Tearfund works in eight countries across West Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The region faces much instability, including threats posed by terrorism, a surge in attempted coups and challenges to democracy. This week, lift up families seeking to escape poverty in these unstable countries.
Sunday 18 August
'There are frequent cases of diarrhoea, malaria and typhoid fever here,' says Mariam from Mali, who is concerned about the unsanitary conditions in her community and the health of her children. Give thanks that Tearfund's partner has been training people in the village to improve sanitation and her children's health has significantly improved.
Monday 19 August
When her business was defrauded, Patience from Plateau State in Nigeria felt suicidal. But, as she prepared to take her own life, she remembered the mental health training she received from Tearfund's partner, Rurcon, and asked them for help. Pray that people in West Africa who feel overwhelmed will be reached by Tearfund's partners.
Tuesday 20 August
Pastor Yalgado from Ouahigouya in Burkina Faso could see the needs in his church and community but didn't know how to help. But after taking part in a Tearfund Transforming Communities programme, he learnt the skills to make a start, providing food for people displaced by conflict in his community. Ask God to spread the vision of churches helping address people's physical as well as spiritual needs.
Wednesday 21 August
Jeff Woodke, the former head of JEMED (Youth in Mission for Mutual Aid and Development), a Tearfund partner in Niger, was taken captive by terrorists in October 2016 and released in March 2023. 'The big challenge we've been facing, my family and I, is how to get healed from post-traumatic stress disorder,' he says. Lift up Jeff today and ask God to heal him from the trauma.
Thursday 22 August
Since returning home, Jeff's thoughts are with others still in captivity in Niger and across the region. 'Our family ministry, what we want to do, is to bless people, to encourage and help bring home the prisoners.' Pray for those still held hostage in West Africa, that they will be released back to their families.
Friday 23 August
This is a presidential election year for Chad. Pray that the leaders elected will govern justly and fairly, that the voices of all voters will be heard and that the country will have peace.
Saturday 24 August
Heavenly God, we lift the countries in West Africa to you and ask that you will help people suffering and bring peace and stability to the region. We pray for churches in the centre of communities to join a Transforming Communities programme and influence change for good. Amen.
