+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SIERRA LEONE PRAYER NETWORK (UK) http://www.homestead.com/sierraleoneprayergroupuk/ Saturday 6th March 2010 11.00am to 3.00 p.m. Venue: Christian Life Ministries AoG Parkside, Technology Park, COVENTRY CV1 2HG Tel. 024 76 416575 A warm invitation to you to join us for a meeting to pray for Sierra Leone with others from around the country. We plan to start the meetings a t 11.00 am in order to finish earlier at no later than 3.00pm. This early start will enable is to start and end early. We plan to have lunch at 1.30 . We are keen to receive news on the current situation in Sierra Leone which we need to consider in prayer. So please come with news or reports that you have. If possible let me know if you need a time slot to provide a short report. Draft Programme. 11:00 am Welcome and tea/coffee. 11.15 am Introductions and Welcomes. 11.30 am Worship and reading from God's word. 11.45 am Missions News from Sierra Leone 12.30 pm Other News and reports . 1.00 pm Prayer time together. 1.30 pm Lunch (Bring and Share) Some Sierra Leonean food! 2.30 pm Closing prayers 3.00pm Tea and depart For further information please contact: Donald Browne-Marke:- 07713788189 Steve Chandler:- 07771861641. Getting here: Map From the Ring Road in Coventry take Exit 5 follow signs to Technology Park at traffic lights turn into Puma Way. It is close to the Railway Station. Join us for a blessed time in Jesus' name! Our next general meeting will be on Saturday 4th September 2010 in Coventry. More info from Simon Holloway, email:holloway.horley@virgin.net or from our Secretary: Steve Chandler - details below. -- Steve Chandler ********************************************************* * The Malt House * BOX * Nr STROUD * Gloucestershire * GL6 9HF * * Telephone: 01453832504 * Steve Mobile: 07771861641 * Anne Mobile: 07813926003 * e-mail: chandlers@rodboroughradio.co.uk * * * ********************************************************** -- ********************************************************* * * * ************************************************************************ ************************************************************************ PRAYERS FOR DAILY USE MORNING: Thank you, O Lord, for this new day. I commit it into your hands. Set me free from any anxiety or fear regarding it. Instead, grant me your continual presence and your promised peace, through Jesus Christ my Lord. AMEN. EVENING: Loving Father, I thank you for helping me through this day. May your continued presence be with me through the night hours. I pray this prayer, believing in the name of Jesus Christ our Savour. AMEN. FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Heavenly Father, I ask for your loving care to be upon those I love and who love me. Help them to put their trust in You, and keep us mindful of one another, because of Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. BIBLE VERSES The first of all the commandments is, Hear O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (St. Mark 12: 29-31) PRAYER ANSERED: O PRAISE the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 117) GOD LOVES YOU: For God so loves the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (St. John 3: 16) LITANY of WAR AND PEACE LEADER: Great God, because some of us have lived thro' times of war, watching loved ones depart without knowing if they would return or how badly they might be wounded; PEOPLE: WE WILL REMEMBER. LEADER: Because some of us have no memories of war and might easily assume that peace is effortless and cheap. PEOPLE: WE WILL REMEMBER. LEADER: Because there are seeds of selfishness and greed in all of us - seeds that can produce violence and hate, even the pestilent fruits of torture, ethnic cleansing and genocide; PEOPLE: WE WILL REMEMBER. LEADER: Because shared memory of past evils can help us all to commit our lives and efforts to creating good; PEOPLE: WE WILL REMEMBER. LEADER: Great God, who came and suffered in our midst to set us free from all warfare and bring us to eternal peace, we call upon You now to set us free from all hatred and violence. From the curse of war and the human sin that causes war; PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: From trusting in weapons of war and ignoring the councils of peace. PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: From national vanity posing as patriotism; from loud-mouthed boasting that refuses to admit any guilt; PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: From hearing, passing on and believing lies and false stories about other peoples and nations; PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: From keeping silent whilst others whip up emotion and build platforms of selfishness and hate from which they can launch injustice, oppression and war; PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: Great God, from whom the one human race is all descended, we pray for all Your children that their quarrels and feuds might end; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: Thro' the United Nations and by the deeds of world leaders., PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, O LORD LEADER: Thro' family bonds between far-off lands and the mutual respect of ordinary people who meet and grow close; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, O LORD LEADER: Thro' world-wide agencies of compassion, who bind wounds, feed the hungry, find tents for refugees; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: For the sake of mothers who've watched their children die and powerless suffering people who cannot stop the killing; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: Through our own lives and actions; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: By the work of all your people everywhere; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: In the name of Christ Jesus who suffered to bring an end to all suffering and died to bring an end to death itself; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD Rev. John Campbell, November 1999 South Aston United Reformed Church Upper Sutton Street, Aston, Birmingham, B6 5BN, England Tel: +44 (0) 121 327 6364 Developed from a Litany of the Presbyterian Church in the USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Prayers For World Peace FOR COMFORT Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, to direct and rule us according to your will, to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and to lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. =========================================== For Peace Among Nations Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. ============================================ In Times of Conflict O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen ============================================ For Our Enemies God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen NOW LIGHT A CANDLE CLICK HERE !!! Curtesy of : Rev Curtney Walsh (MA) Southwark Lutheran Church ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Governor Clarkson's Prayer FOR Sierra Leone O LORD, I beseech Thee favourably to hear the prayer of him who wishes to be Thy servant, and pardon him from presuming to address Thee from this Sacred Place. O God, I know my own infirmity and unworthiness, and I know Thine abundant mercies to those who wish to be guided by Thy will. Support me, O Lord, with Thy heavenly grace, and so enable me to conduct myself through this earthly life, that my actions may be consistent with the words I have uttered this day. Thou knowest that I am now about to depart from this place, and to leave the people whom it has pleased Thee to entrust to my care. Guide them O merciful God, in the paths of truth and let not a few wicked men among us draw down Thy vengeance upon this Colony. Ingraft into their hearts a proper sense of duty, and enable them through Thy grace to conduct themselves as Christians, that they may not come to Thy house without that pleasing emotion which every grateful man must feel when paying adoration to the AUTHOR OF LIFE. But I have great reason to fear, O Lord, that many who frequent Thy Church do not approach Thy presence as becomes them, and they may partly be compared to the Scribes, Pharisees and Hypocrites. Pardon, O God, their infirmities; and as Thou knowest their weakness from the manner in which they have formerly been treated and the little opportunity they have had of knowing THY WILL and getting acquainted with the merits of THY SON, OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, look down upon them with an eye of mercy and suffer them not to incur THY displeasure, after they have had an opportunity of being instructed in the ways of Thy commandments. BLESS, O LORD, the inhabitants of this vast Continent, and incline their hearts towards us that they may readily listen to our advice and doctrines, and that we may conduct ourselves towards them so as to convince them of the happiness we enjoy under THY ALMIGHTY protection. Banish from this COLONY, O LORD, all heathenish superstition, and let the inhabitants know that Thou art the ONLY TRUE GOD in whom we live and move and have our being. If these people who profess Thy religion will not be assured of Thy superior power, convince them, O GOD, of Thine anger for their profession without their practice; for Thou knowest I have brought them here in hopes of making them and their families happy, both in this world and all to eternity. But I fear they may not be governed by my advice, and that they may ruin themselves and their children forever by their perverse and ignorant behavior. I entreat Thee not to let their evil example affect the great cause in which we have embarked, but I would rather see this place in ashes and every wicked person destroyed than that the millions we have now an opportunity of bringing to the light and knowledge of Thy holy religion should, from the wickedness of a few individuals, still continue in their accustomed darkness and barbarism. Thou knowest