A new decade started and I was hopeful, but something happened that challenged my hope. I did not see the warning signs of the Coronavirus when it hit Europe during February/March 2020. At the beginning I did not know what was happening and did not realize that the virus was not like the flu I had known before. Europe and the whole world have been in full lockdown. People were asked to stay at home and to leave only for groceries, medicine and potentially to go to work. The world’s economy was greatly impacted and in-person meetings were forbidden to slow down the spread of the Coronavirus.  

In some European countries, WDP women were not able to celebrate the 2020 program written by WDP Zimbabwe. They did receive the booklets of the 2020 program, so they could have at least an overview and a sense of the Zimbabwe celebration. However, it was not enough and we needed to find ways to communicate differently. 

As physical distancing became the norm, people started to organise themselves and become creative. How to stay in touch? How to meet as national/regional/local committees? How to start planning for the 2021 Vanuatu program? 

Most of the European committees are already using social media but at times it does not feel like it is enough and it is too difficult to use. It is at this moment that I discovered the means of videoconferencing, which had been used for the Executive Committee meeting organized by the WDPIC office in New York. In the beginning, I was hesitant but I understood that we need to be innovative. After some tests, most of the WDP women using this means are thankful that they can get in touch again. Yes, we are still here and the movement is still alive! 

Although videoconferencing may have its limits it is a vital way to stay connected. However, there are limitations that need to be taken into consideration, otherwise some WDP members will be left behind. It may be easy to assume that the problem is aging, but the main issue with online services is connectivity. Depending on where someone lives, internet access and good networks are not always available. Many people still rely on printed materials and physical connections. It is one of the many challenges in the foreseeable future. 

Social media and communication applications have helped us overcome the feeling of isolation. Through videoconferencing, I realised that we have not yet ran out of all communication possibilities. It is a new exciting journey. As we keep an eye on the pandemic, we also need to make sure no one is left behind on this journey. This pandemic has brought to light that WDP women will always find a way to keep the movement alive, and that we will never give up. We are resilient, we persevere and we rise! 
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Blessings to all and stay safe! ​

- Emmanuelle Bauer, WDPIC Regional Representative of Europe ​

Last year while reaping green peas from the kitchen garden, the Holy Spirit spoke to me through a parable. I tried to shake the notion that it was indeed the Holy Spirit, but the stories being poured into my spirit confirmed it, and there was no doubt.  

I saw in the garden that there were a number of green pea trees of similar height growing in several garden rows, but I was taller than all of them. I could not count the leaves; I could not count the green peas growing on them.  

The pea pods grow in clusters of varying numbers which were mostly identical in size and color. The color of the peas was green; however, some were red, and some had spots, all in the same pod.  

There were young pods - the peas not fully developed. There were old pods - the peas that had dried while still on the tree.  

There were peas with holes caused by worms, still in the pod. 

There were green leaves, yellow leaves, and dried leaves on the trees, as well as on the ground.  

There were blossoms on the trees. There were bumble bees feeding at the blossoms. There were spiders casting webs between the leaves and the trees to block the path of the reaper. The webs are traps for the spider’s food and for it to rest, even though they are a bother to me. 

This garden, full of life, is like us – the children of God. Every aspect of these food bearing trees was given a purpose. 

“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members, one of another” (Romans 12:4-5) 

The Spirit showed me individuals in families, in churches, in World Day of Prayer (WDP) groups, in villages, in communities on God’s earth, all with the same beginning. As we all grow, various things happen in our lives which caused us to develop. But the development for each person or family, church, WDP committee, and definitely a village, are different. 

We have all been given the gifts and promises by God with the opportunities to thrive and to flourish. Yet not everyone thrives and flourishes, or makes it to the ‘pot’. Circumstances cause us to fall or fail.  

The Holy Spirit taught me through a garden patch of green peas that, the color of our skin, the way we have developed, financially, socially, psychologically or otherwise, does not separate us from God. Even though these things separate us from each other at times, we were all created by the same God who loves us all the same.   

