wfn.org | [APD] Adventist Church in New Zealand pumps churches up for prayer

[Christian B. Schäffler <APD@stanet.ch>]

[APD] Adventist Church in New Zealand pumps churches up for prayer

>July 20, 2008

>Adventist Press Service [APD]

>Christian B. Schaeffler,

>Editor-in-chief

>Fax +41-61-261 61 18

><mailto:APD@stanet.ch> APD@stanet.ch

<http://www.stanet.ch/APD> http://www.stanet.ch/APD

>CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland

Adventist Church in New Zealand pumps churches up for prayer

Auckland/New Zealand. [ANN/APD]   The Seventh-day Adventist Church in  New
Zealand has called for church members to unite in prayer as part of  worship
services on August 2, in response to the rising costs of fuel prices,
mortgages and rent in the country.

?New Zealanders, and many people around the world, are facing one of  the
toughest time in history,? says president  of the Adventist Church in  the
New Zealand Pacific region, Pastor Jerry Matthews. ?The rising cost of  fuel
has had a snowball effect on costs of living everywhere. Families are
struggling to cope financially and it?s time the church sought the  Lord in
prayer collectively.?

The focus for prayer on this day will not only be for relief for  families
who are struggling financially, but also for advances in  alternative-energy
sources and more responsible use of the world?s natural resources.

The Adventist Church in New Zealand is asking church members to commence
praying at 11.30 am (NZST). The invitation is also extended to church
members in the South Pacific region and around the world.

?This is a global crisis and we welcome as many people to pray as  possible,?
says Pastor Matthews.

The event will also be an opportunity for the church to connect with its
local community through practical means. Churches are encouraged to ask
members to bring canned food and blankets to church and organise for the
collection to be forwarded to local charities or food banks.

A forum has also been set up to enable church members to go online, in  order
to discuss and share practical ways to help local communities. Resources  to
help with the promotion are also available for download.

?We want to show the community that we?re praying Christians who  love our
country and care for people,? says Pastor Matthews. [Editor: Melody  Tan for
ANN/APD]

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This article is also available on the Internet at:

>http://www.stanet.ch/apd/news/1872.html

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