15.02.2017
Christian Aid – Offering hope in South Sudan this Lent
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
For Christians around the world, Lent is a time of reflection, self–examination and thinking of others who are less fortunate. It is a journey, a time for us to think about how we follow the Jesus who calls his disciples to sacrificial love that breaks down barriers, builds bridges and demands justice for those who find themselves living in poverty.
People like Michael.
Michael (pictured with his grandson) lives in South Sudan, where 6.1 million people urgently need humanitarian aid as a result of the conflict that erupted in December 2013. Ongoing fighting has displaced 2.4 million people, and up to 5.3 million people are at risk of severe food shortages.
Michael, who is in his 70s and has gradually lost his sight during the past five years, fled alongside his family when government forces came to his village. Soldiers killed people and stole cattle, forcing Michael to flee to the swamp where he resided with his family for two months. When they returned, most of their belongings were gone, and they were left with next to nothing.
Thankfully, they had some fishing hooks and nets from Christian Aid. Already a skilled fisherman, now he can take the younger generation to the swamp to teach them how to fish, so they can continue to feed their community.
Throughout Lent, we are reflecting on the hymn written for us, ‘When I Needed A Neighbour, Were You There’.
We are asking you to reflect each day on the blessings in your life through Count Your Blessings, inspired by daily opportunities to give, act and pray for communities like Michael’s, helping them to find a safe place to call home.
Christian Aid is working with people displaced within South Sudan, who are living in some of the hardest to reach places, to provide much–needed food, safe water and sanitation facilities and essential household items, including sheeting for temporary shelters, as well as fish hooks and nets so they can start to rebuild their lives and become self–sufficient.
Just £15 / €17 could provide fishing gear for a family like Michael’s; £8.50 / €9.50 could provide two cooking pots so they can eat a hot meal; and £3 / €3.50 could pay for two plastic jerry cans so they can store safe drinking water.
For 70 years, Christian Aid and its supporters have been there, making a difference and helping to transform the lives of people living in poverty. With your support we are restoring dignity to people in desperate situations and offering hope to brothers and sisters who have no safe place to call home.
Thanks to your help, we will be there tomorrow.
For more information or to support the work of Christian Aid Ireland visit www.christianaid.ie/lent or call 01 4967040.