that I have universally talked of Thine apparent virtue and goodness, and have praised Thy name for having permitted me to be the servant employed in so great and glorious a cause. If I have been deceived, I am sorry for it, and may Thy will be done; but I implore Thee to accept the sincerity of my intentions and my best endeavours to improve the talent committed to my care. Only pardon the infirmity of my nature, and I will trust to Thy mercy. Should any person have a wicked thought in his heart or do anything knowingly to disturb the peace and comfort of this our Colony, let him be rooted out, O GOD, from off the face of the earth; but have mercy upon him hereafter. Were I to utter all that my heart now indicates, no time would be sufficient for my praise and thanksgiving for all the mercies THOU has vouchsafed to show me, but as Thou art acquainted with every secret of my heart accept my thoughts for thanks. I have no words left to express my gratitude and resignation to THY WILL. I entreat Thee O GOD, if nothing I can say will convince these people of Thy power and goodness, make use of me in anyway Thou pleasest, to make an attonement for their guilt. This is an awful, and I fear too presumptuous a request; yet if it should be Thy will that I should lay down my life for the cause I have embarked in, assist me, O Lord, with Thy support, that I may resign it in such a manner as to convince these unbelieving people that Thou art GOD indeed. May the heart of this COLONY O LORD, imbibe the spirit of meekness, gentleness and truth; and may they henceforth live in unity and godly love, following as far as the weakness of their mortal natures will admit that most excellent and faultless pattern, which Thou hast given us in Thy Son our Saviour, JESUS CHRIST, to whom with Thee and the HOLY SPIRIT, be all honour and glory, now and forever. - AMEN. *************************************** *************************************** Governor John Clarkson - committed abolitionist and promoter of the Sierra Leone Colony. John Clarkson began serving in the British navy at the age of eleven. He was concerned with the plight of people less fortunate than himself. Through his brother Thomas Clarkson, he became involved with the English Abolitionists. This included the famed Granville Sharp, who had brought to court the case which ended slavery in England. Sharp needed somebody to travel to Nova Scotia to promote the Sierra Leone Colony to the free blacks. As a navy man, a committed abolitionist, and a shareholder in the Company, Clarkson was perfect for the job. Charged with this responsibility, Clarkson traveled from England to Halifax in 1791 to recruit Blacks for Sierra Leone. Thomas Peters has arrived before Clarkson and had began telling blacks about this opportunity. Dundas, the Colonial Secretary of State, had written to Governor Parr urging that he assist Clarkson in his efforts, but privately, neither Parr nor Dundas were very enthusiastic about the scheme. Clarkson was a naturally enthusiastic and emotional character. Although he vowed (and was told) to lay out the company's proposal impartially, Clarkson's enthusiasm and sympathy for the plight of the Black Loyalists soon got the better of him. Clarkson began promoting the colony wholeheartedly instead of merely laying out the proposal and signing up those who wished to leave. Clarkson also made some unwise promises, particularly in suggesting that there would be no land taxes (quitrents) in the colony. Upon his arrival he spoke to Blacks in many areas of the province including Preston, Birchtown and Shelburne. So many people signed up with the company, that Clarkson was unable to deal with all the issues and disputes. He appointed Thomas Peters, John Ball and David George to deal with any problems on his behalf. The amount of people who signed up exceeded the number the company was prepared for, so after awhile Clarkson had to accept people on the condition that there would be room for them. He planned a second trip later, but of course, that never happened. While preparing for the embarkation Clarkson was involved in all aspects of planning. He supervised the refitting of the vessels, the cleaning and drying of the sleeping areas, the completion of the contracts and preparations of the provisions. Clarkson even took the time to ensure that the captains of the boats had instructions to treat the passengers well. Clarkson became very ill before departure and nearly died; he had to be hoisted onto the ship before leaving. The flotilla left for Sierra Leone on 15 Jan 1792. The boats carried 1190 free Black emigrants. There was a great amount of sickness during the voyage that resulted in sixty-seven deaths, Clarkson himself did not die, but was very feeble upon arrival. When he rowed ashore he was greeted with the news that he had been appointed as the new governor of the colony. Clarkson was exhausted, but he tried to do his best. He had the difficult task of meeting the high expectations of the Black Loyalists. Many