For the last seven years, Tearfund Nepal has been working hard to address gender-based violence and human trafficking. This week, let us pray for the dedicated team in Nepal leading meaningful discussions and the communities supported by Tearfund and our partners.
Sunday 2 February
‘Our community dialogue group of Transforming Masculinities members were daily wage labourers,’ explains one facilitator. ‘They participated at night after they came back from their work, which is physically hard. Women and men cried together, committing to play a role in ending violence against women and girls in the final joint session.’ Praise God for hearts transformed.
Monday 3 February
Sarita took part in Tearfund’s Transforming Masculinities Community Dialogues programme. ‘After the session, I realised that as well as facing violence, I was being abusive to my two daughters,’ she says. ‘I now know that we should not tolerate any act of violence. I now speak up against violence and support other women who are experiencing abuse. I also know how to report violence.’ Thank you, Lord, for new beginnings. Amen.
Tuesday 4 February
Over the last three years, 168 local communities in Nepal have taken part in Tearfund’s Transforming Masculinities programmes and started 336 community dialogues. During those three years, 65 new self-help groups were created, 15 youth groups and eight children’s clubs. Pray that each of the individuals involved will continue to speak out against sexual and gender-based violence.
Wednesday 5 February
Today, let’s pray for the dedicated facilitators who lead each group through a journey of transformation. Lord God, we pray for wisdom, integrity and an abundance of love for each of these individuals. Amen.
Thursday 6 February
‘I am thrilled and deeply grateful to have taken part in this transformative journey to healing,’ says Nisha, a facilitator in her local community. ‘This unique opportunity has enabled me to establish connections with many sisters who, like me, have carried the weight of injuries in their hearts.’ Thank you, Lord, for hearts restored. Amen.
Friday 7 February
Father God, we lift to you today the Nepalese police and local government officials who have walked alongside Tearfund partners in Nepal, working closely with the teams to raise awareness of gender-based violence and facilitate meaningful discussions. We pray that they will stand strong and continue to educate new colleagues. Amen.
Saturday 8 February
Thank you, Lord, for the simple reminder in 1 John 4:19 that, ‘We love because he first loved us.’ God of love, please help us to act in love to those around us, without judgement and full of patience. We can only do this in your strength. Amen.
