Women's World Day of Prayer
Service at St Edmund's Church on 5 March
"Let Everything that has Breath Praise God"

Thank you very much indeed to all those who so generously contributed their time and talents in various ways, and to all those who, by their attendance as members of the congregation, enabled us to thus honour and pray for the needs of the people of Cameroon at this special service.

We all tried, as far as possible, to convey the tenor and atmosphere implicit in the eloquent liturgy of this joyful Service of Praise and Thanksgiving composed so prayerfully by the inter-denominational group of women in Cameroon. Music, song and dance are inherent aspects of their worship and it was gratifying to see our congregation entering into the spirit of this with such zest and grace.
As a recent Republic (1984) Cameroon is emerging gradually from its traditional roots and learning to cope with the complexities of life in the 21st Century. But, in the meanwhile, the rights of women are very subject to age-old patriarchal tendencies and so, for many there is only very slow progress towards, justice, integrity and peace. Yet despite social and political pressures, Cameroonians aim "to praise God with all their being" and their fortitude, resilience and conviction provide a shining example and inspiration to us all.

For those in the Churches Together in Roundhay, it was a real privilege and a most edifying experience to have the opportunity to work together with Denisette from Yaoundé in the Cameroon and Olivia and family from Ghana, and participate in their stimulating and exuberant expression of devotion and worship. The collection raised a sum of £230 for educational projects and we appreciate your generosity very much.

As Olivia read so poignantly from her text, may we too learn "to praise the Almighty, if for nothing else, for this gift of life."
Again with very sincere gratitude to all those who, in any way, participated in this Service. May God bless us all.

Joyce Sundram