A number of folk have asked what the Micah Challenge banner, facing the church car park, represents. Others have encouraged me to write something about it.
What is the Micah Challenge?
(Published in News First, November 2007 - monthly church newsletter of the Warragul Uniting Church)
from Rev Chris Cohen
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A number of folk have asked what the Micah Challenge banner, facing the church car park, represents. Others have encouraged me to write something about it.
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Micah Challenge is a global movement of Christian agencies, churches, groups and individuals which aims to deepen people’s engagement with the poor and to help reduce poverty as an integral part of our Christian faith.
Micah Challenge takes its name from the prophet Micah, who wrote, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8.
Jesus and the Old Testament prophets spoke about God’s deep concern and compassion for the poor. As followers of Jesus, we must work together to deepen our own commitment to justice and kindness.
Micah Challenge has two main purposes:
1. Inward Reflection: to prayerfully encourage Christians to walk humbly with God and seek His heart for people in poverty.
Micah Challenge firstly aims to deepen the commitment of Christians to the idea of an integrated gospel of good news – to proclaim and demonstrate the love of Jesus to a world in need. We want Christians from all backgrounds to show God’s kindness and justice, in response to the words of Micah.
2. Outward Action: to inspire and equip Christians to do justice and love kindness by being prophetic voices to our government and community on behalf of the poor and oppressed.
Secondly, Micah Challenge aims to be a prophetic voice calling upon and influencing leaders around the world to defend the rights of the poor and oppressed (Psalm 82). Micah Challenge urges decision makers to fulfil their promise to achieve the Millennium Development Goals on global poverty by 2015.
Micah Challenge Australia gives local expression to the international movement. It is envisaged that at key times, all national campaigns will co-operate on common strategies and that at all times groups will share resources, theological ideas and website information.
More information and practical steps are available on the notice board and brochures on the table in the foyer. As we begin to think about and prepare for Christmas we also remember those who have little in the way of resources or opportunities. The one whom we celebrate and serve is the one who calls us to love our neighbour in practical ways.
Later this month we will be running two Christmas Club after school sessions, giving opportunity for the primary aged children in our area to learn about God’s love for them in Jesus. Please pray for the team of leaders and also for the children in our area.
Yours in Christ,
Chris