Drought and hunger, brought on by the changing climate, affect many vulnerable families in Zimbabwe. This week, pray for the church and church leaders across the nation who help to equip communities to break the cycle of poverty.
Sunday 3 August
‘Your husband died and was buried with his hands,’ says Kester, a Transforming Communities facilitator, ‘but you still have yours and you can use them to work for your family and better your life.’ This statement challenged Chipo, who was struggling with grief from the loss of her husband. Lord, thank you for putting the right people in our paths when we need it most. Amen.
Monday 4 August
‘I lost my husband. I lost my confidence and dignity,’ explains Chipo. ‘I lost hope. I couldn’t even feed my children. I became lonely and couldn’t share my fears and struggles with anyone.’ Lord, we lift to you widows across Zimbabwe facing situations like Chipo. May they know you are close to them. Amen.
Tuesday 5 August
Kester invited Chipo to a church meeting with a Tearfund local partner. ‘On this day, the Holy Spirit specially visited me and strengthened me,’ says Chipo. Joining a women’s savings group, Chipo started a small business, raising chicks. Today, Chipo is confident and empowered and says, ‘I even use my story to encourage other women.’ Lord, may her testimony bring transformation to many others in her community. Amen.
Wednesday 6 August
Chiedzo and her husband are both orphans. They grew up with the support of Tearfund’s local partner, which assists orphans through a network of local church volunteers. Thank you, Lord, for helping Chiedzo and her husband attend school and grow up in nurturing communities. Amen.
Thursday 7 August
‘One of the key messages was that if you utilise your hands and work diligently, you will succeed,’ states Chiedzo. The couple participated in farming training, and today they own cows, chickens, have access to water and live in a comfortable home. Praise God that this couple has also managed to repay the love they received by opening their home to younger orphans.
Friday 8 August
Today, let us pray for the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, an incredible Tearfund partner organisation dedicated to spreading Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training throughout Zimbabwe. Lord, may this training equip many churches to drive change in their communities and embrace a mindset that explores new possibilities. Amen.
Saturday 9 August
Let us join with Tearfund staff in Zimbabwe to pray John 10:10 over the nation of Zimbabwe today: ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ Lord, we pray that generations upon generations will know the fullness of life found in you. Amen.
