What is a humanitarian? (Meet a few of Tearfund’s)

Lucie N’Guessan, Regional Communications Officer for West Africa

Recently, Lucie was on a trip to show Tearfund's work in Chad and accidentally ended up being in a TV ad to raise awareness of our work! (She did a spectacular job.)

‘In my role, I travel throughout the region to collect stories and videos to help show the need and the impact of our work. I also coordinate communication and public engagement initiatives for both internal and external audiences and I organise training sessions for country and partner teams in storytelling, photography and other communication-related disciplines.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘What keeps me motivated is the opportunity to impart joy, love and encouragement through interactions with project participants. My faith, the compassion that fills my heart when I hear about the challenges or participants’ needs, and the desire to fulfil my divine assignment provide the strength and energy required to persevere despite challenges; ultimately, I consider my daily work to be a vital avenue for sharing God’s love. Witnessing vulnerable individuals become more resilient constitutes one of the greatest sources of encouragement in my work.’

Please pray for…

• Pray for peace and stability in the Sahel, ask for stability to return to affected communities.
• Lift up countries in the West Africa region as they navigate political transitions and electoral processes, praying for protection from unrest.
• Pray for the millions of internally displaced people across the Sahel and Nigeria, ask for safe shelter, food, clean water, and protection for vulnerable women and children.
• Ask for the safety and success of humanitarian teams providing aid in challenging environments, and for increased resources to reach the most vulnerable communities.
• Pray for the success of regional projects, like the Faith-Driven Security Transformation in West Africa (FAST-WA) project, which seeks to harness the role of faith actors in security transformation and community healing.
• Lift up the ongoing Transforming Communities programme through local churches, pray for a successful scaling up of these vital programs.

Clarence Sutharshan Sukundas, Country Director for Tearfund Bangladesh

‘I lead Tearfund’s life-saving interventions, as we walk alongside one of the world’s largest refugee populations to find lasting solutions that will enable vulnerable families to live with dignity, hope and a secure future.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘I am motivated by working with local partners, especially faith-based partners, to advocate for a permanent and dignified solution for communities who have lived in camps for more than nine years now. I am also passionate about strengthening partners to respond responsibly and effectively to disasters, save lives, and build resilient communities.’

Please pray for…

• Pray that we may deeply care for the suffering, pain and vulnerability of people, and remain compassionate toward those who are faithfully supporting humanitarian work.
• Pray for churches responding to disasters, that God will strengthen, protect and equip them to be a source of hope, healing and safety for communities affected by crisis.
• Pray for the life-threatening disease and health situations in refugee camps and slum areas. Ask God to protect suffering families, provide access to essential healthcare and prevent further loss of life.
• Pray for the protection of children and women, particularly people living in vulnerable border areas. Ask God to protect them from violence, exploitation, abuse and trafficking, and to surround them with people who will care for and defend them.
• Pray for all humanitarian workers and partners serving in difficult and dangerous environments. May God give them courage, wisdom, strength and compassion as they stand alongside people facing suffering and crisis.

Rachel Stevens, WASH Specialist

‘People often ask what a global WASH specialist actually does! Simply put: I support Tearfund’s partners and staff to ensure that families fleeing from conflict or disaster events never have to choose between drinking contaminated water and going thirsty. Clean water saves lives, sanitation prevents disease outbreaks, and hygiene supplies restore dignity when people have lost everything. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are the foundation of any humanitarian response, as, without them, disease spreads rapidly and recovery stalls.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘That’s simple: clean water, safe toilets and basic hygiene shouldn’t depend on where you were born. Why should some of us enjoy clean water and safe sanitation when millions go without? That challenges me every day! I’ve also seen the difference first hand – seeing a mother’s relief when clean water arrives close to home, or the joy when a teenage girl has access to materials to manage her menstruation each month.’

