Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk - 2020 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER JOURNAL - Amazon AWS
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2020 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
JOURNAL
Volume XLVI—A Publication of the World Day of Prayer International Committee
Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk
W R I T T E N B Y W D P WO M E N O F Z I M B A B W E
World Day of Prayer Writing Committee, Zimbabwe
SOCIAL MEDIA
Contents
F E ATURES WDP AROUND THE
WORLD
03 From the Chairperson
United by the Bond of Love 07 Africa
04 Worship Service Bible Text 12 Asia
To access the Journal online visit
John 5:2-9a www.worlddayofprayer.net/journals.html
16 Caribbean/North America
05 From the Writer Country Like WDPIC on Facebook at
Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk 19 Europe www.facebook.com/WDPIC
40 Leading Together 30 Latin America Follow WDPIC on Instagram at
www.instagram.com/worlddayof-
44 From the Executive Director 35 Middle East prayerinternational
WDP Is About Building
37 Pacific The Asia, Europe and Pacific Regions all
Relationships
have Facebook pages too!
• World Day of Prayer Asia
49 WDP at a Glance
• WDP Europe
• World Day of Prayer PacificRegion
Visit the National Committee
website by clicking on the link
displayed after their report!
World Day of Prayer 2 Journal 2020
FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
United by the Bond of Love
BY LAURENCE GANGLOFF
A t the 2012 WDP International Meet-
ing, Zimbabwe was selected to be-
come the writer country of the worship
masks, and washing your hands, were
not all implemented in the same way
around the world; history will judge the
service for the year 2020. How to involve political leader’s actions on this global
Zimbabwean women in this unique ex- health crisis.
perience? How to promote this World
Day of Prayer program? To answer these During this time of confinement at my
two questions, the WDP Zimbabwe home, I used the Zimbabwean fabric as a
Committee launched a campaign to pro- placemat for the three candles - Peace -
mote the theme and their responsibility Love - Reconciliation - lit by the girls in
towards the movement. They produced the celebration. These candles were a
a fabric with the WDP logo and 2020 sign of hope for a better time and an in-
theme printed on it, and sold it in pieces vitation to apply - Peace – Love – Recon-
to be made into dresses, head wraps, or ciliation to the daily life.
table cloths. They proudly wore their Laurence Gangloff
dresses and head wraps to raise funds to As the allowance to leave home was im-
carry out their projects while waiting to plemented in France, new rules were
embark in the writing process of WDP changed the life of this man, and then adopted, like wearing a face mask and
materials. 2000 years later they changed my life as keeping a social or physical distance
well. In the weaving of Jesus’ words and from each other. I once again turned to
When I was elected WDP International Zimbabwean cloth I saw how much a the Zimbabwe cloth, now I used it to
Committee Chairperson in 2017, the del- word of life can bring hope. I believe that make a face mask. I don’t think anyone
egates of the Zimbabwe WDP commit- this encounter still brings a breath of life had imagined that the cloth would have
tee gave me a sample of this famous and hope for all. this use when it was made!
cloth. It was with respect and gratitude
that I received this gift. I wore it first as Immediately after the celebration in You will discover in the following pages
headband, and then as a stole. How March, my “normal” life was disrupted by of this Journal the testimonies of the
proud I was to wear this little piece of the order of confinement to combat the worldwide sisters. Perhaps one day our
cloth that symbolized the worldwide spread of the Coronavirus in France. And children or grandchildren will read these
communion, in which we found our- as a historical fact, the whole world testimonies with a historical hindsight
selves during the preparations and cele- found itself exposed to the COVID-19. or a gaze of a scientist. In the meantime,
bration of our common prayer, on the The health guidelines to deal with the I invite you to discover each testimony
first Friday of March - March 6th, 2020! pandemic, such as isolation, wearing and to carry it in your prayers, so that we
may remain united by this bond of love.
In my meditations on the theme “Rise! Let’s Rise… Take…Walk and live out the
Take Your Mat and Walk”, I have often hope offered by Jesus and share it with
imagined this Zimbabwean cloth cover- the world!
ing the sick person healed by Jesus. This
anachronism did not make me back Thank you for your commitment to
down on listening to the orders given by this beautiful World Day of Prayer
Jesus: “Rise... take... walk!” Those words movement!
World Day of Prayer 3 Journal 2020
Worship Service Bible Text
JOHN 5:2-9A
TAIWAN GABON
MEXICO GHANA
N ow in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many
invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying
there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered him,
“Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down
ahead of me.” Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and
began to walk.
*New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United
States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
World Day of Prayer 4 Journal 2020
FROM THE WRITER COUNTRY
“Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk”
BY WDP WOMEN OF ZIMBABWE
W e really felt blessed and humbled
to be the writer committee for
the 2020 WDP worship service. The op-
portunities given by the collaborative
writing process enriched us and let us
grow in faith. One of the impacts of pro-
moting the program as the focus coun-
try is that it united us. Women from
different religious backgrounds, cultures
and traditions came together under a
common goal for the betterment of our
country. It was a wonderful experience
which required creativity.
In the beginning, we found the theme Since the theme was defined in 2012, to
motivational and a reminder that Christ the launch of the writing process
would give us strength. However, as the through the Strengthening National
days went by, the theme became more Committee Workshop in 2016, and fi-
relevant, especially because of the nally the moment of the celebration in
COVID-19 outbreak. The theme sounded 2020, the message has evolved. Really,
like a mandate, a mantra and certainly a
God showed Himself to us. God is All
way of life as the Coronavirus pandemic
Knowing. Our country and all others
hit the nations in 2020.
around the globe must indeed “Rise!
Take Your Mat and Walk.”
In Zimbabwe, the pandemic grouped to-
gether with the drought and the eco- involving beadwork and donating food
Notwithstanding the disruption in our
nomic hardships made us feel that God to those in need. Little girls from the Girl
calendar due to the pandemic, the chil- Guide movement also participated in
was speaking directly unto our situation.
Our people had to rely on Jesus Christ dren and youths were able to undertake the activities. These activities showed
and His command to “Rise! Take Your a drama which was aired at the Zim- that all hope is not lost. The children ac-
Mat and Walk” towards the love and babwe broadcasting studio; they as- quired a good foundation as they learnt
peace of God, which surpasses all under- sisted with advertising on social media, attitudes basic for their sense of human-
standing, and the reconciliation with the sang and danced in the services. They ity, which are caring for others and cater-
Holy Spirit, who brings healing and were also involved in projects making ing to their needs. This intergenerational
restoration to us all. sanitary pads, sewing face masks, crafts exchange of skills also blessed us all.
