Prayer Diary Spring 2016

SPRING ’16

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‘WE ARE GOD’S HANDIWORK’ Ephesians 2:10

tearfund.org/prayer

LENT REFLECTIONS

EASTERGRAM

SAHEL CRISIS

Giving it up for God

Steve Turner’s Easter poem

Prayer for this drought-hit region

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

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Following Jesus where the need is greatest

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CONTENTS

WELCOME

04 A forgotten crisis Lifting up troubled CAR 05 Dignity through sanitation The blessing of good toilets 06 40 days of devotions Preparing for Lent

KNOW YOUR FATHER

07 Loving our neighbours Because God first loved us

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26

08 Modern-day slavery Praying for trafficked children

When the floods hit Mocuba, Mozambique, on 14 January, 23-year-old Elton lost his home and all his possessions – like 50,000 others in the region. Just when it seemed things couldn’t get any worse, as Elton arrived at the resettlement camp – his new home – he was struck by lightning.

10 In every circumstance Prayer for Mozambique

09 Giving it up Challenging injustice in prayer

11 In conflict Focus on war-torn countries 12 Taking up the cross Thanking Jesus for the cross

Last September, I visited the Zambezia region of Mozambique to see how your prayers and support for Tearfund are providing a lifeline to people now living in resettlement camps. I didn’t expect to meet someone like Elton. Nine months on, he was still making regular hospital visits: the burns on his arms were healing but he had difficulty walking.

14 Floods in Asia Prayer for devastated communities 15 Step by step Knowledge transforms communities 16 China in our hands Prayer for this country of contrasts

Elton managed to smile and even joke about his experience: when I asked him if the lightning bolt knocked him out, he laughed and said, ‘No, I am strong!’ What Elton taught me is something about the father heart of God.

17 Drought in Sahel Lifting up communities on the brink 18 Hope and a future in Uganda Praise for progress and development

I asked Elton how he could survive in the settlement with his injuries. He pointed to the community leader – a church pastor – and said, ‘This man takes care of me. He is my father now.’

Despite the hardship, Elton still has hope. Not because he can provide for himself or overcome his circumstances. But because he knows who his father is.

Editor

Peter Shaw twitter @TearTimes | email praying@tearfund.org

19 Perseverance in the Philippines Rebuilding devastated communities 20 Not forgetting Sudan Remembering this country in conflict 21 Speaking out for change Calling on governments to act

AND HE DIED FOR ALL, THAT THOSE WHO LIVE SHOULD NO LONGER LIVE FOR THEMSELVES

22 Nepal’s road to recovery Prayer for the ongoing reconstruction

2 CORINTHIANS 5:15

Copyright © Tearfund 2016. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for the reproduction of text from this publication for Tearfund promotional use. For all other uses, please contact us.

23 Prayer resources

Cover image: CAR conflict survivors Audry and baby Olivia Photo: Hannah Maule-ffinch/Tearfund

Photo: Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

Photo: Alex Stewart/Tearfund

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

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A FORGOTTEN CRISIS: 24 – 30 JANUARY The Central African Republic (CAR) was plunged into crisis in December 2013 when a rebel group seized power in a violent coup. Then came the country’s descent into ethnic and sectarian violence and nearly a quarter of the population was displaced. About 2.5 million people are still in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Join with us this week in praying for one of the world’s poorest nations and Tearfund’s work there.

SUNDAY 24 JANUARY Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 Pray that God will use the church in CAR as a force for peace and pray that church leaders are able to break cycles of violence as they encourage their congregations to be reconciled and to forgive one another.

MONDAY 25 JANUARY And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Many young people in CAR are severely traumatised

WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY More than 400,000 people remain in displacement camps in CAR, many on church compounds. The conditions are very poor with about 80 people sharing each dirt-floor tent.

Pray that in the midst of these harsh environments, people will know they are not forgotten, as churches and humanitarian agencies provide comfort and meet basic needs.

Isidore Kote was unable to produce crops to provide for his family of six after rebel groups entered his village, killed his livestock and stole his farming tools. Pray for the Tearfund team in CAR, who help farmers like Isidore restart their agricultural activities by providing farming supplies.

THURSDAY 28 JANUARY Pray for Tearfund staff living far from their family and friends in this hostile environment. Pray for protection, encouragement, strength and courage as they follow Jesus where the need is greatest in CAR. Pray that they will reveal God’s love through the lifesaving work they do.

TUESDAY 26 JANUARY The extreme violence people have witnessed and been subject to in CAR has left many young children deeply traumatised.

Pray that the children we are providing with psychosocial support will experience deep healing in their hearts and minds and be able to enjoy learning and playing again.

FRIDAY 29 JANUARY The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 Militia groups have perpetrated horrific acts of sexual violence in ongoing fighting across the country. Tearfund is supporting the local church to create a movement of survivors. Pray that survivors will find strength and encouragement in working together and pray for an end to this form of violence in CAR. SATURDAY 30 JANUARY If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Photo: Hannah Maule-ffinch/Tearfund

Dear Lord, today we pray for decision-makers involved in CAR at every level – from community leaders to national and international governments.

Instil in them wisdom and use them to establish lasting peace.

Amen.

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

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DIGNITY THROUGH SANITATION: 31 JANUARY – 6 FEBRUARY Toilet Twinning raises funds for Tearfund’s water and sanitation work, providing toilets, clean water and hygiene education in some of the poorest nations. A simple pit latrine can be lifechanging, especially for women and girls, freeing them from the threat of disease and releasing them from poverty.

‘PEOPLE ARE DOING THEIR BEST TO REPLANT AND REBUILD’ Family in Sheohar district in Bihar, India, who have benefitted from a decent toilet

SUNDAY 31 JANUARY Without a toilet at home, women and girls have to wait until dark to relieve themselves outside, risking attack. Without toilets at school, children miss class or drop out of education.

The toilets provided through Toilet Twinning are opening up fresh opportunities for people and removing barriers to their development. Thank God that he is ‘lifting heads’ (Psalm 3:3) and changing lives through the gift of toilets.

MONDAY 1 FEBRUARY Community mobiliser Lovely from India’s Bihar state encourages poor families to install a toilet at home. She describes the agonies of women having to wait until dark before they can relieve themselves, even if they have diarrhoea.

‘If women are worried about needing to go to the toilet, they eat less,’ she says. Pray that more women will be released from this indignity.

