Famine has been declared in areas of South Sudan, with Somalia, Nigeria, and Yemen on the brink of famine. More than 20 million people are at risk of starvation in these four countries alone. Globally, millions more suffer from drought and food shortages. The UN is calling this the largest humanitarian crisis since 1945. Yet, the famines are the result of conflict, drought, poverty and global inaction, and in most cases they are preventable. On Sunday, we will join with churches around the world in a prayer to end famine.
We pray for the people, churches, wider society and the governments of South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen. We also pray for all the neighboring countries, which are also affected and are receiving and hosting millions of displaced people.
We pray for the strengthening of the prophetic voice of the churches. We also pray for the ministry of accompanying individuals and communities with their preferential attention and ministry to the marginalized and the poor.
We pray for the strengthening and adequate resourcing of the on-going work of the churches in the affected areas. We also pray for the revival among churches and faith communities to respond to this crisis and for the diaconal work of church communities.
Give us the humility, courage and willingness to respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers in dire situations in a compassionate, timely and sufficient manner.
We pray for children in the famine and drought affected countries and their welfare, that the appropriate interventions might be directed to them.
We also pray for peaceful and for safe working conditions of humanitarian workers and communities on the frontlines, that their lives are protected and access to humanitarian assistance is secured.
We pray for peace and durable solutions that will end conflict and violence. We pray that communities can live, mobilize their resources, benefit from the fruits of their labor, in their own environment, living without domination and fear.