Please pray for…

• Pray for courage, resilience and skills of Tearfund’s local partner staff and WASH specialists who work tirelessly in difficult and challenging environments.
• Thank God for local volunteers and hygiene promoters who champion good WASH practices within their own communities.
• Pray for health in crowded emergency settings: ask God to protect displaced families from waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery, which spread rapidly when water sources are damaged or contaminated.
• Pray that emergency hygiene and dignity kits – containing soap, water purification tablets and menstrual health products – reach families in greatest need quickly and without disruption.
• Ask for wisdom and resources to construct emergency latrines, water supplies and handwashing facilities that allow people to maintain basic hygiene and human dignity during devastating crises.

Kyaw, Staff supporting the Mekong Region

‘I support disaster response programmes to ensure that help reaches affected communities effectively. In addition to developing and implementing disaster management plans for humanitarian crises in conflict zones, I conduct post-distribution monitoring to improve our projects and help build the capacity of our partner churches.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘I am deeply motivated by seeing aid directly reach people in need, keeping their hope alive and showing them that others are still remembering, praying for and helping them. My motivation is also fueled by my workplace, which feels like a warm family. When my wife recently faced health issues, my colleagues and the staff welfare council provided support for my wife’s medical expenses. This support and their continuous prayers give me immense strength to keep doing this work.’

Please pray for…

‘I kindly ask Tearfund supporters to pray that we have the strength to fully carry out our vision to follow Jesus where the need is greatest, especially in the most complex and difficult to reach areas. Additionally, please pray that, through our daily humanitarian work, the people will truly feel and understand the love of Christ.’

Kouchacbe Ouassalet Léonce, Project Manager at CECADEC (Tearfund partner in Chad)

‘My role involves implementing activities to protect and empower vulnerable women and girls.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘What motivates me every day is seeing the tangible impact of our work on the lives of the people we support. Seeing a woman regain her self-confidence, acquire new skills, become more self-reliant, and restore hope to her family reminds me that every effort counts and encourages me to continue this mission.’

Please pray for…

‘Please pray for the protection, wisdom and strength of all humanitarian teams working in challenging environments. Please also pray for the women, girls and families we support, that they may find hope, safety and the means to build a better future. Finally, pray that we may have the resources needed to continue serving the most vulnerable communities with compassion. Please also pray for my family.’

David Couzens, Global Peacebuilding Lead

‘I lead Tearfund's small but perfectly formed global peacebuilding team.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘Both the desperate need as so much of the world seems to be rushing headlong into fear and abuse by the powerful, and the light in the darkness: the incredibly courageous and hope-filled examples of the many peacebuilders we work with in so many countries. They really are oaks of righteousness.’

Please pray for…

• For those working tirelessly for peace around the world.
• For the health, safety, wisdom and energy of the global peacebuilding team.
• For the ability to focus our efforts on what, where and how we can best make a systemic difference: building hope rather than fear.

Worthy Rosha, Logistics and Administrative Officer for Tearfund Zimbabwe

‘I coordinate the operational aspects of our work in-country, including managing logistics for the country office and field trips, making sure our operations run smoothly.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘I am deeply motivated by Tearfund’s mission to mobilise communities and churches to end
extreme poverty and injustice. Also, knowing that showing the impact of our work directly contributes to fundraising efforts in the UK, enabling us to continue supporting communities here in Zimbabwe. This keeps me driven even when faced with operational or logistical hurdles.’

Please pray for…

‘I would ask for prayers for the communities we serve as they navigate challenges like drought and economic instability. Please also pray for our Zimbabwe country team, specifically for wisdom and resilience.’

Terence Lee, Asia Partnerships Manager (Malaysia)

‘I work to connect Christians in Asia with Tearfund. I talk to them about what the church around the world is doing, how poverty is being eradicated, and I share news and stories. At the same time, I encourage churches, Christians and organisations who share Tearfund's vision to pray with us and partner with us in our work to follow Jesus where the need is greatest.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘Most days, what keeps me motivated is the knowledge that what I do matters and is making a difference. Some days are easy, but many days are hard. During those days, I try to remember the mission that God has called us to and keep on going.’

Please pray for…

‘Please pray for my colleagues working in the countries where they face danger: pray for their safety, pray for their courage to grow in Christ, and pray that the love of Jesus would impact nations.’

