Listen now

This is a letter from Tearfund which we’re re-posting. We’re calling it ‘Acts of heroic love’ to pick up on Nigel’s message below.

Pictured above (from left to right) is the Tearfund Church Communications Team: Grace, Sarah, Doug, Carina and Catherine. Photo taken at the Tearfund office garden, Teddington.

Meaningful and sustained response

As you would expect, Tearfund is currently assessing how cronavirus is affecting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities. We are looking carefully at how we can best support our locally based partners and churches to make a meaningful, sustained response to this pandemic.

As an organisation, we are spending time in prayer, asking for God’s protection and his wisdom to deal with this unprecedented global situation. We would greatly value your prayers as we move forward.

Nigel Harris, Tearfund’s CEO, says:
‘I am daring to dream that this could be the opportunity in our generation for the church to be known globally for its brave and compassionate response, putting the needs of others before our own, just as Jesus did. We know this is possible. We see acts of heroic love every day in the countries where we work.’ You can read the rest of his message here.

You mean so much

We are also praying for you and your church during this time of uncertainty. You mean so much to us and we are deeply grateful for your ongoing support. We recognise that this is a challenging time as you maintain fellowship with one another in your own church families and reach out to those in your communities.

Included is a prayer below that may be helpful to share with one another:

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. (Psalm 91:4-5)

With every blessing, Doug, Carina, Sarah, Catherine and Grace.
Church Communications Team

News from the CCT Team

We’re excited to welcome back Catherine Barwick after a year long maternity leave. Sarah will continue to look after churches and reps in the South – and Catherine will be focusing her attention on other strategic projects; including how we can encourage more churches to support Tearfund’s work. We look forward to staying in touch with you through this time, through our usual telephone and email channels.

News from Reps

‘I wish to say thank you very much for the lunch gathering you arranged at the Justice Conference recently. It was great to chat, particularly about Connected Church. Thank you also for the Alive Lent Devotional booklet that was in the envelope you gave us. I’m finding it very helpful!’ Karen Downard

We love to hear about the life of your church! If you have an inspiring story you would like to share to encourage other reps, please email it to: churches@tearfund.org

A prayer for times of uncertainty

Father, we ask for your peace as we navigate the uncertainty that Covid-19 has provoked.

We pray for all those affected by the virus: be their comfort, their strength. Make your presence known as Emmanuel, God with them.

For the vulnerable: protect them and surround them with helpful carers and friendly neighbours – Good Samaritans – to look after them.

We pray for those who already struggle due to living in poverty: that our partners around the world would be able to reach them with your love and care.

for healthcare workers: for energy and clarity as they work under such pressure. May they know your care as they, in turn, care for others.

We pray for decision makers: for wisdom and courage in making difficult decisions for the good of all, prioritising selflessness over individualism, care over profit, hope over fear.

For the Church: that she would rise to her calling to be light in a dark place, a voice of calm amidst fear; that churches in communities would be beacons of hope, that those in need would find friendship, shelter and provision in them.

We pray for ourselves: soothe our anxious hearts, remind us of your promises to us, empower us to be your hands and feet. Help us to be wise, to look out for others, and to trust You. Amen

To find out more about Tearfund and other acts of heroic love, please visit their website: https://www.tearfund.org/