News and Media Releases

September 2008

27: Micah Challenge Zambia meets Zambian ambassador to the UN

Bishop Paul Mususu and Micah Challenge Zambia Facilitator Lawrence Temfwe were able to meet with Mr. Lazarous Kapambwe at short notice while in New York. Mr Kapambwe highlighted to importance of fair trade as one of the most significant barriers to Zambia meeting the MDGs. Please click here to read more.

22. Letter from Christians in the Global South to US church

Micah Challenge USA will promote an “Open Pastoral Letter from the Global South” to church leaders in the US. The letter has been authored by Christians in the Global South and signed by many church leaders from the Global South. It will be used to promote a nationwide, Christian dialogue about global mission and global justice, especially focusing on two key US events, the UN High-Level meeting and the Presidential elections in November.

The dialogue began with a number of high profile Christian leaders responding publicly to this letter. As the story of the letter gets out we will be asking churches and pastors all over the country to read the letter in their congregations and support us by signing a Micah Challenge USA letter calling on the US presidential candidates to remember the “least of these” in their foreign policies. Please click here for more information.

18: MC Zambia Presidential election call: Don’t vote tribe…

As Zambia is preparing for presidential elections on 30 October, Micah Challenge facilitator Lawrence Temfwe calls
‘..not to vote tribe, Chibuku, party or age, but character, vision and strategy on how we will attain the Millennium Development Goals.’

The National Royal Foundation of Zambia chairperson Chief Bright Nalubamba has asked presidential aspirants to meet all traditional Leaders to explain their agenda for the rural poor before asking for their votes.

For more information please see MC Zambia website.

15-24: Micah Challenge UK – Think: Fast

Micah Challenge UK, in collaboration with the Bishop of London and the Global Day of Prayer UK, joins a ten-day prayer and fasting period called Think:Fast.

Please click here for further information and the prayer guide.

11: MC Haiti advocates for sustainable changes after hurricanes

MC Haiti coordinator Jean Valery vital-Herne writes:
‘We can never prevent hurricanes from coming to this country, but we can do our effort to minimize the consequences’.

For more information on the hurricane action please see http://defimicheehaiti.blogspot.com. Further background on Micah Challenge Haiti can be found here.

July 2008

24. Bishops march for MDGs

In partnership with Micah Challenge, The Archbishop of Canterbury led hundreds of Anglican bishops, faith leaders and Christian charity representatives
in a march in London in a call to world leaders to do everything they can to halve extreme global poverty by 2015.
For more information please click here.

Join the bishops on a virtual march for the MDGs

June 2008

13: Micah Challenge Malwai releases June 2008 national campaign update

5: Micah Challenge France produces MDG flyer

The flyer gives a general introduction to Micah Challenge and the Millennium Development Goals. It also offers reflections and prayer points which are linked to each MDG. Please feel free to use it widely. To download the flyer click here.

1: GCAP calls for action on the current food crisis with a day of action on 1 June.

The Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) is calling for action in the lead up to the FAO meeting in Rome (June 3-5), to demand that governments Act Now to End Poverty and Inequality and
Stop the Food Crisis. Click here for the communique.

May 2008

29: Micah Challenge Zambia - Kabwe report

150 pastors, church leaders, and twenty students met in Kabwe, in the Central Province of Zambia, on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, to learn about and discuss the Micah Challenge program.

Read the program report and the Times of Zambia news report.

29: Worship leader Darlene Zschech talks about Micah Challenge

Darlene Zschech, a member of the Micah Challenge Australia Panel of Reference, encourages Christians to get involved in Micah Challenge actions. Please click here for the video.

5: Cooperative Baptist Fellowship announces partnership with Micah Challenge USA

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has announced it is entering into a two-year partnership with Micah Challenge USA. The Fellowship is determined to do all they can to help achieve the MDGs. For more information please click here.

April 2008

16: Micah Challenge Philippines and ISAAC release bible studies to mobilize and educate churches in the Philippines

The Bible study materials will serve as toolkits to equip the church communities and faith-based organizations in the area of integral missions, good governance and the Gospel as it relates to our culture.