TUESDAY 2 FEBRUARY The area where our partners in Nepal have been working was badly affected by April’s earthquake. Praise God that the training they had given villagers in hygiene and sanitation helped quake survivors avoid health risks in the aftermath of the disaster. Pray that their education messages will spread so that many more communities will want to build toilets.

Photo: Vernon Kingsley/Tearfund

WEDNESDAY 3 FEBRUARY A rebuilding project on Negros island in the Philippines is providing new typhoon-resistant homes, each with its own latrine, for people relocated after typhoon Haiyan. People are being taught about hygiene so they can stay safe and healthy.

Pray that this new community will grow in unity and have fresh confidence to rebuild their lives.

THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY Amanuel and Meselech are freshly motivated to work their land in Garora, Ethiopia, since the Kale Heywet Church taught them how to build a latrine. Before, they used their fields as their toilet so they were reluctant to farm. ‘Our environment became clean and we wanted to work,’ says Amanuel. Pray that more villagers will discover the dignity of work in this way.

FRIDAY 5 FEBRUARY Nsckanaba, a 75-year-old widow, has just received her first toilet, which her fellow villagers in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, built for her. ‘When you are part of the community, the children of other people become your children and they help you,’ she says. Thank God that toiletbuilding projects are bringing communities together.

SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY Dear Lord, I thank you that you are the same God who ‘raises the poor from the dust’ and ‘seats them with princes’ (1 Samuel 2:8). I pray that more and more of the 2.5 billion people who don’t yet have a toilet will soon have proper sanitation, so that they can break free from generational poverty.

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

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WEEK ONE

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS: 14 – 20 FEBRUARY

The next seven weeks cover the period of Lent. This year in the Prayer Diary we’re joining with many more people online and by email who are taking a Lenten journey with Tearfund, putting aside time to focus on justice and poverty.

You can read longer versions of these daily devotions at tearfund.org/lent

When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment (Mark 12:30– 31), he said it was all about love: love for God and our neighbours. One way to show love is by acting justly towards others. This week we reflect on love and justice...

Chronic food insecurity affects many vulnerable households in Zimbabwe

MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY Lent is a time when we are called to repent – a word that perhaps we only hear occasionally in our churches today. Repentance, according to the Hebrew understanding, suggests a head and heart response to our separateness from God. Father, help me to clearly see the areas of my life where I need repentance.

TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY Repentance means to know in our minds that we are sorry and need God. It is to feel that longing for God in our hearts and then to turn back from what has been keeping us away from God, to receive his forgiveness and new life. Lord, as we begin this Lenten journey tomorrow, Photo: Clive Mear/Tearfund

help me to turn away today from what has been keeping me from you.

‘LENT IS NEARLY UPON US. PERHAPS IT’S TIME FOR A BIT OF A SPIRITUAL SPRING CLEAN?’ THE START OF LENT ASH WEDNESDAY 10 FEBRUARY We all have things that distract us from spending time with God. It might be the TV or the smartphone. Father God, help me draw near to you today and during the next 40 days of Lent.

Fix my eyes on you and your kingdom values, and teach me to live more completely for you.

Amen.

THURSDAY 11 FEBRUARY Lent is a time when we deny ourselves something to focus on drawing closer to God. It’s also a great time to start something

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WEEK TWO

40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS: 7 – 13 FEBRUARY

SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY Lent is nearly upon us. Perhaps it’s time for a bit of a spiritual spring clean? These 40 days are traditionally a season where we are invited to deepen our relationship with God, as we remember together Jesus’ death and resurrection. Lord, prepare my heart to deepen my relationship with you this Lent.

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

new to bless others. Lord, break us from the power of greed and selfishness so that we may freely share what we have with others and bless them out of our blessings. Amen.

FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY Chronic food insecurity affects many vulnerable households in Zimbabwe. Tearfund partner River of Life works to increase yields across Zimbabwe by training farmers in techniques known as ‘Farming God’s Way.’ Father God, help all those who struggle to feed their families.

As they learn new farming techniques, we pray that many more poor farmers will reap a good harvest this year. Amen.

SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY One day, creation will be reconciled to Christ and made new. Until then, we weep with those who suffer the effects of a broken earth. Lord, we thank you for your amazing creation.

We ache along with it, for the people who suffer the effects of irregular rain patterns, freak weather and natural disasters.

Amen.

SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY It’s Valentine’s Day, a day when love is celebrated. Tearfund is a member of the Climate Coalition (fortheloveof.org.uk) which is encouraging people to Show the Love for everyone and everything affected by climate change. This includes our global neighbours, particularly those in poorer countries who have done least to cause climate change and yet are most affected by it.

Please pray for Tearfund partners who are helping communities adapt and respond to the effects of climate change.

MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY Lent is a time for reflection and simple living, and it’s a good time to consider how we can love our neighbours by not damaging the earth. Ask God if there are ways you could reduce your carbon footprint, for example by switching your energy provider to a 100 per cent renewable one (visit tearfund.org/ecotricity). See these changes as acts of love.

TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY Food waste from British homes totals a staggering 7 million tonnes a year. If we stopped wasting food in the UK, the environmental benefit would be equivalent to taking 25 per cent of cars off the road. Pray Photo: Clive Mear/Tearfund and the Climate Coalition

Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, and Andy Lester visit Westminster to speak out on climate change

WE LOVE BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US 1 JOHN 4:19 for projects like Saltaire Canteen (saltairecanteen.co.uk), started by churches in Shipley, which aims to reduce food waste and poverty. Pray that everyone they serve in the canteen will experience God’s love.

WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY Sharing food is a great way to share God’s love together. Give thanks for the food you have, and those who you can share it with. Could you invite someone over to eat with you this week?

And pray for people across the world who are hungry.

THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY Living justly is part of how we love God and our neighbours, but what does this look like in the 21st century? The answer is: it’s complicated and will look different for each one of us. Tearfund’s Stir-up Supper resource (tearfund.org/supper) gives you the opportunity to discuss this over dinner. Ask God whether this would be a good opportunity for your church.

FRIDAY 19 FEBRUARY Last year young people in Nigeria attended a Live Justly course run by Tearfund. The content had such an impact on them that they gave up snacks and donated the money they saved to a project caring for children displaced by the violence in northern Nigeria.

