Christian Aid Week takes place this year from 12-18 May. During this week, Christians from many churches in Scotland and elsewhere come together to raise funds for Christian Aid's work worldwide. Together with their partners, Christian Aid focuses on supporting people to push back against the inhumanity of poverty to build a better future. One focus this year is on Burundi, where extreme poverty and the climate crisis are making survival a daily challenge.
Donation envelopes will be available at Belhaven and Spott churches from the beginning of May and can be handed in at either church. Alternatively, you can donate online at Dunbar Christian Aid Envelope - Christian Aid Fundraise.
You are also warmly invited to attend an ecumenical Songs of Praise service in Belhaven Church at 7 p.m. on Sunday 12 May. The hymns will be chosen by members of all
congregations in the Dunbar area. There will be a retiring collection for Christian Aid, and refreshments will be served afterwards in the Church Hall.
"They forgot I was a human being. It filled me with sorrow."
Aline never gave up. Pushed to the brink of survival, she pushed back. Through a Christian Aid-funded project, Aline learned about Village Savings and Loans Associations. She was determined to form her own to help herself and others around her.
Aline’s business was successful and she was able to rent a house. At last she was reunited with her three eldest sons who came to live with her. Now, Aline is baking her own bricks and building a
stronger home for her family, in every sense.
Aline told Christian Aid: "We pray together as we are still alive thanks to God’s grace. We have been through difficult times, but now we make plans for the future."
Burundi continues to be one of the toughest places on earth to live. Aline is now the chairperson of a Village Savings and Loans Association that she founded. Aline says, "If anyone has a
problem, we help them find a solution. Here in Burundi, a neighbour is considered a member of the family."
Aline with her three sons. (Photo: Christian Aid)