Hands at Work begins each year with a Watchword; a guiding scripture that our leadership team shares with the Hands family. This scripture is a promise, a challenge, an inspiration, an encouragement and an opportunity to invite God to lead us throughout the year, expectant for what He will do in and through us.
The 2024 Watchword comes from Exodus 4:13-14:
MOSES ANSWERED THE PEOPLE, “Do not be afraid. stand firm and you will see the deliverance the lord will bring you today. the egyptians you see today you will never see again. the lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
God has given us a Watchword every year since 1999, and He has been faithful in using these verses throughout the years to mould and shape Hands at Work. They have required us to grow in our faith and dependence on God and His calling on our lives.
2023 WATCHWORD
“The spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me. He has sent me to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,” - Luke 4:18
2022 WATCHWORD
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” - cOLOSSIANS 4:17
2021 Watchword
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. - Isaiah 54:10
2020 Watchword
but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” – Mark 4:19-20 (NIV84)
2019 Watchword
Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” – Luke 9:48 (NIV84)
2018 Watchword
“Jesus answered, "i am the way and the truth and the life. no one comes to the father except through me.” – John 14:6 (NIV84)
2017 Watchword
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:12–13 (NIV84)
2016 Watchword
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as your follow Christ Jesus." – Romans 15:5 (NIV84)
2015 Watchword
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” – Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)
2014 Watchword
“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” – Revelation 3:8 (NIV)
2013 Watchword
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10
2012 Watchword
“The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty.” – 1 Kings 17:14
2011 Watchword
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.” – Ephesians 1:11
2010 Watchword
“I will wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope.” – Psalm 130:5
2009 Watchword
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” – Psalm 143:10
2008 Watchword
“My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:2
2007 Watchword
“Carry each other’s burdens and in doing this you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
2006 Watchword
“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
2005 Watchword
“I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” – Philippians 4:13
2004 Watchword
“Whatever your task, put yourself into it, as done for the Lord, and not for your masters.” – Colossians 3:23
2003 Watchword
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm.” – Proverbs 1:33
2002 Watchword
“Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O Lord; I will sing praises to your name.” – Psalm 18:49
2001 Watchword
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am my servant also will be. My father will honor the one who serves me.” – John 12:26
2000 Watchword
“Son, go and work today in my vineyard.” – Matthew 21:28