#fast4earth

Water Wise – Every drop counts

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“Waters will burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert plain” – Isaiah 35:6, 7 Lessons from Cape Town’s Day Zero: Why Water Matters In 2018, Cape Town faced a crisis that felt like something out of a movie—Day Zero, the moment when the city was at risk of running out of water. Dams were drying up, taps were almost turned off, and we had to change the way we used water. Suddenly, every drop mattered. For months, we took two-minute showers, reused water, and carried buckets to flush toilets. Restaurants stopped serving tap water, and people lined up for daily rations. It was scary, but it also opened our eyes to how much we take water for granted. Day Zero wasn’t just about Cape Town—it was a warning to the world. Climate change and water waste are real problems, and unless we act now, more cities could face the same crisis. Even though the crisis passed, the lessons remain: saving water isn’t just for emergencies—it’s a daily responsibility. Simple actions like turning off taps, fixing leaks, and using water wisely can prevent another Day Zero. We are the generation that can push for change. Water is life—let’s treat it like the precious gift it is, before it’s too late. Dr Kevin Winter , a member at Christ Church in Kenilworth was one of the speakers at the Water Conference . Kevin was a member of the Water Resilience Advisory Committee, which provides advice to the City of Cape Town’s Water Resilience Task Team that was set up in response to the Cape Town water crisis (2016-2018).. He says“Reducing water demand and using it more carefully decreases the fossil fuel energy required to produce clean drinking water. The more water used in waterborne households, the more sewage needs to be treated in energy-intensive sewage systems. Therefore, it stands to reason that reducing and conserving water use reduces the expansion of our collective carbon footprint and lowers our environmental impact and the rate of climate change. Think water, think energy.”

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Baptism Blessing – Share a photo

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body”- 1 Corinthians 12:13 Baptism and Water Stewardship: A Call to Care for God’s GiftBaptism is more than just a religious ceremony—it’s a symbol of new life, cleansing, and commitment to God. Water plays a central role, representing spiritual renewal and God’s grace. But have you ever thought about what this means for the way we treat water in our daily lives? Water is one of God’s greatest gifts, essential for life. Yet, many people around the world struggle to access clean water due to pollution, waste, and climate change. If baptism reminds us that water brings life and renewal, shouldn’t we also work to protect it? Caring for water isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a spiritual responsibility. As Christians, we can make a difference by using water wisely, reducing pollution, and supporting efforts to provide clean water to communities in need. Stewardship of water reflects our faith in action. Just as baptism calls us to live differently, it also challenges us to respect and protect God’s creation. If water is sacred in baptism, it should also be sacred in everyday life. Let’s honor God’s gift by ensuring that clean water remains available for all—because faith isn’t just about belief, it’s about action. Rev Shaun Cozett from St Paul’s In Bree Street links the stewardship of water when he conducts a baptism. Each family can take a small amount of the baptismal water home. Please share the photos of your own or your child’s baptism!

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Psalm 19:1 – Protecting God’s Creation

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1 This verse reminds us that nature itself is a reflection of God’s greatness. When we look at the oceans, forests, and mountains, we see His beauty and power. But what happens when pollution, deforestation, and climate change destroy these gifts? Are we truly honoring God if we allow His creation to be damaged? God entrusted us with the earth, calling us to be stewards, not destroyers. Yet today, ecosystems are collapsing—forests are being cut down, rivers are drying up, and wildlife is disappearing. This isn’t just an environmental crisis; it’s a spiritual issue. When we carelessly waste resources, pollute the air and water, or ignore the suffering of those affected by environmental destruction, we fail in our responsibility as caretakers of God’s creation. Restoring ecosystems isn’t just about saving plants and animals—it’s about ensuring a future where people can thrive. Simple actions like planting trees, reducing plastic waste, and protecting water sources make a real difference. Speaking up for policies that protect the environment is another way to live out our faith. Psalm 19:1 reminds us that creation speaks of God’s glory. If we allow it to be destroyed, we silence that message. As Christians, we have the power to restore, protect, and care for the world God gave us—because loving God means loving His creation.