World Day of Prayer 5 Journal 2020
next year’s program written by WDP Those who managed to attend the wor-
women of Vanuatu. ship service before the government or-
dered a lockdown expressed their
There was an overall excitement that gratitude as they felt the service was
took charge of the atmosphere around heartwarming. They were encouraged
the world throughout the preparations to propel above injustice, hatred, vio-
and services. We heard very positive lence and walk towards Love, Peace and
comments from different churches and Reconciliation.
organizations. They told us to “keep up
During the full WDP process as a writer the good work.” Others wished they were We look forward to engaging with more
country, we were reminded that despite the ones leading the program. Some or- community outreach events while we
the dark times, Zimbabwe is still part of ganizations indicated that they would build up and improve on the prayer jour-
a global village. We learnt to appreciate like to join in the World Day of Prayer ney that has already began. Through our
all that God has entrusted us to look programs and projects. Every woman got ecumenical relationships, we developed
after. We learnt a lot about our own involved, regardless of their tradition. partnerships to support the mothers and
care givers of Ramangwana Ravo Trust,
country and how to love and embrace
There was a great sacrifice by the commit- the Mucheke Old People’s Home and
people from other religions, cultures,
tee members for the whole program to Omni Village Rehabilitation and Skills
traditions and who speak different lan-
sail through. To put the materials to- Development Center. Also, it helped birth
guages. We are all God’s creatures.
gether with participants from different relationships that empower women to
parts of Zimbabwe and with no access to share ideas on how to manage chal-
Recently, we also learnt new things such
social media to facilitate our communica- lenges in life and be self-sufficient.
as how to use video conferencing appli-
tions was our biggest challenge. Thus, we
cations (e.g. Zoom) and other technolo- created a steering committee to coordi- This entire experience has reinforced
gies to stay connected despite the nate the promotion of the activities and how important it is to pray without ceas-
lockdown due to Coronavirus. More sig- formed sub-committees to help with the ing for others and for ourselves. Without
nificantly, all nations around the world fundraising. People were highly support- God we are unable to do anything. We
took it upon themselves to pray for our ive of the World Day of Prayer, and gave depend on God for everything. God is
country. The responses we got from very good suggestions for the promotion God of the impossible. Is there anything
other countries have encouraged us to of the activities; we even got support from too hard for God?
engage and support other writer coun- people in the government. Sacrifice, com-
tries, thus we are more motivated with mitment and dedication are key!
World Day of Prayer 6 Journal 2020
Africa
BOTSWANA CAMEROON
B O T S WA N A touch and reflect while waiting for bet-
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
ter days when we can, by the grace of
Women of different churches and cul-
God, hold physical meetings again. If we
tures came together to pray, sing, and
are to rise to the challenge of doing bet-
share a meal together in worship with
ter than we have in the past and living in
our sisters of Zimbabwe. Many people
peace, then we must identify the obsta-
attended the services and eagerly partic-
cles that undermine our daily lives. We
ipated. Women from Zimbabwe residing
must begin living a humble life, be kind
in our country took part in the service
and compassionate, share with those in
and sang with us. The moments for need and practice forgiveness as much
prayer had the biggest impact. As a com- as possible, “not seven times but up to
munity, we lifted up in prayers those suf- CAMEROON seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22)
fering from substance abuse,
Despite the anxiety and unrest in our
unemployment and gender-based vio- DEMOCRATIC REP U B L I C
country due to the COVID-19 pandemic
lence. We prayed for the world as the OF THE CONGO
and the Anglophone separatist crisis
COVID-19 pandemic spread and for the We give thanks to God for allowing us to
(Cameroonian Civil War), nothing was
peace and stability of African countries. taken away from the enthusiasm and organize and celebrate the WDP service
The theme was relevant to the situation commitment of our women, who braved on the date planned before any lock-
of today and taught us that suffering can many difficulties to honor WDP and be downs went into effect. All the prepara-
be an opportunity for growth in patience united in prayer with our sisters in Zim- tion and rehearsal sessions were carried
and faith. We do not know why there is babwe. There was a considerable slow- out successfully and the liturgy was
always suffering in the world but as long down in our activities but social media translated into the local language and
as our trust and faith are with the Lord, applications, like WhatsApp and Zoom, distributed in all of the provinces. It was
we will grow stronger and resilient. offered us the opportunity to stay in great to be able to have one final meeting
World Day of Prayer 7 Journal 2020
GAMBIA GHANA
together in prayer for our sisters in Zim- GHANA
babwe. As the virus continued to spread, KENYA
The service was inspirational and we felt
our country began to restrict any physical the spirit of our sisters around us. We
gatherings. It has made it difficult for us had various symbols around the altar to
to meet to plan future activities. represent the women of Zimbabwe. Our
local songs were sung by a wonderful
GABON
procession of young women and a youth
The program reminded us of Pope John choir. Given the circumstances of the
Paul II’s visit to our country. On February world today the theme was timely. As we
17, 1982, Pope John Paul II passed reflected on it, we realized how much
through Gabon and chose John 5 2:9 as hope resonates in the story and how the
the Bible passage to encourage us to prepare one joint ecumenical service in healing power of Christ can transform
“stand up and walk”. Now in February celebration of WDP. Women, children our lives. It also teaches us the lessons of
2020, we returned to this text that and clergy members from various patience, for when the time is right God
brings us to action, love and total trans- churches, and also our Muslim sisters, will answer our prayers. Although many
formation to achieve healing and re- participate in the service. We rotate day to day activities have slowed due to
move divisions. It was a rewarding among churches of different denomina- the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, we
experience to be united in prayer and tions and this year we had planned to continue to support the Gender and
have a renewed sense of motivation to- hold the WDP service at the Anglican Women’s program and the Trafficked
wards love, peace and sincere ecu- Church. We distributed the materials to Children’s Project of the Christian Coun-
menism. We have committed ourselves several women’s groups for Bible study cil of Ghana. It is important for us to not
to strengthen the mobilization and lessons and retreats. We sent invitations only pray for change but to actively work
awareness of women’s issues by hosting to churches and radio stations and the towards change.
semi-annual and annual activities. Al- children’s program to Sunday schools.
though our efforts have been stalled by We also crafted souvenir mats out of KENYA
the COVID-19 health crisis, we are not shopping bags to be distributed to par-
God bless the women of Zimbabwe. We
discouraged! ticipants. Unfortunately, due to the
thank them for such a wonderfully pre-
COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to
pared worship service with a relevant
GAMBIA hold our service. However, we are not
theme that touched our hearts. We were
The women of Banjul, Kombo and the discouraged and we thank the women of
happy to learn more about their country
West Coast usually come together to Zimbabwe for putting together such a
and find out that many aspects of their
rich program. We look forward to 2021!
