Pambula’s Christian churches pray for Taiwanese women

Catholic parishioner and ceremony leader Pat Went handing over the World Day of Prayer book to Anglican parishioner and leader Ursula Viebke.

Focusing on the women of Taiwan, the World Day of Prayer service, ‘I have heard about your faith,’ was this year hosted at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Pambula.

The place of worship looked stunning, adorned with Taiwanese flags, fresh flowers, banners, and many loving hearts. The morning was a celebration of many faiths coming together from Merimbula, Pambula and the surrounds to pray for, and learn from, the women of Taiwan.

Peace and God’s grace were recurring themes, with Fr George Ogah remarking on how exceptional the celebration was, with so many faiths coming together and being one.

Sharing a cuppa afterwards are from left: Wendy Colhoun, Cherylyn Burke, and Joan Brown.

Local women from Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, and Uniting Churches relayed stories describing the suffering of Taiwanese women along with their strength and devotion to God.

Guest speaker Cathie Haynes delivered an inspiring presentation on the political struggles of Taiwan and the threats the country continues to face.

Cathy added that her father was one of the 50 Australian soldiers sent to fight in the Chinese civil war of the 1930s, retelling his story of survival and courage. You could have heard a pin drop!

Students and teachers from Lumen Christi Catholic College, Pambula Beach, came to sing and pray for the women of Taiwan. From left: Ashton Brandon and Olivia with Assistant Principal David Crawford.

Fr Ogah shared a moving prayer about overcoming fear and having a ‘big faith’ to withstand the ‘storms of life’. Prayers and hymns were woven throughout the proceedings as interfaith connections were made.

The 2024 service will focus on Palestine with the theme ‘Bear with one another in love’.