Every day, around 1,000 children under the age of five die because of unsafe water and poor hygiene. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where families already face these immense challenges, a deadly Ebola outbreak has made the situation even more critical. Now more than ever, access to a simple bar of soap and clean water can be the difference between life and death. This week, lift up Tearfund’s vital water, sanitation and hygiene workers as they respond to this crisis.
Sunday 11 October
Lord God, we lift up communities in the DRC who face the twin threats of ongoing poverty and a deadly Ebola outbreak. We pray for your protection over vulnerable families, particularly young children. Grant wisdom, courage and safety to Tearfund’s staff, local pastors and faith leaders as they set up clean water stations and share life-saving hygiene advice. May your peace rule in their hearts. Amen.
Monday 12 October
Pray for the critical logistics that help prevent the spread of Ebola, particularly in areas with dense and moving populations where contact tracing is difficult. Pray that the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola does not take hold. Ask God to bless the efforts of Tearfund and its partners as they establish sanitation infrastructure to serve as a first line of defence for future outbreaks.
Tuesday 13 October
Therese, a young mother in South Kivu, spent years believing her family’s constant illnesses were the result of witchcraft. ‘My children and I don’t fall ill all the time any more,’ she says after receiving hygiene training from a Tearfund partner. Pray that the light of knowledge continues to break the cycle of sickness for families across the DRC.
Wednesday 14 October
Pierre, who lost his arm in a crocodile attack, struggled to wash his hands until he received a bucket with a tap and a stool. ‘God has answered my prayers,’ he says. Pray for people with physical disabilities, that they may receive the specialised equipment they need to stay healthy.
Thursday 15 October
Charlotte used to collect water from Lake Tanganyika, where she lost her arm to a crocodile bite. She now has safe containers to store clean water away from danger, provided by Tearfund. ‘I hope the work of Tearfund will stop more people losing their arms,’ she says. Pray for the safety of those who risk their lives to fetch water for their families.
Friday 16 October
Pauline was pregnant with her first child when she was hospitalised with typhoid, spread through contaminated water. After building a tippy tap with the help of Tearfund, her family is healthy. ‘I’m able to save some money ahead of having my child,’ she says. Pray for expectant mothers, that good hygiene will provide a safe environment for the next generation.
Saturday 17 October
Tearfund’s staff often see the scale of need in displaced camps and rural villages, particularly for improved water and sanitation. Join the team in praying for the release of funding and resources. Pray that more resources will create more health and economic freedom across the DRC.
