Dear Friends

 

It was wonderful to see Woodlands Church packed with people concerned about violence in our world, and anxious to find ways to respond to the devastating headlines we are faced with each day, at the Global Aware Conference earlier this month. We were honoured to have such a brilliant panel of speakers and presenters and I hope we can all take inspiration and hope from what they had to say. I will never forget Joel Edwards holding up a spoon made from a bomb casing - we are all called to try to turn what is violent and destructive into something good and useful, in whatever small way we can.

There has been civil war in Myanmar between the majority Burmese and the minority ethnic groups since independence from British rule in 1948. Sixty years later, the people are tired of conflict – even hardliners in the military government. Aung San Suu Kyi has been trying to liberate the people for many years and for Myanmar to become a democratic nation. Now there are signs of celebration and hope; the country can bloom! So please pray for a smooth and peaceful transition.

CSW are holding a week of prayer 7th-13th March - you can sign up to join their prayer vigil  http://www.csw.org.uk/prayforburma

 

2. El Nino Food Crisis - Millions of people in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Malawi are facing hunger and food shortages.This regional food crisis is caused by El Niño weather conditions, which are closely linked to droughts and prolonged dry spells. The current El Niño is on course to be the strongest and longest for 35 years, hindering crop production and causing severe food shortages. Pray for the people affected, that the aid agencies and government responders may reach them and that effective measures can be put in place to provide food. And pray to our God of Creation for rain!

 

3. International Women's Day, Tuesday 8th March - The theme of IWD this year is Pledge for Parity - I will ask you to Pray for Parity. Women still carry out 60% of the world's work and earn 10% of the world's income. Pray for the work of inspiring organisations such as the Malala Fund and Girl Effect that are doing all they can to enable women and girls to gain education and training, and to overcome violence.

 

1. Please use and share the ideas, resources and talks from the Global Aware Conference: Swords into Ploughshares, with friends, congregations and home groups.

All the main talks were filmed or audio recorded, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to you - 

https://woodlandschurch.net/talks/series/swords-into-ploughshares

 

Here are the notes from each of the Workshops on Refugees, Sustainable Development Goals, Islamic Extremism, Human Trafficking and Political Engagement. Please do read these and share widely. I've also included a list of all the exhibitors which offer many ways for you to take action locally against violence and for peace. Please do get engaged.

 

2. The Big Church Switch - Take positive action to combat climate change by signing up to switch to renewable energy - as an individual or as a church. Switching to renewable electricity is a powerful and practical way to love our global neighbours and care for God's creation.

Tearfund have a great campaign here; http://www.tearfund.org/en/about_you/campaign/switch/

 

 

1. Fairtrade Fortnight 29th Feb - 13th March

Sit Down for Breakfast, Stand Up for Farmers!

Why, in 2016, are so many people in developing countries who grow our food, unable to feed their own families? Take action to change this by holding your own Fairtrade Breakfast and add to the national totaliser - all details and free resources are here:

http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/en/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-fortnight-2016

 

Bristol events: http://www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk/#!news/c1gb4

South West events: http://www.fairtradesouthwest.org.uk/events.asp

 

2. Fairtrade Chocolate Extravaganza, Sat 5th March 10-4, New Room, Broadmead, Bristol

There will be an array of chocolate information, chocolate tastings (12pm – 2pm) and a great range of chocolate products to buy including gifts for Mothering Sunday and Easter. Please book here so that we make sure there is enough chocolate for you to sample!

The highlight of the event will be a talk at 12.30pm by Ana Maria Gonzalez, Fairtrade cocoa and coffee producer from Nicaragua, who will be sharing details about her life as a cocoa farmer and the difference Fairtrade has made to her, her family and her community. Not to be missed!
This event is part of a Fairtrade Pop-Up Shop open 1st-24th March Mon-Sat 10am-4pm at The New Room, so plenty of opportunity to buy Fairtrade gifts throughout March

 

3. World TB Day event, Sat 19th March 12-2pm, The Hub, Lockleaze, BS7 9XB

Jenny Foster
Global Aware Team