saw Sierra Leone as a promised land of freedom, and were disappointed when the old problems of corruption and land distribution re-emerged. Clarkson soon had a confrontation with Thomas Peters, but most of the settlers sided with Clarkson. Peters' discrediting and death soon after helped end that dispute. Still, there were constant problems to deal with. The land distribution was slow and the government was not what the settlers had been led to believe. Clarkson constantly encouraged patience and tried to mediate the disputes. His health had been poor since he had left Nova Scotia, and the constant demands exhausted him. Clarkson left for England in December of 1783 to rest and recover, only 8 months after he had arrived. Once Clarkson had somewhat recovered, he was summoned to a meeting of the directors of the company. They offered him a generous pension if he would resign the post of Governor. Clarkson refused, and they promptly fired him. Clarkson continued to donate money to the colony. He tried to get a fair hearing for some petitioners from the colony when they travelled to England seeking a change in government, but the experience had disillusioned him. Clarkson remained active among the abolitionists, even donating money to the colony, and died in the 1850's. Story: Exodus Peters in London Mission to America Passage to Africa Freetown People Thomas Peters John Parr David George Cato Perkins Stephen Skinner Documents Mission to America Handbill Advertising the Colony Clarkson's Prayer for Sierra Leone ************************************************************************* ************************************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- L E A D E R S Moses was a great leader! He accomplished amazing things with a group of people who weren't good at following. Today, our world is in desperate need of quality leaders but, unfortunately, we have a misunderstanding about leadership. We believe that effective leaders must have charisma. This description only fits one type of leader. You can be a leader and stay completely "behind the scenes". The "unsung" leaders in your church may set up chairs, straighten the church building, or cut out paper figurines for the Sunday School class. These people are leaders because they're used by God to do His work. Jesus gave us a new standard for leadership when He came into the world. He showed us the true heart of leadership: servanthood. When you serve others you are displaying leadership gifts. God's work needs all kinds of leaders, especially servant-leaders. One of those leaders looks just like you. From The NIV One Minute Youth Bible, Edited by John Kohlenberger 111 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------ |
We're based in... the UNITED KINGDOM |
SIERRA LEONE PRAYER NETWORK (UK) (linked with Intercessors for Sierra Leone) |
11 AUGUST 2007 NEW ERA FOR SIERRA LEONE? The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the Sierra Leone Prayer Group UK go out for National Unity; Social Stability; Economic Development and for the Dove of Peace to stay in Sierra Leone. |
DESIGNED BY Ronald A. Lisk-Carew Birmingham, England. |
When God created the world, He endowed the country (Sierra Leone) with such a wealth of natural resources that the angels protested. "Oh that's nothing", God said. "Just wait and see the people I have put there." - Sierra Leonean joke, The Rough Guide |
Photos from the recent special CMS service in London to celebrate 200 years of the founding of the Anglican church in Sierra Leone.. |
In 1997 the Rev Simon Holloway, then Vicar of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, in response to the desperate needs of people in Sierra Leone caused by the civil war, started a prayer group which has met four times a year, initially in Birmingham but later in Coventry, to exchange news and prayer needs and to pray for the people in that country and their needs. These have provided support and encouragement particularly during the dark times for that country over that period. Although the political situation there is now more stable, there is still much need for prayer. We are now holding regional prayer meetings in June and December as well as the national ones meeting in Coventry in March and September on the FIRST SATURDAYS. This makes it easier for people who find difficulty in travelling to Coventry to attend. We cannot all pray for the needs of all parts of the world, but if you have a concern for Sierra Leone and would like to take part, you are warmly invited. Come to learn more about the country, meet Sierra Leoneans, receive an update on the current prayer needs in the nation and spend some time praying together too. We also always have some Sierra Leonean FOOD together as part of our time together. Days of Prayer for Sierra Leone (UK) Affiliated to Intercessors for Sierra Leone We normally meet on the first Saturday of March, June, September and December. +++++++++++++++++++ CONTACT for COVENTRY: Donald Browne-Marke tel. 07713788189. CONTACT for CROYDON: Ken Wiebe tel. 0208-239-0097 CONTACT for STROUD: Steve and Ann Chandler tel.01453-832504 Other Contacts: Simon Holloway (Gatwick!) tel.01293-771869 e.mail: holloway.horley@virgin.net ************************************** Please send any news and information for the newsletter to: Simon Holloway at holloway.horley@virgin.net or by mail to Dr. Steven & Anne Chandler, The Malt House, BOX, Nr STROUD, Gloucestershire, GL6 9HF. |
