Patmos to host World Day of Prayer service

Life is not easy for the people of Cameroon, Africa. With a population of about 19 million, unemployment is about 30 percent and 48 percent live below the poverty line, according to the CIA's "The World Factbook."

It is especially difficult for women because of trafficking of women and children in the region. But according to a group of Cameroonian women who put together this year's World Day of Prayer service, their faith helps them endure.

"In the Cameroonian context, people praise God even in and especially during difficult times in their lives," said the women, according to the World Day of Prayer Web site. "As long as one has breath, there is hope. So we sing in the hope that things will get better."

That stance led to this year's theme: Let everything that has breath praise God.

The World Day of Prayer service will be held locally at Patmos United Methodist Church in Huddleston on Friday, March 5 at 11 a.m.

Judy Wolfe, a parishioner, said the World Day of Prayer service has been held at the lake for about 10 years. Patmos alternates hosting duties with Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Trinity Ecumenical Parish and Resurrection Catholic Church.

About 170 countries participate in the international event, which includes worship services designed by women from a different country each year. Wolfe said it gives the women, who often live in third-world countries, a voice.

"They've selected the scriptures and they've selected the music," said Wolfe. "What we do, is we just deliver it."

The service at Patmos will last about one hour, followed by a light lunch, she said. Everyone in the community is invited. Wolfe said she's hoping for at least 60 people.

"I think it is a spiritual connection," she said. "People all over the world are sharing in this World Day of Prayer."

For more information about World Day of Prayer, visit www.worlddayofprayer.net.