Despite the overwhelmingly negative news we hear about life in Afghanistan, there are small ripples of hope. Since August 2021, Tearfund has reached more than 400,000 people, responding to disasters and supporting communities and individuals to meet their basic needs. This week, pray for the people of Afghanistan.
Sunday 4 May
Mariam lost her husband in a bomb blast. Left alone to look after her six children, she started a cleaning job on a farm. But the salary was so low, that her family only ate one meal a day. Father God, we lift to you the families in Afghanistan who have lost loved ones due to conflict. Lord, provide for their needs. Amen.
Monday 5 May
Tearfund's partner in Afghanistan met Mariam and visited her home. Seeing her desperate situation, the team bought a cow for Mariam. Now she sells 2 litres of milk daily, adding to her income, and still keeps half for her family. 'My children are getting milk and other dairy products daily,' says Mariam. Praise God that a single cow can transform the life of a family.
Tuesday 6 May
Vitamin A deficiency causes eye diseases in 5 to 10 million children a year. Zarina is one of them. At the age of four, she was blind in both eyes. Zarina would sit in the corner of the house and cry. Lord, we pray today for the most vulnerable families in Afghanistan, whose lives are being shaped by lack of access to basic needs. Amen.
Wednesday 7 May
Tearfund's partner in Afghanistan runs a school for visually impaired children. They introduced Zarina to braille. Praise God that today Zarina is in Grade 5, her confidence has grown and she has good friends at school. Pray that Zarina will fulfil her dream of becoming a teacher one day to other blind children.
Thursday 8 May
The earthquake that struck Herat on 7 October 2023 took the life of Abdul Majid's daughter. Tearfund's partner came alongside the devastated family with counselling support. 'The mental health services are essential for our village,' says Abdul Majid, 'It provided much-needed support for those who have struggled with depression after losing their family members in the earthquake.' Lord, we lift these families to you. Amen.
Friday 9 May
Today, join us in praying Isaiah 40:31 over the people of Afghanistan and our Tearfund partners, working diligently to support the most vulnerable communities. 'Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'
Saturday 10 May
Take a piece of paper and a pen. Write down the names of the three people we've prayed for this week; Mariam, Zarina and Abdul Majid. Spend some time asking the Lord to guide you in your prayers for each of these individuals today.
