The church is an agent of change. But unlike other organisations, the church can create long-lasting transformation at every level of community: material and emotional, social and spiritual. Pray that the church in Nepal will empower people to free themselves from financial poverty and help them to thrive in every area of their lives.
Sunday 19 November
The effects of the pandemic are still being felt – especially by people living in poverty. Pray for families in Nepal still recovering from the financial struggles they faced. Pray that they will be given the support they need to overcome their challenges and find sustainable ways to provide for themselves and their loved ones. May the church continue to be a source of comfort and hope to all who are struggling.
Monday 20 November
Relationships between different faith groups and castes (a social hierarchy that divides people into different groups based on their lineage) can be strained within Nepal. Pray that churches can continue to work together and be a light to their communities in these circumstances. And pray that barriers will be broken down between different groups in Nepal.
Tuesday 21 November
Tearfund’s partners are encouraging churches to use community work as a way of bringing different groups together. In the village of Rukum, the church bought bowls for all the children in their community, so that they could eat lunch at school. They also helped repair a path damaged by a landslide. ‘This work provides joy and gives us a platform to demonstrate the love of Jesus,’ says a community member. Praise God for work like this.
Wednesday 22 November
Holistic transformation must also involve caring for the environment. In Dura’s community, our partner has been raising awareness on sustainable waste management, teaching skills such as composting, briquette making and reusing waste plastics. Pray that communities who don’t have access to proper waste collection will learn the skills to manage their own waste effectively.
Thursday 23 November
‘Now we know about sustainable waste management practices, there isn’t as much plastic waste,’ says Dura. Pray for more sustainability initiatives such as this. Thank God for the positive impact of the waste management project in Dura's community. ‘I’m preparing more pots and items from waste plastics in my home, and using those materials,’ she says. May we all consider how we can reduce our waste.
Friday 24 November
Our partner also trains communities to make the most of the land that they have access to. Pragati used her family's land to grow rice, but this didn’t provide her family with enough food or income. ‘After the training, I received seven types of seeds, and equipment for irrigation,’ Pragati says. ‘I learnt new things like mixed cropping, compost preparation and waste water management for irrigation.’ Now her family is thriving. Pray for God’s blessing of multiplication on projects like this.
Saturday 25 November
‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...’ (Ephesians 3:20) Dear God, thank you for these examples of the church bringing whole-life transformation in Nepal. May work like this grow not only in Nepal but all around the world. May your beautiful light shine ever more brightly for all people to see. Amen.