Bible study 1: Integral mission- What’s it all about?
Bible study 2: Politics and good governance
Bible study 3: Gospel and culture
Bible study 4: Leadership

Please download all 4 studies at http://www.micahchallengephilippines.com/joomla/

14. Micah Challenge UK launches book ‘Micah’s challenge’

In this new book, the prophetic word of Micah to “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God” (6:8), is explored for its application to today’s church. Drawing together insights from Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo, René Padilla, Joel Edwards, Ron Sider, Njongonkulu Ndungane, and others, Micah’s Challenge explores the theological, ethical and practical dimensions of this call to act with justice, mercy and humility. Orders can be placed here

8: Global Monitoring Report 2008 released

The World Bank and IMF have released the Global Monitoring Report. It focuses on the MDGs and the link between environment and development. Click here for the report and a useful 18 page summary.

March 2008

28: Association of Evangelicals in Africa calls for a free and peaceful election in Zimbabwe

Prior to the elections in Zimbabwe, Ndaba Mazabane, the chair of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, calls for free, peaceful and fair elections.

He says: 'This election is another test of democracy and credibility, not only for Zimbabweans, but for the rest of Africa. I hope and pray that the reports we are getting about the possible rigging and threats made against the opposition parties will be proven wrong and that the people will exercise their constitutional right to elected leaders they believe will help take Zimbabwe out of the current political and economic woes.” Please click here to view to full press release.

5: Death of Micah Challenge Board Member, Fidelis Wainaina

Micah Challenge is deeply saddened by the sudden death through illness
of Fidelis Wainaina. Fidelis was a beloved Member of our International
Board, a sister in Christ, an inspiration and a friend to all in our
international movement. Fidelis was the founder and Director of
Maseno Inter-Christian Child Self Help Group (MICH). Maseno is in the
far west of Kenya near Uganda. Her work with MICH had helped to reduce
the level of malnutrition among children in this area of Maseno from 86% to
less than 1%. In 2006, Fidelis was a winner of the Africa Green Revolution
Yara Prize 2006. Demands for her to speak internationally increased. In
October she spoke for Micah Challenge alongside the United Nations
Secretary General at Global Forum in Washington. Obituary and Tribute

February 2008

11: OECD Report shows a drop in aid levels
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published its 2007 Development Cooperation report. The report shows that in 2006, the total Official Development Assistance (ODA) provided by the members of the DAC fell to USD$104.4 billion, 4.5% lower than in 2005. In real terms, this is the first fall in ODA since 1997. The report does suggest that there have been some improvements in the way aid is delivered, and the way it is managed in the health and basic education sectors.

January 2008

30: Micah Challenge US lobbies the US Senate to pass the Global Poverty Act aimed at deepening the US commitment to the MDGs.
In January students wrote 100 letters to congress on the Global poverty act and aid, and 10 Micah Challenge steering committee members signed a letter that went to all senators asking for their co-sponsorship of this legislation. If passed the Senate As well as the letter writing a dinner took place showing food distribution worldwide. Here you can see only two people received full meals at a table, while a second group got chairs to sit on with rice and beans, and the final group had scoops of rice and sat on the floor. Global Poverty Act would greatly deepen the United States' committment to meeting the Millennium Development Goals through establishing a strategy to make progress on the MDG's. To find out more about the campaign visit Micah Challenge US.

28: DAVOS
World leaders issue call to action on Millennium Development Goals
World leaders, from both political and business arenas, have issued a joint statement at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos vowing to make 2008 a turning point in the fight against poverty. The world is facing a "development emergency", they said. "We pledge to work together to help the world get back on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)." "We are here to say one thing loud and clear: Not on our watch!" said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. For more information, click here.

December 2007

15: BALI
“A road map missing a vital signpost”, was how Tearfund described the global deal on climate change struck at the UN conference in Bali on Saturday (Dec 15).
Click here for full press release.....

