At CSW we are blessed to work alongside and draw inspiration from some truly remarkable women. Almost daily we find ourselves interacting with women who devote their lives to promoting and protecting religious freedom, and we learn about others who risk their rights and safety in order to stay true to their faith. This week thank God for their incredible courage and resilience, and pray for his continued protection over them.
Sunday 8 March
On International Women’s Day pray for a brave and inspiring young Nigerian: 16-year-old Leah Sharibu. Since February 2018 Leah has been held in captivity by an offshoot of the terrorist group Boko Haram, and has not been released because she refuses to convert.
Monday 9 March
Remember today women who courageously speak up for their loved ones’ rights. Pray for Vu Minh Khanh who campaigned tirelessly for her husband Lawyer Dai’s release; for Grace Gao who has travelled the world raising her father Gao Zhisheng’s case; and for Rebecca Sharibu, mother of Leah, who continues to campaign for her daughter’s release.
Tuesday 10 March
Pray for comfort and endurance for Jiang Rong, the wife of Pastor Wang Yi who leads Early Rain Church in China. In December 2018 Jiang and her husband were detained, along with over 100 other members of their church. Jiang was released on bail in June 2019, but her husband has been sentenced to nine years in prison.
Wednesday 11 March
Every Sunday the Cuban Ladies in White, a peaceful activist group, protest the unjust detention of their loved ones. After attending Mass they peacefully walk through their town to remind the authorities that they are waiting for justice. Pray for protection over these women, who are regularly beaten or detained in an attempt to prevent them from attending church.
Thursday 12 March
Today pray for all female human rights defenders who promote and protect religious freedom. Pray in particular for our longstanding partner in Pakistan, Michelle Chaudhry; ask God to continue to protect her and bless her work.
Friday 13 March
Pray this verse over all of these women: ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ Revelation 21:4
Saturday 14 March
Heavenly Father, we ask that you continue to fill these women with your strength and inspire them to always speak up for justice. May we in turn learn from their example and be filled afresh with a profound desire to see freedom of religion or belief respected around the world. Amen.