The Story of Nehemiah Part 3

I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. - Nehemiah 2:18

Nehemiah wanted to do something about this situation. He challenged the people about the state of the wall and encouraged them to rebuild it. They responded by saying, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to do this good work (Neh. 2:18).

Nehemiah answered those who criticised and mocked their cause, proclaiming, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us, therefore, we His servants will arise and build.”

It was an enormous task to build the wall, which was 1.5 miles long and 8 feet thick!

Some people moved to work on certain sections of the wall, but many built right in front of their houses. There were goldsmiths, perfumers, priests and many other people not accustomed to building, but with the heart and vision for a completed wall to protect their vulnerable people, they all wanted to do their part. (Nehemiah 2:18-3)

The Hands at Work model focuses on empowering the local church in Africa to take ownership of caring for the most vulnerable in their communities. Christ is the foundation of the Church and all that we are and all we do as Hands at Work. It is from this position that the local volunteer Care Workers support the most vulnerable, with all the layers of Hands at Work providing scaffolding around this vision. 

Pray for each person caring for the most vulnerable, in each layer, that they will continue to grow in their understanding of what it means to serve. Pray that they will stand firm in the face of opposition.  

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.