Life continues to be tough in the Borena region of Ethiopia, with the climate crisis exacerbating the drought. According to UNICEF, 3.3 million livestock died in that region alone because of drought last year. This week, lift up in prayer the pastoralists (livestock farmers) who have lost their cattle and are desperate for new sources of income.
Sunday 14 July
'This area is in a disastrous position because of drought,' says Kura, a 49-year-old farmer from Karsa Dambi in Borena. 'The situation is severe and our herds are often dying. All our cattle have died.' Pray that God will comfort Kura and others facing such a huge loss.
Monday 15 July
The pressure on Kura is even more acute because her four-year-old daughter has severe health issues. 'She had brain surgery at a hospital in Hawassa [the nearest city],' says Kura. 'But, as a result, her eyes were damaged.' Pray that Kura will be able to find medical help for her daughter.
Tuesday 16 July
'All our cattle are dead and we fear whether we will ever be able to raise cattle again,' says Pastor Barre from Borena. 'The ability for us to support ourselves with cattle may have passed.' Pray that church leaders, like Pastor Barre, will be inspired to find new sources of income.
Wednesday 17 July
Pastor Barre asks people to pray 'for us to remain with Jesus and stay connected with him. When the branches do not remain in the vine, they die. We want to stay with the vine so that God can bless us. We want you to pray for us, that God will help us out of this dark time.'
Thursday 18 July
Tearfund's partner, the Ethiopian Guenet Church Development and Welfare Organization, has been supporting the hardest-hit families. 'We believe that the best way to fight poverty and injustice is to empower people to take control of their own destiny,' says director Liben Tsegaye. Ask God to help them reach families in greatest need.
Friday 19 July
Pastor Barre already has encouraged 100 women in his community to join self-help groups, where they can save, borrow and invest together. Pray that more women, like Kura, will be able to overcome the loss of livestock and find new income sources through these groups.
Saturday 20 July
'Please pray for my livelihood,' Kura says. 'I want to get through every year peacefully with my family.' Lord God, we pray for families in Ethiopia and across East Africa who continue to suffer after years of drought and failed harvests. Help them get the support they need to provide for their families. Amen.
