A NEW devotional study guide seeks to help 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 at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University, into hardship in the north Cotswolds (Comment, 9 February), and is aimed at Christians living in both rural and urban areas.

In a foreword, the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, writes that “hardship exists even in areas which are assumed to be affluent, and is exacerbated by things such as isolation, a lack of support, infrastructure, employment and transport. . .

“This devotional study guide uses Scripture and reflection alongside the experience of individuals enduring hardship, to help us all to recognise that hardship is not just an economic issue but also a theological matter and a relational opportunity. This material enables us to notice, reflect on and challenge hidden hardship, whatever our own story, as we join in with God’s Kingdom work of justice, hope and transformation. I strongly commend it to you whether for personal use, or within a group or church context.”

hiddenhardship.coventry.ac.uk