On Friday March 1, the community will celebrate the World Day of Prayer Service in the Beechwood Uniting Church opposite the public school at 2pm.

“Each year, Christians around the world choose this day to pray for a country and its needs.  This year, the service has been written by the women of Slovenia,” said a spokesperson for the Wauchope Christian Community.

It’s a small central European country, surrounded by Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia and the Adriatic Sea.  Slovenia was established in 1991 on the break-up of Yugoslavia.

It is a beautiful country famous for its mountains, natural forests, birds, wild animals and rare and endangered species, as well as its ski resorts, pure lakes and fantastic underwater limestone cave systems under the Karst plateau.  It is a country which is a leader in ‘green tourism’, caring for the environment in sustainable ways.

“Slovenia, however, is a country facing many challenges.  Jobs are low-paid and young educated workers leave for better opportunities.  It still has austerity measures in place as it recovers from the global financial crisis,” added the spokesperson.

“Housing is expensive, pensions are low and many women work full-time while caring for their families.  There is a very high rate of suicide and drug and alcohol abuse.  Hurts and injustices remain from the previous Yugoslavia era, and there are disputes with Croatia, including rights to the Adriatic Sea.”

The service highlights that there are wonderful things to celebrate in this emerging country, a young country made up of people who are proud of a long, fascinating heritage.

The Wauchope and Beechwood Christian Community invite men and women to join them in praying for the needs of Slovenia.  The service starts at 2pm, and will be followed by a time of fellowship over a cuppa and delicious afternoon tea.