One Voice in Prayer
Praying together for an end to global poverty
Dear Friends,
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a deadly rivalry over territory between the Lendu and Hema ethnic groups has been going on for decades. However, in one area, the Lendu people have extended a hand of friendship, helping their neighbours – who are Hema – access clean water, which will save the lives of many Hema people.
Bushu is the president of a camp in the east of the country, where thousands of Hema people who have fled violence have found refuge. But the camp had no access to drinking water and many people were getting sick.
A helping hand
‘When Tearfund came to the site, we thought they had just come to visit us, like many organisations in Bunia do,’ shares Bushu. ‘But then they started to do real work and we realised they were going to help us.’ ‘Before Tearfund came, we had to use the river to collect water. It was not clean but we had no other choice. Then Tearfund came and told us they would deliver safe drinking water.’
But Tearfund ran into a problem...
Reconciliation
‘As it was too difficult for the drilling machine to get to the site, Tearfund suggested we work with the neighbouring chief to see if the drilling could be done on their side of the river instead,’ says Bushu. ‘I told Tearfund this was impossible as they are Lendu and all of the people living at this site are Hema.
‘However, Tearfund showed us it was possible and helped to facilitate a meeting. Between us and the village chief we were able to find a solution and so I am thankful… for helping us to be closer to our neighbouring community.’
Pray with us
As well as saying thank you, Bushu had another final comment he wanted to share: for us to continue helping others.
‘We thank you and ask you to continue to work with other displaced communities and help them as you have helped us,’ concludes Bushu.
Reflect with God over Bushu’s remarks. Are there people in your community who have fled violence that you could pray for and support? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in prayer for groups around the world who are engaged in conflict; pray for broken relationships to be healed and for pathways towards peace and reconciliation.
‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’
Ephesians 4:32
Pray for the world
1
Rainy season begins in Rwanda
The rainy season has started in Rwanda. Heavy rains, strong winds and thunderstorms have already caused damage to homes and buildings across the country. Pray for protection for people’s homes and for vital infrastructure, such as health centres, schools and bridges. Around 70 per cent of the population rely on agriculture to earn an income; pray for farmers and that their crops will be protected from the storms.
2
Fair and just leadership in Kenya
This week in Kenya, William Ruto was sworn in as president. Thank God that the election process was conducted peacefully. Ask God that President Ruto will lead justly and fairly. And pray for good relationships between the government and charities and faith organisations in Kenya, so that decisive action can be taken to tackle the hunger crisis in the north of the country, where millions of people are going hungry.
3
Ethiopia’s October harvest set to fail
Early predictions are showing that Ethiopia’s upcoming October harvest will be the fifth consecutive harvest that has failed. Tearfund is doing all we can to reach people in need; we have just completed a cash distribution for 402 families in the Oromia region, which will mean fewer people going hungry. Keep praying for provision of food and water for communities affected by the hunger crisis. And pray for the upcoming harvest season to be better than expected.
In Focus: Praying through uncertainty
Pray with us to the Rock of Ages
It is common to feel anxiety and uncertainty during times of upheaval and change. In these moments we can turn to God, who invites us to take refuge in him through prayer. Whether you pray on your own or with others, finding ways to pray during challenging times can help strengthen your faith and make you feel less alone. However you’re feeling and whatever you’re going through, we hope the following prayer encourages you in this season and blesses your time with God.
‘Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.’ (Isaiah 26:4)
•Lord, in a world in which change seems the only certainty –
be the Rock of Ages upon which we can always depend.
•Lord, in a world in which storms can hit us without notice –
be the shelter that we know we can always return to.
•Lord, in a world in which it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed –
be our true north, the star that guides us home to peace.
•Lord, in a world in which dreams fade and hope seems so frail –
be the vision that keeps our faith alive.
•Lord, in a world in which grief is the price we pay for love –
be our comfort, be our healer, be our hope for eternity.
In Jesus’ name, amen.