Zimbabwe Christians Join World Prayer for Children At Risk

As devastating reports emerge from Zimbabwe of record-breaking inflation rates, 80 per cent unemployment, and an economy shrinking faster than any on the planet, Zimbabwean Christians are have expressed their determination to make a stand on behalf of the youngest generation by taking part in an international prayer event.

President Mugabe's administration has been criticised for cancelling non-governmental agencies' licences, claiming such organisations are seeking to force regime change and support the opposition.

In spite of such restrictions, Viva, a Christian NGO working with children at risk worldwide, is supporting Christians in Zimbabwe, who are determined to keep reaching out to some of the poorest and most vulnerable children in the country.

Alongside practical love and care, they are planning events to mark this year's World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk from 2 to 3 June 2007.

"The Zimbabwean Christians who we support demonstrate nothing but ongoing faith and persistence in the face of adversity", said Viva's Chief Executive Officer, Patrick McDonald. "The World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk is an incredible opportunity to stand with them and the children they serve, and ask God to bring transformation and hope."

Last month a prayer meeting in Harare attended by opposition leaders and activists was broken up by police, leaving two people dead. Yet Viva says this has not put off its Christian contacts in the country, and they are now praying more than ever before.

"Neither should it put off other Christians in countries where it is easier to pray freely," Viva has expressed in a press statement.

Facilitated by Viva, and in partnership with the Global Day of Prayer and other prayer movements, over two million Christians in more than 100 countries are expected to pray for some of the most vulnerable children in the world over the course of the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk.

Viva has said that it believes that Christian care for children can be strengthened in the face of adversity.

Viva has asked for Christians across the globe to be part of the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk, to transform the lives of vulnerable children.