World Day of Prayer 8 Journal 2020
MALAWI MAURITIUS
blessed to have the WDP service. The
NIGERIA
more we think about it the more the
world seems like one big village. There
are similarities and differences among
us, but the solidarity of women from sev-
eral countries preparing to celebrate the
same worship service, unites us as one
under God. We were fortunate to have
native Zimbabweans join us for our cele-
bration this year. One of them spoke of
the time they spent in their homeland
and another sang the national anthem
culture are similar to ours. Services several activities took place apart from of Zimbabwe. It was a beautiful cultural
across the country were well attended preaching the Word of God, such as exchange. We enjoyed reflecting on this
and the comments from the participants gospel choirs, poetry readings and particular Bible story. We found that in
were very encouraging for our commit- dramatizations. The event was spiritu- times when we may feel paralyzed, the
tee. Many were unaware of the hard ally lively. Woman wore their traditional word of God keeps us upright and moves
work our committee does to distribute dresses from each of their regions which us forward in faith to spread the good
the worship service and expressed their made for a colorful and special experi- news of health and salvation.
desire to help and support. While read- ence. The first few cases of the Coron-
ing some of the participant’s commit- avirus appeared right after the days of NIGERIA
ments cards we were overcome with our service. Even though we had As in the word of God, “for where two or
emotion. The theme had clearly im- planned to attend the prayer services in three are gathered together in my name,
pacted everyone and we realized it was Zimbabwe, we had to cancel our trip. there I am in the midst of them.”
time to “Rise! Take our Mat and Walk” for The virus became rife on a global scale! (Matthew 18:20) We were delighted to
ourselves and for those in need. Despite these challenges, we thank God come under one tranquil atmosphere to
Almighty for our good fortune and the worship with our Zimbabwean sisters.
M A L AW I opportunity to pray for ourselves and We held our service before any lock-
Our main WDP celebration was held others. May the Lord receive all honor, downs were put in place, so attendance
outdoors on March 6th in the city of glory and praise! was highly impressive. Thousands of
Blantyre to a crowd of thousands. Our women of different denominations from
MAURITIUS all over the country came together. With
guest of honor was the former first lady
of our country, her Excellency Madam In a time when it seems increasingly dif- one voice, we prayed for our country and
Gertrude Mutharika. During the event, ficult to bring people together, we are for the state of the world. It was a feeling
World Day of Prayer 9 Journal 2020
REPUBLIC OF CONGO SIERRA LEONE
ours. This program came at the right
SEYCHELLES
time for us as it touched on similar his-
torical and political situations. Our coun-
try also set up a committee to
investigate what our people went
through following the coup d’état in
1977. The sufferings and killings of this
time gave rise to the need for prayers for
both the victims and the perpetrators of
violence. The Zimbabwe women based
their service on love and reconciliation,
which should guide the work of the
Committee for Truth and Reconciliation
to bring our country to a healing place.
like no other! The theme strengthened but we must remember to always have Our nation is called to prayer while we
our faith, revealing that, with God, all faith in God’s love for us, and that God are reminded of the impact of God’s
will bring healing. We made a commit- healing love. Now that COVID-19 has
things are possible. We give thanks and
ment to come to the aid of those who are taken over globally, we thank God that
pray that our Lord never stops equipping
suffering. We also made a commitment Seychelles has not been as affected as
us with the divine mercy and grace to con-
to bring WDP to towns and villages other countries.
tinue working tirelessly in Jesus’ name.
across our country for the multiple social
and spiritual benefits. We have plans to
SIERRA LEONE
R E P U B L I C O F THE CONGO
carry out a major awareness campaign It is always a joy to see women from all
The women of Zimbabwe’s invitation to so that various Christian women can ex- walks of life, different denominations
praise the Holy Spirit with them brought perience the love and healing power of and cultures praise God together. We al-
us great joy, and we felt connected being united together in prayer. ways look forward to the WDP celebra-
through our shared experiences. tion as the stories are always
Through the program, we learned about inspirational. We were able to hold a
SEYCHEL L ES
the power and compassion of our Lord local service but no children’s services,
Jesus Christ. The theme was impactful In spite of the Coronavirus, we were able conventions or Bible study lessons due
given the environment we all find our- to celebrate as planned. All preparations to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past,
selves in now. The pandemic and many went smoothly and we enjoyed discussing these had the most impact on our serv-
socio-political wars have caused tension the culture of Zimbabwe as compared to ices; however, we are thankful for the
World Day of Prayer 10 Journal 2020ZAMBIA
SOUTH AFRICA
One of the most interesting
aspects of the World Day of
Prayer is learning the rich
history and cultural back-
ground of each writer coun-
try. Zimbabwe is our
neighboring country, and so
we are familiar with their
story of political struggles,
and the transitional period
from pre-colonial rule.
Those struggles are some-
how similar to other African
countries. The message be-
hind the theme, to never
lose hope in any situation,
time spent together to worship. The The prayers the Zimbabwean women
was very uplifting, especially consider-
theme itself was a call to be united in lifted up were a wake-up call to every-
ing the current situation the world is fac-
prayer which helped us lift up our voices body. The theme motivated us not to be ing. Our main ecumenical worship
in worship and praise. Women who never passive, but to put our faith in our Lord service was well attended by four church
thought of their complacency or guilt re- and Savior and to get up and make a dif- groups, members of the diplomatic core,
flected on the Bible text and were able to ference. Just after the prayer day, the and our guest of honor, the Minister of
see themselves in a new light. They recog- COVID-19 pandemic hit. In our country, Religious Affairs and National Guidance.
nized their challenges and felt deter- women took action to feed the needy, A sketch of the Bible story was per-
mined to move forward not just as old and vulnerable. Thousands of masks formed by Sunday school children. The
individuals but as a collective in society. were handmade and distributed freely responsive prayers were very touching
to old age homes and schools, as well as because they spoke about the reality of
SOUTH AFRICA in the community. WDP will always be our actions, like how we overlook others.
