ElePHPant Haven

For the majority of you that are unlikely to know anything about Burkina Faso, it is a country in Western Africa with a population of roughly 15.8 million people.

Through TEAR Fund, I am currently sponsoring a young girl named Alice whom lives in Venemtenga, roughly 15 km southeast of the capital Ougadougou.

This region of Western Africa is currently experiencing a relatively large (compared to normal) rainfall. VOA News is reporting a 300 mm downfall in one day, with the yearly average of 1,2000 mm. Most people would agree that receiving a quarter of your average rainfall in a day, with more rain coming, is not that great.

This downpour has caused widespread flooding, resulting in 7 deaths, the displacement of 150,000 people, structural damage to most of the infrastructure still recovering from the 2007 floods and the closure of Burkina Faso's major hospital. The government has declared a state of emergency and water-borne diseases are beginning to spread more rapidly.

56 of the child development centres run by Compassion have been affected by the flooding and many of the sponsored children have lost their homes and possessions.

TEAR Fund is asking for prayer for God’s mercy on those affected by the flooding and that He will protect the children and their families from disease; as well as prayer for government leaders and Compassion staff as they address the overwhelming needs of so many flood victims.