Around 80 per cent of people in Burkina Faso rely on farming for food and income. But the climate crisis and ongoing conflict are making it harder to grow and harvest crops. Through local churches, Tearfund’s partners are leading peacebuilding initiatives and supporting communities to adapt their farming methods to the changing climate. This week, let us lift up in prayer the people of Burkina Faso.
Sunday 5 November
Fighting in Burkina Faso has forced nearly 2 million people from their homes. In 2020, 54-year-old Djeneba fled her village with only a few possessions. Tearfund partner Office de Developpement des Eglises Evangeliques/Office for the Development of Evangelical Churches (ODE) gave her cash to support her family. ‘The money I received was really beneficial. It meant I could generate an income,’ she says. Thank God for the courage of Djeneba and pray for families like hers facing similar challenges.
Monday 6 November
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ (Matthew 5:9) Thank God for Tearfund partner ODE which not only works to bring peace in the communities of Burkina Faso but also provides practical help for people who need it most.
Tuesday 7 November
‘I am happy to see my children flourish,’ says Tata from Kombori Koura village, who received cash from ODE. With her husband and six children, she fled violence in their region in 2019, and had to find a new place to call home. Pray for Tata and families like hers who have experienced such trauma and desperation.
Wednesday 8 November
In 2022, there were two military coups in Burkina Faso. Armed groups surrounded towns in the northern regions of the country. This made it harder for many people to access healthcare and other services, or continue making an income. Please pray for political stability and peace throughout the country.
Thursday 9 November
Louisette is a 51-year-old widow from western Burkina Faso. When her husband died, she was left alone with her eight children. ‘I became dad and mum at the same time. Making ends meet was a real challenge,’ she says. Tearfund partner Christian Relief and Development Organization trained her in sustainable poultry farming. She is now able to provide for her family. Praise God how women, like Louisette, are being empowered and finding purpose in life again.
Friday 10 November
By the end of 2022, violence and instability had forced the closure of more than 6,200 schools, affecting more than 1 million children across Burkina Faso. Pray all young people across the country, that they would still be able to go to school and not miss out on their vital education.
Saturday 11 November
Lift up in prayer all those who are working to bring peace in Burkina Faso, including politicians, community leaders and Tearfund’s partners. Pray that lasting peace will come and its people can once again lead fulfilling lives.
