Vote for good!

Good morning from us all at International Needs UK. Many will be casting votes today in the UK’s 58th General Election, or may already have done so via postal voting. We encourage you to prayerfully take part in the democratic process.

International Needs does not endorse or support a particular political party, but our prayer is that elected representatives of all allegiances would use their power, platform and influence to work for the common good. That includes developing policies at home and on the international stage that support those most in need – the elderly, the very young, families with limited means, the disenfranchised, disabled people and other vulnerable members of the community.

Polls in the run-up to today’s election suggest that a considerable portion of the electorate are undecided voters – perhaps weary of political posturing, distrust of politicians or the unseemly way that some candidates have conducted themselves. This is nothing new:

You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain.
Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them;
though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine.
For I know how many are your offences and how great your sins.
There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes
and deprive the poor of justice in the courts.
Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.
Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.
Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. (Amos 5:11-15)

Your vote is your ‘quiet’ way of making a difference – standing up for truth, integrity and justice.

Of course, you can also make a difference by supporting International Needs. Today, as some schools are closed to serve as polling stations, we are urgently raising money for our school in Kiyindi, Uganda. There’s no spin or double standards here. We have seen the needs firsthand, and our team in Uganda live it daily. We are part way through a significant building project to replace life-expired classrooms. Each square metre costs £150 (and the building’s footprint is 1,470 square metres). The school serves a vulnerable population on the shores of Lake Victoria, where fishing regulations have recently forced numerous fishermen out of business. The needs are great, and children want to study.

As you cast your vote today, would you also consider giving to our Kiyindi Classroom Appeal? That’s a vote for children, a vote for education and a vote for improving conditions in a desperately poor community. A vote for good.

Thank you.