World Humanitarian Day: meet (and pray for) humanitarians

My name is Loida Carriel Espinoza. I serve as Tearfund’s Latin America Influencing Lead.

What I do

I lead Tearfund’s influencing work in Latin America, equipping and mobilising churches, networks and communities to respond to the challenges of poverty, violence, corruption, environmental crisis and forced displacement. My daily work involves coordinating with allies, designing strategies and supporting leaders to become agents of change in their contexts.

Inspirations and challenges

One of the most inspiring moments this year was spending time with church leaders in Ecuador and Colombia who serve in communities marked by extreme violence. Despite the risks, they have become voices of peace, reconciliation, and hope – showing that transformation is possible when faith and action come together.

The hardest part is witnessing the pain and injustice that people live through every day, but my motivation comes from knowing that God calls us to be light in the darkest places.

Prayer requests

Please pray for wisdom and protection for our team and partners working in high-risk areas, and for the church in Latin America to have the courage to live out an integral mission – bringing hope, peace and justice to their communities.

Olivia Zaya, Iraq

I’m Olivia Zaya, a passionate advocate for women’s rights and social justice in Iraq. I’m deeply committed to empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard in every part of society.

What I do

I’m a Project Manager with [Tearfund’s partner] Baghdad Women Association (BWA). In my role, I plan and manage project activities, support vulnerable women through access to legal, social and psychological services, and work closely with local communities to raise awareness about women’s rights. Each day, I work alongside a dedicated team to ensure that our programmes are not only reaching those in need, but also creating lasting, meaningful change in the lives of women across Iraq.

Inspiration and challenges

When a woman came to one of our centers earlier this year, she was afraid to speak, visibly anxious and unsure if she could trust anyone. She had experienced years of abuse and isolation. Through the support of our team and the services – especially the psychosocial counseling and legal guidance – she slowly began to open up. Over time, she regained her confidence, started setting goals for herself, and even expressed interest in becoming a community volunteer to help others in similar situations. Seeing her transformation from someone who felt invisible to someone who now wants to be a source of strength for others was deeply inspiring and reminded me why this work is so important.

Prayer requests

Please pray for wisdom and strength as we continue working with women and girls across Iraq, especially those affected by violence, conflict and displacement. Pray for protection for our team as we work in sensitive environments, and for lasting change in communities where women are still fighting for their rights. Most of all, pray that the women we support will find healing, hope and the courage to build new futures for themselves and their families.

Lukudu Salli, South Sudan

Hello, I am Lukudu Salli, the WASH manager for Tearfund in South Sudan.

What I do

I design water, sanitation and hygiene projects and write proposals. I manage budgets, review donor reports and track how projects are progressing. I also train and mentor our teams carrying out the work.

Inspirations and challenges

What inspired me the most last year was seeing our response during a cholera outbreak. We had to act quickly to distribute soap and provide buckets for people to store their water safely, and ensure community members understood the causes of cholera and how to prevent it.

Sometimes, in doing our job, we encounter challenges – especially during flooding when roads are cut off, making it difficult for our teams to reach the most vulnerable people quickly. But, what keeps me going is seeing a community transformed when people get access to clean drinking water for the very first time, when pregnant women and lactating mothers have access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities, or when adolescent girls don't have to worry about menstruation while they’re in school because we’ve distributed menstrual hygiene management kits.

Prayer requests

I would like to ask for prayer for a lasting peace in South Sudan and for funding opportunities so that we can support the most vulnerable people. I also want to ask our supporters and my colleagues to pray for wisdom so that we are able to serve the communities in the best way possible. Thank you.

Edouard Saidi Wakilongo, Democratic Republic of Congo

My name is Edouard Saidi Wakilongo, and I’ve been working with Tearfund since 2005.

What I do

I am based in Goma, DRC, and my job is the Church and Community and Influencing Officer. I engage with faith and community leaders, helping them to become stronger so they can achieve true transformation of the church and the community through their own initiatives.

