On Friday 14 May we are gathering with thousands around the world for ‘Heroes of Faith’, a 24-hour global wave of prayer (find out more on p.8 of Response). We hope you can join one – or more - of the online prayer events, hosted by CSW teams in South East Asia, Mexico, the US, Nigeria and the UK. Even if you do not have internet access you can still take part throughout this week, by using this page to pray for the work of each of CSW’s regional hubs.
Sunday 9 May
South East Asia: Today we pray for those throughout the South East Asia region who have fled their homes due to religious persecution. We pray in particular for the Rohingya, Kachin and Chin people groups in Myanmar/Burma and ask that they would be able to return to their homes and live in peace.
Monday 10 May
US: The new US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken out strongly against the actions of China in regard to the Uyghur people. While this is encouraging, pray that the Biden administration would prioritise freedom of religion or belief through the swift nomination of a competent and effective Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom.
Tuesday 11 May
Mexico: The number of internally displaced people, migrants and refugees in Latin America continues to grow. Scripture commands us to care for ‘the sojourner’ and many churches and their leaders do so, often at great risk to themselves from organised criminal groups. Pray for safety both for the sojourners, and those who care for them.
Wednesday 12 May
UK: Please pray for energy and faith for all CSW staff, many of whom are based in the UK, that they would ‘not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ (Galatians 6:9)
Thursday 13 May
EU: CSW’s office in Brussels remains as vital as ever. We give thanks for initiatives like the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, through which the EU can impose travel restrictions on individual human rights abusers, freeze their assets and prohibit the availability of funds to them. Pray that in all EU trade deals, human rights would be prioritised.
Friday 14 May
Nigeria: Today is the 18th birthday of Leah Sharibu, the Nigerian schoolgirl who refused to renounce her faith in exchange for her freedom. Leah has been held captive by ISWAP, a faction of Boko Haram, since February 2018. Today thousands around the globe will join in praying for Leah’s release.
Saturday 15 May
I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Spend some time meditating on Psalm 121 and recognising God’s sovereignty over all.