The Current Situations

When disasters strike, reporting the situation on the ground can be difficult - especially in areas of the world where there is little infrastructure. Some of our partners are able to provide more information than others. You can read below about the responses in Brazil, Burundi, and Kenya, but rest assured, we are also reaching out to other areas of the world where is not as much information on relief efforts.

Kenya

Anglican Development Services (a branch of the Anglican Church in Kenya) is responding to flooding in various location around the country, including the Mathare Slum in Nairobi.

Part of their relief plans includes training of local clergy to help communities in disaster preparedness in the future - much like ARDF’s Domestic Disaster Response goals!

Brazil

Severe flooding in Southern Brazil has left over 80 people dead and hundreds of thousands more affected or displaced.

Our partner from the Anglican Province of Brazil, Archbishop Miguel Uchôa, says that “a huge flood never seen before is destroying everything like a hurricane. We are working as a church to help the churches that have lost everything. The numbers are growing and more rain is expected...”

The Anglican Province of Brazil is supporting churches and families who have lost buildings and homes due to heavy rain.

Burundi

The Anglican Church in Burundi reports that they are facing the rising waters of Lake Tanagnyika and the overflowing of the River Rusizi. This is causing large floods. They report that “at the Anglican Church, we are advocating for emergency response and support of those populations in critical situations include women, children, people living with handicaps and critical illness, etc…”

The Anglican Province of the Indian Ocean

Our partners in the Anglican Province of the Indian Ocean report that regions of "Madagascar have been so much affected. Houses are devastated, crops are destroyed by water and flood, and some churches are destroyed. The lives of Christians are so much affected as their crops are destroyed."

Lord, In Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers

O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served, but to serve: We ask you to bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others during this time of distress; endue them with wisdom, patience, and courage, that they may strengthen the weak and raise up those who fall, and, being inspired by your love, may worthily minister to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the sake of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Collect for Those Who Serve Others, ACNA BCP'19

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us, especially those who are suffering due to this tragedy, to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Adapted from the Collect for Those We Love, ACNA BCP'19

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Psalm 46:1-3