Please pray for the ongoing and unresolved conflicts in the Asia region; pray for a de-escalation of violence and a restoration of peace. Pray for communities who have been displaced to be able to return home safely, and for governments and those in power to work actively towards peace and reconciliation.

Stephen German, Global Church and Community Mobilisation Lead

‘I support our fantastic Church and Community Mobilisers (the people we train to be the start of transformation in their communities). I’m involved in: setting up learning spaces, mentoring and coaching; producing and adapting resources for different contexts – such as urban, refugee settlements and areas where people are non-literate; and envisioning and engaging with denominations and peer organisations that want to see their churches mobilised to bring deep and lasting transformation.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘I’m motivated by:

• The impact – seeing and hearing multiple and diverse stories of profound transformation that flow from the mindset change brought about by the Transforming Communities processes.
• The people – incredible dedication and commitment from Tearfund's staff and the many unpaid trainers and facilitators who are experiencing life-changing transformation themselves.
• The Missio Dei – the Transforming Communities process helps local churches broaden their understanding of God's Mission, enabling them to become more relevant and involved in their communities. The Kingdom of God is then understood to touch every area of life.’

Please pray for…

‘Pray for investment in growing the number and quality of trainers and facilitators to keep up with the demand from denominations, theological colleges, Christian networks and peer organisations. Pray for continued favour with the global church as we take a Kingdom approach to working with Christians from a wide variety of traditions and theologies.’

Aime Kikalage, Media and Communications Assistant at Tearfund DRC

‘As a media professional, communications expert and sociologist, I use my various publications to highlight the often-forgotten and neglected crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), aiming to draw the international community's attention and secure humanitarian aid for populations in distress.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘I am driven by a deep desire to bring relief to those in need and to offer them hope for a better future.’

Please pray for…

‘May God grant lasting peace to the DRC and the Great Lakes region, and may he eradicate the various epidemics affecting the country. May God grant Tearfund DRC sufficient resources to greatly enhance its capacity to meet the needs of the population in need of aid.’

Jaime Abraham, Tearfund's Country Director for Lebanon and Syria

‘I lead Tearfund’s work in these two countries.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘Seeing the positive change and impact in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve, along with the strong relationships we have with our local partners, keeps me motivated.’

Please pray for…

‘Pray for an end to all hostilities and for a lasting and true peace in Lebanon, Syria and the wider ENA (Eurasia North Africa) region. Ask God for wisdom, discernment, strength and courage for our staff and partners to best serve those in need, in line with God's will and plan.’

Juliet Ilunga, Influencing Programme Manager, Zambia

‘I train church leaders on the role of the Church in disaster and humanitarian response, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge so they can respond quickly and effectively when disaster strikes. One example is Pastor Churchill Mutale. After attending our disaster training in December 2025, in January 2026, when floods hit Lumezi District in Eastern Province, he led his team to assist 127 households affected by the floods, providing them with food and essential items.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘What keeps me going is seeing hope restored to people who feel helpless. I’m motivated by helping vulnerable communities become more resilient, and by equipping them with the knowledge and capacity to prepare for disasters before they happen.’

Please pray for…

‘Please pray that churches and communities will embrace the idea that development must be driven by themselves. When communities take ownership, the impact is more lasting than depending on outside support that may not be sustainable.’

Bunsak Thongdi, Church and Community Transformation Lead for East and South East Asia

‘I work alongside Tearfund’s partners across the Mekong region, supporting churches and communities to strengthen holistic mission, community transformation and environmental and economic sustainability. I provide training, research and consultancy support, particularly in areas such as creation care, climate-resilient livelihoods, community development and Transforming Communities programmes.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘I am motivated by seeing churches and communities recognise their God-given potential and take ownership of their own transformation. I am especially encouraged when simple, locally-led actions – such as caring for creation, growing food sustainably, managing water and waste and strengthening livelihoods – bring practical changes to families and communities.’

Please pray for…

‘Please pray for wisdom, strength and good relationships as I work with churches, communities and partners across the Mekong region and in east and southeast Asia. Pray that churches will increasingly become facilitators of holistic transformation, caring for both people and God’s creation, and that local communities will be empowered to develop sustainable solutions that bring hope and lasting change.’

