‘We have heard a fresh call from God. To see 250,000 churches active as transformation centres in their communities over the coming three to five years,’ says Nigel Harris, Tearfund’s Chief Executive. That’s ten times more than we work with now. It’s a bold step. But we believe prayer will be crucial to see that vision become a reality. Over the next two weeks, pray for an increase in our Transforming Communities work through local churches in Africa.
Sunday 7 July
With community-led investment and support to retrain, share skills and unlock resources, people living in extreme poverty can break free from their current circumstances and live life in all its fullness. Give thanks for the lives that have already been transformed through these programmes.
Monday 8 July
‘This is an opportunity for me to learn,’ said one of the delegates at the gathering. ‘I have learnt that Africa has a lot of opportunities, and there is a lot of potential.’ Praise God for changed hearts and mindsets that will lead to more people living fulfilled lives as God intended.
Tuesday 9 July
‘The words of Matthew 25 [35-40], visiting the sick and people in prison, sound simple, but they are very important,’ Rt Rev Fonki Samuel Forba, from Cameroon, said at the gathering. ‘They are great motivation as they lay the foundation for what we need to do.’ Ask God if there’s someone in need that you can reach out to this week.
Wednesday 10 July
We have calculated that every £1 donated in our Transforming Communities work unlocks £7 of community resources, ultimately releasing £211 of social value, including benefits such as improved quality of life, increased trust in neighbours or an improved natural environment. Pray that more people will invest in this life-transforming and highly effective training.
Thursday 11 July
Join in this prayer from Rev Fonki: ‘We magnify your glorious name and that you’ve been our God for this conference. Hear us from above and bless us... lead us to value and celebrate our diversity and to recognise and offer ourselves to each other for the sake of our continent of Africa. Amen.’
Friday 12 July
‘Church is the centre of hope, the centre of transformation and, therefore, the centre of life,’ proclaimed Bishop Alinafe Kalemba, from Malawi, at the gathering. Lord, open our eyes to how you see the church, as somewhere many more people can find hope and life to the full. Amen.
Saturday 13 July
Heavenly Father, thank you for these amazing leaders and your grace that brings us together. We pray for a fresh vision, for partnerships, for the community, we pray for unity, Lord. Above all, we pray for this mighty continent of Africa. Lord, we long to see your kingdom come. Amen. (A prayer from Nigel Harris to close his address at the gathering.)
