Pray for Zambia on Sunday January 9, 2011

Pray for Zambia on Sunday January 9, 2011

Prayers for Zambia: Isaiah 40:3-5; Psalm 95:1-2   

Gracious and Loving God, we rejoice in the example that the church in Zambia provides for the world, in their simple, faith-filled celebration of the birth of Jesus.  Each evening during the week before Christmas, and Christmas morning as well, people flock to church to pray, sing your praises, and hear about the light and truth Jesus brings to all people.  We give thanks for the joyful Zambian music sung by the choirs and for the deep meaning in the messages offered on how to make a way for the coming of the Lord.  

God of Mercy, build on the strong foundation of the Zambian church. Give the people of Zambia courage and endurance as they face so many challenges:

  • how to provide support and medications for those living with HIV/AIDS
  • how to prevent, confront, and eliminate government corruption
  • how to fulfill the promised goal of universal free primary education
  • how to find employment opportunities for all those who seek work 

Be present to guide Zambians as they advocate for human rights and struggle for human dignity. Keep them in the shelter of your love and compassion. Amen

Mission Stewardship Moment from Zambia:

Melize recently completed the diploma program in social work offered at the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation (MEF) in Zambia.  She feels well-prepared for a community development or counseling position.  Although needs are great, jobs are few.  She has applied for each position she has heard about, but so far nothing has come through.  She wants to use her newly-acquired skills.  Social work is her calling.  So while awaiting paid employment, she has initiated a community development and counseling endeavor by organizing a “Young Widows Network.”  Due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, there are many women widowed in their 20’s and 30’s with young children to raise.  Traditional practices and pervasive poverty deprive many of these women of inheritance, property, or resources.  Melize forms young widows’ groups in the shanty towns and compounds around the area.  She then helps them determine goals for collaborative income-generating projects, learn new skills, and develop support networks.  Her energy, enthusiasm, and faith are guiding women to see opportunities for their lives and hope for the future.  MEF partners have offered ongoing consultation to Melize on her project, which she plans to continue even after she secures paid employment.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Ann Nichols) 

To view Ann Nichols blog: http://annwnicholsinzambia.blogspot.com/

Global Ministries International Partners in Zambia:

For more info about partners and projects in Zambia: http://globalministries.org/africa/countries/zambia/

Global Ministries Missionaries in Zambia:

Ann Nichols, a member of First Congregational UCC, Tucson, Arizona, serves with the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation in Kitwe, Zambia. She is teaching social work and leadership development.

Pray for Partners without Global Ministries Mission Personnel: Angola

God, we lift up the Evangelical Congregational Church of Angola and the Angola Council of Christian Churches. We ask you to bless their ministries in 2011. We thank you for their commitment to peace with justice and we ask you to help us to be faithful as we walk with them in their ministries in this New Year. Amen