Diana Yazji, Partnerships and Programme Manager, Syria

‘I support local partners to design and deliver humanitarian and community development projects, helping to ensure that the assistance we provide reaches those who need it most, while strengthening the capacity of local organisations and making sure our work is carried out with quality, accountability and compassion.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘Living and working in Syria means witnessing both the challenges people face and the incredible resilience they show every day. Even after years of crisis, I continue to meet people who choose hope over despair, support their neighbours, and keep believing in a better future. They inspire me.

‘For me, humanitarian work is more than a profession, it's a calling to serve others with dignity, compassion, and integrity. There are difficult days, but knowing that even a small action can bring warmth to a family in winter, restore someone's sense of dignity, or give a community new hope reminds me why this work matters. My faith also gives me strength and reminds me that every person is valuable and worthy of care.’

Please pray for…

‘Please pray for the people of Syria, that they would experience peace, hope and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Pray for wisdom, protection and resilience for local partners and humanitarian workers as we continue to serve in challenging circumstances. Please also pray that God will strengthen our partnerships, guide every decision we make, and enable us to be a source of hope, love and encouragement to the communities we walk alongside them.’

Pauline Nnenna, Gender, Protection and Transforming Masculinities Advisor at Tearfund West Africa

‘I focus on ensuring that programmes, partnerships and organisational culture promote gender equality, prevent protection risks, and transform harmful practices, including identifying and addressing protection and safeguarding risks like gender-based violence, promoting positive, non-violent masculinities, and supporting survivors.

What keeps me motivated?

‘I am driven to address the root causes of gender inequality, violence and harmful practices, not just their effects, because I believe everyone deserves dignity, safety, equality and respect, regardless of gender, age or status. Ultimately, I want to contribute to lasting change where women and girls have a voice, men and boys practise positive masculinities, and communities are free from violence and discrimination.’

Please pray for…

‘Pray for God's direction to continue to commit and contribute my share in ensuring dignity, safety, equality and respect for all people, regardless of gender, age or status.

‘Pray that I will have wisdom, courage, grace, protection, good health of soul, body and mind and perseverance even when the journey gets tougher.’

Poppy Anguandia, Tearfund's Country Director in DRC

‘I have the privilege of leading a fantastic team of 75 people. Together, we are involved in providing lifesaving water, providing seeds and tools for people to restart their livelihoods, building peace and social cohesion in communities divided by fear and mistrust. We also work with eight local partners and thousands of local churches for locally-led sustainable transformation. Of course, most of my time is spent in the office in emails and meetings, working in DRC requires complex multitasking and rapid problem-solving.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘I love being able to go out to visit our activities and to meet people whose lives have been transformed. This gives me the hope to continue working to serve and love God's children and see his mission being outworked.’

Please pray for…

‘We are currently battling an Ebola outbreak which is claiming thousands of lives. Please pray for the safety and security of our staff and partners who are working tirelessly to break transmission and contain the virus.

Pray also for the Congolese church to be salt and light in their communities and a prophetic voice into the ongoing issues of injustice and conflict.’

