Security Concerns Rise at Syrian Refugee Camp

[ePrayer – Pray for the refugees camps in Jordan]

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The conflict between for and anti-Syrian Ba’ath Party government is still ongoing after its break out in March 2011. Till February 2013, the Syrian conflict has caused 70,000 deaths, about 1.2 million displaced in Syria and as many as 1 million Syrian refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries such as Jordan.

Za’atari camp is one of the camps for the Syrian refugees in Jordan. It was originally built to accommodate around 60,000 Syrian refugees yet it is now hosting at least 140,000. As the numbers in Za’atari have swelled, safety and security have degenerated. Aid workers have frequently faced attack during aid distributions. Tents, mattresses, gas and other products are smuggled in and out through a thriving black market, which often charges refugees exploitative prices for essential goods. The Jordanian government is implementing measures to improve security for the camp, but aid workers say the efforts are limited by funding constraints and have yet to make a difference. [Guardian, CNN, Reuters]

Pray for the refugees camps in Jordan:

  • Pray for God’s protection and provision to Syrian refugees in Jordan;
  • Pray for the safety of aid workers, journalists and citizens there;
  • Pray that people with experience and proper training can support the fundraising, aid distribution and management of refugee camp sites.

Access to Sanitation Still a Luxury for Nigerians

[ePrayer – Pray for the health and sanitation condition in Niger]

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Open air defecation is a widespread hazard in Niger, especially in rural areas. Out of 15.5 million Nigerians, 14.1 million do not currently have access to proper toilets, while 79 percent resort to open air defecation. Contagious diseases are caused by a lack of sanitation and hygiene. Because money is needed to construct toilet and there is difficulty of maintaining the deep pit required for latrine, people living in rural Niger do not use toilet frequently   Aid agency attributes this to the government’s failure to honour previous financial commitments in the sanitation sector. [IPS]

Pray for the health and sanitation condition in Niger:

  • Pray for the improvement of health and sanitation in Niger as well as the awareness of Nigerians on health and hygiene;
  • Pray that the Nigerian government will achieve its target to increase the number of people with access to sanitation from six percent in 2009 to 25 percent per year by 2015.

Pray for the Safety of CEDAR’s Staff in Bangladesh

[ePrayer – Pray for the current situation in Bangladesh]

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CEDAR’s programme staff is currently at a project monitoring trip in Bangladesh. There are changes in schedule and change of site visits but we thankful that he is safe and still able to meet partners and projects. Opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami is holding demonstrations demanding the immediate release of its leaders facing war crimes charges. Schools and businesses were close and motorways and railways across the country were barricaded. This week Bangladesh’s Prime Minister has rejected demands by Islamists for an anti-blasphemy law to punish those who defame Islam and Prophet Mohammed.

Pray for the current situation in Bangladesh

  • Pray for safety, protection and good learning and networking time with local partners by CEDAR project staff in Bangladesh;
  • Pray that peace can be restored and there can be reconciliation between the government and opposing parties. Pray that violence and instability in the country will subside. 

Praise for Progress Made on Social Concern Ministry by Yunnan Churches

[ePrayer – Pray for the vulnerable children in Gengma, Yunnan]

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The Community Services Department (CSD) of Gengma Christian Council and over 10 local churches in Gengma County of Yunnan recently take part in home-visits to orphans and vulnerable children in their communities.  The CSD also distributes food subsidies to the children. After 3 years of CEDAR’s intervention, 5 Wa ethnic minority students became the first group in their Wa communities get promoted to secondary school. Many Wa youth marry at a young age such as 15 to 17. The church is organising youth group to develop them to attain their full potential in their education and be mature before marriage.

Pray for the vulnerable children in Gengma, Yunnan:

  • Give thanks for the students from ethnic minority background can continue their studies. Pray for the home-visits so that local churches can better understand and identify children needs.
  • May the Lord make the church be a blessing to the children, youth and the communities. 

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