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As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come follow me,”  Jesus said.       Matthew 4: 18-19

This week is International Development Week, and we are asked to pause in our daily routine and share stories from across the church about our collaboration with Mission & Service partners in work that addresses poverty, hunger, climate change, justice and peace, health, and education on a global and local scale.  Through Mission and Service, Social Justice Network, and Climate Justice Network, our United Church participates in the United Nations 17 Sustainable development goals calling for the world to join together in efforts to build an inclusive, just, sustainable, and resilient future for all peoples and all creation.  Our faith inspires us to be active participants for a just world. Right relationships are central to the nature of God and the Spirit calls us to live in relationships reflecting Christ’s character of justice and love. The New Creed calls us to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil. These central commitments of our faith resonate with the SDGs.
The United Church works with over 100 partners in God’s mission around the world, working toward deep changes for just economic and social systems and a world transformed by love.

It is always easier to put a face to those we are helping.  In third world countries women and children suffer the most from poverty, war, climate change.  Helping women and children helps build a better future.  Here are three women and their stories you can pray for:  

Margret -   The Zimbabwe Council of Churches, UCC, Cdn. Foodgrains Bank project, trains women farmers like Margret on conservation agriculture principles which preserve soil nutrients and conserve water, ensuring the land is productive for many years to come. Margret also receives various seeds, fertilizer, and top dressing as part of the project. She has been able to share her knowledge with her family and the community.

Mary - Mary is a widow with two grandchildren and lives in Gutu district in Zimbabwe. The project works with women like Mary to train them on conservation agriculture techniques, including using mulch to reduce water evaporation, which is important during prolonged dry periods and drought, and reduces her workload. The food assistance that Mary receives through the project also ensures that she is able to focus on her livelihood. As part of the HERD project, Mary receives seeds and other agricultural inputs as well as 3 months of food comprised of maize meal, cooking oil, and beans to help meet her family’s diet and nutrition.

Mrs. Chimombe - Mrs. Chimombe lives with her husband in Gutu district in Zimbabwe and is participating in the HERD project where she receives training on conservation agriculture practices. Persistent drought and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to food insecurity for families like Mrs. Chimombe’s. However, ZCC is providing emergency food assistance during the lean season, allowing Mrs. Chimombe and her family to focus on their livelihood. The family has also received gender-sensitive training which has led to a more equal distribution of care for their child, reducing Mrs. Chimombe’s heavy burden in the household and on the family farm.

Prayer of Dedication, Thanksgiving, and Concern
Jesus, you remind us that God loves this world—
 not just our corner, but all the world.
With the prayer we offer today,
for the Mission and Service of the United Church, 
may we love the world with you.
It is in this world, messy and chaotic, joyful and delightful, 
that we discover your spirit and purpose for our lives.
We give thanks for your abundant life,
for your presence inspiring us to live in love and generosity, 
for times when you strengthen us to overcome challenges,
for times when your love brings comfort and healing.
We want to share your love with the world.
Help us to care for this world that you love so dearly with open hearts:
 to respond to conflict with peacemaking,
to respond to dis-ease with healing,
to respond to cruelty with compassion.
Holy God, Sustainer, and Renewer of life,
you call us into partnership with you and with all who embrace your way.  Amen.