hope is that this will bring 15 months of conflict to an end.
• Several previous peace deals and ceasefires in South Sudan have been broken. Cry out to God in prayer that this deal will hold, and that the people of South Sudan will very soon be able to live in peace and safety. |
Micah Consultation
The program and logistics for this event are gradually taking shape. There is a lot of work that still needs to happen; our staff and volunteers appreciate your ongoing prayers and support as they seek to put everything together. Please join us in praying that the planning process will emphasise creating space and opportunity for: - God's voice to be heard; and responded to. - Encouraging and nurturing relationships which cross geographical, generational and sectoral boundaries. - Ideas and creativity to be shared and built upon. - the sharing and learning of contextually diverse expressions and experiences of Shalom. |
National Micah's
It is a hard job for national coordinators to take on and we want to take a moment to celebrate each person who has committed to run with are shared vision, and to thank them and the national coordinating groups that stand with them.
Africa
Asia:
Latin America:
Caribbean:
Europe:
North America:
Pacific: |