Activities to mark the World Day of Prayer will be hosted next Friday, with the theme of “Reconciled in Christ."
The Women and Youth Ministry Committee of CCC&TSPM put out a notice that this year's procedures and content of the service are put together by this committee instead of following the officially designated program.
According to the official website of the World Day of Prayer (WDP), this year's program is written by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Taiwan, themed "I Have Heard About Your Faith" around Ephesians 1:15-19.
It has been the second year that China's TSPM church celebrates this global ecumenical movement with its own material. Last year's WDP theme was "Contribute With Willingness" according to Exodus 35:20-35. Written by the WDP Committee of England, Wales & Northern Ireland, the official theme of WDP 2022 was "I Know the Plans I Have for You" based on Jeremiah 29:1-14.
The document released by CCC&TSPM explains, "To fit the situation of the Chinese church, the Women and Youth Ministry Committee of CCC&TSPM has been organizing and compiling the worship program and content since last year, with this year's theme being 'Reconciled in Christ' based on Colossians 1:18–20. There are testimonies and sharing by Chinese Christian women, as well as a study of the theme of scripture and prayers for others. They will pray for the complete reunification of the motherland, China's modernization, climate change, protection of the environment, the Sinicization of Christianity, and the restoration of the church after the epidemic."
The notice said three female believers will share their testimonies during the worship service, including Rev. Li Meilan from the Nangang Dazhi Street Church in Harbin, Heilongjiang, Rev. Lin Li from the Duyun Church in Guizhou, and Elder Wang Jianhua from the Hudong Church in Yangpu District, Shanghai. Pastor Li and Pastor Lin are both winners of the first National Religious Advanced Individuals Award. Elder Wang was also given the "Shanghai Charity Award" Charity Model Award at the first "Shanghai Charity Award" ceremony in 2022.
CCC&TSPM reminded churches all over China to use the materials as needed to plan the worship service and activities.
The "Women's World Day of Prayer" initiative began with a prayer service organized jointly by Christian women from Canada and the United States with the goal of caring for women and children. Founded in 1964, the World Day of Prayer International Committee sets the first Friday of March as the World Day of Prayer.
Every year on the first Friday of March, before International Women's Day on March 8th, Christian women in churches around the world hold a worship service, praying for the prosperity of the country, the happiness and health of the people, the peace and harmony of the world, and the harmonious coexistence between mankind and nature. This tradition has lasted for more than 120 years. For many years, the Chinese church has been participating in these activities.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
