Day 11 - The Local Church

Poor persons will never disappear from the earth. That’s why I’m giving you this command: you must open your hand generously to your fellow Israelites, to the needy among you, and to the poor who live with you in your land.” – Deuteronomy 15:11

Hands at Work is committed to helping the local church in Africa to fulfil the Biblical mandate of caring for the orphans and widows in their distress. Ask God to open the eyes of each church leader across Africa to see the needs of the vulnerable around them. Pray that they will be filled with love, compassion and generosity. Pray for the local pastors and church leaders to rise up and take responsibility for the most vulnerable children and their families – acting as the hands and feet of Jesus.

#40Days2022

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.

#40Days2022

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.

#40Days2022

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.

#40Days2022

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.

#40Days2022