churches together in Southwell

This is always an exciting day, as a great wave of prayer sweeps the world, beginning when the first service is held in the Queen Salote Girls School in Tonga, and continuing around the world until the final service takes place, some 35 hours later, in neighbouring Western Samoa. By then, the day will have been celebrated in over 170 countries, and more than 6,000 services will have been held in the British Isles alone.

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Throughout its history it has attracted migrants from other parts of Asia and beyond, and it is one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in South East Asia. Women have made important contributions to its social and economic development but, nevertheless, they still face discrimin­ation and violence at all levels of society. Even today a girl child is seen as less valuable than a boy. Malaysia is now the most popular destination in Asia for migrant workers, and human trafficking has become a sophisticated and organized operation.

Although Malaysia’s multi-ethnicity has added to the rich heritage of its land and people, it has also given rise to many problems. In the service, those issues of concern are named and the women voice their hope for the future. Justice for all is their hope, and their prayer is “Let Justice Prevail”.