Prayer points

It’s estimated 10 million people are suffering in a crisis that is mainly affecting parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. UNICEF is warning that 2 million children are malnourished in the Horn of Africa, and half a million could soon die or suffer long-lasting mental or physical damage. The changing climate in East Africa over recent years has had an adverse impact on livestock herders, who have seen the value of their animals drop and their markets collapse, resulting in dwindling food-purchasing power. This has come at a time when staple food prices around the world have risen massively. In Ethiopia, where food price inflation is running at 40 per cent, 3.2 million people are experiencing serious hardship as a result of the crisis. Most of them are in the south-east, another area where people rely on livestock for their livelihoods. Pray for a concerted international response to the crisis that prevents it escalating and for God’s strength to fortify those experiencing severe hunger, particularly children. (Tearfund - July 2011)

For many people, Ethiopia is best known for its periodic droughts and famines. Although the country has witnessed economic growth in recent times, these weather-related events still leave many families in need of food assistance. World Vision is working with the Ethiopian government and communities to help address some of the causes of poverty. Potential solutions include alternative forms of agriculture, which is the foundation of the country’s economy. Pray for effective strategies and projects to help people in Ethiopia to overcome hunger. (World Vision - May 2011)

In Ethiopia the Church is playing a central role in putting ordinary people in charge of their own lives and giving them a new sense of direction. More than 7,000 local churches are being encouraged to reach out to their communities and address poverty issues by assisting in the setup of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) made up of 15-20 local people. Members of these groups are encouraged to start saving their money with the intention of providing loans to each other for small scale business ventures. Worku Gollie, from EKHC, the organisation behind the initiative, explains: “During the coffee harvest, people earn money from harvesting and selling coffee beans but tend to spend all they earn and then go hungry. The SHG approach is changing this culture and this is making a difference.” Pray that SHGs continue to have a positive impact within communities and that these changes are a beacon of hope to others. (Tearfund - July 2010)