Oftentimes after a disaster, we hear there should be a progression from immediate relief to recovery to long-term community development. What about before a disaster happens? What is the best way for churches and Christian organizations to prepare for a disaster? The answer is simple—engage in the community. By doing this, churches and Christian organizations build relationship and networks with the community, the leaders, and other organizations. CWR is grateful to be in partnership with many local Christian organizations around the world, which are actively engaged in their communities through transformational community development. When a major disaster occurs, CWR is able to respond immediately through these partners because they already have established networks and relationships.
The Evangelical Covenant Church of South Sudan (ECCSS) is one of these partners. Since the fighting broke out in December, South Sudan has faced a human-caused disaster that has created a crisis of tremendous magnitude. Thousands of Sudanese have lost their lives. More than one million are living in camps as internally displaced people (IDP). More than 300,000 have fled to surrounding countries. Currently four million are at risk of food insecurity. Because of their experience, expertise, and previous engagement with communities, the ECCSS is currently providing relief for refugees in South Sudan and Ethiopia.
In the Central African Republic, CWR’s partner CEFA (Centre d’Expérimentation et de Formation Agricole) has been engaged with communities through agricultural development for many years. Because of this they are able to respond to the current crisis that has resulted in many deaths and IDPs. CEFA is currently preparing a plan for long-term recovery through immediate relief and agricultural development.
CWR is grateful to be able to stand with these local organizations as they care for those most affected by the violence in these two countries. Give now to our relief efforts at CovChurch.org/cwr.
