Day 12 - Care Workers

“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’ Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.’” – Matthew 25:44-45

Thank God for the volunteer Care Workers and their families, who are committed to sacrificially giving of themselves to serve the most vulnerable children. Pray that they will have the courage to advocate on behalf of the children and their families, even when this goes against the cultural norm. Ask God to give each Care Worker the spiritual eyes to see what is happening in the lives of the children. Pray that they will build relationships of trust and love.

The local Hands at Work team in Nigeria reflects on Sis Moji, one of the Care Workers in Temitope Community, Nigeria, who is caring for some of the most vulnerable children.

“When we first met Sis Moji, she was really struggling. We did a Holy Home Visit at her home and told her about the ‘Jesus We Know’ and also what God wants us to do for the orphans and the most vulnerable children in our community. After hearing about the vision, she decided to join as a Care Worker. And since she joined, she has not regretted it because God is always making a way for her.

She is always happy when she is playing with the children and when they are close to her. The children are happy when they see her, and that makes her happy. She sees the Care Point as her home. She loves caring for the children.”

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Day 6 - Childhood Marriage

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8

In the poorest of the poor communities, it is not uncommon for girls as young as 12 years old to be given in marriage. In some situations, this occurs when families are financially desperate and in others it’s because of a cultural expectation that girls should get married young. Pray for our African leaders to be courageous in running towards the problem and speaking on behalf of our girls. Pray that they will be bold in sharing the gospel. Pray for each young girl who has been and still is a victim to childhood marriage. Pray that they will experience the love of Christ and the freedom that only He can bring.

Rebecca is pictured back left

Across Africa, there are men and women committed to speaking into the cultural practice and dangers of girls marrying at a young age. Kupa Kwashe, Hands at Work Leader from Zimbabwe, shares a story of Rebecca*, a girl in Mozambique and how the Care Workers and the local Hands at Work team in Chimoio, Mozambique, fought to ensure that she didn’t enter into childhood marriage.

“Rebecca grew up living in Matsinho Community with her grandmother and three siblings. She was one of our children coming to the Care Point. As Rebecca got older, the Care Workers started hearing that she was entering into unhealthy lifestyles and were concerned for her wellbeing. They heard that she had entered into an early marriage with another young man from the community. Understanding the dangers of early marriage, the Care Workers and the Chimoio team went to talk with Rebecca and her grandmother. Speaking out of love and concern, they shared how Rebecca was too young to be married and needed to go back to school. Rebecca understood the message and what was being shared. She went back to school and even started coming back to the Care Point. We are grateful because she took our advice and waited until she was 18 to get married.”

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Day 23 - Existing African Leaders

Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.’ - Exodus 4: 11-12

Hands at Work is committed to developing African leaders who love God and long to speak as a voice for the voiceless in the most vulnerable communities across Africa. Pray for our African leaders as they lead in challenging circumstances. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give each leader a continually deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the most vulnerable, and of the role that they can play in bringing hope.

Ruth is a member of one of the local Hands at Work teams in Zambia and grew up in Chibote Community herself. Starting as a Care Worker in Chibote in 2011, Ruth grew into her role as an African Leader with Hands at Work. She has a deep understanding of the challenges faced in communities like Chibote and represents the men and woman that make up 13 Hands at Work teams across Africa, who are committed to caring for the most vulnerable in over 60 communities.

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Day 17 - Food Insecurity

For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore, I command you, saying, ‘you shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land. – Deuteronomy 15:11

Food security remains a serious issue in the most vulnerable communities across Africa, an issue that Hands at Work has seen sharply worsen due to the pandemic. An increase in food prices, combined with past seasons of drought, has resulted in many families struggling to survive. As Hands at Work ensures that the most vulnerable children and those who care for them have secure access to food, pray that God will provide all the resources needed.

Food insecurity remains a serious issue in the most vulnerable communities across Africa, an issue that
Hands at Work has seen sharply worsen due to the pandemic. An increase in food prices, combined with past seasons of drought, has resulted in many families struggling to survive. Our goal is to ensure that the most vulnerable children and those who care for them have secure access to food through the children’s daily meals at the Care Point, Primary Caregiver gardens and food relief in times of crisis.

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