“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?” - Isaiah 58:6 (NIV)
Lent is a 40-day season of the Church (46 days when you count Sundays) marked by repentance, prayer, fasting, reflection, and almsgiving, culminating on Good Friday, and then followed by celebrations on Easter Sunday. The Lenten season is 40 days in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness when he fasted and overcame the temptations of Satan. As early as the 4th century, Christians have set aside this time to intentionally reflect on Jesus’ life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection, while also avoiding self-indulgence and practicing moderation and spiritual discipline. Though not every church actively participates in this special season, the simple idea of “giving up something” during Lent, while also focusing on prayer, repentance, and sacrifice has kept the tradition alive for many Christians, making Lent a time of spiritual renewal.
This Lent, we humbly ask that you would remember us in your prayers and would consider our work as you make any gifts for those in need.
Please pray that:
1. Our new Class 7 students would settle into their new school year well and that we would be able to meet all the new requirements for the new junior secondary school in a timely manner. Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:32.
2. All our students would grow spiritually this year - “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” - Ephesians 3:16-173.
3. Our senior students would have diligence and focus during their final year, but also peace as they prepare for life after high school. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Philippians 4:64.
4. We would be able to re-register our schools, according to new government regulations, in a timely manner (Many schools have experienced delays and have been asked for bribes by some government officials during this process). “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” - Psalm 90:175.
5. The individuals and groups that visit our school this year both from the US and locally would all take the vision of transformation that eduKenya holds and become ambassadors of the children of Mathare wherever they are. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10