Service sends prayerful support to Suriname

SURF Coast locals joined in prayer for the needs of Suriname and its people at a World Day of Prayer service recently held at St Luke’s Anglican Church in Torquay.

Since 1887, on or near the first Friday in March every year, millions of Christians gather worldwide to pray for the issues of family violence, child abuse, human trafficking and other forms of injustice.

Organising committee leader Kaye Mackie said that in 2018 prayerful support was directed at the 540,000 inhabitants of the Republic of Suriname, on the north-eastern coast of South America.

“Despite a history steeped slavery and political coups, this tiny nation has achieved remarkable progress since its independence in 1975,” Ms Mackie said.

“Suriname enjoys multi-ethnicity and biodiversity, freedom of religion, free primary and secondary education, and free medical care for children and seniors.

“But behind closed doors, family violence, abuse and neglect are ongoing issues.

“Children are particularly vulnerable, many growing up in orphanages or one-parent families.

“While education is free, there is no compulsory school attendance.

“Child labour in the form of street selling is common, but of far more serious concern is the fact that many children are labouring in the gold mines of Suriname.”