Praying for the Children of Our Primary Caregivers

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6

Many of our Primary Caregivers have grown up in similar situations to the children that they serve and have suffered their own traumatic experiences of abuse and abandonment. Sadly, this can impact their ability to holistically care for the children under their care.  

Please pray for our Primary Caregivers, that as they experience love and care from the Care Workers, they will grow in their understanding of what it means to holistically care for their children. 

Pray for each child to know their worth and value. Pray that they will feel God’s love and grow in their relationship with Him. 

Pray for the emotional, spiritual and physical protection of our children.

Praying for Our Primary Caregivers and their Relationships with one another

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Hands at Work dreams for our Primary Caregivers to participate in Relationship Groups – a safe place to share their challenges and hear from God’s word. It is a place of love and acceptance. 

Pray for these groups to be a place for our Primary Caregivers to go deep in their relationships with one another. Pray that they will have courage in sharing their stories and pray that in sharing their stories, they will recognise that they are not alone, and that there are other men and women who have experienced similar challenges. Pray that if there is bitterness and unforgiveness, God will bring restoration and healing to those relationships.

Praying for the Physical Health of Our Primary Caregivers

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. – Isaiah 40:29

Across Africa, the most vulnerable children are being cared for by their Primary Caregivers. This can be their parents, but in many situations, it is their grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, older siblings or sometimes neighbours who take on this responsibility of caring - often with already large families to care for. 

Today we invite you to join us in praying for the health of each one of our Primary Caregivers who carry a huge responsibility. Pray that they will have the strength and energy that they need. Pray that they will feel supported by the Care Workers and know that they are not alone. Where there is illness and brokenness, pray for God’s complete healing and restoration of their bodies, hearts and minds.

Meet Belita

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. – 1 John 5:14

“We have so many children and grandparents and communities that today are still vulnerable to any storm that will come. We must build up their strength to stand. We cannot do it alone. It will take the global church, the full body of Christ to work together. The church outside our communities must join us in our rebuilding.” - Busie Sityatha-Jones, African Leader (South Africa)

Belita is a Primary Caregiver living in Chibuli Community in Zambia, who is caring for her two young grandchildren. As you watch her story, remember that she represents thousands of Primary Caregivers living in the most vulnerable communities across Africa. 

Starting tomorrow, we will be sharing prayer requests on behalf of the most vulnerable Primary Caregivers and their families across Africa. These will be shared every Friday throughout the Advent season, as we anticipate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who is our ultimate hope.

Praying for Our Care Workers

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." – Deuteronomy 31:6

As we are approaching the end of the year, we invite you to join us in praying for our Care Workers, who are so faithful in their commitment and dedication to caring for the most vulnerable. 

Please pray for: 

The Care Workers to have the strength and energy to care for the children and their own families. Pray that they will continually go deeper in their understanding of what it means to holistically care for the children. 

A boldness and courage to fight on behalf of the lost one, even when it means going against the norms of their own culture. 

A deeper understanding of God’s love. Pray that as they know His love, it will impact the children and their families. 

Meet Lucy

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. - Psalm 19:14

Kalende Community, Zambia 

At eight years old, Lucy* knows great pain and trauma. For a long time, her grandmother, believing that Lucy was cursed, kept her from going to the hospital for treatment of an injury that she has. When a team from Canada was visiting and met Lucy, theyworked alongside the Care Workers to advocate for Lucy so she can continue to receive the necessary medical treatment that she needs. Please pray for great healing in Lucy’s life and body!

Today we encourage you to take time to pray for the children who you know by name.