Pray that they will continue to show God’s love through living justly, and pray for the project they are supporting.

SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 Dear Lord, please help us to love others with every part of our lives, and please strengthen all those who are serving and loving others in your name today.

Amen.

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

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Following Jesus where the need is greatest

WEEK THREE

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WEEK FOUR

MODERN-DAY SLAVERY: 21 – 27 FEBRUARY

GIVING IT UP: 28 FEBRUARY – 5 MARCH

Continuing our Lenten journey, this week we focus on the plight of desperate people across the world: modern-day slaves, children trafficked for labour and families fleeing conflict, forced to become refugees.

Lent is often a time when we choose to give things up in order to break a habit and focus on God. But many people across the world have no choice: they have to miss meals regularly, and are denied life’s essentials such as good sanitation and clean water. This week we give these things up to God.

SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY Trafficking is the fastestgrowing crime in the world. It shatters the lives of 1.2 million children every year, along with their families. Lord, help me to pause and take time this coming week to devote time to pray and consider the plight of trafficked children. Amen.

MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY Turn an item of clothing you’re wearing inside out to check the label for the country in which it was made. The vast majority of our clothes are from countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Nepal or Peru where children work. Pray for children who make our clothes and for our shops and consumers to take action to discourage child labour in clothes factories.

TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY Slavery is a tragedy and an injustice that continues today.

The UN estimates that there are between 27 million and 30 million slaves in the world.

Today we grieve for childhoods lost, dignity trampled and loved ones pulled apart. We pray that people find hope for the future and refuge in you. Amen.

Photo: James Morgan/Tearfund

WEDNESDAY 24 FEBRUARY Parenting often seems like it requires making difficult decisions and impossible choices! Families in poor communities or fleeing disaster and conflict are forced to make decisions no parent should have to. Pray that churches rise to the challenge of meeting the needs of parents, ensuring they are not forced to make decisions because of unfairness or injustice.

THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY Tearfund partners in places such as Laos in South-East Asia are helping children stay protected from trafficking through the use of Bible stories. Who did you look up to when you were young? A church leader, Sunday School teacher or close friend?

Thank you, Lord, for those who have been role models to us – for their faithfulness. Amen.

FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY With images of refugees on our screens and heartbreaking statistics about those fleeing conflict worldwide, it’s sometimes hard to believe that the plans of the wicked are being frustrated (Psalm 146:9). Father, we thank you that you have won the victory over sin. We pray for those who have lost parents because of disasters, and for those displaced by conflict in countries such as Syria and Iraq.

Amen.

SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY When children go to school, we see communities develop, security increase and resilience to trafficking grow. We’re reminded that the best solutions to problems faced by communities come from the communities themselves.

Father, please protect children who have not had the education they deserve, and those who are vulnerable because they’re not in school. Amen.

‘SLAVERY IS A TRAGEDY AND AN INJUSTICE THAT CONTINUES TODAY’

SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY Lord, thank you for all you have given me. I have food, clean and safe water to drink, and I enjoy the benefits of transport and electricity. Help me to focus on the plight of people in this world who do not have even the basic essentials they need to thrive.

Amen.

MONDAY 29 FEBRUARY In Matthew 25, we are called

by Jesus into a life of service to poor people. Lord, open our eyes to see you, even in the most human of encounters today. Remind us that you are in each one of us, and that when we serve poor people, we are serving you. Amen.

TUESDAY 1 MARCH The good practices God gave the Israelites to help keep their camp healthy (Deuteronomy 23:12–14) are the same principles that Tearfund teaches communities today to improve their hygiene. Lord, thank you for your concern for our health and your desire that we enjoy life in all its fullness. Amen.

Photo: James Morgan/Tearfund

WEDNESDAY 2 MARCH Life is precious, and it cannot be sustained without water.

Across the world, children walk many miles every day to collect water for their families, often in very dangerous conditions.

Lord, we lift up the millions of children who have to walk miles for water. Protect them on their daily walk, and keep them from any danger.

FRIDAY 4 MARCH A simple pit latrine can be a lifesaver. It can restore peace to women and girls who no longer have to relieve themselves outside in the dark.

Thank you, Lord, for your faithful provision. Teach us to appreciate what we have – and share it.

Father, we lift to you the 2.5 billion people who still don’t have a proper toilet.

‘LIFE IS PRECIOUS, AND IT CANNOT BE SUSTAINED WITHOUT WATER’ THURSDAY 3 MARCH You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 Is this verse simply a personal challenge? The next line reveals Jesus isn’t just talking about individual holiness. Father, help us work together to offer light to people in need, whether it’s physical, emotional, spiritual, or all of these. Amen.

SATURDAY 5 MARCH Writer and broadcaster Elaine Storkey says: ‘In many places where Tearfund works, despite being weaker than men in physical strength, women do most of the hard work. But they remain weak in economic, social and legal terms. Thank you, Lord, that you made women and men in your image. Help us search our own attitudes, as we work together for your kingdom.

Amen.’

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

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Following Jesus where the need is greatest

WEEK FIVE

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WEEK SIX

IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE: 6 – 12 MARCH

IN CONFLICT: 13 – 19 MARCH The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. Isaiah 11:6

Last year, devastating floods hit poor communities across Mozambique. The survivors now live in basic resettlement camps, far away from their homes and lives on the riverbank. As we choose to give up things for Lent, we consider those who lost everything – and had no choice in the matter.

This verse in Isaiah is a picture of harmony, peace and tranquility. Sadly, across the world, conflict and injustice are still rife.

We pray for God’s will to be done...

Father Aphrem, from Assyrian Church of the East, manages a clinic for displaced people in Iraq

George from Morrumbala, Mozambique, lost four children in the 2015 floods

SUNDAY 6 MARCH Lord, we know that in this life we will face trials of many kinds.

Help us to be faithful in our own circumstances, and give us compassion for people who face extreme hardship, such as those who lost everything in the floods last year in Mozambique.

Amen.

MONDAY 7 MARCH On 12 January 2015, the Licungo river in Mocuba, Mozambique, rose more than 12 metres – sweeping away the homes and possessions of more than 60,000 people who lived on the riverbanks. We pray for the families now living in resettlement camps. Lord, give them the determination to start again, far away from the life they knew. Amen.

