Christmas Appeal

Share your heart, help bring peace

‘Peace on earth’ is a phrase so connected to Christmas. But, right now, it’s far removed from the devastation we see across the world. People are desperate for peace. Hearts are troubled and broken. But Jesus came to bind up the broken-hearted. As we celebrate his birth this Christmas, there’s so much we can do to reflect his love and help bring peace to people who need it urgently.

This Christmas, you can make a huge difference to people living in desperate need around the world.

Your gift of £61 could enable a peace champion to teach three self-help groups to peacefully resolve local conflicts. Self-help groups also provide savings and income opportunities training, supporting families returning from conflict. This would give parents like Jacqueline the peace of knowing they can clothe, feed and educate their children.

Your gift will support Tearfund’s work with local churches and help restore peace to the hearts of people around the world whose lives have been devastated by conflict, hunger and poverty.

Help rebuild lives across the world

There are many countries across the world where Tearfund is working with the local church to help heal the trauma caused by conflict. Burundi is one of them.

After fleeing to Rwanda to escape the violent conflict in Burundi, Jacqueline has decided it is safe enough to return home. But she is still carrying the vivid memories of the brutality she suffered – as are many others like her. By giving a gift today, you can help a person like Jacqueline to rebuild their life.

Returning has been painful for Jacqueline. Not just because of the reminders of the horror that claimed her father’s life and later caused her to flee, but also because of the challenges she is facing now. She came back to find her farm land had been given away. So she has to watch as her children go without food.

‘There are times, like this morning, that my children get very hungry,’ says Jacqueline. ‘But I have nothing to give them apart from some food left over from last night. The biggest problems I face are hunger and raising my children on my own.’

Joining a Tearfund-supported self-help group has been a huge support to Jacqueline. Since joining the group, Jacqueline has been able to save and buy a goat and a bicycle, which one of her children uses to go to school or to collect water. In these groups, people tackle their problems together, as Jacqueline says, ‘I like the way we sit down and share, it makes me happy.’ Through this support, she is better able to feed and provide for her children.

Poverty is not God’s plan. You are. Your support this Christmas will help Tearfund's local partners as they work to restore peace to the hearts of people like Jacqueline.