Famine in Africa
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 20 Nov 2011 in From Steve's Study ::
We have all seen pictures & statistics depicting the terrible famine in the horn of Africa. Although these images have drifted out of the headlines lately, the tragedy continues unabated. According to the US state department, up to 7.4 in every 10,000 people are dying every day… over 29,000 children under 5 in Somalia alone.
In the face of such terrible statistics, it is easy to throw our hands up and give up, thinking nothing can be done. Of course alone we can do little, but the Australian Government has made it possible for us to make a huge difference together. Until the 30th of November, the government has promised to match “dollar for dollar” every donation made towards disaster relief. As a church we were able to raise $30,000 for our front lawn. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to think that if we could match that, then $60,000 dollars would be going to feed those who otherwise might starve?
One of the aid agencies that has been approved for such donations is our own “Anglican Aid”. This organization deliberately works with the churches that on the ground in the affected areas, enabling them to be the conduits through which aid comes to their neighbours & the thousands upon thousands of refugees who have come into their land. To find out more about what they are already doing in the area, as well as their needs, go to “anglicanaid.org.au”. On the website you can hear an interview with the Kenyan Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, who is speaking with Peter Jensen about their needs and plans for implementation.
I know this has been in the news for some time, but now is the time to act, before the Government’s offer ends. So talk with one another, pray and give generously for the good of those in need: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith”. (Gal 6:10) “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 Jn 3:17)
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