“We need your assistance. We need your prayers, wherever you are.”
These were the words of Elkana, a Christian man speaking to one of our project partners in Nigeria, following devastating floods that have engulfed the north-eastern city of Maiduguri in Borno State.
“We need your help right now, in this critical moment where we are,” said Elkana, speaking to our project partner in Nigeria following the recent floods
Elkana was distraught in the video our project partner sent to Barnabas this week.
He explained that the floodwaters had affected many churches, swept away homes and destroyed crops.
“We were just sleeping and suddenly the flood came from nowhere,” he said. “All the plants are dying … there are so many chemicals in the water right now. It’s killing all the plants.
Believers in a church building, submerged in floodwater. Dozens of churches have been engulfed and damaged by record flooding recently
“We need your help right now, in this critical moment where we are.”
Thousands of believers affected by Nigeria floods
It’s estimated that one million people have been impacted by the flooding, caused by persistent rains and the Alau Dam collapsing.
Thousands of believers have been displaced amongst them. While floods aren’t uncommon in this region, experts have said that this is the worst flood to hit Maiduguri in three decades.
Cars and livestock were swept away as water levels rose to consume villages.
To make matters worse, many Christians affected have already been displaced by constant attacks from Islamist terror group Boko Haram.
Believers are salvaging what they can from their destroyed homes, business and churches. Can you help them?
This latest disaster has compounded their dire situation, wiping out the life they were rebuilding, leaving them extremely vulnerable once again.
Stepping in to provide hope and aid to our brothers and sisters
Through our project partners, Barnabas is looking to help Christian families affected by this disaster.
Our project partner has told us that, while the authorities are doing all they can to assist, “ … the Christian communities have seen nothing. Past experience has shown us that this aid will never get to us.”
With your help, we can provide Christian families with urgently needed food essentials, to help them endure. Above all, whether you can give a gift or not, please pray for our brothers and sisters at this time. Please also remember that Christians in Bangladesh are also in need of prayer following flooding.
£10 ($12; €11) could provide a 10kg bag of maize, which could help feed a Christian in need for two weeks
£20 ($24; €22) could provide a 10kg bag of beans, which could help feed a Christian in need for two weeks
£37 ($44; €41) could provide 20 litres of cooking oil to last a family of up to seven for two weeks
£74 ($89; €81) could provide a 70kg bag of Guinea corn to feed a family of up to seven for two weeks
£140 ($168; €154) could provide a 70kg bag of beans to feed a family of up to seven for two weeks
