Appeals

EAST AFRICA CRISIS APPEAL

Thank you for all of you who donated to the Australian government's Dollar-for-Dollar initiative for the East Africa Appeal. The initiative is now closed but the appeal is still ongoing.

ABM and its Kenyan partner, Ukamba Christian Community Services (UCCS) of the Anglican Church of Kenya, continue to work together to provide relief to rural Kenyan families most greatly affected by the relentless drought in the Horn of Africa.

The need for assistance remains acute.

• More than 13 million people require urgent humanitarian aid.


• In Somalia 750,000 people are at risk of starvation and 1.3 million children are acutely malnourished


• Unprecedented numbers of people are fleeing their homes for neighbouring countries


• The situation is being made worse by life-threatening cholera and measles outbreaks in the region.

HOW CAN I DONATE?

You can make a donation online by selecting East African Crisis Appeal from the drop-down campaign list before 30 November 2011 and the Australian Government will match each dollar you give.

By Mail: you can enclose a cheque/money order (made out to the Anglican Board of Mission - Australia) and send it to:

Anglican Board of Mission – Australia
Locked Bag Q4005
Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230

Contact us by telephone – Sydney 02 9264 1021, Local Call 1300 302 663 or email us at info@abm.asn.au

Download ABM Remittance Advice Form

DONATE A PRAYER

If you would like to share your prayers with others in support of those who are suffering during this crisis, donate a prayer and we will publish it on our website and Facebook page and also send it to our partners.

STAY IN TOUCH

You can read more about ABM and UCCS's response to this terrible drought on our website under The East African Crisis: Updates from Kenya or like us on Facebook to keep updated with the latest news.

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15/07/11
The rains have failed to bring much needed relief to agriculture, live stock and people in the region of East Africa. Drought is consuming several countries, such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Southern Sudan, to name a few and the fight for survival is now the main aim of many in the region.

The United Nations have stated that it is “the worst drought in 60 years” in these areas with more than 10 million people affected(Reuters).

ABM works with several African partners and is aiming to raise to $280,000 to help relieve some of the pressure from this natural disaster.

Funds raised from this Crisis Appeal will be directed to the Anglican Churches in need in the region. This appeal is tax deductable [for donations over $2]. We will be updating this page as we receive news of the affected area.

Please note: Any amounts raised in excess of the target amount will go into the Global Rapid Response Fund.

Behind the emergency: how the church is helping communities affected by famine

Ethiopia

The drought has affected pastoralist communities in southern and south-eastern Ethiopia with as many as 4.5 million people in urgent need of food relief according to the government.

Our Partner in Ethiopia has reported that the government has been providing food to people from their reserves and as their policy does not allow the Church to be involved in any of the food relief activities, it has so far not been necessary to send emergency funding to the Anglican Church there.

However, they ask you to please continue praying for the Horn of Africa during this difficult time.

Southern Sudan

The region in the south of Sudan where our Partner works has not been as severely affected by the drought as in other parts of the Horn of Africa. There are still many challenges faced by the communities there with thousands of internally displaced people needed help and the conflict occurring within the country.

PRAY FOR EAST AFRICA

In Australia we understand drought, but famine is something with which, fortunately, we’ve not had to contend. Communities have already been taking steps to drought-proof themselves and the Anglican Church of Kenya has played a significant part in supporting these activities. They’ve helped people to conserve water. They’ve helped with large-scale tree planting (that helps cool areas) and shade creation. They’ve helped people to build dams. They’ve helped people to choose and plant drought-resistant crops. Beyond the Church, lots of work has been done in Kenya to identify breeds of drought-resistant livestock. But all this work just hasn’t been enough to stop the severe drought that’s engulfing Eastern Africa. It must feel heart breaking.

What’s worse, Kenya is now receiving refugees from other countries in the region where the drought has led to famine. The Anglican Church of Kenya is ready to help famine- and drought-affected people. Here’s how you can help their emergency response: open your heart and pray; open your wallet and donate. That will help those who are hungry, thirsty, and despondent to feel heartened.

We thank you, Jesus, Living Water,
that the Anglican Church of Kenya
has been able to help communities
to alleviate the deadening effects of drought.
Help them continue this work,
even now as they are being stretched to the limit.
We ask you, Jesus, Bread of Life,
to stand with those who are starving and far from their homes,
to bless the Church as it organizes and offers help to the hungry and thirsty,
and to prod us to support our sisters and brothers as they face this challenge.
Amen.

You can also download a PDF copy of our Eastern Africa Famine Prayer.