Day 9 - Care Workers and Primary Caregivers across Nigeria

In Nigeria, there are 46 Care Workers who have committed to caring for the most vulnerable children.

• “Pray for the Care Workers in Nigeria, that they will have a sincere heart and commitment to knowing Jesus.” (Toyin, Local Leader, Nigeria)

• Across Nigeria, it is common for women to carry the burden of providing and caring for their families. Pray that they will be safe and experience God’s love in their lives.

• Thank God for the Care Workers who come to the Care Point every day to care for the children. Pray that they would be encouraged and pray that God would provide for them.

Ebeere is one of the 46 Care Workers across Nigeria. She says, “my name is Ebeere and I have six children. I have been a Care Worker in Temitope Community for six years. I want the children’s future to be bright because I love children. I heard the voice of God to work with children. I feel happy seeing the children and teaching them in the way of the Lord.”

#40Days2024

Day 8 - Children across Nigeria (#40Days2024)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:11-13

Within Nigeria, there are 515 children being loved and cared for. Today, we invite you to pray for children across Nigeria:

• Living in Nigeria, especially in the area of Lagos, can be unsafe. With many people living in such close quarters, it can be quite hazardous. Pray for the physical protection of the children and that they will be safe from accidents. Also, pray for protection from illnesses like chickenpox and measles.

• Pray that the children will hear their teachers and hear the gospel well. “Pray that they would be used as instruments of God. Pray for God’s mercies and protection over them.” (Toyin, Local Leader, Nigeria).

Favour* is one of the 515 children across Nigeria. He lives in the community of Eagles Wings.

Ten-year-old Favour’s* family spiralled into poverty after his father was in an accident at work, leaving him unable to work any further. Favour’s mother, Idowu*, started her own business selling food, but her work wasn’t sustainable. With all their savings spent on hospital bills and with little to no income, they could not afford their rent, and moved into a wooden structure in Ilaje.

It did not take long for Favour and his family to be noticed. Mrs. Joseph compassionately visited them and offered Favour and his brother a place at the Care Point and at the school. Idowu was supported by the Care Workers to restart her business selling fresh-cooked meals. She was drawn to what she saw in the Care Workers and the Care Point and decided to become a Care Worker herself at the nearby Temitope CBO, where her young daughter and grandson attend!

Day 7 - Meet the Lagos Service Centre (#40Days2024)

Across Africa, Hands at Work has local teams comprising of Christian men and women who have answered God’s calling on their lives to serve the most vulnerable. Each of these teams exists to encourage, challenge and support local volunteer Care Workers as they care for the most vulnerable children in the most broken and desperate communities across Africa. We call these teams Service Centres.

In the Lagos Service Centre are: Esther, Matthew and Vivian. They serve three of the most vulnerable communities across Africa.

“Thank you, God, for the team. Everyone gives ideas. We know our strengths and weaknesses. There is a team effort. Pray that we continue to put God first. Ask God to help the team communicate well and continue developing good relationships with the communities that they serve. Pray that we will have wisdom in dealing with challenges. Pray that we will remain united.” (Vivian, Local Leader, Nigeria)

Day 6 - Meet the Ibadan Centre (#40Days2024)

Across Africa, Hands at Work has local teams comprising of Christian men and women who have answered God’s calling on their lives to serve the most vulnerable. Each of these teams exists to encourage, challenge and support local volunteer Care Workers as they care for the most vulnerable children in the most broken and desperate communities across Africa. We call these teams Service Centres.

In the Ibadan Service Centre are: Taiwo, Tosin and Toyin. They serve three of the most vulnerable communities across Africa.

• “Pray for unity and that we will grow in love for one another. Pray that we won’t be overcome by sickness and that they will remain strong.” (Toyin, Local Leader, Nigeria)

• Pray for their safety and protection in the midst of difficult and challenging situations.

DAY 5 - Welcome to Nigeria (#40Days2024)

Nigeria is one of eight countries Hands at Work is serving in across Africa. Nigeria has a population of 220,631,54 people, with 32% of the population living in extreme poverty. Ranking 163 out of 187 on the Human Development Index, there are 130,000 children living with HIV/AIDS and 880,000 children who have been orphaned because of this life-threatening illness. –Sources: UNAID, UNDP, World Poverty Clock

As we start the week, please join us in praying for the country of Nigeria:

• Pray for safety and security for people living in Nigeria, that God will protect them.

• Pray for good leadership, and that those in positions of authority would lead with integrity and honesty.

• “Pray for the rising cost of food and basic necessities in Nigeria. Pray that God will make a way and sustain His people.” (Toyin and Vivian, Local Leaders, Nigeria)

As you pray, remember the International Offices in Australia, Canada, Germany and the US who serve with Hands at Work to care for the most vulnerable in Africa. Pray for each of the advocates and churches in these countries that partner with Hands at Work. Pray that they will remain steadfast in their calling to serve. Pray that they will be encouraged even in times of difficulty.

Day 4 - Care Workers and Primary Caregivers across Mozambique

In Mozambique, there are 88 Care Workers who have committed to caring for the most vulnerable children. In many communities in Mozambique and across Africa, the Care Workers are also the Primary Caregivers of the children they serve. A Primary Caregiver is the mother, father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings or other relatives that live with the children coming to the Care Point.

Today, we invite you to spend time praying for the Care Workers and Primary Caregivers:

• Pray for the Care Workers to serve wholeheartedly and continue to grow in their understanding of the Biblical mandate to serve. Pray that they will be united in their calling.

• Many of the Primary Caregivers are wounded by the loss of their children and grandchildren. “They hoped their children would look after them in their old age, but now they find themselves looking after their children and grandchildren. Pray for the Primary Caregivers in their grief and pain; that they would experience healing and restoration through the love of Christ.” (Audrey, Regional Support Team Leader, Mozambique)