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Thanks to all of you who gave feedback on these memos. You said that
you appreciate this resource. Specific prayer reminders were generally
the most well-received part of the memos. Some congregations found things
like worship resources or letter-writing suggestions to be either the
most appreciated, or the least used. I will continue with the elements
I have been including, recognizing that parts will be of interest to only
some congregations. Some of your specific suggestions will be incorporated
over the next few months.
1. Jubilee 2000
Jubilee 2000 is an international campaign to relieve the burden of debt
from the world’s poorest countries. In Canada, the Canadian Ecumenical
Jubilee Initiative is issuing a call to churches based on the biblical
Jubilee principles. The Mennonite Church Canada is a co-sponsor of this
initiative.
In this month’s mailing, you will also find
- a brochure, "A Call for Jubilee" - outlining the Debt Cancellation
Campaign
- a petition sheet (make extra copies) – to be returned to the
Jubilee office (see http://www.ceji-iocj.org/
)
- a order form for Jubilee resources available at the Mennonite Church
Canada Resource Centre. Call 1-866-888-6785 for information
MCC has been promoting Jubilee concerns in some provinces, but not all.
We are co-ordinating our efforts and felt that it would be beneficial
to include Jubilee materials in the current Mennonite Church Canada mailing.
In some areas, ecumenical or secular groups will also be active on the
Debt Cancellation issue. Our hope is that congregations will take the
opportunity to study the Biblical Jubilee, to explore the realities of
international debt and consider what responses are appropriate to them.
2. Refugee and Immigration issues
April 4 is an international day focusing on refugee rights and concerns.
As this is also Easter this year, I would suggest that the following Sunday
(April 11) be a day to highlight the concerns of refugees, and to pray
together as a congregation. Included below are prayer requests, and a
short reading.
In the world today, there are over 20 million refugees, who move because
they have to; and over 100 million migrants, most of whom hope to find
a better life.
Specific prayer requests:
- Pray for the thousands of people fleeing the destruction caused by
Hurricane Mitch in Honduras and Nicaragua. They face extremely dangerous
journeys and uncertainty as they try to cross into Mexico and then the
U.S. Many say leaving the destruction is the only way to find hope.
- Pray for the nearly 250,000 people who fled from Burma (now Myanmar)
in 1992, and are still living in countries like Bangledesh. An oppressive
military regime in Burma means they are unable to return.
- Pray for the people affected by the 30-year conflict in the Sudan;
4.2 million people have been uprooted. Pray also for the peace process
and relief efforts.
- Pray for those who will leave their homes due to environmental factors
– natural disasters, pollution, desertification, soil erosion,
and rising sea levels.
- Pray for the millions who are uprooted and displaced due to the over
35 current armed conflicts in world. Many of these are displaced within
their own country and must rely on their country’s assistance.
- Pray for the policy-makers in the Government of Canada. New legislation
regarding refugees, immigration and citizenship will impact the lives
of those hoping to come to Canada, and those already here. Pray that
human rights are given priority, ahead of the growing mentality that
our system is being abused by false claimants. Pray that legitimate
cases receive fair process and consideration.
- Pray that our churches will continue to offer their hospitality in
the sponsorship of refugees from around the world. A new category of
"Women at Risk" has been created and our churches may provide
the special supports that women in this situation need.
- Give thanks when the structures and systems serve human need. In Canada,
the systems of medical coverage, social assistance, legal aid, education,
housing, and others may meet the needs of refugees and newcomers.
- Give thanks for signs of hopes – for communities which welcome
newcomers, for refugee committees in Mennonite congregations, for policies
which serve human needs, for friendships established in the midst of
uprootedness.
An African prayer for refugees
O Brother Jesus, who as a child was carried into exile,
remember all those who are deprived of their home or country,
who groan under the burden of anguish and sorrow, enduring the burning
cold of the sea,
or the humid heat of the forest, searching for a place of refuge.
Cause these storms to cease, O Christ.
Move the hearts of those in power that they may respect the men and women
whom you have created in your image; that the grief of refugees may be
turned to joy,
as when you led Moses and your people out of captivity.
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