“Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk”

Artist: Nonhlanhla Mathe

Join people all over the world on Friday, March 6th for the 2020 worship service and celebration written by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Zimbabwe and adapted for use in Canada by The Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada.

In Clearwater, the service is being hosted by the Clearwater World Day of Prayer Organizing Committee at the Star Lake Ministry Centre at 1:30 pm.  A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow.

The WDP 2020 program is based on Jesus’ encounter with a person who, although positioned for healing, had not acted upon the opportunities given (John 5:2-9a). Jesus asked –“Do you want to be made well?” You are faced with this life-changing question. What are you going to do? Use this opportunity to reflect with your WDP group, community and ecumenical partners. Prayer and action are what links us together around the globe.

The country of Zimbabwe continues its search for peace during its political transition. The change in government, that occurred when the WDP materials were written, continues to bring Zimbabwe to the frontlines of the media. The economy crashed the dreams of many, Mugabe died at 95 years old, protests are met with violence, and a massive cyclone has flooded some communities.

However in all moments, WDP women, churches and ecumenical organizations have not lost hope.

“Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk,” said Jesus. Our sisters from Zimbabwe are taking Jesus’ encounter to be a call to act in love for peace and reconciliation. “The action verbs suggest that we should not be afraid to act on the word of God. God is offering us the steps for personal and social transformation.” This is the time for change!
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May we hear the words of this compassionate God and the Prince of Peace to act upon the healing of ourselves and our communities to bring peace and reconciliation into the world.

~ from the International World Day of Prayer Website