I did not attend to the pea trees in their infancy. I was not the planter. I did not know them intimately, but God did. The trees grew and the branches touched each other across the garden rows. The Holy Spirit helps us to thrive and flourish in the situation we find ourselves in. Like the bumble bee going from blossom to blossom, the Holy Spirit comes to us to teach us the truth and to guide us.  ​

Governments around the world set in place measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, consequently churches and schools were closed for in-person events. Then, WDP activities planned for after March 6th were canceled or postponed, even in Zimbabwe. The committee still nurtures the expectation to hold the National Celebration at the Sports Center in Harare after the lockdown is over and it is safe to gather again, said Sylvia Marowa, “we really want to express our gratitude for the prayers for us from around the world.”  

In the Cook Islands, the worship service was held with restrictions, and the WDP celebration became the last gathering held in the Cook Islands before the lockdown. “We felt blessed to be able to come together as women of this country to give our thanks to the Lord. The theme is relevant because we have to rise, take up our mats and spread the good news in whatever way we can during the lockdown,” voiced Henrica Marona. 

The England, Wales and Northern Ireland committee began the Y-Pray Conference in 2016, which “is now held annually in May, to introduce a group of younger women to the movement. The Conference was canceled along with other events, such as Link Days,” informed Elizabeth Burroughs. Manon Naidoo lamented the uncertainty of the well planned 90th Anniversary of WWDP in South Africa to be held during the Africa Regional Conference in October 2020. 
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Taiwan’s experience with the SARS pandemic in 2003, led the government to take early precautions when made aware about the Coronavirus in China. Nancy Lin informed that “the government took over all mask productions and ensured that every single civilian had equal access to buying facial masks. Wearing a mask is required in public transportation and in all indoor public areas such as churches and stores. With masks and keeping social distance, the writing working groups are meeting to develop the worship service program for 2023.”  Maral Haidostian, from Lebanon, commented on the difficulties of adopting those precautionary measures for worship services.   ​

​WDP is increasing its online presence by creating websites and actively using social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Committees that have not yet made any resources available through their website are considering it, while others plan to expand what they already offer. Social media is used to share the local celebrations, inform about the focus country, post for the Thursdays In Black campaign, and pray for the world. WDPIC posts a prayer on Fridays with the hashtag #WDPUnitedInPrayer.  
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Growing out of the uncertainties of in-person worship services for March 2021 and the current experience with Sunday virtual worship services, many committees are nurturing the possibility of an online service for Vanuatu 2021. Bianka Paz, WDP Guatemala, mentioned their recent conversation about a workshop online with video clips to introduce the materials for the 2021 Vanuatu program. Margarita Cuzco, WDP Paraguay, mentioned their initial conversation about distributing the different moments of the worship service into the communities and finding a virtual space to come together.  ​

The vulnerable situation of women during the pandemic was noticed. Families are separated by the lockdown, curfews and closed borders; unemployment, hunger, and domestic violence against women increased. There is shortage of medications and treatments in overflowed public hospitals with COVID-19 patients. In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Brazil, the denial of the health crisis is exposing the population to the uncontrolled virus transmission. In DR Congo, Rose Biasima Lala, commented on their use of local radio to raise awareness about Coronavirus prevention.  

Jyothi Singh, WDP India, talked about “the concern with the rural communities who do not have easy access to internet to engage in online initiatives.” Also, in Costa Rica, Rebeca Cascante commented on how the priority is being given to family members who work from home to use the internet rather than women who want to connect with their community activities. WDP has a word of hope to offer 
There is real pain in the communities with the death of loved ones, an intense feeling of powerlessness to fight the disease and all its consequences. However, there is also strength in being united in prayer. There is trust in God, the sustainer of all times. We lift up in prayers WDP families and communities who are mourning. May God heal our body and soul. 

It was really inspiring to listen to the efforts made in the midst of so much disruption. WDP leaders are committed to carrying on the message and being present during this difficult moment. We are to walk together in prayer and action. We are to be creative and oriented by the WDP Guiding Principles. WDP has a word of hope to offer. It is time to share it! 