TUESDAY 8 MARCH The floods also hit Megaza, a very poor community near Morrumbala. Flora lost everything – her husband and six children, her home and possessions. Lord, we lift up

Photo: Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

‘I NEVER IMAGINED I WOULD LOSE MY FOUR CHILDREN. I AM JUST MOURNING’ Flora to you today – a woman who has known so much loss and sadness. Surround her with your love as she copes with her grief and starts her life afresh.

Amen.

WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH ‘My husband grabbed our daughter, Isabel,’ says Adelia from Mocuba, recalling the night the floods came. ‘I picked up our eight-month-old baby, Meide.

I felt so afraid, but we were together and safe.’ Father, thank you for keeping Adelia and her family safe. Help us to look past our possessions to the people who really matter. Amen.

THURSDAY 10 MARCH When the floods hit Mocuba, 23-year-old Elton lost everything. Then, as he arrived at his new home, he was struck by lightning. Asked how he could survive now, he pointed to the community pastor, saying, ‘He is my father now.’ Thank you,

Lord, that you have provided an earthly father for Elton, as well as being his heavenly Father.

Amen.

FRIDAY 11 MARCH Madelena, now in her 80s, lived most of her life on the banks of the Licungo river. She misses her home on the riverbank but has accepted that it’s too dangerous to return. Lord, we lift up Madelena to you and pray that you will surround her with family and community members to make her new life comfortable. Amen.

SATURDAY 12 MARCH ‘Life is very hard,’ says George whose family were camped out on the riverbank in Megaza when the floods came. ‘I never imagined I would lose my four children. I am just mourning.’

Lord, we lift up dear George to you as, one year on, he still feels the loss of his four children profoundly. Amen.

SUNDAY 13 MARCH Reflect on this verse today: ‘There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roof’ (Luke 12:2–3).

MONDAY 14 MARCH When we feel unable to talk about or practise our beliefs, it can be easy to hide away from the people who reject Christ, and hide our faith. Thank you for modern-day Jeremiahs and Baruchs (Jeremiah 36:4–7) who persevere in making your voice heard, despite persecution.

Amen.

TUESDAY 15 MARCH Some of the most life-changing work Tearfund does is to confront the fear, confusion and suffering caused by stigma around issues such as HIV. Dearest Lord, thank you that there is nothing but truth in you. Clear the path for those who long for your truth to be revealed, and give courage to those who challenge what is hidden in darkness. Amen.

Photo: Stella Chetham/Tearfund

‘THERE IS NOTHING CONCEALED THAT WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED, OR HIDDEN THAT WILL NOT BE MADE KNOWN’

WEDNESDAY 16 MARCH When life is busy, it can become more tempting to push God out. While it would be better to focus our attention on God, we often just plough on.

So just think how much harder it is for people in positions of authority.

Lord, we lift up those in authority. Grant them your mercy and courage, so that they lead wisely, for the good of all.

THURSDAY 17 MARCH About 60 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. It’s hard to get our heads around such an immense figure. Lord, we pray for peace, courage and safety for all who have been forced to flee, and ask you to lead them into a future filled with healing and restoration.

Amen.

FRIDAY 18 MARCH Our televisions, newspapers and smartphones display powerful images of conflict and families forced to flee their homes. But we can never fully understand the pain, loss and impact this has on people’s lives. We

LUKE 12:2 pray for your way of peace to transform these challenging places and pray that you will deliver troubled people from distress. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

SATURDAY 19 MARCH Tearfund’s staff and partners experience huge joy and fulfilment through their work.

However, many also encounter risk on a daily basis. Lord God, thank you that you know by name every person working for Tearfund. Protect them, strengthen them, inspire them, we pray. In the name of your Son. Amen.

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

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EASTERGRAM

WEEK SEVEN

SUNDAY 27 MARCH

TAKING UP THE CROSS: 20 – 26 MARCH

Calvary is a rubbish tip close by, not a green hill far away.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16

That is the stench of rotting dogs, not the waft of holy oil.

The cross is stubbed and splintered, not elegant and planed as if in a Florentine fresco.

As we come to the end of the journey this Lent, we turn our devotions to the suffering and death of Jesus, and what his sacrifice means in our lives.

SUNDAY 20 MARCH It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘Every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ Romans 14:11 Today, as we celebrate Palm Sunday, we look forward to the day when every knee will bow before God. Lord, help us to use our tongues to acknowledge you before others today. Amen.

MONDAY 21 MARCH This week we remember Jesus’ last days, when he was arrested, beaten, humiliated and killed. To onlookers, it must have seemed like the ultimate failure. Jesus, thank you for your incredible life of love, and the new life made possible because of all you endured. We ask you to help us not to run from brokenness and failure. Amen.

TUESDAY 22 MARCH While we were far from God, he reached into the mire and humbled himself to death on a cross, for us. We have been rescued, set free by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Father in heaven, we thank you for your Son. We ask for your help as we seek to move from having thankful hearts to having active hands as well. Amen.

Photo: Michael Owen/Tearfund

WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH God is committed to making us more like Christ so that we love the things he loves, and hate the things he hates. Can you be one ‘after God’s own heart’? (Acts 13:22) – ready to do what he wants you to do? Father, as we see disasters around the world, help us not to grow hard-hearted. Amen.

THURSDAY 24 MARCH One of the most amazing things to consider about Christ’s death is that it was a willing sacrifice.

Jesus took the path to the cross because it was the only way to rescue us from our sins. Thank you Jesus that, through the Lord’s Supper, we are joining with millions of people across the world who will enjoy eternal life because of your sacrifice.

Amen.

GOOD FRIDAY 25 MARCH Father, we thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross in our place, so that we can draw near to you. Help us to follow the obedience of your Son by taking up our cross, so we may become ambassadors of your sacrificial and reconciling love in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

Imagine that helmet a mask.

Imagine that sandal a boot.

Imagine that spear a gun.

THIS IS HOW WE KNOW WHAT LOVE IS: JESUS CHRIST LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US 1 JOHN 3:16

Imagine this crowd not contorting itself in grief but holding up its phones to share Easter with the world; proving it was there by watching it on screen.

What happens next will amaze you.

By Steve Turner

SATURDAY 26 MARCH Father, thank you for bringing new life and everlasting hope to us through the resurrection of your Son. We know the sufferings in this present age are not worthy to be compared with the resurrection glory yet to be revealed in your people. Help us to be instruments of hope in the world. Amen.

