Day 10 – Corruption

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky – Philippians 2:14-15

In many of the poorest communities and countries the government systems are susceptible to corruption, creating an even greater level of desperation in the most vulnerable families. Pray for those in positions of power and influence across Africa to have grace and compassion for those they have committed to serving. Pray for the church to be a voice of truth in these challenging situations, and pray that they will advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable. For those who are victims of oppression, pray that they will see God’s hope and love in their lives.

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Day 9 – Climate Change

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

Over the last several years there has been an increase in natural disasters and extreme weather events. Without the support infrastructure in place, and with little means to gain additional security, the most vulnerable are most affected when a crisis comes. Pray for each person who has been impacted by these crises. Pray for Hands at Work to continue to find creative ways to build resilience and self-sustainability in our communities, so that when a crisis comes they are better equipped to withstand it.

In February, many areas in Southern Africa experienced high winds and heavy rainfall. In Zambia, the Kabwe and Chisamba regions were hit very hard. There has been significant damage caused to a number of homes within the communities where Hands serves. In some cases, homes collapsed in the night, leaving families with nowhere to go. Mary, pictured here, is the Primary Caregiver for one of these families in the Chisamba region.

When the local Hands at Work team in Chisamba, alongside the Regional Support Team and the Care Workers, began walking in the community, they discovered that there were families whose homes were in danger of collapsing.

Mary’s home was one of those homes. What had been a small crack in her mud-brick home was getting worse as the rains came down. Care Worker Brenda came to check on Mary and her family and invited them to come and stay in her own home for a few nights, out of concern that Mary’s house would collapse.

The next morning, when they returned to Mary’s house, the roof had caved in and one of the walls had crumbled in the night. It was an answer to prayer that the family had been in the safety of Brenda's home when their house fell.

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Marys home when it collapsed.

Mary and her families temporary home.

Day 8 – COVID-19 Pandemic

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for people worldwide. For those living in already difficult circumstances it has further compounded their sense of fear and uncertainty in how they will provide for their families. In the midst of this crisis, Hands at Work is committed to caring for our children as well as equipping our Care Workers and Primary Caregivers with the resources that they need, so that when a crisis comes, they are better able to withstand it. Ask God to give Hands at Work leaders wisdom and guidance as we continue caring for the children. Pray for God’s peace and comfort to come around those who are consumed with fear. Pray for open borders to enable people to travel and support the most vulnerable.

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Day 7 - Access to Clean and Safe Water

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19

Access to safe and clean drinking water is essential to many aspects of everyday life. But for people living in the poorest of the poor countries across Africa the water is often dirty and contaminated by animals or unsafe minerals, leading to water-borne illnesses like typhoid and cholera. Pray for clean water sources to become available, and that God will make a way for His people. Where people have no choice but to drink dirty water, pray for God’s divine protection on their lives. Pray for Hands at Work to develop good partnerships with those who are providing clean water.

In Toyota Community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Community Based Organisation has access to a water tap that is not far from the Life Centre building. The challenge in this area is that many people rely on this water source, but because the water only runs at certain times in the day, there is often a line of people waiting to collect their water. Despite these challenges, 14-year-old Mwete offers to help the Care Workers collect the water they need for the day. He is a positive example to many of the other children.

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Day 6 - Childhood Marriage

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8

In the poorest of the poor communities, it is not uncommon for girls as young as 12 years old to be given in marriage. In some situations, this occurs when families are financially desperate and in others it’s because of a cultural expectation that girls should get married young. Pray for our African leaders to be courageous in running towards the problem and speaking on behalf of our girls. Pray that they will be bold in sharing the gospel. Pray for each young girl who has been and still is a victim to childhood marriage. Pray that they will experience the love of Christ and the freedom that only He can bring.

Rebecca is pictured back left

Across Africa, there are men and women committed to speaking into the cultural practice and dangers of girls marrying at a young age. Kupa Kwashe, Hands at Work Leader from Zimbabwe, shares a story of Rebecca*, a girl in Mozambique and how the Care Workers and the local Hands at Work team in Chimoio, Mozambique, fought to ensure that she didn’t enter into childhood marriage.

“Rebecca grew up living in Matsinho Community with her grandmother and three siblings. She was one of our children coming to the Care Point. As Rebecca got older, the Care Workers started hearing that she was entering into unhealthy lifestyles and were concerned for her wellbeing. They heard that she had entered into an early marriage with another young man from the community. Understanding the dangers of early marriage, the Care Workers and the Chimoio team went to talk with Rebecca and her grandmother. Speaking out of love and concern, they shared how Rebecca was too young to be married and needed to go back to school. Rebecca understood the message and what was being shared. She went back to school and even started coming back to the Care Point. We are grateful because she took our advice and waited until she was 18 to get married.”

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Day 5 - Traditional Healing and Stigma

So also, you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. – John 16:22

For years, illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, cholera and typhoid have been greatly stigmatised. Whilst some families are able to get medical care for their illnesses, many families are discouraged from seeking medical care because of cultural practices of certain religious sects. Pray that these families will know the truth of Jesus and have the courage to get the medical care that they desperately need. For those who have been rejected and cast aside from their community, pray that they will experience peace and the unconditional love of Christ.

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