On Good Friday, Jesus cried, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46). In the darkest of moments, our faith can be tested. Over the Easter season, members of our global team share their reflections on how God has remained faithful. Over the next week, pray for our humanitarian workers responding in challenging situations.
Easter Sunday 31 March
‘He is not here; he has risen!’ (Luke 24:6)
Imagine the expression of wonder and delight when the ‘two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning’ (Luke 24:4) proclaimed, for the first time, that Jesus is alive. Praise our wonderful Saviour, who chose the cross so that we too might be resurrected to new life!
Monday 1 April
‘Reflecting on the pain, anguish and humiliation that Jesus went through during his crucifixion, my heart is overwhelmed,’ says Geoffrey Kibigo, from our Kenya team. ‘Similar pain and anguish is experienced by many in the East Africa region – Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Somalia – facing a hunger crisis, with many starving to death.’ Pray for good rains and better harvests.
Tuesday 2 April
‘I reflect on how Mary, the mother of Jesus, would have been feeling,’ says Geoffrey. ‘Mary persevered watching her son go through the pain, agony, humiliation and crucifixion. But, she was able to witness the resurrection and her entire pain was wiped away. This gives me hope that the suffering and pain of people experiencing the hunger crisis will end too.’ Ask the God of hope to bring it in a tangible way through our partners and staff in East Africa.
Wednesday 3 April
‘I dream of a time when God shall restore the land,’ says Geoffrey. ‘That communities will be able to plant seeds in this land and harvest a hundredfold, just like Isaac in Genesis 26:12.’ Pray that God will bring the power of his resurrection to countries in East Africa suffering from drought, livestock loss and failed harvests.
Thursday 4 April
‘No matter what challenges exist for us, God is always our rock, our refuge, our strength and a very present help in times of need,’ (Psalm 46:1) says a staff member from Myanmar. Ask God to bring about a peaceful transition to democratic rule where all people in Myanmar can flourish. Please also pray for the protection of our staff.
Friday 5 April
‘Difficult, hard and dark times are all part of life as much as the good, happy and joyous times,’ says Jennipher Sakala, who oversees Tearfund’s work in Southern and East Africa. ‘Jesus' life on earth gives us a good example of this.’ As we celebrate Jesus’ victory on the cross this week, pray for people who are still living in poverty in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Saturday 6 April
‘I am truly thankful for the extent of God’s love,’ says Jennipher. ‘This inspires me to not dwell so much on the sufferings I see or my own inadequacies, but to leave everything at his feet, trusting that he knows what is best for each one of us.’ Give thanks and praise for God’s unfailing love that overcomes suffering, demonstrated by Jesus’ triumph over death.
