December e-update: Micah Challenge Australia
...The Latest news from the campaign to inspire and equip Christians to speak out against poverty and injustice.
Dear Micah Challenge supporters,From the National Coordinator...
Let me take this opportunity to thank you for speaking up for and with the global poor through Micah Challenge in 2009. With Christmas just days away I have been thinking about what it means to live a Jesus-filled and grace-filled life. I have been reading Luke's gospel and reflecting again on Mary's song. (Luke 1:46-55).Here we find Mary, mother-to-be of Jesus, offering a magnificent song of praise to God. I have been surprised afresh that while she thanks the Lord for his blessing upon her, the focus of her song is the character of God. We find Mary speaking of our God of mercy, our God who scatters the proud, who brings down kings and at the same time lifts up the humble, who fills the hungry and sends the rich away empty. This is the God we serve. This is the kind of life that Jesus went on to live.
For me, a highlight of 2009 has been meeting so many wonderful people, both in Australia and around the world, who have been living lives that reflect the character of God. Followers of Jesus who live it - as simple as that - they follow Jesus and the life of Jesus flows out from within them. Forgiving, humble, loving and merciful yet not scared to speak up against injustice.
That's my prayer for you over Christmas and into 2010 - that you would be strengthened by God's Spirit to live it - as simple as that - that the life of Jesus would flow from within you. We look forward to joining with you again in 2010 as we seek to lift up the humble and fill the hungry with good things.
- John Beckett,
National Coordinator, Micah Challenge Australia
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.... God's mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty." (Luke 1:46-53).
Remember the poor this Christmas
// If you've left your Christmas shopping to the last minute, we recommend you consider giving a gift from the gift catalogue of one of our endorsing agencies. It's the gift that keeps on giving - and a great way to raise awareness of justice issues with your friends and family.// Consider sending your MP a Christmas card. Click here to download a document with suggested wording.
// Join the Advent Conspiracy.
Coming up in 2010
// Micah Challenge will continue to call our government to commit to giving 0.7% of national income towards overseas development in 2010. We will also continue to focus on child and maternal health and climate justice. We've seen some wins in these areas this year already, so thank you for your work. But, there's still more to do.// 2010 is an election year so we encourage you to organise an activity in your electorate - such as a SURVIVE PAST FIVE 5th Birthday party or an election forum. All the details on how to take action in your community can be found in the Micah Challenge Action Toolkit. Order your copy from info@micahchallenge.org.au.
// Voices for Justice 2010 will take place 19-22 June. Put the date in your diary now.
// Watch out for Micah Challenge Action Training days in your state:
Sydney - 27 February 2010, 9am-3pm, Morling College. Visit our events page for more details.
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God Bless you this Christmas and as you continue to campaign for His justice on the earth in 2010!
The Micah Challenge Australia Team
Ph:
(02) 9356 8500 www.micahchallenge.org.au
www.heartlifevoice.org
Micah Challenge is a global campaign to mobilise Christians against poverty, in the spirit of Micah 6:8 "...what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God",and in support of the Millennium Development Goals to halve poverty by 2015.
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