World Day of Prayer is an international event uniting Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian men and women in over 183 countries in prayer. The women of South Africa have prepared this years celebration service "Signs of the Times", inviting the global community to become better informed about their country and it's needs and to be vigilant to the conditions, or "signs", in today's world, i.e.: war, prejudice, racism, apathy, hatred, etc. that can impede or deter the action necessary to aid those suffering from poverty, domestic violence, and disease.

South Africa's history is rife with oppression and apartheid that ended in the 1990's with the abolition of 42 years of political apartheid and ushered in the first true South African democracy under black majority rule. In 1994 the country instituted the Truth and Reconciliation Commission giving people the opportunity to express their anguish, sorrow and anger, making forgiveness and reconciliation possible and paving the way for a peaceful future.

South Africans have demonstrated the capacity to go forward and improve despite a tragic past. One of the major threats facing South Africa today is the scourge of HIV/AIDS which has reached appallingly high figures. The rape of women and children rates among the highest in the world, increasing the epidemic. More than 59% of those infected are women and there is a crisis of AIDS orphans and child run households. The South African government has put systems in place to fight this disease and asks that all governments worldwide step up their involvement in fighting this epidemic.

This year's service will be held Saturday, March 4, from 9:30-11:30 am. at St. Laurence Episcopal Church, 26812 Barkley Road, Conifer. Joining us in prayer and song to support peace and understanding among nations are Rev. and Mrs. Daniel Marutle who will speak on the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa. A native of South Africa, Rev. Marutle is a pastoral counselor at the Samaritan Counseling Center in Denver and the director of the Five Points Institute for Pastoral Education in Denver and South Africa, specializing in HIV/AIDS education and training.

David Mporampora, founder of the Sifa! Sifa! African Band, and several of it's members will perform throughout the service, presenting their lively music all in the language and rhythms of Africa. Keith Gill, founder of the Black Hands Drum Ensemble, has expressed an interest in performing. The ensemble is comprised of African slave descendants who sing, dance, and drum. The service also includes a presentation of slides of South Africa followed by a time of fellowship and South African refreshments.

In the United States World Day of Prayer is a collaborative effort by the World Day of Prayer USA Committee and Church Women United, an ecumenical movement working to bring about peach and justice through its priority program "Strengthening Families Worldwide in the 21st Century". Contributions will support HIV/AIDS ministries in South Africa and the USA. The World Day of Prayer service in the 285 Corridor is the co-operative effort of 3 churches: St. Mary of the Rockies Catholic Church, St. Laurence Episcopal Church, and Deer Park United Methodist Church. Please join us for this celebratory event.

For further information contact Barbe Johnston at (303)838-7124.