Day 22 – Supporting Our Primary Caregivers

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2

Across Africa the most vulnerable children are being cared for by their Primary Caregivers. These can be their parents, but in most situations it is their grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, older siblings or sometimes neighbours who take on this responsibility – often with families of their own to provide for. Pray that they will feel supported by the Care Workers and know that they are not alone in raising the children who they care for. Pray that as they experience God’s love, they will be set free from the brokenness in their lives.

“The Care Workers started helping me care for my grandchildren when no one else in the community would. Through the Holy Home Visits that the Care Workers have done, I have come to know and accept the Lord Jesus. Through their constant encouragement, I have hope and trust in God.” - A testimony from one of the Primary Caregivers living in Susu Community, Zambia

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Day 21 – Maranatha Workshops

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. – Isaiah 61:1

Maranatha Workshops are a safe place for us to share the truth of Jesus with our Care Workers, Primary Caregivers and children. It is a place of healing, freedom and reconciliation. Pray for each person who attends one of these workshops in 2022. Pray that they will come with a willing heart to hear from God. Pray for freedom and a release from the brokenness that they carry. Ask God to reveal Himself to each person, young and old; that they will experience the love of God and the hope that He brings.

Maranatha Workshops happening across Africa

Recently Maranatha Workshops for our Care Workers, Primary Caregivers, and children have happened Bhandeni, Eswatini, Beeskop, South Africa, Kisunka, Democratic Republic of Congo and Kamakonde, Zambia. We invite you to stand with us in praying for:

• People to have the courage to stand up against the strongholds that were identified throughout the week. Strongholds such as people accepting and even encouraging unhealthy relationships between young girls and older men, alcohol abuse, traditional healing and cultural practices.

• Those who received Christ to stand firm in their faith and to continue to want to know God more.

• Unity and a continued openness amongst the Care Workers and the Primary Caregivers. Where there is bitterness and distrust, pray that their relationships are continually strengthened.
  
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Day 20 – Life Centres

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
– John 10:10

Hands at Work dreams of transforming each of our Care Points across Africa into Life Centres – places where children can come, knowing that they are loved and accepted. Our prayer is that the Life Centres won’t simply be physical places but will be places where Care Workers, children and their families can experience the hope and healing of Christ. Join us in praying for transformation in the life of each person who comes to a Life Centre. Pray that people will, through Christ, receive healing from their brokenness and experience life in abundance.

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Day 19 - Basic Health Care and Security

Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. – Jeremiah 33:6

Within the most vulnerable communities across Africa, there is limited access to basic healthcare services. A lack of local clinics that are equipped with the necessary treatment makes accessing healthcare difficult. In some situations, this means that easily treatable illnesses progress into serious problems. One of Hands at Work’s three essential services is basic healthcare and security. Ask God to protect our children and their families. Pray that God will give Hands at Work the wisdom and courage needed to advocate for the healthcare needs of our children.

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In our communities across Africa, the Community Based Organisations are equipped with basic first aid items like wound dressings , antiseptic cream, and treatments for basic ailments like ringworm.

Regularly, each of our children are given deworming medication, which ensures that they are receiving the proper nutrients from their daily meal.

A part of holistically caring for the most vulnerable children is ensuring that they have a safe place to live. Through regular Holy Home Visits, the Care Workers are able to assess our children’s homes and bring home repair needs to the attention of the local Hands at Work teams across Africa. 

Regularly, blankets and mosquito nets are distributed to our children who are most in need. Having these basic necessities helps to ensure a good night’s sleep and prevent diseases and illnesses. 

The Care Workers are committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable children have access to medical care. When our children are sick, they are taken to the clinic for treatment and to receive the necessary medication.

Day 18 - Education

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. – Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Hands at Work’s dream for our children is not just to help them survive today, but to equip them for their futures. One of Hands at Work’s three essential services is access to education. We seek to encourage and advocate for the education of our children both formally – in school settings – and informally. Pray for each child going to school to study well and be treated with grace and kindness by their teachers. Pray for Hands at Work as we seek to continually grow in our understanding of how we can invest into the lives of our children, helping them to develop into healthy and whole adults who love Jesus.

"We know our children can grow up to be healthy adults who love the Lord and can provide for themselves and their families and can make a positive impact in their communities. That's our dream for them! Imagine what an impact our children can make as they grow up healed of such a past of brokenness and start to model a new way in their community! But it is demanding a change in the way we think about education and learning." - Busie Sityatha-Jones, Hands at Work leader (South Africa)

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Day 17 - Food Insecurity

“The crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ He answered, ‘Whoever has two shirts must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do the same.’” Luke 3:10-11

Food security remains a serious issue in many of the most vulnerable communities in the countries that Hands at Work is serving. Between November and February, many people face a season of extreme hunger as their food supplies have run out and they await the next harvest. Ensuring food security is one of Hands at Work’s three essential services. Today, pray for God’s peace, comfort and provision. Pray for Hands at Work as we continue to learn how to help communities eradicate the hunger season.

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