PRAYER ALERT: Cyclone Roanu in Bangladesh
At least 21 people have been killed by a cyclone in Bangladesh, with half a million more having had to flee their homes.
Cyclone Roanu hit early last Saturday morning and caused widespread damage, including landslides and severe flooding. The hardest hit area has been the southern Chittagong district. According to the Disaster Management and Relief Directorate, around 23,000 houses have been completely destroyed and 59,000 partially damaged. Crops and land have also been drastically affected.
Deadly clones are frequent to low-lying Bangladesh. Because of its location, it is also vulnerable to extreme flooding.
Praise God that since Saturday, the storm has weakened. There is, however, still substantial rain and heavy flooding in the area.
PLEASE PRAY
- Lift up those who have lost family members and loved ones. Ask for God’s peace and comfort to surround them during this time of devastating loss.
- Disasters like these can cause such terrible grief and heartache. Pray for all those who have lost their homes and belongings. Pray that people will be safe and find shelter, and ask for God’s protection from future cyclones.
- Pray for change – pray that the heavy rains will cease and that people will slowly be able to start rebuilding their lives.
- Continue to pray for Tearfund partners who are continuing to network with government disaster management departments.
We have lost everything, but our smile!
Almost six weeks on from the devastating earthquake that hit Ecuador last month, we meet three inspiring women and find out how they are helping to bring aid and hope to those in need.
When a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Ecuador in South America on 16 April, more than 650 people were killed (although the actual figure could be much higher) and 350,000 people were left in need of humanitarian assistance.
Now, more than a month after the earthquake, aftershocks are still very common and thousands of people remain displaced from their homes. In the aftermath of chaos and confusion, there are, however, stories of great hope and encouragement.
Luciana, Theofania and Susana smile and talk as they prepare food together. They all live in Bahia de Caraquez in Ecuador. They’ve lost so much, yet together with the help of Tearfund partner Peace and Hope International (PHI) they help to prepare food rations each night to distribute and deliver to earthquake victims. In Bahia de Caraquez alone, 29 people died and more than 800 people were injured.
Luciana says, ‘God protected us and we are alive, but there is still so much need. There is no work because of the earthquake, but we are sure that God will help us.’
Even though their church building was damaged in the earthquake, it has still become a centre for gathering food, water, and for providing power to the community. And together, as a group of women from the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, they gather to bring a helping hand to those most in need as a result of the earthquake.
In startling heat and humidity, Susana says, ‘Food is distributed at night to victims who are watching over their homes. Thank you for your help, brothers and sisters in Christ.’
Lastly, they say with a smile, ‘Thank God, we are blessed and alive. We have lost everything, but our smile!’
PLEASE PRAY
- Lift up those who have lost family members and loved ones because of the earthquake. Pray that they will experience the loving heart of God in this time of huge loss.
- Pray for the safety of everyone living in the affected areas as they continue to experience powerful aftershocks.
- Praise God that he is using individuals like Luciana, Theofania and Susana to bring hope and comfort to those in need.
- Thank God for Tearfund’s partner staff in Ecuador as they work to bring transforming change and hope. Pray that his love and joy will continue to shine through.
Fellowship and fun: Prayers for Big Church Day Out
This coming weekend, more than 25,000 Christians will gather together at Wiston House in West Sussex for this year’s Big Church Day Out (BCDO). As one of the UK’s largest Christian festivals, this annual event brings people together – from all denominations and church backgrounds – for two family-friendly, fun-filled days of fellowship, music and worship. As BCDO’s main partner, we ask for your prayerful support as we head into this significant 48 hours.
As in previous years, Tearfund has an army of incredible staff and volunteers preparing for BCDO and working hard to promote this year’s campaign, Give Like Jesus. It is our prayer that many will pledge towards helping us close the hunger gap and make a real difference to the lives of those most in need.
We would love you to join with us in prayer as we commit this weekend to God and ask him to make it a significant moment for the people facing hunger around the world, through the generosity of Christians at the festival.
PLEASE PRAY
- Pray that Jesus’ name will be glorified over the coming few days. Pray that everyone will have a life-changing experience and that many will encounter Jesus like never before.
- Praise God for each and every person who has decided to join us at BCDO. Pray that many will be stirred and encouraged by the Give Like Jesus campaign.
- Thank God for our staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to plan and prepare for BCDO. Pray for strength and grace as they give all they have to make this weekend an enjoyable experience for all.
- Lastly, pray for sunshine! Clear blue skies and sunny days truly do make the whole BCDO experience so much more delightful!
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27 May 2016 One Voice weekly prayer email
tearfund.org/praying