Steve is performance poet and journalist, author of several anthologies of poetry and many rock biographies.

‘I imagined how the crucifixion of Christ would look today,’ says Steve. ‘There would probably be cars and hoardings in the background. The soldiers would wear fatigues and masks. The bystanders would have t-shirts advertising Western products.’

You can read longer versions of these daily devotions at tearfund.org/lent

It brings to mind some of the toughest places on earth our staff and partners work. As you thank God for the wonderful news of Easter, remember them in your prayers today for their remarkable, sacrificial work.

Photo: Richard Hanson/Tearfund

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Following Jesus where the need is greatest

14 . PRAYER DIARY

FLOODS IN ASIA: 28 - 31 MARCH Millions of people were affected by flooding in a series of extreme weather events last summer across Asia.

This week we pray for those affected and their longterm recovery.

MONDAY 28 MARCH Last July, Cyclone Komen barrelled into Myanmar with devastating consequences. It affected 1.6 million people and left dozens dead, with 12 of the country’s 14 states suffering significant damage. Through Tearfund’s local church partners, we have been able to follow Jesus where the need is greatest and reach those most in need.

One partner provided practical aid to 50,000 people through 5,000 churches. Please pray for the continuing recovery of lives blighted by the storm.

TUESDAY 29 MARCH One of Tearfund’s local church partners has been helping the residents of 15 villages in two regions of Myanmar declared natural disaster zones.

Emergency food supplies have been distributed, focusing on the most vulnerable – people with disabilities, children and the elderly. Give thanks for the work

of the local church in sustaining the most needy people after this disaster.

WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH When the flood waters receded in Myanmar, one of the worst legacies was widespread damage to flimsy homes. Many were inundated with mud, leaving residents with the grim task of cleaning up and rebuilding. With so many people in poverty and on very low incomes, it will be a long road to restoration. Pray for their recovery.

THURSDAY 31 MARCH The number of people affected by flooding in Pakistan last August was a mind-boggling 1.3 million, with 2,500 villages experiencing damage. Monsoon rains were to blame and nearly 200 Pakistanis lost their lives. Tearfund partner ABES organised 40 medical camps and distributed 150 family hygiene kits and 800 nutritional

Major landslide hits the village of El Cambray Dos, Pinula, Guatemala

supplements to malnourished children and women. Give thanks that 6,450 people received help from our partner.

FRIDAY 1 APRIL The challenges of rebuilding fragile lives are summed up by the plight of the Hussain family.

When the River Indus broke its banks, they fled. They reached safety but contaminated water made the children ill, the family lost their food stocks and their house was badly damaged.

Tearfund supported the Hussains with emergency provisions, but do pray for the long-term recovery of this farmingdependent family.

SATURDAY 2 APRIL Pray for people whose health suffered as a result of the flooding, such as Sado Mayee, who lives in a village within Layyah District. The 60-yearold’s home was surrounded by water and the conditions led to her developing a fever and a cough. She was unable to get medical help due to the floods and couldn’t afford to pay someone to take her to receive attention.

PRAYER DIARY . 15

OVERCOMING POVERTY, STEP BY STEP: 3 – 9 APRIL Tearfund publishes resources to equip communities with the knowledge they need to lift themselves out of poverty. This week we focus on Footsteps, a magazine filled with practical advice for community health and development workers...

SUNDAY 3 APRIL Footsteps is read in 122 different countries, in communities that may otherwise have little access to health and development information. Its readers range from nuns to development workers, farmers to pastors, lecturers to senior citizens.

‘Footsteps has been a real teacher to me,’ says a reader from Nepal. Pray that the magazine will continue to bless its readers and bring positive change.

MONDAY 4 APRIL ‘People are interested to read stories about people and countries that surround them,’ says Josie from Malawi. ‘So seeing farmers from northern Malawi benefiting from compost really makes people here alter their ways.’ Give thanks that Footsteps is allowing people to share and implement new ideas.

TUESDAY 5 APRIL Health is a major concern for most people living in poverty.

Footsteps has covered topics such as TB, maternal health and non-communicable diseases.

Malcolm from Guyana was particularly inspired by an article entitled ‘Saving a mother’s life’.

‘Maternal deaths occur often at our hospital,’ he says. Pray for those around the world who lack basic medical facilities and healthcare information.

Photo: Accion Medica Integral

Joana Ilboudo from Tearfund partner ACTS in Burkina Faso is an avid Footsteps reader

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

Photo: Alice Keen/Tearfund

WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL In Samson’s village, children living with disabilities were mocked, excluded and even locked away. After reading a Footsteps edition on stigma, the community started a village school and sports club where these children were welcomed and loved. ‘The children who were mute can now speak quite well, write and play with their friends,’ says Samson. Ask God to bless Samson’s village.

THURSDAY 7 APRIL Chishimba often uses Footsteps during workshops in schools. He proudly tells us how it has been used to promote reading among the children and adults he works with. Illiteracy is both a cause and consequence of poverty – and sadly, 781 million adults are still unable to read and write.

Pray that more people will enjoy the blessings literacy brings.

FRIDAY 8 APRIL Footsteps always contains a Bible study with practical applications. James from Zambia works with people living with HIV, and tells us that many have come to faith through these materials. ‘There are words of comfort for those who suffer,’ he says. Praise God for the transforming power of his word.

SATURDAY 9 APRIL ‘We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!’ Acts 2:11 Local language translation helps to ensure clear communication between God and people reading the Bible, and between individuals and their neighbours. Pray for those working to develop translations of Footsteps so that people can know God better and see their part in transforming their communities.

‘THERE ARE WORDS OF COMFORT FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER’ Name has been changed to protect identity

*

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

16 . PRAYER DIARY

CHINA IN OUR HANDS: 10 – 16 APRIL

SUNDAY 10 APRIL Cedar Fund’s training helps envision churches to ‘go out’ to vulnerable people, and there are many examples of profound care and prevention in the areas of HIV, drug addiction and migration. Pray for courage and favour for the churches as they go about this work – that they would be increasingly motivated by love for the people they serve.

