Day 8 – Corruption

Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart. - Ecclesiastes 7:7

In many of the poorest countries across Africa, corruption exists at each layer of society, creating an even wider gap between justice and oppression for those in need. Ask God to change the hearts of those causing harm and oppression. Pray that they will experience the truth of the gospel and the desire to make a change. Pray for Godly men and women in the communities we serve to protect our grannies and children against corruption.

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Day 7 - Childhood Marriage

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’ - Isaiah 43:1

For girls as young as 12 who live in the poorest of the poor communities, the fear that one day they will be forced into an early marriage is a common reality. While this practice is not new, Hands at Work has seen it increase sharply due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as families are desperate to have some sense of financial security. Pray for Godly men and women to have the courage to speak on behalf of these girls. Pray for each girl who has been a victim of childhood marriage to experience healing, restoration and hope for the future.

"One evening, however, someone spotted her, someone that looked like Abigail*, hiding in an abandoned hut and Jane and Sarah went and slept in the bush in the area that they suspected Abigail would be found hiding. And indeed, they found Abigail there in the middle of the night."

Today we invite you to re-listen to one of our Illuminate podcasts, where we highlight the vulnerability of African girls like Abigail and how local Hands at Work teams from across Africa are committed to advocating on their behalf.

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Day 6 - Traditional Healing and Stigma

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

For years, diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, cholera and typhoid have been stigmatised, resulting in people facing rejection from their community. Pray for the local churches and our Care Workers to stand in the gap for these people. Sadly, there are many cultural practices and traditional beliefs that can prevent children from visiting the clinics and receiving medical care. Pray that these bonds will be broken and that the children will receive the care that they desperately need.

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Day 5 - Access to Clean and Safe Water

‘Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.’ - Isaiah 55:1

Access to safe and clean water is essential for many aspects of daily life, including drinking, bathing and cooking, and for the prevention of water-borne diseases. When access to clean water is limited, it can significantly impact the health of the most vulnerable. Please pray for an increase in clean water sources and that God will protect the health of the most vulnerable.

Hands at Work is committed to serving within the most vulnerable and desperate communities, providing access to food, basic education and healthcare for children like Rosa and her siblings, to help them survive. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the deeply rooted inequality in the poorest communities across Africa. Together with many other ongoing challenges, the vulnerability of the children has sharply increased.

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The First Sunday

On Sundays we pause to anticipate the coming of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. – Isaiah 53:5 + 7

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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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