I am just back from the “World Day of Prayer” service. This annual service has a long history. In 1918 women from several Canadian denominations met to discuss how they could have a “stronger voice in national questions”. This meeting resulted in the first “National Day of Prayer” in 1920; this event led to the “The World Day of Prayer” which was begun in 1922. Each year a service is prepared by women in one particular country and then it is shared around the world. It’s a long and noble history.

Today’s service was written by the women of Cameroon. This country, located in the centre of Africa above the equator, is described as “Africa in miniature”. It features the variety of landscapes, flora and fauna that is Africa. Cameroon is blessed with astonishing cultural wealth with more than 240 ethnic groups each with its specific culture. It also is well known for its styles of music. It also deals with many of the issues that face what we in the West call, ‘a developing country’. Chief among these is the treatment of women and girls.

The World Day of Prayer service is always challenging. It laughs at the stereotype of little old women at prayer. A better image would be the raging grannies. The service today brought me up short when it presented the challenge of child prostitution. The girls in Cameroon, so desperately poor and lacking in opportunities, often find their only means of survival is to turn to prostitution. This is a global problem because frequently those buying these young girls are men from western countries. There is a song that begins, “Sometimes I wish my eyes hadn’t been opened, sometimes I wish I just didn’t see.” That is my case whenever I am jarred into reality of child prostitution and global trafficking of girls and boys for the sexual pleasure of adults. I prefer to not think of it. I just don’t want to know. It makes my stomach churn.

Whenever I read the stories of Jesus I am reminded that life issues are faith issues. I am not sure what I am going to do now that the women of Cameroon have reminded me once again of the reality of child prostitution. But I know it will be a troubling prayer for me in the days ahead. Despite my personal discomfort I am grateful that they have opened my eyes.

How about you? How do you respond to the evil in the world in your practice of faith?