"It is so encouraging to see that Christians across this country have captured God's heart for justice and our responsibility to care for the poor", said Micah Challenge National Coordinator, John Beckett. "But now Christians are crying out for practical things they can do to bring about real change in our world."
"There is so much that can be done to address global poverty, right hear in Australia. Micah Challenge aims to support Christians to engage in advocacy activities and to take action for the global poor. We hope and pray that this kit will inspire you to do just that", he said.
Using the Micah Challenge Action Toolkit resources, campaigners are learning about poverty and justice issues in their churches and small groups and are coordinating advocacy events like 'Survive Past Five' 5th Birthday parties and Election Forums. Christians are also writing to, visiting and influencing their Federal Politicians and contacting their local media to tell their stories. The Toolkit features an inspiring new DVD resource called 'THE WORLD WE WANT TO SEE', with seven videos to encourage churches to take action.
Groups are also being trained to use the kits at Micah Challenge Training Days talking place all over the country, organised by volunteers from the state-based Micah Action Groups.
"It's exciting to have a practical resource in my hand that I can take back to my Church", said Micah Challenge Training Day participant, Ann Karlic. "We have already used the ideas in the Toolkit to organise an advocacy event in our community and engage our Federal Politician. It really works!"
Micah Challenge encourages you to order your copy of the Micah Challenge Action Toolkit and to start taking action with your church and community. Toolkits can be ordered from the Micah Challenge office ($8 to cover printing and postage) – contact info@micahchallenge.org.au or download individual resources from the Micah Challenge website www.micahchallenge.org.au/toolkit.
Micah Challenge is a global movement of Christians that aims to deepen engagement with the poor by integrating social justice as an essential aspect of faith. We want to encourage the leaders of all nations to fulfil their commitments to the Millennium Development Goals, to halve absolute poverty by 2015. We believe that we have made a promise to the poor and are capable of upholding our commitment. If every Christian chooses to act with justice and kindness, walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8), imagine the impact we can have.