Praying for children
With extra freedom this Easter, it felt like many families took the opportunity to celebrate Easter in an even bigger way than Christmas.
And we probably should.
After all, Easter is the culmination of all that was foretold through the prophets and Jesus Himself. Jesus given as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, ensuring that nothing could stand in the way of our relationship with God.
“…neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39
After His crucifixion, as Mary Magdalene mourned for Jesus, grief blinded her to mistake Him for a gardener.
Perhaps this spring, as we journey from Easter to Pentecost, we too can find Jesus and walk with Him as we prune and garden. Be that in our outdoor spaces or in our lives.
It was the flourishing trees that grabbed Namaan’s attention and at this time of year, with blossom trees flowering across the UK, it’s easy to see how nature can catch your eye.
The trees on his neighbour’s well-tended farm in Kenya made Namaan really curious. What was Peter doing that was making a difference?
After plucking up courage to speak with Peter, Namaan learnt that his neighbour was a champion for natural land regeneration. Given training by World Vision through the Regreening Africa Project, Peter was restoring indigenous trees where they’d previously been felled to produce charcoal or other crops. Peter wanted to share his skills with others so, Namaan had come at just the right time.
Eager to learn, Peter taught Namaan all he’d learnt, even though his mum was a little concerned about whether he’d have time to learn farming skills and keep up with his schoolwork.
But now, as well as school subjects, Namaan has learnt all about managing natural regeneration, and loves pruning the trees on their land:
“At home, after pruning trees, you can take the cut branches and use them as firewood for cooking or make charcoal. Not cutting the whole tree. I have seen our trees grow bigger and we also get fruit to eat such as guava, avocado and other local wild fruits,” explains Namaan.
And along the way Pamela became more than a little curious too.
Now, not only does she take care of her usual maize crop, which has doubled its yield, but also joins Naaman to take care of the trees by pruning them. And the income from maize along with the charcoal produced from the pruned trees keeps Namaan and his five siblings in school.
“Facts speak loud and clear: action is needed to tackle climate change, improve food security, fight poverty and minimise disasters. What better way to take action than to educate children like Namaan on how to be the positive change in families.” Irene, World Vision Environment and Climate Change Specialist
“…neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8: 38-39 (NIV)
We’ve come this far together, but we must go further. Bringing hope, no matter what.
You can protect children living in some of the most dangerous places
DonateDear Lord, we thank you that World Vision has been able to serve children and families in Myanmar for the past 30 years. But as the uncertainty continues in that country we pray for a peaceful resolution, so that children can experience life in all its fullness.
Heavenly Father, we pray for children and families in Brazil, where coronavirus cases and deaths continue to rise – overwhelming their fragile health system. Father give their leaders wisdom and resources to protect their people. And help those who have lost loved ones to feel your peace.
Lord, in this time between Easter Sunday and Pentecost, help us to draw near to you and feel you walk alongside us.
And as we mourn the loss of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, we pray for Her Majesty The Queen and the entire Royal Family, who have lost a husband, father, and grandfather too.
Help us to see hope in the world You created and grow to know you more. Amen
We really value your prayers as these uncertain times continue, so please send your prayer requests to us so we can pray for you too prayer@worldvision.org.uk
Founded on a prayer 70 years ago, we are committed to helping all children, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Driven by the principles of our faith, this work has transformed the lives of more than 200 million vulnerable children living in the world’s toughest places.
Learn more about how our faith not only guides, but actively supports our work.