Through these prayers we could confess
Around the world, and Africa in particu- one of the most powerful and touching
and recommit ourselves to acts of good.
lar, people face huge problems regard- experiences for Christian women all over
ing health, poverty and corruption. the world.
Zimbabwe is our neighbor and many of
our people know someone from there. Website: https://www.wwdp.co.za/
The prayers the Zimbabwean women lifted up were a wake-up call to everybody.
The theme motivated us not to be passive, but to put our faith in our Lord
and Savior and to get up and make a difference. Just after the prayer day,
the COVID-19 pandemic hit. In our country, women took action to
feed the needy, old and vulnerable.
World Day of Prayer 11 Journal 2020Asia
HONG KONG INDIA
H O N G KO N G INDIA INDONESIA
In January, we had a rehearsal of our The National
worship service where we ran through a Council of
translated liturgy and introduced Zim- Churches in India
babwe to our committee members. We is hosting a Quad-
prayed together for the situation in our rennial Assembly
country and the needs of the people in with a theme very
Zimbabwe. The Bible story, hymns and similar to the
voices of the Zimbabwe women re- 2020 World Day
minded us that God is our eternal healer. of Prayer, “The
We also ordered some handmade mats Hour Has Come; Let’s Get Going”. In the present in spirit with sisters across our
from the Kunzwana Women’s Associa- Gethsemane account (Matthew 26:36- borders was the highlight.
tion which benefits their ministry and 46), Jesus asks his disciples to be ready
INDONESIA
we thanked them for their passion and and take the cause further into action
persistence. We are happy to have had just like he asked the sick man to take up The WDP services were carried out in
this time together because, due to his mat and walk. The theme required us various churches and regions across our
COVID-19, all WDP celebrations were to see beyond our own interests and to country, although, due to the COVID-19
cancelled. The social unrest surrounding realize how becoming whole is more im- pandemic there were less services than
the virus made many people feel de- portant than superficial healing. This last year. After the worship service in a
pressed and isolated. We had planned to message was very meaningful to us. church in Jakarta, the leaders organized
have a healing service after the sermon Women in different areas around India an educational event where medical per-
to help people ‘take up their mat and felt connected in praise and worship sonnel demonstrated the precautionary
walk’ but restrictions did not allow us to with the stories of the Zimbabwean measures to slow the spread of the
gather. We pray to the Lord that we may women. We were able to analyze the re- COVID-19 for children and adults. The
resume our worship life soon. ceived reports and found that women, service itself was enjoyable and brought
who were homemakers, felt their self- to light the struggles that women and
Website: worth increase, thus confident in their children around the world still face in
https://www.hkcc.org.hk/acms/?site=hkc ability to uphold their family. For today’s society. The Letter from our
cnew younger women, the experience of being Zimbabwe sisters was powerful and it
World Day of Prayer 12 Journal 2020JAPAN MALAYSIA
served as the foundation for our medita- Website: http://cloister171.blog.fc2.com/ NEPAL
tion on the Word of God. We find that and www.ncc-j.org First of all, we would like to thank the
the extraordinary impact of WDP is the Facebook: @nccinjapan Almighty God, and our Zimbabwean sis-
strong alliance created by the unity of ters for sharing with us their prayers. For
prayer among different countries and MALAYSIA
Asian Church Women’s Conference
churches for the common good. We had a very meaningful worship serv- (ACWC) Nepal, March is a blessed
ice which was conducted joyfully and in month because of the World Day of
J A PA N
multiple languages. We praised God Prayer celebration. We were a small
Due to the COVID–19 pandemic, many through song and prayer while high- group of people from different churches
services had to be cancelled. Usually, lighting Zimbabwean women’s stories. It and faiths and we had a great time to-
there are over 200 venues that celebrate was a beautiful moment to be united gether. There were two services on dif-
the worship service but that number was with our sisters all over the world. We ferent days. They each started with a
reduced to 34. Under the severe circum- prayed for religious, social and political hymn about God’s creation and we took
stances, people still tried to be innova- disputes to be resolved, for the eradica- the time to remember our sisters, chil-
tive with smaller gatherings, shorter tion of poverty, for broken homes to be dren and families around the world. A
services and no tea time afterwards. We reconciled, for peace among humanity prayer was also said for the people suf-
are very grateful for the efforts to send and for women and children to live with- fering from the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
the offerings. Considering the current out fear of abuse. While meditating on ACWC National Representative, Drau-
situation, many people had a strong will the significance of the theme, we pati Rokya, briefly shared the history
to continue to support those in need. learned that it is important for us to rise and significance of WDP and read the
Some of the local churches even sent the above our comfort zone and accomplish Gospel of John 5:1-9a. There was a mo-
WDP Japanese branch thank you notes the tasks entrusted to us by the Lord ment of sharing and discussion about
which touched our hearts. Although with what we have at hand. Only then Jesus, and his miracles. After the pro-
globally we are suffering and may be can we truly realize the power that re- gram we had high tea together.
feeling helpless, our hearts are big and sides within us to transform ourselves
we will not lose our faith. and help the more vulnerable.
We praised God through song and prayer while highlighting
Zimbabwean women’s stories. It was a beautiful moment to be united
with our sisters all over the world.