WDPIC will continue the virtual global conversation to listen to each other, pray for the world, exchange ideas and feel inspired to face the challenges. We may expand on the topics shared by the committees, for example, alternatives to in-person activities, being present to communities in need, and coordinated procedures for online access to WDP materials.  

The process of developing WDP worship services continues in the midst of the pandemic. The 2021 Vanuatu worship service material is ready and has been electronically distributed. The 2022 worship service program, written by WDP England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will be distributed by September 2020. The writing process with WDP Taiwan for the 2023 service was launched, and we are in conversation with WDP Palestine for the 2024 program. Aware of the uncertainties, but full of hope, we are looking forward to meeting you in 2022, in Scotland, for the International Meeting - “New Heart. New Mind. Called to Hope.” Visit our website for more information and follow our newsletter! 
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The WDP worship service is a tool for listening to each other and God in order to engage in prayer and action with sisters and communities around the world. Together we “Rise, Take our Mat and Walk,” an action oriented message that took us away from the fear inflicted by the pandemic, while the 2021 program written by WDP Vanuatu, will help us affirm the source of our strength to move forward. Together, we “Build on a Strong Foundation” - God’s love and Jesus’ walk on the path of justice.  ​

Like the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense suffering and confusion in the lives of many people in Asia. A new study by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) found that lockdowns and the economic recession caused by COVID-19 may exacerbate an already dire worldwide hunger crisis, almost doubling the number of people who could go hungry, pushing a total of 265 million people to the brink of starvation by the end of the year. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is not merely a global health crisis but also a global humanitarian catastrophe, warned David Beasley, the WFP Executive Director. The various impacts of global warming and climate change resulting in cyclones, flood, locust attacks, earthquakes, and landslides in the midst of this pandemic have further aggravated the suffering in many countries in Asia. 

Confinement, lockdowns, and quarantines have increased violence against women and children. Measures to curb the disease have worsened existing inequalities, forcing girls out of school and placing them at heightened risk of violence in their homes. Since women and girls undertake more than three-quarters of unpaid care in rural communities in Asia and low-income countries, they are likely to be at greater risk of infection. 
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However, the silver lining in the midst of all this is that there are numerous stories of hope which Asian women are weaving through their dialogue of life.  ​

“True, we were locked in our homes during lock down but COVID-19 does not have the power to lock our hearts filled with compassion and love,” states Daisy Roy (WDP Bangladesh National Correspondent). Daisy Roy, Lipika Florence Sammadar and many other women leaders involved in the WDP in Bangladesh are actively communicating via social platforms and strategizing on how workers in garment factories can be helped during this COVID-19 Emergency Lockdown.  
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Women in Bangladesh are struggling to come to terms with the loss of livelihood as factory workers. They make clothes for European markets, which are laying them off due to mass cancellations of orders. The Bangladesh’s export-oriented garment industry employs more than four million workers and 85 percent of them are women. “Families of garment workers are starving. We are working in partnership with the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh and other interfaith groups to help women factory workers. We are distributing rice, grocery items, food hampers along with soap, sanitizers and personal protective equipment. We are also networking with organizations, federations, and activists who work for the human rights of garment workers,” states Roy. 

Still reeling under the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, India and Pakistan face a food security situation. “The locust attack in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic made the situation worse for us in Pakistan. People are dying of hunger and starvation. We are witnessing so much suffering in our own communities. We, women leaders in our churches, started praying and networking to collect whatever food and resources we could to share it with others. We are supporting the families of daily wage laborers, widows, pregnant women etc. We even networked with the Pakistan Army to provide us ration hampers to be distributed. Now we are working to collect health and hygiene materials like vitamins, medicines, sanitary pads and hand sanitizers to be distributed,” says Alyssa Saleem from Pakistan. Saleem is introducing the WDP movement in her Church women’s organization and Diocese. Also from Pakistan, Asyia John is sewing masks for her church women’s fellowship to distribute to the community. “Even if we are poor and vulnerable, we can pray, help and care for one another,” she says. 