5: PORTUGAL
MC Portugal campaigns against EU's Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
MC Portugal spoke out against unfair trade and EPA's (trade deals between the EU and African, Pacific and Caribbean nations) at a large gathering at Lisbon's largest bookstore. The meeting was part of a conference organised by one of Portugal's Universities. Representatives from MC and the Faith and Justice network later met with an advisor to the Secretary of State for economic and financial issues. At this meeting many concerns were raised about the detrimental impact EPAs will have upon developing countries and its potential to undermine progress to a range of MDGs. In their current form these agreements will rapidly open up ACP markets to European goods and services. The concern is that without local industries and agricultural producers ready to compete, this could lead to widespread loss of jobs and threaten both current and future industries. It could also lead to loss of vital government revenue that might otherwise be spent on health and education. For more information on EPAs visit the UK Tearfund website.....

1: PHILIPPINES
MC Philippines marks World AIDS Day with a Day of Prayer.
To raise AIDS awareness and to commemorate World AIDS Day, MC Philippines distributed resources to be used by churches on December 2nd for a day of prayer. In a powerful presentation churches were reminded of the constant need to keep up with the fight against AIDS to achieve MDG Goal 6 (to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015) and were encouraged to demonstrate solidarity and acceptance with those living with HIV/AIDS. Click here to view the full presentation....

November 2007

12: ZAMBIA
Micah Challenge Zambia calls on Christians to pray for the creation of a fair, just and equitable constitution for all Zambians on the eve of National Constitution Conference.
Over the past forty years, Zambia has operated under four different constitutions. After widespread opposition to the two most recent constitutions (enacted in 1991 and 1996), the Zambian government is now finally hoping to be able to give their people a legitimate constitution that will stand the test of time. Micah Challenge Zambia is asking the church to reach out to its Christian lawyers, judges, police officers, doctors, and business communities who will attend the NCC and help to develop a constitution derived from Biblical standards. Read the full article here.

5: AUSTRALIA
Global poverty became a central issue in the Australian Federal elections this week.
There have been various articles and interviews by and about Christians on global inequality. Micah Challenge and all the agencies which support it, as well as Make Poverty History, call on all parties to act in a bipartisan way to support targeted action to halve global poverty . This is bigger than a matter of party politics. Micah Challenge welcomes policies from all sides of politics which favour the poor. Tim Costello, Co-chair of Make Poverty History Campaign and Chief Executive of World Vision Australia

Tim Costello, co-chair of the Make Poverty History Campaign, has been interviewed for radio and newspaper, stressing that poverty is a moral issue greater than party politics. Click here for full article...

Both Brian Houston and Ross Clifford (members of the Micah Challenge panel of Reference) have also been interviewed and support the idea of increased aid to meet the Millennium Development Goals. Rev Brian Houston said that increasing aid was a bipartisan issue and Rev Ross Clifford agreed saying that “Foreign aid is a significant moral issue.” Click here for full article...

The head of the Uniting Church in Australia has also issued a statement calling on Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd to raise Australia’s overseas aid to 0.7% of national income. “Such bipartisan support for the suffering millions of the world would show great moral leadership” he said. “Copycat policies like that would be more than welcome”.

Another article called “God’s Vote”. Christian leaders were asked what they see as the main issues in the election: poverty and international aid were mentioned by nearly all of them. Click here for full article....

For a comprehensive look at what parties are saying about poverty justice issues, see the Report Card of Make Poverty History.

The Australian Christian Lobby website looks at the responses of the main parties to 11 different issues of interest to Christians, including foreign aid.

October 2007

14-17: STAND UP SPEAK OUT - MICAH SUNDAY

Over 38.8 million people, in 110 countries have broken the Guinness World Record – set last year at 23.5 million - for the largest number of people to “STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY” in 24 hours. Click here for full "Stand Up Against Poverty" Press Release....

Find out about the different events organised by some of the Micah National Campaigns for Micah Sunday and Stand Up.....

14-17 MALAWI
Thousands of Malawians gathered at a local Primary School ground for a whole day's events, joining with millions of people across the globe to Stand Up and Speak Out against poverty. Find out more...

