The Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Zealand has called for church members to unite in prayer as part of worship services on August 2, in response to the rising costs of fuel prices, mortgages and rent in the country.

“New Zealanders, and many people around the world, are facing one of the toughest time in history,” says president of the Adventist Church in the New Zealand Pacific region, Pastor Jerry Matthews. “The rising cost of fuel has had a snowball effect on costs of living everywhere. Families are struggling to cope financially and it’s time the church sought the Lord in prayer collectively.”

The focus for prayer on this day will not only be for relief for families who are struggling financially, but also for advances in alternative-energy sources and more responsible use of the world’s natural resources.

The Adventist Church in New Zealand is asking church members to commence praying at 11.30 am (NZST). The invitation is also extended to church members in the South Pacific region and around the world.

“This is a global crisis and we welcome as many people to pray as possible,” says Pastor Matthews.

The event will also be an opportunity for the church to connect with its local community through practical means. Churches are encouraged to ask members to bring canned food and blankets to church and organise for the collection to be forwarded to local charities or food banks.

A forum has also been set up to enable church members to go online, in order to discuss and share practical ways to help local communities. Resources to help with the promotion are also available for download.

“We want to show the community that we’re praying Christians who love our country and care for people,” says Pastor Matthews. [Editor: Melody Tan for APD]