In India, the lockdown hit the migrant workers very hard. Lakhs of migrant workers are reeling in hunger, poverty and find it impossible to reach their homes. Migrants, including women and even children, are walking more than 1000 kms following the railway track or highway trying to get home. Many of them are being hit by lorries or trains in the night. Women are giving birth on the roads, and many are dying of heat stroke and hunger. However, even in the midst of all this suffering, I see rays of hope. These rays of hope are stories of resilience and acts of giving, sharing and kindness which has increased drastically during this COVID-19 crisis. It is not just the privileged and rich who are sharing but even the vulnerable. 

​In different parts of India, women involved in WDP are engaged in humanitarian work by feeding the hungry or supporting those affected by cyclone Amphan, which hit the West Bengal state in India and Bangladesh in May 2020. Women are raising funds to plant trees in the mangrove to restore nature and the livelihood of people in Sundarbans, West Bengal, an area hit by the Cyclone.  

The mental health of Indian women has become adversely affected by spikes in domestic violence and the stress and anxiety of watching loved ones suffer or die. Women often suffer in a culture of silence. In order to break the silence and care for each other, we have started a WhatsApp group called ‘Food Speaks and Heals’. Cooking can be therapeutic; it can be a cathartic process. This group helps us to connect to one another and share our recipes to boost our immunity. We share our day to day problems, break the silence, care for one another, find solutions and pray together.  

​In Thailand, Rev. Dr. Sirirat Pusurinkham (Former WDPIC Executive Committee member), leads the Prachakittisuk Church, near Chaing Rai, in a community project called ‘Sharing Box’ or ‘Food ATM’. “This project is helping us support people and families, most of whom are undocumented migrants, refugees and economically poor. Jesus has taught us to share our food,” reflects Sirirat. She is also caring for children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS and involving the women of her church and community in making masks to distribute during the pandemic. 
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There is so much happiness in giving and sharing in the midst of crisis. Giving and sharing is an act of hope as it heals the wounded and suffering world. Christ has bestowed us the power of resilience, so even if we are vulnerable, we can “Rise, Take Our Mat and Walk” and journey together in healing the world. 

On behalf of WDPIC, we invite WDP National/Regional Committees to the International Committee Meeting that will be hosted by the WDP Scottish Committee in 2022. They are actively preparing to welcome us to their homeland. Thank you, sisters!  

We live in unprecedented times and are all working together to slow down the transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities. We may have unanswered questions at this time and discomforting prospects for the future, but our trust is in God’s goodness. Let us, therefore, “Rise, Take Our Mat and Walk”. 

In 1968, the World Day of Prayer International Committee was formed. We left the last International Meeting, held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, in 2017, knowing that we would meet again for the 14th time in 2022. With this Newsletter we are inviting you to envision together this next gathering.  

At the top of the Newsletter, you see the logo for the Meeting, which was a collaborative effort with the Presbyterian Women (PC-USA). The leaf of hope, which encircles WDP, springs out in a dancing movement towards a new heart and mind. With the uplifting message about the intention of the gathering, comes the announcement of the date and location of the International Meeting. 
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Click here to let us know how the 2022 International Meeting logo speaks to you. 

The World Day of Prayer International Committee is composed by the WDP National Committees elected delegates, who come together to share experiences and grow in understanding of one another. They also select themes and writers for WDP services, elect an ecumenical Executive Committee, define objectives and responsibilities for financing, and consider ways by which the movement may grow.  
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Click here to send us your questions about the 2022 International Meeting.

Based on the letter to Ephesians (1,18), we are called to hope; therefore,  

We invite you to experience the meeting with a spirit of openness and tolerance, and for that, the heart must be ready: New Heart!  

We invite you to discern together the challenges of our time and make wise, visionary and courageous decisions: New Mind! 

Above all, we want to reaffirm that the women of World Day of Prayer are carriers and givers of hope: Called to Hope! 

Will you join us on the path of “New Heart, New Mind. Called to Hope”? 
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Click here to share your thoughts about the 2022 International Meeting theme. 

