Emergency relief in Teso and how we can bring hope
‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink …’ Matthew 25 verse 35
Whilst it is wonderful to support development, education, church leadership, and other areas of work, all this has to stop when emergency relief is requested. A fundamental part of our role as a Christian Trust is being there when our partner churches and their people need us. We know our partners well. We trust them and know that they would not press the emergency button to call on us unless it was absolutely necessary.
Sadly this is the case now. In north Teso there has been severe flooding with 28 villages of 3,079 households (a total of 14,040 people) affected. The area is surrounded by swamps and currently looks like an island. Over 11,000 people are completely cut off as the only bridge that connects them to other areas is inaccessible. This also means that outsiders are unable to reach them. Most of the crops in the gardens have been swept away. In total 240 gardens have been damaged. There has also been an increase in water-borne diseases and malaria. Access to education and health services is now impossible, with pregnant mothers, the elderly, and young children badly affected. All routine immunisations have stopped.
As a Trust, we hold funds in reserve for events such as this, but we know we cannot cover all needs for food, tarpaulins, water-purifying tablets, and mosquito nets. The tithe monies recently given by St Saviour’s could not have come at a better time. We have responded as best we can and we pray that this brings hope at this dark time. We know our heavenly Father loves the people of Teso and sees their distress. He relies on all of us to do what we can. If you feel able to offer any financial support, please let me know. Please also join us in prayer for: those who have lost their harvests and there is no food; the children who can no longer go to school; and those who are suffering due to lack of health services.
‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25 verse 40
Christine Moyes, Teso Development Trust
