IN A world full of noise, family, friends, TV, radio, music... even the kind of 'noise' that has no voice such as magazines and newspapers, in other words the daily things of life that fills up our time... it almost seems odd to talk of prayer, of peace, of quiet times.

The words almost read and sound like ideas of a begotten age, of a world long since forgotten.

We, and I'm as guilty of it as anyone, would rather do almost anything than be alone with our thoughts, thinking without any background interference, listening just to the silence, and reflecting on our lives, on the world, on what it means to be human.

1st to 7th March is Global Poverty Prayer Week; a week in which we're asked to do three things: to give, to campaign but most importantly of all, to pray.

To pray not for ourselves or our kin or even for our nation.

But for our brothers and sisters in humanity in the developing world.

For, you know, whatever hardships our own people are feeling, whatever the effects of the recent recession, our lives and our country remains immeasurably better off than those of the poorest of our world.

That is not to belittle, of course, the many problems we face here in the UK, but compared to many African nations (and countries in other parts of the world, such as Asia) we are a blessed nation.

I'm a campaigner and speaker with the Christian development and aid NGO Tearfund, who organise the prayer week.

Tearfund are Christians passionate about the local church bringing justice and transforming lives - overcoming global poverty.

Its 10 year vision is to see 50 million released from material and spiritual poverty through a worldwide network of 10,000 local churches.

I'd really encourage you to take a look at the Tearfund website (www.tearfund.org) and watch the videos and read the resources about Global Poverty Prayer Week.

If, like me, the flame of injustice flickers in your heart, if the thought of people in poverty breaks that heart and makes you passionate for change, then I'd ask you, as well as praying, to give: of your time and energy and yes, if you can possibly afford it, of money as well.

But whatever you do, be you a believer or not, may I at least ask this of you:

Be quiet for a few moments this Global Poverty Prayer Week.

Be thankful for the many blessings we have and think about those who are less fortunate than us through no fault of their own.

Wish for an end to corruption in some of these countries and, indeed, for wise counsel for our own leaders that they, too, will have compassionate hearts.

As a Christian I often find myself asking: What Would Jesus Do?

I know that He would be living life on the edge; meeting people where they are at and tending to their needs.

May we follow His perfect example.

Join in 'The Big Swap'

THIS IS a busy couple of weeks, as Fairtrade Fortnight is taking place right now as well (22nd February - 7th March) and a host of events are being held across our borough.

Buying goods with the official Fairtrade Foundation mark on them ensures that a fairer amount of the price paid goes towards the original farmer/grower in the developing world.

It is, as the name makes clear, all about fairness, all about ensuring that our friends in parts of Africa and elsewhere, work for a better wage and get to toil in better conditions.

Of course, in a perfect world, there would be no need for a Fairtrade movement, because Western nations, such as the United States, would remove their restrictive and protectionist trade rules and allow genuine free and fair trade to take place.

I'm a member of the Hinckley and Bosworth Fairtrade Forum and we spend all year helping to promote Fairtrade goods across our own area.

And progress is being made, with a host of retailers now offering Fairtrade alternatives.

Of course more can be done and we'll be working very hard for further progress.

Whilst it's important, of course, that retailers back Fairtrade, we as individual citizens also have a vital role to play.

The theme of this year's Fairtrade Fortnight is 'The Big Swap.'

Going to buy a jar of coffee? Why not, instead of a regular brand, buy a Fairtrade one?

Looking for some bananas, swap your regular bunch for a Fairtrade one.

You get the idea.

I really hope you'll come along to one of our events over the next week or so, have a taster of some Fairtrade goods and give your backing to this most important of causes.

For information about local Fairtrade Fortnight events please visit: http://hinckleyfairtradeforum.wordpress.com

The battle of the bulge

AS PART of the podcast service provided by Castle Mead Radio I've started a regular series which chronicles, hopefully in a humorous way, my bid to lose weight.

So far, since last November, I've lost 1 stone 3.5 pounds.

Not bad, not bad.

But a long way still to go.

I'm not deluded... I know I'm not going to ever be a David Beckham body double, but if I could get rid of this spare tyre from around my waist I'd be happy.

My regular broadcasts take a wry look at my life and whether or not I stick to my slimming regime.

Follow the series, and all of the other Castle Mead Radio podcasts, via: http://castlemeadradio.podbean.com/

Mathew is the Vice Chairman of, and a broadcaster with, Castle Mead Radio, Hinckley's own hospital radio station.

He also holds a number of other positions in the community, including being on the Hinckley and Bosworth Fairtrade Forum, being the Press Officer for Barwell Carnival and being the Publicity Officer for the annual Leicestershire Ride and Stride event.

His official website is: http://mathewhulbert.wordpress.com/

*Follow him via Twitter: www.twitter.com/mathewhulbert

*You can listen to his weekly podcasts here:: http://castlemeadradio.podbean.com/

*And you can listen to Mathew present 'Mat's Mix', on Earl Shilton's Hilltop Radio, each Monday and Friday between Midday and 2pm, via: www.hilltop-radio.com