World Day of Prayer 13 Journal 2020PAKISTAN SOUTH KOREA
PA K I S TA N were forced to cancel our WDP event the service electronically. Our committee
World Day of Prayer enhances solidarity planned for March 6th. Though we were created a video clip of the program and
among people of different denomina- physically apart, we were united in spirit shared it in April with 70 local churches
tions, building inclusive communities of and in prayers for the women of Zim- and individuals who wished to worship
faith. The Women’s Desk of the Lahore babwe. Being united in prayer shows at home. Due to social distancing guide-
Diocese Church of Pakistan has made an oneness in Christ and it is what makes lines, participation at churches was very
effort to conduct the service with the par- WDP so special. The Zimbabwean minimal, but we are happy to have been
ticipation of women from the Salvation women highlighted love, peace and rec- able to find a creative alternative to wor-
Army and Catholic Church. We aim to onciliation in the family, church, and ship. In that way, we were united in spirit
strengthen this partnership by including community. It was something we very with the women of Zimbabwe. This year
women from other denominations for much agreed with during our prepara- was very challenging and, although we
next year’s program. Coupled with the tory meetings. We had also planned to were able to find a solution, we hope to
theme of this years’ program, we’ve real- support the Hiding Place, which is a be able to celebrate next year’s WDP in
ized that more work needs to be done in halfway house for those suffering from our churches.
building inclusiveness by dismantling the drug addictions. We wanted to invite
binaries of hate and love, fear and domi- a staff member to our service to share Website: http://kcwu.org/
nation, right and wrong. The Bible text the work they do so that others could
was thought provoking. It enabled us to understand their ministry. We hope to SRI LANKA
dwell upon the challenges in our contex- revisit this plan in the future and con- Women in our country face many chal-
tual realities as we relate to the situations tinue reaching out to the communities lenges from domestic abuse to poverty
of the women in Zimbabwe. It encour- in need. and unsupportive families, thus it is al-
ages women to develop the willingness to ways encouraging to see one of us rise
carry their burdens and express their de- SOUTH KOREA up and emerge victorious despite those
sires to be healed in the light of Jesus. We had planned to hold the worship conditions. That is why the theme of this
service on March 6th in unison with our year’s worship service resonated so
SINGAPORE WDP sisters but, due to the COVID-19 deeply with us. It was also uplifting to
Due to COVID-19 and measures restrict- pandemic, we had to postpone several be reminded that no matter where
ing physical contact and gatherings, we times. Ultimately, we decided to share we come from in this world, we all
World Day of Prayer 14 Journal 2020THAILAND TAIWAN
experience the same challenges and institutions came together to think THAILAND
we are not alone. Although 2020 has about how our collective power can The COVID-19 pandemic prevented
been chaotic, the ecumenical unity make women whole in terms of their many services from being held. How-
experienced within this movement truly physical and mental health, and spiri- ever, we took the opportunity to learn
makes a difference in our lives and that tual and social life. In that way, women about Zimbabwe and pray for the love,
of others whom we are privileged to will be ready to enable our society to reconciliation and peace they desire
help. Our country is still under restric- achieve peace, mutual respect and within their country. The program pro-
tions due to the Coronavirus but we are equality. Though the women of Zim- vided an in-depth exploration of the the-
looking towards the future. We hope babwe have struggled for years, they ological significance of Jesus’ encounter
to expand our reach next year and con- still value family relations and continue with the sick man at the healing pool.
duct WDP services in other areas of the to prayer for their country and church. We should not be afraid to follow God’s
country. We are reminded of Taiwanese Christian word, especially when we are offered the
elders, who are constantly praying and steps for personal and social transforma-
TA I WA N seeking reconciliation for Taiwan. We tion. We have been empowered to take
World Day of Prayer has been observed see the grace of God among the women up our mats, embrace others with love
in Taiwan for 85 years. This ecumenical of Zimbabwe, and we also see the re- and care, and to open our arms in joy as
prayer movement has become a routine silience and perseverance of all women the time to rise has come. Prayer and ac-
and an important event for our women. around the world. tion are what link us together around
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the world. Giving and sharing are acts of
many churches and organizations were Website: hope which can heal a suffering world.
faced with the difficult decision to ei- http://www.women.pct.org.tw/min- Although challenging, we want to make
ther cancel or postpone the services istry.aspx and http://www.ywca.org.tw/ a difference in our community by sup-
until June. Under the Zimbabwe pro- Facebook: @WDPTaiwan and @YW- porting projects that offer relief during
gram, various denominations and CATaiwan/ the financial crisis caused by COVID-19.
Due to social distancing guidelines, participation at churches was very minimal,
but we are happy to have been able to find a creative alternative to worship.
In that way, we were united in spirit with the women of Zimbabwe.
World Day of Prayer 15 Journal 2020Caribbean and
North America
BAHAMAS BARBADOS
BAHAMAS contribution, be it monetary or
CANADA
This year we commemorated the prayer, can make an impact on the
70th anniversary of our commit- lives of others, especially our sis-
tee. At our main service in Nassau ters in Zimbabwe. The theme
we celebrated all women leaders challenged us to push past our
from all islands in the Bahamas fears of the unknown, rejection,
and our sister organizations that uncertainty and remember that
assist us annually to make WDP a God is never far away from us. We
reality. We lit 70 candles in reflected on all the opportunities
memoriam of committee mem- that have always been available
bers, and to honor our friends to us but can now be reached by
from the Young Women Christian rising, taking up our mats and
Association and Fellowship of the Least to our own development. Through deter- walking! We aspire to start a men-
Coin. It was a blessing to have Zimbabwe mination we can commit to rise and walk torship program for young women and
women participating in the service by whenever the opportunity is available. men who are challenged, to help them
reading and singing in their native lan- reach their potential. This service helped
guage. Our fellowship with them added
BARB ADOS us put the Word of God into action.
to our feelings of unity. Hearing their sto- The WDP celebration allows us to take
CANADA
ries, learning their songs, and sampling our minds off of our own issues, chal-
their foods gave us a sense of ‘oneness’ - lenges, or any fears that we may have. Across our country, thousands of services
one in spirit, in culture and in life. Our re- We are allowed a moment of peace by were held days before the global pan-
flections on the Bible study led to per- being united in prayer with our sisters demic was declared and churches were
sonal discussions about procrastination and brothers around the world. It closed. Joyfully, people from different
and the excuses we make when it comes brings us joy to know that our small denominations participated in this
World Day of Prayer 16 Journal 2020GRENADA JAMAICA
meaningful service gifted to us by our reflected on during meditation were offering us the tools for personal and so-
Zimbabwean sisters. We thank them for selfishness, the inability to forgive, dis- cial transformation. We need to choose
sharing such a personal message about honesty and not caring for others. We to be agents of change and to offer a
their struggles and challenges with us. need to take up these mats and rise up prayer and help to those in need.