The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the SierraLeone Prayer Group UK go out to the victims and loved ones of the tragedies that happened on September 11, 2001 in the USA. |
KNOW JESUS KNOW LIFE NO JESUS NO LIFE Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God. . |
This page was last updated on: March 6, 2010
We pray for those affected by the atrocities in Sierra Leone and other places around the world. For those who are injured, maimed, traumatised dying and dead: we pray God's peace. For the rescue workers police and fire officers, paramedics, and hospital staff: we pray God's strength. For the fellow-travellers stopping to comfort, soothe and tend the wounds: we pray God's blessing. For those who are dispirited, angry, despairing and grieving: we pray God's comfort. For the leaders who are called to speak for and to nation or communities: we pray God's wisdom. For those who turn to violence to achieve their ends: we pray God's forgiveness. For our sisters and brothers of all faiths and of none: we pray God's blessing. For ourselves numbed, fearful, morbidly fascinated or guiltily relieved: we pray God's light in our lives. As we hold before God those who suffer, we give thanks for every sign of the resilience of the human spirit and the determination not to be cowed by cowards. We pray that all people may learn to live in peace and with mutual respect. May we not cease in our striving for justice and for an end to poverty, preventable disease and the destruction of the environment. May our eyes be fixed on Jesus, who bears and takes away the sin of the world, and in whom nothing can separate us from the love of God. Amen. |
SIERRA LEONE IS EVEN NOW, APRIL 2006, TRULY A COUNTRY OF OUTSTANDING BEAUTY (ESPECIALLY THE MUCH LOVED FREETOWN COTTON TREE) IN SPITE OF THE IMPACT OF RECENT PROBLEMS PEOPLE STILL FACE CAUSED BY HUMAN CONFLICT. |
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SIERRA LEONE PRAYER NETWORK (UK) http://www.homestead.com/sierraleoneprayergroupuk/ Saturday 6th March 2010 11.00am to 3.00 p.m. Venue: Christian Life Ministries AoG Parkside, Technology Park, COVENTRY CV1 2HG Tel. 024 76 416575 A warm invitation to you to join us for a meeting to pray for Sierra Leone with others from around the country. We plan to start the meetings a t 11.00 am in order to finish earlier at no later than 3.00pm. This early start will enable is to start and end early. We plan to have lunch at 1.30 . We are keen to receive news on the current situation in Sierra Leone which we need to consider in prayer. So please come with news or reports that you have. If possible let me know if you need a time slot to provide a short report. Draft Programme. 11:00 am Welcome and tea/coffee. 11.15 am Introductions and Welcomes. 11.30 am Worship and reading from God's word. 11.45 am Missions News from Sierra Leone 12.30 pm Other News and reports . 1.00 pm Prayer time together. 1.30 pm Lunch (Bring and Share) Some Sierra Leonean food! 2.30 pm Closing prayers 3.00pm Tea and depart For further information please contact: Donald Browne-Marke:- 07713788189 Steve Chandler:- 07771861641. Getting here: Map From the Ring Road in Coventry take Exit 5 follow signs to Technology Park at traffic lights turn into Puma Way. It is close to the Railway Station. Join us for a blessed time in Jesus' name! Our next general meeting will be on Saturday 4th September 2010 in Coventry. More info from Simon Holloway, email:holloway.horley@virgin.net or from our Secretary: Steve Chandler - details below. -- Steve Chandler ********************************************************* * The Malt House * BOX * Nr STROUD * Gloucestershire * GL6 9HF * * Telephone: 01453832504 * Steve Mobile: 07771861641 * Anne Mobile: 07813926003 * e-mail: chandlers@rodboroughradio.co.uk * * * ********************************************************** -- ********************************************************* * * * ************************************************************************ ************************************************************************ PRAYERS FOR DAILY USE MORNING: Thank you, O Lord, for this new day. I commit it into your hands. Set me free from any anxiety or fear regarding it. Instead, grant me your continual presence and your promised peace, through Jesus Christ my Lord. AMEN. EVENING: Loving Father, I thank you for helping me through this day. May your continued presence be with me through the night hours. I pray this prayer, believing in the name of Jesus Christ our Savour. AMEN. FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Heavenly