World Vision calls for participation in “Global Day of Prayer to End Famine”

22 million in East Africa, including 12 million children, need urgent humanitarian assistance

In light of the severe hunger crisis faced by several African countries, the World Council of Churches and the All Africa Conference of Churches, along with 120 church-related networks and organisations and partners, amounting to 1 billion believers, are calling for faith congregations worldwide to pray for the hunger crisis in this year’s “Global Day of Prayer to End Famine”, on 10 June 2018 (Sunday). As one of the event’s global partners*, World Vision calls for believers in Hong Kong to join the cause and pray for hungry children during church service and personal quiet time.

Currently, South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are facing a hunger crisis, caused by factors such as conflict and climate change. This ongoing crisis has left 22 million people, including 12 million children, across the four East African countries in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Kevin Chiu, CEO of World Vision Hong Kong, says the aim of this day of prayer is to join the efforts of Christians worldwide and call for world leaders to jointly solve the crisis. “On 10 June, we will follow the example of Christ by praying for and blessing children and families affected by hunger. A hunger crisis not only puts children’s health and lives at risk, but also forces them to become child labourers or take part in hazardous work to make ends meet. There are also numerous girls who have been married off at a young age due to poverty or a lack of food.”

Prayer points include:

Pray that God would help and protect children currently at risk of suffering, and heal those that suffer from acute and chronic malnutrition.

Pray for an end to all ongoing conflicts, that civilians could return home and children be free from all forms of violence.

Pray for frontline humanitarians to effectively meet the needs in communities.

Pray that Christians and churches would continue to remember children and families’ needs, and shine brightly in the darkness.

World Vision has reached 2.8 million people in South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia with humanitarian assistance, including life-saving food, water, and health interventions. For details on the Africa Hunger Relief, please visit http://www.worldvision.org.hk/en/our-work/africa_hunger_relief.

**The list of all global partners could be found at www.praytoendfamine.org.

Published on 30 May 2018