World Day of Prayer

Since 1887, on or near the first Friday in March every year, millions of Christians have gathered worldwide to pray for the issues of family violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of injustice.

In 2018 that prayerful support will be directed at the 540,000 inhabitants of the Republic of Suriname, on the north-eastern coast of South America.

Despite a history steeped in slavery and political coups, this tiny nation has achieved remarkable progress since its independence in 1975.

Suriname enjoys multi-ethnicity and biodiversity, freedom of religion, free primary and secondary education, and free medical care for children and seniors.

But behind closed doors, family violence, abuse and neglect are ongoing issues. Children are particularly vulnerable, many growing up in orphanages or one-parent families.

While education is free, there is no compulsory school attendance. Child labor in the form of street selling is common, but of far more serious concern is the fact that many children are labouring in the gold mines of Suriname.

People are invited to join in prayer for the needs of Suriname and its people to the World Day of Prayer service or event locally.

Local World Day of Prayer services will be held on Friday, March 9. Local services: Warragul – Uniting Church, Sutton Street. 10am service followed by morning tea. Speaker to be confirmed.

Yarragon – Anglican Church, Loch Street. Cuppa at 10am for 10.30am service which includes dramatic role play.

Bunyip – Uniting Church. 10.30am service which will feature performance from Bunyip Choir. Speaker will be Jean Thorpe. A light lunch will be provided.

Neerim South (at Rokeby) – Rokeby Baptist Church 11am service will be followed by lunch. Speaker is Pastor Geoff Dethlefs. The Rokeby Baptist Church is celebrating 50 years of ministry in 2018, while Neerim South is celebrating 40 years of meals on wheels.

Trafalgar – Uniting Church. 1.30pm service which will feature dramatic role play. Afternoon tea to follow.

Drouin - Uniting Church hall, Sinclair St. 7.30pm café style service followed by supper. The rear gate on School Rd will be open for entry and parking.