The Story of Nehemiah

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. - Nehemiah 1:4

The book of Nehemiah has played a significant role in shaping Hands at Work. In the story, Nehemiah encourages a community to build a protective wall around Jerusalem after it had been destroyed, leaving the people inside vulnerable and defenceless. The way Nehemiah does this is to ask each person to step outside of their house and build a section of the wall there.

Over the next four weeks, we will be sharing passages from the book of Nehemiah and prayer points related to how we can live out what we are reading. 

Praying for Our Youth

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. - 2 Timothy 2:22

As Hands at Work, we dream of seeing our youth grow into healthy adults who love Jesus, are committed to their families, belong to a local church, are generous to the poor and are positive role models in their community. 

Pray for each person who is supporting our youth: that they will have wisdom and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. 

Pray for our youth to know the love of Christ and His desire for their lives. 

Pray that our youth will be courageous in taking the step to follow Christ. Pray they will have the strength to resist the temptations they face from their friends and within the community.

Meet Diego*

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.
- 1 Timothy 2:1 

For three years, Diego has attended the Mcheneke Life Centre in Malawi, where he is cared for and loved by Care Workers who know his name and are committed to all aspects of his wellbeing. He has two younger sisters who also attend the Life Centre. Though he is 14-years-old, Diego is only in the 5th grade. Before his family was discovered by the Care Worker team, life was unstable. He rarely attended school and struggled to learn in his classes. Care Worker Mtisunge committed herself to Diego’s family, becoming a friend to his mother and stepfather, and helping them work through their own pain and personal struggles. Mtisunge also supported Diego in his recommitment to school, where he is now catching up on his studies and particularly enjoys learning more of his native language Chichewa. Diego’s mother says the support and friendship have helped give life to their family. 

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

Day 40 - Easter Sunday

He Is Risen!

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

– Revelations 22:20

When Jesus arose from the dead, He showed us that there is no wound too deep, no scar too unbearable, that He cannot heal. As we await His triumphant and glorious return, challenge yourself to give your heart completely to God. Ask our Father to show you what it means to fight for justice and act in faith on behalf of the most vulnerable like Mwete. In times where it seems hopeless, remember that Jesus is able, as He continues to ‘bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners’.

#40Days2022

Holy Saturday

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5

Imagine living in a world without hope – without Jesus. Holy Saturday allows us to empathise with those who have no hope. On this day, where Jesus’ disciples were caught between the hopelessness of Good Friday, and the hope that came on Easter Sunday, let us choose to enter into compassion – to suffer with our brothers and sisters – who today feel that sense of despair and confusion.

#40Days2022

Day 39 – Good Friday

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:28-30

Today, we invite you to read John 19: 28 – 30. Jesus’ death was the most scandalous event in history, as the world tried to stop Jesus from proclaiming the good news, setting the captives free, bringing sight to the blind, and giving liberty to the oppressed. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice and for showing us the ultimate example of what it means to sacrificially give of ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom. Pray for Mwete and other vulnerable children, Care Workers, Primary Caregivers across Africa, churches and Hands at Work volunteers, to truly understand the weight of His sacrifice.