One in four of us – 2 billion people worldwide – have no safe way to dispose of rubbish, meaning many are forced to live and work among piles of waste. This week, pray for a solution to the world’s plastics problem as part of our Rubbish Campaign week of prayer and action. Lift up the negotiations for a global plastics treaty that take place again in November. For more details, visit tearfund.org/WeekOfPrayer
Sunday 29 October
‘He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honour.’ (1 Samuel 2:8, NLT) Lord, we join Hannah in remembering and praying for your order, where no one is forced to live on a rubbish dump. Amen.
Monday 30 October
Give thanks and pray for all those who are taking part in this week of prayer and action, especially those who will be using Rubbish Campaign church resources. Churches such as Redhill Baptist Church who had a rubbish service run by their creation care team this month. To use the resources in your church, visit tearfund.org/RubbishResources
Tuesday 31 October
Jono Bailey from Christian Surfers Australia joins Tearfund Australia’s Rubbish Campaign, calling on governments to agree an ambitious global plastics treaty. 'The rising levels of plastic pollution that bring destruction to the oceans and their inhabitants deeply saddens us,’ he says. ‘And our creator as well.’ Pray that these voices will be heard and the negotiations in November will bring progress.
Wednesday 1 November
In 2002, Bangladesh was the first country to ban plastic bags, but it hasn’t been strictly enforced. Mim, aged 19 from Bangladesh, is president of a Youth Green Club set up by Tearfund partner LAMB. She feels strongly that business needs to be encouraged to produce sustainable alternatives to plastics. Pray that young people would have the courage to speak up and that their voices will be heard.
Thursday 2 November
Christians are finding creative ways to reduce reliance on plastics. Mel Hemmings started a refill shop in Woking as a response to her faith in Jesus, who, she jokes, is the original zero-waster! Pray that Mel’s shop will be a success and inspire many others. You can watch a short film of Mel’s story by visiting tearfund.org/ChangeMakerFilms
Friday 3 November
Coqueiral Baptist Church in Brazil have seen first hand the devastating impact of mismanaged waste, including increased flooding. They have been on a journey to reduce their use of single-use plastics as part of their ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). Pray for them as they seek to love their neighbours by caring for creation.
Saturday 4 November
Loving God, thank you for all those who are working hard to care for your beautiful creation and protect those most at risk from harm by poor waste management. Inspire and strengthen them today. Open my eyes to ways that I can play my part. Amen.
