“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
By Rev. Dr Angelique Walker-Smith
This is the season for Thanksgiving, but many may ask “How can I do this when climate change, hunger, historic inequities, and many other issues disturb the holy balance of mind, body, and spirit—not only of human beings but of all God’s creation?”
Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us to not be anxious but to pray and petition God with thanksgiving. Recently, I was blessed to be in worship in Nairobi, Kenya, with approximately 300 St. Paul University students where the spirit of thanksgiving was evident. The service, which concluded their Mission Week, occurred on the eve of the Convocation on Climate and Hunger in Nairobi, co-hosted by Bread for the World, the All Africa Conference of Churches(AACC-CETA), and a host of 75 tri-regional faith partners from Africa, Europe, and the United States.
The thankful spirit of that worship service carried over into the Convocation, with the praise and worship team from the service continuing to lead us in worship and devotions. They and other young adults expressed their commitment to climate justice, which is the focus of the historic AACC-CETA All African Christian Youth Congress in Accra, Ghana. That Congress meets October 31-November 5with the theme “Africa: My Home, My Future.”
Rev. Dr. Lesmore Gibson Ezekiel, the AACC-CETA director of programs spoke at the Convocation regarding the All African Christian Youth Congress. He said that the gathering in Ghana addresses climate justice and poor creation stewardship—primarily by western/northern nations like the United States and the nations that comprise Europe. Those countries exploited the lands and peoples of Africa and created conditions of hunger. He stressed, however, that despite climate change and other challenges in Africa, young adults are approaching the historic gathering with thanksgiving for Africa as their home and their future.
Popular narratives about African nations and peoples rarely tell the full story of dignity among Pan African youth and adults. The Convocation was another opportunity to experience powerful multigenerational leadership, resolve, resilience, and faith of African peoples. The experience also included visits from female and male small-holder farmers, who promoted traditional foods and methodologies and provided leadership as experts on climate-smart solutions—informed by both scientific and traditional approaches.
The leadership evident at the tri-regional Convocation in Nairobi gave testimony to Philippians. I witnessed an attitude and a practice of thanksgiving for God and all of God’s creation. I witnessed petitioning, not only through prayers but also through advocacy for impactful policies, like those included in their commendations of the Convocation faith statement. May we all replace our anxiety for thanksgiving and prayer and may we petition to find renewed ways to ensure a hospitable, livable, sustainable planet home.
Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World.
