His preaching will turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse. — Malachi 4:6.

Witchcraft accusations against children and the consequent violence that so often follows are a sign that something is deeply wrong in societies where such beliefs and practices are prevalent. Worldwide, countless thousands of children are outcaste by their families and communities because of being perceived as being witches and therefore the source of misfortune. Hearts are hardened towards them. The suffering of the children is extreme and God’s blessing is indeed withheld as his way of love is rejected.

Give thanks…

Thank God for healing in broken relationships:

Join with us in thanking God that as a result of SCWA’s Heart of the Matter training course for church leaders, people's understanding and attitudes are being radically changed in many families, churches, and communities in different nations. As learning is shared and passed on, the hearts of fathers and mothers and community members are being turned back towards their children, leading to healing in broken relationships and greater harmony.

Thank God for testimonies of change:

“After teaching my family members, I saw that my grandmother, who used to accuse children of being witches, has now stopped because of the teaching. She has changed and no longer drives the children away from home.” — participant in Lubumbashi, D.R.Congo

“I needed to start with my own family. My wife and I changed our way of behaving with my own children because of our new understanding of their value in the eyes of God and of the potential of traumatising them through harsh treatment, which could result in an accusation of witchcraft against them. I think that changing thinking and behaviour in families is key.” — participant in Goma, D.R.Congo

These personal accounts come from people who attended our Heart of the Matter training workshops.

…prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder…

Please pray…

Remember these needs in prayer:

• for increased numbers of parents to be reconciled to their rejected and outcast children, and for the Holy Spirit to bring deep healing, love, and renewed understanding in these broken relationships.
• for vulnerable families to receive holistic support from Christian churches and agencies, so that their resilience is strengthened and children are protected.
• for SCWA, as we begin to create a training resource specifically for families. Pray for wisdom, guidance, and inspiration.

‘’To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world." — Karl Barth.