Father, I ask for your loving care to be upon those I love and who love me. Help them to put their trust in You, and keep us mindful of one another, because of Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. BIBLE VERSES The first of all the commandments is, Hear O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (St. Mark 12: 29-31) PRAYER ANSERED: O PRAISE the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 117) GOD LOVES YOU: For God so loves the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (St. John 3: 16) LITANY of WAR AND PEACE LEADER: Great God, because some of us have lived thro' times of war, watching loved ones depart without knowing if they would return or how badly they might be wounded; PEOPLE: WE WILL REMEMBER. LEADER: Because some of us have no memories of war and might easily assume that peace is effortless and cheap. PEOPLE: WE WILL REMEMBER. LEADER: Because there are seeds of selfishness and greed in all of us - seeds that can produce violence and hate, even the pestilent fruits of torture, ethnic cleansing and genocide; PEOPLE: WE WILL REMEMBER. LEADER: Because shared memory of past evils can help us all to commit our lives and efforts to creating good; PEOPLE: WE WILL REMEMBER. LEADER: Great God, who came and suffered in our midst to set us free from all warfare and bring us to eternal peace, we call upon You now to set us free from all hatred and violence. From the curse of war and the human sin that causes war; PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: From trusting in weapons of war and ignoring the councils of peace. PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: From national vanity posing as patriotism; from loud-mouthed boasting that refuses to admit any guilt; PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: From hearing, passing on and believing lies and false stories about other peoples and nations; PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: From keeping silent whilst others whip up emotion and build platforms of selfishness and hate from which they can launch injustice, oppression and war; PEOPLE: GOOD LORD, DELIVER US. LEADER: Great God, from whom the one human race is all descended, we pray for all Your children that their quarrels and feuds might end; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: Thro' the United Nations and by the deeds of world leaders., PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, O LORD LEADER: Thro' family bonds between far-off lands and the mutual respect of ordinary people who meet and grow close; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, O LORD LEADER: Thro' world-wide agencies of compassion, who bind wounds, feed the hungry, find tents for refugees; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: For the sake of mothers who've watched their children die and powerless suffering people who cannot stop the killing; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: Through our own lives and actions; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: By the work of all your people everywhere; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD LEADER: In the name of Christ Jesus who suffered to bring an end to all suffering and died to bring an end to death itself; PEOPLE: GRANT PEACE IN OUR TIME, 0 LORD Rev. John Campbell, November 1999 South Aston United Reformed Church Upper Sutton Street, Aston, Birmingham, B6 5BN, England Tel: +44 (0) 121 327 6364 Developed from a Litany of the Presbyterian Church in the USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Prayers For World Peace FOR COMFORT Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, to direct and rule us according to your will, to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and to lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. =========================================== For Peace Among Nations Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. ============================================ In Times of Conflict O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen ============================================ For Our Enemies God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen NOW LIGHT A CANDLE CLICK HERE !!! Curtesy of : Rev Curtney Walsh (MA) Southwark Lutheran Church ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Governor Clarkson's Prayer FOR Sierra Leone O LORD, I beseech Thee favourably to hear the prayer of him who wishes to be Thy servant, and pardon him from presuming to address Thee from this Sacred Place. O God, I know my own infirmity and unworthiness, and I know Thine abundant mercies to those who wish to be guided by Thy will. Support me, O Lord, with Thy heavenly grace, and so enable me to conduct myself through this earthly life, that my actions may be consistent with the words I have uttered this day. Thou knowest that I am now about to depart from this place, and to leave the people whom it has pleased Thee to entrust to my care. Guide them O merciful God, in the paths of truth