Our world still has an urgent rubbish problem. But, this week, give thanks to God for Christians around the world uniting to take action and for all that they have achieved as part of Tearfund’s Rubbish Campaign. And pray for the negotiations taking place this week in Ottawa, Canada towards a UN treaty on plastic pollution. For more information, visit tearfund.org/rubbish
Sunday 21 April
Give thanks for thousands of Christians across six continents speaking up, praying and taking action to demand an end to plastic pollution and its impacts on people living in poverty. Their actions have already positively impacted the UN negotiations towards the plastic pollution treaty. Pray that the negotiations taking place this year will result in an ambitious agreement.
Monday 22 April
Give thanks that the Rubbish Campaign has taken on a life of its own across South America, where it’s called Less Plastic, More Life, with many initiatives over several countries. Young people in Bolivia have met with local authorities, held a march and organised a press conference about plastic pollution, which was widely covered on TV. Pray that their efforts will be blessed and be successful in reducing plastic waste.
Tuesday 23 April
Last year, John Chewya, a waste picker from Kenya, was named by TIME magazine as a rising leader in their TIME100 Next list. John met with a government minister from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He urged that the treaty must be fair and inclusive to waste pickers. Pray the voices of waste pickers, like John, will be heard.
Wednesday 24 April
Give thanks for churches around the UK that have used Tearfund’s Rubbish Campaign resources to pray and take action on plastic pollution. If your church is one of them, lift up those in your congregation that have led the way. If your church has not yet been involved, there is still time! Email us at [email protected] to support and get resources to engage your church.
Thursday 25 April
Give thanks for Christians who’ve spent many years campaigning around the issues of plastic. People like Dr Tiwonge Gawa, an ecologist and Tearfund campaigner in Malawi. She has been working successfully with us at the treaty negotiations to lobby delegations and secure media coverage. Pray that God will refresh and strengthen them as they faithfully persevere.
Friday 26 April
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ (Philippians 4:6)
This verse has guided our prayers for the campaign. There is always something to be grateful for. Pray it over a situation you are facing today.
Saturday 27 April
Loving God, thank you for what the Rubbish Campaign is achieving. Thank you for people around the world working hard to care for your beautiful creation and tackle the blight of plastic waste. Inspire them today, especially those negotiating the treaty. Amen.
