The annual World Day of Prayer is a time to pray for peace and justice with people throughout the world in services led by women.  This year it will be observed on Friday, 3 March around the country.  All are welcome.

Women from Taiwan have prepared this year’s service, drawing inspiration from Ephesians, “I have heard about your faith”.  The women share their stories and bear witness to their faith in God.  Services are prepared by members of the local World of Prayer committees and the international committee.

“The first Friday in March is a special time to connect with people throughout the world and to listen and learn about women from another part of the world.  Inviting women from Taiwan to speak or share their own stories could enrich this focus,” says Pauline McKay, National President.

Taiwan is made up of more than 100 islands and is situated on the Ring of Fire.  Its rich biodiversity is represented in the poster by the Mikado Pheasant, Black-faced Spoonbill and the Butterfly Orchid, the pride of Taiwan.

Indigenous people have lived on its islands for more than 6,000 years.  Colonisation from China has meant that approximately 2% of the 23.6 million population are members of the 16 recognised indigenous peoples.  As a consequence of its history, many governments do not recognise Taiwan as a country.

The worship material includes stories from Taiwanese women, for example Pao-Chu who shares her commitment to protecting the environment as well as prayers they have written.  There are activities for children, a special music and a Bible study on Ephesians 1:15-20.

Offerings from the services will go to the Bible Society, Christian World Service and Interchurch Hospital Chaplaincy as well as costs.  The Bible Society plans to assist 3,000 Indian widows with Bibles, counselling, health check-ups, vocational training and other support.  CWS will support Developers Foundation to improve livelihoods, protect the environment and prepare for disasters in the Philippines and the Women’s Centre working to improve the working and living conditions of factory workers and empower women.

The World Day of Prayer is a global movement of Christian women who come together in prayer and for action in more than 170 countries.  Begun in the USA and Canada in the nineteenth century, it became a global movement in 1927.

Resources including music and materials for children are available here. Material can be used in other services or for private use.

For more information contact your local World Day of Prayer organising group or Zella at wdpnz@xtra.co.nz .

February 16, 2023