Prayers for Afghanistan
Stawell Uniting Church members have banded together to show care and compassion for people in need, hosting a spontaneous ‘prayer vigil’ ahead of the latest COVID-19 lockdown.
Minister for Stawell and Pomonal Uniting churches Susan Pearse said following the vigil, prayers for Afghanistan had been laminated and placed on an outdoor art space at the front of the Stawell church.
“While news breaks across the world and disasters unfold, we ask each other, ‘What can we do?’” she said.
“This is the case in many situations, whether it is an event like 9-11 20 years ago, bushfires or any other disasters.
“While there are various ways to respond, through humanitarian or political support, people of faith and hope find another way to respond.”
Reverend Pearse said this was the case with current trauma for many in Afghanistan following last month’s complete takeover by Taliban forces.
She said the prayer vigil enabled congregation members to ‘do’ something.
She encouraged people from the wider community to write their own hopes and prayers and place them in a container at the church, to be laminated and displayed.
“As well as supporting the call of churches to encourage the Federal Government to increase the numbers of Afghan refugees to Australia, we wanted to show a sign of solidarity and hope for those in need,” Rev Pearse said.
“We welcome those wishing to add to the hopes and prayers.”