John-Paul Roberts

Be Geyser Conscious

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

Proverbs 21:20 says, “There is treasure to be desired..in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man spendeth it up”.  Living Simply and Responsibly – The Bible encourages us to be wise and not wasteful (Proverbs 21:20). Using less energy also saves money, which we can use to help others in need. How to Use Your Water Heater More Efficiently Lower the temperature – Set your water heater to  (50°C) instead of the default 60 degrees to save energy.you might have to go into the loft to do this  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZL0MiTBXNw Take shorter showers – Reducing hot water use saves both energy and water. Use a water heater timer – This ensures it only runs when needed, reducing wasted electricity. Insulate your water heater and pipes – This keeps heat from escaping, so your heater doesn’t work as hard. you can do this with an old blanket  By preserving energy, we honor God, care for others, and protect the world He entrusted to us. Let’s be mindful and make choices that reflect God’s love and wisdom! 🌍💡♻️

Be Geyser Conscious Read More »

Fifth Sunday in Lent 2025

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

Do not defile the land where ou live and where I dwell – Numbers 35: 34 have a look around and reflect on this phrase” Where I live” what do you feel thinking that God dwells in the land in your community, city or street Land Numbers 35:34 says, “Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the Lord, dwell among the Israelites.” This verse reminds us that the land is not just ours to use as we please—it belongs to God. He calls us to care for it and keep it pure, both spiritually and physically. God’s Presence in Creation In the Old Testament, God’s presence among His people was sacred. The land was meant to be a holy place, free from corruption. Today, we can extend this teaching to environmental responsibility. When we pollute the earth with plastic, toxic chemicals, and waste, we are defiling the land that God created and gave us to sustain life. The Impact of Environmental Destruction Pollution and environmental degradation affect not only nature but also people, especially the poor. Contaminated water, air pollution, and deforestation lead to disease, hunger, and suffering. As Christians, we are called to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), and that includes making choices that protect people from environmental harm. Our Responsibility as Stewards Genesis 2:15 tells us that God placed humans in the Garden “to work it and take care of it.” This means we have a duty to protect and restore the earth. Simple actions like reducing waste, using fewer plastics, and caring for the land show respect for God’s creation. A Call to Action If God dwells among us, then keeping the land clean and healthy is an act of worship. Let us honor Him by protecting the world He has entrusted to us. 🌎

Fifth Sunday in Lent 2025 Read More »

Go Unwrapped

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes. Isaiah 24:5 Why Avoid Plastic-Wrapped Food? Harmful to Our Health – Many plastics contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which can leach into food and affect our hormones. Studies have linked these chemicals to cancer, fertility issues, and developmental problems. The less plastic we use around our food, the healthier we’ll be. Polluting God’s Creation – Single-use plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, clogging landfills, polluting rivers, and harming wildlife. Many sea creatures and birds mistake plastic for food, leading to injury and death. Proverbs 12:10 reminds us that “the righteous care for the needs of their animals.” Choosing plastic-free options is one way to protect God’s creatures. How to Avoid Plastic Packaging? Shop at local farmers’ markets where fruits and vegetables are often sold loose. Bring your own reusable produce bags instead of using plastic ones at the store. Choose stores that allow bulk buying and bring your own containers. Grow your own vegetables—it’s healthier, cheaper, and plastic-free! You can also speak to or write to the manager of your local supermarket and ask for a plastic free aisle – start a campaign! if a lot of consumers ask for the same thing they will start to take notice

Go Unwrapped Read More »

Respect the Waste Pickers

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes – Psalms 113:7-8 (NLT) Caring for the Least of These: Why Waste Separation Matters As Christians, we are called to care for those in need. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” One group often overlooked in society is informal waste pickers—men, women, and even children who collect recyclable materials from trash to earn a living. The Struggles of Waste Pickers In many parts of the world, waste pickers do the hard, dirty work of sorting through garbage to find recyclables like plastic, metal, and paper. Their work helps reduce pollution and landfill waste, but they do it at great personal risk. Many suffer from diseases, injuries, and exposure to harmful chemicals because they must dig through mixed trash, including food waste, medical waste, and sharp objects. Despite their contribution to keeping our environment clean, they are often treated with disrespect and looked down upon. But as followers of Christ, we are reminded in Proverbs 14:31, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” How We Can Help One simple way to restore dignity to waste pickers is by separating our waste. When we sort recyclables from food waste and hazardous materials, we make their job safer and more hygienic. This small action shows respect and care for those who work in difficult conditions. Be the Change Jesus calls us to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:16). By caring for waste pickers, we reflect His love and compassion. Let’s honor their work by separating our waste—because every act of kindness brings glory to God. ♻️💙

Respect the Waste Pickers Read More »

Clean up Crew

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

Wash and make yourselves clean. – Isaiah 1: 16 The world around us is a gift from God, and taking care of it is part of our responsibility. One simple but powerful way to do this is by cleaning up our communities. Why Does It Matter? Litter and pollution don’t just make our neighborhoods look bad—they harm the environment, wildlife, and even people’s health. Trash in the streets can wash into rivers and oceans, polluting the water and endangering marine life. Proverbs 27:23 says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” In today’s world, this applies not just to animals but also to our communities. When we ignore the mess around us, we neglect the responsibility God has given us. Loving Our Neighbors Jesus teaches us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). A clean environment benefits everyone—especially children, the elderly, and those in poor communities who suffer the most from pollution. By picking up trash, planting trees, and encouraging others to care for their surroundings, we show God’s love in action. Be the Light Matthew 5:16 tells us to “let your light shine before others.” Cleaning up your community may seem small, but it’s a powerful way to live out your faith. Take action, invite friends, and make a difference. Let’s honor God by keeping His creation beautiful! 🌍✨ The South African Council of Churches has launched a year long campaign encouraging churches to get involved in clean ups and recycling under the theme of “let there be no waste”   The Provincial Youth Consultation took to the streets and cleaned up some spots of dumping after voting in the new exco. A shift that young people need to be at the center of transformation in our communities.

Clean up Crew Read More »

Bag it Right

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

My disobedience is sealed up in a bag. – Job 14:17 The Problem with Plastic Bags Single-use plastic bags may seem small, but they cause huge problems. They take hundreds of years to break down, pollute our land and oceans, and harm wildlife. Sea turtles, birds, and fish often mistake them for food, leading to suffering and death. Proverbs 12:10 reminds us that “the righteous care for the needs of their animals”—shouldn’t we do the same? Loving Our Neighbor Plastic pollution also impacts people, especially in poorer communities where waste piles up in landfills and waterways. This can lead to flooding. As followers of Christ, we are called to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Choosing reusable bags helps reduce waste and protect those who are most affected by pollution. Small Actions, Big Impact Bringing your own bag may seem small, but small actions done in faith can change the world. Jesus taught that even tiny mustard seeds can grow into something great (Matthew 17:20). By making sustainable choices, we set an example of love, responsibility, and faithfulness.Let’s honor God by protecting the beautiful world He created. Next time you go shopping, bring your own bag—it’s a simple way to live out your faith! 🌿♻️

Bag it Right Read More »