Tearfund's Transforming Communities training (also known as Church and Community Transformation) brings change that is both sustainable and empowering. Over the next week, 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 12 May
Marie is a widow with nine children, living in the village of Makeuré. Marie was struggling to support her children until she took part in Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training and learnt new farming techniques. ‘I grow peanuts, rice and millet to feed my children and other needs,’ explains Marie. Pray that more widows, like Marie, will have the chance to learn new skills through Tearfund’s training.
Monday 13 May
Padeu started to produce seedlings to reforest his own field and would walk nearly two miles every day in search of water for his plants. Seeing his commitment, a Tearfund partner chose Padeu to be trained and equipped further. Padeu is now an expert in tree production and the planting of trees. Pray that his efforts in reforesting will benefit many people.
Tuesday 14 May
‘Before, I only practised rainfed crops such as groundnuts and beans,’ says Rachel. ‘And if the harvests are bad like this year, it is difficult for my family to make ends meet.’ Through Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training, Rachel learnt new market gardening techniques and now grows okra and vegetables to sell and supplement the family's diet. Pray for families in Chad suffering because of failed harvests.
Wednesday 15 May
More than half of Chad is desert and increasing desertification due to climate change is a constant concern. Most of the population struggles to access enough food. Rachel was one of them, but today, Rachel’s family are able to eat twice a day. Pray for provision for families across Chad who are struggling to put food on the table.
Thursday 16 May
‘I am completely blessed by God,’ says Honorine. Sitting through the Bible studies in Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training, Honorine felt God speak to her about his love. Today, she explains how she uses the word of God as a compass that guides her actions. Praise God that Honorine can speak about God’s transforming love in her life.
Friday 17 May
‘God has opened the floodgates of heaven in our respective families,’ declares Pastor Parmenas. ‘And our goods are made available to the church for the work of the Lord without hesitation.’ Tearfund partners trained Pastor Parmenas to lead Transforming Communities training in his church. Join Pastor Parmenas in thanking God that they have a food bank to support the most needy, growing prayer groups and savings groups for women to start new businesses.
Saturday 18 May
Let’s pray today for the six partner organisations in Chad that Tearfund works alongside. Pray for wisdom, for patience, for fresh energy. Lord, we pray that you will fill them with a tremendous love for the people of Chad and provide resources so they can continue to work in situations of profound need. We also pray for favour as they seek to expand their community transformation work, helping to reach 250,000 churches worldwide. Amen.
