A NEW devotional study guide seeks to assist Christians in working to eliminate “hidden hardship” in communities.
The guide, Hidden Hardship Devotional Study Guide, draws on the research of Dr Stephanie Denning, Assistant Professor on the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University, into hardship within the north Cotswolds (Comment, 9 February), and is geared toward Christians living in each rural and concrete areas.
In a foreword, the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, writes that “hardship exists even in areas that are assumed to be affluent, and is exacerbated by things reminiscent of isolation, an absence of support, infrastructure, employment and transport. . .
“This devotional study guide uses Scripture and reflection alongside the experience of people enduring hardship, to assist us all to recognise that hardship just isn’t just an economic issue but in addition a theological matter and a relational opportunity. This material enables us to note, reflect on and challenge hidden hardship, whatever our own story, as we take part with God’s Kingdom work of justice, hope and transformation. I strongly commend it to you whether for private use, or inside a bunch or church context.”
