The Bishop of Kondoa, Most Rev Dr Given Gaula, has issued an urgent appeal for prayers for an end to a drought which is threatening crops in his diocese in north central Tanzania. Last October, Dr Given signed a 5-year partnership agreement with Bishop Andrew which committed our two dioceses to support one another through prayer, resources and skilled personnel. The two leaders spoke by telephone last Friday.
Bishop Given has announced that today – Monday 3rd March – will be a prayer day for the parishes in Kondoa and for any partners, and Bishop Andrew is urging parishioners here in Derry and Raphoe to support our friends in Kondoa in prayer.
The Diocese of Kondoa has a population of around 700,000 people, most of them dependent on crops grown by subsistence farmers who already produce barely enough to feed themselves and their families.
Dr Gaula says seeds that were planted last November and December are starting to die because the expected rains haven’t arrived. Rain is needed within the coming days if the seedlings are to be saved to provide enough food for the coming year.
Bishop Given is appealing to friends to join them in praying for the rain to come. He says, “No rain [means] no life for us. Water is life! Pass the message to as many people as possible. Pray, pray, pray for the rain to come. Imagine what will happen to people if the crops all die.
“Please can we all pray for good rain,” Bishop Given continues. “Too much [rain] can be just as damaging as too little.”