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At Tearfund in 2025, we hope…

As we enter the new year, some of Tearfund’s staff from around the world share their hopes and prayers for 2025.

Edited by Tarryn Pegna | 02 Jan 2025

Light shines through a doorway in an ancient wall.

Credit: Tarryn Pegna/Tearfund

As 2024 wound down and Tearfund staff members around the world started to turn their focus from work to a well-earned time of family and festivities, we asked them to tell us some of the things on their hearts as they consider the new year approaching. We’re sharing their thoughts with you below, and we hope you’ll join us in praying for all of the countries, families, communities and endeavours represented here.

Please also pray with us for all of those places not mentioned, where Tearfund staff and partners continue to work to show God’s love, in the most practical ways, to people facing conflict, disaster and poverty.

In Tearfund’s Asia region…

'In Bangladesh in 2025, we hope...

...for local Tearfund partners, churches and communities to continue to work together to transform the lives of people in the communities.

– Tearfund staff in Bangladesh

'In Cambodia in 2025, I hope...

...for believers to be empowered to address poverty, bring hope and demonstrate God's love in their communities. I pray for young people and families as they navigate challenges related to education, identity and social pressures and for the development of healthy families rooted in biblical values.’

– Ponloeu Ea, Tearfund National Learning Coordinator, Cambodia

‘In Indonesia in 2025, I hope...

...for recovery and restoration for the people affected by disasters in Indonesia: volcanic eruption, floods, landslides and extreme weather. And I pray for resilience for future challenges.’

– Juwindy Kapitan, Program Support Officer, Indonesia

‘In Myanmar in 2025, we hope...

...for an end to violence and suffering, for the promotion of justice, and for reconciliation in Myanmar. We ask God to protect vulnerable lives, and bring healing to the nation.

– Tearfund Staff

‘In Nepal in 2025, we hope...

...for lasting peace and stability, enabling the effective implementation of development projects. We also hope for a significant reduction in poverty and vulnerability, especially among women, children and marginalised communities. We pray for empowered and resilient communities that can withstand and thrive despite social and environmental challenges.’

– Tearfund staff

‘In the Philippines in 2025, I hope...

...for people who were greatly affected by the calamities this year to be able to rebuild their lives and overcome poverty. I hope that the government, civil society organisations and the church will work together to forge a better future for our country. I pray that any corruption, abuse of power, violence, impunity and political/religious divisions will be cast out in Jesus name.’

– Emil Jon Soriano, Tearfund Theology and Network Engagement Manager, Asia

‘In Thailand in 2025, we hope...

...for unity and collaboration. We hope to see churches and denominations in Thailand united in purpose and action, working together in love and humility to serve their communities. May this collaboration create a strong foundation for shared vision and impactful ministry.

‘We hope that church leaders and members will be equipped and inspired to discover and use their God-given gifts, talents and callings. May they take an active role in mobilising their churches to bring transformation to their communities.

‘We hope to witness sustainable and meaningful change in communities as a result of Transforming Communities efforts. May these initiatives address social, economic and environmental challenges while reflecting Christ's love and bringing hope to those in need.’

– Bunsak Thongdi, Tearfund staff, Thailand

The sun sets over a boat on Lake Tangyanika

Lake Tanganyika. Credit: Paul Mbonankira/Tearfund

In Tearfund’s East and Central Africa region…

‘In Burundi in 2025, we hope...

...to see God bring significant, lasting change, especially through Tearfund’s ongoing work in transforming communities. Specifically, we are praying for deeper peace and reconciliation within families and communities, particularly through efforts that prevent gender-based violence and promote healthy relationships; for restoration for households affected by the floods; and for healing for households and communities wounded by previous conflicts.

‘We hope for a change in the economic situation, where we have been severely impacted by the fuel crisis and inflation. We pray for economic recovery, job creation and community resilience.

‘As Jeremiah 29:7 reminds us, we are called to "seek the peace and prosperity of the city", for as the nation prospers, so will the people. We pray for wisdom for Burundi's leaders to guide the country toward sustainable development.’

– Tearfund staff in Burundi

‘In the Central African Republic in 2025, I hope...

...for better funding opportunities to reach out to more communities in need and for a united team that speaks with one voice.’

– Tearfund staff in Central African Republic

‘In the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 2025 I hope...

