Parents everywhere are driven by a dream — for their children’s lives to be better than their own. Economic empowerment is not an end in itself, but a tangible expression of God’s love that radically improves the lives of children and families today — a transformation that lasts for generations and can help to lift families out of poverty. Yet millions of people in the most impoverished parts of the world lack access to the knowledge, capital, markets, technology, and information they need to build thriving businesses.
World Vision has learned the best way to help people is to empower them to unleash their own drive and talents. That’s why we work to give some of the world’s poorest people the tools they need to start or build small businesses, save money, take responsibility, care for their communities — and break the cycle of poverty in their families for good.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.—Matthew 25:35 (NIV)
Pray For Opportunity To Provide For Their Families
Valentine Uwingabire’s five children used to cry for food.
“You can imagine a little child crying for food from the morning up to the evening,” she said.
She tried farming in the valley below her home with little success. Then in 2015, World Vision started the Akagera Marsh Project in Nyaruguru, Rwanda.
“We were very happy because we knew World Vision has the potential … to initiate the irrigation system and also to put all the farmers together. So we felt hope that this is going to work,” she said. “And indeed, this has worked so well for us — beyond what we even expected.”
World Vision funded the building of a water intake system plus canals along the sides of the valley. This system — completed in September 2016 — provides water during the dry season, but also channels floodwaters away during the rainy season.
Valentine’s first crops with the Marsh project were onions and cabbages followed by corn. She sold enough corn to earn $100 and had some left for her family.
The Marsh Project then linked the farmers’ corn harvest to a local corn-flour processing plant — another World Vision project. By grouping the farmers together and providing them access to markets, the farmers’ profits are greatly increased.
“I feel independent,” Valentine said. “When I wake up in the morning, and I see that I have sacks of beans and every kind of food, I feel good. I feel secure.”
Join us in prayer for hardworking families like Valentine’s to break the cycle of poverty for good.
Pray For Increased Family Livelihoods
When families’ livelihoods improve, they can break from the cycle of poverty and sustainably improve their family’s education, health, food security and nutrition, and shelter.
Great Counselor, bless families taking the risk of starting a business. Grant them wisdom in their decision-making. May their successes benefit their children and family and then overflow to the community.
“From the fruit of their lips are people filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.” —Proverbs 12:14
Pray For Families To Manage Their Finances In A Way That Reflects The Love Of God
It’s important for people to understand that they are created in the image of God, have great value, and have the power to move from poverty to prosperity.
Loving Father, let Your presence shine in and through families’ finances. May learn to be good stewards of what You provide for them more and more every day.
“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.” —Psalm 1:3 (NIV)
Pray For Good Weather So Farmers Can Have Healthy Crops And Animals
Globally, 2.5 billion people depend on agriculture for income and food. Dry spells and floods destroy families’ crops, but poor weather conditions can also kill animals, another valuable source of food and income. Because the weather is unpredictable, World Vision teaches improved farming and livestock management techniques that help families to be more resilient when hard times come.
Holy God, we see throughout the Word Your powerful control of the weather. Please provide the right amount of rain and sun for farmers’ crops and animals. Use World Vision staff to help teach even more families how to overcome farm and livestock challenges so they can better provide for their families.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” —2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)
Pray That Hardworking Farmers Will Become Resilient, So They Have Plenty During Lean Seasons
World Vision’s community-led THRIVE model — Transforming Household Resilience in Vulnerable Environments — addresses underlying causes of vulnerability for farmers, since the journey upward from extreme poverty to one of improved well-being is not without interruptions. Resilient families can withstand or recover quickly from droughts and other emergencies, adapting to a changing environment.
Merciful Provider, watch over farmers and their crops, especially during times of vulnerability. Help farmers learn and practice good storage techniques and other measures, so they don’t experience loss or waste.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food …” —Proverbs 12:11 (NIV)
Pray That Women Will Be Equipped To Start And Grow Their Businesses
Through microloans, savings groups, and training, World Vision is focused on especially teaching women around the world about best practices in operating small businesses, such as tailoring, mat weaving, or selling crops they grow. As women gain confidence and contribute to the family income, they are able to positively influence decision-making on important issues such as nutrition, children’s education, healthcare, and child marriage.
Alpha and Omega, thank You for generous donors who help World Vision equip women and men with training and microfinance support to start their own businesses. Bless these small business ventures so families can live healthier, more secure lives. Help women become voices for improvement in their families and communities.
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” —Proverbs 31:17 (NIV)
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World Vision is an international partnership of Christians whose mission is to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice, and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of God. Written by Denise C. Koenig and Laura Reinhardt, World Vision staff.