More than 6,000 Christian families (over 29,000 individuals) have received assistance from Barnabas Aid after severe floods overwhelmed areas of southern Chad and Far North Cameroon.
The rivers Chari and Longone, which run between the two countries, had burst their banks following the heaviest rains in more than 30 years.
The damage caused was catastrophic. Tens of thousands of people were forced from their homes, crops were submerged and livestock drowned.
A Christian woman in Chad rejoices as Barnabas-funded aid is distributed among believers
The floods were yet another blow to Christians on both sides of the rivers, many of whom were already suffering because of repeated attacks on their communities by Islamist militants.
In Chad, Christians rejoiced when 50kg bags of maize funded by Barnabas were distributed among 3,012 families (an estimated 16,800 people).
“People were happy that Christians in other lands thought of them,” said our church partner.
“People praised God and thanked Barnabas for coming to help them even though they were in remote areas not known to the world.”
Bags of Barnabas-funded maize ready for distribution to flood-affected Cameroonian Christians
There was great rejoicing also among Christians in Far North Cameroon when the aid was delivered to 3,082 families (an estimated 12,400 people). Each household received on average 50kg of maize or millet, as well as two litres of bleach and six pieces of soap to help combat the spread of waterborne diseases.
“A great Christian witness resounded in all localities where the various distributions took place,” our church partners in Cameroon told us. There were “joys of thanksgiving on all sides”, they added.
The families’ joy was summed up in the words of a village chief. “God of love, God Provider,” he cried. “We had lost everything and, lo and behold, we have received a lot.”
Praise God for the safe delivery of aid to our brothers and sisters in need in Chad and Cameroon. Pray for the Lord’s continued provision and guidance as families struggle to rebuild their homes and livelihoods after the devastation caused by the floods.
Project references: PR1587 (Food and basic needs for Christians in Chad); 00-634 (Disaster relief fund)
