Start Date + Catholic's Praying...

I found the following on the  Catholic News website and went a bit nuts with colouring in the bits that interest me... Its good to hear about so much unity in the run up to the games and I'm just praying that it remains like this, with no one seeking to use this platform for their own means. 

More than 200 Christians from across the denominations gathered together with members of charities and other NGOs  at Westminster Central Hall in London this past week to engage with matters of social justice in the lead up to the 2012 London Games.  The meeting was hosted by More Than Gold, the churches’ 2012 umbrella charity. The four  key areas addressed were homelessness, human trafficking and prostitution, Fairtrade and climate change. 

David Willson, CEO of More Than Gold, opened the day by sharing of his own experience over the past fourteen  years heading up the churches’ work alongside Olympic and Paralympic Games saying:  “The Olympics are an  opportunity wherever they occur for dynamic short-term celebration and long-term regeneration for millions of  people. However, for some the Games can mean further degradation and misery. It is our duty as Christ’s body  here on earth to do all we can to prevent this from happening, while serving and encouraging all that is good.”

The Rt Hon Stephen Timms, MP opened his address saying that the 2012 Games, hosted by the East End of London, are “the most exciting event worldwide that can change this run-down area economically”. He  acknowledged that “church attendance in London is on the rise”. He also saw that “More Than Gold are right to  recognise that the Olympics are a moment for national pride but also for service, and Christian service in the  Games is something to be supported and celebrated.” He went on to express his “strong support of social action  rooted in and inspired by faith” and sees More Than Gold’s work as being “not about activists with a background  in Christianity but about initiatives rooted in worship and love for Christ. It is about those with a passion to get  involved with individuals” he said.  “We need to renew our communities and our politics in the years ahead.”

He went on to make reference to Wesley, Wilberforce and Booth, men of both transformation and of service, and  left those gathered with a mandate:  “Transformation needs to be at the heart of the Christian contribution,  speaking up for those with no voice, and challenging government where necessary.  You need to keep us as  government focussed on legacy.”

Commissioner Betty Matear’s address recognised that, as a united Christian voice, we have “one shot, one  opportunity to make a mark on the global scene in this way. We’re at the centre of the action,” she said, “and  want to uphold the objectives and purposes of the Olympic movement. But what will we be remembered for  beyond 2012?  Every major sporting event plays a big effect. We need to re-orientate the moral compass where  necessary in our land.”  

More Than Gold’s work was to be seen she said “not as a narrow church agenda but a big stage with a long-term focus, commitment to excellence and to justice, involving people of all faiths and none. We must work for the good of others where there is exploitation, or damage, or where people are further impoverished.” She went on to say that we need to “think globally, act locally. We will reflect and discuss and build on what is already  happening.” She also saw that the Christian community across the UK “needs to recognise positive aspects but also speak up, speak out and speak for those whose voice is not being heard.”

Presentations were given on the four key areas with Alison Gelder of Housing Justice speaking on  homelessness and the many improvements that have been made over the past thirteen years with figures “down  from 2000 in 1997 to about 500 now”. She spoke of the “unsung success of the current government” while  challenging the Christian community not to be complacent. “Half of rough sleepers in the UK are in London,” she  said, “and to achieve the long-term target of zero rough sleeping by the end of 2012 means a change to society,  with the church taking the leading role.”

Ruth Dearnley of Stop The Traffik spoke graphically about the issues behind human trafficking and prostitution.  “This business,” she said, “is the fastest growing crime on the planet with a $32 billion profit, which is bigger than Microsoft.” As a united church, “we need to answer a challenge that has not been answered before” she said. 

“There are no known statistics, no in depth research of how a global sports event affects the traffic” because this  issue is one that “is organised and systemised, and is both adaptable and moveable whenever something is shut  down.” She suggested addressing this social cancer by means of “every local community having the power to  change what is happening around them.  Communities are the answer, and if community groups are there, led and driven with faith in Christ then there is no more powerful cocktail to bring the kingdom of God.  The UN  wants us on board because they realise the key lies in the community and in community groups” she  passionately exclaimed. “We will only ever stop the traffic if we work in partnership to bring about change to the  community where people are being bought and sold. THERE IS NO ROOM FOR TRIBALISM OR TERRITORIALISM”

Paul Chandler of Traidcraft addressed issues of justice within the marketplace calling for “a better deal for the poor in the world”, demanding the provision of “better working conditions” which in turn “bring dignity, opportunity  and HOPE where it didn’t exist before.” He welcomed the decision by the London Organising Committee of the  Olympic Games (LOCOG) to commit to using Fairtrade items in food outlets during the 2012 Games where over 40 million meals will be served during the Games, but recognised that “the 2012 Games are an opportunity for  Fairtrade to be a key provider and for this important trademark of justice for market providers to become further  known.”

Mary Colwell of The Catholic Climate Covenant campaign, which links the effects of climate change to the needs of the vulnerable, also praised the efforts being made by LOCOG to host a games that are the greenest to date.

She encouraged church members present to “be leaders in energy efficiency, incorporate awe and wonder for  the world and creation into your worship, be witnesses to God’s mark on creation by having eco-friendly church grounds.” Alongside the forthcoming Olympians, “this is a time for us all to be heroes,” she said.
 

