What would compel you to leave your home? What would it take for you to run, leaving your belongings, your friends, your neighbours, your job, your country, maybe even your language... everything you’ve known so far? This week, pray for the safety and security of the refugee communities in Bangladesh that Tearfund and our local churches and partners serve.
Sunday 1 September
‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ (Psalm 46:1)
At the end of 2021, there were 27.1 million refugees worldwide. Half of them were under the age of 18. Pray for those who have no place to call home, that the God of refuge would protect and provide for them.
Monday 2 September
Aalia is on her own with two children in a country that is not her own. Conflict in Myanmar forced her to flee her home, and now she finds herself in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, home to the world’s largest refugee settlement of mostly Rohingya refugees. Pray for Aalia and her children’s safety, especially that they won’t succumb to illness.
Tuesday 3 September
Aalia’s father became seriously ill as a result of everything they had been through when they fled their home in Myanmar and was admitted to hospital. Just two months after reaching Bangladesh, Aalia’s father died. Lift up Aalia’s loss and grief to the Lord as she processes her feelings while caring for her children, and for many who face the same situation.
Wednesday 4 September
Tearfund partners are providing support in Cox’s Bazar, where almost a million refugees have sought shelter from violence in Myanmar. Pray for our local Christian partners, that they would have the resources and resilience they need and that nothing would hinder their ability to support vulnerable people in this area.
Thursday 5 September
Fifty-year-old Ali and his family of ten are among the Rohingya refugees living in Cox’s Bazar who have fled violence and terror. Pray for emotional healing for Ali and his family, and others who have experienced situations of an extremely traumatic nature.
Friday 6 September
Thanks to the kindness of Tearfund supporters, our local partner has been able to carry out water and sanitation work within Cox’s Bazar. As part of this, work has been done to construct latrines – including one right near where Ali and his family live. Thank God for the dignity and better health outcomes this gives Ali, and others like him, in the camp.
Saturday 7 September
Lord Jesus, the scale of the refugee crisis can seem overwhelming, but each of the statistics is a unique person, with a name and a story. Each person represented by the numbers is loved by you. May they call out to the God of refuge, and may you be their ever-present help. Amen.
