In my part of the world, there's something about September that has the feeling of new beginnings. It probably has something to do with the dreamlike nature of the August holiday, where inboxes have temporary respite and it’s hard to get hold of people.
But it’s not true for everyone. For the victims of war, torture and displacement, months roll into one endless experience of horror and hell (there's been nothing cyclical about my mobile news feed on Syria, Iraq and the Middle East during August). It’s also true for victims of extreme poverty: for 1 billion people, the fight to survive continues in earnest. And this means Micah Challenge's work goes on.
That's why, 17-19 October, (starting on Anti-Poverty Day) we're dedicating a weekend to praying for the poor. The deadline for the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – those all important promises made to the poor back in the year 2000 – is close. Even closer on the horizon is the G20 summit in November, when we will hand thousands of global EXPOSED Campaign signatures to world leaders. This will be the culmination of our two-year campaign to shine a light on corruption that robs the poorest. There are many achievements to celebrate. But there are still 1.2 billion people living in extreme poverty.
Take a step of faith. Could you and your church join with us in prayer between 17-19 October 2014? Could you commit to praying for the poor in your Sunday service? Click here to download our easy-to-use prayer resource.
Every blessing,
Joel Edwards
International Director, Micah Challenge
Introduction:
27 years ago on October 17th, 100,000 people gathered in Paris, France to remember the victims of poverty, hunger and violence. It was the first International Anti-Poverty Day and since then many community groups, churches and charities use the date to recommit their efforts to help the poor.
There is only one year left for the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to conclude and although much has been achieved over the last 13 years, there are still 1.2 billion people living in extreme poverty. This prayer guide aims to help you and your prayer partners to remember the poor on the weekend of October 17-19 as people across the globe unite to pray for those denied power by poverty.
This guide will look at the achievements of the eight MDGs and the challenges that remain. It also sets out points to help you pray.
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