Start Date + Blog Blog Blog

With Art being such a valuable tool for communicating messages, I've been looking at what it exactly we can say through the Arts for our 2012 Outreaches.

Yes, I want to communicate the message of the cross and Jesus love but what specifically?

What was Jesus passionate about?

I heard an awesome message last night at our community meeting on Social Justice and God's heart for the oppressed. After Idolatry, that is putting things above God, Social Justice is the second most frequent topic in the Old Testament and mentioned over 300 times throughout the Bible. Its a topic SO close to God's heart and the Bible urges us frequently to 'Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.' Psalm 82:3

Justice and the rights of other was a topic Jesus frequently taught on, challenging the ideologies of the time and rebuking acts of religion that neglect the poor. Rather, he taught:

'Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.' James 1:27

So I have begun researching more specifically on topics that are raised by the Olympics coming to the UK.

I came across this article on the recent Commonwealth Games - 'Why we Mustn't forget Delhi 2010'. 

With  reports of over 100 workers dying during the construction of facilities and a surge young girls allegedly being lured to Delhi for work at the Games, only to be sold into prostitution, the world's media criticized India's handle of the event.

But this article warns us:

'It might be easy to feel complacent about all this, and to assume that the scandals that dogged the Games exist only in less developed countries.
But although it's not likely that young children will be involved in the construction of London 2012 facilities, child trafficking is very much alive and kicking in our capital. And a high proportion of the people building our state-of-the art velodrome, the stadium, swimming pools and running tracks are agency workers, many of them migrants, who are often at particular risk of abuse.
And don't forget the hundreds of thousands of workers around the world who will be involved in producing athletes' uniforms, sportswear and footwear, equipment and official Olympics promotional merchandise. All of these people, as poor, low- and semi-skilled workers, are also vulnerable to exploitation.' 

It is easy and often tempting to get overwhelmed by these issues. To sit back and feel like this is too big of an issue, and actually what can one person do? But we can do something. Legacy for the London games was at the heart of our government's successful Olympic bid. This legacy should extend to protecting the rights of all the people involved in bringing it to fruition. 

 Just one step is to tell Adidas, Nike and Speedo to raise the bar on workers rights.

Another of course is to pray specifically. The above link has amazing resources and information about issues and those vulnerable to exploitation. Why no read them and PRAY for those involved.

'He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?' Micah 6:8

It is my heart to use art to communicate these issues but, until my team grows there is only so much one artist can do!
SO! I'm in the process of putting together resource ideas for churches and youth groups that use creative methods to explore these issues. From yarn storming to creating murals they are ideas for ways that ANYONE can use art in the place they are now - School, University, their knitting circle, a parent and baby group.

Want to know more about what I'm currently researching?

Check out my 'work' blog ----> HERE

Making History at the 2010 Olympics! / News / News & Stories / ywam.org / Home - YWAM

Making History at the 2010 Olympics! / News / News & Stories / ywam.org / Home - YWAM

The tourism office of Vancouver, Canada is predicting that 350 000 people will visit the city in February and March 2010 for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. YWAM Vancouver is hoping that 1000 of them will be YWAMers, participating in the largest winter Olympic outreach in YWAM history!
For people with a message, the Olympic games are a unique opportunity to connect with large groups of people from all over the world. YWAM Vancouver is a part of “More Than Gold” - a network of churches and organizations who are aiming to affect the purposes of God during the event that will take over their city this winter.
YWAM’s 2010 Project coordinator, Jacqui Bishop, is excited to continue making YWAM history through this outreach. She says, “From the stories I've heard, each Olympic outreach has had its very own signature. Our hope is that this outreach will be marked by bathing our city in prayer, as well as reaching out in kindness and love in the name of the Kingdom of God.” YWAM Vancouver director, Mike Davies, agrees : Vancouver is the largest city to ever host the winter games, more churches and ministries have come together that ever before in our city under the banner of More Than Gold. Vancouver is a city that has a global influence and…we believe that this is the time to see the beginnings of transformation in our city.”
Jacqui is also excited about the creative opportunities presented by this Olympic outreach. Justice issues are emerging as a relevant focus for a sports event that has, in the past, caused the displacement of the poorest members of its host cities. Jacqui says, “…the Vancouver Olympic Committee has committed to "leave a legacy" for the poorest of the poor in our city. We can be a part of this through practical service alongside existing outreach centers as well as helping to create community spaces in the poorest areas of the city.” Mike adds, “If, at the end of the outreach, we hear comments such as, ‘I did not realise the Church cared so much,’ then I will believe that our time was well spent.”
Project 2010 is organizing events for children whose schools will be closed during the games and working with local churches which are opening their doors to create community centres with free internet access, cafes and friendly faces. The creative arts will be well represented with free concerts and street performances.
Prayer is another important objective, according to Jacqui. “Our goal is to have Prayer Stations all over the city asking people one simple question "Can I pray for you?” she explains. “Our highest hope is building the kingdom of God in Vancouver - we want to see people healed, realizing the love of God, hearing His voice and spreading the Word! Everyone who is serves with us during this Olympics will be part of sowing seeds of the Kingdom of God in our city.
To find out more about the “2010 Project” Vancouver Olympic Outreach visit www.ywamvancouver.com