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Nature Calls

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NIV Sometimes we are not very kind to our bodies – we eat a lot of junk food, we eat in front of the TV or while on the cell phone. Today we challenge you to change your relationship with food! – Organise a picnic- it could be something as small as taking your little sister to the park to play and packing a sandwich and a fruit or a walk and picnic with your youth group. Food tastes so much nicer when you are out in the outdoors and especially after having had a walk or hike! Listen to the great event the Diocese of Mthatha youth organised – a prayer picnic!The AYSA Diocese of Mthatha team gathered for a day of adventure at the Port St. John’s Military Airstrip on Saturday 14th September. The day was broken down into different phases meant to cultivate encounters that celebrate our creation and encouraging spiritual conversations and encounters. The day kicked off with the hike where three teams were formed. These teams were colour coded with relevant natural earth elements. Red team symbolized rocks, yellow being water and green represented trees. The assignment whilst on the trail was to find how these elements linked to our Anglicanism and a Bible passage that spoke of these elements. Arrival at the top of the mountain signified the start of the Eucharist Service to celebrate creation. This was where the theme, found in Romans 8:22, was unpacked. Our theme spoke on how creation is groaning in pain. Closing the session, the Diocesan Anglican Youth Guild (AYG) hosted a prayer picnic that boasted of testimonies, word discussions, an abundance of prayer and worship whilst snacking on food in between. The day ended on a free-spirited note with games enjoyed by all. By: Kwada Makiwane Photo credit: Ayabonga Maroloma

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A Hike for the Soul

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” – ROMANS 1:20 Hiking isn’t just a walk in the woods— it can also be a spiritual experience. Did you know that God can speak to you through nature? Romans tells us that we can learn a lot about God when we are in creation – the question is – are we listening? We need to make space and silent moments to listen to God. Hikes are also a fun way to boost your mood, stay active, and escape daily stress. Spending time in nature helps clear your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve focus, making it a great break from school and social media.Physically, hiking strengthens your muscles, improves endurance, and gives you a full-body workout without feeling like boring exercise. Plus, fresh air and sunlight help increase energy levels and even improve sleep. Hiking can also be a social activity. Whether with friends or family, it’s a chance to bond, explore new places, and capture some amazing photos for memories (or Instagram!). It’s a low-cost adventure that lets you challenge yourself, build confidence, and appreciate nature. Here is a story from St Andrew’s Steenberg in Cape Town“Despite the heat, we were excited and prepared with sunblock, hats, and water bottles. At Kirstenbosch Gardens, we were welcomed with sandwiches and juice before being divided into two groups. One started at the famous “Boomslang” walkway, a steel-and-wood bridge over the gardens, while the other took a hiking trail and ended at the Boomslang. The guides were engaging, teaching us about water conservation, plant life, and the environment through interactive questions. We took breaks to appreciate the scenery and learn about different plants, including alien vegetation like silk trees. We explored Proteas, Ericas, Fynbos, and reeds, learning their significance and uses. It was fascinating to see how nature provides for everything.”

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Communion Forest? Find out more

Fast for the Earth 2025 / /

The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations. – Rev 22: 2 My name is Irene and I am a tree hugger. Many people like animals and in the same way, I like trees. I am awed like a child when I walk under a canopy, I cry sometimes when I see trees and forests from a distance and I like hugging trees and sometimes, I feel hugged back. When I joined the Communion Forest in 2022, the core message resonated deeply within me, and it continues to do so: ‘To plant is to hope, to restore is to heal, to protect is to love.’ It’s a simple truth, yet profoundly moving. To plant is to hope—for fruits we yearn to taste, for shade beneath which we long to rest, and for the songs of birds that will fill the air with life. As it says in Revelation 22: 2; The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations, it is this hope that keeps me grounded in my tree-hugging (lol) and in the work we are doing in the Communion Forest of Ecosystems CPR! I am inspired by the work in local churches, as much as the work on global platforms because all of it contributes to the healing of nations through restoring biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and fostering community sustainability. Learn more about Communion Forest CPR (conservation, protection,and restoration) on our website and social media @communion forest. Irene Sebastian-WaweruCommunion Forest Facilitator – Africa Region

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