Day 3 - Children Yet to be Identified

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. - Psalm 5:11

Across Africa, there are thousands of vulnerable children not yet cared for who are living in fear and without hope. These children are regularly exposed to hunger, abuse, war, sickness such as malaria and pandemics like COVID-19 and Ebola. These things inhibit their healthy growth and development and cause lasting trauma. Pray for the God of all comfort to give them peace and healing from the trauma and brokenness that they experience.

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An Urgent Call to Prayer - Cyclone Chalane

An Urgent Call to Prayer

As Cyclone Chalane touches down in Mozambique and is predicted to head towards Zimbabwe please join us in prayer for safety and protection over our communities.

Pray for wisdom and guidance for our local leaders and they assess the ongoing conditions and potential destruction due to high winds and rising flood waters.

As more details unfold over the coming days we will continue to keep you updated.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer.

40 Days of Prayer - Day 30

Day 30 – Relationship Groups

‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.’ – 1 Peter 5:6-7

Relationship Groups are vital to the restoration of communities and the healthy development of the children that we serve. Relationship Groups are safe spaces where people can come together to hear the Word of God, share their burdens and encourage and pray for one another. Pray for people to have strength and courage as they share their story for the first time and that those listening will have compassion for their neighbours. Ask God to reveal Himself in these groups and pray that they will come to know the unconditional love of Christ and experience His healing and transformation in their lives.

Today, we invite you to watch a video of Gugu, a member of the local Hands at Work team in Hazyview, share about the importance of Relationship Groups.

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40 Days of Prayer - Day 13

Day 13 – Pastors

‘So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ’. – Ephesians 4:11-13

Pastors in the local churches across Africa have a strong influence in their community. Pray for each pastor to recognise that influence comes with responsibility. Pray that they will be deeply rooted in the truth and love of God, so that others may be brought to Christ through them.

A few weeks ago Hands at Work facilitated a pastors’ mobilisation training in Zimbabwe for pastors from the local church in both Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The purpose of the workshop was to share the heart of Jesus and the responsibility that each pastor has to preach the truth and care for the most vulnerable in their community. George Snyman encouraged, challenged and shared the Biblical mandate to care.

“It was amazing to see the hunger that the pastors had for the word of God. As we went through the training, George was able to help the pastors understand salvation, what it means to imitate Jesus, and our role as the church. The word of God came alive. During the last session there was a sense of repentance as the pastors acknowledged that how they had treated the vulnerable in their church wasn’t in line with Jesus’ way. They asked for forgiveness. While we were in Chinaka A Community, three of the church leaders shared the gospel of Jesus with the Care Workers, specifically His love and how He has rescued them from the pit. It was beautiful to see the pastors sharing with the Care Workers and the response was that many wanted to commit their lives to Jesus.” – Kara McLaughlin, International Volunteer (Australia)

40 Days of Prayer - Day 10

Day 10 – Traditional Healing and Stigma

‘Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke?’ – Isaiah 58:6

Due to cultural practices, traditional beliefs, and the stigma around HIV/AIDS, malaria, cholera, typhoid and other diseases, many children are discouraged from visiting clinics and receiving medical care. Ask God to give comfort and a sense of belonging to individuals who have been rejected and stigmatised because of their disease. Pray that these bonds will be broken and that children will receive the life-saving care that is desperately needed.

40 Days of Prayer - Day 6

Day 6 – Corruption

‘He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.’ – Psalm 24:4-5

In the most vulnerable communities and countries across Africa, corruption is still rampant across all layers of society, creating greater vulnerability and desperation for the most vulnerable and their families. This makes the margin between the poorest of the poor and the wealthy increasingly wide. Ask God to speak into the hearts of those who are causing this hurt and injustice. Pray for the church to defend the most vulnerable and for people in positions of influence to speak on their behalf, and hold the leadership to a high level of accountability. Ask God to give His people a spirit of boldness, unity and hope in the midst of the oppression that they experience.

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