World day of prayer for children at risk

PRESS RELEASE: Seventh-day Adventist Churches in the Virgin Islands will join their international counterparts in observing the World Day of Prayer for Children at Risk on Saturday, May 26. This day of prayer places special emphasis on the millions of children around the world who are challenged by abuse in all facets including neglect, exploitation, cyberbullying, child trafficking, poverty and gang violence.

North Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Children and Adolescences Ministries Director from St Croix, Mrs Linda Ambrose will join the territory’s coordinator, Mrs Vansittart Huggins for special prayers for all children at risk.

Mrs Huggins claims that the list is inexhaustible. She urges the territory to set aside some time to focus on its children and those around the world because their future depends on the actions of today.

The World Day of Prayer for Children at Risk also pays special attention to children who are homeless, in fear of abuse, without education, in need of a loving family and are a product of dysfunctional families. Prayers will be lifted to address those needs.

Prayers will be lifted for parents to be positive role models and for the support of social services to provide, improve and support suffering children. Prayers will also be lifted for the healing of children suffering from any sickness, for those who are lacking confidence and self-esteem, for medical professionals, for the inspiration and sensitivity for teachers, for child-friendly organisations, for civic leaders and other adverse issues.

Mrs Huggins shared that according to the United Nations International Children‟s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), a decree was endorsed to protect and promote children’s rights to survive and succeed, to learn and grow, to make their voices heard and to reach their full potential. This promise was enacted in the Convention Rights of the Child signed in 1989.

The Seventh-day Adventist church offers hope that even in the midst of a child’s pain, God is always present with His enduring immeasurable love and compassion. The theme for the World Day of Prayer for Children at Risk is Generation Praise.

With an attitude of praise, worshippers will remember what the Lord has done, see how He is at work and trust Him in shaping the lives of generations to come. The entire Virgin Islands community is asked to join the church in this day of prayer.

This special event will take place in all of Seventh-day Adventist churches in the territory holding worship services at Sea Cow‟s Bay, Carrot Bay, Slaney, Purcell, Belle Vue, Fat Hog‟s Bay, East End and Virgin Gorda.