and let not a few wicked men among us draw down Thy vengeance upon this Colony. Ingraft into their hearts a proper sense of duty, and enable them through Thy grace to conduct themselves as Christians, that they may not come to Thy house without that pleasing emotion which every grateful man must feel when paying adoration to the AUTHOR OF LIFE. But I have great reason to fear, O Lord, that many who frequent Thy Church do not approach Thy presence as becomes them, and they may partly be compared to the Scribes, Pharisees and Hypocrites. Pardon, O God, their infirmities; and as Thou knowest their weakness from the manner in which they have formerly been treated and the little opportunity they have had of knowing THY WILL and getting acquainted with the merits of THY SON, OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, look down upon them with an eye of mercy and suffer them not to incur THY displeasure, after they have had an opportunity of being instructed in the ways of Thy commandments. BLESS, O LORD, the inhabitants of this vast Continent, and incline their hearts towards us that they may readily listen to our advice and doctrines, and that we may conduct ourselves towards them so as to convince them of the happiness we enjoy under THY ALMIGHTY protection. Banish from this COLONY, O LORD, all heathenish superstition, and let the inhabitants know that Thou art the ONLY TRUE GOD in whom we live and move and have our being. If these people who profess Thy religion will not be assured of Thy superior power, convince them, O GOD, of Thine anger for their profession without their practice; for Thou knowest I have brought them here in hopes of making them and their families happy, both in this world and all to eternity. But I fear they may not be governed by my advice, and that they may ruin themselves and their children forever by their perverse and ignorant behavior. I entreat Thee not to let their evil example affect the great cause in which we have embarked, but I would rather see this place in ashes and every wicked person destroyed than that the millions we have now an opportunity of bringing to the light and knowledge of Thy holy religion should, from the wickedness of a few individuals, still continue in their accustomed darkness and barbarism. Thou knowest that I have universally talked of Thine apparent virtue and goodness, and have praised Thy name for having permitted me to be the servant employed in so great and glorious a cause. If I have been deceived, I am sorry for it, and may Thy will be done; but I implore Thee to accept the sincerity of my intentions and my best endeavours to improve the talent committed to my care. Only pardon the infirmity of my nature, and I will trust to Thy mercy. Should any person have a wicked thought in his heart or do anything knowingly to disturb the peace and comfort of this our Colony, let him be rooted out, O GOD, from off the face of the earth; but have mercy upon him hereafter. Were I to utter all that my heart now indicates, no time would be sufficient for my praise and thanksgiving for all the mercies THOU has vouchsafed to show me, but as Thou art acquainted with every secret of my heart accept my thoughts for thanks. I have no words left to express my gratitude and resignation to THY WILL. I entreat Thee O GOD, if nothing I can say will convince these people of Thy power and goodness, make use of me in anyway Thou pleasest, to make an attonement for their guilt. This is an awful, and I fear too presumptuous a request; yet if it should be Thy will that I should lay down my life for the cause I have embarked in, assist me, O Lord, with Thy support, that I may resign it in such a manner as to convince these unbelieving people that Thou art GOD indeed. May the heart of this COLONY O LORD, imbibe the spirit of meekness, gentleness and truth; and may they henceforth live in unity and godly love, following as far as the weakness of their mortal natures will admit that most excellent and faultless pattern, which Thou hast given us in Thy Son our Saviour, JESUS CHRIST, to whom with Thee and the HOLY SPIRIT, be all honour and glory, now and forever. - AMEN. *************************************** *************************************** Governor John Clarkson - committed abolitionist and promoter of the Sierra Leone Colony. John Clarkson began serving in the British navy at the age of eleven. He was concerned with the plight of people less fortunate than himself. Through his brother Thomas Clarkson, he became involved with the English Abolitionists. This included the famed Granville Sharp, who had brought to court the case which ended slavery in England. Sharp needed somebody to travel to Nova Scotia to promote the Sierra Leone Colony to the free blacks. As a navy man, a committed abolitionist, and a shareholder in the Company, Clarkson was perfect for the job. Charged with this responsibility, Clarkson traveled from England to Halifax in 1791 to recruit Blacks for Sierra Leone. Thomas Peters has arrived before