Christian Aid Week

Keeping hope alive

For many people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, life is a struggle. After ten years of conflict, malnourishment and preventable diseases still claim thousands of lives each week. Christian Aid helps to rebuild lives in some of the DRC’s most vulnerable communities.

Like Nadia. She is 18. Her father died nearly three years ago. She has had to give up her schooling to care for her five brothers and sisters, while her mother worked to support the family. One of Christian Aid’s partners, Humanité Nouvelle, encourages young girls like Nadia to learn skills to support themselves. Nadia learned  tailoring, and now helps to train other poor young girls. She says Humanité  Nouvelle has given her “education for life.” Without such schemes, too many of these desperate girls would have fallen into prostitution.

Nadia’ mother describes Nadia as “a blessing. Without her, life would be very hard.” Nadia’s church pastor talks about her “inspiring gospel singing.”

Christian Aid Week is 10 – 16 May. Once again, along with all churches in Garstang and throughout the country, we are being asked to help with the door to door envelope collection for our area. Pauline Greenwood is co-ordinating the collection for our church this year. Please watch out for the list of streets and envelope packs in the church hall early in May and “sign up” if you can! Let’s see if we can complete our allocation this year and help to make this a vintage year to “keep hope alive” for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and many other of the world’s poorest communities.

Also, if anyone is interested in taking on the important task of co-ordinating the Christian Aid collection for our church, please speak to Pauline.

A collector’s prayer

Father God, remind me again of your love for the poor, the marginalised and the oppressed.

I want to follow your example and make a difference with my time and my prayers,

through collecting and donating, so that a glimpse of heaven is seen on earth.

As hope replaces despair and peace overcomes violence,

 fill me with your spirit and your strength,

so that your name may be glorified, this week and forever.