a prayer letter in a constituency

by Julia Barrett
Before you reach the updates let me share with you a personal experience: During a hair appointment yesterday at my local hairdressers in town I we got talking about politics - my hairdresser asked what i've been doing - and I explained - she responded with 'you know i don't really know much about any of that' she went on 'I know there's this Clegg guy, and that debate' I smiled and we laughed. We both agreed that there is a lot of demand on the public to vote and to be involved. I knew that her response was not reflecting a lack of concern about the current situation of our nation. However did reflect a need for better understanding of how government works and knowledge that what currently is taking place will have an effect on her life and the life of this country.

We went on to talk a bit about her job and the challenges she is facing at work - I came away from my appointment with a more intimate understanding of what it is like for many who simply want to know the truth unclouded by spin or glossy statements. There is a need for clarity - many just don't know where to start. Lets pray furthermore that Godly people rise up and make it their banner to be peacemakers, good listeners, communicators who proclaim His truths in word and action

1. Local News: My last email mentioned of John Spademan PPC for Witham who was invited to an interview with Anglia Television on Wednesday the 21st April. I have heard that this went well and that this will be broadcast on Monday 26th.

2. Furthermore John has also been invited to be on the front row at the 'The Big Question' programme being recorded in Colchester on May 2nd. If you are interested in joining him on the show then tickets are required. The email address supplied on the BBC website as the means to obtaining tickets appears faulty. I have made some phone-calls and have the office number for the company. Currently its out of office hours - I will call them Monday 26th. Thank you.

3. Debate, Debate, Debate: During this media frenzy around the 'TV Election debate' pollsters are gauging what they think is the general reaction of the British public. It seems that a portion of us were tuning in to watch the show; Does this mean people are showing a desire to engage again with politics? an article published by 'The Independent' remarks on the level of viewers; 'However, despite the historic nature of the event, it proved to be less of a crowd-puller than the live episode of EastEnders earlier this year which drew nearly six million more' Just over 9 million views tuned in to view the first debate. Lets pray people keep making steps of involvement, talking - and more importantly praying.

4. Secret Lobbying?: When I first learnt of this term I honestly didn't know what it meant. Thousands are employed by lobbyist firms working for various parties. It seems that the most challenging argument against lobbying is the influence some firms have on politics with potentially biased motives. Furthermore the financial positions of particular firms have only added to a growing opinion that the act of 'secret lobbying' needs to be cleaned up this has; "tainted our politics for too long, an issue that exposes the far-too-cosy relationship between politics, government, business and money" (David Cameron). Check out this site '38 Degrees' which aims to make known the issue of secret lobbying. They have intiated a pledge to 'Ban Secret Lobbying' and are asking politicians to sign it. http://www.38degrees.org.uk/witham-ban-secret-lobbying According to the site the Liberal democrats and Labour have committed to the terms of the petition. However the Conservatives are currently saying they will let lobbyists regulate themselves.

5. Local Issue: The statement in this text was taken from the website (38 Degrees) explaining of a sensitive situation involving a local paper and the Conservative PPC for Witham Priti Patel. It says this:'One local paper, the Braintree & Witham Times is refusing to report that Priti is still refusing to sign the pledge - instead publishing inaccurate articles sourced from Priti where she "laughs off" our campaign for lobbying transparency[1]. They have even refused to publish letters about this issue explaining "at the moment we are avoiding publishing overtly political letters...It's highly likely that Priti will win the seat...". [2]' I cannot say I fully comprehend the altercations of this statment. However issues like this will continue to be exposed - trust, truth and transparency are hot topic right now. We can respond to this by ensuring we as the Church seek to encourage and be advocates of 'Kingdom Values'."He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life". (2_Corinthians_3:6) In this new "living" way God sends His Spirit to reside in the Christian, writing the laws of God on our hearts (Hebrews_10:19-20)."This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Hebrews_8:10). Lets pray for Priti - that she seeks good advice - that if she is acting in such a way that suggests she is not being truthful that you reveal this to her - lets pray that her family do not come under any undue fire or dislike - lets pray when at the church hustings she seeks to build connections - Amen

6. Voting!: If you were to ask a person off the street whether they feel their opinion counts amidst all the talk and debating - their answer would likely be - 'No'. However if we decline our right to partake in the voting system - are we then not appreciating the freedom we have that many others are denied? Take a look at this: Top Ten Reasons to Vote
Why should Christians vote in this election? Well here's ten top reasons. Get hold of a copy Just Politics to help you make an informed decision ahead of the election.
Churches can reprint this list of 10 reasons why every christian should vote in your church news sheets this weekend. Read the top ten reasons why Christians should vote >> http://www.eauk.org/public-affairs/elections/upload/Top-Ten-reasons-to-Vote.pdf Buy Just Politics >> http://www.eden.co.uk/shop/just-politics-2608900.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email!! Please feel free to reply!

Yours in Prayer,

Julia Barrett

Prayer Shield Coordinator Witham Constituency

Andy Flannagan, 26/04/2010