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 SPEAK
is a growing network in the UK of Christians who see the huge
levels of injustice in our world and refuse to stay silent
about it. The name comes from Proverbs 31 v8-9 "Speak up for
those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all
who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights
of the poor and the needy."
SPEAK believe in prayer and campaigning in tandem - this
is where they differ from other groups like Amnesty.
The last weekend in March saw the annual conference of the
student/young adult social justice network SPEAK, held in
north London.
‘Sound Check’ was a chance for like-minded X’ers to get together
and be inspired that we can make a difference to injustice
and poverty in our world - if only we get off our lazy behinds
and try! There were loads of stories about inventive, creative
campaigns and stunts to raise awareness, and loads of cool
people who aren’t afraid or too cynical to turn their passion
into action.
 We
were encouraged by ‘big’ speakers from TearFund and Christian
Aid (who were also very nice and normal) who reminded us that
it’s the responsibility of a Christian to SPEAK our against
injustice and poverty, just like Jesus did. God’s heart has
always been in favour of the poor, and so should ours be.
But they are able to point to real successes and the fact
that simple actions like sending postcards to Gordon Brown
about debt relief (www.dropthedebt.org)
can have a absolutely massive effect on our decision makers.
SPEAK had a role in TGUK1 last March when our fave Louise
‘Louise from Speak’ Donkin bounced and enthused her way through
the weekend. They are planning to be back again this year
at TGUK2 in the company of TearFund who will lead our JUSTICE
STREAM on Sat pm.
What’s impressive about the guys who are in the SPEAK network
is that they don’t just talk about poverty and injustice,
they don’t just moan about it, they take their God-given passion
and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! And its really not that hard -
a simple letter once a week, and not buying clothes from GAP
and Nike is a big start - now that’s not hard is it!
 Monday
2 April saw X’ERs from around the UK doing a Prayer Walk at
some major places of power in London. Outside sites like the
DTI and the Foreign Office, it was a powerful time to intercede
for our nation and bring God’s spirit to affect the Powers
that Be. The day culminated in an art exhibition in the newly
built offices right opposite the Houses of Parliament (very
posh, slightly awe-inspiring) where a number of our MPs came
to see art work about injustice and hear our concerns that
the poor get a fair deal and an equal voice in issues of world
trade. We also hung about in the central lobby of Parliament
to ‘green-card’ our MPs, which means they have to respond
to our request to see them. A few came out and were genuinely
interested and concerned about issues of international trade.
While sitting there, I saw Clare Short, Tony Banks and a few
other MPs wander past, which was nice.
Here’s what some of the first time delegates said about their
trip to Sound Check 2001:
"SPEAK really gave me an insight into how much justice
is totally linked with God's character and how campaigning
and living life in a way that honours that is part of bringing
God's kingdom in!" Naomi H, Sheffield
 "Mad,
crazy weekend. Inspirational talkers (ie. Sue and Roger Mitchell).
What hit me was the importance of PRAYER and to keep on praying.
Intercession, repenting for the sins of our nation - "if I
try and fight the greed in them I lose, I have to fight the
greed in me" (James Mawdsley quote). But, the thing that really
finished it off for me was the prayer walking around London
on Monday - praying outside the DTI, Italian Embassy and Parliament.
WOOO!!" Rachael S, Sheffield
To find out about a SPEAK group in your area or to get more
info, call the very cool team (Ellen, Louise, Angela) on 020
7609 1744 or email speak@speak.org.uk
The website is very informative and challenging, with ideas
about getting involved - www.speak.org.uk
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