Just 24-7

24-7 Stories

Pray HIV week 1: I am with you

Our month of prayer for HIV/AIDS is leading us to World Aids Day on 1st December.  In 1987 two guys named Bunn and Netter proposed the idea within agencies combating the virus.  1st December 1988 was the first World Aids Day, and a red ribbon became a symbol now globally connected with solidarity for those facing HIV/AIDS.

This week, as part of our prayer we’d like to encourage you to tie a piece of red ribbon around your arm and wear it as you go through your week.  It’s a simple statement of solidarity ... it says whilst you pray the simple phrase “I am with you”... Read More

Transforming the Lives of Europes Poorest

With the intense heat of summer comes the sound of young children laughing as they run through the streets spraying water from plastic bottles. These playful screams are accompanied by the insistent, compulsive beat of balkan-gypsy drums and occasional brass section. During these months this is a place of laughter and celebration. But wintertime here tells a different story; It brings bone-numbing cold to the same dirt streets lined with ramshackle simple structures. The smell of burning oil and wood linger in the air pouring from so many makeshift chimneys and is joined by smoke from piles of smouldering rubbish that burn at the side of the road. This acrid smell reminds you of the hardship that's a reality for thousands of families... Read More

Our Church Has AIDS

Over our ten+ year journey together there have been many times and many places when God has focused our attention on HIV/AIDS and asked us to pray.  In November, leading up to World AIDS Day on 1st December, we’d like to ask you to pray each day for the affects of this virus and for change... Read More

 

Re-imagining Sudan by Andy Freeman

Imagine a country divided north from south.  A country which has a southern oil rich area, but a northern area focused on political power.  Imagine a nation who’s leader is wanted by the International Criminal Court.  A nation which has within it’s border’s one of the world’s most infamous conflict areas in it’s north.  A nation split by different religions.  A nation which plays host to many different militia’s each intent on using violence to gain their aims.  If you can imagine all that, you’re probably imagining the nation of Sudan... Read More

 

Racing to end Human Trafficking by Rebecca Dunning

I am married to a guy who not only loves justice but carries the bizarre “x gene,” meaning he has to do crazy things at least once a year in order to feel normal. When you combine these two passions together you get a guy who does the Tough Mudder with Team Abolition (and a wife who prays a lot)... Read More.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child Health Now! by Andy Freeman

As I write this article Iʼm sitting in a local coffee shop in my hometown of Reading, UK. Alongside my coffee I asked for a cup of tap water. The Barista duly obliged, and even asked me if I wanted ice, all part of the service.

Water is one of those things we take for granted. We shower in it, we drink it, we cook with it, we flush the toilet with it, we even swim in it. Itʼs everywhere. Well, itʼs everywhere depending on where you live. Or to be factually correct, itʼs everywhere but itʼs not always clean. Read More.

 

My Town: Justice is Local by Alana Wiens

One of the most disappointing evenings of my life came about two years ago.  After moving to a council estate, a rougher area of town, I had decided to attend the public meeting of the residents’ association.

As the date approached I somehow saw in my head the glamour of local politics.  Really digging into justice.  All the ways I could fix my neighbourhood.  All the people who could be helped.  This was going to be great.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the meeting to discussions of pot holes, street lights and a children’s party. Read More.

Let your Light Shine by Ralf Neumann

Amidst the imposing concrete tower blocks an abandoned youth centre hides away. Spray painted across the windows an angry question has been left by the forgotten youth “Now where do we go?”. This is a poignant reminder from an abandoned generation; their youth club was shut down years ago and the young people of this estate left to find their own entertainment.

Amongst the young people on the hill top estate of Datzeberg, the hill top estate, which in turn feels abandoned by the city of Neubrandenburg in the far north east of Germany, a region where unemployment is high and far right politics gain a worrying level of support. This is where we meet the 24-7 community Polylux. Read More