...that communities can live in peace. This is something I am longing for because Congolese children and children worldwide are being born in these conflict situations and have never experienced a world without conflict, peace, calm and security. I am praying and hoping from the depth of my heart that in 2025, God reestablishes peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I hope all these children, mothers and fathers living in displaced camps can go back home, continue living their lives, and profit from the potential that God gave them. This is only possible when there is peace. This is what I am longing for.’

– Nehemie Babikana, Tearfund Media Officer, DRC

‘In Ethiopia in 2025, I hope…

…for a blissful and prosperous new year for Tearfund families. I hope that joy and success follow you in every sector of life. Happy 2025!’

– Shambu Balcha, MKC-Development Commission Executive Director, Ethiopia

…for peace and stability for Ethiopia and for Tearfund’s work to have greater reach and impact.’

– Bereket Tasew, TDA Executive Director, Ethiopia

…for Tearfund UK to have a year ahead filled with a lot of laughter, love, and limitless possibilities. Happy New Year and may your dreams take flight! Cheers to a fresh start and a year filled with exciting adventures. May the New Year bring Tearfund prosperity and success in all activities.’

– Dinku Shumi Eda'o, Programmes Director, EKHCDC, Ethiopia

…for a nation filled with hope and unity, where the light of God's love drives us towards prosperity for all. May we rise together, breaking the chains of poverty and embracing a future of abundance and peace.’

– Yitayal Admasu, DMEAL Officer, Tearfund, Ethiopia

‘In South Sudan in 2025, I hope...

…for peaceful dialogue among various factions ahead of elections in 2026, reducing tensions and fostering community unity. I hope for initiatives aimed at economic growth that will provide employment opportunities and improve living standards in the communities I work with.

– Lucy Osuo, Tearfund Peacebuilding, Gender and Protection Manager, South Sudan

…for Tearfund’s South Sudan programme to reach more people in need. I hope God will speak to the hearts of our leaders to reach a compromise among themselves and usher peace in the years ahead.

– Loice Kango, Tearfund Programme Funding Officer, South Sudan

…God will bring peace in South Sudan to enable living standards to improve and people to live free from poverty.

– Kenyi Emmanuel Simon, Tearfund Church and Community Transformation Officer, South Sudan

‘In Lebanon in 2025, I hope that peace will embrace the land, healing the hearts of its people and guiding them towards unity. May comfort and strength be found by those who have endured hardship, and may they rebuild what has been lost.’
Elise El Alam, Tearfund Protection Officer, Lebanon

In Tearfund’s Eurasia and North Africa region…

‘In Afghanistan in 2025, we hope...

...that the root causes of poverty will be addressed in such a way that increases the ability of Afghans to provide for their families, reducing hunger, malnutrition and trauma.’

– Tearfund staff

‘In Iraq in 2025, we hope...

...peace, unity and stability flourish upon us all, so we all live happily together, looking toward a brighter future of beautiful opportunities for all of us.’

– Tearfund staff

‘In Lebanon in 2025, I hope...

...that peace will embrace the land, healing the hearts of its people and guiding them towards unity. May comfort and strength be found by those who have endured hardship, and may they rebuild what has been lost.’

– Elise El Alam, Tearfund Protection Officer, Lebanon

‘In Pakistan in 2025, we hope...

...to reach more people who need practical support; to help more churches become agents for change and transformation in their communities; and to equip and enable people for better decision making. Through stronger partnerships and a shared vision, we can create lasting change, helping more people experience the fullness of life.’

– Tearfund staff in Pakistan

‘In Syria in 2025, we hope...

...that the people will renew their hope for the future despite the challenges they face. We ask that God provides us with the strength and resources to keep serving those in need, and that we can make a meaningful impact in their lives. May God’s love and peace be felt throughout the communities we work with.’

– Tearfund staff in Syria

‘In Yemen in 2025, we hope...

...for peace during a time of conflict and violence. We hope for provision where there is poverty. We hope for healing where there is trauma, and forgiveness where there is anger.’

– Tearfund staff

The yellow wall of a house is painted in brightly coloured designs of flowers and leaves. There is a door in the centre.

Beautifully decorated house in Guatemala. Credit: Caroline Trutman/Tearfund

In Tearfund’s Latin America and Caribbean region…

‘In the Latin America and Caribbean region in 2025, we hope...

