Words of Light and Hope from Tony Hawes

Words of Light and Hope from Tony Hawes.

Christian Aid Week – Aurelia’s Story.

In the Alta Verapaz region of Guatamala, 90% of the people are living in poverty. The region is home to the Indigenous Q’eqchi people. Men in the community often seek work away from their homes, while women grow crops to feed their families. Aurelia is a community leader, a mother of eight and a beloved grandmother. In recent years record high temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns have hit farmers like her hard. Water sources are drying up or being polluted by industry. Aurelia and others from the place where she lives walk for around four hours each day during the two trips they must make to collect safe clean water from a cenote – a natural sinkhole like a cave, with water at the bottom. She has seen first-hand the impact of the climate crisis. “Climate change has been killing our crops, and this is our food,” she says. “As the plants are dying, the next thing that will die is us.” But Aurelia is not giving up, Congcoop, Christian Aid’s partner in Guatamala, supports communities with agricultural resources and training that help them to become more climate resilient. Aurelia says that she and her neighbours remain unified and courageous. They won’t give up hope. “I want to tell donors to continue supporting Christian Aid,” she says, “because through Congcoop, they’ve been supporting us.”

Lord, you are faithful to your promises. Through the Spirit, you bless us with abounding hope. When power seeks to silence justice, give us the courage to raise our voice. When an end to poverty seems far off, renew our faith in your kingdom come on earth. When our neighbour reaches out, inspire us to respond with overflowing love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.