Shepparton churches unite for World Day of Prayer

By Caleb Francis

Mar 1, 2023

Unity: Members of various churches, Jeremy Rensford, Lois Hardy, Helen Van Ryn, Daniel Lim, Joan Hart, Edie Poliness and Christine Wilson, preparing for World Day of Prayer on March 3, with the main local service at Goulburn Valley Christian Fellowship. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

On Friday, churches across Shepparton and around the world will celebrate World Day of Prayer.

Prayers will begin in Samoa and around the world, in native languages — through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas before finishing in American Samoa 39 hours later.

Worldwide prayers: Joan Hart says she will be praying for all the women around the world, particularly those who are mistreated. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

St Augustine’s Anglican Church member Joan Hart said World Day of Prayer was essential because “we need to pray for our sisters around the world”.

“Many of them don’t get treated very well,” she said.

Mrs Hart said the day also allowed for fellowship with members of other churches.

Each year, World Day of Prayer focuses on a single country. This year participants are praying for Taiwan.

In Shepparton, the main service will be held at 10am at Goulburn Valley Christian Fellowship, and another service will be held at St Andrew’s Church in Dookie at 7.30pm.

Come one, come all: Daniel Lim says all are welcome regardless of their religious views. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Planning committee co-ordinator and GVCF member Daniel Lim said, “any opportunity for people from different churches to gather as one is an important event”.

“This Friday, we get the chance to look beyond ourselves as we pray for the people and country of Taiwan,” he said.

Mr Lim said that regardless of your faith or lack thereof, World Day of Prayer was an excellent opportunity to learn about what was happening in another country and gather with Christians to pray.