The Catholic Leader - 12 November - Issue 5477

24 / 32

24
The Catholic Leader, November 12, 2017
We live in interesting
times. On one hand
we’re experiencing
unprecedented convenience
– cars with cameras, TV on
demand, unlimited internet.
And on the other hand – our world is
in turmoil. We’re living during a time
of devastating crises.
The scale of the famine in Africa is
on a scale so large that the United
Nations is calling it the worst
humanitarian crisis since 1945. More
than 20 million people are facing
starvation and famine.
Imagine, almost the entire population of
Australia facing starvation.
Across several African countries, drought
has a choking grip on peoples’ lives and
futures.
In many of these places, families rely on
farming as a way of life. People farm their
land to grow food for their family but also
to sell produce to create income. Families
use this money to pay for school fees,
purchase equipment or farming supplies
for their land, and importantly plan for the
future.
But consecutive failed rainy seasons,
combined with changing weather patterns,
means millions are facing failed crops and
this results in no money to purchase what
they need to survive.
Look at the picture above.
These children in Ethiopia are caught in the
devastating famine. Their school has no
water; so each student must bring three
litres of water to ensure the school has
enough for the day.
Sharing this reality isn’t meant to make
you feel hopeless; it’s simply a real
perspective into the experiences of people
living through incredibly difficult times.
As you can imagine, aid and humanitarian
agencies around the world are responding
to this huge crisis.
But CBM’s response is unique.
We look for those who are hidden or
forgotten.
People with disabilities.
People just like Regina from Zimbabwe.
Regina has a physical impairment that
makes it difficult to walk long distances.
She, and her two children, were caught in
a severe food crisis. Regina had relied on
her farm to produce food for her family and
to help with income. But after three years
of drought, she was left with nothing.
Regina was forced to travel five kilometres
to get water to use.
It’s hard to put yourself in that situation –
not being able to turn the tap on and have
water run freely.
Instead you have to pack up a bucket,
travel five kilometres, fill your bucket up,
and then travel back. Anytime you needed
more water; day after day.
Now, think of Regina, who must complete
this long journey with her physical
impairment.
But CBM’s response is ready.
CBM is positioned, across Africa, to reach
children most in danger – those with
chronic hunger, disability, or from a family
with a parent who has a disability.
Our partners are busy providing survival
support to meet people’s basic needs.
Support which can include rice, cooking oil
and medical screening.
CBM’s work is motivated by love. We
are moved to action by the words of our
founder, Ernst Christoffel, who dedicated
his life to serve others.
He said, “The deed of love is the
sermon that everyone can understand”
It is this simple principle that drives us to
reach out to those most vulnerable in times
of emergency.
While the situation is sobering and the
facts hard to comprehend; the good news
is that we can be part of the solution.
You can be part of CBM’s emergency
response – your action can generate love,
and give people who are living in desperate
need the hope that they are not forgotten.
Be part of love in action and share the
sermon that everyone understands.
Love in Action