Next week's prayers

Bible challenge for Africa’s leaders

More than 150 African political leaders came together to pray for their continent earlier this year, in a historic event organised by Bible Society.

The African Union Prayer Breakfast was
held to coincide with the AU Heads of State Summit, an annual meeting that brings together the continent’s senior politicians.

It was only the second time the Prayer Breakfast has taken place in Africa – and it was attended by ambassadors and political leaders, as well as church and business leaders.

Keynote speaker Bishop Tudor Bismark, head of a large Pentecostal church in Harare, Zimbabwe, talked about the Bible story of Jesus calming the storm – and drew parallels between the disciples in the boat and Africans today. He told his audience that Jesus needed to calm the storm of Africa’s challenges, including HIV and AIDS, corruption, famine and climate change.

‘The challenge was for people who can do something about Africa’s problems – for those who form government policy on health or social care – to address these issues,’ said David Smith, Bible Society’s International Programme Manager, who helped organise the event.

More in Word in Action pp. 2–3

• Give thanks that so many political leaders attended the Prayer Breakfast and heard the challenge laid down by Bishop Bismark, to be leaders of integrity directed by the Bible’s message.
• Pray for David Smith as he works with the Bible Society of Ethiopia to plan and prepare for next year’s AU Prayer Breakfast, that they will invite the right speakers and that heads of state and their delegations attend.
• Pray for the ongoing efforts to raise the profile of the Bible in African public life, through the Prayer Breakfast and the African Biblical Leadership Initiative.

‘Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.’ James 4.10