Inspirations and challenges

What inspired me most last year was seeing the active engagement of church leaders with the Transforming Communities (CCT) approach and getting more churches and communities using their local resources. I’m very motivated to see communities awakening, beginning to see the resources around them in a new perspective, and starting to use them sustainably, bringing hope for a better future to the most vulnerable communities.

Prayer requests

I would be grateful if you would pray for divine protection so that we may reach the most remote, forgotten and vulnerable communities, and that God will give us the means to reach them through the churches.

Lucy Osuo, South Sudan

I'm Osuo Lucy, the Peacebuilding, Gender and Protection Manager for Tearfund in South Sudan.

What I do

I design and run programmes, lead community involvement, influence policies, and train our team and partners.

Inspirations and challenges

My role means more than just a job to me. It is a commitment to justice, dignity and inclusion. It means standing at the intersection of conflict and healing where the most marginalised voices are often silenced. My inspiration comes from having the women in peacebuilding at the center of our conflict transformation programming.

This reaffirms my belief that when you create spaces for the most marginalised groups to lead, real transformation happens.

Prayer requests

My challenge, however, is working in deeply rooted patriarchal systems where shifting gender norms to ensure inclusion of women often faces resistance. I would therefore like to request our supporters all over the world to pray for peace and harmony in communities in South Sudan. Thank you.

Judas Massingue, Mozambique

My name is Judas Massingue. I’m the Country Director for Tearfund in Mozambique.

What I do

Here’s a list of typical activities I do each day:

• Get updated on developments impacting our work (including safety);
• Get inspired for the daily challenges through Bible study;
• Meet with team members to support their duties and update our running plans;
• Engage with key partners and donors;
• Contribute to proposal designs;
• Visit project communities to provide technical assistance and learn from the great work of community members supported by our partners.

Inspirations and challenges

Between 2021 and 2022, Tearfund and the Mozambique Christian Council built 20 modern houses in Chiure district for some of the most vulnerable people displaced by the armed conflict in Cabo Delgado province.

In late 2024 to early 2025, three cyclones struck the area, destroying homes and livelihoods. However, I was inspired to receive a call from our local partner to say that the 20 houses we built saved hundreds of people during Cyclone Chido. It touched my heart to know that our contribution saved hundreds of lives.

I want to salute Tearfund’s supporters for this meaningful contribution for people affected by the complex humanitarian crisis in Cabo Delgado province. I am grateful to all our frontline partners and all the humanitarian workers in Cabo Delgado.

Prayer requests

Pray for humanitarian assistance to reach those in greatest need in Cabo Delgado province after the recent wave of attacks by armed groups between July and August 2025 that led to displacement of 12,000 people. Pray for the Moçambique Primero Movement that the Leaders working with the Transforming Communities (CCT) facilitators continue to stand strong and united for upcoming activities that strengthen movement building for peace in Mozambique. Pray also that the Lord will bless the national day of prayer being prepared for 28 August 2025. Pray for safety and security of humanitarian workers as they assist people affected by armed conflict, drought, floods and cyclones in different regions of Mozambique.

Joan Kariuki, Kenya

I’m Joan Kariuki, based in Kenya.

What I do

My role is Senior Associate, Movement building. My work involves supporting several movements across Africa and supporting colleagues who want to initiate movements wherever they are.

Inspirations and challenges

The movements I support achieve so much with very limited resources. I help equip them with advocacy and movement-building skills, and together we come up with strategies to help them achieve their goals. With this knowledge, they have successfully campaigned for changes in policy and government practices. They remain committed and passionate despite various challenges, which is incredibly inspiring.

Prayer requests 

Praise God for this work that's helping people and churches transform their communities. Pray for wisdom and guidance for me and other Tearfund staff as we support young people and church movements across Africa and Latin America

Grace Yao, West Africa

Hi. I’m Grace Yao. I’m an Influencing Programme Manager, based in Côte d’Ivoire.