MONDAY 11 APRIL ‘When we lost our daughter to HIV and our grandson lost his mum, the three of us became invisible. Then some strangers came from a church who’d

‘WHEN WE LOST OUR DAUGHTER TO HIV WE BECAME INVISIBLE’ heard our story but weren’t scared of the disease. They showed our community that we were not cursed and we became visible again.’ Thank God for the church bringing healing to communities in Yunnan.

Photo: Richard Lister/Tearfund

Since 2007, Tearfund’s partner, Cedar Fund, has been working with local churches in the Yunnan province of southwest China. Our vision is that local churches will help to transform the lives of vulnerable migrant groups from ethnic minority communities. This week, we pray for this inspirational work.

TUESDAY 12 APRIL Two days after attending a Cedar Fund training course, Wei visited a man dying of AIDS who had been ostracised by his community – he comforted the family and gave them money. When the man died, he brought friends from his church to help with the burial, because the villagers were afraid of HIV. Pray that the church will continue to challenge stigma.

WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL ‘I was addicted and put all my energy into finding drugs.’ says Xi. ‘My family relationships were so bad that if they saw me they turned away.’ Xi has been at the Gospel Detox Centre for a year and has found physical and spiritual transformation.

Pray that Xi will continue to live free from drugs.

THURSDAY 14 APRIL Near the Myanmar border, Cedar Fund training has inspired the church to reach out to the Hill Tribes, a marginalised people group on the fringe of their society. The church helps people access education and teaches them Chinese so they can find new opportunities outside their communities.

Pray that God will bring deeper transformation to this community.

FRIDAY 15 APRIL Poverty pushed teenagers May and Amy into leaving their home in Myanmar for neighbouring China, where they became vulnerable to people traffickers. Cedar Fund has trained the church to raise awareness of trafficking. Now Amy, May and many others like them understand the dangers.

Praise God that vulnerable people are being safeguarded through Cedar Fund’s work.

SATURDAY 16 APRIL ‘When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?’ Matthew 25:38 Cedar Fund are working hard to encourage local Christians to identify and support vulnerable people in their own communities. Who are the marginalised groups in your own community? Reflect on how you might befriend and show them God’s love.

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DROUGHT IN SAHEL: 17 - 23 APRIL The Sahel region of Africa has regularly suffered drought since the 1980s. These areas naturally experience alternating wet and dry seasons. Some of the Sahelian countries that Tearfund works in have experienced drought, while others have experienced floods. The ongoing effects of climate change have affected crops and livestock and, if the situation does not improve, are likely to lead to a food crisis.

SUNDAY 17 APRIL The rain in Chad started at the end of July last year which was too late for farmers to sow. Pray that God would show mercy and compassion to the people of Chad, and give abundant rains early in the next planting season – enough for farmers to sow seeds but not too much which would wash the seeds away.

‘GRACIOUS AND LOVING FATHER, THANK YOU THAT YOUR LOVE, KINDNESS AND MERCY KNOWS NO BOUNDS’ MONDAY 18 APRIL Pray that, through the work of Tearfund’s partners, farmers will have the skills and knowledge they need to introduce innovative alternative farming methods such as market gardening, which can compensate for rainfed crops.

Photo: Sara CallyGuy/Tearfund Myddleton/Tearfund

TUESDAY 19 APRIL Late rains have a huge effect in Niger, particularly for families in the south who have to relocate to other pastures and pay for supplementary feed so that their livestock can survive. Pray for funds to be released so that more farmers can be trained to better manage animal food supplies.

WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL Pray that the government in Mali would intervene practically in the area of food security and call on help from the international community before the situation deteriorates, or it becomes too late for families severely affected by drought.

THURSDAY 21 APRIL Lift up Tearfund partners working in this region as they prioritise their funds and resources to best support vulnerable people.

Pray that farmer and pastoralist communities, who are culturally very different, will be encouraged to support each other.

FRIDAY 22 APRIL Pray that late rains in Burkina Faso will not result in a negative impact on agricultural production. Ask that there will be sufficient food to harvest and that communities and local markets will have plentiful stocks so that prices are affordable.

SATURDAY 23 APRIL Gracious and loving Father, thank you that your love, kindness and mercy know no bounds.

You do not withhold your arm from those who come to you and ask. Pour out your wisdom on the people of the Sahel who are affected by changing climate patterns, so that they know when to sow and reap. Let the land yield a good harvest this year. Amen.

The ongoing effects of climate change are likely to lead to a food crisis in the Sahel

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

18 . PRAYER DIARY

HOPE AND A FUTURE IN UGANDA: 24 – 30 APRIL Many lives have been transformed in the Soroti region of Uganda since Tearfund helped the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) introduce the Participatory Evaluation Process (PEP) nearly 15 years ago. PEP inspires churches and communities to identify their individual needs and encourages them to address those needs using their own resources. The process often fosters a strong desire to improve the quality of education, and so far 72 schools have been set up or supported in the region.

SUNDAY 24 APRIL Praise God for the growth of PEP in Uganda through PAG and other partners. Churches are helping their communities through this process of churchled transformation. Through their own efforts and resources, communities are coming together to make a difference.

Pray that more churches will be inspired to get involved.

MONDAY 25 APRIL Pray for more people to have transformed attitudes to education. One community member said that people used to think it was solely the government’s responsibility to provide education in her community. After PEP people are now saying, ‘It’s our responsibility, and we have resources to help us improve our education.’

TUESDAY 26 APRIL Thank God for various churches, communities and individuals who have set up schools that

Photo: Alex Stewart/Tearfund

aim to provide better education for their children, or who are supporting their local schools through advocacy to improve buildings and services. Pray that these schools would be well run by the school management.

WEDNESDAY 27 APRIL Thank God for the adults who are returning to school to improve their futures – they sometimes attend the same class as their children. One man, returning to school after 17 years, said he was no longer a ‘dropout’. After finishing school and gaining a further qualification, he has now become a civil servant. ‘That is a very big change,’ he said.

THURSDAY 28 APRIL Pray for the children attending these schools, that they will enjoy a better future. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope

and a future.’ Pray that more children will prosper and be given hope and a future.

FRIDAY 29 APRIL One of the schools that came out of the PEP process now employs a teacher who was inspired to work there because of the school’s Christian ethos.

Pray for the many teachers who are excited about sharing Jesus with their pupils, that they will be good examples and an encouragement to the children they teach.

