Prayer alert: abductions in Syria
Islamic State (IS) militants attacked Christian Assyrian villages in the Khabour region of Syria this week in the latest of a series of attacks targeting various minority groups. Dozens of Assyrians have been taken captive, and hundreds of families have fled to nearby cities. Please pray for the safe release of those being held by IS, and for comfort and help for all affected by these attacks.
Lent reflection 2: Finding freedom
Today’s reflection is by Isobel Peaty, Head of Internal Communications at Tearfund.
‘When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’ (Matthew 6:16-18)
There’s power in keeping some things between just you and God.
In among Jesus’ flawless advice in Matthew 6 are two great pieces of psychology. They’re deeply useful life lessons, sympathetic to the hidden world of motivation. But they also offer the keys to freedom: freedom from wallowing in our imperfection on the one hand, and from striving after the impression of perfection, for the sake of the world’s approval, on the other.
First –in view of our brokenness, how can we avoid the temptation to give up? We're all works in progress, in need of significant remodelling through a combination of discipline and divine intervention. But Jesus encourages us not to let this stop us from doing our best at all times, even as that remodelling takes place. Washed faces and oil on heads – being brave and cheerful whenever we can – that’s how we'll cooperate with God and his work in us. It’s a kind of AD33 version of the ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ philosophy. Just because you’re not perfect yet, doesn’t mean there isn’t value in trying. The ‘trying’ is the discipline part – our part. God does the rest.
And the freedom from approval that’s on offer here? Not only does God twinkle with joy at the sheer faith on display when we make a sacrifice that costs us, for no other reason than out of totally private commitment to him, he also knows that to keep chipping away at worldly approval-seeking is the only way to be freed from the power others have over us.
See how you’re getting on with the fasting you’ve chosen this Lent – whether that’s been giving something up or starting something new. Look again at how God loves to use these refining times to help you get stronger, to draw you closer to him, and to free you from a few more earthly chains.
Father God, thank you that you desire a personal and unique relationship with each and every one of us. We praise you that you want to help us become the best version of ourselves that we can be. Help us to make time for you in our lives, so we can become evermore glorifying to you and be free to be who we are in you. Amen.
From breadline to cheese shop in Afghanistan
‘For a long time I was one of the poorest people in the village,’ says Nabil. He worked as a shepherd in his small community in Afghanistan, looking after other peoples’ animals in return for a few handfuls of wheat or corn.
His prospects looked bleak until Tearfund’s partner started working in the village. They designed a project to help the villagers earn a reliable income, providing them with heifers (young cows) together with training on animal health and milk production. After the cows reproduced, the villagers were encouraged to give a calf back to the project, passing on the support to other families in need.
Nabil was selected to receive a heifer, and some months later he was delighted to donate a new calf to the project. Before long, his cow had given birth to three more calves.
Selling these gave him enough money to achieve a long-held dream of getting married. ‘I’m now a very proud father of five children,’ he says.
But the positive changes didn’t stop there. Nabil and his new wife were able to use the milk from their livestock to make cheese, and with help from Tearfund’s partner, they set up their own cheese shop in the local bazaar.
Now, Nabil earns a good income selling his own and other villagers’ cheese – a far cry from scraping out a living from shepherding their sheep.‘We have a very calm and quiet life now, and all my children can go to school,’ says Nabil. ‘I am proud that I can help other villagers, and I am so happy with my life.’
- Give thanks for the amazing change that has taken place in Nabil’s life, and praise God that his children are stepping into a brighter future.
- Afghanistan continues to face many challenges, including decreasing financial support from international donors. Pray for better employment prospects and living conditions for the millions of Afghans struggling with poverty.
- Please pray for increased peace and stability for Afghanistan in the coming year.
*Names changed to protect identity.
Latest prayer news from Nigeria
Nigeria has been experiencing attacks from Boko Haram in the north-east of the country for more than five years. However the frequency and intensity of these attacks has gone up in the last year, with a reported 7,711 deaths in 2014 alone.
Around 9 million people have been directly affected by the violence, with around 1 million people forced to flee their homes. A massive 4.8 million people across the country are facing serious food shortages.
Danladi Musa, who oversees Tearfund’s work in Nigeria, has been visiting displaced families in refugee camps, as well as those living in host communities.‘I have heard horrible and shocking stories of how people have suffered at the hands of Boko Haram militants who have absolutely no regard for the sanctity of human life,’ says Danladi.
‘Some were forced to watch as their loved ones were killed. I can only imagine the trauma they are going through. It will take the grace of God for them to come to terms with what has happened to them and forgive those who have hurt them. They really need our prayers and support.’
As a result of increased violence, presidential elections planned for 14 February were put back until 28 March, adding to the feeling of tension across the country.
- Pray for the people who have been displaced from their homes, the majority of whom are scared and desperate to provide for and protect their families. Pray for safety, shelter, and food, especially for those at risk of disease and malnutrition. Lift up our partners doing all they can to meet these needs.
- Pray for the presidential election on 28 March, that the process will be peaceful and non-violent throughout.
- Please pray urgently for God’s peace in Nigeria.
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27 February 2015
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