- Laurence Gangloff, WDPIC Chairperson 

Share this newsletter with your WDP Committee! ​

En América Latina, la pandemia del Covid-19 ha tenido impactos diferentes. Se hace difícil la comunicación pues muchas de las mujeres no tienen acceso a las redes sociales, la calidad del servicio de internet es mala, o en sus casas están los familiares trabajando que tienen prioridad en el uso del servicio de internet.   

La pandemia afecta mucho a las mujeres trabajadoras por el hecho de estar la mayoría dentro del sector laboral informal. Al quedarse en casa, no poden acceder al recurso de su sobrevivencia.  Además el desempleo ha aumentado, haciendo que sus esposos desempleados o los padres de sus hijos no les dan la pensión alimenticia.  Hay más miedo a morir de hambre que del COVID -19!    

Hay crecido el nivel de estrés de las mujeres que están atendiendo a  toda la familia en cuarentena, con los niños pidiendo lo que no se les puede dar (comida) y maridos estresados aumentando el riesgo de violencia. Las mujeres están sin poder salir a denunciar  por miedo al contagio.  Esto es un común en la región, por lo que se de en Nicaragua, Guatemala; el Salvador, Honduras y México. 

La impotencia al no poder ayudar se experimenta en muchos niveles, incluso ante las políticas de la mayoría de los gobiernos en Latinoamérica, que priorizan los intereses políticos a la vida y las necesidades de los más vulnerables. 

Es en estos momentos donde las palabras de Jesús en Juan 5: 6 - "quieres ser sano"  - toman un significado relevante. Las acciones de la gente y el amor a la vida requieren del coraje para levantarse y tomar medidas que  transformen el dolor, la muerte, y la impotencia en esperanza,  alegría, rencuentro, salud, sanidad y fe.   

Deseo y pido a Dios, que cada cual encuentre la sabiduría para responder y hacer lo que se necesita en cada situación para transmitir esperanza, y confiar en la fidelidad de Dios, que nos permitirá salir de esto momento. Que Dios nos ayude.

​Amen. ​

- Henriette Mbatchou, Représentant régional de la CIJMP pour l'Afrique

Blossom Sisters! Blossom!  
Blossom like the Red Flame Lily of Zimbabwe.  
Growing from the womb of mother Earth, 
In midst of pebbles and thorns of life, 
Blossom to celebrate life and
strive for ‘life in its fullness’. 
For Christ has given us the power, 
To rise up, pick up our mat and walk. 

Blossom Sisters! Blossom! 
Blossom like the
Red Flame Lily of Zimbabwe. 
As our sisters of WDP Zimbabwe invite us to hear their voices, stories and pray with them, 
Blossom to spread your scarlet petals and flower pregnant with ripe pollens of love, 
Spread the fragrance of
‘informed prayer’ and ‘prayerful action’. 
Prayer that transforms lives and heals. 
For Christ has blessed us with the power, 
To rise up, pick up our mat and walk. 

Blossom Sisters! Blossom! 
Blossom like the Red Flame Lily of Zimbabwe. 
Strengthen one another to weave the web of love. 
Like the song of buzzing bees sucking nectar from the lilies, 
Sing together songs of justice and peace sparking hope. 
As the red lily dances, kissed by the wind under the copper sun, 
With the rhythms of your body, dance to the tunes of songs of freedom, 
Dance to break status quo, the culture of violence and bondage. 
For Christ has blessed us with the power, 
To rise up, pick up our mat and walk. 
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Blossom Sisters! Blossom! 
Blossom like the Red Flame Lily of Zimbabwe. 
With heart filled with red passion, empathy and love, 
Engaging in praxis-oriented prayer, wiping away tears, 
Of grandmothers struggling to give life to disabled abandoned grandchildren, 
Women walking miles with bruised feet in search of safe drinking water, 
Mothers toiling hard in poverty to feed hungry children, 
Weep with tears of empathy for trafficked daughters living with HIV/AIDS. 
For our tears are not tears of weakness but resilience and strength. 
For Christ has blessed us with the power, 
To rise up, pick up our mat and walk. ​