“…As we do our part, envisioning a world where disasters don’t threaten lives and all are fed.”

Rev. Dr. Andrea Walker

Nearly 14 million people in southern Africa are facing hunger due to the worsening drought, according to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). One of the most affected in the area is Madagascar. WFP has estimated that over 1.9 million Madagascans have been affected by the drought.

Our companion church, the Malagasy Lutheran Church, has reported 6 affected synods, mainly in rural areas located a great distance from urban areas.  They have estimated that about 1300 people have died from lack of food or poisoning from eating plants not suitable for consumption. The Reverend Dr. Andrea Walker, the ELCA’s Global Mission Area Director for the region said, “The drought and flooding in Madagascar continue to threaten the lives and particularly the health and well-being of women and children in the affected areas.”

In our baptismal covenant, we proclaim that we are called “…to serve all people, following the example of Jesus.” Thanks to your generosity, the Lutheran Disaster Response continues to answer the call.

The Lutheran Disaster Response has committed $53,153. These funds will allow us to accompany the Malagasy Lutheran Church as they plan to provide immediate, life-saving support to 3,250 families. The primary focus of the assistance will be given to pregnant women, vulnerable children, disabled and elderly people.

What you can do:

Pray
Please pray for all those affected by flooding and drought. Remember those who have lost everything and all those who are working to respond. You can use these prayers and resources in your worship services. 

Give
Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response will be used to provide immediate, life-saving aid.
Connect:
To learn more about this situation and other LDR response:

• Sign up to receive Lutheran Disaster Response alerts.
• Check the Lutheran Disaster Response blog.
• Like our Facebook page.

Children in the Zaatari Refugee Camp, located near Mafraq, Jordan. Opened in July 2012, the camp holds upwards of 20,000 refugees from the civil war inside Syria. International Orthodox Christian Charities and other members of the ACT Alliance are active in the camp providing essential items and services.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

– Galatians 6:2

Conflict and high levels of violence have continued throughout Syria. It has caused one of the largest refugee/migrant incidents the world has seen in decades. Over 3 million Syrian refugees have fled to neighboring countries. About 1.5 million of them have fled to Jordan with roughly 12,000 still waiting outside the border to gain entry. The number of refugees in the country has put a strain on the Jordanian economy. The lack of financial support coupled with the impossibility of attaining work visas has created a sense of hopelessness among the refugees. To help restore hope in the people, our partners Lutheran World Federation/ Department of World Services have established the “Peace Oasis” in Za’atari Syrian Refugee Camp in Jordan. At the Peace Oasis, Lutheran World Federation offers Syrian refugee youth and young adults psychosocial support, conflict mitigation, recreational skills. They also offer informal education and vocational training. They are being taught skills such as hairdressing/barbering and sewing that will leave them with income-generating skills for the future.

With all of these efforts, the majority of refugees are still living far below the Jordanian poverty line and there is still an overwhelming number of people who are failing to meet their basic needs. Bishop Elizabeth Eaton recent visited the camp and said, “We believe that the cross of life is where there is suffering. It certainly is in that camp in Jordan.” As a body of Christ, we are called to carry each other’s burdens. And thanks to your generous donations, the ELCA has committed another $70,000 to respond to this continued crisis. These funds will go towards providing cash assistance to help with basic needs such as rent, food, clothes, etc., for the most vulnerable in Jordan.

To Give to the Syrian Refugee Crisis please visit the Middle East and Europe Refugee Crisis Give Page.

For more information on Bishop Eaton’s Visit:

http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7806

For more information on the Syrian refugee crisis in Jordan visit:

UN: http://www.unhcr.org/569d17876.html

LWF: https://www.lutheranworld.org/content/jordan-0

LDR: https://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/syria-cold-temperatures-warm-hearts/