USPG has released its latest prayer diary (1 December 2024-31 May 2025), entitled Pray with the World Church: prayers and reflections from the Anglican Communion. Its cover article features the young people from the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East who took part in the summer school programme held in north Cyprus in August.
The young people who took part, and their leaders are to be the focus of prayer at the beginning of 2025, in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. They had gathered in Famagusta from all parts of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East as part of the 'Whom Shall I Send,' initiative of USPG. Hospitality was a main theme as the title of the week illustrates: Under the Tent of Abraham and Sarah. The twenty-one young people who took part brought a variety of cultures, experiences and languages which contributed to varied and inspiring worship.
The setting in Famagusta, on the northern side of the line which since 1974 has divided Cyprus, provided ample food for reflection about reconciliation and communal life. Participants were also able to visit sites of religious significance such as the tomb of St Barnabas.
During the feedback session on the last day of the event the leaders listened to participants’ impressions. Building relationships with others, not avoiding painful issues, leaning into God’s strength and not our own strength, practising hospitality and responsibility for good with a sense of humility were among the key takeaways. These are now relected in the new diary. One of the prayers asks: "Fill (these young people's) hearts with your peace and wisdom as they strive to become peacemakers in times of conflict. Like Abraham and Sarah may they welcome strangers and work for justice, guided by your love and grace."
The summer school was funded by USPG and organised by the Province and the Anglican Alliance.