Rochester Cathedral is helping spread the message of hope during Christian Aid Week 2023

International development agency Christian Aid is gearing up for a week of focussed action and prayer - and this year will be supporting families in Malawi, who are paying a harsh price for the global cost of living and climate crises.

All kinds of events will be taking place, from May 14-20, to raise money and make a real difference to communities in places where severe weather has ruined crops and middlemen have taken hard-earned profits from those trying to farm the land.

Among the events is a service at Rochester Cathedral on Sunday, May 14 with a sermon from Martin Birch, Chief Operating Officer, at Christian Aid.

Martin said it is always inspiring to meet Christian Aid supporters.

He added: “We’re united by hope in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty and I’m looking forward to the service at Rochester Cathedral where I can thank the Church for all it does in the fight against injustice and poverty. 

“I’ll also talk of the transformational impact of the Church’s support in Malawi, which has enabled people to lift themselves out of poverty. In the face of soaring costs, climate change and now the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, our supporters in churches the length and breadth of Britain and Ireland are more critical than ever.”

The money raised during Christian Aid Week 2023 will help the charity’s partners empower vulnerable communities come back from the devastation of the storm and find practical and sustainable ways out of poverty, including gaining the skills to grow more resilient crops, restore soil fertility, increase harvests and to join cooperatives to earn more for their crops. To show your support during Christian Aid Week visit the charity's website.