SATURDAY 30 APRIL Dear Father, we pray for the churches linked to PAG that are transforming schooling in the Soroti region, that they would seek your wisdom as they decide their community priorities. And that they would grow and flourish and promote the best for their children.

Amen.

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

SUNDAY 1 MAY Elnora and Alfonso Nardo live with their son and two grandchildren in Cadiz city.

Even before the cyclone hit, they struggled to survive, relying on one pension to meet the needs of the whole family as well as coping with debt problems, ill health and old age. When the cyclone hit, the family then had the additional problem of a severely damaged house. Pray that people living in poverty in the Philippines will have hope, and for those who continue to suffer the consequences of the cyclone.

MONDAY 2 MAY Thank God for the work of Tearfund and our partners and the livelihoods programme which provides cash assistance and training to those businesses such as shops, fishing, livestock rearing and oyster and mussel farming.

TUESDAY 3 MAY Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12 Elnora benefited from Tearfund’s livelihoods programme which enabled her to start a shop selling rice. Thank God for her resilience, strength and attitude, and ask that her business will be a success.

PRAYER DIARY . 19

PERSEVERANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES: 1 – 7 MAY Two and a half years on from the devastation that Cyclone Haiyan wreaked across the Philippines, Tearfund and our partners are still working to rebuild livelihoods in one of the most severely hit regions, the Western Visayas. This week, we follow the journey of Elnora and her family as we pray for the Philippines…

WEDNESDAY 4 MAY May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 Ask God to continue to provide for Elnora, Alfonso and her family, and that they will be filled with joy and peace.

THURSDAY 5 MAY ‘We are very thankful to Tearfund who came into our life and granted us this blessing,’ says Elnora. ‘It had been really difficult to start over after the typhoon, but through this assistance, we were given new hope in facing our daily challenges.’ Because of the assistance and training, Elnora was able to start her business without having to worry about getting into debt. Pray for people who are still struggling to rebuild livelihoods.

FRIDAY 6 MAY Elnora hopes to provide start-up capital for her son’s fresh fish business as another source of income and hopes to provide better quality food for her whole family. Pray for a bright future for Elnora and her family and that businesses will flourish in the cyclone-hit areas of the Philippines.

SATURDAY 7 MAY Lord God, we ask you to bless the work of Tearfund and the livelihoods programme in the Western Visayas. We think of Elnora and her family, and others like them, as they continue to rebuild their lives.

We ask that you would keep close to them, guide them and make their paths straight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

‘WE ARE VERY THANKFUL TO TEARFUND WHO GRANTED US THIS BLESSING’

Photo: Patrick Goh/Tearfund

Rebuilt homes destroyed in the 2013 Philippines cyclone

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

20 . PRAYER DIARY

NOT FORGETTING SUDAN: 8 – 14 MAY Embroiled in conflict, the humanitarian needs of Darfur continue to be driven by cycles of displacement and instability. Eleven years on, 3.5 million people are in desperate need of lifesaving assistance. Many have died and continue to die from the combined effects of conflict, disease and malnutrition. This week we pray for hope and peace to be restored...

SUNDAY 8 MAY ‘Our village was completely destroyed by fighting and my daughter became seriously ill.

But God is great. I got help to reach a Tearfund Nutrition Centre that saved my daughter’s life,’ says Asha. Pray for the thousands that have been displaced from Jebel Marra, that timely support will reach them and they will know God’s love and comfort.

WEDNESDAY 11 MAY Pray that Tearfund will obtain favour with key government authorities in Sudan regarding visas and access permissions, without which Tearfund is unable to serve where the need is greatest. Pray that the relationships with government departments will lead to opportunities to share Tearfund values and leave a lasting impact.

MONDAY 9 MAY Sudan can be a stressful and complex place to work. Thank God for the courage and dedication of Tearfund national staff who faithfully serve despite difficulties and hardship and ask that he would renew their strength. Pray for the team as they experience many staff changes that they will work together as one body, encourage and sustain one another.

THURSDAY 12 MAY Despite a long history dating back to the 2nd century, the church and Christians face persecution and suspicion in Sudan. Pray for the church in Sudan, that they will be encouraged, united and inspired and will demonstrate the love of God to people around them in their own communities.

FRIDAY 13 MAY Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 There are a number of vacancies in the Sudan programme that need to be filled with the right people, with the right skills at the right time. This is crucial given the challenging context. Pray that God will prepare the hearts of the right people, giving them a sense of calling to serve in Sudan.

SATURDAY 14 MAY Dear Lord, you call us to be constant in prayer. So we lift up to you the conflict in Darfur and ask that you will bring peace and reconciliation across the land. We pray that the pain of conflict will become part of Sudan’s past and not part of its future. We pray for the people of Darfur and ask that you bless them in all the issues they face, and give them hope and a future.

TUESDAY 10 MAY Pray for those in positions of leadership in Sudan that they will be given God’s wisdom and guidance on how to lead the nation and reach people in desperate need. Ask that those in charge will lead and govern with integrity and put the Sudanese people first.

Photo: Marshall Currie/TEAR Australia

PRAYER DIARY . 21

SPEAKING OUT FOR CHANGE: 15 – 21 MAY After a 30-year battle the people of La Mosquita, Honduas, now have rights to their land

SUNDAY 15 MAY Osvaldo Munguía, Director of Tearfund partner Mopawi in Honduras, has a lot in common with William Wilberforce, the leading social reformer for the abolition of the slave trade.

Osvaldo waited more than 30 years to secure the change that he has campaigned tirelessly to achieve – see Tear Times page 18. Give thanks for Osvaldo’s dedication to the cause of the indigenous people in La Mosquitia region.

MONDAY 16 MAY Egypt ranks second highest worldwide in the levels of sexual harassment in its society. Give thanks for our partner Council of Services and Development which has been calling for an end to sexual abuse, especially in slums and poor urban areas.

Pray that the women and girls hearing this message will have boldness to act on it, and pray that the government will do more to protect their rights.

TUESDAY 17 MAY Please pray for our partner Serve in Afghanistan as they seek to enable children with disabilities to attend government-funded schools. Thanks to the success of their advocacy, in coalition with other organisations, they have secured a new national

3.5 million people are still in need of lifesaving assistance in Darfur

Photo: Geoff Crawford/Tearfund

Many of Tearfund’s partners are calling on their governments to act, speaking out for change. This week we pray for them, as they advocate for government ministers and local officials to create and implement laws that work in favour of people living in poverty, and to be transparent in spending public money.

