Mothers’ Union celebrates women’s day of prayer

DILTON Marsh Mothers’ Union this month celebrated the Women’s World Day of Prayer.

Enid Holbrow reports, “Friday 3rd March was Women’s World Day of Prayer when we joined members from all the local churches in All Saints Westbury for a service  which was being shared by women all over the world.

“Beginning as the sun rose over Samoa and continuing around the world until the last service is held as the sun set there.

“During this time an estimated 3 million women and young people in 170 countries and islands will have prayed with and for the people of the Philippines  who  prepared the worship service this year.

“Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines causing much destruction. We heard how life goes  on and how the faith of the people, knowing that God is with them enables them to continue.

“Filipino women are brave and resourceful, and many go abroad as domestic helpers or skilful professionals in the medical field in order to provide for their families back home.

“Although the Philippine  Constitution provides for equal rights, in practice Filipino women are discriminated against in the home, in the church and in society.

“The theme of the service, ‘Am I Being Unfair To You?’ used the bible reference of the Labourers in the Vineyard as a way of thinking about fairness in the world today and how we might think of how the world treats different sections of society.

“One idea in the Philippines, known as ‘Dagyaw’, sees everyone helping with the planting and the harvesting. No one is paid, but the harvest is shared among everyone; does this seem fair to you?”