A loaf of bread and a loo roll

March 2020 marks over five years of devastating conflict in Yemen.
 
While we all face the struggles associated with a world health crisis, 24 million Yemenis already needed aid and protection before coronavirus began to spread globally. That’s 80 per cent of the population.
 
Millions remain on the brink of starvation.  

By the end of 2019, this conflict had cost the lives of around 233,000 people. More than half of these were children. 
 
Our partner and many other humanitarian aid agencies, as well as international governments, have been trying to meet the needs of the people in this country. At times they have faced obstruction, delay and restriction by those involved in the conflict.
 
We are still working. We have not given up. Our partner in the region is making a difference. We are not walking out on the people there.
 
But a new challenge potentially lurks on the horizon for Yemen...
 
Coronavirus is yet to be confirmed in the country, however, the likelihood of its spread is high as the number of cases in the region continue to grow.

In a country whose infrastructure has been devastated by five years of conflict, only half of health centres are fully functional.

People have been forced from their homes. Cholera and dengue fever already require lifesaving health responses. Overcrowding makes it difficult to follow basic protection measures like social distancing and hand washing – if the helpful information can be spread fast enough. And if there’s enough clean water.

We know you may be worrying about your own family in these times. Your own business. Your own anxieties around the state of the world. The sheer scale of things.

We understand. 

As you find ways to meet your household’s basic needs amidst the challenges we are all facing, please will you also remember the families in Yemen. Even if they are spared the virus, it relies on imports for 80 to 90 per cent of its basic needs – so the rise of coronavirus around the world will already be impacting the nation.

They are families like ours. Parents who worry about their children’s shelter, hunger and education. Sons and daughters concerned about the health of their older parents. People who can feel overwhelmed at the situation in the world around them.

The money it might cost for one extra loaf of bread, a loo roll (if you can find one!), and a carton of milk will make a huge difference to a family facing fear, war, hunger and disease. 

Please will you pray with us, and please consider giving at this difficult time.

PLEASE PRAY

Heavenly Father,
We lift our eyes to you. Above the troubles. You promise to hear our voice and to act quickly. Father, will you act quickly. Please will you bring healing to Yemen. Bring peace and hope. By your power, will you bring an end to disease, fear, famine and war. Holy God, you are Almighty. Move in power in our world. May we see your hand of restoration.
Amen.