‘ACT JUSTLY AND LOVE MERCY AND WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD’ MICAH 6:8 law on inclusive education.

Pray particularly that visually and hearing impaired Afghan children will benefit.

WEDNESDAY 18 MAY Every second, thousands of pounds are lost to secrecy and corruption globally – money that could be used to release poor communities from poverty.

Tearfund partner Christian Council of Tanzania has been advocating for financial transparency in oil, gas and mining companies. Ask God for wisdom for the government as they seek to change legislation in response.

THURSDAY 19 MAY In Nepal, communities are encouraged by law to participate in local government planning processes and government budget is allocated for the

poorest citizens to be able to do this. Praise God for our partner United Mission to Nepal, which has empowered some of the most marginalised communities to understand what the law says and access public money to pay for healthcare and education.

FRIDAY 20 MAY Burundi has struggled to emerge from a civil war which has gone on for more than a decade. In 2015, disputed presidential elections triggered widespread unrest. Tearfund’s advocacy work has brought this to the attention of the European Parliament. Pray that the parliament, and other powerful decision-makers, will be able to leverage change.

SATURDAY 21 MAY What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 Give thanks for all Tearfund’s partners who are acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God as they speak out for change for – and with – people who are poor and vulnerable.

Following Jesus where the need is greatest

22 . PRAYER DIARY

PRAYER RESOURCES Here are more resources and opportunities to pray with Tearfund for people in poverty.

NEPAL’S ROAD TO RECOVERY: 22 - 28 MAY Nepal was rocked by two significant earthquakes in April and May 2015. More than 8,500 people were killed, with millions more left devastated and vulnerable. Let’s pray, and give thanks for the ongoing response.

SUNDAY 22 MAY Thuli, 70, and Sher, 80, lived in the same house for the whole of their 50-year marriage before it was destroyed by the quake. Though the couple survived the disaster, they very nearly died in the aftermath.

‘Without Tearfund’s assistance we wouldn’t have survived,’ says Thuli. ‘We would have had nothing to eat and wouldn’t have been able to build any shelter.’ Give thanks for lives saved.

MONDAY 23 MAY In response to the earthquake appeal, St Lawrence Church, Morden, donated money and prayed for those affected. They also organised a prayer meeting with the local Nepalese ex-Gurkha community. ‘Here on our doorstep were people whose families had been affected, and we wanted to show our support for them,’ says Rev David Heath-Whyte.

Give thanks to God for this generosity.

Photo: Ben Keenan/Tearfund

TUESDAY 24 MAY One day after the quake, Daryl from one of our Nepalese partners, travelled for more than 12 hours to get aid to a particularly remote and badly damaged village. The devastation he witnessed on that journey will stay with him forever. ‘It was suddenly very easy to see how, in just 90 seconds, people’s lives were torn apart.’ Pray for those still reeling from this disaster.

WEDNESDAY 25 MAY Inspired to fundraise for Tearfund’s Nepal earthquake response, Rev Chris Owen from St Mary’s Church in Walton-onThames did a marathon… on a rowing machine! He said: ‘It’s more than 42km, with 3,000 calories burned… Basically, it’s four hours of hurt. But in Nepal, families are living through continued hurt right now.’ Thank God for Chris’ compassion.

THURSDAY 26 MAY Anita and her young family lost everything in the earthquake.

When our partner staff arrived in their village, the family was living under a thin piece of

plastic, so our team supplied them with iron sheeting to make a better temporary shelter. ‘We thank God and the church for providing,’ says Anita. ‘We can survive in this home until we rebuild.’ Pray for our partners as they help people to build back better.

FRIDAY 27 MAY ‘There is still a long way to go, but there are clear signs of progress,’ says Steve Collins, head of Tearfund’s work in Asia. ‘Terrific support for our emergency appeal means we can continue to support those most in need, in the months and years ahead.’ Praise God for those who have donated and fundraised to help people in Nepal.

SATURDAY 28 MAY Father God, we pray for the many families still recovering from the earthquakes in Nepal; may they know your healing and hope. We praise you for those leading Tearfund’s response which is benefiting tens of thousands of people.

And we pray for resilience, that our partners will succeed in helping communities become more able to withstand any future disasters. Amen.

email URGENT PRAYERS BY EMAIL Tearfund’s weekly prayer email, One Voice, features prayer updates from around the world.

Delivered every Friday, the email has downloadable content giving you the flexibility to use it at your Sunday service, small group meeting or on your own. Sign up at tearfund.org/ prayeremail JOIN A LOCAL PRAYER GROUP If you would like to meet with others to pray for issues that affect poor communities around the world, then join a local prayer group. Call 0208 977 9144 or email info@tearfund. org and find out if there’s a group near you – or consider starting one.

PRAYER DIARY . 23

twitter FOLLOW US ON TWITTER To receive regular prayer updates delivered to your smartphone, tablet or computer, you can follow Tearfund on Twitter. (You will need to have or set up a Twitter account at twitter.com) Visit twitter. com/tearfund URGENT PRAYER ALERTS We have launched a prayer alert service on WhatsApp (a smartphone application), to share urgent prayer requests by text message and the occasional image or audio to help you pray.

1. Add +44 7752 590723 (our dedicated WhatsApp number) to your phone’s contacts.

2. Text ‘UPDATE’ via WhatsApp to us on the above number.

3. We will add you to our prayer list and send you regular prayer alerts.

‘THE MORE YOU WORSHIP, THE LESS YOU WORRY’ RICK WARREN, AMERICAN EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN PASTOR AND AUTHOR

Photo: Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

ORDER EXTRA COPIES OR AUDIO AND BRAILLE VERSIONS OF THE PRAYER DIARY Audio and Braille versions of the Prayer Diary are available, free of charge, upon request.

You can also order more copies of the Prayer Diary for your church or group and sign up to receive extra copies regularly. Please call Tearfund on 0208 977 9144.

‘Thank you, Lord, that you made women and men in your image, and that in the church we are joint heirs of life in Christ. Help us to build a fairer, peaceful world, where women are not violated nor the vulnerable abused. Help us search our own attitudes, and challenge our complacency, as we work together for your kingdom.’

Elaine Storkey, writer, broadcaster and former Tearfund President

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