"As we pray to our living God, we have seen Him answer through transforming lives - giving gladness to women and children, resulting in happy families."
Esperança Boquico, Project Hannah National Coordinator, Mozambique

In Mozambique, a country ranked as one of Africa's poorest, this is a remarkable statement. Here, the women struggle under a heavy burden of poverty. Although 30 years of guerrilla warfare ended in 1995, serious flooding in 2000 and 2001 set the country back as the infrastructure was further damaged. In 2002, a severe drought compounded the already crippling poverty. Today it is reported that many Mozambicans are living on less than $1 a day.* Further, the high risk of HIV/AIDS, poor health care, a high illiteracy rate and, in some areas, non-Christian influences add greater challenge.

PH began with a solid Portuguese-speaking prayer base in the capital city of Maputo in March 2006, and in July 2007 Women of Hope Portuguese broadcasts began airing. Today there are 19 groups with 330 members who meet together regularly to pray.

In 2007, a prayer group was established in the Makhuwa language, and the Makhuwa Women of Hope broadcast first aired in January 2008. Today, there are 36 prayer groups with 225 members. Since its beginning, the power of God, as seen in countless answered prayers, is clearly evident.

As Esperança shares, Project Hannah is helping people discover hope in Christ. Women are listening to the broadcasts, attending prayer groups, fasting and inviting others to join them in the work of Project Hannah. They encourage people by telling them that God loves them and helping them know that their problems can be solved as they wait patiently upon the Lord.

* BBC News