Rector of St Mary's Church in Oldswinford, John Flitcroft has been helping to raise awareness of Christian Aid's Christmas campaign through a social media moment.
This Christmas, the focus of the Christian Aid appeal is on the plight of the millions of people forced to flee their homes because of conflict, and people from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are sharing their stories to raise.
Millions of families, forced to flee the violence between multiple armed groups and government forces, now live in overcrowded, unsanitary, makeshift conditions with limited access to food, clean water and electricity.
John is lending a hand with the organisation’s social media campaign and will be featured in a post aimed at getting people to imagine what it much be like to have to leave your home in a time of war, and what you might take with you.
He said:
“If I had to flee home with just one item, I think I’d take my binoculars because I get so much joy from seeing wild things up close. I’m praying this appeal is successful. Christian Aid stands in the long line of prophets. They tell us that God wants those who may be relatively safe and secure to offer compassion and help to refugees, asylum seekers; anyone fleeing war, poverty and persecution. That's why the appeals Christian Aid organise are so important - they remind us to respond to all suffering and need with God's love.”
Christian Aid has worked with local organisations in the DRC since the 1970s and is currently helping people in camps and villages who have had to leave their homes.
Donations will help people with immediate needs – £3 could buy the mosquito net that protects a child from contracting malaria for example. The funding also supports people in the long term to develop sustainable incomes which increase their resilience to the many challenges they face.