Clarkson and had began telling blacks about this opportunity. Dundas, the Colonial Secretary of State, had written to Governor Parr urging that he assist Clarkson in his efforts, but privately, neither Parr nor Dundas were very enthusiastic about the scheme. Clarkson was a naturally enthusiastic and emotional character. Although he vowed (and was told) to lay out the company's proposal impartially, Clarkson's enthusiasm and sympathy for the plight of the Black Loyalists soon got the better of him. Clarkson began promoting the colony wholeheartedly instead of merely laying out the proposal and signing up those who wished to leave. Clarkson also made some unwise promises, particularly in suggesting that there would be no land taxes (quitrents) in the colony. Upon his arrival he spoke to Blacks in many areas of the province including Preston, Birchtown and Shelburne. So many people signed up with the company, that Clarkson was unable to deal with all the issues and disputes. He appointed Thomas Peters, John Ball and David George to deal with any problems on his behalf. The amount of people who signed up exceeded the number the company was prepared for, so after awhile Clarkson had to accept people on the condition that there would be room for them. He planned a second trip later, but of course, that never happened. While preparing for the embarkation Clarkson was involved in all aspects of planning. He supervised the refitting of the vessels, the cleaning and drying of the sleeping areas, the completion of the contracts and preparations of the provisions. Clarkson even took the time to ensure that the captains of the boats had instructions to treat the passengers well. Clarkson became very ill before departure and nearly died; he had to be hoisted onto the ship before leaving. The flotilla left for Sierra Leone on 15 Jan 1792. The boats carried 1190 free Black emigrants. There was a great amount of sickness during the voyage that resulted in sixty-seven deaths, Clarkson himself did not die, but was very feeble upon arrival. When he rowed ashore he was greeted with the news that he had been appointed as the new governor of the colony. Clarkson was exhausted, but he tried to do his best. He had the difficult task of meeting the high expectations of the Black Loyalists. Many saw Sierra Leone as a promised land of freedom, and were disappointed when the old problems of corruption and land distribution re-emerged. Clarkson soon had a confrontation with Thomas Peters, but most of the settlers sided with Clarkson. Peters' discrediting and death soon after helped end that dispute. Still, there were constant problems to deal with. The land distribution was slow and the government was not what the settlers had been led to believe. Clarkson constantly encouraged patience and tried to mediate the disputes. His health had been poor since he had left Nova Scotia, and the constant demands exhausted him. Clarkson left for England in December of 1783 to rest and recover, only 8 months after he had arrived. Once Clarkson had somewhat recovered, he was summoned to a meeting of the directors of the company. They offered him a generous pension if he would resign the post of Governor. Clarkson refused, and they promptly fired him. Clarkson continued to donate money to the colony. He tried to get a fair hearing for some petitioners from the colony when they travelled to England seeking a change in government, but the experience had disillusioned him. Clarkson remained active among the abolitionists, even donating money to the colony, and died in the 1850's. Story: Exodus Peters in London Mission to America Passage to Africa Freetown People Thomas Peters John Parr David George Cato Perkins Stephen Skinner Documents Mission to America Handbill Advertising the Colony Clarkson's Prayer for Sierra Leone ************************************************************************* ************************************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- L E A D E R S Moses was a great leader! He accomplished amazing things with a group of people who weren't good at following. Today, our world is in desperate need of quality leaders but, unfortunately, we have a misunderstanding about leadership. We believe that effective leaders must have charisma. This description only fits one type of leader. You can be a leader and stay completely "behind the scenes". The "unsung" leaders in your church may set up chairs, straighten the church building, or cut out paper figurines for the Sunday School class. These people are leaders because they're used by God to do His work. Jesus gave us a new standard for leadership when He came into the world. He showed us the true heart of leadership: servanthood. When you serve others you are displaying leadership gifts. God's work needs all kinds of leaders, especially servant-leaders. One of those leaders looks just like you. From The NIV One Minute Youth Bible, Edited by John Kohlenberger 111 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------ |
