Churches from across Springvale will come together for the World Day of Prayer.
On or near the first Friday in March since 1887, millions of Christians have gathered worldwide to pray for the issues of family violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of injustice.
This year prayers will direct support to the 540,000 inhabitants of the Republic of Suriname, on the north-eastern coast of South America.
Ingrid Heyn, who’ll sing at the event, said the tiny nation had achieved remarkable progress since its independence in 1975, despite a history steeped in slavery and political coups.
“Suriname enjoys multi-ethnicity and biodiversity, freedom of religion, free primary and secondary education, and free medical care for children and seniors,” she said.
“But behind closed doors, family violence, abuse and neglect are ongoing issues.”
Ms Heyn said children were particularly vulnerable and many grew up in orphanages or one-parent families.
“While education is free, there is no compulsory school attendance,” she said.
“Child labour in the form of street selling is common, but of far more serious concern is the fact that many children are labouring in the gold mines of Suriname.”
The event will include songs of Suriname performed in the national language of Dutch and in Sranan Tongo, as well as English.
There’ll be a puppet play, the sounds and scents of the Caribbean country, and food celebrating the variety of cuisines that Suriname boasts.
The event will take place at the Salvation Army Church at 5 View Road, Springvale, from 6.30pm on Friday 2 March.
