Tiverton to join millions for Women's World Day of Prayer

TIVERTONIANS are being invited to join millions worldwide for Women's World Day of Prayer (WWDP).

The annual day of prayer will be using a form of service prepared by Christian women in Malaysia.

Services will be taking place in churches across the globe with a service in Tiverton taking during the day on Friday 2 March at 2.00pm in St James' Church on Old Road.

Nickie Johnson who is involved with the Tiverton service said: "The order of service for the WWDP is designed to involve as many speakers and readers as possible, covering information, Biblical readings, prayers, music and hymns all on the theme of 'Let Justice Prevail' relating to the plight and condition of women

in Malaysia.

"This gives lots of scope for women of all the main Christian denominations here in Tiverton to get together and share what we have in common - our faith in the Lord.

"Some of us will be dressing up in clothes approximately similar to those worn by women in Malaysia - some will be parading with banners supporting women's rights and justice - others will be lighting candles and placing them in a circle to show that we are all equal in the sight of God."

A choir of children from St John's School will be helping the congregation to sing song and hymns - both modern and traditional including a meditative chant from Taize as well as distributing colourful butterflies to everyone to illustrate the natural beauty of Malaysia.

Jean Hackett, president of the National Committee of the Women's World Day of Prayer

movement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland added: "This is always an exciting day as a great wave of prayer sweeps the world, beginning when the first service is held in the Queen Salote Girls School in Tonga and continuing around the world until the final service takes place, some 35 hours later, in

neighbouring Western Samoa.

"By then the day will have been celebrated in over 170 countries and more than 6,000 services will have been held in the British Isles alone."

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Throughout its history it has attracted migrants from other parts of Asia and beyond and it is one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in South East Asia.

Women have made important contributions to its social and economic development but, nevertheless, they still face discrimination and violence at all levels of society. Even today a girl child is seen as less valuable than a boy.

Malaysia is now the most popular destination country in Asia for migrant workers and human trafficking has become a sophisticated and organised operation.

Although Malaysia's multi-ethnicity has added to the rich heritage of its land and people, it has also given rise to many problems. In the service those issues of concern are named and the women voice their hope for the future. Justice for all is their hope, and their prayer is "Let Justice Prevail".

Although organised and led by women, WWDP is a day of prayer for everybody, demonstrating solidarity between sisters and brothers in other countries and all are welcome to attend.

Further information and resources, together with details of services in your area, can be found on the WWDP website at www.wwdp-natcomm.org.

Refreshments will be available after the St James's Service in March.