Baptists called to join global prayer campaign for children

With one billion children living in poverty worldwide, international children’s charity Viva is calling on Christians to pray for children at risk during their World Weekend of Prayer from 6-7 June.

The theme for Viva’s prayer weekend this year is Jesus’ words in in Matthew’s gospel, “I am with you always.”

“We’re calling on Christians wherever they are that weekend to join us in praying on behalf of the hurting children in our communities and those in far-off places,” said Andrew Dubock, Communications Manager for Viva, “that God would give them strength and carry them through their desperately tough times. Our desire is to pray to God for a change of attitude and action by all communities around the world towards their children.

“We would love Baptists to stand with us that weekend and be part of this global prayer campaign, which brings together tens of thousands of adults and children from 40 countries, praying in 24 languages.”

During last year’s campaign, almost 50,000 Christians took part in Mwanza, Tanzania’s second biggest city. More than 40 children were connected to churches for the first time, including eight year-old Laura, who lives with her aunt because both parents died. She doesn’t regularly go to school because she can’t afford stationery or shoes. Laura says, “My friend told me about the World Weekend of Prayer so I joined in and was warmly received by the pastor.” As a result, she was accepted on a church project and one of the members is paying her school fees. “This is the day I’ve smiled most in my life!” says Laura.

One church that has been supporting Viva for a number of years is Mumbles Baptist Church in south Wales.

“We take part in the Weekend of Prayer as we believe that it is only by the strength and wisdom given us by the Holy Spirit that we can be effective in the Lord's work,” said Deacon David Morgan. “We also know that we have a loving Saviour for whom all things are possible. In addition we have heard from Viva over the years how the prayers of their supporters have been answered in many ways.”

During the weekend, Mumbles Baptist church plans to pray for Viva during a Saturday morning men’s event, in the Sunday school and at both services on the Sunday, with a longer time set aside to focus on the work in the evening.

Viva has produced a range of resources, including prayer postcards, a video and activities for all ages, to equip churches and individuals to pray for children at risk around the world. www.worldweekendofprayer.com