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)

Day 3 - Children across Mozambique (#40Days2024)

Within Mozambique, there are 600 children being loved and cared for. Today, we invite you to pray for children across Mozambique:

• “Across Africa, it is common for young girls to be given in marriage as early as 12 years old. Pray against this cultural practice and that people will speak up and advocate for the children.” (Sandra, Local Leader, Mozambique)

• “Within the communities, there is a lack of positive and Godly female role models.” (Audrey, Regional Support Team Leader, Mozambique). Pray for the children to have positive role models they can look up to.

• “Often when children are sick, the hospital isn’t the first place they go.” (Audrey, Regional Support Team Leader, Mozambique). Pray for protection over the children and that God will keep them strong and healthy.

Clara is one of the 600 children being cared for in Mozambique. In 2022, while the Care Workers were looking for more children to welcome to the Care Point, they met Clara* and her siblings. They truly were in a tough spot; a widow with three young children, no home of their own and trying to find a sense of belonging in a new community where they were complete strangers. Building trust took time, finding odd jobs was difficult, and Clara’s mother struggled to fulfill her role in caring for herself and her children.

Thankfully, Joyce, a local Care Worker, bonded with this family. Being a single mother herself, she felt their brokenness and embraced them wholeheartedly. Through the Care Workers’ love and being welcomed daily to the Care Point, Clara’s family began to see hope again. The children have returned to school, they are being fed a hot, nutritious meal daily, and healing is being found simply by knowing that they are not alone. At first, Clara was very reserved and only came to the Care Point to eat, but through the Care Workers love and dedication, she now stays and plays with the other children. – Matsinho B Community, Mozambique

#40Days2024

Day 2 - Meet the Chimoio 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 Chimoio Service Centre are: Elsa, Maria, Philippe, Sandra and Sozinho. They serve five of the most vulnerable communities across Africa.

“Pray that we will have unity and be brave in the midst of fear. There are many challenges in the communities. Pray that we will remain strong as we fight for the children.” (Sandra, Local Leader, Mozambique)

Many youth camps and workshops are happening in the next few months. Pray for God’s hand to move and for people’s lives to be transformed.