14-17: ZAMBIA
Micah Challenge Zambia took part in Stand Up Speak Out against global poverty and for the Millennium Development Goals, under the theme quality education and gender equality. Thirty eight private, government and community schools took part in this event. Find out more.....

14-17: UGANDA
Micah Challenge Uganda organised a pre-awareness and mobilisation workshop on October 10th. Several churches participated in Micah Challenge Sunday services with over 2000 attending. Stand Up Speak Out events included a prayer vigil, radio interviews, a community event attended by the Town Mayor and workshops for Church Leaders....Find out more.

14-17: PHILIPPINES
Micah Challenge Philippines sponsored a ' Faith Based Group Congress on Illegitimate Debt’.....Find out more.

14-17: SOUTH AFRICA
Thousands of people from churches, high schools, nursery schools and community organisations participated in a wide variety of events across South Africa for Stand Up Speak Out .....Find out more.

2: INTERNATIONAL
UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon endorses Micah Challenge as his ally in the fight to end global poverty
At a meeting of Micah Challenge leaders and America's National Association of Evangelicals, Ban Ki-Moon encouraged Christians in the vital role they play in pushing governments to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The Rev Joel Edwards, joint chair of Micah Challenge and the UK Evangelical Alliance said, “To actually have the Secretary General of the UN saying that Micah Challenge is regarded as a serious and critical partner in the enterprise to reduce absolute poverty is just great news. World governments are realising that they cannot ignore the church in the battle to eradicate poverty. Micah Challenge is in a unique position to bring together some of the expertise within the Christian world and to work positively with governments to end extreme poverty.” Click here for full Christianity Today article....

September 2007

21: AUSTRALIA
Australian Prime Minister John Howard hears the half time message
Prime Minister John Howard took delivery today of thousands of postcards with a clear message about meeting the goal to halve global poverty by 2015. 24,300 Australians from across the country had sent postcards to encourage the government to keep up the effort to meet the targets of the Millennium Development Goals, set in 2000. The cards were handed over at Parliament House by Tim Costello, co-chair of the Make Poverty History campaign and Amanda Jackson, National Coordinator of Micah Challenge. Both campaigns work to support justice for the poor and encourage action by governments of all nations to bring half a billion people out of grinding poverty. The Prime Minister commented that he meets many people around the country who are concerned about global poverty issues. Click here for full press release....

20: AUSTRALIA
Micah Challenge Australia reviews steps taken by APEC to fight poverty
The APEC leaders’ meeting finished with statements on a number of economic issues which will affect the poor. The statements had some positive aspects but were long on aspirational goals and short on actual targets. For a full review visit the MC Australia website...

6: AUSTRALIA
Micah Challenge Australia writes to APEC leaders
Fifty Christian leaders from across all denominations have issued a statement to the 21 APEC leaders calling for just and concrete decisions to deal with poverty in the region. Read letter
120 supporters also gathered in the centre of a strangely quiet Sydney to pray for the meetings and for the leaders. Read prayers
Dr Shane Clifton, who preached at the service, talked of the challenge for Christians to be agents of change. In the midst of all the security and hype, God chooses the lowly to be his ambassadors, he said. “We have a responsibility to speak out on behalf of the poor.”

August 2007

28: INTERNATIONAL
Baptist World Alliance renews its commitment to Micah Challenge at Annual Gathering in Accra, Ghana. BWA resolved to respond biblically to the needs of impoverished and oppressed people throughout the world through the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. It commended the advocacy role of Micah Challenge and acknowledged its role in the progress that has been made so far at the halfway mark. The resolution called on its members to get involved in Micah's campaign by vigorously advocating and lobbying their national leaders on their moral responsibility to relieve poverty. For a full extract of all resolutions visit the Bapist World Alliance website....

16-17: ZAMBIA
Micah Challenge Zambia challenges the leaders of SADC to review progress on the MDGs
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), which incorporates 14 (and potentially 15) countries, held its 27th Ordinary Summit Meeting of Heads of State and Government in Lusaka, Zambia. In particular MC Zambia called on the leaders to review development initiatives which are failing due to a lack of community consultation. Click here for MC Zambia Press Release.

