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Compassion Urged for Famine in Africa

August 1, 2011

On Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI entreated the world to assist those living in East Africa who are currently suffering from a severe famine and one of the worst droughts in its history. “We must not be indifferent to the tragedy of the hungry and the thirsty,” he commented. “Many brothers and sisters in the Horn of Africa are suffering these days from the dramatic consequences of the famine, aggravated by war and the lack of stable institutions.” He referred to the biblical story of the feeding of the 5,000 and said it is our duty to give compassion to those who are needy.

A story in Yahoo! News said aid agencies have stepped up efforts to provide for those suffering in Somalia by airlifting food to the capital, but other agencies say more donations are needed. Relief efforts are also being impeded by local Islamic groups that control the area.

World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse are both working to abate the crisis in the area. churchleaders.com urges readers to re-tweet this story to spread the word about the desperate need for prayer and donations in the Horn of Africa.