WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

63 people from several churches in the area attended the World Day of Prayer. This year the women of the World Day of  Prayer committee of Zimbabwe call us to worship with the words: "Rise! Take your mat and walk" from John 5

She  "interrupted" the program to read us a letter from our sisters in Zimbabwe. The letter taught us about Zimbabwe and its rich culture. Zimbabwe means house of stone. It is a country in southern Africa. In years past it was known as Rhodesia. British rule for many years, until 1980, when it got it Independence. For 39 years the same person was head of Zimbabwe until he died at the age of 93. Since then there has been much political tension. Education is free but not available in rural areas. Poverty, HIV,  and absences of men because of looking for work causes many problems.

Ruby Allen sang "Precious Lord Take My Hand"

John 5 : 2-9 was acted out. Carolyn was the man sitting at the pool for many years.

Karen read the scripture.

One came with a broken arm and was healed while Carolyn asked for help.

The blind man was healed, Carolyn begged for help.

A crippled man was healed, and Carolyn still sat by the pool.

Then Jesus came and asked if she wanted to be healed. 

He told her to Rise and take your mat and walk. 

We then discussed with our neighbor. What is the context in which you or your community lives that needs to hear Jesus' life changing question"Do you want to be made well?" What are the obstacles or excuses that are not allowing for transformation? What does "Rise! Take your mat and walk" mean in your context? Our sisters in Zimbabwe are taking Jesus' encounter to be a call to act in love for peace and reconciliation. God is offering us the steps for personal and social transformation. This is a time for change.

We thank these ladies for the parts they took in presenting the program today.

 Celeste in her African garb. It is nice so many women from FUMC attended and took part in the program.