The Watchword for 2022 comes from Colossians 4:17:
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the WORK you have received in the Lord.”
“This Watchword has been incredible. There is so much in it for our Hands at Work teams and for the CBOs (Community Based Organisations). Recently we had the privilege of sharing the Watchword with our Care Workers, Primary Caregivers and local pastors in the Oshoek area in South Africa. We talked together about the fact that each one of us has received work. Each of us is important, not because God needs us, but because He wants us to join with him in bringing healing - and we have a choice to participate or not.
A part of the power of sharing the Watchword is that it has become a rhythm - an annual opportunity - to bring a wide group of people together; to host them, to show hospitality, to worship, sing, dance and eat together. The Watchword brings a sense of unity, knowing that the verse being shared is being shared across Africa and around the world. We know that whilst we are here in South Africa, other people are sharing the same Watchword in other countries. There is power in being a part of something much bigger than just ourselves.
For many of the people living in communities like Oshoek, they often feel overlooked. This Watchword is significant because it shows that God sees them and has given them work to do. It reminds us all that we can’t give up, especially in a season where people feel like giving up. The last two years have been difficult and have left people feeling tired and overwhelmed, but we are encouraged that God is still the same and we are called to complete the work that we have received in the Lord.” - Dan Waspe, International Volunteer (UK)
Hands at Work begins each year with a Watchword. This is a guiding scripture that George Snyman, the co-founder of Hands, shares with the Hands at Work family in Africa and around the world. This scripture is a promise, a challenge, an inspiration, an encouragement, and an opportunity to invite God to lead us throughout the year, expectant for what He will do in and through us.
Sharing the Watchword with our Care Workers, Primary Caregivers and local pastors in the Oshoek area in South Africa