The crucial role of the church in humanitarian response work

Welcoming refugees

In Colombia, churches are playing a key role in welcoming and supporting the millions of refugees who have fled political and economic turmoil in Venezuela. 

Churches have been able to reach out to remote communities – where local authorities and humanitarian organisations were not working – and build trusting relationships with refugees.

With support and funding from Tearfund, these churches have been equipped to provide quality services and activities. This includes trauma healing groups for women who have experienced violence.

‘It is the first support that I found here in Colombia for migrants like us,’ says Julie, a Venezuelan refugee who attends a trauma healing group. ‘When I arrived at the church, I found the peace that I previously did not have… when I got to the church, I saw that it was like my family.’

Tearfund has trained more than 100 church leaders to run trauma healing groups across Colombia. These groups are now supporting hundreds of Venezuelan refugee women.

‘It has allowed me to see that the church is not only about preaching the gospel but also to address the social issues people face,’ Pastor José Licona, from San Juan de Urabá, says. ‘The unconditional support we have had [from Tearfund] allows us to better organise ourselves to serve the people who really need it.’

Responding to disasters

Local churches are often among the first responders when disasters strike in their communities. Tearfund helps churches in disaster-prone areas to prepare their communities to be ready for when disasters strike, to limit potential damage, and to develop emergency response plans.

In Bangladesh, the response of just one church has benefited thousands. During a period of extreme flooding, Pastor Martin and his church decided to pool their resources to help the most vulnerable people. They got to work delivering food and essential supplies. This support extended far beyond their community, reaching eight local villages and about 10,000 people.

Pastor Martin’s church has now become known in the community as a place where people can find support. And Tearfund’s local partner has helped to renovate the church building, so that it can be used as a shelter during cyclones and other disasters.

‘I am so thankful,’ says Pastor Martin. ‘Please pray for us so that we will be able to overcome all our problems.’

Tackling hunger

Millions of people across East Africa are currently facing extreme hunger after a prolonged period of drought. One of the areas most affected is Borena, in southern Ethiopia, where our local church partner has been responding by coordinating a cash distribution.

The communities in Borena rely on rearing livestock and growing crops for their food and income. But there has been no rainfall for years. Since the water sources dried up, most of their livestock have died and they can no longer grow any crops.

‘The changing climate has severely affected [communities in Borena]. Their cattle have died, their livelihoods have been affected seriously. They can’t even send their children to school because they can’t [afford to] feed the children,' says Abraham Kasaye, who is overseeing the humanitarian response in Borena.

Every person in the community has been affected by the drought. Our church partner used funds from Tearfund to distribute cash to the most vulnerable households. But more resources are needed to support every household in need.

‘God is a provider. So we humbly ask for your prayers to get enough resources, to get enough rainfall,’ says Abraham. 

Support our church partners

Our teams are working with churches around the world to respond to humanitarian crises right now – such as the hunger crisis in East Africa, conflict in Yemen, and extreme flooding in Pakistan. If you are able to, please donate to our work around the world.

‘Local churches are playing a vital role in responding to humanitarian emergencies around the world. They can quickly mobilise volunteers, reach remote communities, and care for their communities in ways external agencies are not always able to,’ says Veena O’Sullivan, Tearfund’s International Director.

'We are honoured to play a part in equipping these local churches. Please join us in prayer for our local church partners who are putting God’s love into action and providing support to some of the most vulnerable people.’