UK Church called to prayer in response to Covid crisis

 (Photo: Unsplash/Martin Sanchez)

The UK Church is being asked to unite in prayer for the world's poorest nations that are struggling as a result of Covid-19. 

Stewardship is asking churches across the UK to join in prayer for the global crisis on Sunday 13 September. 

It is partnering with Christian humanitarian agencies Tearfund, World Vision, A21 and Open Doors, as well as charities based in Lebanon, Brazil, South Africa and India as part of its Global Rapid Response Campaign

A new webinar is being posted to the campaign page every Thursday afternoon highlighting the stories of frontline charity workers and local church leaders tackling Covid in their communities.

Pastors in the UK are being asked to show a short video at church this Sunday featuring spoken word artist Kenneth Omole.

Stewardship is hoping to inspire more UK Christians to pray and intercede on behalf of communities worldwide facing huge social and economic challenges because of the pandemic. 

Stewart McCulloch, CEO of Stewardship said: "Covid-19 will have and is already having a disproportionate impact on the world's poorest and most vulnerable people and yet our UK media is occupied with domestic issues.

"We hear little of the international impact where our brothers and sisters face the trauma of crisis upon crisis. We have spoken to Christians all over the world; I was most struck by those in Beirut and Yemen who risk their lives every day to bring help and hope to their neighbours.

"In turn we are called to help them carry on their life saving ministries."

The call comes after World Vision warned that 1.6 billion worldwide could die in second waves if governments do not take steps now to help vulnerable communities.

Research by the development agency found that the British public was broadly supportive of an increase to UK Government spending on overseas aid to fight Covid worldwide. 

World Vision's head of policy Gareth Wallace said: "A coronavirus outbreak in any part of the world puts us all in danger.

"If the disease is not eradicated, it will pose a perpetual threat to the world's poorest people and those living in wealthy countries alike.

"Defeating it depends on reaching the most vulnerable communities in every country."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Sam Allberry resigns after being 'disqualified' from ministry by church
Sam Allberry resigns after being 'disqualified' from ministry by church

Sam Allberry has resigned from his position as associate pastor of Immanuel Church Nashville after reportedly being in an “inappropriate relationship with an adult man in 2022". 

12 Christians killed in Nigeria
12 Christians killed in Nigeria

Terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) killed at least 12 people and burned a church building in an attack on a Christian village in northeastern Nigeria’s Adamawa State, according to the international Christian aid organization Barnabas Aid.

Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas team up for faith-based single
Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas team up for faith-based single

Contemporary Christian artist Brandon Lake and pop singer Nick Jonas have released a two-song collaboration, featuring the new single “The Author” and a remix of “Hope.”

Where is Scotland heading this week? 
Where is Scotland heading this week? 

Scotland is experiencing serious political, economic and social decline after years of SNP governance and failed policy choices. Will this week's elections change that?