James Rana Baidaya, Crisis to Resilience Regional Advisor for Asia

‘For over eight years, I have been blessed to serve as a humanitarian worker with Tearfund. My role provides a bridge for our country teams, UK and regional teams, partners and local churches across the vast landscape of Asia, ensuring we all are ready to respond the moment disaster strikes. Since Asia is one of the world's most disaster-prone regions, my key focus remains ensuring timely and quality responses. Additionally, as I am based in Bangladesh, I also manage Tearfund's response work in one of the world's largest refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where more than 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals are taking shelter. I have been managing this work since the influx started about eight years ago. We have implemented about 23 projects in various camps, providing food, shelter, solar lights, cooking stoves, child and adolescent care, WASH and nutrition support among many other things, reaching more than 130,000 people within camps and host affected communities.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘The true heartbeat of this work is found in the quiet, sacred moments between the crises – in the stories shared by people in camps and affected villages, as they share what it means to them to feel safe, clean and fed because of our support. Each story of a life saved, or a person comforted, is a powerful testimony to me. I am deeply anchored by the words of Jesus in Mark 12:31: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ To me, the refugees in Cox’s Bazar, or flood, cyclone affected vulnerable families across remote villages in Asia, are not just statistics or distant faces; they are my neighbours. Loving them as myself means choosing to show up when the world looks away, providing immediate, life-saving assistance that restores not just health, but dignity and hope. This is far more than a profession; it is a sacred calling to be the hands and feet of Christ where the need is greatest. Your support allows us to bridge the gap between despair and a future. The joy of seeing a community rise from the ashes of a disaster, supported by the tireless efforts of our partners and your unwavering generosity, is the ultimate motivation that keeps me moving forward every single day. We are witnesses to miracles, made possible because you decided that a neighbour in need was worth everything. This journey is fueled by your prayers and your heart for the vulnerable, ensuring that hope is never a distant dream, but a present reality.’

Please pray for…

‘To our incredible supporters: your kindness is the sacred factor that makes this breathtaking transformation possible. Because you choose to let your heart break for what breaks God’s, we are empowered to reach the unreachable, carrying a lifeline of hope into the darkest corners of the world. We are profoundly humbled by your partnership; you are the silent heroes behind every story of restoration. As we continue this journey together, I invite you to wrap your prayers around those who stand on the land of crisis. Please pray for our courageous local partners, village churches, volunteers, field staff – those at the front lines who respond in challenging circumstances, often at great personal cost. Pray for the marginalised and the forgotten, that in their moment of deepest shadow, they would feel truly seen, cherished and protected by a love that knows no borders. We fall to our knees asking for God’s shielding hand over disaster-prone countries in Asia, guarding these precious lands from the fury of nature and the tragedies of man-made conflicts. May God continue to enrich your generosity and pour out blessings upon you for your unwavering faithfulness. Thank you for all your support and prayers.

Kouame Becanty Aristide, Regional Finance Assistant for West Africa

‘I work as Finance Assistant in the West Africa region.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘What motivates me most is my faith and Tearfund’s mission. Despite the many challenges we face, Tearfund continues to serve communities around the world, inspired by our Christian values. Being part of an organisation that seeks to bring hope and positive change to people’s lives encourages me to keep serving with commitment, compassion and hope.’

Please pray for…

‘Pray for Christians around the world, that God will help us remain strong in our faith despite difficulties and challenges, and that he will give us the courage and strength to continue serving others with love and compassion.’

Jisu Tudu, Transforming Communities facilitator, Bangladesh Baptist Church Sangha

‘For the past three years I have been working alongside local churches to help them discover their God-given potential to bring lasting change in their communities. We encourage churches and community members to identify their own needs, use their local resources and work together to address issues such as livelihoods, health, education, disaster resilience and social inclusion.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘What motivates me most is seeing lives transformed through hope, unity and faith in action. It is inspiring to witness churches becoming active servants in their communities and people realising that they have the capacity to improve their own lives with God's guidance. Even small changes such as families increasing their income, children returning to school or communities working together to solve local problems remind me that lasting transformation is possible. Knowing that God is at work through local churches encourages me to continue serving with passion and commitment.’

Please pray for…

‘Please pray that God will continue to strengthen and guide me as I serve local churches and communities. Pray for wisdom, good health and protection for our team as we travel and work in different areas.’

Mabel Omada, Office Assistant, Nigeria

‘I manage day-to-day office operations and administration to ensure that our work is efficient, accountable and compliant.’

What keeps me motivated?

‘I am driven by the opportunity to streamline our operations so that our technical teams can focus on their vital mission. Seeing the tangible impact of our work as people are freed from poverty and empowered to reach their God-given potential is what inspires me to continue serving with excellence every day.’

Please pray for…

• An end to violence in our country – with the series of recent kidnappings in various parts of the country, pray for peace to return to affected communities across Nigeria.
• Protection for our team members – pray for the safety, wisdom and strength of all our country team working in challenging environments.
• Hope for the vulnerable – lift up the families we support, that they may find hope, safety, and the means to build a better future.