Pray for Fiji on Sunday, October 2, 2011

Pray for Fiji on Sunday, October 2, 2011

Prayers for Fiji: Matthew 21:33-46

To our God the most high, we are thankful for a new day and a new opportunity to breathe life into our souls. We are grateful for the air that sustains us on this earth. We are appreciative of the water that nourishes and hydrates our bodies. But, we are also remorseful for the ways in which we show our gratitude. Lord, we reflect on the scriptures and realize that our actions have resembled that of Matthew 21:33-46. Much like the wicked tenants in the parable, we have rejected what we know is right in favor of our own selfish desires. God, we know that fossil fuels pollute the earth, but we refuse to definitely invest clean energy such as solar, wind, tidal, wave, and geothermal. We know that burning gasoline contributes to increased amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere—thereby raising the global temperature—but we still indulge ourselves with oversized cars and gas-guzzling vehicles. We are remorseful for our overindulgent lifestyles and our vehement cooperation with conspicuous consumption. But, God we want to turn this present predicament around and assure that Earth is an habitable planet for generations to come. And God we know that there is no better time than the present. Lord, we desire to see a world in which our needs can be met without polluting the earth. God, we desire to be good stewards of what you have given to us. Moreover, we desire to see a world free from nuclear energy so that we will never again experience a Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, or Fukushima. We truly understand that nuclear energy is NOT safe energy. Ultimately, we recognize that if we truly see you as the Creator, then we must respect and protect your creation. God, continue to walk with us as we approach each day as a new opportunity to be better and do better. Amen. 

Mission Stewardship Moment from Fiji:

Climate change is a matter of extreme significance in our modern context. We are knowledgeable that increased levels of carbon dioxide into Earth’s atmosphere have a specific way of raising the global temperature. Moreover, this CO2 is produced from our cars and planes and through the burning of fossil fuels used to heat and cool our homes, and to power our comfortable lives.

Therefore, it must be the objective of Earth’s citizens to endorse sustainable lifestyles in regards to energy consumption and waste production. Because of this, my organization (Pacific Conference of Churches) in Suva, Fiji has taken upon itself to adopt an environmental policy.

Although the South Pacific is responsible for 0.006 of the global carbon emissions, we are not overlooking or minimizing our responsibility to care for Mother Nature. Our shared conviction has compelled us to specifically monitor our travel, office recycling, waste production, and energy consumption. Furthermore, the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) pledges to plant a tree for every trip the organization takes outside of Suva in an attempt to offset our carbon emissions.

We must not be like the Pharisees and reject what is right. Rather, we must look into the mirror and start with ourselves. Ultimately, the PCC understands that it must be the change that it seeks. We are hopeful that you will accompany us on this journey of ecological sustainability.  

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Aaron Wiggins)

Video Resources for Fiji:

Interview with Aaron Wiggins, GM Missionary in Fiji: http://globalministries.org/resources/multimedia-resources/videos/video-mission-moments/aaron-wiggins.html

Interview with Rev. Dr. Feleterika Nokise, President of the Pacific Theological College in Fiji: http://globalministries.org/resources/multimedia-resources/videos/video-mission-moments/fiji-nokise.html

Global Ministries International Partners in Fiji:

For more info about Fiji, click here: http://globalministries.org/eap/countries/fiji/

Global Ministries Missionaries in Fiji:

Aaron Wiggins serves with the Pacific Christian Council in Suva, Fiji, as a program associate working with advocacy and justice issues related to global warming and nuclear testing.

Pray for Partners without Global Ministries Mission Personnel: United Kingdom

For more information on the UK, click here: http://globalministries.org/mee/countries/united-kingdom/