In cities such as Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, plastic pollution is out of control. Unmanaged waste impacts people’s health, exacerbates flooding and threatens power supplies by blocking dams. This week, pray for the social enterprises we’re supporting which are cleaning up communities, restoring dignity and reducing waste.
Sunday 25 June
Lift to God all those who are trapped in poverty because of unmanaged waste, including Jean, whose home near the Congo River in Kinshasa floods regularly because the water is clogged with plastic. Pray that decision-makers will take concerted action to tackle the global waste problem. Plastic Free July starts at the end of this week, sign up at plasticfreejuly.org
Monday 26 June
Waste collectors like Syed in Bangladesh play a vital role in waste management. For 24 years, Syed carried waste in baskets on his back. Thanks to our partner in Parbatipur, he now has a bicycle, which collects twice as much waste and doubles his income. Thank God for the way the social enterprises we support are providing dignified jobs.
Tuesday 27 June
EcoBrixs, a partner in Uganda, created a fishing boat out of recycled plastics recovered from Lake Victoria. Through EcoBrixs, local people now earn a living gathering plastic. Pray that the innovation modelled by EcoBrixs will inspire creative solutions to the plastic problem far beyond Uganda’s borders.
Wednesday 28 June
In Jos and Yola, Nigeria, youth unemployment is high. Our partner Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria is training young people to turn e-waste into solar power units and recycle plastics into paving blocks. Pray that more young people will have the opportunity to build sustainable local economies.
Thursday 29 June
A social enterprise we’re supporting in northern Pakistan is making compost from household organic waste. They’re training women and girls to reduce the waste produced in their homes – including composting organic waste to increase yields. Pray that this will help women and girls see their potential to bring about change.
Friday 30 June
Let’s thank God for communities which are passionate about reducing waste in the UK. In Chelveston, Northamptonshire, eight-year-old twins Emily and Jack Chadwick organised local litter picks, especially in fly-tipping hotspots, and persuaded many local people to support waste and recycling projects overseas through Bin Twinning.
Saturday 1 July
Heavenly Father, teach us to see the value in the resources you’ve given us, even those we dismiss as ‘waste’. Help us to recognise the skills and resources you have invested in us and share them for the good of others for your glory.
