In the News–A Spiritual Perspective October 24, 2011 Issue

Prayer for people in the Horn of Africa

By Beverley Beddoes-Mills

The humanitarian catastrophe across the Horn of Africa is affecting rural communities in southern Somalia, southeastern Ethiopia, and eastern Kenya. The worst drought in decades has not only led to water shortages but to a devastating lack of food. Millions are leaving their homes for the Dabaab refugee camp on the border of Kenya, walking up to 23 days—often with little food or water. Dabaab, which is a complex of three camps, is the largest in the world. It currently has a population of 400,000 people and is stretched beyond its limits. 

The conflict in Somalia, which has lasted for two decades, is also an important factor. Humanitarian supply lines are vulnerable to looting and attacks from armed bandits. Aid workers have been killed while trying to administer aid and this has hampered the UN’s ability to deliver food and water to the areas that are in need. In addition, food prices have risen by up to 200 percent in the last nine months. 

In the face of such an overwhelming crisis, which on the surface seems beyond the scope of human resources, prayer for divine guidance and intelligence is needed. The selfless activity of prayer for those who are suffering, reaches to the very heart of Jesus’ teachings. 