Pentecost - 11^th May 2008

God of the rushing wind, sweep through our indifference.
God of the fiery flames, ignite our compassion.
God of the many voices, open our mouths to speak out against injustice.
That through you Spirit and our actions this world may be transformed. Amen.

This is a prayer for Pentecost and a prayer for the start of Christian Aid Week.

In his book Crown of the Year, Austin Farrer wrote, "Pentecost is not the feast of the Holy Spirit, it is the feast of his descent on us. As the Holy Spirit grows in us, it is not he but we who grow. He does not grow up and leave us behind, we grow up into him. He becomes the spring and substance of our mind and heart. He is the never failing fountain. We break up the stony rubbish of our life again and again, to find and release the well of living water."

From the red envelope in your hand to the glass of fresh water in Rekha’s, Christian Aid is empowering people with your support. A glass of water in Kayabunia, Bangladesh, is precious. Here climate change means rising sea water levels are making fresh water salty and dangerous to drink.

But Rekha Biswas knows what to do. With support from Christian Aid partner, BCAS, she is teaching villagers to look to the sky and themselves for the answer.

Rekha has spent the last year tirelessly going door to door talking to people in Kayabunia. Because of her, women are now able to speak up for their needs at the new pani parishad (water council), and are trained to harvest rainwater, providing their community with a supply of clean water.

"If we are united, we can do many things," Rekha says. Christian Aid Week collectors raise an average of £33.50 each. This is enough for Rekha to empower 67 more women to get the water they need! If we can’t go door to door ourselves, let us give generously through the envelopes!

In his sermon last Sunday John Hare touched on fear. I wonder if Rekha is fearful as she visits people in Kayabunia. I know fear can be a real issue as we visit people during Christian Aid Week. Perhaps it is helpful to remember that perfect love casts out fear. I like to open my dialogue on the doorstep with the question, "Would you like to help the poor of the Third World through Christian Aid week?" In the few instances where the reply is negative, along the lines, "I don’t do Christianity!" I try to smile and explain that the only Christian bit is the collectors, that those helped may have any faith or none. This year it will be possible to speak of Rekha, or of the devastation in Burma as a result of the cyclone. If there is time it is helpful to talk about Gift Aid. It is worth claiming tax back through gift aid on donations over £2. Last year the total reclaimed was an amazing £1.2 million.

Going door to door changes lives for ever – thank you for supporting Christian Aid Week.

Tony Waller

Thought and Prayer for the Week

… bursting out from within?

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