What I do

I engage with local churches, Christian organisations and other allies in Transforming Communities (CCT) through influencing and advocacy. This includes work in areas such as: peacebuilding, savings groups, economic and environmental sustainability, gender-based violence, and disaster preparedness, response and resilience. My activities range from setting up and supporting the ACT Forum to building relationships with and providing training for Transforming Communities practitioners and Christian national leaders.

Inspirations and challenges

The most inspiring moment from last year was when, after we trained savings group facilitators in Côte d’Ivoire, a diverse group of women from a mixture of faiths formed a self-help group that made it possible for them to meet their basic needs – such as rent, food, education and healthcare. The way the women worked together and supported each other drew the attention of the municipal council. As a result, the savings group model is now locally recognised as a good way to help people from different religions and cultures come together and become more financially stable.

Prayer requests

It is a privilege to have people praying for us and I am grateful for the prayers. My prayer requests are firstly for peace and political stability in the countries where we work and specifically in Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. Also, please pray for significant transformation initiated by local churches that we empower. And finally, for wisdom and courage in our daily work.

Ariel Diallo, Mali

I am Ariel Diallo, Programme Support Manager at Tearfund in Mali. I’m based in Bamako, the capital city.

What I do

I manage and lead a range of aid and development projects, working with partners to ensure impactful, community-driven results. I also help our team track and measure project success, ensuring our programmes are effective and based on evidence. I assist with fundraising too.

At the core of my role is one goal: to transform good intentions into lasting impact.

Inspiration and challenges

In 2024, Mali endured one of the worst flood seasons in decades, with torrential rains leaving a trail of devastation. Homes collapsed, farmland was swallowed by rising waters and entire communities were uprooted. With thousands displaced, the floods deepened existing humanitarian crises.

But amid the despair, acts of compassion lit a spark of hope.

One such story is that of Fatoumata, a 76-year-old widow living with her son, his wife and seven grandchildren. When the floods came, they stripped away what little the family had – leaving them hungry, exhausted and uncertain of tomorrow. Then came the helping hands of JEM Ségou and Tearfund, providing food and essential non-food kits to families like Fatoumata’s.

Fatoumata says, ‘God visited us... What we received brought immense joy, hope and great relief to my family and to our whole community.’

These moments – when help arrives just in time, when suffering gives way to smiles – are what make this work profoundly meaningful.

This is why I do what I do. To bring hope where there is loss.

Prayer requests

Pray for peace and security in Mali. Since 2012, the country has faced extremist attacks across most regions. This has hindered humanitarian efforts. Pray that the current authorities govern wisely and with consideration for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, as the nation navigates a period of transition and considerable political tension. Pray for a good rainy season in Mali (June – October) without floods.

Konaté Arsène, Burkina Faso

My name is Konaté Arsène, I am the Programme Manager for Burkina Faso.

What I do

I play a central role in coordinating and supporting Tearfund's work in Burkina Faso. My responsibilities include supporting our teams in different areas, building strong relationships with local groups and donors, and helping the Country Director to gather and organise the resources we need to carry out our programmes.

Inspiration and challenges

This year, I’ve been inspired seeing our humanitarian response to internally displaced persons in the country, especially in the Centre North region. In June 2024, attacks by armed groups emptied entire villages, with residents forced to flee, leaving behind all their belongings. More than 500 households have taken refuge in the city of Kaya where we’ve helped people to build shelters and also provided them with essential items and water and sanitation kits.

The entire office team, our partner’s staff and community volunteers rallied together in a special way to meet the needs of the population in distress. The spirit of solidarity made a deep impression on me. Despite the rain and the difficult working conditions, everyone was happy to contribute to the task. This has given me great personal satisfaction.

One of the people who received support told us, ‘This aid has helped restore our dignity. We thank Tearfund for its compassion and commitment to the most vulnerable.’

After five years of service, I feel that Tearfund values me as an individual and this pushes me to do better. Personally, I was also touched by the Sammies** celebration this year at the Staff Conference where I was nominated for the Nehemiah Award: Working Together.

Prayer requests

I ask for prayers for the improvement of the security situation in Burkina Faso and for the mobilisation of resources to meet the needs of people impacted and of humanitarian teams. Please also pray for strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities.

