Advent Appeal 2023
Don't wait this Advent, to help families in Afghanistan get the vital supplies they need to survive the winter.
Sunset in the Judean hill country.
“Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth.”
The angel Gabriel has just delivered his startling news, and Mary immediately goes to Elizabeth’s house in the hills of Judea for a three-month stay. A beautiful scene then unfolds, in which we see God working through the loving relationship of faithful women who recognise his presence.
The two women, both unexpectedly pregnant and facing challenges ahead, turn to each other in loving support as they look forward to what God is doing in and through them.
Women in many countries throughout our world face extremely difficult situations. In Afghanistan, women and girls have seen their hard-won advancements in rights destroyed under Taliban rule, as well as being disproportionately affected by conflict, Covid-19, floods and droughts, and the resulting poverty.
Despite this, women continue to work courageously for a better world. A local expert in women’s rights in Afghanistan “History should not call any of the women who were left behind victims. Remember us as survivors, agents of change and peacebuilders.”
This Advent, let’s pray for the women of Afghanistan, that they will know the loving support and solidarity of their global family.
Advent prayer
God of justice,
bring renewed hope to the hearts
of the women of Afghanistan.
Move us to stand in solidarity with them
and work for a world where all women
can live in dignity and freedom.
Amen.
Act
Stand in solidarity with women and families in Afghanistan this Winter by donating to our Advent appeal.