Invitation: Participate in the Second Global Day of Prayer to End Famine

Editor: Mercy International Association is once again joining World Council of Churches (WCC) & other faith partners in a Global Day of Prayer on Sunday, 10 June to End Famine. More than 20 million people are at risk of starvation across Somalia (01:43), Yemen, Nigeria and South Sudan (01:24) - the latter two countries where Sisters of Mercy serve. Globally, millions more suffer from drought and food shortages with one person in every nine people  short of enough food to lead a healthy, active life.

Chronic hunger is increasing around the world and food crisises are spreading and intensifying, according to a new report 'World Food Assistance, Preventing Food Crises'   by the World Food Programme (WFP)

It asks what causes these crises to break out, what determines their scale and how they might be prevented.

In summary: 'It is clear what needs to be done to prevent food crises. The world must first address their principal causes - conflict and extreme weather events related to climate change. Where chronic hunger and malnutrition are addressed, and food systems are functioning well, people are better able to cope with shocks like war or drought. And where strong political, social and economic structures are in place, food crises are less severe and shorter-lived.'

Let us pray and work for international action: to tackle the factors causing famine, to commit sufficient and timely financial support and to working for peace.

Post your own Prayer or Reflection in our online Chapel

Resources produced by WCC for this occasion can be accessed here.

Messages to: Mary Reynolds rsm - CEO MIA

Image: 23 May 2017, Ganyiel, South Sudan - Women carry sacks of food received by World Food Programme in Ganyiel, Unity region, South Sudan. ©FAO/Albert Gonzalez Farran. Used with permission