Wednesday, October 24
United Nations Day
Jordan
Angry Jordanians took to the streets of the capital, Amman, in late January 2011. Carrying a banner with a picture of His Majesty King Abdullah II, on which it read, "May God Protect You, Abu Hussein'' in Arabic, the protesters assembled after Friday prayers at a mosque in the center of downtown Amman. Other banners read simply, “Send the corrupt guys to court.
The crowd of unionists, leftists, and members of a political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood marched toward the Amman Municipality building in Ras el Ain.
Protesters take to the streets in Amman. Photo by Doug Dicks.
Of the nearly 350 million people in the Middle East, approximately 60 percent are under the age of 25. Most of them are also unemployed. Inspired by events that unfolded first in Tunisia, the peoples of the Middle East took to the streets demanding political reform, accountability, and an end to government corruption and nepotism.
Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land writes, "We in the church are watching and praying. Our prayers are filled with encouragement for those who long for freedom. Our prayers are filled with hope that justice and endurance will prevail. Our prayers are filled with sympathy for the victims of violence. . . . the new Middle East is emerging, calling for peace and justice, for freedom and democracy, and for basic human rights and values to be upheld.''
- Elder Doug Dicks, PC(USA) regional liaison for Jordan, Israel, Palestine, and Egypt
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) People in Mission
Elder H. Doug Dicks, regional liaison, Jordon, Israel, Palestine, and Egypt, World Mission
Partners/Ministries
The Middle East Council of Churches: Ms. Wafa Goussous, director, MECC Amman office * The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd: Rev. Samer Azar, pastor * The Church of the Redeemer, Aman: Rev. Fadi Diab, pastor * The Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Center: Father Nabil Haddad, director * The Ahliyyah School for Girls, Amman: Mrs. Haifa Najjar, director * The Bishop's School for Boys, Amman: Mrs. Haifa Najjar, director * The Theodore Schneller School, Marka: Dr. Ghazi Musharbash, director * The Holy Land Institute for the Deaf, Salt: Brother Andrew de Carpentier, director
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Tia Scott, Presbyterian Foundation
Wilma Scott, Presbyterian Mission Agency/Office of the General Assembly
Rev. Paul Seebeck, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Let us pray
God of the poor and the oppressed, give voice to the voiceless. God of the hungry and the homeless, give mercy to those in need. God of the powerful, give wisdom and courage to those who govern. God of all peoples and races and colors, help us to lift up one another and discern your will for us in this world. May we be an inspiration to one another and a blessing unto you. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 65; 147:1-11
First Reading Micah 3:9-4:5
Second Reading Revelation 8:1-13
Gospel Reading Luke 10:17-24
Evening Psalms 125; 91
