We will be taking a vow of silence for the day, quieting our mouths and minds, in order to reflect upon the global poverty situation facing our world today. As we hold our tongues, we will open our ears to hear the needs of the world and the tears God cries over the brokenness of this world. As we calm our hearts we will reflect on the causes and changes that must be made on both large and small scales. When we silence our words, we will open our hearts in prayer to the God who is in control of change. We will raise awareness in the eyes of others and ourselves about the social injustices that keep people from basic needs.
On this day, take the opportunity to:
- PRAY, fervently and without ceasing
- FAST from food, TV, internet, music - try to keep yourself from things that will break your silent mindset
- WRITE to Senators and Representatives
- FIND imaginative ways to write on a plain white shirt, "We will take a vow of silence, to speak out against poverty" and write statistics, verses, and other quotes about poverty
- MEDITATE and practice Lectio Divina (repetitive, intimate prayer and meditation with God on a single verse) on Scripture that shows us God's heart on the matter of poverty and oppression
- READ about hunger issues in the US and around the globe (bread.org)
- PROVIDE for the immediate needs of the homeless people in your area
- VOLUNTEER in your community at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, etc.
- GET CrEaTiVe!!! Find a way to express your passion against poverty in your community, nation and world
Those who will be working
- We understand many of you will be working. We request that you try to be reflective to the degree that you can
- Wear the shirts to work!
Churches
- Get your members involved! Help us get the word out about Christians internationally uniting together to express our passions against poverty
- Have a reflective, poverty, lament or social justice based Sunday/Wednesday service
- Hold a prayer service on this day
Schools
- Get student groups involved! Wear the shirts to class and post fliers explaining Pray Against Poverty Day
- Have organized prayer time
We will be getting together (FRIDAY APRIL 23rd at Dordt College in the Grill area from 3-4:30) to make tshirts. Come with a plain white tshirt, markers and some quotes/scripture ready!
Rest. Relax. Enjoy the silence!
Check the Pray Against Poverty Blog to download printable fliers and a word document describing this event.
Rest. Relax. Enjoy the silence!
Check the Pray Against Poverty Blog to download printable fliers and a word document describing this event.