3-17: SIERRA LEONE/USA

Micahmorphosis student group return from monitoring Sierra Leone presidential elections.
A group of students from all over the US have recently returned from their transformational exchange working hand in hand with Sierra Leonean Christians and others from the international community to help ensure a just Presidenital election. The purpose of transformational exchanges is to unite communities of Christians from the global north and global south and in doing so demonstrate the power of integral mission in practice. Read more about the students' amazing experiences and challenges.....Micahmorphosis.

3-4: ZAMBIA
Micah Challenge Zambia will officially go national at a launch in Lusaka.
This cutting edge campaign has already achieved tremendous results among the church communities of the Copperbelt region of the north. With this launch Micah Challenge Zambia is now set to mobilise nationally. MC Zambia encourages us to pray for the launch and the future endeavours of the campaign. To find out more visit Micah Challenge Zambia.

1: UNITED KINGDOM
Christian Leaders praise PM Brown's commitment to meeting Millennium Development Goals on time.
Christianity Today

July 2007

23: INTERNATIONAL
July 23rd - Erika Izquierdo, Coordinator Andean Region, interviewed by the Millenium Campaign
Click here for full transcript of interview...

20: PORTUGAL
The new Micah Challenge Portugal campaign takes aim as Portugal takes on the role of EU President from July to December 2007. The Portugese EU Presidency has already stated the need to focus upon their global social responsibility stating that, "social inclusion, the fight against poverty, in particular child poverty.....are the priority themes for the Portuguese presidency." [Portugese Presidency of the Council]. Micah Challenge Portugal and their domestic constituents are taking up this opportunity and focussing their campaign on EU's Economic Partnership Agreements calling for greater priority to be given to impoverished and marginalised communities and achieving the MDGs. Contact Micah Challenge Portugal.

June 2007

25: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Micah Challenge organised a conference for non-government organisations, Christian development organisations and Congolese syndicates. The title was Millennium Development Goals: Blow the Half-Time Whistle! More than three hundred people took part in the conference, part of the inaugural Congolese Social Forum, attended by 15,000 people.

16-19: AUSTRALIA
Voices for Justice makes impact in Canberra
183 people, aged 13 to 73 from every part of the country, ventured to Canberra; 73 politicians were visited. Bishop Alexis from Rwanda spoke powerfully about the hope Christians can offer; the art exhibition "Create to Advocate" had a powerful impact in the main exhibition area of Parliament House; and 2300 signed postcards which were handed to Mr Greg Hunt, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Another 3,000 postcards arrived at the MC office in the 2 weeks that followed). MC Coordintor Amanda Jackson says: "Prayer and polite persistence have helped our voices to be heard!"

4, 22-23: CANADA
Micah Challenge Canada blows halftime!
Micah Challenge Canada paired with Make Poverty History Canada to do a ‘send-off’ for Prime Minister Harper before he left for the G8 meetings. The ‘halftime whistle was blown’ at the event. A Micah Challenge Canada conference was held in Edmonton 22-23 June.

3-12: USA
Micah Challenge presents at three US prayer and advocacy events, and MCUSA and NAE firm plans for watershed forum of evangelical Christian leaders
Lawrence Temfwe, Chair of Micah Challenge Zambia and Joel Edwards, Co-chair of Micah Challenge International joined MC USA leaders to move and inspire thousands of participants in three US events in early June. The events were:

Sojouners 'Pentecost 2007: taking it to the streets" Conference and Lobby Day

Christian Reformed Church of North America Worldwide Partners Conference

Bread for the World Gathering, Lobby day and Convocation on Hunger

Micah Challenge USA and the National Association of Evangelicals (USA) firmed plans to co-host and International Christian Leaders Forum set for October 11-12 in Washington.

