St Mungo’s continues to support Tearfund in prayer and financially.
In April Tearfund was able to take immediate action to help prevent the spread of coronavirus in vulnerable communities. This helped provide 1.3 million people across 34 countries with life-saving assistance such as hygiene education, hand washing facilities and food parcels. Tearfund are deeply grateful for the support of St Mungo’s and other churches that enabled them to respond quickly. Even as the pandemic slows down here in the UK, across the world it is accelerating. People already suffering due to conflict, persecution and poverty now face the threat of a disease against which they have little protection. Millions of lives are at stake, and the need is growing every day.
• In Yemen, millions of people have been facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with extreme hunger and violence part of everyday life. Now, there’s coronavirus too.
• In the Democratic Republic of Congo, decades of internal conflict, as well as numerous Ebola outbreaks, have wreaked havoc upon the country. Now, there’s coronavirus too.
• In Syria, entire cities have been reduced to rubble in one of the most destructive conflicts in recent history. Millions have been forced from their homes. Now, there’s coronavirus too
These countries and many others simply do not have the infrastructure to cope with the pandemic, and risk being taken beyond the brink of disaster. But there is hope. Because there is the church. Tearfund continues to step up its response, working with local churches and other partners to reach people in need.
There are a number of ways in which we can support this work:
• Pray: Tearfund has an up-to-date helpful prayer guide. www.tearfund.org/en-SC/about_you/pray/
• Act: raise awareness about how coronavirus is affecting people living in poverty.
• Give: the sacrificial giving of the UK church has already been a lifeline to vulnerable communities. But more needs to be done. If you are able, please consider giving.
Tearfund aims to continue to follow Jesus where the need is greatest. Further challenges lie ahead, but Tearfund is acting now to save lives.