On March 7th I went to a World Day of Prayer service at a small chapel near to my home village. Once called the Women’s World Day of Prayer, the name has now been changed and it was good to see 5 or 6 men there, enjoying the privilege of sharing in this service which is written by women of a different country each year, – this year being Nigeria. In taking part in this service we joined a great wave of prayer which encircles the globe, beginning in Samoa and ending, 146 countries later, in American Samoa.
The theme of the service was “I will give you rest. Come” from Matthew 11. Vs 28 x 30 and the Nigerian sisters who had written the script invited us to come closer to God and find rest in Him.
4 Nigerian women shared their stories, which demonstrated the hardship and struggles they face, and how their faith has helped them. The opening song set the tone for what was to follow,
” Let us build a house where love can dwell, and all can safely live,
A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace,
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions.
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place”.
Chioma’s story spoke of the burden of insecurity.
Chioma experienced difficulties during her school days. She did not do well in her studies, had to repeat a year, and was subjected to bullying taunts from her peers. She feared she would have to leave school as her father would not pay the fees if she did not do well -” girls’ education wasn’t worth it,” he said.
Then her friends reminded her that Jesus and prayer can help. One taught her to pray like this,
” God I am your child, I am smart, I can learn and grow. Amen”. She started to use this prayer and friends prayed for her too. Things started to change. Teachers came alongside to help her and she was able to catch up. Looking back she feels it is wonderful that even children can help bear one another’s burdens and build each other’s faith in Jesus. The prayer that followed this section of the service contained these words, “loving Jesus, you walked this earth and know what it is to be a child. Be with all children who struggle today, at home, in school and in situations beyond their control. Holy Spirit, help us to provide safe and secure environments for children to grow and flourish. Bring healing for all our hurtful memories”
Beatrice’s story spoke of the burden of marginalisation.
Beatrice became a widow at the age of 28 when her husband was killed in communal violence. The struggles widows face in Nigeria are overwhelming, especially poverty, as they lose their main source of income and find it hard to obtain work as single mothers. In laws often treat them with suspicion, trying to take away the property the husbands leave behind.
Beatrice writes, ” the day I lost my husband, I lost more than just my partner. I lost my place in society. Suddenly I was alone with 3 young children, facing a world that seemed to have turned its back on me. There were days I didn’t know how I would feed my children or pay their school fees.” Beatrice found help through a support programme for widows started by her local church. Now a helper in this support group, she has encouraged people to donate clothes, rice and money to help the widows in her group, ” I use what resources I have to help other widows and together we are stronger. It’s not an easy path but, with faith and community we find the strength to carry on. Our burden is heavy but we are learning to lay it at Jesus’ feet, finding rest in his promise”.
There followed a prayer for the marginalised,
” loving Jesus, you welcomed the oppressed and lifted up the downtrodden. Today we see injustice everywhere and many suffer under oppressive systems. Speak to the hearts of all leaders, that they may govern with fairness and compassion. Move the hearts of communities to change their attitudes and actions towards all who are marginalised”
The challenges these 2 women have faced are different from the difficulties women face in Western society in many ways, but the way they have found help through their churches and fellow Christians is an inspiration to us in our times of need and despair.
To be continued next week.