While traditional services continue to be to change. Only with change can we have
the most common way of gathering, a better society. Inspired by the worship JAMAICA
there were also creative WDP events service, we hope to organize community The selected Bible text and theme had a
such as potluck lunches, a paint café fea- outreach programs to educate people huge impact on us. We felt they were a
turing the flame lily, Zimbabwe’s na- about parenting, sexual abuse and do- call to action and delivered a relatable
tional flower, and a physical exercise and mestic violence, and to teach them how message. Jesus asked the sick man, “Do
prayer session. This year we expanded to properly garden. We also want to raise you want to be made well?” The man re-
our country partnership and recruited a funds to help the most vulnerable in our sponded with excuses such as that there
member of WDP USA to narrate our communities. was no one to help him. However, every-
country video on Zimbabwe. Our goal one is welcomed to be healed by the
moving forward is to have most of our GUYANA
master’s hand if they are open to it. This
resources online, given the uncertainty There is usually a big WDP service held story shows us that we should take re-
of holding in-person events in 2021. Mo- at a central location in the capital city of sponsibility for ourselves and that we
tivated by the WDP message of “Rise! our country. However, due to the unrest have the power to bring about change in
Take Your Mat and Walk,” may we keep over the current pandemic and our post our lives, even if it will be difficult. We
the momentum and purpose of WDP elections situation, the main service joined our Zimbabwe sisters in prayer
alive throughout the year. could not be executed. Nevertheless, a for the protection of our natural re-
few local services were held outside the sources and the respect for human life.
Website: www.wicc.org capital city and participants were glad to Prayer and action are inseparable and
Facebook: @WICCanada have been able to worship together. through WDP we shed light on political
Twitter: WICC_CA Through our preparatory workshops and and social issues that need to be ad-
retreats, we realized that the voices of dressed such as anti-immigrant senti-
G R E N A DA our sisters in Zimbabwe were inter- ments, government’s abuse of power
Our Zimbabwean sisters enabled us to twined with ours. The theme was very and the increase of violence in the
come together under the Holy Spirit to influential as it brought alive a message communities.
pray for the struggles that oftentimes of love, peace and reconciliation. We
seem universal. It felt good to be united were empowered to go out and act in
in prayer and focused on a relevant love and peace, especially during these
theme. Some of the issues that were difficult times. We recognize that God is
World Day of Prayer 17 Journal 2020TRINIDAD & TOBAGO USA
M O N T S E R R AT We acknowledged that Jesus empowers us to take
The service was inspiring and challeng- control of our situation. Our prayers and thoughts
ing to worshippers. A dramatization of
the chosen passage of scripture was pre- continue for our sisters of Zimbabwe who have
sented so the visual aspect of the story shared some of the challenges facing them and their
could be understood more clearly.
Studying and meditating on the story country, like poverty, hunger, unemployment
brought to life the realities that are and domestic violence.
hampering the spiritual and social as-
pects of our lives and communities. Self-
reflection is necessary to release the together. WDP activities were held in women across the USA. Knowing that
baggage that has been weighing us many schools and churches. The songs, they are praying and singing with
down and hindering our growth in prayers and messages delivered by the women all over the world, following the
Christ. The speaker at our service re- speakers contributed to the spirit filled same program and lifting up the strug-
quested that we take a moment to re- services and joyful experiences of the gles of the writer country gives them an
flect and let go of the obstacles holding congregations. The theme called us to incredible feeling. Being exposed to an-
us back and ask for God’s intervention. challenge ourselves and pay heed to op- other culture is also one of the high-
Our confidence in God can allow us to ac- portunities given. We acknowledged lights. Having a small window into a
complish amazing things. The man by that Jesus empowers us to take control world that is so different from theirs,
the pool, although stripped of his energy of our situation. Our prayers and and yet similar in many ways, is an im-
and feeling neglected, was patient and thoughts continue for our sisters of Zim- portant way of building awareness and a
had a strong determination to be well. babwe who have shared some of the connection to the writer country. The
He did not waver in his faith but rather challenges facing them and their coun- Letter from Zimbabwe had the strongest
knew in his heart that God saw him. try, like poverty, hunger, unemployment
impact on the worship service partici-
and domestic violence. We have been
pants. Many groups printed it out and
T R I N I DA D & T OBAGO motivated to reach out to the commu-
shared it amongst their congregation,
We express our gratitude to the WDP nity, to support the poor, the physically
separately from the worship service. It
Zimbabwe committee for their prepara- challenged and those who seek social
was eye opening for them to see what
tion of the 2020 program. Thankfully, we and economic assistance.
was really important to the women of
were able to hold the services before Zimbabwe and to share their story.
USA
being affected by the global pandemic.
There was heightened interest, zeal and Being united in prayer is consistently one Website: www.wdp-usa.org
involvement as we engaged in praise of the greatest pleasures of WDP for the Facebook: World Day of Prayer USA
World Day of Prayer 18 Journal 2020Europe
ALBANIA ARMENIA
ALBANIA AUSTRIA
voices, we felt closer to them
knowing we had shared difficul-
It is always a pleasure and a bless-
ties. We enjoyed our time in joint
ing to be united together in prayer
prayer for love, peace and
with our sisters around the world,
reconciliation.
because we know it makes our
prayers stronger. In the past, our AUSTRIA
country was very isolated and not
many people knew anything about For the first time in WDP Austria’s
history, we celebrated the worship
us. Now, the ability to be equal to
service in St. Stephen’s Cathedral,
others and come together in prayer
or Stephansdom. It is the mother
is a very important and emotional mo- ARMENIA
church of the Roman Catholic Archdio-
ment. In God’s eyes we are all the same. Directly after March 6th, our country cese of Vienna and the most important
God gives us the power to overcome diffi- went into lockdown to avoid the spread religious building in the capital. Over a
culties and the strength to heal physically of COVID-19. We were able to hold our thousand women, men and different
or spiritually. As Christians, we know that worship service but have not been able church leaders worshipped together,
God is our power, our joy, and our hope. to gather after that for community activ- some travelled from outside of Vienna
God hears, understands and heals us. The ities. We are thankful that this year, the to share this special moment with us. The
worship service theme highlighted our participation of churches in our WDP service was described as powerful, vivid
trust in God and gave us the opportunity celebration has expanded across five and optimistic. Our community enjoyed
to lift up the current difficulties we are cities and six denominations and organi- learning about Zimbabwe, a country in
facing. Our country is currently dealing zations: Evangelical, Catholic, Apostolic, the midst of transformation. The theme
with a lot of political, economic and social Greek Orthodox, Brotherhood Church of was seen as a symbol of hope, a message
problems, so we are challenged to con- Syria, and Christian women’s forum. The to make us get up on our feet and fight for
tribute to reducing conflict and bring program written by the women of Zim- our rights for a better life. Especially now,
peace to the family, community, and babwe taught us that with faith we can during the COVID-19 pandemic, the
church. We are committed to love, peace, overcome all difficulties and learn to theme represents our fight against the
and reconciliation! serve each other. As we listened to their virus and how we will overcome the
World Day of Prayer 19 Journal 2020BELGIUM BULGARIA
challenges that have arisen. The par- where peace, justice and true
CROATIA
ticipants tried to take this ray of hope democracy are being achieved
into their daily lives to have the through a painful process. The Bible
strength to face their challenges. text was very inspiring, coupled with
a motivating theme for the Bulgar-
Website: http://weltgebetstag.at/ ian context. We also thoroughly en-
Facebook: @weltgebetstagderfrauen joyed two aspects of the program:
the country background informa-
BELGIUM tion, which allowed us to learn
It is empowering and gives us hope about a new culture, and the space
to see so many churches and groups for spontaneous prayer for the prob-
come together and share ecumenical lems faced in Zimbabwe and our
ideas. We are very grateful for the own country.
