Pray for Children at Risk
Kids in developing nations, such as those in Asia and Africa, face many challenges. And COVID-19 hasn’t made their lives any easier. Now, more than ever, children need support and protection so they don’t fall prey to dangers. These can include abuse, child labour, child marriage, trafficking or other forms of exploitation.
But we see God doing wonderful things in children’s lives. And we believe that prayer will continue to make a difference.
Pray for Our Child Sponsorship Programme
We are so excited about how God is changing children’s lives and bringing hope! Our Child Sponsorship Programme invests in children’s lives through care and education. Sponsorship gives children opportunities for a bright future. The love and dedication of the staff who care for the children often leaves a lasting mark on the children and their families.
Pray Against Exploitation Children
Especially those from broken homes, face the risk of various forms of trafficking and abuse, whether child labour sexual exploitation, child marriage or forced begging. If people do not intervene to stop these forms of exploitation, millions of children may face a loss of freedom, damage to their health and years of trauma.
Pray that families will ensure their children’s safety and that law enforcement workers will rescue children who have been exploited. Pray for GFA National Missionaries and support staff to have the wisdom to protect and support these children in their communities.
Pray for Education
Education can change lives. School helps kids learn about life, develop their skills and unlock future opportunities. For some children, school is one of the only safe places they can go. We are so excited that our children’s centres are a lifeline for many children. At a Children’s Centre, children find love, encouragement, a daily healthy meal, help with schooling and medical care. Most of all, they have a chance to experience God’s love. Struggling children begin to thrive as a whole new world opens up to them!
Pray for God’s blessing for our Child Sponsorship Programme. Pray for wisdom for the staff who care for the children. Pray that we can sponsor many more children and help them find hope for now and eternity.
Pray for Children Who Are Trafficked
Children account for about one-third of those who are victims of trafficking. Some children are trafficked for forced labour, whilst others are trafficked for sexual exploitation. In Sub-Saharan Africa, child victims accounted for 55% of the victims detected.* Many of these children are from extremely poor backgrounds or families and have been abandoned by their parents.
Pray these children will be rescued, reunited, and accepted back into their families. Pray God will bring the brothel owners’ misdeeds into the light and for the love of Jesus to permeate those dark places. Pray for the children’s freedom and healing.
Pray for Provision and Health
COVID-19 caused a lot of problems, including the threat of starvation. Lots of poor families have been unable to work. Many families are much poorer now than they were before Covid. Many families face the danger of starving to death. Families, especially in poor communities, find it hard to feed their kids. When kids are malnourished, their immune system can be weakened, too. 3
We are so excited that we have been able to feed many struggling families and communities. Our missionaries and child sponsorship staff have been helping to provide warm meals and groceries. And this lifeline is touching hearts and lives in a profound way.
Please pray that God will help our workers feed children, families and communities in need. Ask God to protect children from starvation.
(3) “Nutrition and Immunity | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. November 2, 2021.
Pray for the Children’s Physical Needs
Most children in child labour do not get enough to eat and drink, which often leads to malnutrition or other vitamin deficiencies. The physical labour they are forced to do can seriously impair their bodies, resulting in severe burns or even the loss of limbs. These injuries are not only immediately devastating but can lead to lifelong disabilities, limiting their opportunities and quality of life.
Pray these children are protected and will be provided with basic needs such as food, shelter and medical care. Pray God will protect children forced into prostitution, bonded labour and those who are trafficked.