2-6: GERMANY
Micah Challenge brings prayer and advocacy to the G8 and Kirchentag
50 young 'Pilgrims for justice' from the Netherlands, France and Germany came together in Rostock for an international prayer event organised by Micah Challenge Germany and Netherlands. Together with many other Christians the group participated in a service before the big afternoon rally on June 2 that was organised by German Civil Society organisations. As part of the 3 day program they also had seminars, workshops and times that focused on prayer for the world. In the days that followed, Micah Challenge International leaders held talks with Chancellor Merkel's senior staff and delivering letters to her from Andean children. More Micah Challenge G8 news and analysis

PERU
Letters from Andean children to Chancellor Merkel
The International Director of the World Evangelical Alliance, Geoff Tunnicliffe has delivered letters, handwritten by children in Peru, to Chancellor Merkel's office. The letters were gathered by Micah Challenge in Peru to remind the German Government that any decisions it and other G8 governments make in Heiligendamm will have a real impact on those at the grassroots level, particularly children who are depending on their help for a future of opportunity rather than poverty.

2: UNITED KINGDOM
Micah Challenge blows the whistle at World Can't Wait rally in London
Micah Challenge UK held a worship service in London at the culmination of its ‘Blow the Whistle’ campaign ahead of the G8 Summit. The worshippers then joined the ‘World Can’t Wait’ rally, prayerfully walking to the banks of the Thames, where they joined thousands of others on the ‘World Can’t Wait’ rally.

23: ITALY
A thousand rally in Rome for religous liberty and Micah Challenge
A thousand evangelical Christians from different regions and churches of Italy rallied in Rome on 23 June to advocate for the right of religious freedom in Italy and abroad, and to promote support for achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The gathering was organised by the Italian Evangelical Alliance (IEA), which also convenes Micah Challenge Italy. MPs and Christian leaders joined Juventus footballer Nicola Legrottaglie, to give their support for the 6-point manifesto and petition prepared by the Alliance. As a result of the Rally, the Parliament Commission has accepted several amendements to the new Law on religious liberty. IEA was also invited to another initiative for religious freedom which took place in Rome on 4th July and was organised by Corriere della Sera, the main
newspaper of the country. Video and pictures of the Rally

10: INTERNATIONAL
WEA Head Calls Christians to Fight Poverty at End of Germany Visit
World Evangelical Alliance

8: INTERNATIONAL
Climate Change: Significant Progress at G8
Tearfund UK

G8 Tragically Close Failure on Africa
Tearfund UK

(Follow the links to view Tearfund UK's detailed policy analysis of the G8 outcomes and
G8 campaign photos.)

4: INTERNATIONAL
Letters from Andean children reach Merkel on eve of G8
Micah Challenge International

2: INTERNATIONAL
Micah Challenge blows the halftime whistle at G8
Micah Challenge International

May 2007

28: NIGERIA
The work of Micah Challenge and the Blow the Halftime Whistle campaign was promoted at a gathering of 44 representatives from Civil Society Organisations, Community Development Organisations, Faith based organisations and NGOs. The aim of this pre-campaign event was to raise public and stakeholder awareness to the 'Blow the Whistle' campaign events on 3rd-5th July, and for them to be stirred in seeing their role in pressing Nigeria's leaders to the work towards attaining the MDGs.

27: Pentecost FRANCE
3500 attend Pentecost Festival
Micah Challenge France mobilised 3500 young people at a Pentecost festival in Valence, which was organised by the Evangelical Alliance of France. Micah Challenge France shared about poverty issues and encouraged these young people to raise their voice against poverty. 3000 signed postcards to be sent to the new French President Nicolas Sarkozy together with a letter from MC France.

NEW ZEALAND
Micah Challenge NZ published articles in all the denomination magazines and newspapers, and sent emails and a DVDs of resources to churches and Christian radio stations ahead of planned events in Auckland and Christchurch on 07/07/07. Calendar of Events

20: NETHERLANDS
'Blow the halftime whistle!' begins with eight weeks of prayer in churches across the Netherlands
Churches began eight weeks of prayer. Each Sunday focusing on one MDG. Churches received a list of the MDGs, prayer points and an example of a country/village/project. The prayer campaign is being well received by the main churches and is being communicated by Micha Campagne through direct mail, press and various articles in newspapers and magazines.

See previous 'Blow the Halftime Whistle!' Updates here