December 1, 2011 0 comments

Posted in: Kirkplace Events

'...in the name of Jesus... I want to be your hands and feet, I was to be your voice every time I speak, I want to run to the ones in need In the name of Jesus" (Steve Fee)

Article by Fiona Hodge (Partnerships Team Leader)

On Wednesday 30 November, about 80 people from surrounding churches gathered at Kirkplace where Pastor Trevor Hodge led us in a night of prayer and song for East Africa. We gathered to pray because there has been drought and severe famine in that region for a number of years. We gathered to sing and cry out to our mighty God to bring an end to the drought and suffering of our brothers and sisters. We gathered to give financially to the World Vision East Africa emergency appeal. God moved hearts in amazing ways that night! We raised $11500, the government matched that and so we sent $23,000 over to East Africa. Praise God!

Those gathered heard more about the situation in which Greater Horn of Africa countries – especially Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia – are suffering from one of the worst prolonged droughts in 60 years. About 13.3 million people are now in need of food aid – including more than 1.6 million children under age five who are acutely malnourished and around 500,000 people suffering from life-threatening severe malnutrition. Thousands of Somalis are seeking refuge in Ethiopia and Kenya, leading to serious child protection concerns with anecdotal reports of child separation, increases in child labour and child marriage as a result of the crisis.

The group sang and prayed of God's greatness and mercy and for his justice and mercy to overflow in this devastated region. It was so encouraging to pray together and to see the group give so generously!

Thanks to all who supported this initiative and gave generously to those in need. Our prayers and donation will be a real blessing in the name of Jesus.