June 2009

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Please pray for Rawdat El Zuhur School in Jerusalem

The school’s name means ‘garden of flowers.’ It was founded to provide education for destitute children and now educates 250 children aged 4 – 12 from low-income Palestinian families. It follows the state curriculum, but is known for its teaching of music and drama, and for its special needs support, especially to children with dyslexia. Children often have traumatic journeys to school because of security checks and the Israeli security wall. The school will be remaining open for an extra week this summer, to make up for time lost when closed five times during the year because of security alerts. The school is funded by donations from the charity Bible Lands.

 Please pray:

• for the children’s safety as they travel to school and the counselling they receive after traumatic events;
• for staff who make home visits to support children and their parents;
• that the school will be able to remain open and teach without disturbances;
• for the summer camp, that all will enjoy the experience;
• that the school will provide peace and security.

Luton

In the light of recent disturbances within the town, please pray for peace and good relationships between different communities.

Please pray especially for:

• the partnership between Churches Together in Luton and Luton Council of Mosques as they work together for peace and unity;
• a growth in mutual understanding, that different faiths and races may discover and celebrate the things that unite them, and respect and understand differences;
• for wisdom for decision-makers, especially the local council and the police;
• that all who have positions of influence, including leaders of community groups, elected representatives at local and national level, election candidates and the media, will act responsibly and encourage peaceful behaviour;
• for the safety of the Muslim community and restraint when facing provocation.
   

Also please pray for the following:

•  the Council of Faiths as they work to encourage dialogue and celebrate diversity, especially for the preparations for this year’s faith walk on 11^th July;
•  for the victims of recent violent attacks in Luton, and for the police as they investigate them;
• for the European elections, for their safe conduct and that  electors will not make minority groups scapegoats for their economic hardships;
• for the Members of Parliament who represent our local constituencies;
• for the following places in our town where people will gather together during the summer, that they may be safe places, free from crime and violence:

1. parks and playing fields;
2. sports centres and the swimming pool;
3. public houses and clubs;
4. St. George’s square, the shopping mall and town centre.