There is a global movement of Christians who believe that the turn of the new millennium was an historic moment when the extremes of poverty could and should be challenged. Nine years on we believe that this is still true. The financial recession should not be used as an excuse to avoid responsibility. Rather the recession is itself a reason for greater urgency. Despite the recession the world still has the resources to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. What is needed is the commitment by individuals, by communities and by leaders to see that the momentum is maintained and increased.

Micah Sunday is an opportunity for churches to demonstrate their support for the anti-poverty movement. Micah Sunday is organised by Micah Challenge, which is a network of the Christian development organisations. Micah Sunday each year is part of the Stand Up Take Action campaign. Stand Up invites people to join a group somewhere who will stand up to show their support for the fight against poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Last year nearly 117 million people worldwide took part in Stand Up events. This year they are aiming for even more.

The dates for Stand Up this year are 16-18 October, with Micah Sunday on 18 October.

The Debt Of Our Prayers is a Bible study and sermon resource which invites you to focus on the Lord's Prayer, and to look again at the implications of praying this prayer as rich Christians. An African writer, Osayande Obery Hendricks says "... the Lord’s Prayer has as its paramount concern bread for subsistence in a time of hunger, relief from debt when an unjust debt structure crushed the people underfoot and the establishment of God’s sole sovereignty when the people’s misery was largely the by-product of Caesar’s authority...".

For this and other Micah Sunday resources go to the Micah Challenge website. There are youth and adult bible study and sermon resources, PowerPoint slides and activities available as downloads. Go to the Micah Sunday page for these free resources.