Coronation Street actress Channique Sterling-Brown spent a week in Malawi visiting remote rural communities. This week, join her in praying for the incredible people she met and the life-changing work she encountered. Pray that God continues to bless efforts to empower these wonderful communities.
Sunday 12 July
I was immediately moved by the joyful welcome the communities gave me. Lord, we pray for the people in these communities, asking that you pour out your peace, joy and comfort on them. Bless their homes and their churches, and thank you for their open hearts. Amen.
Monday 13 July
I met Joyce from Kalidzi, who was taught to make organic fertiliser from manure. It increased her groundnut harvest from five bags to 20, allowing her to feed her family and send her children to school. Pray that everyone in these Tearfund-supported self-help and saving groups finds this knowledge that leads to amazing, life-changing multiplication for their families.
Tuesday 14 July
I learnt that 30 per cent of young girls in Malawi stay out of school for up to a week every month because of period poverty. This breaks my heart. Lord, I pray for these young girls facing the challenge of missing their education. Please open the way for every one of them to have access to the facilities they need to stay in school. Amen.
Wednesday 15 July
I was inspired by 15-year-old Grace, who shared that before new toilets, she had to walk home just to change her pads and miss class. Thanks to the new changing block, she no longer misses school and is thriving. Lord, thank you for Grace and for the vision in her heart to become a nurse. Amen.
Thursday 16 July
The 16-year-old boys I spoke to were such knowledgeable and dedicated advocates for menstrual health and hygiene. They told me, ‘We are aware of what happens to a girl or woman when they are experiencing menstrual periods.’ Please pray that their example inspires boys and men across Malawi to help break down harmful myths and taboos.
Friday 17 July
I met community members like Henry from Suluwi village, who was so proud of the pawpaw trees he’d grown and was sharing seeds with his neighbours. His savings from the agricultural training meant his children are getting the nutrition they need. Lord, please bless Henry and all the farmers who are wisely using the skills Tearfund has equipped them with to invest in their families’ futures. Amen.
Saturday 18 July
The funds from Toilet Twinning go directly to Tearfund’s water, sanitation and hygiene work for communities that need it most. Pray for people from 50 of the world’s poorest countries who benefit from this work, that even more families would have access to clean water and sanitation.
