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Day 1 – Celebrating 20 Years

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And on that day you will say, “Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the LORD in song, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth. - Isaiah 12:4-5

As we begin 40 Days of Prayer, we want to first pause and spend time giving thanks for all that God has done. He is a faithful Father and we choose to celebrate! We trust in all that He will do in the years to come.

#40Days2022

A Collection of Photos from the last 20 Years!

Meet Adrian

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32

Adrian* is five years old and the youngest of four boys being raised by his mother, after the passing of their father. Her overwhelming grief led her to the abuse of alcohol, impacting her ability to earn an income, as well as to physically, emotionally and spiritually care for her children.  

When neighours noticed her inconsistent presence and lack of care, they brought the situation to the attention of the Care Workers. Acting with compassion, the Care Workers invited Adrian, and his siblings, to be a part of the daily activities of the Care Point. 

Last year, the family's house was completely demolished by heavy rains. Hands at Work was able to assist in building a new home for the family, which has had an incredible impact on Adrian's mother. Full of gratitude to God, she started attending church and making an effort to improve her well-being, and the well-being of her family. 

Today we encourage you to take time to pray for Adrian and the other children who you know by name. 

Urgent Call to Prayer - Zambia

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:12

Over this past week many areas in Southern Africa have experienced high winds and heavy rainfall. In Zambia, the Kabwe and Chisamba regions have been hit very hard.

There has been significant damage caused to a number of homes within the communities we serve. In some cases, homes collapsed in the night, leaving families with nowhere to go. 

Please join us in praying for the Hands at Work teams in Zambia as they work together with the local Care Workers to respond to this crisis. Pray for temporary housing to be arranged for each of our families, giving them a safe place to shelter. Pray for courage for each family who has been impacted in this season. Pray that they will experience the love of God through an outpouring of compassion and generosity from their surrounding community. 

“The rain was coming down heavy in the night. I said to my husband we need to run before the roof comes down. As we were leaving the house, the whole roof caved in. God protected us, but our home is destroyed.”  - Gogo Levina, Malakota Community, Kabwe.

The Watchword for 2022

Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” - Colossians 4:17

Hands at Work begins each year with a Watchword; a guiding scripture which George, the co-founder of Hands, shares with the Hands family. 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.

This year, 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.”

Pray for the Watchword to speak directly into the hearts of each person who hears it! 

Praying for the local Hands at Work teams across Africa

​‘Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.’ – Philippians 2:2

Across Africa, Hands at Work has local teams comprising Christian men and women who have answered God’s calling on their lives to serve the most vulnerable. Each of these teams exists to encourage, challenge and support local volunteer Care Workers as they care for the most vulnerable children in the most broken and desperate communities across Africa. Their goal is to strengthen communities and to build their resilience for the future.

Coming into the new year, pray that they will have wisdom and discernment as they put into place the dreams and plans that were made in 2021. Pray for unity as they serve. 

Pray for the energy and strength needed to advocate and speak on behalf of the most vulnerable children, often in difficult circumstances. 

Pray that God will stir a desire in the hearts of more African men and women to sacrificially give of themselves to serve. Pray that they will be people of integrity, accountability, generosity and love.