fellowship and the time spent to- Website:
gether preparing the worship service. https://wgdjmpbelgium.wixsite.com/nie CROATIA
We invited native Zimbabwean people uwdesign Our WDP celebration brought together
to join us at our service. They shared sto- Facebook: @WereldgebedsdagBelgie and empowered both committee mem-
ries about their home country and an- bers and participants. Our worship stim-
swered our questions about the current BULGARIA ulated compassion and awareness that
situation in Zimbabwe. We learned Only a few local committees managed to we are all responsible for achieving a
about the difficulties being faced by organize WDP celebrations this year be- better world. We felt the needs of the
their people and their determination to cause the COVID-19 crisis was preceded women of Zimbabwe and prayed for
help and improve the situation of by a flu epidemic we also experienced. changes in their country. Influences at a
women and children. It was very nice to To be united in prayer with Christian global level are interwoven and what-
share in prayer with our sisters in Zim- women around the world is a wonderful ever happens, somewhere as far as
babwe and our neighbors. Everyone par- experience and a great privilege, so we Africa, does not differ from the situa-
ticipated in the service very tried our best to honor the program. We tions we face in our own communities.
enthusiastically which made for an en- were deeply impressed by the vitality of God is present everywhere. We must be
joyable experience. After the service we the WDP movement in Zimbabwe and more open and receptive to the guidance
were motivated to support projects in its impact on the life of the whole soci- the Lord offers us in different ways and
our local communities dedicated to ety. We can see parallels between the through many individuals. Prayer and ac-
helping those in dire need. political situation in both our countries, tion are powerful tools of change that will
World Day of Prayer 20 Journal 2020DENMARK ENGLAND, WALES & NORTHERN IRELAND
lead to a society that accepts and loves FAROE ISLANDS presence and contributions of Zim-
all of God’s children. The theme was so babwean women and men, who
inspiring, especially during this global brought artifacts to decorate the al-
COVID-19 lockdown when people are ters and took active parts in the wor-
feeling isolated, depressed and in need ship service. One branch remarked
of motivation to rise and take up their that the theme of the service could
burdens. We are not alone in carrying not have been timelier. Having
these burdens, as our Lord is always blessed and prayed over their com-
with us. mitments, they are now putting them
into practice as they support the eld-
Website: http://www.wdp- erly and lonely in their
croatia.com/ all neighbors. We were developing new community during the COVID-19 lock-
Facebook: Svjetski molitveni dan initiatives to help others but due to the down. There was a strong sense that the
Hrvatska - World day of prayer Croatia COVID-19 pandemic and society on women of Zimbabwe would be encour-
lockdown, we had to slow down. Never- aged if they knew how much their serv-
DENMARK theless, we are determined to help ice had encouraged us to reach out in
our community as best we can during faith and take up our mats and walk in
We often forget to praise God when we
these times. our corner of England.
face difficult times, so it was very inspir-
ing to witness the women of Zimbabwe
Website: www.kvindebededag.dk Website: www.wwdp.org.uk
praising God in the midst of all their
Facebook: @WorldDayOfPrayerEWNI
troubles. We learned a lot from these
ENGLAND, WALES & Twitter: @WWDPforEWNI
women through the worship service and
NORTHERN IRELAND
their courage to trust in the Lord above
FAROE ISLANDS
all else. Fear has a way of keeping us The opportunity to unite in praise with
down, but we must welcome and trust in the whole world and contribute to a Our Inspiration Day was very special as
the Lord’s guidance to get up and act huge wave of prayer is one of the reasons this is when we take the time to have
in prayer. Knowing that we are bound being a part of this movement is so spe- Bible lessons, sing, pray and share. In
together in Christ, by the Holy Spirit cial. Our region is made up of about smaller groups there are more opportuni-
all over the world, is our greatest motiva- 3,000 individual and independent ties to ask questions and to get to know
tion. To hear a message from different branches and each branch has their own one another better. We were able to hold
women in various countries reminds us way of celebrating the service. Many a local service within our community be-
that, although the world is large, we are services were greatly enhanced by the fore any Coronavirus lockdowns were put
World Day of Prayer 21 Journal 2020FRANCE GERMANY
in place. Still, there was tension and par- the face of adversity truly impressed us. The depth of the women
ticipants had to keep their distance. We We felt them passing along their
managed to have a lovely time together strength and joy to us throughout the
of Zimbabwe’s faith
and enjoyed the program under such a service. They rose, so we must also rise and their resilience in
powerful theme. We loved praying with for healing comes to those who want it
our Zimbabwe sisters, learning about and trust in God.
the face of adversity
their culture and getting to see how truly impressed us.
they live through the pictures provided. Website: https://journeemondialede-
priere.fr/
We felt them passing
There was a group of mothers and chil-
dren who sang for us and every year we Facebook: along their strength
invite the WDP Denmark Chairperson https://www.facebook.com/JourneeMon
and joy to us
to come and visit us! dialeDePriereFrance
throughout the service.
