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Perth Christians back CHOGM events

5:01pm Wednesday, 26th October 2011

Two years of planning, plus the prayers of Christians in more than 50 countries, has

borne fruit. Shine, the Christian initiative in response to CHOGM 2011, is more than half-way through its scheduled events, and those involved are pleased with the results.

Wendy Yapp, the driver behind Shine and the “Commonwealth Prayer Initiative” enthuses: “In 2009 the Premier asked the WA community to get behind CHOGM 2011. Well, the Christian community has certainly done that!”

What began as a plan to pray for the outcome of CHOGM 2011, evolved into a full ten days of activities, supported whole-heartedly by church leaders in Perth.

Celebrations kicked off last Thursday night at Perth’s Challenge Stadium with fanfare, praise and prayer. Military bands, bagpipes and a 150-strong choir charged the air, while a colourful Parade of Nations ushered in the 54 flags of the Commonwealth.

The “Parade of Bibles” was another highlight at the launch, featuring a Bible brought over on the First Fleet, a Kriol Bible - the only aboriginal language to have a complete Bible – and the official CHOGM Shine Bible.

Bible Society Australia CEO, Greg Clarke, who has been in Perth for Shine, says that it is encouraging to see all the churches uniting to pray for the nations and their leaders. "The Bible Society has been thrilled to support this initiative, especially since we have significant work going on in many of the nations of the Commonwealth."

Following the launch, two city-wide rallies took place over the weekend – one at Victory Life Centre and another at St Mary’s Cathedral. Welcoming the CHOGM rallies, Victory Life Senior Pastor, Margaret Court, said "It is powerful to see the churches in Perth coming together as the nations of the world come to our city.”

Governor unveils “Tree of Life” sculpture

On Monday 24 October, WA Governor, His Excellency Malcolm McCusker, unveiled a sculpture engraved with the “prayers for peace” from children around the Commonwealth.

The “Tree of Life” sculpture by renowned local artist, Rod Laws, features eight branches, representing the eight UN Millennium Development Goals relating to social justice and the eradication of poverty.

“Converge Bible”

Monday also saw the start of the “Converge Bible” project. The aim is to get as many people as possible to personally handwrite a verse or two of Scripture, for future compilation into one complete Bible. This “people’s Bible” will then serve as a reminder of how diverse peoples and groups came together in unity, prayer and celebration for CHOGM 2011.

Activities continue till 30 October

More prayer, praise and performance items are in the line-up. Some highlights are:

· 24/7 prayer at Wesley Uniting Church

· Song of the People of Perth

· Salvation Army Choir, Band and Timbrels

· Youth@Converge – youth bands and worship

· “Men of Power” and “Women as agents of Change” mornings

· Africa Night

· Indigenous Night film premiere

· Swan River “prayer trip”

· Special “Commonwealth Resounds” concert featuring performers from various Commonwealth nations

Shine will culminate with the “Celebration of the Nations” on 30 October, as CHOGM 2011 itself draws to a close.

Full details are available at: www.commonwealthprayer.org