This week, pray for the West African nation of Burkina Faso, asking God to bless the Tearfund training programmes that are having a huge impact on communities. Pray that God will multiply this work, reaching many more vulnerable people.
Sunday 18 January
Lord, we thank you for the 370 men, women and young people in Burkina Faso who committed to take part in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Thank you for the message that was addressed to the province’s High Commissioner, explaining how forced displacement exacerbates the vulnerability of girls and women and increases the risk of GBV in places housing displaced persons. Lord, we pray for drastic intervention. Amen.
Monday 19 January
Pray for Tearfund’s GBV training to reach more communities. ‘In Burkina Faso, men often hold positions of authority in both family and community, so their involvement is crucial,’ explains course member, Drabo Awa. ‘If men and women become aware of this issue, we can work together to reduce GBV.’
Tuesday 20 January
Kanyili is a market gardener. ‘In the past, I used dung directly on my plants, believing it would nourish the soil. Unfortunately, this practice damaged my crops by burning them, leading to reduced yields and affecting my family’s food security.’ Lord, we pray that struggling farmers across Burkina Faso would have access to training, leading to increased harvests. Amen.
Wednesday 21 January
Kanyili joined Tearfund’s Agricultural Resilience Project and learnt how to produce nutrient-rich compost and liquid fertiliser. Praise God that Kanyili says, ‘My crops are stronger, healthier, and the soil is much more fertile.’
Thursday 22 January
The village of Bangbily used to have a toxic atmosphere. ‘Relationships between residents were marked by suspicion and fear, creating an environment where cooperation was virtually non-existent,’ explains Pastor Pierre. Lord, we pray for communities struggling to connect across religious barriers, that your Spirit will create pathways towards breaking down walls of hostility. Amen.
Friday 23 January
Through Tearfund’s Community Dialogues training, the village of Bangbily is a different place. ‘The dialogues provided a place for people to meet in a neutral and safe space, to express their concerns, frustrations and hopes,’ says Pastor Pierre. ‘This process has encouraged active listening, empathy and the search for common solutions.’ Pray for more communities to be reconciled through Community Dialogues.
Saturday 24 January
Lord, we thank you that Tearfund’s Community Dialogues training brings structure and formal training to mediators, making lasting change possible. ‘Previously, resolving disputes was a real challenge,’ says Pastor Pierre. ‘Today, thanks to the dialogues, the village has access to appropriate tools and properly trained individuals to resolve conflicts.’
