It is ‘Doris Day’. I began this blog sitting on a train at Bromsgrove, uncertain about how or at what time I will reach my destination of Darlington today. I am warm, I have food and water and electricity, and Internet connection (eventually) to post this blog. I am aware from the snippets of news filtering through that for some people Storm Doris is bringing far more serious situations, in some cases with tragic consequences. Our prayers are with those who are genuinely suffering because of the effects of today’s extreme weather.
Yesterday we received this press release from All We Can about their East Africa Famine Appeal, which I commend to you:
All We Can and the World Church Relationships Team of the Methodist Church in Britain launch urgent East Africa Famine Appeal
South Sudan is the first nation in six years to declare a famine, but the UN have issued a stark warning that other countries face extreme food-shortages across East Africa. All We Can and the World Church Relationships Team of the Methodist Church in Britain are calling for support for an urgent appeal to respond to immediate needs in South Sudan and to help avert famine in other countries on the verge of disaster.
Ongoing food crises have pushed many East African countries to the brink of catastrophe with millions across the region facing malnutrition, illness and death. On 20 February 2017 it was announced that South Sudan had already reached tipping point with two counties being declared as officially affected by famine.
Droughts and unpredictable rainfall, protracted civil conflicts and entrenched economic crises, have led to widespread food insecurity across East Africa and people are already dying. Without urgent support, many other communities across the region face the threat of famine in 2017.
The Methodist Church in Britain are urging people to respond quickly, generously and collectively to this catastrophic situation by supporting the appeal being managed by All We Can.
