March 2011
My dear intercessor and friend,
My heart beats faster when I think of Project Hannah’s (PH) ministry in Africa. God is using Ruth Mbennah and other team members in a mighty way so that PH is literally exploding, but there is much more to do! Africa needs the transforming power and redeeming work of God in Jesus; not in government policies, social programs or even religion! We pray for God’s power! But, as author John Piper said: “God has given us prayer because Jesus gave us a mission!”
It’s a mission indeed! “The problems are overwhelming,” said one of our workers. “Women fear they will be killed for body parts. They do not leave their homes after dark and they fear the same for their children. They suffer from AIDS, diseases and starvation, as finding food to feed their families is a daily painful effort.” I think of Liberia – a country devastated by war with an 85 percent unemployment rate. Polio, malaria, physical, emotional and spiritual diseases plague this friendly and beautiful, but disillusioned people. I’ve heard terrible tales of war crimes against innocent civilians. One woman said, "I came to hate life. We live and eat with the gun. We live at the mercy of the gun." Losing loved ones and facing extreme poverty is worsened by the loss of human dignity and hope.
The high male-infant mortality rate in Liberia is mostly due to harmful tribal practices like throwing baby boys into the “river god.” I held a baby who was miraculously rescued after his grandfather threw him into the river in order to appease the “river god” The Bible verse which says that Satan came to “steal, kill and destroy” flashed like a neon light in my mind. As Christians, our mission is to counteract such evil with Jesus’ love, because He came to “destroy the works of the devil.” Our prayers pierce the thickest darkness and shed His light brightly as the noon day!
Thank you for boldly praying that God will restore the lost years in the lives of millions of West African women. Pray for peace and reconciliation in their countries, and praise God for the greater work He is doing within us as we boldly approach His throne. May we honor Him with our fervent prayers and praises for what He is already doing in these countries. It encourages me to think that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. Every time we do so in prayer, He blesses us with His wisdom, new insight, discernment and strength. He delights in empowering His people when they pray.
What a joy!
Marli Spieker
Global Ministry Director/Founder
Project Hannah
TWR