A landlocked country bordering six other African nations, Chad currently hosts more than 720,000 Sudanese refugees. The influx is placing a huge strain on limited resources in a country struggling with climate change, food insecurity and underemployment. This week, let us join together and pray for the people of Chad.
Sunday 6 July
Marie Tchouadang is a farmer. When her husband died, she was left with nine children to raise alone. ‘It was very difficult for me to provide for them,’ Marie explains. Lord, we lift to you widows and orphans across Chad. You know them each by name. You know the struggles they face. May they know you close to them. Amen.
Monday 7 July
Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training. ‘We have received technical support to use organic compost and plant early- maturing seed varieties because of the disruption to rainfall in the region,’ says Marie. Praise God that despite the low rainfall, Marie has harvested more sorghum, rice and groundnuts than the year before.
Tuesday 8 July
Joseph Pagoré lives in Doba city, in the south of Chad. ‘The economic situation in general is dismal,’ Joseph explains. ‘Family needs such as medical care or enrolling children in school are always moments of crisis for the family.’ Today, let us pray for families in Chad facing economic uncertainty and struggling to provide for their loved ones.
Wednesday 9 July
In 2023, Joseph’s church took part in Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training and went on to introduce a savings group. ‘These Bible studies changed my perception of poverty and my faith was strengthened,’ says Joseph. ‘With the credit savings introduced, I had the ease of having money to meet needs.’ Praise God that Joseph was able to start projects with his savings.
Thursday 10 July
Warning: contains mentions of gender-based violence that some readers may find upsetting.
Before being trained by a Tearfund partner, Madina was the one who carried out FGM/C in her community. ‘During the training,’ Madina says, ‘we were shown a number of documentaries on the subject of FGM/C, to help us better understand the issues involved in genital mutilation.’ Lord, we pray for protection for girls facing intense pressure from family and communities to follow cultural traditions. Amen.
Friday 11 July
‘Thank God, I’ve given up this harmful practice that harms women’s health,’ says Madina. ‘Today, I raise people’s awareness of the harmful effects of the practice whenever I get the chance.’ Madina is now a Champion for Change across her community. Pray that God will raise up more like her.
Saturday 12 July
Lord, as we think back across this week, we praise you for hope and transformation in the lives of Marie, Joseph and Madina. Thank you for helping each of their families, children and even grandchildren to reap the benefits of new beginnings and a more secure future. Amen.