**The Sammies are internal Tearfund awards voted for by staff recognising colleagues who have especially lived out the values we strive towards.

Arblina Seudin, Iraq

I’m Arblina Seudin, and I work to support communities across Iraq alongside our partners. I care deeply about helping people feel supported and connected, and I put my heart into making sure our work truly improves lives and brings hope where it’s needed most.

What I do

I’m the Operations Officer with Tearfund Iraq, working with our teams and partners to make sure our humanitarian work has the biggest impact possible. I help keep things running smoothly whether that’s managing logistics, arranging procurement, overseeing security, or handling the day-to-day details that keep projects moving forward. Each day, I collaborate with colleagues to find solutions, coordinate resources, and make sure everyone has what they need to do their best work. For me, it’s about creating the space and support that allow our teams to focus on what truly matters – serving communities and bringing lasting, positive change to people’s lives.

Inspiration and challenges

One of the biggest challenges in my role is managing complex operations under tight timelines and limited resources, while ensuring that our work remains efficient and effective.

What keeps me motivated is knowing that these efforts directly enable our teams and partners to deliver assistance and long-term support to communities in need. Seeing the meaningful impact of our work, and being part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference, continues to inspire me to give my best every day.

Prayer requests

I would like to ask for prayers for guidance and clarity in every decision I make, so that my work can truly support those who need it most. Please pray for perseverance during challenging times, and for peace and encouragement to keep serving with compassion. I also ask for prayers for the safety, well-being and unity of our whole team, and that our efforts will bring hope, restoration and lasting change to communities across Iraq.

The Zimbabwe team, Zimbabwe

We are the Tearfund Zimbabwe team: Odreck Mukorera, Programme Director; Denver Mataswa, Finance Manager; Worthy Rosha, Logistics and Administrative Officer; and Godden Chadaushe, Humanitarian Response Coordinator.

What we do

As a team, we coordinate and deliver Tearfund’s work across Zimbabwe, ensuring our programmes are effective, accountable and reach those most in need. This includes managing projects, budgets, logistics, development and emergency response and engagement with local partners, communities, government stakeholders and other organisations delivering aid.

Inspiration and challenges

Supporting communities affected by drought in Zaka District from November 2024 to March 2025 was especially inspiring. The assistance arrived at a critical time (lean season) and the feedback we received was deeply moving. Some community members shared:

‘This food will ensure we don’t resort to negative coping strategies like selling our assets or walking long distances for maricho [piece work].’

‘The food gives us strength as we prepare our fields for the 2024/25 agricultural season.’

Moments like these remind us why our work matters.

We are encouraged by the words in Matthew 25:35–40, which say:

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…’

When we support communities in need, we’re not just meeting physical needs, we are living out the Gospel and contributing to the extension of God’s Kingdom. These acts of service are a reflection of Christ’s love, and they continue to inspire and strengthen us in our mission.

One of the hardest things is not being able to reach everyone in need, especially after disasters like droughts. Despite working closely with government and community leaders to identify the most vulnerable, high needs sometimes exceed available resources.

What keeps us going is the resilience and unity we see in our communities. Local churches step in to support those in desperate situations. We’re also encouraged by the gratitude expressed by communities and by the opportunity to follow up emergency responses with long term resilience building programs.

Prayer requests

Please pray for good, consistent, life-giving rains during the upcoming 2025/26 agricultural season (Oct 2025 to Feb/Mar 2026), that the rains will restore the depleting water table and replenish major water sources. Pray for provision and resources so we can invest in resilience building at scale in the face of increasing droughts. Finally, pray that the Holy Spirit continues to stir fresh, creative ideas within us as we seek to respond to the ongoing challenges and hazards our communities face.

Tearfund is a Christian charity who:

• partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries
• tackles poverty through sustainable development
• responds to disasters
• challenges injustice
• believes that an end to extreme poverty is possible
• is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)

To pray with us weekly about the work our staff and partners are doing around the world, sign up here.

To give to help make more work like this possible, please donate here. Thank you.