This week, as we focus on West Africa, there is so much to praise God for as we share stories of lives transformed. Yet, there is still a vast amount of conflict and religious unrest, causing untold suffering to millions of people – pray for unity and peace to reign.
Sunday 2 November
Terrorist attacks in northern Burkina Faso have left more than 2 million people internally displaced. Faridatou and her family were forced to leave everything and flee to safety in 2022. Arriving in a new area, the family tried to start from scratch, finding work and setting up a new home. Lord, we lift to you displaced families across Burkina Faso. May they know your peace and hope. Amen.
Monday 3 November
Praise God that Faridatou was selected to join Tearfund’s Income Generating Training and decided to start livestock breeding. ‘I received a ram and a breeding kit, a manger and a water trough,’ explains Faridatou. ‘Now, I am confident that this activity will expand and will help to relieve my family.’
Tuesday 4 November
Tearfund’s savings and loans groups were introduced in Ivory Coast in 2021. Since then, an incredible 190 groups have developed, mobilising nearly £128,457 in savings. Lord, we thank you that these groups have strengthened community bonds, supported income-generating activities and empowered families. Amen.
Wednesday 5 November
Pastor Victor leads a rural church in central Ivory Coast. Income was limited, and he struggled to provide for his family. But today, he raises and sells chickens, thanks to the introduction of Tearfund’s savings and loans groups. ‘Savings groups are a true source of hope and empowerment,’ he says. Lord, we pray for hope and opportunities for families struggling to survive. Amen.
Thursday 6 November
‘Previously, the challenges and needs of people with disabilities were not considered, and they were left to fend for themselves,’ explains Mrs Comblessi from Ivory Coast. But having taken part in Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training, Mrs Comblessi feels equipped to help people. Lord, we pray for more projects to help those living with disabilities in the Ivory Coast. Amen.
Friday 7 November
In Nigeria, Tearfund’s Transforming Masculinities training is helping to reshape attitudes towards gender equality. ‘He no longer shouts at me or the children, and we’re grateful,’ says Funke. ‘He even helps fetch water with his motorcycle, which didn’t happen before.’ Lord, we pray for the continued success of the Transforming Masculinities training in Nigeria, that it may reach more families and bring about positive change. Amen.
Saturday 8 November
Today, take a moment of silence and meditate on these verses from 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ Lord, we thank you that you call us to pray and play our part in interceding for your precious world, including the Tearfund staff working tirelessly in West Africa. Amen.