...to see God move powerfully, working through the churches and communities we partner with. We are praying for a deep transformation in the region, where 1,500 churches are sustainably active as centers of community transformation, addressing poverty, injustice, and being a beacon of hope.

‘We long to see the church united to confront corruption and violence, for national and regional public policies to treat people who have been displaced from their homes with dignity and respect, and for the preservation of Creation, with special attention in Brazil.

‘We are also trusting God for a new generation of young Christians who are passionate about justice and committed to influencing political and social transformation, as well as promoting economic and environmental sustainability.

‘We pray for leaders to be equipped and empowered to bring about lasting change in their communities, and for Tearfund’s campaigns to help shape public policies that care for the most vulnerable, protect biodiversity, and promote unity in the face of the challenges ahead.’

– Loida Carriel, Tearfund’s regional advocacy and influencing lead, LAC

Crops grow in a field

Crops in Uganda. Credit: Todd Weller/Tearfund

In Tearfund’s Southern and Eastern Africa region…

‘In Uganda in 2025, I hope...

...that there will be reduced human suffering as the church embraces its holistic mission in different parts of Uganda. I hope that, through the church, people will experience the goodness of God and witness the promises of God in Matthew 6:31-33. I hope for renewed strength to wait on the Lord and that, as in Isaiah 40:31, all our local partners will remain committed to the kingdom work, and shall "soar up with wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint". Help us Oh Lord!’

– Maria Goreth Nandago, Tearfund Programme Manager, Uganda

‘In Zambia in 2025, we hope...

...that more denominations will commit themselves to turning their local churches into centres of transformation that will address the needs of the most vulnerable in areas where the need is greatest in line with the Tearfund mission.’

– Juliet Ilunga, Tearfund Influencing Programme Manager, Zambia

‘In Zimbabwe in 2025, we hope...

...for the church to walk even more in its mandate to disciple the nation, enabling this generation and generations to come to fully usher in God's kingdom. We hope for the manifestation of John 10:10 upon the nation of Zimbabwe: that "streams will flow in the desert. That the Lord will do a new thing and cause the restoration of everything consumed by the locust and cankerworm".’

– Tearfund staff in Zimbabwe

Lush green vegetation under a clouded sky in Cote d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire. Credit: Jonas Yameogo/Tearfund

In Tearfund’s West Africa region…

‘In Burkina Faso in 2025, we hope...

...for the restoration of peace and security for the country.’

– Tearfund staff in Burkina Faso

‘In Côte d'Ivoire in 2025, I hope...

...for a calm political atmosphere and a social climate of peace. I hope cheerfulness finds its way into people's lives instead of anxiety.’

– Grace Yao, Tearfund’s Influencing Programme Manager for Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Niger and Togo

‘In Mali in 2025, I hope...

...for lasting stability, fostering peace and unity among its people. I also hope for my office to secure the resources needed to expand its reach, delivering critical support to more individuals in need. Through strengthened partnerships and innovative approaches, we hope to build a brighter future for our communities.’

– Ariel Diallo, Tearfund Programme Support Manager in Mali

‘In Nigeria in 2025, I hope...

...that the "lion and lamb will lie down together" (Isaiah 11:6) and that "every human being will sit under their vine tree with no one making them afraid" (as in Micah 4:4). These word pictures in the Bible reflect a state of peace. In the last year, 7,568 people were abducted for ransom in 1,130 incidents, with several people killed. Farmers cannot access their farms, which adds to the current food crisis. My hope is that peace will reign, farmers can go their farms and continue with their business so that the current high food prices and food crisis will be addressed.

‘Nigeria’s population is over 200 million and 60–70 per cent of this population is youth who fall into a category called NEET (not in employment, education or training). I hope that the Nigerian church will reclaim God’s vision of society reflected in Isaiah 65:17–25 such that citizens, especially young people who constitute the bulk of the population, begin to see a future and hope as the Nigerian state creates the space for them to live dignified lives.

‘I hope that the church in Nigeria will embody Jesus locally in communities through recapturing the central biblical message of the Kingdom of God leading to the transformation of communities across the nation.’

– Ben Osawe, Tearfund Advocacy Manager, Nigeria

Edited by

Edited by  Tarryn Pegna

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