INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Background

In July 2006 the Mennonite World Conference met  at Zimbabwe, África. During that time the Latin American women who were at the meeting were able to get acquainted with the African women theologians whose strength and work is well known in the Mennonite Church throughout the world.  They listened to the African women theologians and asked them questions.  The Africans in return asked the Latin Americans questions.

It was in this setting that the Latin American women got the idea to initiate a movement to help strengthen networks of mutual support among the women who in their daily routine, with or without formal Biblical and theological training, contribute substantially to the church and are visible in the Kingdom of God along with may others.

The time designated for working out details to make this dream come true was from 2004 to 2009.  Meetings for Biblical-theological reflection were arranged in different regions of Latin America.  The main focus of the study centered on the ministry of women from the perspective of Jesus of Nazareth. 

Paraguay 2009

At the Mennonite World Conference in Paraguay we had the first meeting of Latin American Women Teologians.  There was a large group of women  in attendance from almost all the areas.

Work groups were given the question: What do you want from the movement? Along with other suggested activities in answer to the question, the women proposed the observance of World Day of Prayer.  This would involve prayer for the different needs of Latin American countries.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

World Day of Prayer Observance       

To take care of this request we have been observing World Day of Prayer since 2010 during the month of May.  Each church can choose a day in the month of May to pray for the needs of the selected countries.

For 2010 women from Mexico  prepared  the litergy.  We prayed for the needs in Mexico,  Colombia and Haiti.  Due to  the earth quake and tsunami Japan was included.

For 2011, Guatemalan women produced the litergy.  The countries we prayed for were Cuba, Argentina, and Guatemala.

For 2012, groups of women from different countries made the litergy.  We will pray for Belice, Bolivia, and people of Latin American origin that live in the United States. 

Let us encourage all of our sister churches so that we may unite together in prayer for our needs!