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a healthy church...transformingLIFE

Tasmanian Anglican

April 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 


Pictured at the visit of the World Wide President of Mothers' Union, (L-R) Lesley Duff, Brenda Gray, Louise Lang, Trish Heywood and Viv Barnes.

 

We have been challenged

by Lou Lang

 

 

'Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.' Ezra 10.4

This was the theme of our World Wide President of Mothers' Union, Trish Heywood's address on Saturday 7 February when nearly 120 people gathered together for a service of Holy Communion at St Luke's Campbell Town, followed by lunch in the Town Hall. And what a day it was!

A wonderful example of teamwork and Christian love in action!

After lunch Trish addressed us and encouraged us to take pride in our achievements as MU Members: yes it is hard to 'brag' about what we do, but if every one of us recognised the good works of another and gave thanks for it, what an encouraging world we would live in.

Let me share with you some excerpts from Trish's address.

'Each and everyone of us strives in our own homes, in our communitities and around the world to promote the Kingdom of God in the field of marriage and family life. Every parent wants the same for their children, they all want to have peaceful homes, full stomachs, good healthcare and good education.'

Mothers Union worldwide consists of three million men and women in more than 74 countries.

Mothers Union is working:
  • in refugee camps
  • with widowed people worldwide
  • grandparents looking after children
  • supporting those who are sick and dying
  • sending parcels to those in need
  • knitting and sewing
  • writing letters of encouragement.

As members the most important thing we can do is pray! Mothers Union in England has started parenting courses, which are now spreading worldwide. There is also a Relationships Pack being released shortly.

Trish had a wonderful slide-show of her trips around the world. We have members who stand in the back of trucks and travel for over three hours to meet together: what an incredible commitment!

At a local level our Diocese is putting together toiletry bags for those who are leaving prison - a small gesture to let them know that yes, there are people on the 'outside' who care.

So let's build on our small achievements, to build the homes of the nation for the Lord. This year, as you know, is the International Year of the Family. Why not celebrate it by connecting to your local MU branch and join with others who are striving to achieve peace in their homes and communities and around the world? How else will worldwide peace be achieved if we don't have peace in every home in our community?

MU has been challenged, so let us all 'Rise up... take courage and do it.'