International school feeding charity Mary’s Meals is calling on people in our diocese to pray for its work this May.
Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4m desperately hungry children with a daily school meal in 18 of the world’s poorest countries, including Haiti, Malawi and Syria.
The promise of a good meal attracts these children into the classroom where they can gain an education that offers them a ladder out of poverty.
The charity’s annual Pray In May campaign asks people to pray that the work of Mary’s Meals continues to flourish and grow, and that more children throughout the world will see their lives transformed by receiving a daily school meal.
Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals, says: “During the month of May, as we honour Our Lady, we ask you to pray for this work that belongs to her. Join us as we Pray in May, when we need your prayers more than ever – as we strive to continue serving more than 2.4m children and expanding to reach more vulnerable communities, all while facing complex global challenges and rising costs.
“Whether you simply add Mary’s Meals to your own prayer intentions or mobilise your church or prayer group, we thank you for this powerful act of service and support.”
People can get involved in Pray In May by including a prayer for Mary’s Meals in church services, organising a Holy Hour for Mary’s Meals or encouraging children to pray for the charity’s work.
Mary’s Meals has produced a series of downloadable resources to support these activities, which are available on its website.
It also offers a special ‘gift of hope’ card, which will feed a hungry child for a year.
With the prayers and support of people in our diocese, Mary’s Meals can keep feeding children such as 13-year-old Ketty, from Zambia.
Ketty’s world fell silent when she was two years old. Her deafness is a complication of malaria. For six years Ketty lived a silent life, alone and isolated from friendships and other joys of childhood. Even her own family struggled to communicate with her effectively.
Specialist residential schools for children with disabilities cost up to 20 times more than the average school fees in Zambia – a cost that was well beyond Ketty’s family.
But now, thanks to Mary’s Meals, Ketty attends Magwero’s Boarding School for the Deaf, where she eats a nutritious meal every day that gives her the energy to learn and play with her friends.
Ketty says: “The best thing that ever happened to me was making friends at school. I am glad to have an education and the chance to learn. That was all I ever wanted.
“I am glad to have the skill of sign language to communicate. Finding a school like this one made me very happy.”
To find out more about Pray in May, and to download prayers and information on how to hold a Holy Hour to support Mary’s Meals, visit marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/churches-and-prayers/pray-in-may.