Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonions 5:16-18
Eswatini is one of eight countries Hands at Work is serving in across Africa. Eswatini has a population of 1,489,160 people, with 30% of the population living in extreme poverty. Ranking 144 out of 187 on the Human Development Index, there are 7,300 children living with HIV/AIDS and 57,000 children who have been orphaned because of this life-threatening illness. –Sources: UNAID, UNDP, World Poverty Clock
As we start the week, please join us in praying for the country of Eswatini:
• “Pray for our government and our King to have one mind so that we can have peace in the county.” (Ntombifuthi, Local Leader, Eswatini)
• “We can pray also for the domestic violence that is happening in Eswatini. I think the people there are so used to it, whether it’s sexual assault, domestic violence, emotional abuse, so they are okay with it. They don’t see a problem. Pray for the Service Centre team as we are trying to teach that it is not right and you cannot solve it because it is a crime. The police should be involved so that the children can be safe. We can pray that things will not be swept under the carpet but will be in the open. Pray for the women to be able to speak up for things like that and say it is not okay to live in an abusive marriage or relationship.
• This year, we have a lot of children who are dropping out of school because they are failing their grades. Please pray for that and also for the Regional Support Teams and Service Centres in Eswatini, as we find ways to support these children because there are lots of things that they can get themselves into, like marijuana and prostitution. Pray that we can help find ways to support them during this season.” (Pinky, Regional Support Team Leader, South Africa)
As you pray, remember the International Offices in Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK and the US who serve with Hands at Work to care for the most vulnerable in Eswatini and South Africa. Pray for each of the advocates and churches in these countries that partner with Hands at Work. Pray that they will remain steadfast in their calling to serve. Pray that they will be encouraged even in times of difficulty.