But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’ - Isaiah 43:1
For girls as young as 12 who live in the poorest of the poor communities, the fear that one day they will be forced into an early marriage is a common reality. While this practice is not new, Hands at Work has seen it increase sharply due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as families are desperate to have some sense of financial security. Pray for Godly men and women to have the courage to speak on behalf of these girls. Pray for each girl who has been a victim of childhood marriage to experience healing, restoration and hope for the future.
"One evening, however, someone spotted her, someone that looked like Abigail*, hiding in an abandoned hut and Jane and Sarah went and slept in the bush in the area that they suspected Abigail would be found hiding. And indeed, they found Abigail there in the middle of the night."
Today we invite you to re-listen to one of our Illuminate podcasts, where we highlight the vulnerability of African girls like Abigail and how local Hands at Work teams from across Africa are committed to advocating on their behalf.
#40Days2021