FRANCE GERMANY
We are grateful to the Lord that we were There is always a special atmosphere
able to meet face to face for our WDP among Christians on the first Friday in
service in a time of uncertainty due to March. There is a unique feeling of were collected. We want to thank our
the COVID-19 health crisis. Despite the worldwide togetherness in the bond of Zimbabwe sisters for a powerful and in-
the WDP. We truly feel God’s beloved tensive program, for sharing their life
hardships and stress the global pan-
blessing. We always try to find new and with us via a letter, for their joyous
demic has brought to us, it has also
interesting ways of promoting WDP. songs, faith in God and encouragement
proved to be an opportunity to display
to rise. With the women of Zimbabwe
creativity in our ways of communicating. This year, an art exhibition was organ-
as our role models we will overcome
Our celebration was lively and the most ized to showcase the powerful paintings
our challenges, no matter how difficult
impactful part of the service was the Let- of Granete Ngirandi of Zimbabwe. We
they are.
ter from Zimbabwe. This new way of pre- live streamed a WDP service to reach
senting the country and their issues was young people through social media. We
Website: https://weltgebetstag.de/en/
exciting and brought us closer to our sis- also created a petition to ask Germany’s
Facebook: @weltgebetstag
ters. One local group even felt inspired federal government to offer partial
Twitter: @weltgebetstagD
to send them back a letter with a prayer debt relief to Zimbabwe by reinvesting
Instagram: @weltgebetstag
of hope. The depth of the women of the debt relief in health programs in
Zimbabwe’s faith and their resilience in Zimbabwe. Over 50,000 signatures
World Day of Prayer 22 Journal 2020GREECE HUNGARY
GREECE IRELAND
vulnerable and those in need. We joined
We were fortunate enough to be able to a pre-existing project to support a health
celebrate our worship service, but due to camp organized by the Hungarian
the Coronavirus we were unable to cele- Lutheran Mission Society for those living
brate as we usually do, and there was a in Africa.
decrease in attendance. However, the
women who were able to come together Website:
helped each other stay safe. We prayed https://www.meot.hu/index.php/noi-m
for the healing of all Coronavirus victims
IRELAND
and their families in our service. We
also prayed for the women of Zimbabwe Despite growing concerns over the
and happily gave our support to them. COVID-19 pandemic, only two worship
A Zimbabwean woman joined us and services were postponed. Others were
spoke about her country and the well attended, including our annual live
suffering some of the people endure. miracle. Learning about an African coun- broadcasted worship service. The service
The opportunity for praying for each try was very exciting, especially for the was led by President Major Gillian
other and helping those in need are the children who enjoyed the exotic ani- Dicker and our guest speaker was
moments of WDP which have the great- mals, lively music and interesting cul- WDPIC Chairperson, Laurence Gangloff.
est impact. The theme also connected ture. In the rural town of Dunaújváros, a It was an amazing experience. We thank
with everyone on a personal level, be- drawing competition based on the bibli- everyone who supported us and worked
cause every person has been sick or in- cal story was held during the children’s hard for the success of this worship serv-
jured once, and knows in their hearts program. Our people experienced 40 ice, especially the women of WDP Zim-
that the Lord is a healer, now and forever. years of communism, so we really iden- babwe. Many agreed that the service
tified with the women of Zimbabwe and they wrote was spiritual, uplifting, rele-
Facebook: WWDP Greece - μ μ what it means to live in a dictatorship vant, and inspiring. The theme, letter,
and within corruption. The persever- and Bible study all reflected love, peace,
H U N G A RY ance, optimism and strong faith of these compassion and reconciliation, some-
Every year we consider the experience of women was very encouraging and they thing all churches want to be a part of. It
being united with the whole world have set an example for the rest of us. is a privilege to be a part of such a spirit
under a common day of prayer as a great We were motivated to turn to the filled movement.
World Day of Prayer 23 Journal 2020LITHUANIA MACEDONIA
Facebook: Women’s World Day of Prayer their sisters around the world. Everyone since this is usually our only chance to do
Ireland enjoyed the whole celebration especially so. It is also helpful and encouraging to
the choir and music. Many were unaware learn about the circumstances of women
LITHUANIA of the situations being faced in Zim- from other countries and see that their
Each year, the WDP celebration creates a babwe and that women still need to experiences are similar to ours. This year,
unique opportunity to be united in fight for their rights. The children en- we were happy to have a celebration in
prayer and to get inspired for other activ- joyed their service as well and almost Ohrid for the first time. It was not held
ities. Participants are very interested in did not want to leave! Our celebrations by any congregation but by the lead
the worship service and make it their re- are growing every year with more loca- organizer of a school for Roma children.
sponsibility to contribute either by tions and participants. It motivates us to They prepared the service together
preparing materials, decorating, read- continue our efforts and hopefully to with the girls from school who invited
ing, acting and singing. Regarding the pass on the committee’s duties onto the their mothers and families to join. It was
theme, one person reflected on how it younger generation. We also hope to a joyous and unforgettable event for all
would be easier to ignore the angry, sad begin celebrating in the Northern part of of them.
and most vulnerable. It is easier to pray our country. There is much to do and
for them or offer money rather than to many changes to oversee, especially as NETHERLANDS
hear their cries and hold their hands. the pandemic crisis evolves. Several worship services were held across
When Jesus spoke to the man at the pool, our country in churches and schools. It
he extended out his hand and said “Rise! Website: was very moving to gather together and
Take Your Mat and Walk.” Let these words http://www.acfl.lu/de/weltgebetstag praise the Holy Spirit with our sisters in
of Jesus lead everybody to the pool of the Facebook: @WDPLuxembourg Zimbabwe. There was a moment during
healing love of Jesus. Let us extend our the service where participants shared
hands out to our neighbors so we may all MACEDONIA
their thoughts, reflections on the theme
bask in the Lord’s glory. WDP is very important and special to and visions for the future which was thor-
us because without it we would never oughly enjoyable for all. The WDP service
LUXEMBOURG have heard or learned about some of is a special time for us, but over the years
This year’s celebration was a bit particu- the different countries around the we have noticed a decrease in attendance
lar. Although we were able to celebrate world. It is good for us to be able to and interest. It may be because of aging
before any lockdowns, the usual warm gather with women of other denomina- participants or too many other church
atmosphere was missing. People were tions to learn about these new countries events to attend. We have not given up
social distancing but still felt bound to and lift them up in prayer, especially hope and, like the theme of this years’
World Day of Prayer 24 Journal 2020You can also read
