The Story of Nehemiah Part 2

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” - Nehemiah 2:4-5

The people’s vulnerability was mainly due to the state of the wall around Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by fire and was in ruins (Nehemiah 1:3-4). The wall was supposed to be their defence and protect them from their enemies and those who would hurt and oppress them.

Now parallel this story to that of the thousands of children newly orphaned in Africa each day. They are God’s children, yet they are defenceless and exposed to many dangers due to the situation they find themselves in.

Nehemiah left the comfort of the king’s courts to go and inspect the wall, as many have also done by visiting the most vulnerable in Africa. Nehemiah went. He saw the true state of things, and his heart was broken. (Nehemiah 2) 

Across Africa and around the world, people have left their normal lives to care for the most vulnerable. Care Workers, who are dealing with many challenges themselves, sacrificially give of themselves to care. International Volunteers have left their family and friends to serve the vulnerable in Africa. 

Spend time in quiet reflection, asking how God is calling you to respond. 

The Story of Nehemiah Part 1

"Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” - Nehemiah 1:11

Nehemiah was living a comfortable life in the king’s courts in Babylon. His life was good, and he could not have asked for a more senior position. But his heart was not there. Hearing about the distress and defencelessness of his people living in Jerusalem, Nehemiah was overcome with grief. (Nehemiah 1:4-11)

As Hands at Work, we are called to care for the most vulnerable children living in the most vulnerable communities across Africa. We are serving people who, in many situations, are unable to advocate for themselves.

How do you respond when you hear about challenges in Africa, your own home country and around the world?

Pray that as followers of Christ, we will respond with hearts of compassion and grace like Nehemiah. Pray that we will not be okay with the suffering of our brothers and sisters around the world.  

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