Tearfund's Transforming Communities training (also known as Church and Community Transformation) brings change that is both sustainable and empowering. Over the next two weeks, pray for the training that local churches in Chad have been receiving and praise God for the ripple effect across communities as they recognise the skills and resources God has given them to overcome poverty from within.
Sunday 5 May
Chad is one of the poorest countries in the world. It ranks the second lowest in the Human Development Index, a tool that grades countries based on their life expectancy, level of education they can expect to reach, and income. Some 80 per cent of the population of Chad live below the poverty line. Lord, we ask you to use the church to bless and bring transformation to the people of Chad. Amen.
Monday 6 May
‘Before this training, there was barely enough to feed my family,’ explains Ndigal. ‘This training was an opportunity to teach us to better evaluate our living conditions, make informed decisions and build relationships around us. After training and Bible study, our eyes were opened to see how capable we are of deciding to change our lives by diversifying our income sources.’ Praise God for how Ndigal’s life has been transformed.
Tuesday 7 May
‘I have started raising pigs and goats,’ says Ndigal. ‘My family's source of income is more diversified than before and now I am able to take care of my family members by paying school and health fees more easily.’ Pray that this amazing transformation will be available to more people across Chad.
Wednesday 8 May
Pastor Bournenbe moved to the village of Makeuré, southern Chad, in 2016. He found a village divided between Christians and non-Christians. ‘The church and the community did not have a good relationship,’ says Pastor Bournenbe. Pray that churches across Chad will seek opportunities to reach out to their communities, helping to break down barriers and restore relationships.
Thursday 9 May
Tearfund’s local partner started working with the church in Makeuré. They encouraged the leaders to make improvements to the village with the input and cooperation of everyone. Pastor Bournenbe from Makeuré is thankful for the training he received, which he says has helped their peace-building work. Take a moment to praise Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Friday 10 May
Since the arrival of Transforming Communities training, the people of Makeuré decided they needed to have their own school, health centre and drinking water. Every family contributed money to the costs of drilling a well. Within two months, the money was raised and the project completed. ‘Today, the whole population drinks drinking water. Our animals are also watered without difficulty,’ says Pafroumi. Pray that God will provide in this way for people in Chad who don’t yet have schools, health facilities and water.
Saturday 11 May
Thank you, Lord, for your promise in John 10:10, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’. We praise you, Lord, for the families and communities in Chad who are now experiencing life to the full thanks to their determination to change, inspired and encouraged by the training they received. Amen.
