Members of Trinity Methodist Church in Long Eaton have been getting to know asylum seekers staying nearby and decided to hold their latest get together as part of fundraising efforts during Christian Aid Week.
Church member Richard Jackson explained: “The Eritreans have been staying in hotels in Long Eaton since November and have been coming to church. We were talking about what we could do as a social activity to bring more people together and decided on an East African meal with traditional dishes. We had delicious flat breads and stews – and some non-spicy options.
“About 40 people came, including some who hadn’t been to the church before. It was lovely with a warm, inclusive atmosphere of friendship and fellowship and a span of generations and cultures.”
The event raised £330 for the Christian Aid Week appeal which this year has focused on farming communities in Africa, battling against the climate change and cost of living crises.
In East Africa more than 18 million people are facing rising levels of malnutrition. A 2022 Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC 2022) highlighted the remarkably high severity and numbers of people in acute food insecurity, and malnutrition driven by persistent conflict, pre-existing and covid-19-related economic shocks, weather extremes, and the high food/energy prices related to the Ukraine invasion.
Christian Aid works with local organisations to provide support as well as long-term projects to find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty. This can include repairing wells; handing out water purification kits; providing cash support; trucking water to drought-affected communities; and providing fodder and medicine to keep valuable livestock alive.
To find out how you can help visit www.christianaid.org.uk