World Wide Day of Prayer for Children at Risk

Saturday, June 5, 2004

The annual World Wide Day of Prayer for Children at Risk, facilitated by Viva Network, will take place on Saturday 5th June 2004. It was first established on the first Saturday of June 1996.

"Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street"--Lamentations 2:19 (N

Thousands of Christians from over 90 countries will organise local prayer gatherings to intercede for children at risk. Viva Network produces materials in various languages to inspire informed prayer and to help with the planning of prayer events. Individuals, churches, organisations, projects and any other groups of Christians are invited to get involved.

"Children at risk" are defined as persons under 18 living in situations including:
- disabling or bonded child labour
- war and other forms of violence
- sexual abuse and exploitation
- disease, drug abuse or disability
- neglect, loss of family or primary care-giver
- extreme poverty
- oppressive institutions

Viva Network is a global movement of Christians passionately concerned for 'children at risk', committed to every child having the opportunity to become all that God intends. They have built up 66 network initiatives in 43 countries, 16,000 workers reaching 160,000 children.